SPF 12-18-22

[sd40dash2]

Pulling into 1995 on CP Rail Winchester sub. This was the famous rent-a-wreck era with over 200 units leased and newest power on the system from 1988 and in dedicated faraway western service. All the oldest junk served in the east. CP was desperate for any power it could find and had even leased several passenger units from VIA. Brand new GE power and "St. Lawrence and Hudson" were still 1-2 years into the future. Railfans loved it but for some reason few modellers seem to be recreating this time and place.

[wagnersteve]

Beautiful modeling. Yes, a very interesting era, and your models are truly beautiful!. I saw several locos like these in the 1990s, when the Bridge Line Historical Society was new and I was able to make quite a few trips into traditional D&H territory. Some also made it into Massachusetts/. I bought some much less well done HO models others had painted and decaled in several liveries for the CP including one in UP colors. These days I need to restrict myself mostly to smaller locos, mostly representing earlier real ones, that fit better in a small layout at home.

[cemr5396]

to build off of SD40dash2's post...

As New Years Day 1995 came around, big changes were coming on CP. After experimenting with AC traction with the 4000 hp MLW M640 in the 80s, and testing GE C40-8Ws and EMD SD60MACs in 1992-93, CP decided AC was the way to go. GE managed to sell them on their new AC4400CWs, which would be delivered starting in summer 1995. By that October the entire 83-unit first order (CP 9500-9582) had been delivered and immediately was assigned to heavy unit coal, grain, potash, and sulphur service between Calgary and Vancouver, just as all new power on CP traditionally has been before and since. Their biggest immediate impact was finally putting the nail in the coffin of CP's seemingly un-killable fleet of Big Alcos, as displaced SD40-2s came east to replace them.

The fleet would eventually number 440+, nearly eclipsing the massive fleet of SD40-2s they replaced as the undisputed kings of the railway.

CP 9581 would later become notable as one of the first units ever painted in the new 'Beaver' scheme, repainted in September 1997 (along with GP38-2 3069) for the reveal of the re-introduction of the historic CPR Beaver crest as the company logo.



My model is a KATO AC4400CW, which I fully detailed, and re numbered. I also changed the nose logo and added the small RCMP Musical Ride decals on both sides of the nose, and lightly weathered it.

[fr8kar]

I got to work on the other end of my GE Dash 7 B projects this week: the radiator. I've used the Atlas B23-7/B30-7 as sort of the core to build off of, so my first efforts on printed radiators re-used the Atlas radiator frame and etched screen. It also helped that these parts were available for pretty cheap on ebay so I picked up a few. But if you stare too long at a model with an undersized, oversized or out-of-place component eventually something will stick out. When it does you can't unsee it. For me that's the undersized radiator. Atlas got it "right" on the C30-7, at least I think they did. Anyway it looks good to me. So I drew up the C30-7 radiator, dropped in some radiator cores and sized the opening for a KV Models etched screen. Finally this thing is starting to come together. Here it is in unpainted gray next to an Atlas B23-7 for comparison.

[loco8107]

Dec 18, 2022 3:18:11 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

Pulling into 1995 on CP Rail Winchester sub. This was the famous rent-a-wreck era with over 200 units leased and newest power on the system from 1988 and in dedicated faraway western service. All the oldest junk served in the east. CP was desperate for any power it could find and had even leased several passenger units from VIA. Brand new GE power and "St. Lawrence and Hudson" were still 1-2 years into the future. Railfans loved it but for some reason few modellers seem to be recreating this time and place.

I’m surprised too. It’s definitely THE era to model for CP and add to it the SOO and former D&H stuff too. Nice job.

[danpik]

Couple more reefers done this week






Dan

[sd40dash2]

Dec 18, 2022 8:18:55 GMT -8 cemr5396 said:

to build off of SD40dash2's post...

As New Years Day 1995 came around, big changes were coming on CP. After experimenting with AC traction with the 4000 hp MLW M640 in the 80s, and testing GE C40-8Ws and EMD SD60MACs in 1992-93, CP decided AC was the way to go. GE managed to sell them on their new AC4400CWs, which would be delivered starting in summer 1995. By that October the entire 83-unit first order (CP 9500-9582) had been delivered and immediately was assigned to heavy unit coal, grain, potash, and sulphur service between Calgary and Vancouver, just as all new power on CP traditionally has been before and since. Their biggest immediate impact was finally putting the nail in the coffin of CP's seemingly un-killable fleet of Big Alcos, as displaced SD40-2s came east to replace them.

The fleet would eventually number 440+, nearly eclipsing the massive fleet of SD40-2s they replaced as the undisputed kings of the railway.

Thanks, great post, very accurate!

Those 9500s were really nice when new but yeah they spelled the beginning of the end for the mighty SD40/-2 fleet. Nearly 30 years later and some of those SD40-2s are still running!

[cemr5396]

Dec 18, 2022 10:10:56 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

Thanks, great post, very accurate!
Those 9500s were really nice when new but yeah they spelled the beginning of the end for the mighty SD40/-2 fleet. Nearly 30 years later and some of those SD40-2s are still running!

There are still roughly 100 SD40-2s on the roster last I heard, with about 1/3 of them in active service. Whether any of the rest of them ever made a comeback is hard to say.... back when Hunter Harrison *spit* was in charge of CP he had many of them sold or scrapped, severely reducing the number that remained. At one point there was only 4 still in service and it looked like the end was near.

Things have certainly changed since then with the 40s being a pretty regular sight in yard and local service around the system. I have chased and photograhped several this year alone, both on branchline runs and on the mainline with revenue trains - even leading on a few occasions. With the steady stream of SD40-2s and former-but-now-once-again Red Barns heading down to Progress Rail in the USA for full overhauls, we should still see these classic units around for years to come.

[TBird1958]

Some GP30s........





A couple of older boxcar projects.........

Kadee PS1


Moloco PC&F

[dti406]

Good afternoon from cloudy and cold Northeast Ohio!

I managed to complete a couple of projects and am working on others!

First up, another PRR Cabin Car, brass cabin car by Precision Scale Models. Painted with Scalecoat PRR Freight Car Red and Black Paints, then lettered with K4 Decals. This is a Class N5a Cabin Car, it and 3 others were made from Class N5 by installing a Duryea Cushioned underframe to see how it worked on a Cabin Car.



Second is a Red Caboose, R70-15 Mechanical Refridgerator Car, added Yarmouth Sill Steps in place of the fragile plastic ones of the kit. Painted with Scalecoat II ATSF Red and White paints, then lettered with Oddballs Decals. Car was used to haul produce from Texas and Missouri to other locations in the US. Note the BKTY reporting marks, the Katy was not in good financial condition and the SP financed a number of cars for the Katy and all those cars were notated with BTKY reporting marks. They also followed the car specs for the SP.



A pair of Bowser Pennsy RS-3's with a coal drag running on the Strongsville Club Layout.



Thanks for looking!

Rick Jesionowski

[riogrande]

Thanks, Mark, for my weekly dose of Rio Grande! Most excellent!

[690]

Dec 18, 2022 10:30:46 GMT -8 cemr5396 said:

Dec 18, 2022 10:10:56 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

Thanks, great post, very accurate!
Those 9500s were really nice when new but yeah they spelled the beginning of the end for the mighty SD40/-2 fleet. Nearly 30 years later and some of those SD40-2s are still running!

There are still roughly 100 SD40-2s on the roster last I heard, with about 1/3 of them in active service. Whether any of the rest of them ever made a comeback is hard to say.... back when Hunter Harrison *spit* was in charge of CP he had many of them sold or scrapped, severely reducing the number that remained. At one point there was only 4 still in service and it looked like the end was near.

Things have certainly changed since then with the 40s being a pretty regular sight in yard and local service around the system. I have chased and photograhped several this year alone, both on branchline runs and on the mainline with revenue trains - even leading on a few occasions. With the steady stream of SD40-2s and former-but-now-once-again Red Barns heading down to Progress Rail in the USA for full overhauls, we should still see these classic units around for years to come.

I’d like to get a pair out here in Maine again… a pair of them is way better than a trio of GP20s or 38s.

[valenciajim]

Outstanding modeling everyone--as usual

I have not had an opportunity to do much modelling lately, but I recently purchased several Bowser undecorated PRR box car kits that looked interesting.  I model western railroad, but I figured I needed some interchange cars.  This journey has caused me to learn a lot about PRR, which was a fascinating railroad.  

Here is a prototype photo of one of a PRR box car taken circa 1956:




Here is the model in black and white:



I painted the model with Scalecoat Box Car Red. I have no idea how close to the prototype this color is. I finished the model with Microscale decals, but chose a different number because I was too lazy to cut out individual digits to match the number of the car in the prototype photo.  The roofwalk still needs to be leveled out.  

Here is a color photo of the model:



If I can find the proper color, I plan to make some models in an earlier PRR paint scheme.  

[12bridge]

I drew up a few more workbench tools that the wife printed for me on her FDM.  

I was tired of everytime I had to decal something, I had to find a dish, and water, and the decal scissors..oh, and some papertowels. So, I drew up a simple, stacking organizer.  


It is 4 pieces, held together with some small magnets.  The center compart, holds some towel chunks and Q tips. 



The lower part is a large decal tray, as is the smaller one on top (I think 90% of my decaling will be done in that one). 


Holder for CA kicker and a small cup for it with applicators.  Drew up the one for the styrene glue a few months ago. 


Last year I drew up a larger organizer to hold all of my "go-to" tools that I use most often.  This has been the single biggest help in keeping a cleaner workbench.  I absolutely love having this. 

[Baikal]

Dec 18, 2022 22:02:35 GMT -8 12bridge said:

I drew up a few more workbench tools that the wife printed for me on her FDM.  

I was tired of everytime I had to decal something, I had to find a dish, and water, and the decal scissors..oh, and some papertowels. So, I drew up a simple, stacking organizer.  


It is 4 pieces, held together with some small magnets.  The center compart, holds some towel chunks and Q tips. 



The lower part is a large decal tray, as is the smaller one on top (I think 90% of my decaling will be done in that one). 


Holder for CA kicker and a small cup for it with applicators.  Drew up the one for the styrene glue a few months ago. 


Last year I drew up a larger organizer to hold all of my "go-to" tools that I use most often.  This has been the single biggest help in keeping a cleaner workbench.  I absolutely love having this. 

Printing tools to make better models, awesome.

[stevef45]

Dec 18, 2022 22:02:35 GMT -8 12bridge said:

I drew up a few more workbench tools that the wife printed for me on her FDM.  

I was tired of everytime I had to decal something, I had to find a dish, and water, and the decal scissors..oh, and some papertowels. So, I drew up a simple, stacking organizer.  


It is 4 pieces, held together with some small magnets.  The center compart, holds some towel chunks and Q tips. 



The lower part is a large decal tray, as is the smaller one on top (I think 90% of my decaling will be done in that one). 


Holder for CA kicker and a small cup for it with applicators.  Drew up the one for the styrene glue a few months ago. 


Last year I drew up a larger organizer to hold all of my "go-to" tools that I use most often.  This has been the single biggest help in keeping a cleaner workbench.  I absolutely love having this. 

Very cool designs.

Where you get the small magnets? What size are they? Been looking for small ones for a project im still finishing.

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

Great trip on the CP…we used to get a dozen or more CP trains thru mid-Michigan on the old Pete Marquette. Now it’s rare to catch any traffic with what CSX has done to the place.

Not sure where the magnets used in the excellent work station shown above came from but a couple yrs ago I got a couple different batches I planned to use for uncoupling experiments. The were from a chinesium supplier off eBay. Found them recently while doing work on the layout. Current check shows dozens of magnet options on eBay. And Amazon.

Excellent modeling everyone that’s posted.

[valenciajim]

I'll bet you could sell those workbench tools. Very nice stuff.

[12bridge]

I don't recall where the magnets are from, they were leftovers, but Amazon has just about all of the sizes now. These were 2x3mm if I recall.

If anyone is interested in any of these, feel free to drop me a message..

[loco8107]

Dec 18, 2022 15:19:33 GMT -8 690 said:

Dec 18, 2022 10:30:46 GMT -8 cemr5396 said:

There are still roughly 100 SD40-2s on the roster last I heard, with about 1/3 of them in active service. Whether any of the rest of them ever made a comeback is hard to say.... back when Hunter Harrison *spit* was in charge of CP he had many of them sold or scrapped, severely reducing the number that remained. At one point there was only 4 still in service and it looked like the end was near.

Things have certainly changed since then with the 40s being a pretty regular sight in yard and local service around the system. I have chased and photograhped several this year alone, both on branchline runs and on the mainline with revenue trains - even leading on a few occasions. With the steady stream of SD40-2s and former-but-now-once-again Red Barns heading down to Progress Rail in the USA for full overhauls, we should still see these classic units around for years to come.

I’d like to get a pair out here in Maine again… a pair of them is way better than a trio of GP20s or 38s.

As someone who grew up in the 80’s I’ll gladly take any of them over wide cabs! 😂

[nsc39d8]

Didn't get much done this week but to go with the CP theme, here is one I did some time ago.  Athearn RTR, stripped and repainted into CP red with Microscale decals.  Recently added to the surplus list, anyone interested PM me.

[grabirons]

Follow along on building a simple Atlas boxcar kit!

[stevef45]

Gotta love when you get to the end of painting and decals and you start to reassemble the model and you wonder where the fuel tank is....completely forget to clean and paint it. Got worried i lost it. Thankfully it's ready to get attached tonight along with the handrails.
Added the silver reflective stripes last night after i took pic.
2022-12-19_09-22-20 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr

[stevef45]

Dec 19, 2022 11:13:57 GMT -8 12bridge said:

I don't recall where the magnets are from, they were leftovers, but Amazon has just about all of the sizes now. These were 2x3mm if I recall.

If anyone is interested in any of these, feel free to drop me a message..

Ordered some 3x2 micro magnets. Had to get 200 but whatever. i'll figure out something for all of them eventually. Going to basically make my own version of the athearn cab roof and magnet holder that's used on the modern 6 axle genesis fleet nowadays. Got plenty of cannot cab kits where the roof is loose and sick of it falling off.

[tom]

With Arrowhead announcing the release of a PC painted H39 hopper I decided to show a photo of an Arrowhead PRR hopper (from the original release) and a redetailed/painted/decaled Bowser started with an undec kit. The Arrowhead model is certainly has a lot more detail but the redone Bowser holds it own in a train.

[wagnersteve]

Tom, nice photo. Which hopper is the Arrowhead model and which the one you built, detailed and decorated starting with a Bowser kit?

Joe S, I prefer Atlas Trainman boxcar kits to the old Athearn "blue box" ones, though they do have ladders and grabs cast on to their bodies. I've assembled quite a few, including a bunch of CN and CP ones for a D&H "paper train". I usually use very small bits of Walthers Goo to attach the doors so I can position them open as desired.

[tom]

Dec 23, 2022 17:15:20 GMT -8 wagnersteve said:

Tom, nice photo. Which hopper is the Arrowhead model and which the one you built, detailed and decorated starting with a Bowser kit?

The PC one is the redetailed (rebuuilt?) Bowser car. Here is a better photo: