Switcher Saturday 02-26-22

Good morning from Finland. John thank you for reminding us of an important issue, the Ukrainians who are now fighting for their inpependence against a mad dictator. And now that the war is raging here in Europe, about a thousand miles from Finland. I try to keep my thoughts somewhere other than in Ukraine. Luckily, I have this great hobby, that helps with that. Hours of history, it is not ruled out that after Ukraine, Finland will settle under the magnifying glass of the mad dictator Putin.

Today, I`m posting pictures of Maine Central`s ALCO S2 #301 and its crew tasked with transferring a full car of waste oil to the Cape Shark yard, where the cargo will continue for further processing. Return cargo is load of Independence. Enjoy, it.

Here are pictures of MrMuffins’ latest custom run of a SW1500

SIRT 29 working a roustabout (local freight) drops a carload of anthracite at a dealer's yard.  The locomotive is a highly modified Locomotive Workshop kit, with constant / directional headlights and an on-board sound unit.  The two cars were both built from Walthers kits I first built as a teen in 1954. They have been 'shopped' twice since then and are still used today. The coal dump trestle was built from B&O drawings, that provided a post-WW II replacement for aging, weak timber dump trestles.  Yes, camelback engineers often sat on the cab windowsill instead of the seat inside.

S. Islander

Your Yardmaster decided to video/photo the NHRR again this week, so he traveled to New Haven, CT.  New Haven is an important hub because the railroad has a large yard there, plus it is where steam/diesel power is exchanged for electric to complete trips to NYC.

NH Alco RS3 no. 538 is seen pulling the Merchants Limited into the terminal.  The RS3 is unusual power for this train; it is usually is hauled by Alco PAs or Alco DL109s.

NH EP5 no. 379, the last of ten purchased by the NH, is waiting to take the train to the Big Apple.  EP5s were nicknamed “jets” due to the loud sounds made by their cooling fans.  They also had a reputation for catching on fire, but they sure were pretty!

John

Happy SWSAT, everyone!

Penn Central RS-11, 7608 (Lionel) slowly leads a wreck train through Killbridge after completing its work:

Tom

LTEX 1417 brings a small string of cars up the main.

Great Switcher Saturday so far everyone.  Since my RS3 is out for repairs, the RS1 has taken over rail switching duties this weekend on my pike.  This PS3 version is probably one of the best sounding, exquisitely detailed, scale offerings from MTH at a railking price.  

Happy SWSat !

Those new SW1500's are sharp! Here's a slightly older version.

Penn Central # 15 is a SW 8/9 (MTH w/ PS1) assigned to the Despatch Shops in upstate NY. Mostly used to shift cars on the property, they occasionally get assigned to do a local switching run. This week the crew is swapping out a couple of cars at the local food wholesaler. They are pulling an empty livestock car and dropping a loaded refer. The livestock car will be dropped back at the interchange yard and will be sent back down to Long Island to be reloaded.

Have a great weekend!

Bob

Well SwSat Fans, I don't have any SW- (any number) so I will make do with my 44 ton collection.  Here is the Southern 44 ton, on short term lease to the Leonardtown and Savannah from "big brother" the Southern RR for duty in and about the Savannah wharf.

Here she is moving a refr into place near the center of Small Town

Here she is pulling a car from the industrial area near the wharf

Here is a "switcher traffic jam" as the 44 ton moves to position a car in the freight depot while making the EMD MP-15 wait with the local freight.

Happy Switcher Saturday! @jhz563 that SW1500 looks awesome in the PPL paint! @BAR GP7 #63 Your modeling is truly an inspiration. @DG That L&N SW1500 looks slick! @Trainwreck nate I like that string of weathered cars!  This morning I’m still running/switching with the new Lionel Genset. I can’t get enough of this engine!

@Tom Densel posted:

Happy SWSAT, everyone!

Penn Central RS-11, 7608 (Lionel) slowly leads a wreck train through Killbridge after completing its work:

Tom

Really nice story and video Tom.

Good morning fellow switcher fans!  JHZ 563 that is one sharp looking switcher you have there.  Can't wait to see the results after your modifications!  Thanks too for getting us rolling today!

As always ... all of you bring lots of wonderful photos, videos, and information to this switcher party each week!  I love it all

This week the Free State Junction Railway company photographer, I. C. Moore, has dug into the archives.  He's chosen some Dockside, BL2, SW 1, action plus a Maryland Short Line group photo.   I hope all of you have a terrific weekend!

The sun begins to scatter its' rays as B&O Docksider number 97 rounds a bend on the Mountain Division.  The MOW workers scurry about unloading crates.

Number 97 waits for main line to clear at Butler Junction.  A time freight is currently occupying the block.   Barney Willis, the brakeman waits to throw the switch when the signal turns green.  

Ma & Pa SW 1 brins a short freight through Butler Junction as other Maryland Short Line switchers await there assignments.

A hogger steps out of his BL2 cab for some fresh air as he waits for the green.

Number 97 on a work train assignment.

It's a smoggy August day and Ma & Pa SW1's engineer, J. R. Kingsley hopes the high beam headlight will cut through density so folks down the line will see his train coming.   Patapsco & Back Rivers Railroad VO1000 waits on a siding for a set of orders.  

Santa Fe switcher moving some freight.

@BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Good morning from Finland. John thank you for reminding us of an important issue, the Ukrainians who are now fighting for their inpependence against a mad dictator. And now that the war is raging here in Europe, about a thousand miles from Finland. I try to keep my thoughts somewhere other than in Ukraine. Luckily, I have this great hobby, that helps with that. Hours of history, it is not ruled out that after Ukraine, Finland will settle under the magnifying glass of the mad dictator Putin.

Today, I`m posting pictures of Maine Central`s ALCO S2 #301 and its crew tasked with transferring a full car of waste oil to the Cape Shark yard, where the cargo will continue for further processing. Return cargo is load of Independence. Enjoy, it.

My thoughts are with all of Europe which is suffering war and oppression again when no one thought it possible. “

”Those who refuse to learn from the mistakes of the past are bound to repeat them.” George Santayana

The brave people of Ukraine are standing  up to that madman at great cost. Inspirational.

Busy working on my engine terminal, so here are some older photos.

This is a BS10 earning its pay.  The BS was for Baldwin Switcher, the 10 for its 1,000hp De La Vergne VO 8-cylinder diesel engine.

The VO-1000 is Railking Scale.  Cars from all manufacturers.

An Alco switcher pulls a caboose on a “hop” back to the yard.

@Artie-DL&W posted:

An Alco switcher pulls a caboose on a “hop” back to the yard.

Good rugged looking swicher Artie.   Nice

I like the looks of that gray gravel.

@BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Good morning from Finland. John thank you for reminding us of an important issue, the Ukrainians who are now fighting for their inpependence against a mad dictator. And now that the war is raging here in Europe, about a thousand miles from Finland. I try to keep my thoughts somewhere other than in Ukraine. Luckily, I have this great hobby, that helps with that. Hours of history, it is not ruled out that after Ukraine, Finland will settle under the magnifying glass of the mad dictator Putin.

Today, I`m posting pictures of Maine Central`s ALCO S2 #301 and its crew tasked with transferring a full car of waste oil to the Cape Shark yard, where the cargo will continue for further processing. Return cargo is load of Independence. Enjoy, it.

@trumpettrain posted:

Number 97 waits for main line to clear at Butler Junction.  A time freight is currently occupying the block.   Barney Willis, the brakeman waits to throw the switch when the signal turns green.  

Bar and Patrick.......great looking variety of textures and subdued color saturation in these photos guys.

I am , however ,a  little tired of trying to discern whether I am looking at railfanning the real example or a photo of a layout .    I hope I can keep my eyesight good for sometime to come.🤓

No contribution from me this week but I do want to thank you all for another great SWSAT.  John I believe K-line did a remote controlled switcher with that Christmas tree hanging off the side of the cab.  Maybe it was a Ford switcher, not certain about that.  Surprised that MTH didn't give it a try.  Oh well I guess that would be a Premier line switcher.

@coach joe posted:

No contribution from me this week but I do want to thank you all for another great SWSAT.  John I believe K-line did a remote controlled switcher with that Christmas tree hanging off the side of the cab.  Maybe it was a Ford switcher, not certain about that.  Surprised that MTH didn't give it a try.  Oh well I guess that would be a Premier line switcher.

Hey thanks Joe!  If anyone is familiar with the Switcher coach is talking about please speak up, I'd love to see some pictures.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Bar and Patrick.......great looking variety of textures and subdued color saturation in these photos guys.

I am , however ,a  little tired of trying to discern whether I am looking at railfanning the real example or a photo of a layout .    I hope I can keep my eyesight good for sometime to come.🤓

Dallas - thank you so very much!

Gee, there’s so many pictures this Saturday of awesome switchers in cool paint schemes, Wow… Happy Railroading Everyone

Here's a quick shot of my WBB 44 tonner, I'm planning a shelf switching layout with an eye towards arranging some photogenic areas to take pictures. I've always like this kind of "down the street" shot where a locomotive is framed by buildings.

I opened this topic to show a photograph or two of my new switcher.  Imagine my surprise when I saw the PPL SW1500 in JHZ's opening post.  I ordered it from My LHS CT McCormick Hardware, and ordered it for the same reason in that I worked at three different power stations in the first half of my working days.  Now I understand the whole story.  When I ordered it, I thought it was going to be solid light blue, and was surprised when I opened the box and discovered the two color paint scheme.  Here are a couple photographs of mine.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Bar and Patrick.......great looking variety of textures and subdued color saturation in these photos guys.

I am , however ,a  little tired of trying to discern whether I am looking at railfanning the real example or a photo of a layout .    I hope I can keep my eyesight good for sometime to come.🤓

Dallas,

Very funny😃. Thank you very much.

Johan

Mark.

Your layout project looking good, I like that background picture, very nice idea. My own home layout is becoming a paper mill that is bound to be implemented at least in part as background pictures. However, it will take another 1-2 years to implement it.

Johan

@Mark Boyce posted:

I opened this topic to show a photograph or two of my new switcher.  Imagine my surprise when I saw the PPL SW1500 in JHZ's opening post.  I ordered it from My LHS CT McCormick Hardware, and ordered it for the same reason in that I worked at three different power stations in the first half of my working days.  Now I understand the whole story.  When I ordered it, I thought it was going to be solid light blue, and was surprised when I opened the box and discovered the two color paint scheme.  Here are a couple photographs of mine.

Looking good Mark!  I hope you still like the paint, I am a big fan of the stylized mountain scheme on the long hood.

@jhz563 posted:

Looking good Mark!  I hope you still like the paint, I am a big fan of the stylized mountain scheme on the long hood.

Actually, I like it better, despite the fact I usually like older, perhaps more bland, paint schemes.  My layout is based loosely on the Western Maryland Rwy in West Virginia.  The power station on the backdrop works as a composite of a brick (1940s) station I worked at in Virginia and a newer (1960s) station I worked at on top of the Allegheny Mountain at Mount Storm, West Virginia.  The company owned the coal mine on the mountain.  At the time I worked there (1990s) the coal was pretty much mined out, but the Western Maryland now CSX had a branch that came up the back side of the mountain and trucks brought in coal as well.  The branch line is still in use.  When I worked there, the company came up with a logo that had a mountain, lightning, and the station, using artistic license.  So, the mountain scheme really fits right in 30 years later.  Thank you!!

@BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Mark.

Your layout project looking good, I like that background picture, very nice idea. My own home layout is becoming a paper mill that is bound to be implemented at least in part as background pictures. However, it will take another 1-2 years to implement it.

Johan

Thank you, Johan!  I wanted a power station on the layout for reasons I mentioned to jhz563, but had no room for a model station.  I could have used a flat, but it would have had to have been in a smaller scale as I wanted the station to be in the distance since I have no room for tracks going to it with the other layout elements.  This backdrop is just stuck up there with painters tape on the backside until I get farther along on the layout and decide on a final position.  You have done wonders with photographic backdrops and they really show off your highly detailed rolling stock great!

@Mark Boyce posted:

Actually, I like it better, despite the fact I usually like older, perhaps more bland, paint schemes.  My layout is based loosely on the Western Maryland Rwy in West Virginia.  The power station on the backdrop works as a composite of a brick (1940s) station I worked at in Virginia and a newer (1960s) station I worked at on top of the Allegheny Mountain at Mount Storm, West Virginia.  The company owned the coal mine on the mountain.  At the time I worked there (1990s) the coal was pretty much mined out, but the Western Maryland now CSX had a branch that came up the back side of the mountain and trucks brought in coal as well.  The branch line is still in use.  When I worked there, the company came up with a logo that had a mountain, lightning, and the station, using artistic license.  So, the mountain scheme really fits right in 30 years later.  Thank you!!

Thank you, Johan!  I wanted a power station on the layout for reasons I mentioned to jhz563, but had no room for a model station.  I could have used a flat, but it would have had to have been in a smaller scale as I wanted the station to be in the distance since I have no room for tracks going to it with the other layout elements.  This backdrop is just stuck up there with painters tape on the backside until I get farther along on the layout and decide on a final position.  You have done wonders with photographic backdrops and they really show off your highly detailed rolling stock great!

Thanks Mark. I don’t have too much space either and then I try to invest in wallpapers, which at least gives a nice impression of depth.

In addition, I have several new solutions in my modular layout, such as aluminum frames in the modules. The modules are really light but still very sturdy.

Johan

Mark and Johan........I really think these backrounds are necessary for a deeper look to a layout and give it a great look like yours.

My layout  ( 16 × 5 with a 30 inch × 6  yard  ) would be viewed from the ends and the front.    I would like to use a backdrop but I would have to easily access the layout from the backside also.   (  I  had to chuckle when I read about Mark's temporary "tape "  for his backdrop.) 

At least I get to see the photos you two are posting and enjoy the experience .

Nice work guys .

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Mark and Johan........I really think these backrounds are necessary for a deeper look to a layout and give it a great look like yours.

My layout  ( 16 × 5 with a 30 inch × 6  yard  ) would be viewed from the ends and the front.    I would like to use a backdrop but I would have to easily access the layout from the backside also.   (  I  had to chuckle when I read about Mark's temporary "tape "  for his backdrop.)

At least I get to see the photos you two are posting and enjoy the experience .

Nice work guys .

Dallas.

Thank you very much.🤝

Johan

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Mark and Johan........I really think these backrounds are necessary for a deeper look to a layout and give it a great look like yours.

My layout  ( 16 × 5 with a 30 inch × 6  yard  ) would be viewed from the ends and the front.    I would like to use a backdrop but I would have to easily access the layout from the backside also.   (  I  had to chuckle when I read about Mark's temporary "tape "  for his backdrop.)

At least I get to see the photos you two are posting and enjoy the experience .

Nice work guys .

Thank you very much Dallas!  Believe me, there are a lot of items on my layout that would make Rube Goldberg proud!  😄

Also, I am not so smart.  I bought 20 feet of painted Masonite backdrop from a Forum member and waited until I had all the benchwork built before hanging the backdrop by myself.  Don’t worry that I will do that again, because I am no longer physically able!!  😆😆

@Mark Boyce posted:

Thank you very much Dallas!  Believe me, there are a lot of items on my layout that would make Rube Goldberg proud!  😄

And believe me Mark......there are  " a lot of items on my layout  "  that would make ' RED GREEN '  proud.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

And believe me Mark......there are  " a lot of items on my layout  "  that would make ' RED GREEN '  proud.

I’m pulling for you, we are all in this together.

Any tool can be the right tool.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Mark and Johan........I really think these backrounds are necessary for a deeper look to a layout and give it a great look like yours.

My layout  ( 16 × 5 with a 30 inch × 6  yard  ) would be viewed from the ends and the front.    I would like to use a backdrop but I would have to easily access the layout from the backside also.   (  I  had to chuckle when I read about Mark's temporary "tape "  for his backdrop.)

At least I get to see the photos you two are posting and enjoy the experience .

Nice work guys .

Dallas,

The height of the background pics on my modular track is about 50cm, which is so low that it does not prevent operation behind the images. My modules have a groove in which the wallpaper plate is inserted. In addition, the backgound pics panels are double-sided and in the modules the groove runs on both sides, so I can set the background pics on either side I want. It also brings a nice variety of angles and exhibits. I recommend to try.

Johan

@BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Dallas,

The height of the background pics on my modular track is about 50cm, which is so low that it does not prevent operation behind the images. My modules have a groove in which the wallpaper plate is inserted. In addition, the backgound pics panels are double-sided and in the modules the groove runs on both sides, so I can set the background pics on either side I want. It also brings a nice variety of angles and exhibits. I recommend to try.

Johan

This sounds interesting Johan.     Are you able to reach over the backdrop to access maybe a derailed engine or are you able to just move it from one place to another ?

You'll have to forgive me......I'm a VISUAL comprehender mostly .  Do you have a couple of photos ? 🤔

@BAR GP7 #63 posted:

Dallas,

The height of the background pics on my modular track is about 50cm, which is so low that it does not prevent operation behind the images. My modules have a groove in which the wallpaper plate is inserted. In addition, the backgound pics panels are double-sided and in the modules the groove runs on both sides, so I can set the background pics on either side I want. It also brings a nice variety of angles and exhibits. I recommend to try.

Johan

This sounds like a neat trick.  If you feel inclined to share, I would love to see what you did.  A quick way to add variety to the scenes sounds great.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

This sounds interesting Johan.     Are you able to reach over the backdrop to access maybe a derailed engine or are you able to just move it from one place to another ?

You'll have to forgive me......I'm a VISUAL comprehender mostly .  Do you have a couple of photos ? 🤔

Dallas,

Able to operate very well over the background. I can take pictures for you the next time I move the modules, now they are all against the wall.

Johan

@jhz563 posted:

This sounds like a neat trick.  If you feel inclined to share, I would love to see what you did.  A quick way to add variety to the scenes sounds great.

JHZ563,

Of course it works. I'm still trying to take pictures today showing the aluminum frame and the recessed groove for the backplate.

Johan