Last night the National Capital Trackers had their display operating in the evening at College Park, MD Aviation Museum, for the museum's Holiday Party for staff, members, and other supporters. Our Trackmaster had strung colored lights around the layout, and lots of the displays were Christmas-themed. Even American Power & Light had put up decorative lights.
The Trackmaster wanted two trains on each loop, 6 in all. He wanted lots of light and color. We had the MTH Gold Hudson and its consist, several Christmas Trains with battery-powered decorations in gondolas, and several other long passenger consists. Mine was to be Amfleet, behind Williams Genesis units.
30 minutes before the event was to begin, we had the trains ready. Then, the special high-powered night floodlights were turned on. Trains took off like bats out of you-know-where. There was no Legacy or TMCC control at all. We suspected it was some type of interference from the lights. MTH units were not affected. But, what was I to do? I didn't have any conventional units, and the TMCC and Legacy units didn't even run properly under transformer throttle control.
Then I thought: LION CHIEF! I had along my PRR E-33. I figured most visitors wouldn't have the knowledge to know that a freight unit was pulling the Amfleet, and the Lion Chief performed perfectly. But, after looking at the video clip, one must admit the MTH Scale GG1 and its Premier Consist looks a lot more realistic.
Now I'm on the lookout for one of this Amtrak Lion Chief FT's! At least it would be a freight unit in proper colors.
