Hey folks. I run modern era, but my first loco was an HO Sante Fe Warbonnet. Anyway, I am eying up a pair of Bachmann PRR F units and wanted to know where to find detailing parts. I kno PRR ran Brunswick green and maroon depending on the loco's service, and noticed there's a ton of "roof junk" on the PRR units. Any input is great!!!
Always start with a picture. Here is one I found quickly. I would recommend the BLMA E/F detailing set as it has a huge number of different parts. Other than that you will need the Gold Metal Models PRR antenna mounts, this is the most noticeable of the "roof junk". After that it's pretty much just a case of seeing what goes where and sticking it on. However, I'm not really sure that the Bachmann model is the best starting point. I know they're cheap but I'd hate for you to spend lots of time detailing the model and be unhappy with the performance. I think you should at least consider the Intermountain model. I don't know if you're DCC or not, but the Bachmann model isn't DCC ready where as IM is.
And then keep going. If you want to do a really good super detailing project, or even just detailing, you need to research. Start by hunting for good photos of the front, back, both sides, and the roof; bonus points if they all were taken around the same time. Then focus on photos around the time period you want to depict to determine when changes to details and paint were made. Also, check if any railroads purchased them used from that railroad or made the same modifications to their units to expand your pool of photos for detailing. You can never have too many photos to do a good modelling project.
I agree with whats been said here, especially the part about going with the Intermountain model instead. You will be much happier with them!
Here's more info specifically for PRR F-7 units: http://pennsyrr.com/operations/moti...ons/motive-power/164-f-unit-spotting-features Here's a PRR F-7 that was in an accident. The second photo down gives you a partial view of the roof: http://columbusrailroads.com/PRR wreck-1959.htm and finally a magazine article (Prototype Modeler) on detailing a PRR F-7 (it's in HO but the pictures and some of the parts will make the trip over to N) Hope that helps...
One major thing to note with respect to PRR EMD F Units is that they were all equipped with so-called enclosed (passenger style) pilots. They all had Trainphone antennae (I think that's the plural of antenna). All of them had lifting lugs welded to the collision posts on the nose and above the doorways on the B ends. The F3 models had small number boards - I am not aware of any manufacturer of N Scale F units that produced an F3 model with small number boards with the exception of very early Kato "Phase 1" cab units with 3 porthole windows per side. Most avid N Scale PRR modelers will tell you that getting Pennsy steam or diesels right is at best a "90 percent solution".
I would strongly advise against getting the B-manns. I had a pair of B-mann PRR F units and no matter what I did I could not get them to run better then a coffee grinder. If I want F units I always check IM first then Kato second. The IM's are the best ones to get, in my opinion they are the industry standard for high quality F units they are quiet and the detail on them can't be matched by any other manufactures. I would secondly check Kato F units they are also nice. B-mann's I would stay far far away from.
