Southern Pacific AC-9

I'm primarily an HO railroad modeler (mainly because that's what I have - the momentum factor), but I confess I'm mesmerized by the "bigger stuff". I own a locomotive and a caboose in "S" scale, and a locomotive and a boxcar in 1:29 ("G") scale.

To come to the point: I own a brass HO scale Southern Pacific AC-9, and I really enjoy having it, but if I could find an "O" version, like the Biblical "pearl of great value", I'd probably sell the HO model and whatever else I'd need to in order to own the "O" locomotive, and I'd might even switch to "O" altogether.

I know Lionel made one a few years ago. I assume it's three rail. Does anyone in this community know how "faithful" a representation it was vis-a-vis the prototype? (I know that a lot of Lionel's trains have been "adjusted" in terms of dimensions, etc., in order to run on the smaller radius track some folks use.)

Does anyone know of a dealer who might have or be able to get an AC-9?

This next question will show you what a newbie I am at "O" related matters: How hard would it be to convert a 3-rail locomotive to 2-rail?

Thanks for indulging me! :teeth:

 

9 June 2007
Good morning Riverotter1948.

I know that MTH issued an AC-6 Cab Forward in the Primier Line, in 1998(three rail).

http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=20-3025-1

MTH is currently listing 1/4 scale locomotives (Primier Line) that can be converted from 3 rail to 2 rail and back again. Perhaps an AC-9 will show up.

MTH mfg's a lot of SP locomotives.

I agree with you about O gauge being big. It stays on the track, detail is super and helps on the eyes.

I have a friend that has a major HO layout, which I enjoy visiting.

Whe he comes over to visit the SCRS, he becomes "... mesmerized by the "bigger stuff". He watches with his mouth open and smiles as he listens to the clickly-clack of trains passing over the switch frogs.

I was around a lot of SP operations when I was in Klamath Falls,Oregon (US Air Force - Kingsley Field). I also traveled on the SP from New Orleans to LA and up to San Fran and out to Travis Air Force Base (Susen-Fairfield?).

Good to have you inquire.

Larry @ SCRS

 

Riverotter, your best bet is MTH as Larry has said. Im not sure that even Lionel makes them anymore...of course you could give that idea up and go narrow gauge On30 and come over to the Dark Side

John

 

For video and sound, check this website on the date 11-7-2003. lots of boiler overhang and coal tender.

More pictures; Lionel advertisement.

You tube.

Just google "Lionel AC-9" for more.