Baldwin RF-16 Sharks in South Australia

[GM 12 Loco]

Will include some shots of my fiberglass moulding process. I had never attempted this before and after talking to a friend of mine who is into customising motor bike fenders and seats, etc out of glass, gave me a few tips. Looks a bit crude I know but the end result was quite reasonable. The steel pattern (previous photo) was coated in a PVA blue release agent (3 coats) and after that dried a coat of brushing gelcote was applied to the pattern. Over several days coats of fiberglass and cloth were added to build up a good thick layer all over. The 'fun' part came when it was time to extract the nose cone - much hot water and air pressure was used to separate the parts and it finally released without too much trouble. The mould was then split down the center and a metal frame work was attached to support the mould so it could be separated afterwards. The same process was then used to produce the fiberglass nose/cab piece. The first one was fairly rough but it cleaned up very well and is now in use under D&H 1216. The steel nose/cab pattern is now dressed as NYC 3805 (in a previous photo) Other details such as cab steps, numberboard and dynamic brake housings were also moulded from acrylic using silicone moulds. This process is very satisfying and also quite messy - many gloves and brushes were used but well worth it.
Regards Graham.

[NP317]

Impressive work! Thanks for sharing.
~RN

[PRR5406]

It's great to see another person achieve success. It can only be inspirational.

[GM 12 Loco]

Adding a few more photos - close ups of both units and rear shot of 1216. NYC 3805 is currently in the shop having its paint job completed and is being fitted up with headlights, marker lights, windshields and numberboards.

[Pontiacguy1]

Impressive! Those sharks look great.

I'm a steam guy, and mostly interested in steam locomotives... However, I always liked the 1st generation diesel locomotives as well, a lot of which were still in operation when I was born. The Baldwin diesels are among the rarest of the rare, and you definitely aren't going to see many shark nosed cab units at any meet you go to! I also like your propulsion method. I guess for me the ultimate drive train would be a diesel powerplant running the generator that you're using. A diesel engine of about 10-12 HP would sound pretty good running that thing.

There is a guy here in Tennessee who built a 6 axle Santa-Fe cab unit, which uses a Kubota Diesel engine in it. I believe it is about 20 HP or something like that. It's a hydraulic drive locomotive, but it sounds neat with a diesel engine in it.

Diesel engines that size are pretty expensive, though, and would have to be packaged carefully.

[GM 12 Loco]

Hi Pontiacguy1, Thanks for your positive comments - great to see a steam guy looking at the "diesel" outline stuff as well. Yes, the DC generator/traction motor 'set up' is very efficient and doesn't require a large power plant. The Tsunami sound system that has been installed overrides most of the engine noises and sounds very prototypical - it has even had the "diesel" guys wondering (just for a moment, if there was a small) 608A turbo engine under the hood
Cheers, Graham.

[GM 12 Loco]

It has been a couple of weeks now since my last post and 3805 is out of the paintshop dressed in the NYC "Lightning Stripe" scheme with most of the accessories fitted. Horns were cast from aluminium and then shaped on the lathe (that was fun). Front decal is also "home made" scanned from a photo and then printed on clear decal sheet. Just adding a few shots of it sitting in the sunshine ready for some trackwork. It was difficult to obtain the NYC font so I had my local sign writer scan a close up photo I had and then work his magic - I have some spares if anyone is interested, they are one inch high. I trust this info has been useful to folk out there - I have thoroughly enjoyed this project and look forward to many more. Regards, Graham.

[Benjamin Maggi]

I love your D&H engine! I admit I am partial to the darker blue and silver scheme as it looked when the engines were brand new on the D&H, but they faded to the coloring that you used. It is a shame that the real ones are locked up in northern Michigan.

http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dl ... A9D0689887

[RioPacific2016]

Graham,
Nice job on the sharks! I find the drive type interesting. Also this same project has been on my nack birner due to the
fact that I couldn't find the actual build plans anywhere as a reference to scale down from. Also I am very interested in the construction process that you used as it seem easy enough. I will be building a set that are 30"wide and 10' long though as they will run on 16" gauge track. Thanks for all the wonderful pictures etc. If you have the time I would like to
Visit about the units. Thank you very much.
Mark Reardon

[GM 12 Loco]

Hi Mark, Iam always happy to share info on these units or any others - sounds like the units you have in mind will dwarf my two - should look great though. Where are you located Mark ? Would be happy to make your acquaintance. Regards, Graham.

[RioPacific2016]

Graham,
I am located in Oklahoma, very much appreciated the reply and offer to share info. I like you have never done fiberglass work but I'm familiar with it. As for the molds they are the only way to go if you are making more than one piece or part. I am a machinist by trade so I'm familiar with manufacturing processes etc.
I am really interested in the drive as this is really the more prototypical way. I believe this will work for the larger scale as well but maybe with larger dc motors. I will PM you with more details.
Thanks