Buy anything cool lately?

Received a package Tuesday containing an MTH Alco UP C628.   It’s a Railking scale engine with photo sound 2.0 and new in the box.   I found it using MTH’s product locator and was surprised, happy, and a bit lucky to find one available since this locomotive in UP livery was released December of 2002.  This model has been resting on the shelf for the past 18 years.
In 1973 the Missabe was looking for motive power to help handle the upturn in taconite shipment brought on by an improved economy.   The DM&IR was a big supporter of Electro-Motive Division power but they could not deliver new locomotives until 1975.  So, the Missabe went searching for a temporary solution and found ten Union Pacific 6 axle Century series Alco C-630’s that were in good shape and reasonably priced.   They kept the basic livery colors, painted out the UP markings, blocked out the first number of their original four digit designations, and added simple block letters here and there, to identify the new owner as, the DMIR.   I have always liked the look of the UP and it’s massive locomotives, and now I have a good reason to see it on my layout.   I fondly remember, as a youngster, traveling out west to Denver and occasionally chasing some big steam along the route.   It's now lashed up to assist my two SD24’s, one of which is non-powered.
The #2901 will become DMIR #901.   I have some detail parts on order, need to find some maroon alphabet decals or dry transfers, add foot boards to the pilots, and move the horn back over the roof vents (DMIR placed them there to prevent them from freezing up in winter).   I also plan to convert it to a C630.  This will require some fabrication/modification to the venting on the hood bulge, just south of the cab.   For now, it will run as a C628.   Nice to have a new project in the wings!  
In the meantime, everyone keep on posting, good health to all, wash your hands, don't touch your face and stay on TRACK (of course, that means all 3 rails!).

Cheers, Dave
PS:  Another great diversion to help weather this storm:  Visit the Lake Superior train museum, one of my happy places:

https://www.youtube.com/playli...CSI4bn_W7nWrhgXlwtLu

They have produced over 60, 5+ minute vignettes highlighting the history of railroading in the north country of middle America.   Enjoy!!!

Dave, great shots and I LOVE that video!

Not for the layout, but nice additions for the train room:

First was a gift.  An enameled, cast iron spittoon with N&W on it.  Very heavy.  Need to remove the felt off the bottom someone added.

Next is an example of one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  Made a dump run today and noticed something familiar on top of the trash compactor.  Grabbed it as fast as I could.  It’s a Adams & Westlake railroad lantern.   The glass is unmarked, but the metal brim is stamped M.C.R.R.  Can’t believe what some people throw away.

I brought this home from Norfolk Va saturday. 

I bought some more shelving from Glenn Snyder.  I had my handyman come and install them.  Spent some time organizing things as well.

One of my local train shops just got in a huge collection of mint MPC era stuff. Being a prewar guy I suppose the colorful nature of those years appeal to me. But they did have the complete Powhaten Arrow. Nice and never ran still in the boxes. Unfortunately some less then ideal storage has a left a few issues it is otherwise a very beautiful set. They had the Southern Pacific Daylight set but I had just missed it. 

I know I am really late to the party but I picked up my first LionScale 50' boxcar today. I can see where they cut corners to save money in the production but overall it is pretty nice. The trucks run very smoothly and I like the rotating bearing caps. I don't remember seeing anything LionScale in the latest catalog by Lionel (2020 Vol. 1), are they still making this product line?

I ordered from Stockyard Express 2 Premier half tracks with machine guns.  MTH has hit a home run with these.  Videos soon.  Thanks Clyde for shipping them so promptly!!!

Got this Williams LV Dash 9 off ebay for a pretty good deal, It was new and had never been run. Funny thing both motors were loose on their mounts and all gears were dry as a bone. Has trueblast plus (with no vol. control) I was going to use it for parts for another project, but as always, it seems to nice to strip for parts...  Jeff

A Bachmann Heisler with DCC and some San Juan Car Company Trucks and brake wheels/staffs for the narrow gauge; 

@Postwarman posted:

Got this Williams LV Dash 9 off ebay for a pretty good deal, It was new and had never been run. Funny thing both motors were loose on their mounts and all gears were dry as a bone. Has trueblast plus (with no vol. control) I was going to use it for parts for another project, but as always, it seems to nice to strip for parts...  Jeff

 

Jeff, I can't see the photograph you included.

Hi Mark,

   Try this..

Jeff

Jeff, That’s much better!!!  Thank you!

Mark, your welcome. 

Picked this up. Needs boards, motor, driveshaft, and paint. A MTH Premier Santa Fe 2900 class Northern. Going to end up as road number 2903, because I've seen 2903 several times at the Illinois Railway Museum. I've got PS3 boards and a roller bearing 9434 Pittman motor for it already. 

From Dixie Union Station, MTH Armco coil car.

Hi Bill, Couldn't see an email address for you in your profile, was wondering about your connection to Kodak? I worked for Eastman Kodak for 16 years started in 1982. Have been collecting Kodak cars when I can find them. I have the Kodak Park unlicensed K-line set, some KMT Kodak cars and Weaver tank cars. Noticed your 44 tonner and The Hopper. Email in my profile if you want to chat.

Thanks,

Jeff

For reasons I don’t understand, ever since the pandemic got going, I haven’t been down to the layout in spite of have plenty of time on my hands. Unfortunately, that hasn’t kept me from buying all sorts of stuff!!! Well, the boxes having reached critical mass, I finally had to unbox and test everything... so here is a litany of my recent purchased (in light of the times, I’ve tried to spread my spending!!!):

First, I picked up a Lionel 2-pack of Long Island 21” passenger cars and an FA-2 Cab Car from Charles Ro to go with the LIRR C-420. Looks like the LIRR is testing some equipment in a bid to get a contract to run trains on the Pocono - New York City run if it is ever restored!!!

Next up, I got two Atlas Canadian Pacific bulkhead flat cars. Other than I really like the CP, I didn’t have any of this type car (and Micro-Mark was having a great sale). 

By the way... anyone have any suggestions as to what sort of load these cars carried???

Next, I’ve wanted to put together a work train for a while (I’ve had a TMCC crane for a few years), so I picked up three Lionel NYC cars from Grzyboski’s - the tool car, bunk car, and kitchen car. I must say, it was weird calling in an order and having it delivered instead of just driving over and picking them up.

I must say, the detail on these cars is very nice, although some of the couplers are rather stiff. Also, while I have enjoyed the various sound cars, the chatter from the kitchen car is rather inane and annoying!!!

Next, I picked up three MTH cars from Mr. Muffins which I found in one of his frequent e-mails (if you don’t get them, I’d highly recommend signing up). First, a Pan Am boxcar. Having worked at 27th Street and Park Avenue South for over 30 years, I fondly remember the Pan Am symbol high up on their building at Grand Central...

And because I love the D&H (and NY!!!)…

And just because it is very striking...

Next, I picked up the CP FA-2 set from Nicholas Smith. As I’ve said, I like the CP, and especially this paint scheme (the first “set” of trains I purchase on my own was the Maple Leaf Limited in ‘81 with a SD-24 in the same scheme). This is a rather interesting set - the AA units are both powered... I am so use to having only one powered unit. I also got the SuperBass B unit. They are striking to say the least.

Finally, and this was a present, so I technically didn’t buy it, is another of the NYC Subway paintings I’ve been commissioning for the last few years. All the others were strictly based on the actual tile work from a number of the original stations in the subway system, but this one is something of a fantasy...

I’ve gotta stop buying stuff. Said no one ever!!!

Critical mass for sure, Paul!  Everything looks great!

I picked up this Lionel PS-5 gondola recently. It is for the Algoma Central Railway, which is in Northern Ontario, Canada. I know it is just a basic gondola with no load included but I am very happy to have it on my layout for no other reason than it just appeals to me.

@Postwarman posted:

Hi Bill, Couldn't see an email address for you in your profile, was wondering about your connection to Kodak? I worked for Eastman Kodak for 16 years started in 1982. Have been collecting Kodak cars when I can find them. I have the Kodak Park unlicensed K-line set, some KMT Kodak cars and Weaver tank cars. Noticed your 44 tonner and The Hopper. Email in my profile if you want to chat.

Thanks,

Jeff

Too funny. BIll & Jeff: I share the affinity for items by Eastman Kodak. Even funnier I also worked there for 16 years starting in 1982.  Took me from NY to San Francisco to Sacramento then to Charlotte. 

The story on the K-Line set is Kodak never granted permission for the rights and as such K-Line was forced to stop production limiting the number of sets. Not sure if that story is 100% accurate - but I have heard it that way from a couple of sources.

Weaver did some nice Tankers with Eastman Chemicals on the side and as you mentioned there are a few cool boxcars from KMT. 

Kodak Park used to have quite the little railroad.

Glad to have worked for the big yellow mother.

Paul

Paul, thanks for the Kodak  info. I've got a bunch of the Weaver tank cars with different road numbers. Working for Eastman Kodak was the best job that I ever had.  I was fresh out of electronics school and young enough to think that everyone had a great job like mine! I had tons of freedom and am still in field service since training at the old Hawkeye plant in Rochester. Kodak taught us that customer service is everything. It is so sad how badly that they missed the digital age. I could go on forever....but after all the years, I still bleed yellow! It was a very good ride...

Jeff

@Apples55 posted:

For reasons I don’t understand, ever since the pandemic got going, I haven’t been down to the layout in spite of have plenty of time on my hands. Unfortunately, that hasn’t kept me from buying all sorts of stuff!!! Well, the boxes having reached critical mass, I finally had to unbox and test everything... so here is a litany of my recent purchased (in light of the times, I’ve tried to spread my spending!!!):

First, I picked up a Lionel 2-pack of Long Island 21” passenger cars and an FA-2 Cab Car from Charles Ro to go with the LIRR C-420. Looks like the LIRR is testing some equipment in a bid to get a contract to run trains on the Pocono - New York City run if it is ever restored!!!

Nice collection of new stuff Paul. Especially the LIRR equipment.

I see you've taken it upon yourself to single-handedly keep the model train industry in business

Bob

Also doing my part to support a fellow modeler. Bought this recently from a forum member.

Williams by Bachman C&O BL-2. I know lot's of folks hate these engines but I think they are sharp.

Bob, I like them too,  it's the only engine that I could run that doesn't need a dummy behind it!  😊

Jeff 

@Postwarman posted:

Paul, thanks for the Kodak  info. I've got a bunch of the Weaver tank cars with different road numbers. Working for Eastman Kodak was the best job that I ever had.  I was fresh out of electronics school and young enough to think that everyone had a great job like mine! I had tons of freedom and am still in field service since training at the old Hawkeye plant in Rochester. Kodak taught us that customer service is everything. It is so sad how badly that they missed the digital age. I could go on forever....but after all the years, I still bleed yellow! It was a very good ride...

Jeff

 

My Dad worked on a joint project (he worked for DuPont) with some of the scientists at Eastman Kodak in Rochester in the early '70s.. He liked working there!! He corrected me several times.. "There is no 'd' in Rochester".. lol

@Bill T posted:

From Dixie Union Station, MTH Armco coil car.

Bill, catalog shows this car in orange, is this a special issue?

A couple new things this week.

First up was a Lionel WM "Northeastern" caboose with the older circle logo to go with my recently acquired WM Shay. 

Secondly was a 1990's Lionel UP 4-4-2 from one of the many starter sets that these 4-4-2s were included in back then.  My first set in 1997 was a NYC Flyer pulled by the NYC version of the 4-4-2.  A younger me accidentally ran it off the side of a layout I had back then which caused damage to one of the wheels.  We repaired it, but the repair didn't hold up to time and I decided it just needed a new chassis.  It's cheaper just to buy another locomotive than to just buy the part so that's what I did.  The donor locomotive appears to have had a nasty fall right onto its nose at some point as the pilot is cracked and hanging on by a thread along with some other cosmetic damage, so I didn't feel too bad about scavenging it for parts.  I now also have a spare tender for another locomotive, minus the air whistle which was also transplanted into mine.

@Postwarman posted:

Bob, I like them too,  it's the only engine that I could run that doesn't need a dummy behind it!  😊

Jeff 

Hmmmm.....a dummy BL-2 😈

@RSJB18 posted:

Hmmmm.....a dummy BL-2 😈

I have a dummy BL-2.  

Yeah, anything is possibly on my railroad....8-)

Jeff

Got this MTH rotary snow plow. Pretty neat!

Picked up this Lionel Santa Fe type T-1b 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotive Class 4193 a few days ago for what I thought was a good price. 

I was told that none of the functions worked for the locomotive. I took it home and sure enough nothing worked. I did a quick reset of the locomotive and it turned out everything worked fine and the locomotive was fully functional. 

The T-1a and T-1b Berkshire locomotives were built for the Boston and Maine in 1928-1929. The first batch produced were the T-1a's and the second batch produced were the T-1b's. The big differences between the two were the sand dome on the T-1a was more triangular shaped while the T-1b was more rectangular in shape. Also the T-1b's had a larger tender with 6-wheel bogies while the T-1a's tender had 4-wheel bogies. This site in the link below has pictures of both the T-1a and T-1b Berkshires. 

https://sites.google.com/site/.../b-m-class-r-s-and-t

In the link above there is a nice picture of #4020 T-1b which Lionel's (formerly K-Line) model is a very good representation of. All the details are spot on.  I tried to match the angle of the photo of Lionel's model to that of #4020 to make comparisons easier. 

In 1945 the AT&SF was having a power shortage due to the war effort. The Boston and Main sold 7 Berkshire locomotives to the Santa Fe. Unfortunately, the locomotives that the B&M sold to the Santa Fe were the type T-1a and not the type T-1b. Thus, the sand dome on the model is not the same shape that appeared on the actual Santa Fe 4193 class locomotives. However, the T-1a and T-1b locomotives are very close in appearance and for me it is not a big deal. The tender seems to be accurate for Santa Fe #4198 which is the sister in the same class.  

https://www.railarchive.net/randomsteam/atsf4198.htm

I did not pick up one of these when they first came because I was told and the catalog illustration was for a similar, but different A-1 type Berkshire used by the Boston and Albany. However, from the pictures B&M #4020 it is clear the the Lionel model is of the type T-1b Berkshire. 

I decided to track down the Sunset twin to my recently acquired J set. Very beautiful to display together. A little long for my layout so I will have to get some shelves set up so you can really appreciate them. I'm starting to worry if I'm falling down the MPC rabbit hole.

I just got this in the mail. I had planned to put one of these together myself from parts but if I can buy one cheaper that someone already did the conversion on... why not. The colors are little off but I'm just happy to have this behind my Hudson.

I bought another streamlined steam locomotive, this time from England. Manufactured by Ace Trains, London, it's an "O" Gauge "Coronation" Pacific loco and tender. 

All metal construction, 21.5" long, flywheel drive, custom-made gearbox, all wheels flanged, detailed cab back-head with firebox glow (see last photo attached), operates on 0-20V DC, working front lights, radii down to 27". Doesn't smoke—if you look down through the chimney, you see the tracks below. Of course, I'm displaying all my trains, not running them.

 

I bought this used, from The Stationmaster's Rooms, in England. See their offerings at https://thestationmastersrooms.co.uk

 

My most expensive acquisition ever—$1700, because of the exchange rate at the time between the dollar and the British Pound. There's currently another one for sale there, for even more. See link, if still available:

http://tinyurl.com/ycbud2p3

 

The box is a very thick, hard card stock, with photo and descriptive history on on the inside top—see photos:

I got some NIB SD-35s from SD40-2.  These are some nice engines.  I’m a PRR fan, but I don’t have too many DGLE PRR diesels since they are not the most colorful.  But the price was right and I’m happy with these 2008 vintage PS2 3V locos.  There is a grill over the exhaust, but the brake blister can be removed so it’s easy to load smoke fluid.  There is so much smoke that it leaks from the seams of the removable section.  The sound is good with not too much blower whine.  The battery checks OK, but I’ll probably replace it with one of GRJ’s SBRs.  The dummy has lights, but I wish the markers were lit and not everything else.  The light from the number boards bleeds into the cab.  The last shot here is with the interior lights turned off.  I’ll take a look at that when I replace the battery.  They look good running down the track.

First time on this thread but I can say that I have something interesting. Recently, I was looking through eBay and I found a lightly used MTH SF 2-10-4 from 2001. It has a ps2 sound system in it and cannot wait till it arrives! The only problem is, is that I have been told that the speaker sounds distorted and might need to replace it. Oh well, I always like a good project to work on. Thanks for reading and happy railroading!

Got this today off eBay. Such a neat looking model, oh how I wish I could actually use this.

It's a M426, which didn't even exist as a prototype over a year after my layout take place.

The odd thing, there are no Maker's Mark or name on the box anywhere. There's no way to even look up who built the thing. I looked them up online, the only ones I could find for sale anywhere are sold out of Spain.

Even though I cannot use it on my layout, it is such a cool model I'm definitely going to keep it. I just wish it was a model of a truck that would have existed in the time frame I model.

Just got a Minichamps 1929 Ford Model A coupe in beige off net. Model A's were common in my 1940 modeled year, so l look for various body styles.  The garage owner in my childhood town used to drive a '30-'31 coupe from his house to the garage in cold and snow, when nothing else would start?, as l trudged up the hill to school.  Two doors and four doors were common, and l have tracked down a 1/43 two door, but not seen a four door.