Winter 2011

JAN WOODS' FRANKFORT, LAYOUT MODELING THE NICKEL PLATE IN NEW ZEALAND Winter 2011 Vol.I No.2

MODELER’S NOTEBOOK STAFF CONTENTS PUBLISHER Thos. G. J. Gascoigne EDITOR/WEBMASTER John C. Fryar CONTRIBUTING EDITOR John T. Slater Jan Woodsʼ Nickel Plate Road ……………...……3 MODELING EDITOR William C. Quick Frankfort, Indiana Layout MODELING COORDINATOR Henry C. Brueggeman Modeling the Nickel Plate in New Zealand …….15 by Kel Sherson NKPHTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Modeling News …………………………...………23 NATIONAL DIRECTOR Matthew E. Fruchey ASST. NATIONAL DIRECTOR Willard A. Harvey, Jr. PAST NATIONAL DIRECTOR William C. Quick NATIONAL SECRETARY David B. Allen, Jr. FROM THE WORKBENCH NATIONAL TREASURER William M. Fisher INFORMATION DIRECTOR M. David Vaughn Model railroad layouts, even those designed to PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Thos. G. J. Gascoigne replicate specific prototypical elements of the Nickel MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Thomas W. Newell Plate Road, are an expression of the individual or SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR Brian J. Carlson individuals who designed and crafted them. Different INTERNET SERVICES DIRECTOR John C. Fryar layouts lend themselves to different types of operation DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Joseph P. Juratovac and each has a distinctive approach to design, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Timothy P. Adang while structures, scenery, motive power, and freight ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Paul L. Emch equipment combine to complete a unified picture that can ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Nathan Fries be studied and enjoyed by fellow modelers, railfans, or, in ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Thomas E. Harris the cases of a modular layout, the general public. As modelers, we can learn from each layout we view or read about. This issue features a photo essay on Jan NKPHTS Woods’ layout of Frankfort, Indiana, a center of activity PO Box 272 on the Nickel Plate, while the companion article takes us Highland MD 20777-0272 half a world away to see how Kel Sherson and his friends from the American Central Model Railroaders enjoy modeling the Nickel Plate Road in New Zealand. The Editorial Committee hopes these will be the first of many articles and photo essays featuring the layouts of NKPHTS members and wishes to thank Jan and Kel for their assistance in providing information and photos for this issue. The Nickel Plate Road Modeler’s Notebook has been designed to be for NKP modelers - by NKP modelers, so join the fun and let Modeling Editor Bill Quick know what you would like to do to participate in this exciting new venue. Bill can be contacted at: [email protected].

Top Cover Photo: Working from blueprints, Jan Woods has created an extraordinary replica of the Frankfort yard facilities as the centerpiece of his 52’ x 20’ layout

Bottom Cover Photo: Three Atlas O Nickel Plate Geeps blast out of the tunnel of the American Central Model Railroaders O scale modular layout at the 2008 Rail-Ex show in New Zealand.

The NKPHTS Logo and the name NICKEL PLATE ROAD are registered trademarks of the Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society, Inc.

The Nickel Plate Road Modeler’s Notebook is published quarterly by the Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society, Inc. for its members and modelers interested in the former , Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, and its predecessor companies. Articles, manuscripts, photographs, and other modeling material relating to the Nickel Plate Road are solicited for publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced for distribution, either electronically or in print, without permission of the Publications Director and the contributor of the material involved. Please email [email protected] for more information. © 2011 The Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society, Inc. 2 Jan Woods’ Nickel Plate Road Frankfort, Indiana Layout

One of many interesting features on the Frankfort layout designed and created by Jan Woods is the use of special effects. A creative application of hand painted, 3- dimensional cutouts, halogen lighting, and an MRC sound effects board allows Jan to create a thunder and lightening storm over F r a n k f o r t y a r d . A halogen, under-cabinet bulb installed close to the background gives the effect of the sun shining through the clouds. Jan's photo essay, beginning on page 5, shows many of the ways he has brought t h e N i c k e l P l a t e ’ s Frankfort, Indiana operations of the mid-1950s to life in miniature.

The yard and surrounding rail facilities at Louisville Railroad (Monon) and the Frankfort, Indiana were an integral part the Railroad totaled 1,149 loaded cars delivered and operations of the Nickel Plate Road and provided 2,489 received. an immense contribution to the history of both the Don Daily’s “Around the Clock in Frankfort railroad and the local community. As a division Yard” article that appeared in Model Railroad point for four divisions of the Greater Nickel Plate - Planning 1996 was the inspiration for Jan Woods’ Toledo, St. Louis, Sandusky, and Peoria - layout based on the Nickel Plate’s yards in Frankfort was also headquarters for the Clover Frankfort during the period between 1954 and Leaf District Superintendent, Chief Dispatcher, 1956. Jan started construction of this layout at Master Mechanic, Division Engineer and Thanksgiving 2002 and he credits Tony Koester’s Roadmaster, as well as the Peoria Division books and articles on the building of his own NKP Trainmaster and LE&W Division Engineer. An layout, as well as photographs of Frankfort yard, extensive array of structures, including a car shop as being a big help in its design and creation. As a and blacksmith shop built in 1890, a 27-stall further assistance in the planning of the layout, roundhouse and 100’ turntable dating back to Neil Connor provided copies of blueprints of 1924, and a 500- ton coal dock constructed in Frankfort yards he had made when he was a 1937 were iconic elements of the Frankfort yard draftsman for the Nickel Plate Road in Frankfort. landscape. Jan also credits former NKP engineer and long- The at Frankfort was time NKPHTS member, Don Daily, with valuable enlarged in 1944 and divided into a westbound hands-on assistance in learning the way the real and eastbound yard. By the early 1950s, there Nickel Plate did things. were between 25 and 35 trains in and out of This 52’ x 20’ layout is loaded with notable Frankfort each day. In 1953, the Nickel Plate’s operational and prototypical features, beginning interchange with the Chicago, Indianapolis & with the track work, which is all Atlas code 100, In this view of Frankfort yard looking east, it is late morning and hotshot manifest PB-12, with NKP Berkshires #717 and #738 on the head end, is headed east on the LE&W District for Buffalo. Exceptional detail can be seen throughout the yard layout and we can also glimpse some of the extensive staging areas on the lower level, including Charleston and Lima staging tracks on the right and Peoria staging in the rear left of the photograph. The trackage on the peninsula at the far left is the 3rd Sub of the Cloverleaf District’s St. Louis Division at Clark’s Hill. painted rail brown. DCC operation is controlled by complete. Buildings and structures are a mixture of Digitrax. The Lake Erie & Western main line track kits, kitbashed kits, and scratchbuilt. The freight features a 30 inch minimum radius while a 24 inch cars are a mixture of Athearn, Accurail, Bowser, minimum is the standard on the Clover Leaf main. Stewart, Walthers, and others. There are staging tracks representing four different Plenty of sidings and storage tracks are locations: Charleston and Peoria, and featured on Jan’s layout, with the longest being an Delphos and Lima, . Layout height averages 18‘ staging track at Charleston, followed by 17’ 10” 47 inches, with a staging height of 12 inches below at Lima and 16’ at Peoria. Staging at Delphos is the main layout level. accomplished by using a fiddle yard with two 14’ Tortoise switch machines have been used on tracks, while there are eight staging tracks at the main track, Charleston and Lima staging Peoria, six at Lima and four at Charleston. Helix tracks, while the Peoria staging track uses Atlas average radius is 30” with a 2% grade for 2 tracks. snap switch machines. Caboose hand throws and Trains going east pass through Hillisburg, then fast track bullfrogs have been used on yard tracks down an unfolded helix-type arrangement that and under table snap machines in the engine wraps around the outside of the helix and then terminal area. Electronic components, switch winds its way down to Lima staging. There is also a machine drivers, and detectors are all Team Digital. reverse loop at the end of staging tying Lima Scenery was done by Jan’s neighbor and staging and Charleston staging together. cousin Jeff Cox, with 90% having being completed Passing siding lengths are 17’6” at Hillisburg, when the accompanying photographs were taken. 10’ at Boyleston, 14’ at Clarks Hill and Linden 14’. Scenic material is from Woodland Scenics. Some Live interchange tracks are featured with the of the trees are weeds and others were created by Monon and Pennsylvania in Frankfort, the New taking three pieces of wire and putting short pieces York Central (Big Four) in Clarks Hill, and the of untwisted rope cut into short strips on them, then Monon main track in Linden. When fully twisting it all together like an artificial Christmas operational, the layout will be run using Protrak tree limbs are made. They were finished by spray- computer software and full-size waybills. glueing scenic material to them. A focal point on the layout is the model of the Editor’s Note: Don Daily’s article appears on pages 16 through 23 of Model Railroad Planning 1996. According to Frankfort roundhouse. Scratchbuilt by NKPHTS Tony Koester, photocopies are available through Kalmbach’s member Larry Newton, it took 200 hours to customer service department at (800-533-6644). FRANKFORT, INDIANA IN HO SCALE

A PHOTO ESSAY BY JAN WOODS, NKPHTS #3280 All photographs by Jan Woods unless otherwise noted.

From this aerial view of the classification yard at Frankfort, looking west, one can see the incredible amount of time and effort that went into the detailing of this layout.

Another view of the Frankfort yard facilities, this time looking east, shows the size and scope of the operational centerpiece of Jan’s layout. Designed so that prototypical operations can be replicated, the yard allows for a wide range of eastbound and westbound train movements over all four divisions served by the Frankfort facilities.

5 Jan has constructed a helix at the west end of the yards to provide ease of upper and lower level access, as well as movement between the two major districts represented on the layout. The Schedule board is a chalk board with the schedule of the trains arriving and departing the yards from 7 AM to 7 PM. The clock is a fast clock but also operates on real time.

In a scene typical of the mid-1950s, which Jan models, NKP Mikado #599 is shown backing off the turntable prior to being readied for its next assignment. The beautifully-detailed model of the Frankfort r o u n d h o u s e w a s s c r a t c h b u i l t b y NKPHTS member, Larry Newton.

The Mike will be filled with water and coal before being put on the head end of train 58, the local bound for Muncie, Indiana. Frankfort’s distinctive coal dock is another example of the many scratchbuilt structures that are featured on Jan’s layout.

6 At the west end of the yards we catch the rear of train 68 - PB-12 - coming in from Peoria.

The rear of the second section of train 68 from Peoria crosses County Road 200 W at the west end of Frankfort yards. WY tower is at the left and the Swift Bean Plant can be seen in the background. The helix is positioned behind the trees on the left. Caboose #1202 is a WrightTRAK resin model, customized by Al Helper; the prototype of which sits in the park in Frankfort. If you look closely, you can even see NKP painted on the crossbuck post. 7 Soon after PB-12 gets to Frankfort, we see train ST 96 behind Berkshire #738 c o m i n g p a s t W Y tower. This train originated in Madison (St Louis) and is h e a d i n g t o w a r d s Toledo.

The conductor of train 96 will head over to the eastbound yard office to drop off his waybills. Note the attention to detail around the structures, giving the structures and their surrounding area an incredibly life- like appearance.

Frankfort yard was a busy place in the fifties. This is a view of the westbound yard o f f i c e f o r t r a i n s heading west. Trains 68 and 96 will both be reclassified at Frankfort.

8 Train 41, headed by 3 Geeps, is shown leaving the west end of the yards headed towards Charleston, Illinois on the Third Sub-Division of the Clover Leaf District.

Over on the northwest end of the yards is the Swift Bean Plant. One of the area’s major landmarks, this beautifully modeled structure brings an authentic Frankfort look to the layout. Photo: Tony Koester

9 At the bean plant, we can see 2-8-0 #492 setting out some tank cars that soon will be loaded with soybean oil. This image replicates a classic NKP publicity photo.

Jan's current version of the Frankfort roundhouse has 15 stalls, with plans to increase the structure to its original maximum size of 27 in the future. This is a timeless view of NKP steam engines in the roundhouse waiting for their call to service. For some, this call will never come.

Train 45 - the KC local - is shown passing thru the Linden passing track where it will interchange cars with the Monon. Linden was a major point of interchange between the NKP and the Chicago, I n d i a n a p o l i s & Louisville Railroad, known as “The Monon Route.”

10 The NKP also interchanged cars with the New York Central (Big Four) at Clark’s Hill. The interlocking tower was owned and operated by the Nickel Plate. However, the first train in the block would h a v e t h e r i g h t a w a y between the NKP and the NYC.

A farm house located along Indiana State Road 28 near Clark’s Hill is typical of rural Indiana. Note the p e r i o d t r u c k s “traveling” down the road.

Train 72 has been put together in Frankfort, with cars for Tipton, Muncie, and Portland and is headed eastbound on its run to Lima, Ohio behind a trio of Nickel Plate Geeps. In the background is Kemp’s cannery and Cities Service Oil

11 Running light, Nickel Plate RS-3 #535 passes by Jan’s house east of Boyleston headed towards Tipton. Indiana. There it will switch the Lake Erie & Western District’s IMC Division and Sandusky Division crossing.

A view to the south of County Road 700 E near Jan’s house. Detailing like this brings an authentic local feel to the layout. Photo: Tony Koester

12 Back in Frankfort, NKP SW-9 yard switcher #240 pulls a loaded coal car with the ice house in the background. The switcher is one of several Proto 2000 HO locomotives used on Jan’s layout, while his fleet of cars came from a wide array of manufacturers.

Caboose 1047 sits lonely along the main as its train switches an elevator. One of several HO models of the Nickel Plate’s 1000 series cabooses on Jan’s layout, this one is from American Model Builders and was customized by Al Hepler.

It’s late in the evening as train 64 passes thru Boyleston, Indiana near milepost 228 on the LE&W District’s Sandusky Division. The Boyleston Grain Co. is located on the left and Massey’s Grocery to the right.

13 The lower level of Jan’s layout serves as a staging, storage, and transition area for the main level 12 inches above, thus expanding operational possibilities and allowing train movements over all four NKP divisions served by Frankfort to be governed by a scale clock. Extensive lower level trackwork and switching capabilities are an integral part of Jan's overall design, while trains are moved from one level to the other by way of a helix.

EQUIPMENT AND STRUCTURES

The following listings describe various items seen in the photo essay: Equipment:

Mikado #599 - Athearn Genesis Berkshire #717 and #738 - Proto 2000 SW-9 #240 - Proto 2000 All Geeps are Proto 2000 2-8-0 #492 - Bachman RS-3 #535 - Proto 1000 customized by Al Hepler Caboose #1047 - American Model Builders customized by Al Hepler. Structures: The Swift Bean Plant was constructed from two #993-3022 Walthers AMD elevator kits and a kitbashed #933-3019 Cement Plant kit. The ice house was kitbashed from a #933-3049 Walthers ice house kit WY tower and the yard offices were scratch built from Tony Koester’s plans that appeared in Realistic Layouts 2007. Most of the other buildings and the coaling tower were scratch built.

Jan Woods lives about a mile east of Boyleston and seven miles east of Frankfort along the tracks of the old LE&W District. He has to cross the right of way to get in his driveway. Anyone wishing to contact Jan about his layout may do so by email at [email protected]. 14 Modeling the Nickel Plate Road in New Zealand By Kel Sherson, NKPHTS #1369

Photos by Ray Mathewson, Alan Duston, Brent Hopley and Ruth Sherson

A work train with a Wheeling & Lake Erie 4-8-2 “Water Buffalo” from Sunset Models on the head end makes its way long the Nickel Plate mainline near Conneaut, Ohio on Kel Sherson’s layout. Kel’s love of the NKP has not been deterred by living in New Zealand, half a world away from where his favorite railroad operated. Kel Sherson is a Kiwi who lives in Wellington, New Zealand, with his wife Ruth. They have three grown children, all of whom have ‘left the nest’. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is located at the south end of the North Island. By profession, Kel is a Manufacturing Engineer, but moved into business consulting and information technology and is now self-employed and works as a business change program

manager. Kel and Ruth are frequent visitors to the United States and have attended a number of NKPHTS conventions, most recently the one held in Buffalo in 2009. Kel models the Nickel Plate Road in both HO and O scales and serves as NMRA NZ Superintendent – Division 5 of the Australasian Region. We are pleased to present the story, in Kel’s own words, of how he became a fan of the Nickel Plate Road and has spent the past 30-plus years modeling the NKP half a world away from where it operated. 15 Kel Sherson’s Nickel Plate Road HO scale layout takes up most of his 48 by 14 foot downstairs room, but provides him and his friends from the American Central Model Railroaders adequate space for between 8 and 12 operators to run about 50 trains per operating session. I model the Nickel Plate Road, having an HO scale basement layout, and I also model the NKP in O scale, utilizing a modular layout. Like most model railroaders, my Dad built a layout for us when I was about five years old. I built my own

While the operation of steam engines on the modular layout always generates a lot of attention, diesel fans get to watch the operation of Atlas O GP9s and GP30 in Nickel Plate stripes as well. Somewhat later, and now married, Ruth and I found ourselves living in Melbourne, Australia A Nickel Plate Road Berkshire by KTM pulls a string of reefers during one of several work ‘transfers’. I joined the from Nickel Plate High Speed Products at Rail-Ex 2008. Melbourne Model Railway Club and found an layout in my teens, but then trains got put away interest in US prototypes through club loan because there was surfing and cars and studying issues of Model Railroader magazine. On our to be done. return to New Zealand, we lived in Napier. A 16 layout got built in a spare bedroom, then rebuilt in a double garage, following a change of houses. It was at this time I discovered the Nickel Plate Road. I was on a business trip in 1976 and found myself in San Francisco on my way back to New Zealand. I had a spare day and spent it touring the local hobby shops. Walking through a park, I discovered a stall selling leather belts. I told the vendor I would buy one if he had a railroad buckle. He only had one, with a prominent ‘Nickel Plate Road’. I bought it and I still wear it; with some pride I might add. Kel Sherson (at left in white shirt) enjoys attending At the next hobby shop, I started looking for shows with the modular layout as it gives him an information about the NKP and found John opportunity to share his love of the Nickel Plate Rehor’s book, The Nickel Plate Story. The rest, Road with large groups of fellow New Zealanders who would, otherwise, never know about the railroad.

The ACMR O scale modular layout is a popular attraction at well-attended shows like Rail-Ex. The 2010 event was held on November 20th and 21st at the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington, New Zealand. During that weekend, the public had an opportunity to visit 30 operating layouts; 19 trade booths presenting all kinds of model railroading books, rolling stock, track, accessories and scenery material for sale; and 11 exhibitors, including the NZ Association of Model Railway Clubs. as they say, is history. This book had all the answers and I had now found the railroad I wanted to model. Here was a railroad that was customer focused, with dedicated employees, an enviable safety record, was profitable (well, mostly) and operated those magnificent Berkshires and handsome Mikados. Handling lots of bridge traffic was also a bonus for model ‘staging to staging’ operation. Best of all, it was different – it was ‘eastern’ and ‘steam'. At the time, most US prototype modelers in New Zealand modeled western roads, using diesel An example of one of the long O scale Nickel Plate trains the locomotives; generally because the US west ACMR group can run on their large modular layout.

17 coast is nearer - only 13 hours away - and Being built new, we specified a 48 foot by 14 visiting that prototype locale is easier. So I foot room downstairs that is now occupied by my HO layout. The previous layout got ‘stretched’. This meant a lot of gradients got changed, but it enabled me to get trains running again in a relatively short time. The layout was converted to DCC when it was rebuilt. At that time trains ran from staging (7 trains) across the layout, where the track looped and sent trains back across the layout to where they had started. But by now, I had purchased a lot more ‘trains’ and I needed more storage. As it happened, Tony Koester was in New Zealand as the keynote guest for a model

Kel’s Weaver NKP Hudson pulls his passenger consist made up of scale-length MTH Madison cars, converted from 3-rail to 2-rail with the installation of scale wheel sets from NWSL. decided to start collecting and running more NKP locomotives and cars. On our return to Wellington we ‘dug out’ under our home for a new 25 foot by 25 foot layout room and I constructed a 25 foot by 14 foot layout. At about that time, I also discovered there were brass NKP locomotives and cabooses – so started to collect those. However, as the family grew, we outgrew the house. So came about the Named for Kel Sherson’s wife, Ruth’s Candy factory is a large lineside industry served by the Nickel Plate on Kel’s home layout. move to our current home.

The use of digital electronics enhances the operational possibilities on Kel’s layout. Digitrax DCC with DT400 and DT100 infrared throttles, a DCS100 command station and a DB200 booster feeding power through two PM42s allow for operation over eight blocks.

18 railway convention. Tony and Judy visited us and, Athearn, while freight cars came from Walthers, after dinner, Tony and I, together with another Intermountain, Red Caboose, Athearn, and AHM. Kiwi modeling friend, Tony Owen, retired All rolling stock has metal #5 Kadees and metal downstairs to the train room. Tony K. shared his wheelsets. Structures are mostly from Walthers,

Following in her father’s footsteps, Kel’s daughter along with modular kits and a lot of kitbashing. Ingrid is also an excellent modeler. She expanded, repainted, and detailed Kel’s original oil refinery; a On my layout, I use Peco code 100 track and major industry served by the NKP on Kel’s layout. mostly ‘large’ Peco turnouts, fitted with Peco point motors. Layout power and control-wise, I thoughts and wisdom regarding the design of his use Digitrax DCC (developed by another Kiwi) then-new layout and the die was cast – I would with DT400 and DT100 (I have spare encoders, increase the existing staging and add staging to just ask) infrared throttles, a DCS100 command the ‘other end’ of my layout. station and a DB200 booster feeding power That decision created a lot of layout through two PM42s – so the layout has eight reconstruction work, but it was worth it. The blocks. There are six AR1 reversing units, two of layout now has 11 staging tracks included in a which control turntables. Turnout control is from return loop arrangement at each end so I don’t have to turn trains. At each end, seven tracks are used to store trains which run as manifest freights across the layout. The other four tracks are used for storing passenger and freight trains that run with their same consist. On some nights, after a hard week, some operators just want to ‘run a train’. So we dispatch those freights, usually coal trains (from the mine to the steel mill and back) and passenger trains for that purpose; within the operating schedule of course. The Dispatcher then needs to keep the manifests and local freights on the schedule amongst all of this. My roster of HO motive power consists of locomotives from Sunset, Key, PFM/United, Attention to detail, such as seen in the combination of Proto2000 and Nickel Plate Products. Passenger trackage and structures for this siding, adds visual interest coaches are from Walthers, Branchline and and enhances operational possibilities. 19 throttles or local panels linked to DS64s for provides, along with the extra trains, about 50 setting up routes. I like the capability of pushing trains per operating session – this does us for ‘one button’ to ensure all turnouts are aligned for several evenings. Usually we’ll have between 8 that ‘High Speed Service’ freight heading through to 12 operators. We buddy up for manifest trains, town after some tired guy has previously been we’ve found it makes switching ‘along the line’ switching and forgotten to align a turnout. Scale much smoother and keeps the ‘traffic’ flowing and sixty miles an hour down an industrial spur is the Dispatcher happy – as per the prototype. generally not a pretty look. A group of friends from the greater Wellington Layout scenery is half completed and includes area, who all model US prototype railroads, calls several models and scenes built by our daughter itself the American Central Model Railroaders. We’ve been getting together every second Friday night for over 30 years to have operating sessions, ‘run trains’, or help build one another’s layouts on a ‘round robin” basis. It is not a ‘club’ as there is no official-dom or fees. One of our group, Ray Mathewson (who is also a great photographer) is the editor of our HIGHBALL e- magazine and he manages to put out an issue after most train sessions. It’s a great record of how our layouts progress. Four of the ACMR group are NMRA members. New Zealand also has the NZ Association of A Nickel Plate freight passes Kel’s work train somewhere Model Railway Clubs, but nothing similar to the near Madison, Ohio. NMRA. Ingrid. My current major project is building a Walthers steel mill complex within the return loop at the east end staging area. Trains servicing all the industries are run with ‘steam’ locomotives. Most are brass from Key or United/PFM, since I like their ‘weight’. The older locomotives have been re-motored with can motors and most have backheads fitted. All have DCC decoders and some locomotives have sound decoders, so fitting ‘sound’ is another current project. In recognition of the NKP’s special ‘honorary’ steam locomotives, there are two PAs which have passenger trains. Otherwise, it’s Berkshires, Mikados, Consolidations, and switchers. But, I do Operations on Kel’s layout are not limited to manifest and local look forward to Doyle McCormack rolling out his freight trains. He also runs passenger trains on a regular basis. NKP PA, which will be worth a trip back to see. I use RailOp to generate layout traffic, with Having been doing this with the same core of requires switching specified on switchlists. I don’t guys for over 30 years, some lifetime friendships use car cards. We operate in a ‘sequential’ have been formed. Tony Owen, his wife Maeleen, timetable, with manifest freights leaving each end Ruth, and I have taken vacations together in the of the layout about the same time, crossing US to ride and watch trains. Our shared interest somewhere on the layout and finishing in the in railroads has gotten us to places and enabled storage track their partnered train previously left. us to meet people we otherwise wouldn’t have Using this and repeating this cycle twice gone or gotten to meet. Like a visit to the 20 Koesters in Newton, New Jersey and to NKPHTS 2-rail, Northwest Short Line wheelsets and Kadee conventions in various locations. couplers. Since we also like sharing our interest in the The O scale layout is displayed at least Nickel Plate Road with others, hence our annually at train shows in either Wellington, decision to get into O scale. There are very few Porirua and Lower Hutt – all cities within the O scale modelers in New Zealand and those that do model O, are usually members of the NZR (9 mm) group or British prototype modelers. Traditional Lionel-style 3-rail or hi-rail operation has never gained popularity and there is no representation of TCA or TTOS in New Zealand. A few years ago, another friend, Brent Hopley, transferred up from Christchurch and brought a modular O scale display layout with him. It’s the size of a badminton court and double tracked, so it can handle four trains running at once. This keeps the crowds happy at shows, since they always like to see trains run. The layout is actually designed for New Zealand Railways (NZR) 9mm scale – which uses O scale track for A Nickel Plate manifest freight heads over Kel’s high-level our NZR 3’-6” , but our US prototype steel trestle. Constructed from balsa wood and modeled after trains operate with no problems. the typical NKP trestles found on the Buffalo Division and Cleveland Divisions on the Nickel Plate’s east end, the Our O scale equipment roster includes KTM structure is a striking visual addition to the layout topography. greater Wellington Region. During public displays, we run NZR 9mm prototype for a while, then we run US prototype trains for a while, then NZR, and so on. The scenery on the layout is ‘typical New Zealand’. However, when a Nickel Plate Berkshire or some GP9s rumble past with a long freight, who looks at the scenery? The layout is also set up so Th.at improvements to wiring and scenery can be made, with each ending with a train running session. One of the major shows where we operate the modular layout is Rail-Ex. While there is no major sponsor, Rail-Ex is organized annually on a

An extensive lower level provides an area for staging round robin basis by three model railway clubs and, as seen here, a reversing track. This area will be who share the show’s revenue as their club’s the site for Kel's future steel mill complex. Note the fundraisers. The clubs involved are the Marklin use of Christmas tree lights to illuminate the lower level. Club, British Railway Modelers and the Hutt Berkshires and 0-8-0 switcher; Atlas O GP9s, Valley Model Railway Club. GP30, and SW switcher; and a Weaver Hudson Of course, modeling the Nickel Plate Road in and Consolidation. A number of our freight cars New Zealand does have its challenges, came from NKPHTS members David Vaughn especially with sourcing specific NKP items. I (Nickel Plate Products) and Tom Gascoigne mostly source my ‘layout related and DCC (Buffalo Creek Graphics) plus others from supplies’ locally, but I acquire most of my NKP Intermountain and Red Caboose. Coaches for locomotives, freight and passenger cars from US our passenger train are from MTH converted to based on-line retailers or wholesalers, via e-Bay, 21 from the NKPHTS Store, or from hobby shops Berkshires - one being ‘alive’ and I’m currently when we visit the United States. Don Thomas watching progress on the Age of Steam from Train Specialties was especially helpful in Roundhouse and the 763. Best of all, though, my early NKP days and whenever we’re in Ohio has been the friendships forged through being we make it a point to call by Chardon and say a member of the NKPHTS. I’ve been very ‘Hi’ to Don and Pat. Also we’ve been very grateful for all the answers to questions and fortunate to have a friendship with Richard and Lolly Schwerer, who live in Denver. Rich works for Caboose Hobbies and I can easily spend a day there! Over the years, I’ve found that NKP items are available – you just have to ‘keep looking’ and grab them when you can. Other things I have to take into account are the currency exchange rate (which varies from NZ$1 = US $0.72 to US$0.80) and the USPS postal rates. Occasionally, New Zealand Customs charges sales tax, when a high value item is imported. Despite the difficulties, however, the pleasure Kel's version of the Nickel Plate's Buffalo yard facilities of modeling the NKP is well worth it. features a Heljan turntable and a Heljan locomotive shed, kitbashed to fit a small space. His caboose servicing A special aside to my interest in O scale structure is to the right, and is also kitbashed to fit the was the opportunity to stay with David and narrow space available. Two westbound trains are shown in Suzanne Vaughn when Ruth and I visited the US the center of the photo, waiting for an eastbound to clear. in 2009 to attend the NKPHTS Buffalo convention. the general assistance and guidance I’ve I really enjoyed running trains on David’s received from NKPHTS folks over the years. layout and I look forward to another visit We’d like to return the hospitality we’ve sometime to see progress on what I believe received and there is always an open will become a landmark layout. It certainly has invitation to visit us down here in New the genes for that. Zealand. If you’re ever heading our way, let us So, all that journey from a simple belt know. You will get to run trains and it will feel buckle. But the interest in the Nickel Plate ‘just like home’. In the meantime, I hope Road and subsequent visits to NKP territory you’re having as much fun with your NKP have enabled me to get into the cabs of three modeling as I am with mine.

The display on Kel’s train room wall not only adds a decorative touch, but also pays tribute to his love of the Nickel Plate Road and to his dedication to modeling his favorite railroad. 22 MODELING NEWS

NEW PRODUCTS

Atlas N-scale NKP USRA Steel Rebuilt Box Car

Standard MSRP: $19.95; Undecorated MSRP: $15.95. Estimated Delivery: August 2011. NKP road numbers: 27826 & 27914. Website: http://www.atlasrr.com/NFreight/nsteelrebuilt3.htm.

Atlas N-scale 2-NKP Bay Offset Side Hopper

Standard MSRP: $17.95 Undecorated MSRP: $15.95; 3-Pack MSRP: $53.85. NKP road numbers: 33441 & 33799. Estimated Delivery: August 2011. Website: http://www.atlasrr.com/NFreight/n2bayoffsethopper3.htm.

2010 NICKEL PLATE ROAD NEW PRODUCT SUMMARY

The following new products were announced in either the 2010 monthly E-List Newsletters or the November 2010 Modeler's Notebook. Please note that many of the products may not still be available from the manufacturer due to ordering deadlines. Please check with your local hobby shop, or train shows in your area, for availability. Prices shown are subject to change as well. Some product website links were expired, so only the manufacturer's website home page is shown. Please visit those sites and use their search feature to find a product.

ACCURAIL http://www.accurail.com

• HO 41 foot, steel gondola, black with white lettering as NKP #345602, 345653, 345698. Comes in 3-pack, item #37284 @ $39.98 or single car item # 3728 @ $13.98.

• HO Wheeling & Lake Erie forty-one foot steel gondolas, black with white lettering in a three car set #37334 at $39.98 with single cars available for $13.98.

• HO NKP 40' Outside Braced Boxcars 4500 (formerly 4400 series) Series. Built in 1944. Retail $13.98. Available since October.

ATHEARN http://www.athearn.com

• HO Ford F100 Panel Truck. Item No. 27684. $15.98. Orders due November 19. Estimated arrival April 2011.

ATLAS HO-scale http://www.atlasrr.com

• Nickel Plate/Lackawanna Dairy Line reefer - 36 foot wood side reefer in two numbers: NPLX 301 & 312, item #s 6113-5 & 6.

23 • Nickel Plate RS36 Standard MSRP: $99.95, Limited Edition MSRP: $109.95, Undecorated MSRP: $89.95. Estimated Delivery: November 2010. Road numbers 866, 870, and 873.

• NE-6 Caboose Atlas HO RTR NE-6 Caboose, Standard MSRP: $28.95. Estimated Delivery: February 2011. NKP road numbers 759 and 770; W&LE #557731. ATLAS N-scale http://www.atlasrr.com/

• NKP GP-7 Locomotive. Standard MSRP: $109.95, Decoder-Equipped MSRP: $144.95. Estimated Delivery: September 2010 . Road numbers 415, 418, and 422.

• NKP GP-30 Locomotive. Standard MSRP: $119.95, Decoder-Equipped MSRP: $154.95. Estimated Delivery: October 2010. Road numbers 900, 904, and 907.

• NKP diesel locomotives in stock. NKP GP-7's, in three road numbers, feature directional lighting, golden-white LEDs, dual brass flywheels, blackened wheels, DCC ready and AccuMate couplers priced at $109.95. There are two different NKP numbers in the DCC equipped option for $144.95.

ATLAS O-Scale http://www.atlaso.com

• Trainman Line, for model NKP passenger consists a 60-foot Baggage Car in DL&W livery. DL&W #2001 & 2009. 2-rail Item #2001355-1 & 2001355-2 @ $84.95 each; 3-rail item #2001305-1 & 2001305-2 @ $79.95 each. These cars also have REA lettering. There are additional DL&W coaches, combines, etc. in this same line.

• W&LE 0-6-0 Atlas, Founders Series, O 2-rail and 3-rail.

BACHMANN http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/

• HO NKP GP30. Road Number #904. M.S.R.P. $50.00

BLUFORD SHOPS, LLC http://www.bluford-shops.com/

• N-Scale offset side, 70 ton, RTR three bay hopper in Nickel Plate Road livery. 6 road numbers in single car, 2- Packs, or 3-Packs. Single cars will be priced at $18.95. Multi-packs will be priced proportionally. Due for delivery in December, 2010.

BOWSER http://www.bowser-trains.com/

• Present-day HO W&LE 100 Ton Triple Hopper. The car is offered in three W&LE numbers as well as one un- numbered. The cars sell for $23.95 each.

BUFFALO CREEK GRAPHICS http://www.trainresource.com

• O-scale Custom-decorated 40000 Series 40’ Stock Car in conjunction with the 2010 NKPHTS Bellevue Convention.

INTERMOUNTAIN RAILROAD COMPANY/RED CABOOSE http://www.ircmodelersclub.com/

• HO & N Scale NKP 1937 AAR 40' Boxcar. 6 Car Numbers. HO - $29.95; N - $21.95. Orders due by December 31. Available June/July.

24 • HO Scale NKP 1958 Cu. Ft 2 Bay Hopper. 6 car numbers. $32.95. dOers due by December 31. Available June/ July.

• NKP 42' Fish Belly Flat Car. Red Caboose style. RTR. MSRP $28.95. Available since October.

• Six new Nickel Plate Road N scale 42' Fish Belly Flat Cars. $31.95/2 pack. Estimated release - September/ October.

LIONEL http://www.lionel.com

• Nickel Plate Road Berkshire #765 in the "as-built" configuration as seen in the recent restoration of the prototype by the WHRHS. $1399.

• Nickel Plate Road double sheathed boxcar. $69.99.

• Nickel Plate Road steel caboose. $84.99.

MONON STORES http://www.mononstores.com/page/page/5042802.htm

• HO-scale Linden (IN) Depot and Freight House RSLlaserkit wood kits. Combination depot kit - $98.00. Freight House $58.00.

MTH/RAILKING http://www.mthtrains.com

• HO-scale NKP 70-ton Mill Gondola. Three road numbers. M.S.R.P $18.95

• Wheeling & Lake Erie Slag Car. Product Number: 30-79276 M.S.R.P. $47.95

WALTHERS http://www.walthers.com

• USRA 0-6-0 steam locomotives for their Proto 2000 line of products. Standard DC locomotives MSRP: $249.98. DCC & sound equipped locomotives MSRP: $349.98. Estimated Delivery: September 2010. NKP numbers: Item #920-60302 NKP #384 Sound & DCC; Item #920-67302 NKP #383 Standard DC. Also available in painted and unlettered.

• Proto 2000 Heritage Item #920-60302, USRA 0-6-0, NKP #384, w/sound & DDC, $349.98; Item #920-67302, USRA 0-6-0, NKP #383, standard DC, $249.98. September, 2010 anticipated delivery date.

• The Pullman-Standard 52 seat coach, Item #932-16761, in NKP livery has a sale price of $21.98, regularly $44.98.

• The AAR 52' 6" Flatcars kits w/load are also on sale for $14.98, regularly $19.98: Item #920-54497, NKP #3000 w/generators; Item #920-54498, NKP #3036 w/Wagon boxes & frames.

• The AAR 52' 6" Flatcars w/load fully assembled are also on sale for $23.98, regularly $31.98: Item #920-54547, NKP #3000 w/generators; Item #920-54548, NKP #3036 w/Wagon boxes & frames.

• NKP AAR 41' Steel Gondola. Walthers Part #112-3728, p.184 Walthers 2010 HO Scale Reference HO scale, $13.98

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