Fun video Chris! The only thing I can add is the Cab-Forwards weren't just intended for tunnels, the Southern Pacific had many miles of snowsheds in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for keeping the tracks clear in those high-altitude winters and the Cab-Forwards got a LOT of use in those snowsheds as well. It's been said that the Cab-Forward idea came from an Espee engineer who ran his locomotive through the tunnels and snowsheds backwards so he and his fireman could breathe!
The appearance of a cab forward out of a tunnel always impresses me for its gigantic size, Chris. Great video takes as both models moved through their paces on the layout. I wondered about the idea of the Star Light loco leading a passenger consist for real. Doesn't seem like a good idea. I do like the Grey boiler model with the Tuscan red cab roof. Even more impressive that it's a replica of the as-delivered prototype. Never would have thought of that. Very nice presentation!
Chris the Grey boiler is not a fantasy scheme. It was as delivered livery. It’s the exact replica of the 3rd Rail Sunset Model Southern Pacific #4103 cab forward. I can’t remember what year it was built because I have it. I reiterate it was as delivered. I also remember Ryan Kunkle stating it on the Dave and Ryan show. Ben and I discussed that that particular livery will be more valuable because Lionel never did that livery before and it was prototypical.
Really nice video, Chris. Cab forwards were the motive power backbone of the SP during the steam era. They were in fact dual service freight and passenger locos. I've seen great footage of cab forwards pulling really long trains of Pullman heavyweights in wartime service from Sparks, Nevada to Sacramento. They were built for maintaining speed on mountain grades with heavy trains often assisted by a second unit on the rear end. I was fortunate as a 10 year old kid in 1955 to see some cab forwards operating on the Oakland side of the Bay. So sad that only one survived the wholescale scrapping that occurred when the diesels took over. I was lucky to have lived during the transition period when one could see both types of motive power working in concert. We're fortunate today as model railroaders that we can still experience in miniature the majesty of these incredible machines that helped build the industrial might of America. Thanks for your video!
I scored a Lark cab-forward on a “lucky” Labor Day on TrainWorld, long after they sold out. Right place right time. Love the scheme, subtle yet highlights the details great. Maybe one day we can throw it on your layout!
I own two Cab Forwards myself. However they’re not legacy. They’re Lionmaster Lionchief Plus 2.0. Slightly smaller but still legacy details and can handle 0-31 curves. I also have them in the exact same paint schemes!
Chris C here - thank you everyone for posting about the engine not bringing a fantasy scheme. I told Chris M it was. I was very surprised to learn it’s a real life paint scheme. Thank you for the info and sorry for the mistake.
Yes, the grey boiler is a model of the "as delivered" cab forward, not a fantasy scheme, my mistake!
Also it’s a beautiful model and one of my favorites. Only the Lark and the Daylight are fantasy paint schemes.
Fun video Chris! The only thing I can add is the Cab-Forwards weren't just intended for tunnels, the Southern Pacific had many miles of snowsheds in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for keeping the tracks clear in those high-altitude winters and the Cab-Forwards got a LOT of use in those snowsheds as well. It's been said that the Cab-Forward idea came from an Espee engineer who ran his locomotive through the tunnels and snowsheds backwards so he and his fireman could breathe!
The appearance of a cab forward out of a tunnel always impresses me for its gigantic size, Chris. Great video takes as both models moved through their paces on the layout. I wondered about the idea of the Star Light loco leading a passenger consist for real. Doesn't seem like a good idea. I do like the Grey boiler model with the Tuscan red cab roof. Even more impressive that it's a replica of the as-delivered prototype. Never would have thought of that. Very nice presentation!
Chris the Grey boiler is not a fantasy scheme. It was as delivered livery. It’s the exact replica of the 3rd Rail Sunset Model Southern Pacific #4103 cab forward. I can’t remember what year it was built because I have it. I reiterate it was as delivered. I also remember Ryan Kunkle stating it on the Dave and Ryan show. Ben and I discussed that that particular livery will be more valuable because Lionel never did that livery before and it was prototypical.
Really nice video, Chris. Cab forwards were the motive power backbone of the SP during the steam era. They were in fact dual service freight and passenger locos. I've seen great footage of cab forwards pulling really long trains of Pullman heavyweights in wartime service from Sparks, Nevada to Sacramento. They were built for maintaining speed on mountain grades with heavy trains often assisted by a second unit on the rear end.
I was fortunate as a 10 year old kid in 1955 to see some cab forwards operating on the Oakland side of the Bay. So sad that only one survived the wholescale scrapping that occurred when the diesels took over. I was lucky to have lived during the transition period when one could see both types of motive power working in concert. We're fortunate today as model railroaders that we can still experience in miniature the majesty of these incredible machines that helped build the industrial might of America. Thanks for your video!
I scored a Lark cab-forward on a “lucky” Labor Day on TrainWorld, long after they sold out. Right place right time. Love the scheme, subtle yet highlights the details great. Maybe one day we can throw it on your layout!
The colors on the SP 4276 remind me of a Northern Pacific steam locomotive.
two great engines.
The tunnel shot shows why the Cab Forwards were produced! Nice video Chris. I always look forward to your videos.
As always great content
White/grey really highlights the piping
I own two Cab Forwards myself. However they’re not legacy. They’re Lionmaster Lionchief Plus 2.0. Slightly smaller but still legacy details and can handle 0-31 curves. I also have them in the exact same paint schemes!
Chris C here - thank you everyone for posting about the engine not bringing a fantasy scheme. I told Chris M it was. I was very surprised to learn it’s a real life paint scheme. Thank you for the info and sorry for the mistake.
Love them cab 4 👍
Como mola/Cool
I love the Cab Forward locomotive, two of them is even better! I have the MTH Railking version that I plan to up grade to ps3. Great video!👍
Been meaning to add one of these to the collection but a VL GG1 is in the forecast!
Beautiful 👍
Wow this so cool
Awesome cab forwards Chris. What do you think of the CNW passenger set in the catalog?
I have say I'm not into the cab forward I like the traditional steam Locomotive
A lot more o gauge on instagram then on you tube never new until recently my self