Large Scale Central

identifying Aristo diesel locomotive generations

General Discussion
#1

Hi All,

I am wondering how many generations of Aristo locomotives there are? Has anyone done research on this. Can you tell the identifying features of different generation of Aristo locomotives by looking at them. What is the history of changes in the colors of the boxes and can they be related to a generation.

I know this question is very broad but even info about a specific loco might be helpful for example the RS3, FA, U25 etc.

Is ther a way of identifying a loco with the plug & play socket from the box or in photos?

Any and all info would be appreciated!

Bill

#2

Bill,

Illustrated below is the Aristo FA1.

Aristo FA1 old & new version examples

For more detail., see section Factory FA1 / FB1 Versions within “vignette” title, Aristo FA1/FB1 Lowered & Body Mount Kadee 907s, hosted for me by Greg E. on his Web site.

-Ted

#3

George Shrayer, and our own Greg Elmassian have websites that would help one to identify the versions of the different Aristocraft locomotives. Besides external differences, there are internal differences too, like ball bearings on the axles of later units, plug and play connectors and such.

#4

Ted, Very impressive and comprehensive info, just what I needed! I went through both of your FA/B articles on Greg’s site in great detail!!

I have been all steam on my layout and am upping my era to include diesels, and was very confused about Aristo locos. You have saved me a ton of time when checking these units out. Thanks to Greg for hosting you.

David, than ks for the info, I had forgotten about George’s site.

Bill

#5

Bill, for the 2 axle locos, be sure to visit that page under: motive power… aristo… there is a page just on these motor blocks…

some of the very early dismals did not have the socket… also as you commented, the approximate time of manufacture is by the box color, and the very early stuff was made in korea.

there is no overarching rule, so look into the specific loco on George’s site or mine, I have just about everything Aristo made.

Greg

#6

Greg,

Thanks for hosting Ted’s contributions! I will check out your info on the motor blocks! You have a great site.

Bill

#7

If I wanted to know the year of manufacture of the Aristo rolling stock, I would just look at the end for the Aristo logo and the year is printed in fine print. My FA unit does have this as do my Maint cars.This may not be true for all Aristo products, but many do have the date in the half circle in small print. Some are placed on the rear or on one side and usually low on the body and to the left when viewing.

#8

Thanks Dan, I was not aware of that for some time, it is definitely a help in identifying later yellow box items! Looking at some late photos of the yellow box FA/B’s I noticed that there is also a difference in the stack as well on the latest ones with the socket.

I was also wondering if there were any stack changes on the latest RS3’s? Anyone know?

Bill

#9

I believe the “stack change” is the upgrade to the newer smoke unit on the FA-1 (FB-1 never changed, has old smoke unit)

Is this what you mean by “stack change”?

RS-3 never changed I believe, trucks upgraded, and insides assembled in reverse order a few times.

Greg

#10

Aristo’s RS-3 evolved with ball bearing motor blocks along with internal electrical & circuit board changes. Visual distinctions included upgrading the large radiator fan grill from a plastic grid to a metal mesh and changing the engineer with control stand to face long hood forward. The factory, also, increased the weight of the loco.

Aristo RS-3 Late Version Loco

For detail info.,see vignette, title:
Upgrading Aristo-Craft Loco Motor Blocks from Sleeve to Ball Bearing

-Ted