American Freedom Train

Johnny Ripp Dec 8, 2006

  1. Mr. SP

    Mr. SP Passed away August 5, 2016 In Memoriam

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    4449 & Freedom Train

    Excellent job there Johnny. I lived in Portland while the 4449 was being rebuilt. Was going to help out but a car wreck took care of that. By the time the doctors released me 4449 was just about done.
    There was the 1947 Freedon Train with an Alco PA-1 and a seven car train. I did a somewhat close model using Athearn equipment and a photo in a book.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Burlington John

    Burlington John TrainBoard Member

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    Modeling the AFT in HO is now possible, even for the most basic modeler (and that includes me). Johnny's work is an inspiration, and Todd's decals are absolutely dead on. Don't know what more I can say!

    On the AFT Yahoo Group, I created a folder showing my HO model in progress ... yes, you have to join (it is free to do so), but that helps me keep down on the spammers, etc.

    Regards,
    Burlington John

    American Freedom Train Group
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericanFreedomTrain/
     
  3. s4501

    s4501 New Member

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    just wanting to say hello and ask a question

    is that your youtube video. i seem to recognize the handy work and the cars. i enjoyed the video. and i have enjoyed reading this thread. i received the GS-4 set for christmas this year. it was a surprise to me. i would like to ask some questions down the road but dont want to hijak the thread.
    that is beautiful work that you are doing. cant wait to see a video of it traveling along. i am wanting to start putting my own together, try to that is.
    wayne
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    s4501-

    Welcome to Trainboard!

    Boxcab E50
     
  5. Big IV

    Big IV TrainBoard Member

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    this thread has been inactive for a while...

    Reading it I became hooked. How is the AFT going? What is the status of the project. I became hooked reading this old thread.
     
  6. Burlington John

    Burlington John TrainBoard Member

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    I'm moving right along. The train is just about finished ... cars 40/41 and PNWC 76 are the last ones on the workbench ... stay tuned, film at 11!

    Regards,
    Burlington John
     
  7. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Sorry for the delay....

    I know, I know, it's been a while, but I'm a busy dude. Sorry for those who want more.

    First a little backround on things. After reviewing my work, learning more about the freedom train and it's equipment, I started to REBUILD a lot of the equipment that I had already done. To see just what the differences are you may have to search this thread, but the differences are noticable.

    Here then are updated pics of the train and equipment. Hope you enjoy!!

    Both Showcase cars are now done. Items are Liberty Bell, Route Map, Lunar Rover, 1904 Olds, Gen Washintons' Fire Pumper(scratchbuilt) and the B & O "Arabian"(also scratchbuilt).

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The original Freedom Train car, aka "The Splendid Spirit" #200.

    [​IMG]

    The new Bachmann GS-4.

    [​IMG]

    More to come........
     
  8. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Continued...........

    All 10 wagons......(4 at a time)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
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    [​IMG]


    More to come.....
     
  9. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Continued.....

    [​IMG]
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    More to come.....
     
  10. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Wow, looks great. Thanks for the update.
     
  11. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Here's the last 2 wagons....

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Also, the train had a forklift, Blazer and a panel van....

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    More to come....
     
  12. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    These pics were taken for a client. Sorry about the quality......

    The 3 loaded flats.........

    #30
    [​IMG]

    #31
    [​IMG]

    #32
    [​IMG]

    And the PNWC 76 (SP4449 Tool Car)

    [​IMG]

    The train will make it's debut this March 21st & 22nd at the La Crosse and Three River Model RailRoad show. It will be a static display. I will also have on display my HO scale Circus equipment that is under construction.

    Hope you enjoyed the pics......

    Johnny
     
  13. s4501

    s4501 New Member

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    do you have a parts list of the passenger car/ flat cars used to make up the rest of the train. did you build the ticket booths/ wagons by hand.
    i guess what i am asking is where is the instruction manual lol. I was trying to find some ref on the fire pumper and the engine so i could try to build my own. cant imagine how much it would cost for you to build it. It is absolutely beautiful work that you have done. thanks for the pictures.
     
  14. FM&C

    FM&C TrainBoard Member

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    Wow. Just wow. As a Bi-Centennial fan, I can't even find the words to describe how awesome this build is. Wow. Awe.

    As an aside:


    I just created "The American Freedom Train" group on Facebook AND just emailed the President after reading a brief history of the 1947 Freedom train and some of the reasons it was created after WWII. I think in our tough times right now, A 2009 Freedom Train would be a great message to the American public. I hope he actually reads my email and views the link to the website I sent. I won't hold my breath though.

    The 1947 - 1949 Freedom Train | The 1975 - 1976 American Freedom Train
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2009

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