I already have an FA-1 and FB-1 so I’d like to make it a three unit set. Mine are both the first generation (blue box) so I’d like a matching unit if possible – I’m not entirely sure what changes the later models have but I believe they changed the color from a browner color to more of a red.
Let me know! I’m okay with something that requires a bit of tinkering – I’m still working on the units I already have and I’m not afraid to tear an engine apart.
The newer FAs do have a different smoke unit. Not sure of other changes like lowering.
Robbie,
Glad to see another Alco F unit fan! Ive got six of them in use at the moment and im negotiating the purchase of two more B units. I believe the only units that were factory lowered are in PRR, UP, Atsf red/silver, and Rio Grande. I would be sure to stick with the Gray/blue box units because they are most likely to match your paint. I see no advantage in buying a black box version. Yellow box version, the newest (if there is an SP one) would have the newer motor block, but probably not lowered. The paint gloss level also decreases from gray box, black box, to nearly flat in the yellow box version. Personally, I like a little gloss!
Keep in mind, the older REA engines can be easily lowered (as mine are). You may come across a used SP unit that has been lowered by the owner, you may want to open it up and see how to modifiy the others as i think its a worth while upgrade when done right.
Jeff, if worst comes to worst and I can’t find another Daylight unit I might just buy a third and paint them all Mopac blue. I just need an A-B-A set for multidirectional operation.
I may lower them in the future; at the moment however I’m probably going to focus on rewiring them a bit first (mine are a total rats nest, and I want to convert them to battery). I’m also considering trying to body mount some Kadees as I’m likely going to be pulling a heck of a lot more than the rotato-mounts can probably take. I guess I’ll see what all I end up doing?
Robbie,
Might want to check ebay. I see an A-B set of REA Fs in SP…still like new! ABBA would be even cooler.