Virginian Electrics - EL3A, EL2A, EL1A
(BCM-1)
Instructions July 25,
2007
Bill Mosteller,
Virginian
Railway electrification ran from
Road Numbers: EL3A locomotives were
numbered 100-109. They also existed as
single units, EL1A numbers 110-115 and at least one instance of a two-unit
locomotive EL2A number 100 is documented.
The EL3A was big, measuring 152 feet 3 inches long and weighing
just over 1,282,380 pounds. Each unit
was driven by two traction motors connected to the drivers through side rods
powered the large 62-inch drive wheels.
Tractive effort was 231,000 pounds at a rated horsepower of 7125. Railroad enthusiasts are still debating the
largest, longest and most powerful locomotive in
ALCO
(American Locomotive Company) teamed up with Westinghouse to build these units
and the first motor, number 100, was built in April of 1925. The remaining units were delivered as
finished through March of 1926. The
Virginian made a variety of modifications to the original units, such as adding
an extra front window and a fireman’s side window.
These
decals are the result of purchasing an undecorated Alco Models brass EL3A
(imported in 1978[2]). Concurrently, Crown Custom Products produced
decals for these units[3]. Overland
brass also produced the EL1A and EL3A (in 1990) and offered their own
decals. Rail Graphics produced the decal
sets for
After
several months of searching, I was able to purchase one set of
Scott
called
The
only solution left was to print a new set.
Wow, all of this hassle just to paint one set of brass units? Is it worth it? Well, after some six years of being promised
new decals were coming from a variety of sources, Scott convinced me we needed
to produce a new run ourselves. Rail
Graphics was contacted but unfortunately did not have the artwork for the EL3A
decals.
Color: During preparation, extensive efforts
were made to carefully match color and placement of the decals based on
existing photographs. Review of all
color photographs seemed to point to a red-orange and/or a dulux yellow
color. The decals are available in
orange and dulux gold. The units’ window
frames should be painted to match, and PolyScale PRR Depot Buff is a good match
for the dulux gold sets. The exact color
of the lettering will always be in question and additionally there is the claim
of one or two units existing with white lettering. However, there does not appear to be proof of
this and all we have to depend on are faded memories and existing photographs. I suggest this light colored lettering was
the result of sun fading and old color film photographs.
After many discussions, suggestions, trial
printings, art work changes, additional costs and dedicated efforts, we now
have what we think is a great set of decals for the Virginian EL1A, EL2A and
EL3A.
Therefore,
for your pleasure, here are the best decals present knowledge and technology
can produce for your use. Enjoy
finishing your model and send any questions to:
Bill C. Mullins,