Happy Switcher Saturday! Thanks for running things Patrick.

Happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans!

I have not posted here lately with any new items. I've been dabbling lately with some HO purchases. One is a beautiful PRR B6sb that I bought off of eBay. It was built from a Bowser kit.

Tom

The latest dent in my credit card was caused by an MTH Premier model (20-21845-1) of New Haven Railroad GE U25B #2507. MTH is doing an excellent job on its locomotives. The video shows the model running smoothly under conventional control at 10 scale miles-per-hour on my 10’-by-5’ layout. The diesel engine sounds are noticeably different than on MTH models of Alco locomotives.

The U25B was introduced in 1960 and had a 2,500 horsepower four-cycle V-16 diesel powerplant. Its weight was 252,000 pounds with a tractive effort of 75,000 pounds for starting and 64,000 pounds continuously. GE produced 478 U25B’s between 1959 and 1966. The New Haven ordered 10 U25Bs (class DERS-7) in 1964 at a cost of $170,068 each. They were known as “U-boats” and went into service on the New Haven’s Maybrook Line in October and November of 1964 running in three- and four-unit sets. Sixteen more were ordered a year later. Road numbers were 2500 to 2525 and referred to the 2500 horsepower rating. Road numbers 2500 to 2509 had a one-piece windshield and the others had a split windshield. The MTH model of #2507 has a split windshield that should be one-piece – but it’s otherwise accurate as far as I can see.  #2525 was the last locomotive built for the New Haven Railroad and is preserved at the Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad in Thomaston, CT.

I must also say that although this engine is technically a "road switcher," it really seems too large to meet @trumpettrain's description of "little engines that CAN and DO all things railroading!" But maybe it's OK for Switcher Saturday...

And thank you to all veterans who have worn the uniforms of the United States - including my father - a veteran of World War 2.

MELGAR

Thanks for starting this weeks edition of this great thread Patrick.
In regard to your note about a military theme; I’m providing a link to my earlier post this week. https://ogrforum.com/topic/733...1#185988372774093571

Now I have another switcher. The Harlem Transfer Company Boxcab #2 was tagged to pickup this section of a circus train with an array of animals. Engineer Harold and Conductor Pete were very happy to pull this assignment. There will be a lot of down  time while the handlers take care of the animals. There is also a good probability of overtime. The first stop will be a siding where the handlers can close up the hatches before they go in the tunnel.

@pennsyfan posted:

Thanks for starting this weeks edition of this great thread Patrick.
In regard to your note about a military theme; I’m providing a link to my earlier post this week. https://ogrforum.com/topic/733...1#185988372774093571

Now I have another switcher. The Harlem Transfer Company Boxcab #2 was tagged to pickup this section of a circus train with an array of animals. Engineer Harold and Conductor Pete were very happy to pull this assignment. There will be a lot of down  time while the handlers take care of the animals. There is also a good probability of overtime. The first stop will be a siding where the handlers can close up the hatches before they go in the tunnel.

You gotta love those Giraffe cars!

Peter

Happy Switcher Saturday!  Here’s our MTH B6 taking the newest acquisition, an RMT wood sided reefer, out for a test spin -

One of my favorite railroads was the original Norfolk Southern.  They had an affinity with the last of the Baldwin road switchers.  The AS-16 was their 4 wheel truck version. Their AS-416 line was a 6 wheel truck, but only 4 wheels powered.  The last was the AS-616, with 6 powered wheels.  Norfolk Southern was the largest buyer of the AS-416 model.  They appreciated the relatively light weight and 6 wheel trucks that were more forgiving on the flat but sandy soil of their lines.

Railking made a couple of models of the AS-616 in Norfolk Southern paint. It’s not a 416, but very close in appearance. Already had the grey version but recently found the more colorful version .  

why not post some veteran themed switchers if you have them     Here’s a picture of mine from the archives, although I can’t quite recall why this was pressed into civilian duty.  

Good morning, SwSat nation!  A few years ago I decided to “fill a hole” in my collection by adding some Northern NE and  Canadian locomotives.  I added examples of Rutland, MEC, BAR and CP power, but lacked a Canadian National model.  Today I’m happy to say I’ve filled that “hole” with a new CN ALCO RS3 road switcher!

No.  3019 is a Williams model.  It has a nice level of detail I would call equivalent to my MTH ALCO RS1.  The “TrueBlast Plus” sound system isn’t up to Lionel and MTH standards, but good enough to enhance the operating experience for me.  It’s too bad Bachmann seems to be exiting the O gauge business (based on diminished model selection), because the latest Williams models are a great low cost alternative for conventional operators.

John

Today my SwSat photos are Big O & Little HO.  I mostly run Canadian National engines but have a few CSX.  My HO layout is for switching only & does not have a full loop.

Have a great day!

@Putnam Division posted:

You gotta love those Giraffe cars!

Peter

I was thinking about your train when I put this together. I’m going to run them at the club house layout.

Happy SWSat!

Pulling from the archives once again this week. Been too busy and haven't had much train time. I have a bunch of new purchases to get unpacked too including my long awaited RMT LIRR Ore cars.

Two trips to Trainland in the past two weeks so I'm not complaining......

Since @Steam Crazy John, mentioned Williams/ WbB I'll share my two. They are a great value with nice details and sound. A crew in the cab too!  Even MTH doesn't put figures in their Railking diesels any more.  They have fixed pilots which is nice but not typical at this price point. The plastic handrails are my only complaint.

First up is my Rutland 70 ton. When I first saw them I didn't see a road name that I thought would fit my Northeast theme until I did a bit if research and found out that you can't get more northeast than Vermont!

And PRR 44 ton. I wanted a scale MTH PS model but the prices on them are crazy. This one fills the bill for it's scale size and details. I'm going to put a LionChief/BT board in this one (soon if I can clear my bench of the other 2 upgrades in the works).

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Happy Veteran's Day to all the vets out there and thank you for your service.

Bob

Happy Switcher Saturday all! after seeing MELGAR New Haven had to post my dad's #4301 Mantua Tyco from 1970, runs great. Been looking for a Williams New Haven with the same color scheme. God Speed all!

Happy Switch Sat!

Today I have a K line B7A 4-6-6T Tank Engine, I know that they were used mostly for commuter trains, but I'm told they did some switching.  If anyone can confirm that and or any other history I would appreciate it.

Thanks and Take care, Ray

A veteran of urban life now looking for work in the rural west.  Have a terrific weekend, everyone.

Well following @trumpetrain 's guidance, here are some "veteran" loco's in honor of Veterans' Day on Monday.  First a USAF RMT "BEEP" switcher with a flat car full of missiles and a tank car full of missile fuel.  They are on their way to McGuire AFB in New Jersey.  OBTW McGuire AFB - Ft. Dix - NAS Lakehurst are now administratively combined and the combination is considered a Joint Service Base, still all in central N.J.

Here is a Navy BEEP switcher from Philadelphia Navy Yard, where they still keep parts of the "Ghost Fleet" ready for action that we all hope never comes.  She is pulling a Cessna 150 observation aircraft that will soon be in the air looking for targets, she will operate our of Naval Air Station Lakehurst in N.J.

Here is the Army, turbine powered switcher pulling a box car full of supplies for the troops.  Must be ammunition given the presence of the MP's guarding the train.  Their destination is Fort Dix, along with the other trains pictured here...all in N.J.

OK but given the emphasis on our Military, we can't forget our Space Force...illustrated here with a NASA re-entry capsule just home from Orbit.

Best Wishes and Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow Vet's and their families.

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Well following @trumpetrain 's guidance, here are some "veteran" loco's in honor of Veterans' Day on Monday.  First a USAF RMT "BEEP" switcher with a flat car full of missiles and a tank car full of missile fuel.  They are on their way to McGuire AFB in New Jersey.  OBTW McGuire AFB - Ft. Dix - NAS Lakehurst are now administratively combined and the combination is considered a Joint Service Base, still all in central N.J.

Here is a Navy BEEP switcher from Philadelphia Navy Yard, where they still keep parts of the "Ghost Fleet" ready for action that we all hope never comes.  She is pulling a Cessna 150 observation aircraft that will soon be in the air looking for targets, she will operate our of Naval Air Station Lakehurst in N.J.

Here is the Army, turbine powered switcher pulling a box car full of supplies for the troops.  Must be ammunition given the presence of the MP's guarding the train.  Their destination is Fort Dix, along with the other trains pictured here...all in N.J.

OK but given the emphasis on our Military, we can't forget our Space Force...illustrated here with a NASA re-entry capsule just home from Orbit.

Best Wishes and Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow Vet's and their families.

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Well following @trumpetrain 's guidance, here are some "veteran" loco's in honor of Veterans' Day on Monday.  First a USAF RMT "BEEP" switcher with a flat car full of missiles and a tank car full of missile fuel.  They are on their way to McGuire AFB in New Jersey.  OBTW McGuire AFB - Ft. Dix - NAS Lakehurst are now administratively combined and the combination is considered a Joint Service Base, still all in central N.J.

Here is a Navy BEEP switcher from Philadelphia Navy Yard, where they still keep parts of the "Ghost Fleet" ready for action that we all hope never comes.  She is pulling a Cessna 150 observation aircraft that will soon be in the air looking for targets, she will operate our of Naval Air Station Lakehurst in N.J.

Here is the Army, turbine powered switcher pulling a box car full of supplies for the troops.  Must be ammunition given the presence of the MP's guarding the train.  Their destination is Fort Dix, along with the other trains pictured here...all in N.J.

OK but given the emphasis on our Military, we can't forget our Space Force...illustrated here with a NASA re-entry capsule just home from Orbit.

Best Wishes and Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow Vet's and their families.

Don

Nicely done Don.

@RayKay posted:

Happy Switch Sat!

Today I have a K line B7A 4-6-6T Tank Engine, I know that they were used mostly for commuter trains, but I'm told they did some switching.  If anyone can confirm that and or any other history I would appreciate it.

Thanks and Take care, Ray

@RayKay,

I don’t know the answer to your question about switching, but here is some additional information:

The Boston & Albany 4-6-6T tank engines were Class D-1a.

In 1928, Alco built five D-1a 4-6-6T bi-directional steam locomotives (road numbers 400 to 404) for the Boston & Albany Railroad to use in commuter service around Boston. These engines ran in a circuit – outbound on the main line to Riverside, inbound on the Highland Branch back to South Station, and also in the reverse direction. Since they were double-ended, it was unnecessary to turn them before the next run.

The first O gauge model, with road number 403, was made by K-Line in 2005. The tooling was later acquired by Lionel, and a Legacy version with road number 400 was produced in 2020.

The D-1a tank engines had 63-inch drivers, ran at 215 psi boiler pressure, weighed 352,000 pounds, and developed 41,600 pounds of tractive effort. They were the largest tank engines ever to run in the United States and were designed for rapid acceleration. Their tractive effort was almost equal to that of a Boston & Albany 4-6-2 Pacific. They were retired in 1951.

MELGAR

Like @Don McErlean, following @trumpettrain guidance so here is a quick run by of some "veteran" TOFC's in honor of Veterans' Day on Monday.

MTH 44 Tonner, Lionel TOFCs.

@pennsyfan - Thank you for the comment Bob, appreciated.  Don

@CAPPilot- Neat TOFC train.

Best Wishes, Don

Probably reposts, but I can't keep track.

Weaver USRA 0-6-0

Kusan battery powered BEEP before they were called "BEEPSs"

Walthers USRA 0-6-0

IMP "Bo-Bo" electric locomotive of Japanese origin posing as a PRR switcher.

Atlas Plymouth switcher

Good Afternoon all you fellows and ladies that love Switcher Saturday, a wonderful thread to review, and thank you @trumpettrain for the great start up for today, November 9, 2024. I’m glad to be getting back home from a fun filled vacation. Happy Railroading Everyone

@MELGAR posted:

@RayKay,

I don’t know the answer to your question about switching, but here is some additional information:

The Boston & Albany 4-6-6T tank engines were Class D-1a.

In 1928, Alco built five D-1a 4-6-6T bi-directional steam locomotives (road numbers 400 to 404) for the Boston & Albany Railroad to use in commuter service around Boston. These engines ran in a circuit – outbound on the main line to Riverside, inbound on the Highland Branch back to South Station, and also in the reverse direction. Since they were double-ended, it was unnecessary to turn them before the next run.

The first O gauge model, with road number 403, was made by K-Line in 2005. The tooling was later acquired by Lionel, and a Legacy version with road number 400 was produced in 2020.

The D-1a tank engines had 63-inch drivers, ran at 215 psi boiler pressure, weighed 352,000 pounds, and developed 41,600 pounds of tractive effort. They were the largest tank engines ever to run in the United States and were designed for rapid acceleration. Their tractive effort was almost equal to that of a Boston & Albany 4-6-2 Pacific. They were retired in 1951.

MELGAR

MELGAR, thanks for the info.

Here's my contribution for our veterans. MTH Railking SW8. I got this back in August when Mr. Muffins had a sale.

Odd that it's Army, my dad was in the Navy during WWII and one of my older brothers was in the Marines for Vietnam.

Charlie

@cpowell posted:

Here's my contribution for our veterans. MTH Railking SW8. I got this back in August when Mr. Muffins had a sale.

Odd that it's Army, my dad was in the Navy during WWII and one of my older brothers was in the Marines for Vietnam.

Charlie

Attractive clean  SW8 Charlie.

I'll do a five high  for your  " Army "  switcher if you need someone sir.

Thanks Patrick for opening us up on the Veterans' Day theme for this SWSAT. For this special SWSAT Sunday Supplement, then, here are a couple of my favorites, proudly representing the US Army Transportation Corps. First , of course, is Lionel's venerable PW version of the experimental Davenport gas turbine switcher that served on the Army's Fort Eustis, VA base:

Next is Lionel's latest edition of their Sperry speeder:

Here's that speeder zipping around under conventional power:

And now, after the boys on the Fort Eustis base made a few tweaks to those 175 hp Boeing 502E turbines, the Davenport's doing a big job:

Never underestimate the US Army! Thanks to all veterans in all our armed forces who've served to keep us and the world safe for freedom and democracy!

@MELGAR posted:

@RayKay,

I don’t know the answer to your question about switching, but here is some addition information

The Boston & Albany 4-6-6T tank engines were Class D-1a.

In 1928, Alco built five D-1a 4-6-6T bi-directional steam locomotives (road numbers 400 to 404) for the Boston & Albany Railroad to use in commuter service around Boston. These engines ran in a circuit – outbound on the main line to Riverside, inbound on the Highland Branch back to South Station, and also in the reverse direction. Since they were double-ended, it was unnecessary to turn them before the next run.

The first O gauge model, with road number 403, was made by K-Line in 2005. The tooling was later acquired by Lionel, and a Legacy version with road number 400 was produced in 2020.

The D-1a tank engines had 63-inch drivers, ran at 215 psi boiler pressure, weighed 352,000 pounds, and developed 41,600 pounds of tractive effort. They were the largest tank engines ever to run in the United States and were designed for rapid acceleration. Their tractive effort was almost equal to that of a Boston & Albany 4-6-2 Pacific. They were retired in 1951.

MELGAR

Mel - as this question will demonstrate, my knowledge of 1’ : 1’ operations is less than minimal, but I’m assuming (insert ***-u-me here) that these locos used a run-round loop (aka headshunt*) to return to the “head” of the now outbound train? That the entire train wasn’t pushed by a loco in the rear, operated in reverse, the entire reverse trip distance?

Heber Valley Scenic RR uses a run-round loop on their excursion train.

*there is a picture of, and a written step by step description, on Wikiwand of how a headshunt operates. I couldn’t drop a link here.

I've gotten side tracked trying to better consolidate my rolling stock into cases of the same road name so the 4x8 is still consumed by intermodal so I have no military train to honor our vets but I will make certain to fly my flag in their honor tomorrow.  Thanks to all here that have served our great country.

@trumpettrain, Patrick Thank you for keeping this wonderful thread running down the tracks every week.

@PRR8976, Tom that HO switcher is a beauty.

@MELGAR, Mel a post full of information as usual.  Do you research an engine's prototype before you buy or do you buy because you're attracted to the model and then do the research to see how the model stacks up to the prototype?

@Don McErlean,  you're correct about McGuire Air Force Base, it's now Joint Base MDL.  My daughter spent two years checking IDs at the gate.  Her second post in the USAF.  Coming from Long Island she was originally excited to be so close to home, I believe it was NYC not Massapequa, that she was excited about, but in the long run I believe that duty is what made her a one and done without re-enlisting because she has contemplated returning to Kuwait, Ali Al Salam was her last post, as a contractor.

Wonderful photos, videos, and information everyone!  Lots of Veteran's Day salutes with switchers and critters from various branches of the military.  Unfortunately I don't have any military locomotives but just this moment realized that in my home state of Maryland Ft. George G. Meade and Aberdeen Proving Grounds each had their own on base trackage!  I remember seeing GP 7 or 9 locomotives at the Proving Grounds and a center cab ( probably a 70 ton ) at Ft. Meade.   Hmmm .. perhaps I'm not yet finished with representing all of Maryland's Transition era railroads on my layout   Keep the content coming everyone!!  The switcher party continues all week long!  

I posted this photo on the  2024 Memorial Day Weekend edition of SwSat.  Although it shows Navy personnel in the photo, my gratitude goes out to all who served in all the branches of the military.  

@coach joe -  Please tell your daughter, " Thank you for your service"...I know certain duties don't seem important but she should think about all the material and people on that base and her job was to make sure no unauthorized people entered.  It was actually very important.

Best Wishes

Don

@coach joe posted:

@MELGAR, Mel a post full of information as usual.  Do you research an engine's prototype before you buy or do you buy because you're attracted to the model and then do the research to see how the model stacks up to the prototype?

Joe,

Years ago, I began to focus on five railroads - New Haven, New York Central, Boston & Albany, Boston & Maine, and Long Island - so I'm familiar with the types of engines and rolling stock they had, and I buy whatever is prototypical or close. But, to answer your question, yes, I consult my large library of railroad books before I buy anything. If a model isn't close to prototype, I don't buy it. An example is Lionel's recent offering of "New Haven" 4-4-2 Atlantic steamer #1111 with Legacy (SKU: 2231420). The model didn't look anything like the picture of the real #1111 in "New Haven Power 1838-1968", so I didn't buy. And I would certainly like to have a model of a New Haven 4-4-2.

MELGAR

MELGAR, an engine that "isn't close to prototype" can still be fun to own and run, particularly if it's really good looking and has nice features.  I offer my Lionel MEC GP7 as an example.  Just sayin...

John

@Mark V. Spadaro posted:

Mel - as this question will demonstrate, my knowledge of 1’ : 1’ operations is less than minimal, but I’m assuming (insert ***-u-me here) that these locos used a run-round loop (aka headshunt*) to return to the “head” of the now outbound train? That the entire train wasn’t pushed by a loco in the rear, operated in reverse, the entire reverse trip distance?

The B&A 4-6-6T tank engines were designed to operate equally well in reverse and forward in mainline commuter operations around Boston. The commuter zone ran between Boston South Station and Riverside (about 10 miles) and there likely were “run-around” tracks at both locations. However, I’ve never seen a photo showing one of these engines pulling a train in reverse.

The running gear of reciprocating steam locomotives theoretically can be operated at speed in either direction, as demonstrated by Southern Pacific’s cab-forward 4-8-8-2 locomotives, in part because steam is admitted alternately to both sides of each piston. One reason it wasn’t done with conventional engine/tender steam locomotives was rearward track visibility for the engineer.

Rear views of my K-Line model of B&A #403 show provisions to facilitate operation in reverse. There are marker lights, a pilot (cowcatcher), and a headlight at the rear of the locomotive, in addition to rear-facing cab windows and a narrow coal bin.

MELGAR

Thanks for the additional info, Mel. The pix are very helpful!

@Steam Crazy posted:

MELGAR, an engine that "isn't close to prototype" can still be fun to own and run, particularly if it's really good looking and has nice features.  I offer my Lionel MEC GP7 as an example.  Just sayin...

John

John,

Undoubtedly true. But model railroaders, especially in 2-rail and HO, differ in the level of realism they expect in their models compared to O gaugers. I'm neither of those but I prefer a model that looks close to the real thing...

One of the things I do when I acquire a new model is to compare it to a photo of the prototype. Just curiosity I guess.

MELGAR

@Steam Crazy posted:

MELGAR, an engine that "isn't close to prototype" can still be fun to own and run, particularly if it's really good looking and has nice features.  I offer my Lionel MEC GP7 as an example.  Just sayin...

John

Yep.

MELGAR, I prefer prototypical realism too, but "good enough" is often adequate for me.  One of the great things about this hobby is we can all collect and operate what appeals to us, with no apologies!

John