Been itching to try to bash one of the 3 SP MK-5000C's that briefly roamed the rails during the 90's. I dunno, there's something rather appealing about those units. Trouble is, it looks like it would be a tough project to say the least! http://ncespee.railfan.net/spmk5000c/sp503.html I suppose another (more simple) option would be to model one of the rebuilt units that went to Utah Railway, where two of them appear to have had an SD50 or 60 long hood added in the rebuilding process. I guess they're now called MK-50-3's. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoPicture.aspx?id=11835 Anyone else ever consider modeling one of these? Russ
I was planning on doing the rebuilt units for the Utah Railways that have and SD50 long hood. There was a gentleman that told me he had a friend that could get me the measurements of the the cab but I have not heard back from him. With so many projects I am trying to work through it has not been too high on the list. Would like to though.
If I recall..... If I recall correctly, a friend of mine here in Atlanta is have a few MK5000 shells made for him with RP Acrylic. Mark Gasson of www.mark4design.com is the man to check with. Mark is making these in Z scale, but they shouldn't be too much of a problem making them for N scale. Might be worth the email!!!! Hobo Tim
I have a DVD with these in service, BRAND NEW, on the Moffat... I look forward to watching this project!
ME TOO ! I TOO, am interested in this project. Either kit-bashing or a MARK4 shell. Hope that there is more interest and some ideas on how to make the cab !
What a cool looking loco - The lack of a flared radiator will make it stand out more than those with. Kinda forces a double take.
I read some interesting stories about these units when they enterered service on the SP - you could hear them coming - not because of the engine noise, but all the warning bells clanging as they stopped loading or shut down due to overheating or other problems. I think the description was that they sounded like a salvation army teakettle band. Lou
Here is what Mark had to say. "It is possible to make an MK5000C kit in N but I would need to be convinced that there is demand for at least 50 of them to cover the one-off costs. In addition with the very weak US dollar (in the past year it has dropped by 31% against our currency) we would be looking a price of about $60. That would include the shell, glazing and etched detail parts. " I would like 3 to 5 myself of the later units myshelf. Let us get 50 here on the board and see if he will do it.
I have the dimensions of the cab, working on scratch building one and making an MK-50 in HO. So far what I have made looks good but needs tweeking before it is permanant.
In Z scale, you have to make what you want, and hope others will buy them too! *rotfl* That's rich! I cannot say I have heard that before.... Thanks for a good chuckle, I sure needed it!:tb-biggrin:
I would be in for 4 units, 3 Utah and 1 or 2 SP. I assume that the kit would include the proper trucks? Thanks, Don Loffelman
A 15-year-old thread I had completely forgotten about has resurfaced? Dang! Where did you see said cab?