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PRECISION RAILROAD MODELS

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AWARDS

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��TITID a: ([)[j[fQ[}�JCBJCt�cill [JJ([)���ITO�[f CC@)[J �ClCC@J[F �rn� Voted N Scale Rolling Stock Model of the Year, our Corrugated 4-Car Sets are readily available. Three different sets for , Burlington & Quincy, Pennsylvania, and Southern build an impressive 12-car train to waltz around your layout. Equally attractive Wabash and ™ sets are currently available through your local hobby shop. Your dealer may also have Canadian Pacific and Santa Fe sets in his in-store inventory. To complete your train, matching E8/9 diesel are available in CB&Q, PRR, and SOU paint schemes.

For further details, visit your local hobby shop or www.katousa.com N Scale ROC Units Twelve decorated roadnames plus unlettered. Suitable for five decades of modeling. Ideal for small layouts KATO U.S.A. INC. and commuter or rural modeling. K:.ATOI , I� � � �� 100 Remington Road· Schaumburg, IL 60173 It's not every day you get to control something of this size and magnitude. Train Simulator puts you in command of the powerful BNSF Dash 9, the lightning fast • " '" Express and 7 other highly detailed locomotives. Choose from 6 world-famous rail routes and over 600 miles of accurately recreated trac�. Pull into charming stations, pick up freight cars and stick to tight timetables. It's all up to you, because you're the engineer.

Aficl'OSoft· microsoft.com/games/trainsim October 2001 • Volume 13, Number 5

ON THE COVER: - You can use Steve Orth's • RS2 hOI1] techniques to add a see-through grille to your ATiF.:Aleo Kato's: M· �elJ Ra�e. II Athearn SD40T-2 or you can go all the way and e (;} S �: recreate your version of his SD45T-2. It all begins on page 40 of this issue. -Steve Orth photo e. Trl)r�1 Arti �da.t�d Auto Raqk� {tqm At;!CM' M . dd� e ge. 5'4

RAILMODELJOURNAL is published 12 times a year by Golden Sell Press, 2403 Champa St., Denver, CO 80205. Price per single copy is 14.95 newsstand; \5.95 direct from publisher, or 142.00 per year in the U.s.A. Individual copy prices higher in Canada and other countrie!. Foreign subscriptions \54.00 for 12 issues, payable in U.S. funds. RAILMODELJOURNAL, ISSN 1043·5441, copyright 2001 by Golden Sell Press. All rights reserved. Periodicals Postage paid at Denver, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Railmodeljournal, 2403 Champa St., Denver, CO 80205. Visit our website at www.railmodeljournal.com e

4 RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 HO SCALE: SCALE: o SCALE: Diesel Modeling: Performance: Modern Freight Cars: ATSF Aleo RS2 from Kato's Model, Summary of All Previous locomotive IPO, Railbox is Other Cars from the by BiU Pearce...... Performance Test Reports, Box Car Boom of the Seventies, Evans, 17 Locomotive Performance: by Guy Thrams ...... 24 Part 3, the "Kit" Cars, from Athearn's Summary of All Previous Locomotive Modern Freight Cars: kit, by Jim Eager ...... 8 Performance Test Reports, Thrall Articulated Auto Racks from Atlas' Conrail 50-Foot Box Car from Branchline's Models, by James Panza ...... by Guy Thrams ...... 24 54 Kit, by Bob Rivard ...... 38 Techniques: FMLX 17014 62-Foot Tank Car from Fun With Strippers, the easy way to Athearn's Kit, by Dennis Lippert ...... 39 remove paint, by Bill Pearce ...... CNW 718207 ACF 50-Foot Box Car from 36 ALL SCALES: Techniques: LBF's Kit, by Mike Rose ...... 53 Intermodal Modeling: Fun With Strippers, the easy way to NKP 42-Foot Piggyback Flats from Red DEPARTMENTS: remove paint, by Bill Pearce ...... 36 What's New ...... Caboose Kits, by Mont Switzer ...... 11 6, 7, 58 Operations: Diesels, One-Oetail-At-A-Time: Calendar ...... 59 Reversing Loop Operations with DCC, G. E. U23B as Norfolk Southern 3909 by John Palmer ...... 50 and 3914 from Atlas Models,

by Louis A. Marre ...... 21 Locomotive Performance: Summary of All Previous Locomotive Performance Test Reports,

by Guy Thrams ...... 24 Diesel Modeling: EMD SD45T-2 Diesels from Kit­ Converted Athearn Body Shells,

by D. Scott Chatfield ...... 26 Kit-Converting Athearn S040T-2 Body Shells to SD45T-2 Diesels,

by Steve Orth...... 40 Layout Tour: Chicago, in HO Scale,

by Mike Palmiter ...... 28

RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 5 Walthers is now shipping an injection-molded plastic kit to duplicate the bulk oil-loading racks seen at oil refineries and oil depots, as well as other liquid commodities like fertilizers and liq­ uid chemicals. The Truck Loading Rack kit is $24.98 at your dealer.

Sheepscot Scale Products, 2 Country Charm Road, Cumberland, ME 04021 is now shipping cast-metal and urethane kits to duplicate the International Harvester F-230-D Heavy Tr uck cab and chassis. The trucks were introduced in 1959. The kit is $24.00.

Oriental Limited, P.O. Box 4171, Evansville, IN 47724 is importing ready-to-run bar replicas of the steel mill slag cars. The unpainted models are $192.85 and the black or oxidized brown cars are $207.15.

Blair Line, P.O. Box 1136 Carthage, MO 64836 is now shipping laser-cut billboards. The signs are easily removed from the fret and can be painted in your choice of colors. The Western Auto sign is avail­ able in a 3 x 3 3/4-inch version for HO, S or 0 scales for $9.95. A smaller 2 x 2 1 h sign for Z, N or HO is $7.95. Blair Line offers similar signs with the Greyhound and Phillips 66 logos as well as a "Freight Station" sign.

6 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 Funero and Camerlengo, R.D.#3, Box 2800, Honesdale, PA 18431 is now shipping this cast­ polycarbonate resin kit to duplicate the Central Vermont 50-foot single-sheathed 1 l/2-door box cars in the 4100-series. The kit has a one-piece body and sells for $27.99 less trucks and cou­ plers but with decals.

Walthers is offering a much-improved version of their Funnel-Flow 23,000 gallon tank car. The new model is fully assembled with separate metal grabirons and pipes. The models are sold individ­ ually for $15.98 each or in packs of two for $31.98 including trucks and magnetic couplers.

This class KF and KFA stock car is the iatest model from Westerfield, 53 River Lane, Crossville, TN 38555.The cars were built in 1904 and 1912 and lasted into the twen­ ties. The KF-class car is offered in the as-built 1904-07 version with PRR, PL and subsidiaries decals, as-built 1904-07 with CA&C,GR&I and Vandalia decals and as-built 1909 with PRR and Vandalia decals. The KFA car is offered in the as­ built 1909 with Vandalia Line decals. Each kit is $30.00 less trucks and couplers but with decals.

Walthers is producing a variety of HO scale repli­ cas of the Budd corrugated streamlined passen­ ger cars. The newest addition is this line. The model features full interior detail metal trucks and wheelsets, working diaphragms and mag­ netic couples. The Budd Diners are available let­ tered for Amtrack Phase I, II, III or IV, PRR, CB&Q, NYC, Cp, ACL, SP and undecorated.

Custom Finishing, 379 Tu lley Road, Orange, MA 01364 is now shipping cast-metal kits to recre­ ate the Badger Model 1085C Cruz Air rubber­ tired excavator. The kits have a fully-detailed cab that rotates and the boom raises, lowers and telescopes. The kit is $64.95 plus $6.95 ship­ ping and handling.

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 7 ------[PAINT & DECALS ] ------

, ltKIT" CARS IN HO SCALE FROM MODIFIED ATHEARN KIT

By Jim Eager

'. :.- :--:'":'._ :- 'tt� _ :-; �:, '''':':' _ ':'-,"-:,,-_ - '-' - . ',·.'�c :;-+ ·:,,· .-�..�<::;-�;" •. :"_ ;�' . :':_ : _: . , ·f��;"�!f.; _-·:. :,,,,:'_�-:-,\:,- ; � , , _ ....;:y-_.�,"":;, ::,: , , .. '�_ :"-':�:-'- . �:::�;":�.'·'�'c:·t�:>� :"'·-:::· Thevast majorityof the box cars still rolling on the rails were , built dur!ng )he seventies�:You cilildupliciite most < . . . ' ...... ' . . ' . . of these cars in HO, N,S, or 0 scale...... ' . Parts 1 and 2 of this seri� EVilns"'�';Iil�cilrs appeared in the August. 'mel.·S�pt*7l"'.,e �i 1 ( is.su�s.'(t{ . j s o�. the 200 1, . Parts 2,3 and 40fthese ilrtic�t!s on . �I:!�t!.�. �. ick'7built ca�s app�a�eeli-:,th,eja���ry'ifebrUarY,. . M. a!:c,,·a�d .. April 2001 issues of "Thfi'jourl'lal." ' ." ;: '. ) , . ... .' . '. �.',i , ' ...... •...... ( ' " ci cir: �' , · a. · . ! r.' , < Part 1 of the fM C series,illustrilting the early cars� ppe e�. i i ��� J���.;�() 9,P.i�su�, �d Par:t � illustrati g the Plate B can that can be modeled in N sCC)le withMicro-Tra�iI� models,a'ppe:are�;ir.,�h*7 August2 ()0Ois��e. Parts 3, 4 and 5,illustrating more ofthe single:-door and double... door Plab�·C car�i�pp, . eared in theSeptember,} October and November 2000 issues. . .""iP, ,;,'" , " " ;" !!l ' ;' •. " Previous articles in this series began with Part I, . history:(tfth�·i in �he 1?f!C7e�berlcjCJ9J�stl�;;that includ,eCla . "Box Car Boom" of the seventiesand Part II, ".Iso,in th.e Dece�ber 1999i�sue; iI�cI,r.�J�t��(flV;i� tl:!ejal1uary and february2 �00' issues,. iIIustrate� andc!..,��ri�e� t�f!. ��� ::-" .r� . ,; �d,I,�, �;rri����J!!g)!:, , 9t �,: Q a�� � ��I*7 · ��i��., � � ca . . models. PartV, In theMarc:h200, c:O!*7�a,g�i; ��Y e",�lm, �.�T���,�.�, ;��!h the,:early Olssu�,.,egal1.t,�� �f c:������' �� cars, most of which can' be dupli�ted \.Vit,�· �iI" ���,r5� �!�:}1��rt�·Yk lil1 , ��, t �;'�p�il' :2�.p, � i.,�!ued:�lh.� tt!!� ; ���t ()f l �!ra the �ullman-Standar, . cars that. can b� d�p" ted .w�t� . ! *7 � C I.:t.Q.: �t s�!� k.!�. , :I'�e.J ��I� �f��.l1dard �� � � � , � . �. � � \ �, J ID� cars In theMay 2000 Issue can be dup"cated �'t"A��f!�m� e�; ��.f!! e� !19. sc:alfi! � i1"�� f!�r!I��t of,t,hese 53�4 ; � l ,, ,?� P lIman-Sta dard cars wi�h di�gonal pan�!J2()�s.',cit .l1i � �J:-c. ���', fr, , L MQt;. klts· a,� �. C:r1�t;d�y B()�'j ()l1ve o e� � � � � 'I.-:!d,�:x:. flfa.."' � � ,. ;, Rivard forhIS MN S. model' In ,the.; l'.1ay2000 'lssue�T"t;�fi! ! U!� prey!()�s , arpc::'��) on ' model..in .,'g , . moder� . ,. L ::;;;;�! " " :F.. .:. . ,', freight cars on our web site at �.railmodeljournatcc:i m ;�?f;!/I;.;�c0 :,·.�·t'i" > ," , " . .' ,", _.,'- :_c'.. .. , :;; ;'.1 ' � .' :::�' , ':'. . ', "'-':�" ,.'_: <,�<:.' :":�:.,-:_\�>,':\',, :� -,_:" ' ·'"r!'�-�:1';':",:;,,;� � ',:('''': :t.,oti.'!�';',�:\:·: )'.- \<:.:.;"�,::i:.' ":J;�:">. ' _".:';'

AVL 155526, ex-NSL 155150-155609, built by Evans-SIECO in April 1979 this former Saint lawrence car was delivered built-up by Evans (note the builders logo on the sidesill) and was working for the Aroostook Valley Railroad when photographed. -Ed Hawkins photo HO Scale Decals: Herald King 8-1000 plus AVl reporting marks

8 RAILMODELJOURNAL' OCTOBER 2001 ATW 4179, series 4150-4199, built by Evans-SIECO in December 1979 This Atlantic & Western car appears to have been built for a NRUC order that was canceled before delivery, hence both the Evans builders sticker beside the COTS stencil and the NRUC herald plate on the door. The car was assigned to Scott Paper service on the L&N . -Nick Molo collection, June 1981 HO Herald King B-51O provides most of the lettering

AT LA NT! C &. ST ER N R.R

w ill

."coo XI' tS5\lOO NCWIl·7V

AR 1545, series 1500-1599, built by Evans­ SIECO in January and February 1979 Evans built this group of cars with waffle side impressions for the Aberdeen & Rockfish-the only Evans waffle cars that I am aware of. -John Riddell photo, June 1984 Scale Decals: HO Herald King B-1630

MB 5055, series 5000-5299, assembled by United American Car in August 1979 Evans supplied kits to Itel as well, which contracted United American Car to assemble them. Meridian & Bigbee was one of only a handful of roads that received the cars. -Jim Eager photo, March 1984 Scale Decals: HO Herald King B-1 120

n late 1978 Evans-STECO began Stanray's X-panel roof continued to be Bigbee (MB 5000-5299). UA C also built producing a slightly different used, but these cars were only produced in cars with a shorter bolster-to-bolster side­ seven-panel design that was first the 5,277-cubic-foot Plate C size. si II fo r the Lancaster & Chester (LC 200- supplied as kits to NRUCs Golden Tye assembled several groups 239), Pittsburgh Allegheny & McKee Golden Tye Division car shops. of these cars for NRUC-controlled Rocks (PAM 1000-1014). and Virginia These cars combined some shortlines, including the Portland Ter­ Central (VC 1000- 1282). With the construction details of previous minal (PT 20 1 080-20 1257) and St. col lapse of the IPD scheme, several cars SIECO and USRE cars with a few new Lawrence (NSL 151485-151721), but built for NRUC orders were delivered to features. First, while the sidesill was still Evans also delivered built-up cars to the other railroads instead, and many second­ straight, it now ran the full length of the St. Lawrence (NSL 155150-155609) and hand NRUC cars went to work fo r new car, and that extra bit of depth below the (MTSS 304000- owners. door was gone. Second, while the ends 304049). Evans also supplied one group There are no commercial models of were still the non-terminating box­ of cars with waffle side impressions to the these late Evans cars. As with the earlier cOITugated type, the liner sheets were Aberdeen & Rock fish (A R 1500- 1 599). Evans SIECO and USRE cars, they can be plug-welded to the outer corrugated NRUC was not the only Evans approximated by modifying the sidesill of sheets, and more obvious, the ends were customer to assemble its own cars. United the Athearn ACF "Railbox" kit, but the now riveted to the carsides. This required American Car (UAC). of Carterville, resulting Plate number 5520 car will not a single hole in the top chord at each end Georgia, assembled Evans straight-siII have the heft of the prototype. RMJ to provide access to the topmost fastener. kits for ltel for lease to Meridian &

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 9 IPO, RAILBOX & OTHER CARS

D&H 25758, series 25700-25774, ex-NRUC car built by Evans-SIECO in June 1979 Another example of an NRUC order that was actually delivered to another railroad is this group of Delaware & Hudson cars. -Jim Eager photo, June 1981 HO Scale Decals: Herald King B-344

PT 20 1135, series 201080-201257, assembled by Golden Tye in November 1978 Beginning in late 1978, Evans-SIECO supplied kits to NRUC's Golden Tye Division for assembly in their own car shops, like this Po rtland Te rminal car. These cars introduced several design changes, including a full-length sidesill without the added depth beneath the door, and slightly different ends that were riveted to the carsides just inboard the corner posts as on Evans-USRE cars. These straight-sill cars were also assigned to NRUC shortlines Saint Lawrence Railroad and Mississippian Railway. -Todd Sullivan photo, February 1979 HO Scale Decals: Microscale 87-330 or Herald King B-1370

LC 230, series 200-239, assembled by United American Car Lancaster & Chester was another road that leased kit-built cars from Itel, but theirs had a shorter bolster-to-bolster sidesill. The Virginia Central got similar cars. -Chris Butts photo, June 1991 HO Scale Decals: Microscale 87-416

10 RAILMODELJOURNAL· OCTOBER 200 1 [INTERMODAL MODELING ]------

NKP 42�FOOT PIGGVBACK FLAT CARS IN HO SCALE FROM RED CABOOSE KITS By Mont Switzer

The Red caboose 42-foot flat car kit can be kit-converted into a replica of the 's 1900- series piggyback flat cars. There's an index of all previous articles on intermodal modeling on our website at www.railmodeljournal.com

Reinforce the sidesills at the corners of the flat car body by cementing two-foot-Iong pieces of HO scale 4 x 10 Evergreen styrene strip stock in them. Then drill the reinforced sidesills from the bottom and as close to the outer edge of the sidesills as possible with a number 75 drill. The increased sill thickness makes drilling these holes a more practical matter. Line these holes up with those in the sidesills intended for the stirrup steps furnished with the kit. Then press A-Line 29000 square stirrup steps in the new holes so that the stop is approximately one foot below the bottom of the sidesill. With the number 75 drill still in the chuck, drill out the holes originally intended for the sidesill-mounted stirrup steps. Press Detail Associates nut­ bolt-washer castings into the holes and add a touch of solvent cement to hold them in place. Drill out the former grabiron

he Nickel Plate Road Pennsylvania for the Wheeling & Lake describes how to improve the operation (NKP), also known as the Erie. These cars came into the hands of and appearance of the general-service flat New York Chicago & St. the N KP as part of a 99-year lease of the car. You can stop building right there and Louis, was a pioneer in the W&LE which commenced in 1949. By move on to the painting, lettering and development of fa st and the early to mid- 1950s, these solid cars weathering portion of the article as was efficient trailer-on-flat-car were undoubtedly due for general re­ done on some of the prototype cars. (TOFC) or piggyback furbishing, brake system upgrades and of However, my favorite type of kit service. The Nickel Plate's black course repainting to NKP colors. It was conversion is one where the changes made piggyback flat cars and blue semi trailers easy for the Nickel Plate shop forces to to the model are the same as those made on were a common sight on the rai lroad's go a step further by adding bridge plates the prototype. These changes are outlined own mainlines as well as those of to each end, railings to each side and the in the second portion of the article. connecting railroads. Flat cars designed necessary tie-down equipment to accom­ Begin with an undecorated Red especially for piggyback service were modate TOFC trailers. By mid- 1958, 71 Caboose flat car kit if you are model ing almost unheard of in the early to mid- of the one hundred 1900-series cars had the piggyback car. If you are modeling 1950s, leaving the Nickel Plate and other been converted to TOFC service. the general-service flat car, you can start roads to develop their own TOFC flat Modelers in HO and 0 scales are very with the decorated version. Assemble the cars. Most railroads did the same as the fo rtunate that Red Caboose makes a 42- model per the manufacturer's instruc­ NKP: modify existing flat cars so that foot flat car that is almost identical to the tions, leaving off the grabirons, stirrup trailers could be backed onto them circus W&LE/NKP cars. They even come steps and hand brake details. As we add style and blocked and chained down to lettered for both ra ilroads in several road details, use Te stors solvent cement fo r avoid movement while in transit. numbers. These are nice models, most plastic-to-plastic joints. Use both Among the flat cars available to the reasonably priced and easy to build. ACC andlor Plio-Bond for plastic-to­ NKP for such conversions were 42-foot Even if you are not interested in plastic joints. Use both ACC andlor Plio­ general-service cars built 111 1929 by adding a piggyback car to your fre ight car Bond for plastic-to-metal joints, depend­ Standard Steel Car of Butler, roster, read on. The first part of the article ing on the application.

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 11 RED CABOOSE PIGGYBACK FLATS

During kit assembly I laid out all of the parts and developed an understanding of where everything went, taking special note of which end was the "A" end and which was the "8" or hand brake end. As you can see I labeled the "8" end of the parts thus speeding up assembly time and ensuring accuracy. Assemble the underbody per the manufacturer's instructions using the flat steel weight furnished with the kit. Check the weight to be sure it is perfectly flat. If not, bend it until level before kit assembly. Drill out the coupler pockets with a number 54 drill and tap them for 2-56 fine thread screws. Use a number 48 clearance drill on the coupler pocket covers. Run Kadee 2-56 nylon screws through the covers and pockets until they are all the way in while the under frame is still a separate part. Then trim the screws off even with the top of the underframe. These screws make the cover plates both removable and adjustable allowing better control of the couplers.

With the installation of the stake pockets, the car is substantially complete, and with the exception of the hand brake gear, represents what the NKP shop forces were faced with when they began their piggyback conversions. Now is the best time to weather the car decking regardless of the version of the car that you choose to model. Dry brush the wood deck with Reefer Grey or any other medium grey paint. When the paint has dried, sand the deck with number 80 sandpaper. The coarse sandpaper adds texture to the car flooring and blends in the grey paint. A wash of Weatherall will renew some of the black if you get more grey than you want. You can repeat this procedure until you are satisfied with the appearance of the deck.

NKP 1943 was my attempt at using a factory-painted car for this project. Just before I started to install the piggyback equipment, I discovered that NKP 1943 was one of the cars that was not converted to piggyback service. I just finished the hand brake details, added weathering and called it a day for this one. Don't we wish all of our mistakes turned out this well.

Now for the fun stuff. The NKP shop forces riveted 'T' shaped brackets to the stake pockets to form brackets that support the side rails. The brackets appear to be 24 x 12-inch sheet steel plates bent 90 degrees in the center and secured to the stake pockets with 3 rivets. The number of brackets seems to vary from car to car with N KP 1910 having 11 per side. Mass produce the brackets by starting with a strip of .0lO-inch sheet styrene cut 24 inches wide. Emboss a row of rivets the full length of the strip along one edge leaving 3 inches between rivets. The Northwest Short Line Riveter works well in this application. A scale rule makes a good stock guide as well as a handy reference. Cut the riveted strip into 12-inch-wide pieces. The Northwest Short Line "Chopper" makes this task quick, accurate and easy.

Cement the non-riveted end of each bracket to a block of 4 x 8-inch strip stock cut into 12-inch-long blocks as shown. The Chopper comes in handy again for making the blocks in mass. Then bend the sheet stock in the middle and cement the block to the car deck and the riveted end to the stake pocket as shown. This is the most tedious part of the whole project, but the results are quite rewarding.

12 RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 Cut code 55 rails to the proper length, square up the ends, and cement them to the tops of brackets forming the side rails. Use flexible-type cement such as Plio-Bond for a strong yet metal-to-plastic glue joint. Although I have no prototype documentation of such,l'm pretty surethe ends of the car flooring were covered with some sort of. sheet steel to prevent the bridge plates from digging into the wood as loaded trucks pass over them. Alloy Forms diamond plate sheets are a perfect fit. Cement them in place with Plio-Bond as shown. Each car had eight tie-down loops centered toward the ends of the cars, four on each end. Make a set for each end by cutting four Detail Associates Secure the brackets to the car deck with lift rings in half and cementing four halves to a piece of .010 styrene 3 feet long by I foot wide, one for Testors solvent cement. Secure the riveted each end. Note that the loops are not centered on the .0Hhpiece,but paired toward the sides. end of the brackets to the stake pockets with Thebridge plates are scratchbuilt from styrene using the dimensions shown in the diagram published ACC, as solvent cement in this application with this artide. The plates are designed to fitin a pair of Detail Associates eye bolts so that they can be will melt the newly embossed rivets. raised and lowered just like the real thing. Walthers, Athearn or Details West bridge plates are not as accurate as the scratch built version for this application, but their use would save some time.

It is somewhat surprising that such a fine model does not come with air hoses. Drill number 72 holes in the end sills to the right of the coupler openings for Detail Associates flexible air hoses. ACC them in place. Form cut levers from .OI2-inch brass wire as shown in the photos. Install each of them in two Detail Associates eye bolts so that they swing freely. The lower eye bolts are set in a piece of scrap styrene cemented to the bottoms of the coupler pocket covers. This mounting method is hardly visible once the couplers are installed and allows the cut levers to swing freely.

The bridge plates are held in the vertical position by a support which appears to be made from "t,:' channel stock. Do the same thing for the model with Special Shapes channel, referring to the diagram published with this article for dimensions. The brass channel is easily bent to a 90- degree angle by first cutting out a "V" in the channel and bending it at that location. Solder a .DI5-inch brass wire stud in the bottom leg of the channel. Drill a number 75 hole next to the last side rail bracket, fill it with gap-filling ACC, and insert the wire end of the support so that it touches the bridge plate when it is in the vertical position. The excess solder that may flow throughout the support only serves to strengthen it.

Once the hand brake equipment is installed, you can no longer lay the car on its floor, and handling must be limited. Mount these details per the kit instructions except for the brake wheel. Build this detail using .OI5-inch brass wire for the shaft and solder it to a brass stem­ wind brake wheel casting. This is easily done by sticking the brass wire shaft into a piece of pine wood, then slipping the brake wheel onto the shaft and sliding it all the way down to the wood surface. Tin and solder the joint. Then trim off the excess shaft material on both ends. Remove the plastic shaft from the end details and drill out the shaft area with a number 75 drill. Insert the new brake shaft and wheel assembly and secure it with ACe. This arrangement is much more durable than the details provided in the kit.

RAILMODEI InllRNAI . nrTnp..D ?nnl 12 RED CABOOSE PIGGYBACK FLATS

Nickel Plate number 323 gently shoves NKP 1910 around the east wye track and toward the piggyback ramp on the east side of Muncie, Indiana where dray men wait to unload it for movement to final destination at a nearby off-line industry. In the early days of piggyback service on the Nickel Plate, fast freight trains set out piggyback flats at many small local ramps along the mainlines. As roads got better and the railroads gained experience in the business, the smaller ramps were closed in favor of those in larger cities. The trailers were then hauled to the smaller towns as was the case with Muncie then and now.

The bridge plates and trailer jack are scratchbuilt from Evergreen Scale models sheet, rod and tube stock. Refer to the diagrams published with the article for dimensions. Both the bridge plates and the jack stand are painted black along with the rest of the model.

bracket for bridge plate travel jack 1164" L-girder 1 x4 strip �

notch & bend .005 sheet +-2"--+� /' .047 dia. rod I I 2x4 strip ' " ! L- 1/6C 4 2 " .f / .062 dia. rod -r- / '" 2" 1x6 strip ) _1 I J

wire soldered 3 .015 ....---- '6"' �---)o +..,- in "L" for mounting purposes. 141>( 3 I 1 14 RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 realism considerably. Weather the side­ bridge plates frames by first painting them Grimy .015 .047 sheet styrene dia. rod Black. Then highlight the areas known to n� show rust-the springsand brake shoes­ with Rustall or chalks. Give the truck journals an oily look with a thin wash of 2.5"i gloss black paint or oily black paint. Replace the wheelsets .with Inter­ t Mountain 33-inch semi-scale wheel sets. 4"X 8"X 12" These wheel sets look much better than strip styrene what we have become used to over the

______--.:.-7 2" X 4" strip years, and they actually enhance I\� i operating reliability on reasonably good 2" track. Paint all surfaces of the wheel sets Grimy Black except the wheel treads. Painting Ii Finishing Weatherall which is primari ly black. J ust mask off the wheel treads and pai nt Protect the previously weathered Using chalks, add rust to the steel deck them with the airbrush at the same time flooring with masking tape and pa int the located at both ends of the diamond you paint the sideframes. completed model with Scalecoat II plate. Fin ish the deck weathering by This was my first chance to try the number 20 lO B lack, or lise the black lightly airbrushing Grimy Black onto the new Kadee numb er 58 scale size paint with which YOll are most fa miliar. surfaces where the trllck tires would couplers. Like all other couplers I have Scalecoat II is styrene friendly and travel. used in the past, T push the uncoupling leaves a glossy finish ready for decal The side rails perform two functions. pin into a piece of Styrofoam which application. Decals suitable for these Obviously they keep the highway trucks holds the coupler for painting. Lightly cars are available from Mark Vaughn in from driving off the edge during the airbrush the couplers using FloquiI Rust his well-researched set number "NN." loading and unloading process. They or Rail Brown. I prefer to snip off the Apply them per the information in the also provide a place to anchor the pins after painting for even more realism. decal set and/or usi ng the photos movable side-mounted chain tie-downs. If you build a lot of models as 1 do (or published with this article. Overcoat the Both of these fu nctions assure us that the would like you to think I do), you may model and particularly the decals wit h rail will be mostly ru st covered. Dry want to paint your truck sideframes, Te stors DullCote. brush the side rail (code 55 rail) with wheel sets and couplers in bulk. This This model offers a variety of Floquil Rail Brown. saves a lot of time when it comes to weathering opportunities. Blend in the The shiny plastic truck sideframes fi nishing your subsequent projects. white lettering with a thin rusty wash of offer a lot of weathering opportunities One of the options available to you is Rustall followed by another wash of that when viewed together enhance their to run your newpig gyback flat empty with

The Nickel �Iate rebuilt some W&LE flat cars for piggyback service in the mid-50s. This is the prototype for the HO scale model. -photo from the Rich Burg collection

RAIfMnfl�1 Inl/Dfll�1 . nrTnocn 1M1 ... RED CABOOSE PIGGYBACK FLATS

extra stake pockets from the Red Caboose flat car detail parts kit to make the shoes. The pockets fit down over the side rails nicely. Add eye bolts to the centers of the "shoes," bend the eye bolt stems 90 degrees, and tlim them off as sholt as possible. Then slice off the "wings" of the coupler pockets, and you have some pretty decent looking tie down shoes. You need fo ur. Open the eyes on the front two shoes and connect them to the remaining fro nt chains. Slide the shoes forward on the rails until the chains are tight and secure them with a drop of gap-filling ACe. Run solid .0l2-inch wire Nickel Plate piggyback 1910 has been set out at Muncie, Indiana's West Ya rd. The yard engine stabilizers from a second pair of shoes to the prepares to couple onto the car for a fast trip to the piggyback ramp out at the East Ya rd. The Nickel rear of the ones just installed. Now release the Plate knew how to hustle priority freight, but there is a reminder right on the side of the trailer lest clamp and add some black and rust to the anyone forget. "c" chains and tie-downs. Yo ur trailer should the chains and jacks laying on the deck and loops. Trim off any excess chain for a remain in place with minimal movement. These mounting systems are not totally offering up a nice detailing touch. But if neat appearance. building a Nickel Plate trailer has scared The two front sidemounted chains are authentic, but they certainly capture the essence of what is required. Maybe Overland you away from this project, don't let it. secured to the side rails with movable Models will re-release their old chain binder The Nickel Plate interchanged trailers just "shoes." These shoes could be moved along tie-down kits they discontinued some years like they did h·eight cars, and one could the side rails allowing their position to be ago. Although not a good seller back then, the see trailers from the Delaware adjusted to the tie downs in use and size of quality of modeling has advanced to the point Lackawanna & Western, Lehigh Va lley, the trailer being tied down. I looked long that we need them now. Central of New Jersey, and Monon among and hard for a suitable part from which to RMJ others on their cars both on and off-line. make this detail. As it ntrllS out, the solution Once you have a suitable trailer, the was literally right under my nose. Use the tedious "tie-down" phase of the project begins. Bill of Materials AlJoy Forms: Special Shapes: TheTra iler Tie-Down First, your trailer must be modified to 2005 Diamond plate sheets 1 64-inch "L" channel accept the tie-down chains. This is done by Small chain, 28 links per inch dlilling number 78 holes in the underside of Detail Associates: the trailer at fo ur locations. The front two are 1 103 Lift ring PAINT & DECALS located at the rear corners of the upper 2203 Hex NBW Floquil: coupler (fifth wheel plate). Those on the rear are located on the outer frame just 2206 Eye bolts 110007 Rail Brown ahead of the rear bumper. Insert Detail 2504 .012-inch wire 110013 Grimy Black Associates eye bolts into these holes and 2505 .0 1 5-inch wire 1100 12 Reefer Grey secure them with ACe. When everything 6206 Freight car air hoses Rust has set up, pull the eyes open forming hooks to accept the chain. Use the smallest chain that you can find, Evergreen Scale: Mark Vaughn and if you get it pre-blackened all the better. 8408 4 x 8 Strip styrene 2426 Lawndale Cut six IS-foot lengths of chain and hook 8610 8 x 10 Strip styrene Evanston, IL 60201: them to the eye bolts installed on the under­ NN NKP flat car decals side of the trailer. Hook up two each on the InterMountain: front eye bolts and one each on the rear eye bolts. Close the eyes of the hooks so that the 40052 Semi-scal e wheel sets Micro-Mark: chains stay put. Rustall Now place the trailer on the floor of the Kadee: Weather All flat car and gently clamp it in place with a 58 Couplers large clamp. Cement the trailer jack to "c" 256 2-56 Screws, nylon Te stors: the floor under the trailer fifth pin. The jack should be tall enough to lift the dollies DullCote (landing gear) off the deck sLightly. Stretch Precision Scale Company: two of the front chains forward to the floor­ 31119 Brake wheel, brass Scalecoat II: mounted loops and secure them in the loops 2010 Black by running a piece of .0 l2-inch wire through Red Caboose: the chain and the loops together. Repeat this procedlu·e with the rear chains. A touch of RC-220 1 Flat car, undecorated ACC will hold the .01 inch wire in the chains RP-2200- 12 Flat car detail parts

16 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 [ DIESEL MODELING] AT'SF ALCO RS2 IN N SCALE FROM KATO'S MODEL By Bill Pea rce

Bill Pearce is modeling a series of Alco diesels in N scale, each matched to a specific prototype locomotive that operated on the Santa Fe over Cajon Pass in 1966. Here's the fi rst ofhis series, the Alco RS2. There's an index of all previous articles on modeling diesels on our website at www.railmodeljournal.com

lthough Alco was less on their last legs, soon to find use as quality DCC decoder. My wish became than successful in the trade-ins and on short lines. My research reality when Lenz made available the real world of rail­ shows that, in 1966, there were 153 Aleo LE077 decoder. Not just the smallest roading, modelers can't hood units located in Barstow. Many decoder available, this is N scale's first get enough of the unique were in storage. There were also over 20 true fleet decoder, combining NMRA look of these early PA s and PBs, most regrettably in storage. conformance with a good set of basic diesels. Although Aleo I've wanted some of this distinctive features at an affordable price. My Alcos was unable to remain competitive past variety on my own Cajon Pass layout. would soon leave the dead line, and find the fifties, many of their products My operating fleet has been a home on my layout. continue to serve their masters. They exclusively EMD, but, like the ATSF, I Research, from books and photos, certainly served the Santa Fe in 1966, the had several Aleos in storage. Unlike the shows Barstow in 1966 as home to at era of my layout. Admittedly, most were ATSF, mine awaited a small, high- least two RSD4s, an S4, and the Santa ATSF ALCO RS2

The appearance of the Atlas N scale RS2 can be upgraded effectively with separate wire grabirons on the ends.

Fe's only RS2. Essential to the project didn't blink. The original number was stack, added free-standing marker lights, was THE SANTA FE DlESEL, 2110. In May 1952, 2110 became 2099, steam generator exhaust, sunshades, and VOLUME 1, by Dr. Cinthia Priest, from to make room for RSD4s and RSD5s. the electrical box. Pilot details and wire Paired Rail Productions, as were photos The second number remained with the handrai Is were included, of course. Yo ur in some other books, and a stack of unit for the rest of its life. job is easier, as there are no lift rings. I photos I've collected from train shows. I This locomotive was powered by could find no example in any of many was able to find numbers of units located A1cos 244 pri me mover, with 1,600 photos, and there were none cast on the at Barstow in the late sixties. Lucky for turbocharged horsepower, as were several model. me, Kato produced an RS2, up to their other Santa Fe Aleo's, including the PA, Begin by forming replacement grabs usual high standard. the RSD4/5 , and the RSD7. Like others from wire. I used .008-inch phosphor with the 244, 2099 was plagued bronze wire, the same as for handrai Is, The RS2 throughout its life with manifold and but for this use, less expensive brass will The Santa Fe had only one RS2. For crankshaft problems. This low-production serve as well. Due to the variety of sizes. years, most thought it was an RS3, which locomotive was equipped with a steam use the grabs on the shell as a guide. Drill generator fo r passenger service. It was is similar, but not identical. Even Dr. number 80 holes using the cast-on grabs equipped with dual controls. it was geared McCall's usually authoritative EARLY as guides. Remove all cast-on grabirons DIESEL DAZE made this mistake, in a fo r a maximum of 65 mph, made possible with a chisel-blade knife, insert the wire most unusual way. On page 212, he by the AAR type B trucks. grabs, and apply thin CA from inside the states, "Ex Alco demonstrator number ]n 1969, it was traded to GE for credit shell. 1600 was bought from the To ledo, toward U33Cs, resulting in a curious The most obvious change is the large Peoria, and Western, numbered 2110, footnote. Although 244-equipped loco­ exhaust stack. The original exhaust snaps and tried out. This RS3 ..." Yet on page motives were plagued with problems, on the hood, so snap it off'. Replace it with 260, in the roster section, it is correctly 2099 remained on the roster for 19 years, a piece of rectangular brass tubing. I described as an RS2. My 1983 (third) apparently serviceable for most of that judged the length by eye. Use a large half­ edition of E. D. Worley's IRON time. The replacement, one of the 25 round file to slightly curve the bottom end HORSES OF THE SANTA FE TRAIL, locomotives in the 8500 class, lasted, to fit the top of the hood. There is a pipe three years later than McCall's book, along with its brethren, fo r only 15 years. of unknown use that runs along the top of lists it as the sale RS3 owned by the SF. The 3,300-horsepower U33Cs, some of the hood and up the stack. Model this with Joe MacMillen got it right in his 1975 the last locomotives delivered in the a piece of .0 to-inch brass wire. There is a SANTA FE'S DIESEL FLEET. This "standard" blue/yellow fre ight scheme, cast mark of some sort at the place where may be the first correct publication. As were leased from a fi nancial institution. the pipe exits from the hood. Drill a the SF owned only one of these, it's likely More troublesome, in retrospect, they number 80 hole, form and insert the wire, only a few dedicated prototype experts were stored in Kansas City for the last cared, but the truth has come out. Dr. two years of their life, and were returned and CA at the hood end with thin CA from Priest corrects this common en'or in her at the conclusion of the lease, in 1985. inside the shell. Attach a very small part of book, including spotting details. I suspect Although some may consider this the other end to the exhaust stack with a that the release of the Kato model in both low-production locomotive a curious very little bit of CA. N and HO is what prompted the subject for a mass-produced plastic Number 2099 shows its age with widespread dissemination of this model, Kato did a superb job, with the marker lamps. I made these from SUllJ'ise information. For spotters and rivet model lacking only a few Santa Fe­ caboose marker lamps. First, remove the counters, significant differences include specific details. In this case, I modeled cast arm. Drill a hole in the bottom and the location of the battery box and the one of each number, one fo r myself in make a replacement arm from .OOS-inch location of the fuel filler. blue and yellow, and one for David wire. Bend the wire 90 degrees, dip into a Built in May 1950, 2099 was Haines, in the ever-attractive zebra stripe. puddle of CA and insert it into a number originally an Alco demonstrator, 80 hole in the bottom of the lamp. Drill a apparently a quick sale to the TP&W. The Modeling ATSF's RS2 in N number 80 hole in the shell, at the location SF tested it on the Surf Line the fo llowing This unit requires only a few changes of the cast-on class lamp. Insert the other June, and acquired it in October. Let's to make it accurate. I replaced cast-on end of the wire into the hole. As with the hope the TP&W road foreman of engines grabs with wire, changed the exhaust grabs, apply thin CA from inside the shell.

18 RAILMODELJOURNAL' OCTOBER 200 1 The uniform light grey of most of Once you clean the walkway of today's plastic locomotives means the overscale pieces, you may glue it to the extra thickness of a primer is generally sidesill/end part. I have used both thick unnecessary. It's best to spray the yellow CA and five-minute epoxy for this, and I first, as it covers poorly. Then, mask off find the epoxy is better. the yellow, and spray the bl ue. The decaling is simple, with only one simple I Like to Solder stripe, and a big "Santa Fe." The herald 1 made the handrails and stanchions in goes on the front end. Add road numbers my now-standard manner. I use .008-inch as required. Overcoat as soon as possible. phosphor-bronze wire for its added A word about handrails: Wire stiffness, and am convinced the slight handrails look worlds better, as regards I added expense is worthwhile. The size, but they do present handling phosphor bronze wire solders well to the problems. It is nearly impossible to keep Gold Medal Models brass stanchions. I've them straight, while the delrin originals are hard to bene!. If you will be handling developed a technique for installation of the locos, and absolute straightness of the stanchions that don't have tops that fold handrails is important to you, then the over that, although a bit time-consuming, plastic originals are probably for you. works best for me. Because of the different construction This Way is Made for Wa lkin' of the Aleo, the number 80 holes for the The new wire grabirons in place. Kato, regrettably, continues to make stanchions are drilled in the top of the their walkways and sidesills in the walkway. Dip the bottom end of the Cab Details standard N manner, where the walkway stanchion in a pool of thin CA, and press There are two distinctive details on the surface and handrails are molded of it into the hole, making sure that it is cab. There is the distinctive canvas deli'in, and inserted into the styrene side­ perpendicular to the walkway. sunshade, common on early diesels. There sill. Atlas has changed to the HO style, Using a toothpick, apply a small bit is a crying need fo r injection-molded where the handrails and stanchions are of paste flux to the top of each stanchion. paint-hatin' delrin, and each individual versions. I made mine from a U-shaped Now, cut a piece of wire a bit overlength. stanchion is pressed into a hole in the piece of wire and a piece of the thinnest Begin soldering at one end. First, I use a styrene assembly. This new method brass shim stock from an assortment pencil iron. I get just a bit of solder on makes handrai re placement easier, as we package. Solder one end of a strip of the I the tip, and transfer it to the joint. will see with the RSD 4 in a later issue. shim stock to the wire, and form it around Continue this process on succeeding Begin walkway modifications by the base of the U. One advantage of the stanchions. Then, examine the handrail brass is the way it wrinkles. Drill two removing the stanchions from the sides to be sure it is straight. number 80 holes in the side of the cab, of the walkway, but remove only the 1n this case, r tried something and glue the sunshades into the side and at handrails on the ends. The end different. Initially, 1 placed only the two the top with thin CA. stanchions are unique, and hard to stanchions at extreme ends of the railing There is also a steam generator fabricate from available materials. I used first. After aligning, then soldered tbe exhaust, cleverly faired in at the front of a number 87 drill bit, .0 10 inch, to drill I handrail in place. Then, using the the cab. Make this from a piece of strip holes in the tops of the plastic handrail as a guide, I added the other styrene, glued to the cab front, and stailchions, to allow fo r the .008-inch careful l y shape it with fi les and wire handrails. This gives a remarkable stanchions. I'm not sure this made thjngs sandpaper. appearance. I was able to drill 20 holes, any easier, but you may want to try this and the bit is still in one piece. Amazing! technique, and fi nd out for yourself. For the electrical box, I used a casting from Sunrise. Although not exact, it does have latch and rivet detail. It would be possible to use a piece of large strip styrene.

Paint and Decal Now's the time to paint. In the past, I've found it is easier to paint before adding handrails, so this is when ] painted. For EMD locomotives, and for the S4, this is true, but after reviewing the attachment of stanchions to the walkway on the RS2 and RSD4, it probably would have been better to paint after adding handrails. I'm using a vaIiety of colors for my Santa Fe locomotives now; T think railroad modelers don't fully appreciate the theory of scale color. I add varying amounts of The new stack and wire grabirons on the white paint to my SF blue, depending on long haul the age of the locomotive's paint.

RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 19 ATSF ALeo RS2

Resistance is Futile! Now I use my resistance-soldering machine. Wi th the tweezer tool, squeeze each joint and reflow the solder. This ensures a complete joint. Also, you can adjust the position of the joint to square and level the stanchion and handrail. If the handrail is level and the stanchions square, go back and apply a very small drop of thin CA to the base of each stanchion if required. Using pliers, form the ends of the railings, and cut off any excess. Use CA to retain the ends in the appropriate place. Remember, practice makes perfect! You may add MU hoses, using cast­ metal ones from Sunrise Enterprises. This is also the time to add Micro­ Trains® 2004 couplers. You might also add a bell, which mounts at the front underside of the walkway on the engineer's side. Of course, you might not, as this will preclude the locomotive from making any but the widest curves. Paint the railings, and spot-paint the sides and ends as necessary. I've reviewed quite a few photos, and the railings may be all yellow or just yellow at the ends. Yo ur patience will dictate your choice' Decals are relatively simple: a pinstripe and large road name on the sides of the hood, numbers on the cab and in the numberboards, with the Santa Fe herald on the front end. Apply in the The handrails have been replaced with wire and metal stanchions from Gold Medal Models. The forked usual manner, and DuliCote. end stanchions from the Atlas model are used by cutting away the plastic handrails and drilling the stanchions to accept the wire handrail. Into the Wayback Machine Kato was kind enough to provide this model in the Santa Fe zebra stripe scheme, appropriate to David's era. This Bill of Materials can be a real pain to decal, especially Aeeu-Paint: 31 Brunswick green-3 parts where the decal wraps around the lovely 11 3 6-foot Superior 7-pane.l doors 33 Readi ng green-2 parts curved ends, so I took pains to retain the factory paint. Otherwise, the modifi­ for (express box cars) 39**Alk yd brown-2 parts cations are as those for the later version. GN Omaha Orange Mix: Note that the handrails on the black-and­ A-Line: AP 15 NH warm orange-l part silver Santa Fes were all black. Add the 29000 Stirrup steps AP 21 MEC harvest yellow- exhaust stack, electrical box, and steam generator exhaust carefully, and only a bit 1 Part + 2 eye droppers of spot painting will be required. Detail Associates: *Also used for black underframes I included quite a bit of weathering on 6206 Air hoses (just in case) *:\: Also used for mineral red my own locomotives, as they were 62 15 Coupler cut-bars (lift bars) underframes/trucks reaching the end of their lives in 1966. A good technique for simulating faded lettering is to mix about 20 percent color Old Pullman: Floqui1: with 80 percent solvent, and lightly 4002 1 (Black label) Timken roller 1100 13 Grimy black overspray. This gives the appearance of bearing trucks, 33-inch metal 110073 Rust the base color showing through. It's an Alco, so don't forget to add plenty of wheels (express box cars) 1 10084 Foundation soot on top. Since the black-and-silver version was for David, left it I PAINT & DECALS Testors: unweathered, so he could match his fleet. Aeeo-Paint: As best I can tell, the S4 and the RS2 1 160 DulJCote were used almost exclusively in the yard, 98 Grey Primer 1161 GlossCote while the RSDs pulled local trains up the GN Green pass, so that's my plan. I'll bet there was 2* Stencil black-3 parts Mieroscale: lots of thick, black smoke everywhere! 30 CN green-2 parts 87-57 GN express box car decals RMJ

20 RAILMODELJOURNAL ' OCTOBER 2001 IME ------[ ONE-DETAIL-AT-A-T ]

Photos from the collection of Louis A. Marre

0;;"'''' ''''< "� '" 1j iI1J.ib""7��i0 �, 'd(.-"'{�� '" �'�"'"" T�,,:p'ar9;:p�int anCt'd�cals yo�'11 n�e�t',,�t'W!lot �o �rffit'<�t>����;JIitiIiI\:��te.illir:::!!!"'�: :'\:t'!�. ---!UJ "'"I'::: si�e ' C:!�c;�e� �n ininiature fromAtlas models in HO scale. There' s a� i-:tdexof'al cl th�' pr��o�s "Oit. e' !.D�q!! ;:.�f�;1:i�t:'� arti�I�� on �ur website at www.railmodeljournal.com : " j " '"'''' " ¥ 0.' "It '"

he U23B was General and Norfolk Southem accepted the prac­ Paint Electric's "lightweight" or tice on some units. The Norfolk Southern Black: Floquil 110010, Polly Scale low-horsepower, lower-cost U23B diesels were fitted with high 4141 10, Modelflex 16-56, Pro Color diesel delivering just 2,250 hoods. Norfolk Southern numbers 3909 400, SMP Accupaint 2, Scalecoat 1 or horsepower. It replaced the and 39 14 are part of number series 2700- Scalecoat II 1 2,500-horsepower U25B in 2799 built between 1972 and 1975. February 1968. G.E. was Atlas offers the U23B in HO scale in DECALS losing the sales race to EMD during the Guilford, Santa Fe, Chessie and CSX HO Scale: Microscale 87-435 sixties and seventies, with about one­ paint and markings, but previously other third the sales. road names including AT SF, Conrail, The U23B lacks the steps and box MKT, MP, Milwaukee, Monon and One-Detail-At- A-Time along the rear of the long running board Penn-Central have been available. So far, (HO Scale) of the earlier U25B. The U23B can be Atlas does not offer a high hood, but a Step-by-step instructions on how to distinguished from its successor, the conversion hood is available from Hi­ instaJl many of these detail parts B23-7 by the larger rear radiator over­ Tech Details so you can duplicate these appeared in the June 1989 issue of "The hang and a step-out in the width of the prototype diesels in HO scale. lournal." That article is also reprinted ill long hood just in front of the radiators on the book TUNING & UPGRADING the B23-7. Scale Model GE High-Hood AT HEARN LOCOMOTIVES. The The SouthernRai lway was one of the U23Bs August 1993 issue has a step-by-step few railroads that ordered taIl short HO Scale: Atlas article on how to apply superdetails to hoods on both EMD and G.E. diesels, N Scale: none known the Santa Fe Dash 8-40CW that would be

RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 21 G.E. U238 very helpful in upgrading a Walthers or Overland Models, Inc., 3808 W. 9-935 1 MU hoses 6.75/4 sets Rail Power Dash 8-40BW. Kilgore Ave., Muncie, IN 47304: 17-9352 MU hoses 6.75/4 5-9090 Air horn $3.60 ea. 14-9403 Sand filler 2.00 ea. 2701, A-Line, P. O. Box Carlsbad, CA 15-9143 Brake wheel . J .75 ea. 92018: 24-9 145 Cab interior 1l.70/set Precision Scale, 3961 Highway 93 1-29100 Grabirons $3.25/50 12-9151 Coupler lift bars 1.95/2 North, Stevensville, MT 59870: 2-29200 Windshield wipers 1.85/8 22-9200 Exhaust stack 5.30 ea. 2-3968 Windshield wipers $1.25/4 3-29210 Cab sunshades 1.95/3 pro 13-9327 Min-ors (wind 2.50/4 9-39059 MU hoses (4) 1.75/4 deflectors) 3-39087 Cab sunshades 2.25/4 Cal-Scale (division of Bowser Mfg. Co., Inc.), 21 Howard St., Montoursville, PA 17754-0322: 4-320 Air hoses $1.8512 sets 2-4 19 Windshield wipers 3.5012 Pl'. 5-427 Air horn 7.20 ea. 6-435 Bell 3.75 ea. 3-437 Cab sunshades 3.95/pr.

Custom Finishing, 379 Tulley Rd., Orange, MA 01364: 7-1 13 Antennae $4.9512 8- 196 Wheel slip monitors . 4.95/4 5-225 Air horns 7.95 ea. 9-257 MU hoses (3) 5.39/4 pro 2-3 14 Windshield wipers 3.9512 pro

Detail Associates, Box 5357, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403: 3- 1301 Cab sunshades $J.50 /6 10-1403 Drop steps 1.5012 9-1508 MU hoses 2.00/16 5-1 603 Air horns 1.7512 7-1 805 Antennae 1.25/6 1 1-2210 Chain 2.25/12 in. 12-22 1 1 Coupler lift bars 2.25/2 13-2304 Wind deflectors 2.50/3 pro (on 3909) 8-2808 Speed recorders 1.75/4 (wheel slip monitors) 14-3001 Sand filler hatches J.OO/4 4-6206 Air hoses 1.25/6 J 5-6238 Brake wheels 1.25/2

Details West, P.O. Box 61, Corona, CA 91718: 6- 129 Bells $1.2512 16-139 Air fi lter set LOO/set 3- 188 Cab sunshades 1.80/4 14-20 1Sand filler hatches 1.25/4 9-220 MU hoses \.95/2 17-236 MU cable sets 2. l 5/pr. 18-246 Handbrake brackets 1.50/2 (right side) 5-25 1 Air horn 3.25 ea. 19-258 Fuel ti llers and gauges 2.95/set 20-263 Air tank and fi ttings 5.25/set 8-284 Speed recorders 1.9512 4-302 Air hoses 1.25/2

Hi-Tech Details, P. O. Box 244, Ukiah, CA 95482: 21-5005 Cab with windows $6.95 ea. 22-600 1 Medium-length 2.95 ea. exhaust stack 23-50 12 High hood conversion 6.95 ea.

22 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER2001 4-39 118 Air hoses 1.50/10 Ordering Info rmation: l3-39150 Wind deflectors 2.25/4 pro All of these parts are available to any 1 J -48237 Chain 2.50110 in. hobby dealer, so your dealer can order for you. If you must order direct, order Smokey Valley Railroad Products, the fu]] package quantities shown and P. O. Box 339, Plantersville, MS include $5.00 per order for postage or 38862: UPS and handling. RMJ 26- 14 Prefo1111ed handrail & stanchion kit (modified) $] 5.95

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 23 [PERFORMANCE] ------�

The more significant fig ures from Guy Thrams' and Bob Higgins' evaluations of model locomotives in past issues of this magazine. Th e issues with asterisks are out of print, but photocopies of these reports are available for $2. 00 each (allow 30 days for shipment). Explanations of how Bob Higgins and Guy Th ra ms test these locomotives appeared in the March 1990 and September 1992 issues.

HO, N, 0; S &: G SCALE LOCOMOTIVES

Manufacturer/Importer Prototype Min. Max. Max. Throttle Magazine Manufacturer/Importer Prototype Min. Max. Max. Throttle Magazine Speed No. 6 Speed Tractive Response Date Speed No. 6 Speed Tractive Response Date Switch (smph) (smph) Force (oz.) Midload (v.) Switch (smph) (smph) Force (oz.) Midload (v.)

HO Scale Diesels Ajin/Overland Models EMD SW1 500 .36 74.3 2.53 1.2 August 1990' AjiniOverland Models EMD S060 .37 80.3 4.49 2.0 April 1991' Athearn (as·is) EMD GP38-2 .24 126.4 2.76 3.4 Jan. 1990' (Chassis) Athearn (w/Helix Humper EMD GP38-2 .89 112.1 2.76 2.8 Sept. 1995 AjiniOverland Models EMD GP38-2 .42 79.2 1.95 2.0 Nov. 1991' can motor conversion) (Chassis) Proto Power West EMD F7A (& F7B) .35 98.2 4.46 2.4 May 1990' AjiniOverland Models EMD GP15T 3.55 76.2 4.69 1.2 March 2000 (Athearn w/can motor) (.26) (95.0) (8.92) (2.6) May 1990' Manlua EMD GP20 .30 78.2 3.07 1.6 Dec. 1991 ' Athearn/PPW. weighted EMD GP9 .20 94.2 4.01 3.0 May 1990' MRC (Model Rectifier Corp.) EMO F7A .52 86.1 2.90 1.0 August 2000 Athearn wlNWSL motor EMD GP38-2 .21 60.9 2.30 1.8 August 1990'

Athearn w/NWSL motor, EMD GP38-2 Proto 1000 (Life-Like) EMD F3 .19 80.8 3.69 3.7 Jan. 1999

weighted .24 61.2 3.88 2.2 August 1990' Proto 1000 (Life-Like) BUDD RDC-2 3.71 65.3 1.87 4.9 Dec. 2000

Athearn/Proto Power Proto 1000 F-M C-Liner 0.61 90.0 4.97 3.2 April 2000

West w/replacement Proto 2000 (Life-Like) Alco FA2 .20 90.7 3.14 4.2 July 1991'

Wheelsets: Proto 2000 (Life-Like) EMD BL2 .31 90.7 3.53 5.4 Nov. 1989' NorthWesl Short Line EMD GP38-2 .23 97.4 2.56 1.6 Oct. 1990, Proto 2000 (Life-Like) EMO GP9 .06 79.2 3.29 4.8 March 1998 Jay-Bee EMD GP38-2 .27 97.4 2.40 1.5 Ocl. 1990' Proto 2000 (Life-Like) EMD GP18 .58 99.8 3.40 2.6 Feb. 1993 Athearn GE C44-9W 1.85 100.7 3.18 3.6 March 1996 Proto 2000 (Ufe·Like) EMD GP30 .23 78.2 4.17 4.0 Jan. 2000 Athearn GE AC4400W .10 95.8 5.06 4.1 Dec. 1996 Proto 2000 (Life· Like) EMD E8A .51 95.8 5.94 5.6 March 1994' Athearn SD40-2 1.94 103.3 3.01 3.3 Jan. 2001 Prolo 2000 (Life-Like) EMD S07 .52 73.3 3.58 5.0 July 1995 Atlas Alco S2 .65 82.5 3.52 4.4 Feb. 1991' Proto 2000 (Life-Like) EMD SW9/SW1200 .57 55.5 1.36 3.7 May 1996 AtiasiAoco EMD FP7A .35 97.4 4.23 6.0 Dec. 1990'

Atlas GE U33C 1.18 89.3 3.81 1.8 May 1995 Spectrum (Bachmann)EMO F40PH Phase 11 1.39 80.3 3.79 3.8 Feb. 1992'

Atlas GE C30-7 .71 78.2 3.92 2.2 Feb. 1997 Spectrum (Bachmann) GE Dash 8-40C 1.96 87.4 3.69 3.4 May 1990'

Atlas EMD GP40 .33 81.9 3.41 1.7 Nov. 2000 Spectrum (Bachmann) GE Dash 8-40CW 3.3 109.0 4.54 6.4 Feb. 1996

Bachmann-Plus GE B23-7 1.75 84.9 3.17 2.9 July 1992' Spectrum (Bachmann) F-M H16-44 2.32 49.5 1.27 2.4 July 1997

88.7 3.38 2.5 Jan. 1996 Bachmann-Plus EMD F7A (& F7B) .93 Spectrum (Bachmann) EMC Gas Elec. .4 1 82.5 2.34 3.0 Aug. 1994 (.93) (84.9) (5.82) (2.4) Jan. 1996 Spectrum (Bachmann) EMD DDA40X .68 133.5 6.68 3.2 Aug. 1997 Con-Cor/Aoco EMD GP40 .97 112.1 2.93 9.5 March 1991'

Con-Cor/Aoco EMD GP40 .29 99.0 2.91 3.2 April 1991' (with Mashima can motor) HO Scale Electric Locomotives Con-Cor EMD MP15DC .51 69.7 1.46 1.1 Sept. t996 Atlas EMD AEM-7 2.42 123.8 4.33 1.0 June 2000 Con-Cor EMD SW1 500 (SW 7) 1.99 265.9 .57 2.2 Dec. 1997

E-R Models (Frateschi) Alco FA1 1.95 114.2 2.39 5.4 Ocl. 1993 E-R Models (Frateschi) Alco FA1 .64 89.3 3.70 3.0 Dec. 1995 HO Scale Steam Locomotives E-R Models EMD FP7A 3.70 92.8 3.24 3.4 May 1999 Bachmann-Plus SP 4-8-4 .18 112.1 2.31 1.9 Sept. 1993 Genesis, by Athearn SD751 2.12 110.0 4.01 3.5 July 1999 Bowser (English's Genesis, by Athearn EMD F7A .14 95.0 4.19 4.1 March 2001 Model AR Supply) B&O 0-4-0T .90 102.4 1.46 1.8 Dec. 1992' IHC EMD E8A (& E8B) 1.96 144.9 2.51 5.0 Feb. 1995 Bowser PAR H-9 2-8-0 .64 89.3 3.70 2.8 Nov. 1995 (1 .50) (136.6) (5.03) (4.8) Bowser PAR M1-a (stock) 4-8-2 1.30 78.2 5.97 2.8 July 2000 (with adlie

24 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 Manufacturer/Importer Prototype Min. Max. Max. Throttle Magazine Manufacturerllmporter Prototype Min. Max. Max. Throttle Magazine Speed No. 6 Speed Tractive Response Date Speed No. 6 Speed Tractive Response Date Switch (smph) (smph) Force (oz.) Midload (v.) Switch (smph) (smph) Force (oz.) Midload (v.)

Mantua 0-4-0 .90 107.0 3.55 4.0 June 1995 life-like EMD SW9 .45 106.9 .40 2.0 April 1998

Mantua with 812 Can Motor 0-4-0 1.86 84.9 3.39 1.8 June 1995 Lile-Like EMD GP20 3.59 116.6 .57 1.6 June 1999

MDC (Roundhouse) Class B Shay 2.54 33.1 1.54 2.2 Oct. 2000 Model Power/

Modet Power PRR 2·8-0 4.77 73.8 0.85 1.5 August 1996 Mehanotenika EMD F40PH 3.14 184.7 .83 3.8 Sept. 1990'

Ajin/Overland Models NYC 2-8-2 .50 74.3 3.79 1.6 Sept. 1991 ' SamhongsalHalimark EMD F3A (& F3B) .29 150.3 1.03 3.2 July 1989-

Precision Scale (Iron Horse)UP 4-10-2 7.02 53.0 3.08 2.9 Jan. 1998 (.35) (151 .4) (2.04) (3.2) July 1989'

Rivarossi 4-6-6-4 5.90 71.6 9.47 3.3 Jan. 1997

Rlvarossl USRA 2-8-2 1.78 70.7 4.47 2.4 May 1997 N Scale Steam Locomotive

SamhongsaiPowerhouse USRA 2-6-6-2 .28 57.1 8.78 3.0 July 1989' Kato USRA 2-8-2 3.10 111.8 .7 2.5 April 1996

Spectrum (Bachmann) Reading 2-8-0 .22 104.2 2.38 2.1 Dec. 1993 & Oct. 1997

Spectrum (Bachmann) PRR 4-6-2 1.21 91.4 2.32 2.2 Oct. 1994 Kato USRA 2-8-2 4.80 122.5 1.04 2.9 June 1998 (GHQ PRR L-l) Speclrum (Bachmann) PRR 4-6-2 .72 80.8 2.50 2.4 Oct. 1999 Key Imports C&O 2-6-6-6 .59 96.9 1.27 3.8 June 1997 Spectrum (Bachmann) Baldwin 2-8-0 .30 83.7 2.83 2.4 July 1998 Pecos River ATSF 4-6-2 .44 87.2 .88 4.4 Jan. 1995 Spectrum (Bachmann) USRA 4-8-2 2.75 64.9 2.41 2.8 Nov. 1999 Rivarossi USRA 2-8-2 3.00 177.2 1.14 9.0 Oct. 1991 Spectrum (Bachmann) Shay .46 15.3 2.26 1.8 April 2001 Rivarossi (w/N Scale 01 USRA 2-8-2 .49 160.3 .66 4.5 Oct. 1991 Siewart Hobbies EMD FTA (& FTB) .18 70.3 3.94 2.6 Nov. 1996 Nevada frame & NWSL Alco C628 Stewart Hobbles 1.20 69.5 2.92 2.2 Aug. 1999 Sagami 1420 can motor)

Stewart Hobbies Baldwin va 1000 1.05 77.1 1.65 0.7 Feb. 2001 WaltherS/Roco EMD SWI .21 53.3 2.47 1.4 March 1993 S Scale Diesels WalthersiTramline Alco FAI (& FBI) .3t 68.7 4.47 4.2 April 1997 American Models EMD GP35 .54 78.0 7.85 2.0 June 1993 (.16) (65.3) (8.22) (3.8) S Helper Service EMD SW9 .29 55.6 4.32 1.7 Oct. 1998

WalthersiTrainline EMD GP9M 1.18 73.8 2.64 4.0 March 1995 WallhersiTrainline wi th Alco FAI .98 92.1 3.9 nla Sept. 1998 o Scale Diesels MRC DCC Decoder Central Loco. Works EMD F7A (& FlB) .25 72.0 20.68 4.4 Sept. 1989' Westside 'Classic' SP 4·6-0 .49 49.1 3.24 1.7 August 1992' (.20) (65.5) (39.10) (4.0) Sept. 1989'

Key/Samhongsa Alco PAl .41 76.2 21 .85 5.6 April 1992'

P&D Hobby EMD F9A (& F9B) .25 77.1 N Scale Diesels 5.79 1.2 June 1990' (.24) (74.1) (12.80) (1.9) June 1990' Arnold Alco S2 1.90 151.4 .44 2.0 Mar. 1991" P&D Hobby EMD F3B .25 77.1 5.81 1.6 Jan. 1993 Alias EMD GP7 .48 237.0 .57 2.0 Oct. 1995 Red Caboose EMD GP9 .27 81.9 12.78 2.2 June 1992' Alias (wilh DCC decoder) EMD GP 40-2 .42 203.7 .73 3.6 May 1998 Weaver (0 scale) Alco FA2 .22 72.8 15.31 1.9 July 1989' Alias EMD SD 60 1.63 222.4 0.90 1.6 March 1999 Weaver (Hi-Rail) Alco FA2 .21 100.8 12.53 2.2 August 1995

Alias EMD GP40 .33 81.9 3.41 1.7 Nov. 2000 Alco FA2 (& FB2) .25 (94.9) (19.251 (2.0) August 1995

AllaS/Kato GE U25B (two) .29 222.4 .64 2.0 June 1989' Weaver EMD E8 .30 105.6 14.45 2.1 July 1993

(.31) (189.6) (1.37) (2.0) June 1989' AliasiKato EMD SD7 1.29 231.9 .60 1.7 April 1990' o Scale Steam Locomotives Atlas/Kato EMD GP35 1.07 213.7 .61 2.2 Nov. 1992' SamhongsalHalimark On3-EBT 2-8-2 .22 33.8 9.09 2.4 Aug. 1989' Bachmann EMD SD40-2 .74 148.3 1.03 2.4 Sept. 1989' lionel UP 2-8-0 12.61 89.7 20.1 7.6 May 2001 Bachmann wiN Scale 01 EMD SD40-2 .82 155.7 1.25 2.6 Sept. 1989'

Nevada Chassis G Gauge Diesels BachmannlSpectrum EMC Gas Elec. 20.0 110.1 0.38 3.2 Aug. 1998 Alias EMD SW8/9 .63 60.1 12.49 2.1 April 1999 Bachmann/Speclrum GE Dash 8-40C .44 113.0 1.15 5.2 April 1993 LGB Alco DL535E 2.67 48.0 27.01 N/A April 1990 Bachmann/Spectrum EMD DDA40X .35 163.9 1.13 3.8 Sept. 1997 lionel EMD GP7 .38 55.6 14.74 5.9 May 1991 Con Cor EMD E7A .57 99.8 4.19 3.4 Oct. 1992' Railway Express Agency Alco FA 1 3.79 68.2 15.25 N/A July 1990 Kato Alco PAl (& PB1) 1.43 167.7 1.25 1.7 Dec. 1998

(1.07) (156.8\ (2.328) (1 .8) Dec. 1998 G Gauge Steam Locomotives Kato EMD E8A .26 222.4 .96 2.0 Aug. 1993 Aristo-Crall (ART) B&O 4-6-2 1.15 51.9 28.08 2.0 Oct. 1991 EMD E8A & (E8B) (.26) (220.4) (1.92) (2.3) Aug. 1993 Aristo-Craft (ART) & PRR 0-4-0 .94 72.7 12.13 1.6 Jan. 1992- Kato GE U30C .48 242.2 .88 2.4 Feb. 1990' Lehmann (LGE) 0-4-0T 2.40 28.7 7.24 NIA May 1992' Kato GE Dash 9-94CW .11 198.2 .84 1.4 Nov. 1997 Bachmann 0-4·0T .31 25.6 6.38 2.6 Aug. 1992' Kato Alec RS2 .30 167.7 .52 1.4 Sept. 1999 Bachmann Radlo- Key/Endo EMD F7A (& F7B) .39 145.3 .57 3.8 Mar. 1992" Controlled Baldwin 4-6-0 .55 25.2 28.81 N/A June 1989' (150.3) (.50) (1 .27) (3.0) Mar. 1992' Bachmann Track- life-like EMD F9A (& F9B) 2.04 177.2 1.41 5.0 Aug. 1989' Powered Baldwin 4-6-0 5.50 38.4 11.23 1.0 Oct. 1990-

(1.84) (166.4) (2.78) (4.7) Aug. 1989' Bachmann 2-Truck Shay .95 14.0 29.22 3.3 May 2000 life-like Alco FA2 (& FB2) 1.19 158.0 .91 4.0 May 1993 Delton Loco. Works D&RG 2-8-0 .12 40.9 17.00 2.0 Dec. 1989'

(.66) (149.3) (1.81) (3.4) May 1993 LGB 2-6-0 2.65 54.8 22.45 N/A Nov. 199f' LGB Fomey 0-4-4T 2.74 36.1 26.39 N1A July 1994 life-like Alco PA 1 2.97 139.7 1.21 3.4 Nov. 1998 Lionel Baldwin 0-4-0T .12 54.5 9.60 1.8 Oct. 1989' Life-like EMD GP18 1.20 167.0 .84 3.0 April 1994' Kalamazoo Toy Trains 0-4-0T .48 50. 1 13.47 1.1 Jan.1991' life-like EMD E8A 1.63 149.3 1.27 4.0 April 1995 Kalamazoo Toy Trains 4-4-0 .82 67.1 13.18 1.3 Jan.1991 ' life-like EMD SD7 .29 121.11 .48 2.45 June 1996 life-like EMD E7A 3.14 140.6 1.33 4.3 Feb. 1998 Note: Figures In parenfheses are for two locomotives operated together.

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 25 ------[DlESEL MODELING ] ------E,MD 41 T�2 IN HO SCALE FROM AT HEARN 'S KIT By D. Scott Chatfield

, , , The last of the "Tunnel Motor" diesels from EMD, the SD45T-2, can be modeled in HO scale using Athearn, Cannon and other components as described on pages 40-49 of this issue. Here are other prototypes for the model you can build using Steve Orth's techniques. There's an index of all previous articles on modeling diesels on our website at www.railmodeljournal.com

Southern Pacific painted some of their SD45T-2s in th'l;t"Kodachrome" red and yellow scheme. Number 9319 was photographed at East Point, Georg a in August 1992. Scale Decals. "0 Microscale 87-496 ,

26 RAILMODELJOURNAL ' OCTOBER 2001 The Cotton Belt locomotives were, essentially, part of the Southern Pacific's fleet, and they received the same degree of maintenance. Yo u can then expect to see the SSW SD45T-2 diesels as worn-out looking as any other SP units. Steve Orth will describe his rusting and weathering techniques to match these grungy prototypes in the November 2001 issue of "The Journal." SSW 9378 was photographed in Memphis, Tennessee in May 1995. Scale Decals: HO Microscale 87-11 plus 87- 616

The KCS took far better care of their motive power than the SP. KCS 4507 was photographed at Hermosa, Wyoming in June 1996. Scale Decals: HO Microscale 87-550

The SP applied their speed lettering scheme to some of the SD45T-2 diesels. Number 9300 appears to be freshly painted as it rolls through Maxwell, Nebraska in May 1998. Scale Decals: HO Microscale 87-620

The Union Pacific operates some Dash-2 Tunnel Motors in their fleet. Number 4965 was pho­ tographed in Chamblee, Georgia in July 2000. Scale Decals: HO Microscale 87-522

RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 27 [ ] ------LAYOUTS OF THE MASTERS ------

IN CALE By Mike Pa lmiter

i'ter three decades of a situation opposite from what most layout model rai lroad focus, a selecti vel y model urban ra il scenes in planners race. Instead or designing a track compressed version of the New York several different scales, I arrangement constrai ned by the size and Central/Rock Islancl/Nickel Plate Road joint decided in 1997 to make a shape of an existing room, I could plan the rail line from LaSalle Street Station in final commitment and layout first then build a structure to house it. downtown Chicago to Englewood six miles start over again by There was no question that the new south, circa 1963. This was a prototype with building '"the ultimate layout." layout would again depict a real-life urban which 1 was personally fam iliar, and it had My home is a one-level earthbank style setting, so the first order of business was to all the features an urban modeler could want: without a basement, so the only option fo r a decide which and how much of it would be high-density multi-track operation between large new trainroom was to erect a seperate practical for one person to build and operate. two busy stations, complex junctions, and a building on adjacent ground. This presented Ulti mately r chose a retum to my earliest diverse backdrop of city structures. This time 28 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 Polk Street Interlocking Tower as it was in the early sixties.

RAILMODELjOURNAL ' OCTOBER 200 1 29 CHICAGO IN HO SCALE

[ would have the space and experience to model it far better than before. POl1raying this prototype req uired a long rectangular room which would also allow for the diverging NYC/NKP line to the east at Englewood Union Station on an L-shaped benchwork conl·igural'ion. There would also be space for some peninsulas from the main benchwork upon which to expand scenics. Pan of the trainroom could then be devoted to project work tables and storage. Experience with previous I,u'ge layouts convinced me that I should not build one much bigger than 50 feet long and only wide enough to allow for the curve at Englewood to staging. Anything larger would get into club propoltions and be more than I could maintain, much less scenic properly. " Mike's Trainhouse," as it has come to be known, measures 52 feet long by 20 [eet wide, more than adequate for the large new layout plan. It was built the same as any contemporary single-level frame dwelling except dlat it has only one room plus a small entryway and lavatory. Since dle sole puq)ose of the trainhouse was to accommodate a model rai lroad, I designed it without doors or windows on three walls so as to create an unflawed sky backdrop. Two electric units in the back walJ over the project work benches provide either heat or air conditioning for clean, all-season use. Lighting is a combination of fluorescent and incandescent fi xtures. I believe that it is impOltant to have a brightly lit, user-friendly environnment fo r model railroading. Total cost? About the same as a new Chevy, so having a tTainhouse is not as extravagant as one might think. The trackplan was devel oped well before trainhouse construction began. I fe lt confident that everything was figured just right and plowed ahead with bench work and track laying as soon as the building was ready. AJI went well for a couple of months, until I began to have a nagging suspicion that something wasn't quite right. For one thing, I had considerably more open space than the tloor plan suggested. This of course could be used to expand benchwork for additional tracks and scenics, but maybe I had been off target with the basic concept of portraying only Chicago. Then it occurred to me that by trimm.ing away some of the peninsula bench work. there would be enough open space to build an additional city scene on a separate table. Here was the

0PPoltunity to have {IVO ultimate layouts side by side. More on that one another time. Surgery was begun to cut back Chicago"s setting. The resulting modification len a 4-foot- wide, 51-foot­ long table along one wall plus an extension

30 RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 Aisleway

N.Y. City Layout

'" ,II Itl I I I III � III - Duck Under I I ; I I : I \ \ I \ , '. , " :.� -- Work Benches

At Cermak Road (22nd Street), trains serving LaSalle Station pass the Edward Don building, which occupies an entire city block and is distinctive for having company slogans and logos emblazoned across all walls and rooftop water tanks. This building was made by splicing together several City Classics kits. The components provided a very close architectural look-alike to the prototype.

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 31 CHICAGO IN HO SCALE to staging along the adjacent wall. This tracks hidden behind scenery along the wall. Epilogue sti II allowed plenty of space to represent Each track has three electrically isolated Chicago has undergone many changes Chicago's basic original design. should I sections to hold trains. 1 opted fo r this since the 1 960s. Both LaSalle and note that 4-foot-wide tables against a stagi ng method rather than a yard Englewood stations have been razed, and the wall make for an excessively long reach, because it took less usable layout space multitrack mainline from the new LaSalle but the far side was mostly a one-time and elimi nated the need for turnouts. Station is down to two for Metra commuter placement of background buildings, so Each mainline track is controlled by trains only. The C&Wl underpass at 16th the width was not really a problem and its own powerpack. Spurs are powered Street is gone, replaced by a bore for a CTA provided better scenic depth than a from the main when turnouts are thrown subway line. narrower table would have. to them. Mainline turnouts are operated The downtown ru'ea is now a cluster of using Switchmaster machines; all others cloud-piercing glass towers which obstruct Particulars are manual. view of the city's once-tallest Board of Trade Benchwork consists of 314-inch J can now say that this l ayout and the building, LaSalle Station's familiru" backdrop plywood on a 2 x 4 frame support. one to be described another time are my for more than half a century. Height from the floor is 40 inches. For fi nal ones in that they provide everything If any readers have an interest in this me this is a good work height and allows lacking in their predecessors. prototype of the earlier era and would like to more headspace for highrise buildings With the hard part of layout exchange infol111ation or f0l111 a Special than 50 inches or more used by many construction done, [ can concentrate on I.nterest Group (STG), T can be contacted at model railroaders. It gives me an the enjoyable side of model railroading, Box 205, Williams, fN 47470. overview when standing, and eye level ru nning trains and refining scenics. RMJ when sitting. In Chicago, virtually all the mainline is elevated from street level. My "roadbed" is laLlan panel board cut to appropriate widths then elevated from the table surface using 2 x 4 cuttings as shims. All the trackwork is Micro Engineering code 83 prefab fa ctory­ weathered stock. I attached it directly to the lauan with Walthers' Goo. This method greatly simplified track laying and eliminated the eyesore of oversized spikeheads. Goo set-up time allowed fo r adjustments and perfect alignments.

City Scenery For architectural scenics, I patterned each building after their real-life counterprut using prototype photos as a guide. The skyscrapers were made using my time­ honored method of applying horizontal and veltical strips onto foamcore or plexiglas boxframes to form the window pattern. The lowlise buildings were made mostly fro m DPM and City Classics kit components. In each case, I used wall panels that had the closest architectural style of the building being copied. 1 then completed the look­ alike with COITect paint and trim. Street traffic comes from several sources. The GM transit buses are American Precision Models products. Rail road equipment is mostly Proto 2000 locos and THC passenger cars. The bi-level commuter cars are a Three Brothers' product.

Running Tra ins Operation to and from LaSalle Station is as the prototype, trains have to back in before each depruture, ru1d back out after each ruTival. The stub-ended station is itself a built-in staging yard. Counterpart staging at the opposite end of the trainroom is in the form of extended inbound and outbound

32 RAILMODELJOURNAL' OCTOBER 2001 Seen from under the 12th Street bridge, NYC's picks up speed. Next stop: Englewood Union Station at 63rd Street.

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER200 1 33 CHICAGO IN HO SCALE

LaSalle Street Station, Chicago.

34 RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 35 ------[ TECHNIQUES]------

By Keith Kohlmann

There are times when the locomotive shell or carbody you desire is only available painted and lettered. With care and the proper materials, it's possible to remove the paint and the lettering so you have an undecorated car to support the new paint and lettering. There's an index of previous articles on air brushing, painting, decaling and weathering on our website at www.railmodeljournal.com

NOC 497384� Find a container large enough so you can submerge the model. I use an aluminum bread �. (91 %) pan with Scalecoat II Stripper. r��l I sopropyl II Isopropyl Alcohol

friend invited me over to useful on my freight car stTipping, painting I've become less comfortable using the his house to look at some and decaling assembly line. more toxic solutions. The scrubbing process old model railroad Stripping paint can be time consuming spatters a fine misl that settles on all surfaces. equipment that he had and messy. It can also be expcnsive and I didn't like inhaling the mist. either. purchased 20 years ago for frustrating if it is not done right. These are the FUlthermore. washing these products down an N scale layout that he methods and products thal 1 have had good the sink inb'oduces a whole new set of never built. r was the only luck with. My advice is to start out slowly, problems. The less-toxic material seems to N scaler he knew, so he offered to sell me the and don't use one of your favorite models the be the best choice. whole lot for $50.00. Before I accepted, I tirst time. Once you gain confidence, you I ,our the Scalecoat " stripper fu l'­ picked through the large box of unopened can strip a dozen or more cars at once. strength into an aluminumbread pan. 1 avoid packages of sectional track. freight cars and My choice of paint stripper for most steel pans because they rust too quickly. dJied-out cork roadbed. I found a dozen old plastic models is Scalecoat " Wash Away I disassemble the cars and soak them. Kadee freight cars, but the paint schemes on paint remover. (Regular Scalecoat is fo r keeping a careful watch, making sure that the these cars didn't fit with my pmticular time slTipping metal only. Wa tch out: it melts plastic substrate is not getting soft along wilh and place modeling. But that wasn't really a plastics I) Scalecoat 11 Wash Away is much the paint. The length of time the cars soak problem. I bought the whole box knowing I less toxic than Floquil Poly S stripper, depends on the type of paint the could transform the old cars into something Te stors' Stripper or even brake fluid. manufacturer used. It seems that cars painted

36 RAILMODELJOURNAL ' OCTOBER 200 1 REl RIG ERATOR

'( RA NSIT LINES

with the newer paints strip off very easily. New MicroTrains cars Bill of Materials and kits from InterMountain are ready in about 10 minutes. They Scalecoat II : wash completely clean with little effort. Those old European-made Wash away paint remover cars that look like they were painted with a roller need several hours for the stripper to fu lly penetrate the paint. and even then they Stripper: don't remove all the paint. 3M Safest Stripper TI After the paint becomes soft. an old toothbrush works well for scrubbing off the paint. J wash the shells under running water and Alcohol: inspect them fo r paint that is sti ll sticking. Usually they only require Isopropyl more careful attention with the toothbrush. In places where the toothbrush will not reach, Like around grabirons or vents. a shruV number II blade can be used to gently loosen the paint. [t is essential that the stripper be rinsed off the shell. If it is not, it will to scrub the model with a keep working and could damage the plastic or weaken the new to remove the dissolved paint. paint job. Work outdoors and wear eye and face Wash Away is reusable. pour it back into the bottle protection, long sleeves and rubber gloves. [ immediately after use to keep the solvents from evaporating. Paint residue settles to the bottom of the bottle making the stripper ready for use the next time. When the stlipper fl uid gets really thick, you can pour it through a strainer to remove the thickened pai nt. Wash Away paint remover will not work on all types of paint. To remove paint from a Kato shell. use 91 % Isopropyl Alcohol. This is available at any pharmacy. Do not use 70% or any other weaker solution-it will not work. If these strippers won't loosen the paint, you may want to try other strippers that ru'e available. Or, you could just paint over it or maybe even find a different shell for your project. An easy way to strip die-cast metal shells or underframes is to soak them in 3M Safest StIipper TI. It is non-Ilammable and does not burn the skin like methylene chloride strippers. It is easy to use, and it cleans up with water. One final warning on paint stripping. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that only profess ionals remove lead-based paints and other lead-based coatings. You can be reasonably sure that most hobby items produced in the last 20 years have lead-free coatings. But fo r older models that you ru'e unsure of, a simple lead paint test kit from the hardwru'e store can provide the information you need. The fo rmer Kadee Coors Beer refi'igerator car was stripped and repainted with Floquil Reefer Ye llow and Boxcar Red. Oddballs decal set number 60-249 Milwaukee (URTX) Reefer was applied to more accurately reflect the type of beer car fo und in the place and time I model. RMJ

RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 37 [PAINT DECALS ]------&

IN HO SCALE FROM BRANCHLINE'S KIT By Bob Rivard

'\ e � , \ � � < ( \(" ." I , ! ,I "� , , ':f1 ,, ! � '\'1 ""'"" ...... �il ,\'i, � �, I) • � -j; ,r' '\ ,i �� �. , I ' Bob Rivard matched the paint and weathering ' on:his HO, scale" model 'to his,own photograph of the proto- type. The model is a Branchline 1103 double-d�or 50-f06t box car �th , Scalecoat I number 60 Light NP Green paint and Microscale ' 87-161 decals. There's an index of all previous articles on modeling modern

freight cars on our website at www.railmodeljou�nal.com

38 RAILMODELjOURNAL ' OCTOBER200 1 [PAINT DECALS ] ------&

FMLX I 70 14 62�FQQ1r TA NK CAR IN HO SCALE FROM KIT By Dennis Lippert Model photo by Te rry Stuart

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 39 [ ------DIESEL MODELING] ------EM 4. T� l FROM AT HEARN'S BODY By Steve Orth

Use Steve Orth's techniques to build a "see-through" grille into your Athearn SD40T-2 or follow all of his steps and build your own accurate replica of the SD45T-2. The weathering techniques to finish the model will appear in the November 2001 issue of "The Journal." There's an index of all previous articles on modeling

diesels on our website at www.railmodeljournal.com

40 RAILMODELjOURNAL ' OCTOBER200 1 RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 41 2 ATHEARN/CAN NON SD45T.. MD's SD4ST-2 was not practical, due to the SoutJ1ern Pacific's SD4S, EMD constructed external duct­ developed during a time diverse operating conditions. Even with the work from sheet metal on three SD45s in when automotive and lru'ger radiator and extra fan, the cooLing Apri l 1971, commonly called "elephant locomotive design was capacity was not sufficient when operating ears" by railfans. The SP simplified and driven by a "bigger is better" in tunnels and snowsheds on the SP.When copied the design on nine more SD45s in philosophy. In 1966, the operating in these enclosed spaces, the air eady 1972. The shroud proved successful in 3,600-horsepower SD45 was near the elevaled rad iator intakes was reducing the overheating problem, and the produced, and it quickly became lhe already heated by hot engine and radiator concept was cruTied forwru'd in the design slandard for locomotive power. For lhe exhaust from locomotives crawling up of the Dash 2 locomotive line. Southern Pacific, the SD45 had the desired grade at very slow speeds. The cooling The new SD4ST-2 design incorporated horsepower and maintenance commonality system was unable to transfer sufficient an improved cooling system design, with their other EMD locomotives. heal from the cooling water to the pre­ inspired by the experimental shrouds. It In 1970, EMD produced seven SD45X heated air, and locomotives would shut diffe red from all previous EMD designs in locomotives, with 4,200 horsepower, larger down, either stalling the train, or causing that the radiator-cooling air intake was just radiators, and four radiator fa ns. Six of additional locomotives to overheat and shut above the waLkway, rather than at the top of these units went to the SP, three in SP down, further reducing train speed. the hood. The radiator fans were relocated colors, and three in a demonstrator scheme. In an allempt to force cooler air near the from the top of the hood, above the radiator [n reality, this increase in horsepower was tunnel noors through the radiators on an cores, to inside the hood, directly under the

42 RAILMODELjOURNAL ' OCTOBER 2001 shimmed with styrene until the walkway radiator cores. This redesign resulted in two front pilot. These were later modified by was .74 inch off the rail head, con'e­ significant improvements in cooling SP to be narrower, to allow the uncoupling capacity: 1) cool air near the tunnel floor lever to be reached by a crew person on the sponding to a nominal prototype height of was picked up, and 2) the fans were moving steps. Units after 9354 had an additional 64.5 inches. cooler, dense air, rather than hot air, thereby pair of end handrail posts added on each The fuel tank was removed from an improving their efficiency. side of the gangway. Although this group Athearn SD40T- 2 frame with a hack saw. The design proved to be very of locomotives is not the most common in The casting was cleaned up with file and successful, and the Southern Pacific the SP fleet, the additional "stuff' on the sandpaper, and a .040-inch shim was added purchased 248 units in L1 different classes top of the locomotive makes for a very to each end to lengthen the tank. A pair of between the SP and their subsidiary, SSW. interesting model. number 50 holes were drilled in the tank, The "tunnel motor" radiator was corresponding to the locations of the holes in subsequently installed on the SD40T-2, Chassis Modifications the frame, and were tapped for a 2-56 screw. which was purchased by both the SP and As has become my nonnal practice, I The tank was fastened to the frame with 2-56 the Denver & Rio Grande Westel1l. began construction of my SD45T-2 with the screws, and .040-inch-thick styrene shims An outstanding article on the prototype, chassis. 1 initially considered using the were used to adjust the tank height. including data and photos of each order, is chassis provided by Atheal1l fo r the SD40T- Styrene blocks, .14 x .25 x .2-inch, were contained in Diesel Era, Vo lume 2, Number 2, but eliminated it because it positions the cut for coupler mounts and fastened to the 3, which is available from Withers locomotive too high over the rails, and its frame with epoxy. Following assembly of Publishing, 528 Dunkle School Road, wheelbase is too short. The Athearn chassis the shell, the blocks and frame were drilled Halifax, PA, 17032 (717) 896-3 173. was designed to allow the locomotive to and tapped for 2-56 mounting screws. operate reasonable well on 18-inch-radius Modeling the SD45T-2 curves, which required that it sit high and Rear Truck Modification in HO Scale have the trucks moved inboard to provide One of the unique aspects of the tunnel Athearn produces a nice model of the clearance with the stepwells. If a modeler motor locomotives is the see-through effect SD40T-2 in two variants, one with an 88- wants to maintain this capability, the of the radiator intake gJilles. There are inch nose, and one with a constant-slope Atheal1l chassis is recommended. Next, I several ways to achieve this, but on a 116-inch "snoot" nose, including the SP examined the Rail Power Products SD60 powered model, the worm tower of the rear light package. The SD45T-2 and SD40T-2 chassis for suitability. While the fuel tank is truck protrudes into the space between the share a common chassis and overall length, close to the COITect length, and sufficient gJilles, significantly reducing its realism. I along with a common radiator. These metal exists on the bolsters to allow considered removing the rear truck's WOlm similalities, along with several differences, lowering, the wheelbase ofthis chassis is too tower, rendering it a dummy, as is often make the conversion from an SD40T-2 to long for the SD45T-2. Because a correct done, and accepting the reduction in an SD45T-2 an enjoyable modeling chassis was not available, I got out the brass tractive effort. Then an idea struck, and I challenge. stock and soldering equipment and set about embarked on a rear truck modification that The primary difference is the length of building my own chassis from scratch. proved successful. In blief, I relocated the the pIime mover cabinet and hood door I began by replacing the 42-inch wheels worm tower to the area above the front axle, width. The SD40T-2 has eight I8-inch on the Athearn trucks with Northwest where it would be completely out of view. doors, whereas the SD45T-2 has eight 22- ShOitline 40-inch wheels. Using a moto­ I completely dismantled the rear truck, inch doors. This lengthening of the prime tool with a cut-off wheel, I removed the and cut open the top of the truck above the mover cabinet resulted in the cab, sub-base metal pivot plate on the top of the trucks. front mde and idler. Taking a spare 2-axle and nose being moved fo rward This, combined with 40-inch wheels, Athearn truck, I cut off the worm tower and approximately 36 inches. Also, because at lowers the frame height about .040 inches, metal side frame. The metal side frame and 3,000 HP, the SD40T-2 did not require as and electrically isolates the frame. To plastic gear housing were trimmed with much cooling capacity, only two radiator provide positive electlical connections to ti les until the tower fit above the front axle fans were used. Consequently, the smaller each side of the truck, I soldered a piece of of the modified truck, with the worm gear locomotive has two cooling fan access flexible wire to each metal truck to be engaging the idler between the front and doors versus the SD45T-2 having three. connected to a DCC decoder. center axle. When I was happy with the fit, Thanks to the excellent parts The frame was constructed using two I soldered the grafted gear tower's metal manufactured by Cannon & Company, pieces of Special Shapes 3132-inch brass I­ side frames to the rear truck metal side accommodating these differences is within beam, cut to a length of 8.875 inches. K&S frame, and used heat from my soldering l the capability of today's modelers. Liberal brass bar, Is-inch wide, was cut to the iron to fuse the plastic gear cases together. use of Cannon paJ1s with the Athearn lengths shown in Figure I, and soldered in The top of the original gear tower was SD40T-2 shell results in an outstanding as located in the figure. To mount the cut off, leaving the plastic .020-inch higher model of the SD45T-2. trucks, two pieces of K&S 19132-inch brass than the original worm gear teeth. I l For my prototype, I selected a tubing, each cut Is-inch long, were fabricated a retainer plate from .0 I S-inch locomotive from the SP 9330-9370 group. soldered between the frame rails, using brass sheet, approximately .8 x .375 inch to These locomotives are characterized by brass bar stock spacers to fill the gaps on retain the tll.lck to the frame. The plate and having cab-roof-mounted air conditioners, each side. Once the tubes were soldered in, truck gear housing were driIJed and tapped 3 electric cab heat, the bell and horn mounted I soldered a /16 x 1/16-inch brass bar across for I -mm screws, and the plate was on the roof in off-center positions, a blade­ the top of each tllbe for a bolster. The front fastened to the top of the truck. type radio antenna mounted on a ground and rear of each tube was cut out with a Much to my delight, the truck operates plane over the inertial filter hatch, a roof­ motor tool to allow the trucks to swi vel. The excellently. The modified truck is actually mounted cab vent and a rear cab door vent. amount removed was determined by quieter than the front truck when the In addition, this group was delivered with a experimentation with a truck. The shell was locomotive operates. The modified truck's fu ll-width, extended anti-climber on the placed on the frame, and the bolsters were ability to rotate is severely Limited, but it

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 43 AT HEARN/CANNON SD45T 2 ..

Athearn radiator section after grilles, fan access doors, and hood were removed.

Shell with new hood sides and fan access section installed, with excess panel lines filled.

44 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 tracks through my minimum 36-inch curves. Although it took a couple of evening's wOlth of modellng effort, the results are wOlth it to me.

Body Shell Modifications Work on the long hood began with the removal of the dynarnic brake hatch and cabinet hood doors. I cut the shell with a razor saw at the rear of the hood doors where they meet the auxiliary equipment cabinet. The engineer's side was cut down to the bottom of the hood doors, not reaching the walkway, and the fireman's side was cut all the way down to the walkway. The cab was removed, and the nose and sub-base were cut off with a razor saw. The electrical cabinet was cut off at the walkway level on the fireman's side and level with the bottom of the hood doors on the engineer's side. The air reservoirs were removed, and the body-mounting holes in the sill were filled, as was the gap left from the removed blower housing. Finally, the traction motor blower duct was extended forward to be 3.85 inches from the front edge of the auxiliary equipment cabinet edge. This left a shell consisting of the walkway and pilots, the auxiliary equipment cabinet, and the radiator cabinet. The radiator intake grilles were cut out with a motor tool and cleaned up with a file. I intended to make my own grilles out of woven steel cloth, so I retained the molded frames. The fan access door section was also cut out and cleaned up with a fi le. The radiator grilles on the top of the hood were split across the locomotive with a razor saw as they are on the prototype. Athearn molded several body panel separations into the shell that need to be filled, so I fi lled them with strip styrene and putty at this time, sanding them smooth.

Short Hood and Cab Assembly A Cannon & Company 81-inch short hood, cab and sub-base were used for the model. The sub-base was assembled first, halves. Note location of lIsingthe SP split equipment doors. A Dash worm tower over front axle. 2 cab was assembled, using the "L"-shaped

The rear (left) and front trucks for the SD45T- 2. The ' ', rea� truck revised g�ar tower:location. · · i "'I ,': ' I

RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 4S AT HEARN/CANNON SD45T 2 .. windshield. wished to model the ullit I the fans. This sn'ip was continued back on dle the openings. I cemented .020 x .030-inch shortly after it had the anticlimber hood. The dynamic brake vent was installed strip styrene inside dle intake openings to narrowed, but prior to the "L"-shaped on the hatch centerline. support the screen and fastened the screen windshield being removed. The heater Dynamic brake fans were built up using with thick CA. Be careful to use a louvers on the cab and the side of the short a .25-inch-diameter styrene tube for a hub, minimum of CA, as capillary action will hood were fi lled with putty and sanded. widl .020 x.080-inch strip styrene cut for draw it into dle screen if it is too thin or too The 81-inch short hood was assembled, blades. The top of the fan hub was covered much is used. using the ratchet brake lever. J installed with the brass disc included with the DA class lights (number 5 on the Cannon grilles. The built-up fa ns were installed on a Pilots sprue), but these were blanked on many .040-inch-thick styrene base, which was Wo rk on the pilots began with removing

units prior to the light packages being mounted to place the fan hubs .050 inch the anticlimbers on both ends with a razor removed. Check your prototype photos. below the top of dle fan shrouds. This saw. The coupler slots were fi lled with The fresh air vent was installed on the hood assembly was built with an intelierence fit .040-inch styrene and sanded. The upper top, fireman's side, centered fo re and aft on to allow it to be removed fo r separate corners of the front pilot were filled with the grabiron. painting. The prototype fan hubs and blades .040-inch styrene, and the indented area The completed subassemblies were are a one-piece aluminum casting that is was filled with styrene and putty. All seams then assembled and the grabirons and steps unpainted, and I wanted to capture this were sanded smooth. were installed. An opening in the nose was color contrast by using a dull aluminum A Cannon 2104 anticlimber was fi led out for the light package. The Utah paint on the fans. I waited to install the DA installed on the rear pilot, and the pilot Pacific light package was installed with CA grilles until just prior to painting to prevent edges were trimmed to be flush with the after it was carefully fitted. damage to them. steps. Because I was modeling the SP 9339 after the front antiC\imber was Hood Modifications Radiator Section Modifications narrowed, I selected a Cannon 2 J 02 that New hood sides were built up from a A new fan access door section was was trimmed in width to be .95-inch wide_ base of .030-inch styrene, cut 3.85 x .940 made using .030-inch styrene for a base, The ends were capped with .080 x .020- inch. Strip styrene was cut and placed as cut to fit the opening in the shell. Cannon inch strip styrene and sanded smooth. The shown in Figure 2. A .195 x 1.I45-inch 1008 doors were cut down to a length of narrowed anticlimber was then fastened to rectangle was cut from .020-inch styrene .614-inch, and the center hinge was shaved the pilot. The supplied stanchion fo r each side of the electrical and clean air off. Strip styrene was cut and placed as reinforcements were added to the cabinet. The angled separation line shown in Figure 3, using the cut- down anticlimber after mounting. between the electrical cabinet and clean air doors as a guide. The doors were glued in A buffer was built from .020 x .080-inch cabinet was scribed into the panels after the frame, and hinges were shaved off the strip styrene for the sides and .060 x .080- they were fa stened to the base. I used scraps and glued onto the doors as inch snip for dle top. The top of the buffe r Cannon doors to fit-check the location of appropriate. I flattened one side of .0 10- was beveled with a file and then installed on each of the styrene strips around the doors. inch-diameter styrene rod and glued the the pilot. Fow-number 77 holes were drilled When I was satisfied, the snips were flat side to the doors to model the semi­ in the pilot face for coupler cut lever fa stened to the base with solvent. When the circular braces. brackets. A DA lever was used for the rear, solvent had set up, the seams were filled New radiator grilles were fabricated and the front lever was bent from .0 1 2-inch with putty and sanded. I postponed from stainless steel cloth. J purchased the brass wire to fit. I filed a slot in the installation of the doors until fi nal material from McMaster-Carr, a large anticlimber gussets for the cut lever to fit assembly to prevent damage to them. industlial supplier, via their website. The into. After the cut bar was installed, dle The built-up sides were attached to the prototype grilles are made of sheet steel, reinforcement plates supplied by Cannon shell, the seams filled with putty, and which has been stamped to give a square for the gussets were installed. sanded. A top was added to the ineltial grid with .25-inch-wide bars separating At this point, prior to installing the cabinet, made from .040-inch styrene. I used .400-inch-wide square openings. This delicate details, I cut out the molded front the cab assembly as a guide and added stamped sheet is then cOITugated. The steps with a razor saw and installed the shims to the cabinet top to obtain the cOlTect stainless steel cloth was available in a 120 etched steps from a Cannon GP38-2 height. mesh with .0037-inch wires. This n'anslated treadpl ate kit. The etched steps fi t as-is. I cut a .443-inch-long piece off an extra to .37-inch-wide bars with A-inch A-Line steps could be substituted. non-dynamic brake hatch and added it to the openings. This was very close to scale, so I rear of the dynamic brake hatch. The seam ordered and used this screen. UnfOitunately, Final Shell Construction was filled and sanded, and the hatch was test­ occasionally some things do not scale well At this point, J had the majority of the fitted to the shell. The ineltial filter cabinet and provide the same effect. After painting, shell for my locomotive, including the was trimmed to clear the hatch widl a file. I fel t the screen I acked some of the walkway, pilots, radiator section, and The dynamic brake fan centers were cut out openness of the prototype screens, and I long hood. The remaining large Cannon with a motor tool in preparation for have since ordered some 80-mesh cloth parts were now added to the shell. The installation of the Detail Associates etched with .0037-inch wire to use in the future. previously assembled cab, sub-base, and gJilles. The housings were filed to get a thin The screen was pressed onto a short hood were fastened to the shell with cross section when viewed from above. The corrugated form made from a pair of RPP solvent. I added a rear wall to the cab tw'bo hatch was filed off, and a Cannon Dash SD90MAC gJ-illes cemented together. I using .040-inch styrene. The cab steps 2 selies turbo hatch was installed. The liftring used a pair of dull number II X-Acto from the Cannon kit were added. The nubs were cut offand replaced with brass lift blades to press the cloth into the Cannon inertial fi lter hatch was fastened lings. A .G IO x .020-inch styrene snip was corrugations. Both sides were impressed to to the inertial cabinet and drilled for lift placed on the hatch centerline to represent dle give clean cOiTugations in the screen. The rings. The inertial fi lter intake grilles sheet metal overlap on the prototype behind resulting screens were then trimmed to fit were fastened to the shell, and a .005-inch

46 RAILMODELJOURNAL' OCTOBER200 1 .01 9-inch wire air lines. The reservoirs were thick strip was added to the top, per the numberboard housing, down across the mounted to the sill using epoxy, with the Cannon's ins tructions. The electrical shOit hood on the engineer's side, and then rear of the reservoirs even widl the front of compartment door and access plate were into the hood. I would recommend that dlis detail be added as dle cab is assembled. the prime mover cabinet. A Details West added at this time. I used knives and a motor tool to make a recess for the access plate. In Turning to the long hood, I began by 139 air fLlter was dlilled widl a number 76 hindsight, it would have been much simpler installing the Cannon safety u·eadplate. drill and mounted fo rward of the fuel tank to cut out the opening for the access plate Although the treadplate kit is made to fit the on the engineer's side. Air lines were bent prior to assembling the hood sides. Athearn GP38-2 and GP40-2, the from .01 9-inch wire and installed. A pair of On the opposite side, the blower silllilarities between the locomotives aLlow brake vent regulators were made from housing was installed. For the elecuical it to be adapted to the SD4ST-2. The front small sprue and were attached under the sill cabinet air filterbox I used the new Cannon section tit as etched, as did the anticlimber on the right rear and left front of the part. The box was assembled per the section, although the corners of the locomotive. SilVstep lights were mounted instructions but was not installed until the anticiimber section are radiused. The long under ilie cab. On dle fireman's side, a safety tread plate was installed. hood walkway sections from two kits were Cannon handbrake tensioner was instaIJed. pieced together to plate the long walkways. Athabasca etched chain was installed with Detailing In discussions with several diesel fans, I it, and a pOition was left to route to the rear have been informed that the treadplate brake cylinder on the left front truck. [ began detailing with the cab. I had specificaUy picked a prototype locomotive sections on the prototype are pieced together Unfortunately, the delicate chain detail did that was equipped with air conditiorung to fT om 8-, 10- or 12-inch pieces, depending on not smvive the painting and weathering process, but it can be seen in dle photos. maximize the "stuff" on the cab roof. The the subcontractor who produced them. After prototype was equipped with two cab vents, the u"eadplate was installed, I used CA to Handrails were fabricated from a roof vent on the flreman's side and a flat fasten dle previously assembled ECAFB to Smoky Valley stanchions and hand-bent vent on the rear cab door. These DA parts dle walkway and hood. .0 12-inch wire. After painting, the were attached using photos to locate them. Grabirons were installed in number 80 handrails were .013 inch in diameter, just Cab sunshades from A-Line were installed holes dri lled in the rear of the long hood. slightly undersized compared to the PBL grabiron ends were installed on each prototype. To mount the stanchions, on the Cannon sunshade rails. I elected to I use the etched brass A-Line parts for their grabiron. An angled grab was bent from filled the existing stanchion holes and durability. The Gyralight between the .0 1 2-inch wire for the top of the radiator drilled new number 70 holes, using numberboards was attached and drilled section and installed. The prototype had a photos as a guide. The handrails were with a number 53 drill to allow later pair of small grabs added behind the soldered to the stan chions on the model installation of miniature bulbs. radi ator intake screens. These were bent using a soldering pencil, rosin-core The air conditioner was mounted to the from .0 1 2-inch wire and added to the solder and liquid flux. Be sure to mask the hood sides to prevent flux from cab roof. After it was attached, I mounted model. Lifting lugs from Athabasca and the bell, using photos to locate it. I brass lifting rings from Detail Associates splattering on the model surface. shortened the stand for the bell prior to were added. The rear headlight was The final detailing involved the frame, installing it, as I fe lt it was too tall. The air installed, and the rear class lights were fuel tank and tmcks. The frame was detailed line for the bell was made from .006-inch dlilled with a number 54 drill for later by adding u"action motor cables. I used brass wire and installed in number 80 holes installation of MV lenses. photos to provide guidance and attached the that [ had drilled. Precision Scale makes the The pilots and sills were detailed next. cables to the I-beams with epoxy. correct horn for this prototype, including MU receptacles were added to the pilots, The fuel tank was detailed using pre­ the stand, but it was not available at my under dle anti-climbers, on the right side, production paltS from Cannon. I began by local hobby shop. To substitute, 1 used a looking into the pilot. The snowplows were adding .OOS-inch styrene ends to the tank, Details West horn and fabricated a bracket mounted by drilLing 1/16-inch holes in the fastening them to the styrene extensions for the horn from .OOS-inch-thick brass pilot. The plows were used to locate these added earlier with solvent. The ends were sU'ip, .050 inch wide, bent in a rectangular holes by placing the assembled shell on the fiJed to size, leaving a slight overhang. A shape. The horn, bracket, and a mounting chassis and placing the locomotive on the .006-inch brass wire was formed around the pi n made from .012-inch wire were rails. A piece of .040-inch styrene is placed tank to simulate the center bulkhead/weld soldered together and mounted to the roof. on the rails, and a drop of red paint is placed line. This was attached with CA to the tank. An electrical conduit for the air conditioner on each snow plow mounting pin. The plow The tank was temporarily attached to the was bent from .0I S-inch wire and mounted is placed on the styrene, and pressed into frame to locate the tank brackets, which in number 77 holes. the pilot, leaving a red dot at the locations were attached widl solvent. Antenna stands, or ground planes, are for the holes. Grabirons were mounted to The tank was removed and locations available from Details West and Overland, the plows prior to installing them. The were marked for tank detai ls as shown in but I chose to make my own from .0lO-inch plows were not installed until after painting Figure 4. The fuel flllers were mounted in styrene, cut to a .390 x .4S0-inch size, and to allow easy painting of the pilots. A number 56 holes, and the circular gauges mounted on .0 IS-inch brass wire legs. This trainline air hose was mounted in a number were mounted in 3f32-inch holes. A veltical was mounted on the ineltial filter hatch in 74 hole dliLled in the plow. sight glass was mounted on each side. A number 77 holes. A Sinclair antenna was SilJ detailing began with the installation fuel tank drain was attached to both ends of mounted to the center of the stand. A of new air reservoirs. To mount the the fuel tank. A fu el tank condensate drain conduit fo r the antenna was made from reservoirs correctly, I filed the sill thinner, was mounted to the light front and left rear .012-inch wire and routed along the from the rear edge of the auxiliary of the tank. The vent base was mounted 011 engineer's side of the cab roof from the equipment cabinet fo rward to the bl ower the left front, inboard of the velt.ical sight front of the cab to theantenna. housing. T cleaned up the air reservoir glass, and the vent pipe was attached to it. An air conditioning drain was made from white-metal castings with sandpaper and Finally, the engine sump drain was added to .0 lO-inch wire and mounted to the bottom of drilled number 76 holes in the ends for the light rear of dle tank.

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 47 AT HEARN/CANNON SD45T.. 2 040" Space (2 ) r.-<>.1" .020" Space 080" SP -i !- r- \ �� t : 0.4" ·n -L t " <0 <0 U") <0 <0 10 <0 N .94r 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 T"" T"" ..-- ..-- ..-- T"" ..-- ..-- ..-- T"" 0.5T. 1 � 1--1 .018"---1 1-1.018"--l1�.414"11 ---1.29".\ -1.19" h/ - \r t-'\. /'- Figure 2 - SD45T-2 Hood Pattern (Engineer's Side, Conductor's Side Mirror Image)

� M . 1 0 3 P "I�I ==:-,'====#=====:-l -j j f- --+- -I I- -.060" .020"-.1 .080�

Figure 3 - SD45T-2 Cooling Fan Access Door Pattern Q) E (Engineer's Side, Conductor's Side Mirror Image) a:s IIII L.. Q) "0 u.. :c N I .075" N � 3 M L() 2.98" (V) ..... in 2.885" 25" r... r-- o U") co 01" N (f) I--- c· .665" (P . I .1_1:� :n� (f) JI T""' ,,",co, .0. � :r Circular Gauge 0 3: f Cl Gl II) � .. c: co :::s '" Cl � \ � u:: M Front - b 0

T"" Figure 4 - SD45T-2 Fuel Tank Detail Locations (� (Both Sides)

h/ \r b - <"i t-'\. /�

. co - f -f to Detailed frame with truck and motor mounts completed. 0 f + 48 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER200 1 The Cannon set includes several parts that may or may not be present on your prototype. I went on an afternoon railfanning trip to observe the fuel tank appliances on the prototype. I saw several variations, from completely clean bulkheads on both ends of an UP SD40-2, to a totally cluttered bulkhead on an SP GP60. Just use a prototype as a guide for your model. Had [ modeled an SD4ST-2 that had been rebuilt, it would have been appropriate to add a waste fluid tank to the rear of the tank, which is made in HO scale by Hi-Tech Details. The final detailing involved detailing the truck sideframes. The outside corners of the sideframes and inside edges of the step wells were fi led to allow the trucks to , . . ' Bill of Materials rotate adequately. Brake cylinder air lines A-Line: 2212 Coupler lift bar were added using .0 12-inch wire after the 292 10 Sunshades 2302 Cab armrest cylinders were drilled with a number 79 23 14 Windshield wipers drill. A speed recorder was installed on the Athabasca: 2807 Speed recorder left front axle. I used a .0 1 2-inch brass Eyebolts and lifting lugs 300 I Sand filler cover wire glued into a number 80 hole drilled in 103 Chains and safety chains 6206 Air hose the recorder head for a cable. This was 101101 Lift rings bent up under the cab after final painting. Athearn: 102213 Coupler lift bar bracket Sanding lines were made from .0 1 9-inch 4500 SD40T-2 undecorated kit wire for the inside ends of the trucks. Details West: Brackets for the lines were made from Builders in Scale: 139 Air filter set .0 I S-inch wire and were soldered to the 2S0 Black 40-link-per-inch chain 140 Snowplow lines for strength. The lines were then 158 Air conditioner attached to the trucks by drilling mounting Cannon & Coml>any: 172 Engine and caboose step lights holes for each end. The sanding lines on 100 I 18 x 78-inch EMD doors (3,0,0) 175 Air horn the outside axles were omitted, as they 1002 18 x 78-inch EMD doors (3,2,0) 204 Air tank - EMD would interfere with the stepwells, 1005 22 x 78-inch EMD doors (3,0,0) 223 Antelma stand preventing the trucks from rotating. 1006 22 x 78-inch EMD doors (3,2,0) 224 Traction motor cable set The model was assembled and test run. 1009 Gen. Comp Doors, Dash 2 & SO/60 239 Traction motor cable set The combination of correct wheelbase, I]03 EMD 81-inch low short hoocl COITect height, details on the trucks, fuel 1202 EMD Dash 2 cab sub-base MV Products: tank details, and frame details has left the 1203 SP Split equipment cloors LS300 Clear lenses model limited in its ability to negotiate 1304 Inertial fi lter screens curves. The sanding lines had to be adj usted 1353 Inertial fi lter hatch PBL: to clear frame details, but the model was 1501 EMD Dash 2 cab kit 11 J Grabiron Ends able to negotiate 36-inch radius curves. 1 505 Laser-cut windows This was obviously not a model fo r a tight­ 1604 EMD blower housings Precision Scale: radius layout. 1903 ECAFB Early Dash 2 3933 Gyralight, vertical w/shields This completed the assembly of the 1952 EMD turbo hatch model, and it was now ready to take into 200 1 Safety tread, Athearn GP38-2 and Smokey Valley: the paint booth. When I began this GP40-2 104 SD40-2 and SD40T-2 stanchi.ons 2102 EMD wide anti-climber project, I was intrigued by the weatheri ng patterns of the prototype 2104 EMD T-2 anti-climber Tichy Train Group: locomotives. Of particular interest was TBA EMD fuel tank details .015 18-inch Drop-type grabirons the burnt paint that is commonly observed under the dynamic brakes on Detail Associates: Utah Pacific: these SP and Rio Grande locomotives, 1003 Pyle headlight 84 Noselight with housing and the peeling lettering on the SP 1201 Bell prototypes. I wanted to recreate this 1508 MU hoses DECALS: effect on my model in a convincing 1509 MU receptacle set - modern Microscale: fa shion. Several methods were 1803 Radio antenna - sinclair 87-447 Southern Pacific/Cotton Belt experimented with on junk shells from 1902 Air vent - flat hood diesels my parts box, and I eventually developed 1903 Air vent - flat, cab roof mount GE & EMD loco data and builders a method that resulted in satisfactory 1904 Air vent. dynamic brake plates re sults. Next month we'll go over this 2012 Fan grille 48-inch flat top 87-612 Soutbern Pacific "Red Road process from priming, to weathering, to 2203 Nut-bolt-wasber names and Ilumbers" completing the model. RMJ 2206 Eye bolt

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 49 ------[ ] OPERATIONS ------

UCONTROL THAT TRAIN, NOT THE TRACK" By John Pa lmer

' :' ·This article is the eighth i,� a s�ries o� h�)\�:y�� , ���' g;,t� �II':�f'the prototYp; Ci��;�ti�g' pot�'nti';l tlia{ is ;;)s­ sible using Digital Command Control (D.C�)}sys.��ms;,The�e's '�n index of a".'p�evious articles'about operations ', . ' , on our website at www.railmodeljournal.com ..I . ,'. ' ••, .' ,i ' " .' .,' T '. • • >1:. >1:. _. , , :;,; "''''' � L '" _1�:S" \it ''' " ,�"" , 1." ' � :' . � •

A Pennsylvania Railroad K-4 4-6-2 with a streamlined shroud swings around the curve at the Rockville Bridge a few miles west of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

o far our discussion of problem of reverse loops, Because of the as those produced by Atlas for lise with Digital Command Control symmetry inherent in three-rail track, a their sectional track. Using conventional and Operation has con­ reversing loop doesn't cause any electri­ control and some knowledge of electron­ centrated on locomotives cal problems here when using conven­ ics, this switching of polarity can be and their configuration tional control. Th is is not the case with accomplished automatically using detec­ and performance cus­ two-rail track as can be seen in Figure tors and re lays. Part of the complexity tornization. Now it is time 9- 1. With conventional control, the sim­ with conventional control systems in this to look at other uses of DCC to improve plest solution is to isolate a portion of the case is that the polarity between the two the operation of other parts of our layout. loop and reverse the polarity as the train rails determines the direction of travel of In the early days of model railroad­ travels around the loop, using a double­ the locomotive, However, even so, with ing, three-rail systems were preferred pole double-throw switch, This is the conventional cab control this problem over two-rail systems because of the solution commonly shown in books such can be sol ved,

50 RAILMODELJOURNAL' OCTOBER 2001 Dee is diffe rent, it actually uses an Figure 9-1 : - ' --', alternating current signal through the I' , Reversing Loop , , rails to power the locomotives. The , , decoder converts this signal into the , , direct current it sends to the motor. I \ Because of the alternating current in the I , rails, we don't have a constant polarity. , , Unfortunately this still causes a problem with reversing loops because of a con­ I I fl ict of signal phases between the two , I rails. This conflict will cause a short just , I as surely as polarity diffe rences on a con­ \ I ventional layout. With the advent of the solution , I Dec. , to the reversing loop problem becomes a I , lot easier fo r average model rai lroaders , I to solve using something called an auto­ , reversing unit. This device works quite , I simply. The auto-reversing unit controls , I , a portion of the track in the reversing , I , loop. When a train crosses the gap to , I + enter or exit this section, if there is a " short due to phase mis-match, the auto­ , revers i ng uni t detects the short. \ However, before shutting down the \ power to protect the track and the loco­ • motive, the unit reverses the phase of the signal it sends out. If this reversal causes , the short to vanish, then the unit does not need to shut down. Because the polarity Figure 9-2: between the rai ls is not being used to Auto-reversing control the locomotive's direction, the train keeps on running as normal. Since this phase change takes place in a frac­ tion of a second, the train crosses the gap without any hesitation. This is shown in Figure 9-2. The engineer running the train or the dispatcher managing all the trains don't have to do anything. In fa ct, they don't even need to know that the train has run through a reversing loop. This same equipment can be used to con­ trol any reversing track such as wyes and Dee turntables, as well as the more common Control reversing loop. This is what is meant when we say that with Dee you control the train not the track. This auto-reversing can be automated even fu rther quite easily using Dec. So fa r our discussion of decoders has con­ centrated on decoders in locomotives. However, there are such things as acces­ sory decoders, also called stationary decoders. Although we wil l describe these in more detail in a later article in Control this series, it is enough to know fo r the moment that they receive the same Dee signal as the locomotives, but they are designed to power accessory devices such as turnout motors or solenoids. Stationary decoders also usually have a variety or separate input sensors that allow them to be activated by switches or other electrical signals such as those Control from a track-detection circuit.

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 51 REVERSE LOOP OPERATIONS WITH Dee Figures 9-3 and 9-4 show how an Detector Figure 9-3: accessory decoder can be combined with Automated loop a track-detection circuit and an auto­ control with one reversing unit to control a reversing loop detector completely automatically. Figure 9-3 shows the simplest case, with a single detector providing input to the accessory decoder and operating the turnout at the throat of the re verse loop. When a train enters the loop traveling through the turnout routed by its previous setting, it encounters the reversing section con­ trolled by the auto-reversing unit and the detection section monitored by the track detector. The auto-reversing unit will take care of the track phase, and when Accessory the locomotive activates the detector, the decoder signal sent to the accessory decoder causes it to operate the turnout at the throat of the loop and set it for the other route. This allows the train to exit the loop without any operator intervention . Although this is a simple way to control the loop, it does have some operating limitations. The loop must be long Auto­ enough to allow the train to clear the reversing throat, and if there are any complex unit movements backward and forward in the loop, the detector may cause the turnout

Turnout motor to be aligned incorrectly. This sort of control is best used by a hidden reversing loop used only to turn trains. Figure 9-4 shows how two track detectors can be used to control the Figure 9-4: Automated loop control with two detectors turnout at the throat of the loop. In this arrangement the detection sections are close to the turnout, but not so close that the turnout motor does not have lime to throw the switch points. With this arrangement, when a train reaches the detection section, the accessory decoder operates the turnout motor to align the turnout for whatever direction the train is approaching the turnout. Again the auto­ reversing unit takes care of the signal phase. This is somewhat more complex, but a great deal more flexiblefor opera­ tion. The loop can handle longer trains because the detection section is much closer to the turnout than the first exam­ ple, and it doesn't matter what happens in the loop: when the train tries to leave, the turnout will be aligned automatical ly to let it out. Either of these two control methods is much simpler than what would be required by a conventional ana­ Auto­ log control system, as all the complex reversing logic is handled by the auto-reversing unit unit and the accessory decoder. RMJ

Turnout motor

52 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 ------[PAINT & DECALS] ------

AS CNW 718207 FROM LBF'S HO SCALE KIT By Mike Rose

Mike Rose made two nearly identical ex-Rock box cars. The first was featured in the August 2001 issue. The differences in the shades of Rock blue were matched by adding more white to the Polly Scale Conrail paint. The decals are Microscale 87-259. Both cars are EliC Shops 50-foot ACF box cars (now available from LBF Co., 13701 No. Umpqua Hwy., Roseburg, OR 97470). He added A-Line steps and Kadee couplers and weathered the model to match a specific prototype. There's an index of all previous articles on modern

freight car modeling on our website at www.railmodeljournal.com

eNW 71 82 07

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 53 ------[ ] MODERN FREIGHT CARS ------

THRALL ARTICUlATED BI"'LE�E.IL AUTO RACKS FROM AT LAS 0 SCALE MODELS By James Panza

These unusual articulated auto racks have been in service for nearly three years on America's railroads. Now Atlas oHers the car ready-to-run in 0 scale. There's an index of all previous articles about auto racks on our website at www.railmodeljournal.com

ne of largest success mobiles from airborne contaminants. The ABL consists of two units joined by stories of the railroad Another major improvement was the an articulated connector. Each deck is industry during the past pooling agreement reached by the members equipped with a platform that pivots at the decade has been its ability of the Association of American Railroads. articulated connector. Unlike most rack to capture a majority of Prior to this 1981 agreement, each designs fo und mounted on 89-foot 4-inch the new vehicle trans­ manufacturer's plant had its own captured flat cars, the ABL is an integrated design. portation market. There fleet of auto racks assigned to it. This This means the car and rack were designed are many factors that have led to the agreement led to the Reload Project that as one unit for the shipment of motor railroad's success. Plant consolidations have reduced travel times and empty transit vehicles. The ABL can haul any type of resulted in vehicles having to be shipped miles, and improved equipment utilization automobile, sport utility vehicle, truck or longer distances, making shipping by rai l and customer service. van in any combination, which is impOltant more competitive. Each of the major auto A product of the joint effOIt of the considering the mixing center concept. At manufacturers has built assembly plants in rai lroad industry, auto manufacturers, and the loading ramp, dle ABL can be loaded Mexico with the completed vehicles suppliers to improve the equipment for rail circus-style along widl conventional bi-Ievel shipped to the United States loaded in auto transportation of motor vehicles is the auto racks. Between 7 and 9 vehicles, racks. Several foreign automakers have built Articulated Bi-Level (ABL). The Future depending on vehicle size, can be loaded on plants in the United States that ship a high Distribution System Ta sk Force, consisting each deck. The number of total vehicles percentage of their product via rail. The of representatives from the auto and railroad hauled is between 14 and 18 as compared to manner in which new vehicles are industries, is a task force committed to 8 to 12 on an 89-foot 4-inch bi-Ievel rack. distributed has also changed. Ford and improving the transportation of finished The ABL offers improved interior width that Norfolk Southern have teamed together to motor vehicles. Thrall Car Manufacturing in allows easy movement around vehicles and operate mixing centers. Each Ford plant partnership with TTX Company developed reduced damage such as chipped paint. The sends a pOItion of its production to the the Articulated Bi-Level, also called the side panels are solid steel with limited various mixing plants where they are Universal Car. Two prototypes, BTTX openings that reduce the ability of unloaded. The cars are then reloaded with a 110095 and 110096, were built in April contaminants to enter the car. The ABL is 'mixed' load of vehicles that are all destined 1995. BTTX 110095 underwent extensive equipped with the latest Thrall door design, to the same final distlibution center. structural testing at the AAR Test Center called the SealSafe Radial Doorn",. This While major changes in the auto near Pueblo, Colorado with very successful door does not have the opening at the deck industry have made increased traffic results. BTTX 110096 was placed in bridge plate extensions, but it does have a available to the railroads, the railroad revenue service to fa miliarize the rai lroad rubber gasket at the door edge that keeps industry has also taken major steps to grow and auto industlies with the new car's contaminants from entering the rack. The this business sector. Of course, the design. TTX Company placed an order for door also fe atures an improved pivot replacement of the open auto rack with the 200 ABLs in February 1997 followed by system, designed to reduce maintenance fully enclosed auto rack is the most visible add itional orders fo r 170 and 50 cars. Thrall costs. We 'll describe some specifics of the symbol of the improvements the rai lroads Car Manufacturing's Winder, Georgia plant car for modelers who would like to build a have made. The new-generation auto racks began production of the ABLs in September model of this massive car. are based on specifications issued by the 1997 and completed the orders by June Each car consists of two 68-foot lO-inch Association of American Railroads (AAR) 1998. The TTX Company cars are units dlat are spaced 2 feet 4 inches apmt, in 1983. Of course the fully enclosed auto numbered BTTX 880000-8804 19. NOIfoLk making the total length 140 feet 0 inches rack predates the date of the standard by Southern, through General Electric, took over strikers. The car is 10 feet 5 inches almost a decade, but up to that point there delivery of ABLs numbered NS 110097 - wide over the side panels and 10 feet 8 were no agreed-upon standards for the 110 141 that were built at the conclusion of inches wide over the ladder pans and railroads or the rack fa bricators. The the TTX Company order. Additional orders hand brake. The cm· is approximately L8 feet specifications have resulted in a multi-level fo r 475 cars (NS 110150-110624) and 550 LO inches high from the top of the rail to the fleet that is vandal and theft resistant, offers cars eNS 110625-1 11174) were built by top of the door and roof, but no higher than a smoother ride, and protects the auto- Thrall Car Manufacturing since 1998. 19 feet 0 inches at any one point. The

54 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 200 1 distance between each of the three trucks is long-travel constant-contact side bearings. the car and enhance ventilation but prevent 58 feet 0 inches. The distance from the end The intermediate truck is equipped with entry of airborne contaminants. Protection trucks to each end of the car is 12 fe et 0 Stucki 656-SLB side beari ngs. This fo r door edges of motor vehicles from inches. The decks are set so that there is an combination of side bearing types offers the contacting the interior of the rack is 87-foot clearance at the lower deck, called best performance level based on testing provided by three bands of extruded fo am the A-deck. The clearance at the second conducted at the AAR Test Center in that are secured by plastic pins that engage deck, called the B-deck, is 91 feet. The Pueblo, Colorado. the holes in the side sheets. There are two inside width at the interior posts is 9 feet 10 The car has two complete brake systems tire guides on both the lower and upper deck inches, which is approximately 9 inches with each unit being equipped with one set. that are located 20 inches from the wider than most auto racks. That may not The brains of the brake system are the latest longitudinal centerline of the car. The upper sound like much, but it gives loading in stabilized control valves manufactured by deck is a flat plate design that is sUPPOIted personnel more room to open and close either New York Ail"brake or Wabco. The by lateral cross members. Each side of the automobile doors and walk along the control valves are equipped with fo ur-pOit upper deck has a fo rmed curb piece that is interior with loaded cars. The inside width receivers for an automated single-car test bolted to the interior of each side post. between the side panels away from the posts device. The brake system can be tested Motor vehicles are secured to the ABL is LO feet 5 inches and 9 feet 8 inches at the using a manual single-crn· test device or with the Holden Grate/Lock Chocking rnticulated connector enclosure. The car using an automated single-crn· test device. System that consists of two major weighs approximately 155,000 pounds TTX Company tests the brakes of every car components: grating and chocks. Each deck when empty. any time a car is in a shop. The AAR has a grating system that is riveted to both requires that a brake system be tested if a car sides of each deck between the outside curb Car Construction is on a repair track and it has been 12 months and tire guide. The grating is secured at its The ABL has a fabricated centersill since the last time the car was tested. There outside edge only and can be hinged fi·om consisting of two webs and a centersill is no stencil applied to the car to indicate the the inside edge to fac iLitate cleaning of the bottom cover plate. The deck plate also acts last test date. Data for the brake test can be car decks. The chocks are wedge shaped and as the centersill top cover plate. The center­ fo und in a database maintained by the AAR. made of composite material with a lock sill has separators that rn·e aligned with the Each brake system has a fa bricated mechanism that engages the grating system. crossbern·ers and crossties. Each unit has a reservoir, retainer valve, auxiliary vent valve Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, fa bricated body bolster to which 14-1'00t­ and 8 x 12-foot brake cylinder. Unlike the between four and eight chocks. are used to diameter center plates are bolted and weLded majority of alticulated cars that have truck­ secure each vehicle. The car is equipped to the body bolster bottom cover plate. The mounted brake cylinders, the ABL is with 80 chocks. Most vehicles are secured coupler end of each unit is equipped with a equipped with body-mounted cylinders and by placing one chock in front of each front 10-foot buffe r and 2-foot draft end-of-car associated brake rigging. The brake system tire and one chock in back of each rear tire. cushioning unit. The cushioning units on the B-unit operates the brake rigging on lnstillction decals for the chock system are remain stationrn·y in the draft gear pocket. A the B-end truck and the intermediate truck. placed on the inside of the side sheets near block on shaft of the end-of-car cushioning The brake fo rce is transferred from the each door at each deck level. The chocks rn·e unit fits inside a yoke casting. The yoke body-mounted brake cylinder to the brake stored in uniformly spaced pans secured to travels between the front and rear draft stops beams through a series of levers and rods. the inside of the side sheets. that are welded to the draft sill. The reduced The connecting rods from the car body to The car has the Thrall Car slack couplers, AAR designation the truck brake levers have large eyelets that Manufacturing SealSafe DOOl·n" that is E69CEHX, rn·e connected to the yoke with a rn·e engaged by hooks in the truck brake identified by the absence of the slots in the Y-47 pin. The pinned coupler arrangement levers. This arrangement is commonly door, a rubber gasket at the inner door edge, allows the coupler to have some horizontal referred to as the hook-and-eye brake a redesigned lock arrangement, and a pivot movement not unlike those found on the arrangement. An automatic double-acting system at the roof along with the normal knuckle-type couplers on our models. The slack adjuster mounted to the center rod at pivot at the deck levels. The end doors also car also has a telescoping uncoupling lever each brake cylinder lever compensates fo r have a revised handhold at each deck level on each end. The rnticulated connector has a brake shoe and rigging wear. A pair of end to aid workers entering and exiting the crn·. 14-foot integral center plate. The floor plate air hoses at the articulated connector But what modelers will notice the most is at the alticulated connector is designed to separates the two brake systems so that they the absence of those slots at the B-deck level prevent authorized personnel from stepping can be individually tested. The car is that are found on most bi-Ievel racks. Those into a void. However, it is possible to equipped with one lever-type handbrake slots provide clearance fo r the bridge plate visually inspect the connector with the floor mounted to the side post at the BL corner hinge arrangements when the doors are plate in place. that operates the brakes on B-end and operated. The Thrall Crn· Manufacnlring The crn· rides on tlu·ee NACO 70-ton­ intermediate truck. SealSafe Doorn" does not have the slots capacity Swing Motion Trucks that rn·e The sidesills consist of fo rmed channels. requiring a redesign of the bridge plate considered a premium tTuck because of their There are fo ur jacking pads per unit that are hinge arrangement. The new Thrall design excellent ride quality. The wheelsets are located under the posts at the bolster and consists of an inner fixed hinge assembly comprised of 33-foot diameter wheels and 6 under the No. II post. There are four and an outer hinge assembly that is rotated x I I-foot roller bealings. The end trucks are locations per unit that accommodate lifting out of position prior to closing the door. The equipped with six 07 outer coil truck hooks. Two of the locations are at the No. 2 roof sheets are fa bricated from galvanized springs and 2 outer coil friction shoe springs post and the other two are at the double steel and rn·esimi lar in design to those fo und per spring group. The center tTuck has the crossbearer under the No. 12 post. The car on previous Thrall-built auto racks. same quantity of outer coil truck springs and sides consist of a continuous upper chord, One of dle most innovative aspects of friction shoe springs but also has 2 06 inner interior hat-shaped posts and steel side the ABL is the rnTangement of the decks at load springs per spring group. The end sheets with holes. These holes are the articulated connector that allows a trucks are equipped with Miner TCe-IT-60 strategically placed to allow light to enter vehicle to be loaded on each deck at the

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 SS AT LAS 0 AUTO RACKS

NS 110345 is shown on display at the Railway Supplier Association (RSA) show held in September 2000 at Chicago, Illinois. Thrall Car Manufacturing also had a Union Pacific Q2 on display at the show. ruticulated connector. The movable deck three-piece Thrall Flex-Element™ made material is applied at several locations to consists of four bridge plates and two fro m a polymer material that is reinforced prevent the formation of rust on the rack. platform assemblies. The fo ur bridge with an integral wire mesh. A support The car is painted TTX yellow including plates, two per deck, are made of a system comprised of three sets of the interior. Of course the galvanized polymer material that have long slots aluminum tubes is secured to the units surfaces and nonmetallic surfaces are not allowing the bridge plates to rotate as the with metal fasteners. The Thrall Flex­ painted. car moves through curves and turnouts.A Element™ is clamped and secured to the The Thrall Car Manufacturing platform assembly consisting of an sides and roof sheet at the articulated end Articulated Bi-Level, or Universal Car, aluminum frame and polyurethane track of each unit. can be fo und operating in auto rack unit sections rests atop the bridge plates and is The car has the safety appl iance trains between assembly plants and secured to the decks with a pivot pin. The arrangement found on most auto racks. delivery points including mixing centers. platforms also have a spring arrangement There are four ladder panels with 9 These vehicle trains, such as BNSF's that assists the platform in returningto its handholds riveted to each one. A vertical symbol freight VMCISBD that operates straight, or neutral, position. The handhold is mounted to the outside between McCook, 1I1inois and San pol yurethane track sections are fo rmed vertical edge of the ladder pans. The Bernardino, California, receive prefer­ with the wheel tread areas that act to handholds secured to the ladder pans are ential treatment by the railroads. The contain the tires. Holden Grate/Lock painted only at the outside legs with the vehicle trains can be seen running empty Chocking System grates are riveted to the tread area being galvanized to prevent as the equipment is repositioned for the platforms fo r vehicle securement. Eight rust and tracking of paint to the interior of next load. In addition, single ABLs may chocks normally are used for vehicles the rack. There are the customary four be fou nd mixed in a merchandise freight loaded on the platforms to ensure they do handholds mounted to the end sill of each train. We fo und examples of this on the not move out of position as the platforms unit that are painted. All inaccessible Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rotate. The contact points between the areas are cleaned and painted with a around Chicago as the cars were being rotating platforms and bridge plates are primer before fi nal assembly. All exposed returned to assembly plants. coated with a polyurethane material to surfaces are blasted with an abrasive The release by Atlas of this car in 0 reduce wear. The exterior of the area medium to be in compliance with an scale, hopefully fo llowed by HO and N between the two units is enclosed using a industry specification. An approved caulk scale, will make modeling these cars a

Atlas offers the articulated auto rack car ready-to-run in 0 scale. At the moment, Atlas has no plans to offer the car in either HO or N scales.

56 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 BTIX 880054 at the Thrall Car ManUfa(:tUtI, plant located at Winder, Georgia on 1997. This view shows the left side and the A-unit. Note the end doors are the Seal-Safe design that does not have the slots found on previous door designs.

must for those modeling the late 1990s or a single ABL operating in a beyond. Even the two prototypes, built in merchandise train, the ABL is quite a 1995, can be run on your railroad if unique car that is sure to attract attention model i ng 1995 to the present. So whether on your railroad. you have a complete ABL vehicle train or RMJ

Bm 880184 at Lafayette, IN in August 1998 on the Norfolk Southern. The car will be loaded at the nearby Isuzu plant. This view shows the right side of the car with the A-unit closest to the photographer.

The view of the end of Bm 880184 was taken from a highway overpass at Lafayette Indiana in August 1998. Visible is the top hood of the door and the top pivot. The Seal Safe Radial Door offers complete protection to the vehicles inside the ABL.

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER200 1 57 Kato is producing N scale ROC cars. The pre-production body shells were on display at the NMRA National Convention in St. louis but the finished model should be on your dealer's shelves this winter.-Katol},yill offer the ROC!, ROC2, ROC3, and ROC 4 in CN, Cp,NH, ATSF, NYC, RI, ARR, CN] and CNW and undecorated. �

Deluxe Innovations is working with GHQ to produce ready-to-run replicas of the USRA 0-8-0 locomotives. The models will have Tomei mechanisms with GHQ cast-metal superstructures and details and will be offered fully-assembled.

Atlas is expanding their line of N scale track to include flex track and num­ ber 5 turnouts with code 55 nickel silver rail. Atlas will also offer a full range of track pieces as well as 11.25 degree and 90 degree crossing.

58 RAILMODELJOURNAL ' OCTOBER 2001 ------[ CALENDAR ]------12-16. Railroad Prototype September Pacific Southwest Publisher: Larry Bell Region, NMRA Convention, Palace Editor: Robelt Schleicher Modelers Meet Station Hotel/Casino, Las Vegas, Copy Editor: Brian Bevirt September 29-30. Lake Region Nevada. Contact: Registrar, Charles Regular Contributors: Prototype Modelers Meet. Cleveland, Louis A. MruTe, Diesels Nauman, 4722 Blue Mesa Way, Las Jim Eager, Sixties-era Modeling Ohio (same weekend as Nickel Plate Vegas, NV 89129, (702) 645-7 158 or D. Scott Chatfield, Modern Modeling Technical & Historical Meet). email [email protected]. Brian Kreimendahl. TntermodaJ Modeling October Western Prototype Todd Sollivao, (c. 1960- 1 969) Modeling 7. John Nehrich. (c. 1945- 1959) Modeling Modelers Meet, LaHabra Community Richard Hendrickson, Center, 101 W. LaHabra Blvd., NMRA National (c. 1940- 1 949) ModeJjng California,9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: Pete Tom Hood, Canadian Modeling Conventions Goy Thrams. Model Locomotives Solyom (562) 69 1-4139. July 12-22, 2002, Fort Lauderdale, Doug Gurin (Layout Design SIG), 26-28. October Prototype Modelers Florida Layout Design Seminar, Holiday Inn, Naperville, 13- 19, 2003, Rick Brendel. Electronics July To ronto, , Graphic Director: III inois. Contact: send an SASE for John Cole Canada Art Depart.ment: Auggie Velasquez details to Sunshine Models, Box 4997, 2004, Circulation Direct01:: Sherri Simpson July Seattle, Washington Phone: (303) 296- 1 600 Springfield, MO 65808-4997. Note that Fax: (303) 295-2 159 this meet is NOT being held in conj unc­ Contributions: MfliJ to 2403 Champa St., tion with the National Hobby show this Historical Society 80205. Dellver. CO All material must be accom­ year-the National Hobby Show is panied by return postage. 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RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER200 1 59 · Pennsylvania Railroad class X-43 1944 MR 10-fo ot 6-inch interior height, ACF-built 40-foot single­ FREIGHT CARS OF THE FIFTIES door cars with Improved 3/4 Dreadnaught "Rolling Articles are listed in (more or less) chronological InterMountain 0 scale, by Richard Hendrickson, Pin"-shaped ends, fro m C&BT Shops HO scale mod­ order of first appearance of prototype cars. "PRO­ January 1998. els, by Bob Davis, September 1991.

FILE" articles describe the prototype and its match­ · Upgrade: IMW 1937 MR HO scale box car kits, by · Wabash 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior height, ing model. Usually, articles on individual cars that Richard Hendrickson, July 1994. ACF-built 40-foot single-door cars with Improved fo llow "PROFILE," "Upgrade," or "Kit-conversion" · Kit-Conversion: C&O 1937 MR Rebuilt 40-foot 4/4 Dreadnaught "Rolling Pin"-shaped ends, from listings are individual examples of the same car type box car with Hutchins ends and diagonal panel roof, C&BT Shops HO scale model, by Ed Hawkins, May with a photograph of the model and its prototype. by Scott Pitzer, May 1996. 1991. 40-FOOT BOX CARS: · PROFILE: 1937 MR wood-side box cars with 5/4 · PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior ( 'Note: Articles with a single asterisk are reprinted Dreadnaught ends from Sunshine or Athearn HO height, ACF-built 40-foot single-door cars with in the book FREIGHT CAR MODELS, Vo l II, BOX scale kits, by Martin Lofton, February 1994. "Transitional" rectangular-panel roofs, and Interim

. CAR, BOOK 1.) ( 'Note: Articles with two asterisks · PROFILE: Modified 1937 MR 40-foot box cars Improved 4/4 Dreadnaught ends, from C&BT Shops are reprinted in the book FREIGHT CAR MODELS, with 5/5 Dreadnaught ends from InterMountain, HO scale models, with ROSTER, by Ed Hawkins, Pat Vol I, TECHNIQUES.) Sunshine and Athearn HO scale, Deluxe Innovations Wider and Ray Long, 'February 1990. · Upgrade: Adding etched-brass or stainless steel N scale, Pacific Rail Shops S scale and Old Pullman · Kit-Conversion: ITC 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch roofwa /ks to box cars and reefers, by Robert o scale kits, with ROSTER, by Ed Hawkins, August, interior height, ACF-built 40-foot single-door cars Schleicher, January 1992. October and December 1996 and March 1997. with "Transitional" rectangular-panel roofs, and

· Upgrade: Adding separate ladders to box cars, by · Pennsylvania Railroad X-37 40-foot single-door, Interim Improved 4/4 Dreadnaught ends, from Ed Hawkins, May 1995. 1937 MR box car from Athearn's HO scale kit, by C&BT Shops HO scale model, by Ed Hawkins, · Upgrade: simulating separate ladders and grab­ Curt laRue, September 1990. February 1991.

· irons with "shadow painting." · Pennsylvania Railroad X-37B 40-foot double-door PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior · Upgrade: Detailing Athearn underfra mes fo r 40- 1937 MR box car from Athearn and Front Range height, ACF-built 40-foot single-door cars with foot box cars and reefe rs, by Martin Lofto n, May parts, by Curt laRue, November 1992. Interim Improved 4/4 "Dartnaught" ends, fro m 1991. · PROFILE: 1941 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior C&BT Shops HO scale, Deluxe Innovations or Con­ · Upgrade: Detailed floors and interiors for HO scale height, 40-foot single-door cars with 515 Cor N scale, or Atlas 0 scale models all with modi­ box cars, by Martin Lofton, " January 1991. Dreadnaught ends, from InterMountain or Athearn fied ends, with ROSTER, by Ed Hawkins, Pat Wider · PROFILE: Z-braced 40-foot single-sheathed sin­ HO scale, Deluxe Innovations N scale, or Old and Ray Long, 'October 1990. gle-door box cars from Accurail and Sunshine Pullman 0 scale models, by Ed Hawkins, February · Kit-Conversion: Modeling the "Dartnaught" ends Models HO scale kits, by Richard Hendrickson, 1995, and Richard Hendrickson, March 1997. on C&BT Shops HO scale kits, by Ed Hawkins, May

February 1993. · PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior 1992. · Kit-Conversion: 11/2-door single-sheathed 40- height, ACF-built 40-foot single-door cars with · PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior foot box cars fro m Accurail's HO scale kits, by Interim Improved 4/4 Dreadnaught ends, by Ed height, ACF-built 40-foot single-door cars with Richard Hendrickson, April 1993. Hawkins, Pat Wider and Ray Long, from C&BT Shops Improved 4/3/1 Dreadnaught ends, from C&BT · Rebuilt 40-foot USRA single-sheathed box cars HO scale, Deluxe Innovations or Con-Cor N scale, Shops HO scale, Deluxe Innovations or Con-Cor N scale, or Atlas scale models, with ROSTER, by Ed fr om Tichy's HO scale kits, by Martin Lofton and or Atlas 0 scale models, with ROSTER, by Ed 0 Richard Hendrickson, April, May, June 1992 and Hawkins, Pat Wider and Ray Long, 'September, Hawkins, Pat Wider and Ray Long, 'November July 1993. 'October and ' November 1989. 1990. · Kit-Conversion: 1944 MR 1 O-foot 6-inch interior · PROFILE: USRA 40-foot double-sheathed box cars · PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior from Ertl or Westerfield HO scale kits, Micro-Tra ins height, ACF-built 40-foot double-door cars with height, ACF-built 40-foot single-door with 1/3/4 N scale models or Berkshire Valley 0 scale kits, by Interim Improved 4/4 Dreadnaught ends, from tapered-rib Dreadnaught ends and welded-side box Richard Hendrickson, May 1998. C&BT Shops HO scale models, with ROSTER, by Ed car from Accurail (ex-McKean) HO scale double­ · PROFI LE: Pennsylvania Railroad X26C box cars Hawkins, Pat Wider and Ray Long, June 1992. door kits, by Ed Hawkins, April 1994. · Kit-Conversion: 1944 MR 1 O-foot 6-inch interior (rebuilt from USRA single-sheathed X26 cars) fro m · Upgrade: 1944 MR 1 O-foot 6-inch interior height, Athearn and Sunshine Models kits, by Martin Lofton ACF-built 40-foot double-door car with interim height, ACF-built 40-foot single-door box car with and Thomas Meacham, August 1992. Improved 4/4 Dreadnaught ends, fro m C&BT Shops 1/3/4 tapered-rib Dreadnaught ends and riveted­ side from Accurail ex-McKean HO scale double­ · PROFILE: Pennsylvania Railroad X29 box cars from HO scale kit, by Ed Hawkins, June 1992. ( ) door kits, by Ed Hawkins, April 1994. Red Caboose, Sunshine Models, or Walthers HO · PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior scale or Fine N scale kits, by Martin Lofton, height, ACF-built 40-foot double-door cars with · PROFI LES: PS-1 -40-foot single-door box cars: September 1993, and by Richard Hendrickson, Interim Improved 3/4 Dreadnaught ends, fro m Color photos of MNS, LS&L and D&H cars appeared August 1997. C&BT shops HO scale kits, by Ed Hawkins, Pat Wider in the 'June 1989 issue. Part I of the series, with a · PROFILE: X-29 single-door box car clones on the and Ray Long, 'J anuary 1990. roster of all the cars built by Pullman-Standard, plus a step-by-step "how-to" article on upgrading the DT&/, W&LE (NKP) and B&O, from Red Caboose or · PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot interior height, ACF­ Westerfield HO scale kits, or Red Caboose or Fine N built 40-foot single-door cars with Interim Improved HO scale McKean Models kits (now offered as an scale N scale kits, by Richard Hendrickson, June 4/3 Dreadnaught ends, with step-by-step how-to improved kit fro m Accurail), appeared in the March 1998. article on kit-converting the C&BT Shops HO scale 1993 issue. Part II, III, IV, V, VI, VI I, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII appeared in the May, June, August, October and · 1920-1 923 MR box car kit-upgrade from Model kits, by Richard Hendrickson, 'December 1989. November 1993, January, June and November Power N scale models, by Keith Kohlmann, August · PROFILE: 1944 MR 1 O-foot interior height, ACF­ 1998. built 40-foot single-door cars with Interim Improved 1994, and June, July and December 1997 issues. An updated roster, with more information on door · PROFILE: 1929 Standard Canadian National 40- 4/4 Dreadnaught ends, from Branchline Tra ins or fo ot single-sheathed box cars from Steam Shack's kit, C&BT Shops kits, by Ed Hawkins, October and styles and details, appeared in the November 1993 with ROSTER, by Stafford Swain, June 1994. November 1999 and January 2000. issue. An index of all the photos (ove r 130!) that had been published in "The to that date, · PROFILE: 40-foot all-steel box cars, from Accurail, · Kit-Conversion: Updating the IMW 40-foot box Journal" Des Plaines and Sylvan kits, by Staffo rd Swain, car with cast-resin Improved 3/4 Dreadnaught ends, appeared in the June 1994 issue. A comparsion of October 2000 and January 2001. by Scott Pitzer. the HO scale InterMountain, Accurail (improved McKean , Walthers, Model Power, Con-Cor and · Pennsylvania RR class X3 1 round-roof box cars, · Kit-Conversion: Pennsylvania Railroad X29B ) with ROSTER, by Rich Burg, March 1995. "Merchandise Service" 40-foot single-door box cars Ca nnonball make cars (except for the newer InterMountain model appeared in the March 1993 · 1932 MR box cars in N scale from Model Power from Front Range HO scale kits, by Bob Davis, ) reefers kits by Keith Kohlmann, July 1999. March 1991. issue. An article on Kadee's new HO scale appeared in the May 1997 issue. · PROFILE: 1937 MR 1 O-foot interior height, ACF­ · Kit-Conversion: Pennsylvania Railroad X29B 40- built 40-foot single-door cars from Red Caboose fo ot single-door box cars from C&BT Shops and · Upgrade: McKean (now improved by Accurail) HO (ex-IMW) HO scale, Pacific Rail Shops S scale and Sunshine Models kits, by Martin Lofton, January scale PS- l kits with roofs and underfra mes, by Ed InterMountain 0 scale (with ROSTER), by Ed 1994. Hawkins, November 1993. · Soo 40-foot PS- l box car from McKean Models Hawkins, Pat Wider and Ray Long, 'July 1991, and · PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior by Richard Hendrickson, November 1992. height, ACF-built 40-foot single-door cars with HO scale kit, by Dan Holbrook, December 1990. · · PROFILE: 1937 MR 10-foot interior height, 40- Improved 3/4 Dreadnaught "Rolling Pin"-shaped Upgrade: InterMountain HO scale 40-foot PS-l foot double-door ACF-bui/t cars fro m Red Caboose ends, from C&BT Shops HO scale models, by Ed with backdating information, by Ed Hawkins, HO scale, Pacific Rail Shops S scale and Hawkins, Pat Wider and Ray Long, 'J uly 1990. December 1994.

60 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 · PS-2 two-bay covered scale kits or Micro-Tra ins N scale models, by PROFILE: Pullman Standard · Sao 40-foot PS-l box car from McKean Models HO 1996. hoppers fro m Atlas or MDC HO scale, Atlas N scale, HO scale kits, by Dan Holbrook, December 1990. Richard Hendrickson, September · Services S scale, or Weaver scale kits, by · Rock Island 40-foot PS-l single-door box car from PROFILE: 1941 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior S Helper 0 , July 1990 and by Ed Hawki ns, April, June, Micro-Tra ins N scale model, by Robert Ortiz, height, 50-foot single-door cars with 5/5 Rich Gher September and November 1995. November 1994. Dreadnaught ends, fro m Proto 2000 HO scale or · PROFILE: Pullman Standard PS-2 two -bay covered · Kit-Conversion: CN 40-foot box cars from McKean Old Pullman 0 scale models, by Richard Models (or C&BT Shops or InterMountain) HO scale Hendrickson, April 1998. hoppers, as Pennsylvania Railroad class H34, from kits and CRM cast-resin parts, by Stafford Swain, · Northern Pacific double-door box car kit-convert­ Atlas or MDC HO scale, Atlas N scale, S Helper December 1992 and May 1993. ed from the Details West (article says Proto 2000) Services S scale or Weaver 0 scale kits, with H34

· Kit-Conversion: Linde 40-foot box/tank cars fro m HO scale kit, by Scott Pitzer, March 2000. ROSTER, by Rich burg, December 1993 and January McKean Models HO scale or Con-Cor N scale kits, · PROFILE: 1944 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior 1994. by John Ryczkowski, July 1993. height, ACF-built 50-foot single-door cars with · General American single Airslide covered hoppers

· PROFILE: Santa Fe extended-Height 40-foot box Improved 1/3/4 Dreadnaught ends, fro m Branchline fro m Wa lthers, Con-Cor and Eastern Car Works HO cars fro m Westerfield's HO scale kit, by Richard Models HO scale, or Pacific Rail Shops S scale kits (or scale and Atlas N scale kits, "Car Spotters Guide No. Hendrickson, May 1995. fro m 40-foot kit-conversion of C&BT Shops HO 5" (private owner cars), December 1990 and October 1992. · Kit-Conversion: Pennsylva nia Railroad class X-29G scale, Deluxe Innovations N scale, or Atlas 0 scale 40-foot box car from Details West 50-foot kit, with models as illustrated, step-by-step, in the ..Mar ch · General American single Airslide covered hoppers Athearn doors, by Ed Bley, February 1991. and " "April 1990 issues), ' "August 1989 (B&O cars), from Wa lthers, Con-Cor and Eastern Car Works HO · Kit-Conversion: Pennsylvania Railroad class X-54 "June and "September 1990 and October 1992. scale and Atlas N scale kits, "Car Spotters Guide No. 40-foot plug-door box car from Details West HO · PROFI LE: 1944 MR single-door and double-door 8" (railroad-owned cars), February 1991 and scale 50-foot kit, by Ed Bley, January 1991. box cars with R-3-4 ends from Branchline Tra ins HO October 1992. THREE-BAY COVERED HOPPERS: · Great Northern 12-panel 40-foot single-door box scale kits, with ROSTER, by Ed Hawkins, November cars from InterMountain HO sclae kits, by Duane 1999 and January 2000. (refe r to "Modern Freight Cars" index) FLAT CARS: Buck, October 1998. · PROFILE: Pullman Standard PS- l 50-foot double­

· PROFILE: 1955-1 961 MR 50-ton single-door box door box cars from InterMountain's HO scale and ( " Note: Articles with two asterisks are reprinted in cars from Branchline Tra ins and Red Caboose HO Atlas or Micro-Tra ins N scale kits, with ROSTER, by the book FREIGHT CAR MODELS, Vol I scale kits, by Ed Hawkins, July 1999. Ed Hawkins, June and August 1995 and January 1996. Te chniques) .

50-FOOT BOX CARS: · Pullman Standard PS-l 50-fo ot single-door box · Upgrade: Simulated wood decks for plastic-decked ( 'Note: Articles with a single asterisk are reprinted cars from InterMountain HO scale and Micro-Tra ins flat cars, by Robert Schleicher, April 1994. in the book FREIGHT CAR MODELS, Vo l II, BOX N scale kits, with ROSTER, by Ed Hawkins, · Bethlehem Steel 75-foot piggyback flat cars from CAR, BOOK I.) ("Note: Articles with two asterisks December 1995. Walthers HO scale kits, with ROSTER, by Mark

are reprinted in the book FREIGHT CAR MODELS, · Pennsylvania Railroad (ex-GAEX) 50-foot single­ Vaughan, April 1990. Vo l I Te chnique.) door "OF" box car from Details West HO scale kit, by · B&O 50-foot To fcee (Piggyback) Flats ff Tra ilers,

· Upgrade: Adding separate ladders to box cars, by Bob Davis, April 1991. prototype photos and diagrams with Athearn Ed Hawkins, May 1995. · PROFILE: 1951-1980 General American (GAEX) "stand-in" kit-conversion, ' 'October 1989.

· Upgrade: Simulating separate ladders and grabirons 50-foot "OF" single plug-door and sliding-door box · Bulkhead, V-deck pulpwood cars in the upper with "shadow painting." cars from Branchline Models HO scale, or Pacific Midwest, by Dan Holbrook, October 1989, January

· Upgrade: Detailed floors and interiors fo r HO scale Rail Shops S scale kits (or fro m 40-foot kit-conver­ and May 1990 and September 1991.

box cars, by Martin Lofton, "January 1991. sion of C&BT Shops HO scale, Deluxe Innovations N · Commonwealth (GSI) 53-foot flat cars and bulk­ · PROFILE: Modeling the 50-foot wood and com­ scale, or Atlas 0 scale model as illustrated, step-by­ head cars from Walthers HO and N scale and S posite steel box cars manufactured between 1894 step, " March and ,.April 1990 issue, " March Helper Services S scale kits, with ROSTER, "Car and 1932, with ROSTER, from MDC, Westerfield 1990, with ROSTER, "April, " June, "'September Spotters Guide No. 12," by James Eager, December HO scale and Cameron scale Models (ex-Berkshire 1990, "April 1991 and " February 1992. 1992. CABOOSES: Valley) 0 scale kits, by Rich Burg and Richard · Upgrade and prototypes for Tichy HO scale 40- Hendrickson, 'July, 'October, "November 1989, · Kit-Conversion: D&RGW (ex-D&SL) wood caboose foot flat cars, by Richard Hendrickson, June 1993.

July 1995 and July 1996. from MDCs HO scale kit, by Darrell Ta ylor, August · Southern, ATSF, CSXT, CffG,AffWP, RF&P, GMffO, · Upgrade: Adding grabirons, ladders and other 1991. MP, Waf A, GA and ACL bulkhead pulpwood flat details to MDCs HO scale 50-foot single-sheathed · Eastern-style steel caboose from Proto 2000 HO cars, by Rhett Coates, September 1993. box cars, by Richard Hendrickson, July 1996. scale kits, Life-Like N scale kits or Weaver 0 scale · Kit-Conversion: SAL 40 and 50-foot bulkhead V­ · PROFILE: 50-foot single-sheathed double-door kits on the Shawmut, October 1991. deck pulpwood cars fro m Athearn HO scale kits, by box cars from the late twenties from MDC, · Lehigh Va lley eastern-style cabooses fro m Life-Like Larry Denton, October 1993.

Westerfield and Walthers HO scale, Walthers N scale (or Proto 2000) HO scale kits, by Steve Kley, · Kit-Conversion: V-Deck pulpwood car from and Cameron Scale Models (ex-Berkshire Va lley) 0 October 1991. Walthers HO or N scale bulkhead flat car kits, by scale kits, by Richard Hendrickson, July 1995. · Assembling etched-brass caboose kits, step-by­ Robert Schleicher, April 1994.

· PROFILE: 50-foot single-sheathed single-door box step, by David Lawler, January 1992. · Northeastern pulpwood and wood chip cars, by J. cars from the late twe nties from MDC and 'Painting imported brass models of NYC wood Emmons Lancaster, August 1997.

Westerfield's HO scale kits, by John Nehrich, July cabooses, by Mont Switzer, April 2000. · PROFILE: USRA-design 42-foot flat cars fro m Red COVERED HOPPERS: 1995. Caboose HO or 0 scale kits, by Richard · PROFILE: Pennsylvania Railroad X-32 and X-33 · Upgrade: adding separate grabirons and steps to Hendrickson, January 1997.

50-foot double-door box cars from Bowser HO plastic hoppers and covered hoppers, by Bill Wright · PROFILE: Pennsylvania Railroad Class F30A 40- scale or Fine N scale kits, with ROSTER, by Rich and Ed Hawkins, December 1991. foot flat cars fro m Bowser's HO scale kit, by Richard Burg, February 1996. · Upgrade: Scale-size covered hopper ends from Hendrickson, April 1999.

· Pennsylvania Railroad X-3 1 B 50-foot round-roof brass angle, strip and wire, step-by-step, by Ken · NKP 42-foot piggyback flat cars from Athearn's HO scale box car from Menzies (now made in plas­ Patterson, December 1995. underfra me, by Stan Rydarowicz, July 1998. tic by Bowser in HO scale and Micro-Tra ins and · PROFILE: ACF two-bay covered hoppers from · PROFILE: MR 50-foot, 50-ton flat cars in HO ) Fine N Scale cast-resin in N scale kit, by Bob Davis, Bowser, Kato or Eastern Car Works HO scale, Loco­ scale from Proto 2000 kits, by Richard Hendrickson. August 1991. Motives (ex V- line) N scale or Weaver 0 scale kits, June and August 1999. 'Pennsylvania Railroad X-3 1-B 50-foot round-roof July 1990 and (by Ed Hawkins, Pat Wider and Ray GONDOLAS:

box car from Micro-Tra ins model, by Keith Long, with ROSTERS, April, August, October and · Kit-Conversion: CffO 1 OO-ton gondolas, with pro­ Koh lmann, January 2001. December 1991, byJim Eager, March and May 1994 totype photos and plans, from Athearn three-bay · PROFILE: 1941 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior and by Richard Hendrickson, September 1997. offset-side hoppers, (and how to cast the sides and height, 50-foot double-door cars with 5/5 · Upgrade: Eastern Car Works HO scale ACF two-bay ends in resin), by AI Westerfield, December 1989.

Dreadnaught ends, from Proto 2000 or Athearn HO covered hopper, by Ed Hawkins, April 1991. · Pennsylvania Railroad class G-3 1 54-foot gondola scale, InterMountain N scale, or Old Pullman 0 · Kit-Conversion: Bowser, Kato or Eastern Car Works from Con-Car's HO scale kit, by Ed Bley, December scale models, by Richard Hendrickson, October HO scale ACF two-bay covered hoppers, by Alan 1990.

1995 and March 1996. Mende, March 1994. · Kit-Conversion: EJ &E 50-foot gondola from AHM's · PROFILE: 1941 MR 10-foot 6-inch interior · Kit-Conversion: ACF two-bay covered hoppers HO scale model, byJohn Nehrich, October 1994. height, 50-foot double-door cars with one 5/5 from Con-Cor N scale four-bay covered hoppers, by (Access www. ra ilmodelj.ournal.com Dreadnaught end and end doors, from Proto 2000 Kent Charles, August 1990. fo r the complete list.)

RAILMODEL jOURNAL' OCTOBER 2001 61 Amt Gerritsen is recreating the car feny operations on the Ann Arbor Railroad circa 1970. A tour of his layout begins on page 28 of the November issue.-Matt Kosic photo

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L __ _ ------___.J 62 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 NorthWest Short Line-providing you with the tools that make fine modeling possible! Precision Hobby Tools For Today's Modelers

NorthWest Short Line provides you with the precision 1001s you need to produce NWSl's award-winning results. Whether you scratch or kit build, add detail or re-power, SIPRESS work with metal, wood or plastic, NWSL has tools to make your work easier and $79.95 more accurate. Model building excellence is available to you at very little cost. Stock Gear Alignment Tools, Wheel Quartcrer, Wheel and Gear Pullers, Metal :" 1i1�"1i"J'I�#50-4 Bender, The Chopper and The Chopper III, The SensiPress+, The Riveter+, The DupliCut1er, The True Sander, Metric Taps, Drills, Dies, Nuts and Screws (bright, blackened, and nylon).

Our 80+ page catalog packed with information about NWSl's hobby tools, NWSl's models, wheels, gears and gearboxes, power drive units, Sagami micro motors, RIVETER hardware and books is available for S8.00 including postage in the U.S. and $49.9 Canada, S 10.00 U.S. outside North America. Call to order with credit c.lrd or 5 send a check to order today. Stock #51-4 iii:i" !@ BOX 423 SEATIlE, WA 981 11·0423 ' 206/932·1087 • FAX 206/935·7106 • WI email: [email protected] · Visit our Website at nwsl.com North West Short Line NWSL, bringing you products to make your modeli.ng more accurate, easier - and just plain fUll.

AlliedFu JI Cu�hion Truck�

Allied full cushion trucks were designed to ro ll high-speed freight cars with passenger car smoothness. The unique combination of soft-acting coil springs and swing hangers enabled them to effectively dissipale shock, producing greatly improved performance at all speeds. Introduced in the early I 940s, they were ultimately used by sixteen different railroads (0 reduce the cost of damage to freight lading, and fo und a natural use under

cars designed as troop sleepers and kitchen cars during WWU. After the war, they were gradually removed from service because of their tendency to Don't drop that screw! derail, and efforts to impmve the design failed. In 1955, they were banned HOLD IT WITH A NON·MAGNETIC from interchange service by the Interstate Commerce Commission. HJJGIMODEL X SCREW-HOLDIN DRIVER for Types IA II cross M icro-Trains® has chosen to produce (his historically significanl truck & recess screws, and small in order to release, with more prototypical accuracy, paint schemes thal we diameter slotted screws. have not previously been able lo offerto modelers. No. 3X and No. 3EX DRIVERS­ ·3", 6". B". 10" lengths. lor #1190 ... Allied Full Cushion Trucks #6. #B. #10. #12, #114" screws. with Short Extension Couplers ...$4.80 pro No. 4X and No. 4EX DRIVERS- 3". 6". B" lengths. lor #3. Micro-Trains® is the leader in N Scale Truck availability #4. #5 screws.

with 11 different sideframe styles and dozens NO. 5X AND NO. 5XE DRIVERS-3··. 6" . B" l r configuration options! lengths. lor #0. #1. #2 screws. M&,�:'��f(� � H AVAILABLE THROUGH� YO UR LOCAL�E�'PLETECO AUTHORIZED: LWLEA svs! MICRO-TRAINS® DEALER! JJ COMPANY po. BOX 351 1200 97540-1200 USA 60833 Rogue River Parkway · P.O. Box • Talent, OR Boulder City.NV 89006 541 ·535·1755 541-535- 1932 Phone: • Fax: Phone (702) 293·2588 FAX \Veb: www.micro-trains.com · Email: [email protected] '©2001 Micru·Trai" .. " Lille Co. (702) 293·4224

RAILMODELjOURNAL . OCTOBER 2000 I 63 �® Digitrax Jl I.QI trA � Command \J \J \J Control Digitrax Transponding Where Is That Train??? tLocation & identification info for transponder equipped locos & rolling stock updated continuously on LocoNet. t Your dispatcher will know for sure "who you are & where you are!" tGreat for automating staging yards! Now Available ... LocoNet, Scalecoat Paint Color Guide RX4 The Digitrax 4 Zone Difference $2.00 Each Transponder ]O/zel1 011 !9' ClIze Best Receivers BDL1 6 $49.95 msrp 16 Detection ]Ott! 2;),,! Sections $125.00 msrp Scalecoat Model Paint PO Box 231 • Northumberland, PA 17857 • Phone: 570-473-9434 www.weavemlOdels.com (0 division oj llieaver Models) © 2001 weaverModels (Nol Responsible For 7j!pograpltica/ ElTors)

Please Tell our advertisers For more information contact your hobby shop or Digitrax, Inc. you saw their ad in (770) 441·7992 Fax (770) 441·0759 www.digitrax.com "The Journal"

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Limited Edition Newsprint Car The National Steel Car Corporation started producing 70 ton 50' Box Cars in L967 with the intent or shipping rolls or newsprint paper rrom Canadian paper mills to newsprint companies throughout North America. These cars have smooth interior walls and cushioned underframes to protect the rolls or paper. Between 1967 and 1971 a lOtal or 3,592 newsprint cars were manuractured for six railways . A large number of these cars remain in service today. The PROTO 1000 car features: • Non-magnet i c blackened metal wheels • Accurately detailed body

• Separate ladders, door latch rods ancl brakewheel • Smooth plug-claar or exterior-post plug door • Free rolling 70 ton trucks with 33" wheels • PROTO 2000 magnetic knuckle couplers • Laser quality prototype correct printing and lettering • Weightecl ror trouble rree operation

This LIMITED EDlTlON PROTO 1000 Newsprint Car won't be in the headlines long' So hurry inLO your local hobby store and pick aile up today!

<02001 Lifc·like Products, LLC · 1600 Union Ave .•l3allimQre. MD 2121 J In Canada: 140 Applewood Crescent · Concord, Ontario L·IK 4E2 Visit our website: www. lifel llCI,S.COIll 64 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 •r" .. " : ��� " , . GD&R 1 (fo rmerly - Lindsay Inslrumenls) $8725 SL302 Concrele Tie (box of 25) $8725 MODEL RAILROAD --(E lectrofrog Turnouty... SLE386 Crvd Obi Radius RlH $14.95 ELECTRONICS SLE389 Large Radius UH $14.95 HO SLE395 Medium Radius R/H $12.95 & N SCALE Throttles - Power Packs, Power ':;------,::---=c=-::==-...... = ;;;;;OJSLE397 Medium Radius Y $12.95 Supplies - Detectors Computer Programs A- Set: A-B Unit Sets: --(Insu lfrog Turnouts>-- 7403 Delaware & Hudson #1205, #1216 NTRAK Supplies 7300 Undecoraled SL384 R/H Calch $8.95 AMX Cards Welcome 7301&-1 Pennsylvania Single Slripe SL387 Crvd Dbl Radius UH $14.95 7302 Demonslralor#6001, #6001 Call for FREE Catalog Available Now! SL388 Large RadiUS RlH $14.95 7305&-1 New York Cenlral Cigar Band Dealer Inquiries We lcome SL394 Long Crossing $13.49 7308&-1 Baltimore & Ohio 2nd Generation $139_ 95/ Set Full Peco Line Availablel 800 359-6701 - 1000 S Main St. Newark, NY 14513 GD &R M d II rt Ltd • 378 E R 0 e mpo ers, . Info: 315-331-0288 Dealers: 800-365-3876 Taylor Ford Road Fax: � Fax: 315-331-4090 · Dealer 877-331-4090 Columbia, Kentucky 42725

A -LINE DIESEl REPOWERING • NEW SMALLER CAN MOTORS DRY TRANSFERS /W PS-1 BOXCARS

C-D-S Lettering Ltd. N $2.00 P.o. Box 65074 HO 3.00 [ NEPEAN. ON S 4.00 K2G 5Y3 o 500 lARGE SCALE (1124 & 1132) 12.00

Fax: (613) 226 5747 Diagram book (151" cd) $9.00 E-mail: [email protected]

Send for our free listing of over BOO different sets SEE YOUR DEALER FOR RAILMODEL JOURNAL BOOKS TUNING UPGRADING An-lEARN LOCOM TI VES • & O W TrainWeb.com FREIGHT CAR MODELS, • VOL. 1, TECHNIQUES F E T CAR MODELS, II, Box • R IGH VOL. CARS OF SCALE MODELI G • THE JOURNAL N N

• COVERED HOPPERS - BOOK ONE OF THE MASTE • LAYOUTS RS Amazing Tr ees in 60 seconds Save money, do it yourself! Wi th the easy to use tree armatures and the unique varieties offo liage, amazing trees are born!

Availa ble in a variety of typ es and sizes at your fa vorite hobby store.

RAILMODELjOURNAL' OCTOBER 200 1 65 AtJas' HO and N scale ready-fo-run rolling stock has outstanding quality and an astonlii"fiilcnlle!vveJ JI1 t"llQill_Y�'I. Vllithf 4nl1 new release, we try to raise the bar a little higher fo give you what you want: prototypical accuracy. JiK1';:fftlr� 'f!I .'-Inillr of our Int.,ct , ."fla,rln�lc

HO N ITEM # ITEM# DESCRIPTION NEW ROAD NAMES! 53' Evans Double Plug-Door Box Cars 1767-1,2 31 161, 31 162 Bend Millwork 1768-1,2 31 171, 31 172 Missouri Pacific 1769-1,2 31 181, 31 182 Patrick Industries 1770-1 31 191, 31 192 Van Brode Milling NEW ROAD NAMES! Pulpwood flat Cars 1608-1,2 38371, 38372 Frisco 1609-1,2 38381, 38382 Illinois Central HO N ITEM# N ITEM# 1610-1,2 38391, 38392 Seaboard Coast Line ITEM # (RAPIDO) (MICRO-TRAINS) DESCRIPTION

. For a list of oil item numbers and NEW ROAD NAMES! Extended Vision Cabooses "I , , IIII photos, pleose visit the new products 1928 30421 30429 Burlington Northern Executive iii! section of our web site shown below. Chessie Safety 1929 30431 30439 MnIno Central 1990 30441 30449 Guilford I�I �.�4 Il, , . - G , ' . , 1991 30451 30459 Santa Fe Merger -- � - ® ,-,. '0 '-..) .• MODEL� RAILROAD' CO.,-' INC. Atlas Model Railroad Co 603 Sweetland Avenue ' Hillside, NJ 07205 USA ' www.atlasrr.com

VISIT US ON- THE WEB !

W"W"\v .railn1.odel:iournal.com ADVERTISERS INDEX

A-line ...... 65 Atlas ...... 66 Bachmann ...... 68 Connon & Co...... 63 C-D-S Lettering ...... 65 Digitrax ...... 64 E-R Model Importers ...... 65 GD&R Electronics ...... 65 H.J.J. Co...... 63 Kadee Quality Products ...... 66 Kato U.S.A ...... 2

Life-Like Proto: 1000 . . . _ ...... 64 Marklin ...... 67 Microsoft ...... 3 Micro-Trains Line ...... 63 Northwest Shortline ...... 63 Train Web . ... , ...... 65 Check with your local hobby shop or visit us at www.kadee.com for current road name availability. Trix ...... 67 Kadee" Quality Products Co .•673 Avenue C, • White City, OR 97503-1078 U.S.A. Te l: (541) 826-3883 ' Fax: (541) 826-401 3 ' http://www.kadee.com Woodland Scenics ...... 65 66 RAILMODELJOURNAL . OCTOBER 2001 HIJILT FOR PO-wrER

Constructed 01 metal, the HO 2-Hail DC Big Boy is the largest HO steam locomotive ever built by THIX.

Built specifically for North American 2-Rail DC model railroaders, the limited edition TRIX Big Boy has TRIX HO a sc ale length of 18-5/16" and weighs over 2 Ibs. 10 oz. Representing a level of craftsmanship only found previously on brass models at a much higher price, the TRIX Big Boy has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of only $598.

The Big Boy fe atures a metal frame, boiler, tender body and tender frame. A high-efficiency can motor with bell shaped armature and flywheel powers eight ax les that drive all 16 wheels. Headlight and number boards are equipped with LEOs for lighting. In addition, the Big Boy has these features:

• RP 25 wheel flanges

• Kadee® coupler #18 • Dec connector for locomotive decoder installation r" • Factory-ready for inst allation of two Seuthe smoke generators

• Tender factory-ready for digital sound effects system (offered in near future)

Purc hased by Marklin in 1997, TRIX manufactures HO products with the same quality workmanship and technical innovation that Marklin has been famous for since 1859.

Initial delivery is ex pected at the end of 2001. For more information on the TRIX HO 2-Rail DC Big Boy #T22594, visit www. trixtrains.com/bigboy. or call (800) 825-0888 for the name of your nearest dealer. Also available are ten different UP boxcars, hopper cars and caboose. Check www. trixtrains.comibigboy for details. www.trixtrains.comlbigboy MSRP $598.00 RJ 10-01 hEM No. 00639 Special Edition Hogwlll'{S Exp ress HO SCAl.E F.LEC1 RIC !'RAIN SET MSRP $[85.00

Harry Potter first boards the Hogwarts Express at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, he cannot imagine the

..uy ".n u."" that lie ahead. Bachmann is excited to be the official licensee of the "scarlet passenger train" that takes to the Hogwarts School of �itchcraft and Wizardry. With an exact replica of the train used in the movie, HO scale Special Edition Hogwarts Express set comes complete and ready-to-run including an exclusive model of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Available beginning September 2001, this set arrives time fo r the release of Warner Bros.' Harry Potter and tile Sorcerer's Stolle motion picture.

yourself or for a gift, get the Special EditionHo gwarts Express today.

RRY POTTER. CHAIt\(TFNS. NI\MrS, "NO RELATU) INnl(H -\RE TRADLM.\Rl\S OJ '\[\'D �) WA..RNI.R BROS. SI liELI); TM & l\) WARNER BROS. ) INHIRMAnON ON l-I'\�RY P011IER Vll')ff'