SPA Modeler

Plymouth Locomotives

Plymouth Locomotives were found in the heart of industry in every state across America; and many are still in operation today. The first friction drive locomotive ever built equipped with an 18 HP two cylinder air cooled engine was designed and built by Plymouth Locomotives in 1912. This locomotive was the foundation for the first Plymouth Gasoline Locomotives; the AL and BL models were equipped with a much heavier cast frame design. Fran Foley’s design carries over the heavy frame, cab and radiator from Plymouth’s Model HL which was offered in 18-Ton, 20-Ton and 25-Ton versions (See illustration), with many unique stylistic touches to create a locomotive at ease in a variety of industries.



One of my personal goals has been to highlight these models as they come from Fran, and keep the build as out of the box as possible. With this little critter I do plan to add brass railings, supports and “grab ons” in addition to glazing the front facing windows in clear plastic. Initially I found myself drawn to making a green loco and after briefly considering red I renewed my vow to make that the color - believing that my first impulse probably was the best. I’ll be using a lighter green for the windows to further add visual interest and break up my reductive tendencies. This fella caught my eye when I was researching Virginia Railways:



With that in my mind I glued the cab together and started to paint; the Gunze color is simply called Dark Green but I bet it is an IJN color. I am not going to copy any particular diesel but I am going to heavily borrow or crib from the above diesel. The details are all there! I also really love the splash of red on the sand dome, as well as the yellow grill covering the radiator!









Quitting time!

Now this is an interesting project!

You know, it’s kinda sad railroad locomotives of all kinds no longer active as they used to be back in the 60s and 70s. Gone are the days we used to stop at RR crossings and watch long lines of train go through different neighborhoods.

Thank you so much Carlos, John and Tom. I sincerely appreciate your comments. I have not smelled or seen popcorn here for awhile so thank you so much for bringing popcorn along for the ride, Carlos. Thank you for your insightful thoughts about the declining nature of the U.S. Railway system, Tom. Everyone—be well and stay safe.

Brilliant work so far Bruce! I'll definitely follow this!

Beautiful job so far Bruce! I worked a summer for Norfolk Southern in utility, the railroad is still going strong around here.

Yes they are in some areas. The train traffic out of Los Angeles/Long Beach harbor area is non stop. Multiple lines from Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe running out of the area carrying every imaginable sort of thing.

Thank you Duke, Clint and Carlos! Your thoughts are always greatly appreciated. My Dad’s family is from the Scranton, Pennsylvania area and both his grandfather and his great-grandfather were blacksmiths on the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad. Last night I completed the engine cover which is the final major assembly.



This is a beautifully designed part with a removable cover.

Incredible project mate. Like to see more. Keep on good work here.
Kit looks very detailed. Something very different what I like.