Painting A Brass Locomotive for Erieman

[ACL1504]

I have another brass project of my own and I'll post it here if anyone wants to see more of this type repair and painting. I actually stared this other project way back in 2012, three years ago but got side tracked when removing the old layout and starting the new one.

The original thread was started at the request of Massiveralph!

Tom

[ak-milw]

Post it up Tom, I would like to see it.

[Erieman]

I'll call Darryl tomorrow and this thread will be on hold for at least the next five weeks.

Tom

Boo Hoo or should I say ouch!I have complete faith in you decision. Ask Darryl if there is any chance to move the date to coincide with my birthday. Only asking. It's so beautiful. You are doing it right, my friend. I can wait.

Frank / Erieman

[ACL1504]

Frank,

We'll get it fixed, not to worry.

Tom

[Erieman]

Tom,

What me worry?  Not when you are on the case!!!

Frank / Erieman

[ACL1504]

A few years back, the Morristown and Erie RR purchased a D&RG Class M-78 4-8-2. The M&E owner decided to have the loco rebuilt by the Atantic and Southern RR. A request was made to paint the loco using the Erie logo but the cab number remained number 5319. Once that work was complete, it was taken out for the initial test run. It was soon discovered that a mechanical  problem existed with the loco. That repair was beyond the expertise of the A&S RR crew.

The new Erie, cab #5319, was to be sent to the North West Short Line for repairs. A local railroad fan caught this Erie locomotive on main line of the Atlantic and Southern RR.

[ACL1504]

Looks like the M&E RR crew are getting ready for the trip.



Our rail fan was sure busy with his camera!



He climbed on the ACL caboose to get this photo.

[ACL1504]

ACL Class P-5a pacific, #1559 was caught backing to the 5319.





The two locos coupled to the caboose.

[ACL1504]

Our rail fan wanted to get a photo of the ACL pacific pulling the Morristown & Erie loco.



The engineer has turned on the headlight so the train is now on the move.



As of 1400 hrs., the new Erie #5319 was on the way to Hamilton, MT for the necessary repairs.

More to follow as needed.

[Erieman]

I am totally speechless. Awesome my friend. Not enough words to express mt gratitude for the beautiful work you are doing.

Frank / Erieman

[ACL1504]

I am totally speechless. Awesome my friend. Not enough words to express mt gratitude for the beautiful work you are doing.

Frank / Erieman

Frank,

I'm humbled by your kind remarks on the painting of your loco. Thanks very much my friend.

The Erie, Mountain has arrived in Hamilton, MT.

More to follow.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Well, yesterday I broke Frank's heart concerning this locomotive. No, it wasn't dropped, stolen, lost in the mail or any thing like that. Heck, I feel bad just telling the story. I wish it were stolen as I had it insured for $900.00. At least I could have given Frank the $900.00.

The loco can't be repaired in it's current condition.

I sent it off for a new gear box and motor. The gear box didn't need replacement but it did get a new NWSL motor.

The loco isn't smooth at all at low speeds. But speed it up to 30,35-40 and it runs fine. When I got the loco back from NWSL it ran fairly smooth but then it acted as if one of more drivers were out of quarter.

I again removed all the side rods and drivers. I checked each driver and all were in quarter. When putting the side rods back on, I noticed the rod holes were a little elliptical. This was the issue all along and I missed it.

When the side rods have worn in the middle or become elliptical, the locomotive acts as if the drivers are out of quarter.

At a higher speed they get in a motion and work as they should.

Nothing will fix the loco short of a new set of side rods.

Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

When I removed the coal load from the loco I notice the coal was only glued at the surface. I stuck a small screwdriver in the coal load and all the loose coal came out.

You'll need sunglasses to view the next picture. I caught all the loose coal in a bright green plastic box.



Here, this is better.



Here is the tender with the base for the coal load.



Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

Here's a look at the new coal load using the old coal.



You can see some of the coal has spilled onto the tender deck around the dog house. I looks like the brakeman left a chain on the tender.



Well, it's one good looking bad running Erie locomotive.





Up next is the used but not abused weathering.

[Erieman]

What a wonderful paint job. Sorry for all the problems that this engine came with. I guess the next time I buy any brass, I know to call you first. Really looking forward to see this beautiful engine running on the railroad. Who know, I might find another engine just like this one with good rods. Thank you for all you wonderful work. I'd buy you a drink in Boston, but neither of us drink. Maybe we will find an interesting structure. Again, thank you for all your wonderful work and looking forward to seeing you and your buddies at the Expo.

Safe travels.

Frank / Erieman