Broadoak

The model featured this time is a Mopac EMD SW1200 end cab switcher made from an early Athearn BB kit with added details. I know the fuel tank is not quite right it should extend downwards and outwards more. Also I have now seen a colour photograph of an actual Mopac switcher and the trucks on some examples at least are the same colour as the body. I have gone back in time as well in order to use some freight cars with roof walks that don't often get an airing. I bought these years ago when I first got into modelling the American scene. They are a mix of Bachmann ready made and Athearn shake the box kits. It is assumed the SW1200 brought the train in from Pine Bluff via the SP interchange. Peter M

Peter M

Every so often I give all my fleet of locomotives a check over and run. This was one of the first road switchers I bought some twenty odd years ago and it runs as sweetly now as it ever did. It is a Blue Box Athearn that I have chopped the nose on, the fiction being it was re-built in the fictional Interstate & Western's workshops at Rosston to a full GP 18 specification. In the following sequence I&W #6 is seen arriving at Benson with a train of empty pulpwood flats, then laying over at the west yard engine facilities. Having seen the amount of debris left on the deck of real pulpwood flat cars I added some sawdust on the models to replicate the real thing. Peter M

Thanks Dan you are too kind. Regards Peter M

You will all be relieved to know these are the last pictures in this sequence. Peter M

Sorry about the SD45 Dan, I'm not sure why but they look very purposeful to my eye. Here are a few more photos. Peter M

Zomboid, the low relief buildings are scratch built of a plasticard shell with thin paper overlays in the main. Some are entirely made of plasticard. The buildings represent various industries that provide traffic for the railroad. Regards Peter M

Thanks Mike I am glad you approve. Regards Peter M

Why thank you sir. Peter M

Thanks Dan, sadly my camera doesn't do movies, so it's some more stills. Peter M

Thanks Lloyd, perhaps the two guys are like me deaf and can't hear the V20 idling. Peter M

While enjoying a recent operating session I took a few more photos of my elderly Athearn Blue Box SD45. I have now added sunshades, screen wipers, mu hoses and a plough, not the correct one but all I had to hand. The loco looks a bit more work stained as well having given it a thin wash of grimy black. Peter M

A few pictures taken at Beacon-Rail 2015 exhibition yesterday, an enjoyable small show where we were sadly the only narrow gauge exhibit. Peter M

Peter M

The SP switcher then goes to the Midas Cement Co unloading facility and picks an empty ATSF covered hopper and an MD&W boxcar loaded with bagged cement on pallets. It then starts to make up a train in the main loop for the GP60 to take to the SP main line. An SP SD7 will head the consist as it saves having to find a path for this loco to get back to the SP. Peter M

Peter M

The SP switcher pulls out a full UP covered hopper of corn and then spots the two DRGW empty hoppers at the Farmers Co-op. The Rio Grande box car is spotted at the team track ready for loading with cut lumber that will be brought in by truck. Peter M

I think you have a point Simon, I have an ex DRGW SW1000 lettered for my fictional shortline and that has a greyish tinge to it. Mind you that's because it spent much of its earlier life working ore cars through a loader. The GP60 has been residing in my loft for sometime, so I rather rushed getting it running for the pictures. Peter M

Peter M

While the crew of the GP60 take a break for beans, having uncoupled from the train and parked the locomotive on the track next to the servicing facilities. At this point an SP SW1500 #2638 yard switcher, waiting by the yard master's caboose arrives to spot the individual incoming cars. I find it more difficult to make black locomotives less flat looking than other colours. Peter M

Peter M

With this selection of pictures we come a little more up to date with a DRGW GP60 #3154, she was used for the Ski Train during the 96-97 season. She is seen arriving at Benson with a short mixed train consisting of empty covered hoppers and an empty boxcar for specially cut lumber. Peter M

#2638 an SP SW1500, a model that featured on the front cover of the Continental Modeller way back in October 1991 when Colonel's Crossing was the layout of the month. Peter M

Peter M

A few more random pictures for those of us afflicted, including an assortment of SP power at rest in Benson west yard. I don't know the proper collective noun for a collection of SP locos, could it be a delight. I really must refit the plow to the front of this SD45 which seems to be missing. Peter M