SWITCHER SATURDAY 12/30/23 Edition

Good morning Patrick!

And Happy New Year to all.

New Haven Railroad #0668 is a model of an Alco RS-1 made by Atlas O (6888-2, MSRP $429.95) in 2004. Photos and videos show it on my 10’-by-5’ model railroad.

Alco built 353 RS-1 road switchers at Schenectady, NY between 1941 and 1960, including 12 for the New Haven Railroad. New Haven RS-1 #0668 (Class DERS-1) was delivered in 1948. Its original colors were orange/green but the Atlas O model has the orange/black McGinnis scheme applied sometime after 1955. RS-1s weighed 240,000 pounds and produced 34,000 pounds of tractive effort at 8 miles-per-hour. With a steam generator under their short hood, they were used initially for passenger service on the New Haven but, with only 1000 horsepower and a maximum speed of 60 miles-per-hour, they were soon demoted to freight service when Alco RS-3s arrived on the scene with 1,600 horsepower.

MELGAR

Another great start to Switcher Saturday Pat.
Here is a PRR B-6 Switcher by Lionel.  It’s moving some Western Union Cable flatcars with a Western Union  searchlight caboose.

Thank you, Patrick, for getting us off to another great start this Switcher Saturday.

I believe I mentioned in a post last week that an oil line in my basement sprung a pinhole leak, and after the copper pipe was replaced, I spent considerable time removing the remnants of oil puddles on my basement floor in the vicinity of my train layout.

Now, 99% off that oil spill has been removed but the smell of oil still lingers. Baking soda is helping to get rid of that smell, but in the meantime, I decided to run my MTH PS2 NY Central GP7 diesel switcher hauling oil tankers shown in the videos below:

That lingering oil smell makes this oil tanker train even more realistic. LOL.

Wishing you all a wonderful Switcher Saturday and Happy New Year. Arnold

A great start to the last Switcher Saturday of 2023!

Just happy to get my NYO&W Switcher #116 back from the shop.

Have a great and safe weekend, folks!
Peter

Happy New Year! SwSat nation!  Thanks, Patrick, for getting us rolling again!

Today, your intrepid rail fans have traveled out to B&M’s Ayer, MA branch looking for photo ops.  To their delight, B&M EMD SW9 no. 1230 and Alco RS3 no 1518 appeared with a local freight.  The EMD has adequate power for this consist so the Alco is just along for the ride, being transferred to Ayer to replace an engine out of service.

John

Another great start from trumptrain and Happy New Year SWITCHER Fans

Happy last 2023 SwSat everyone!  Looks like a great start to the end of 2023, and looking forward to 2024 Saturdays!

Happy New Year!

Here’s a Baldwin VO-1000 (MTH Premier) that I modified to include: fixed pilots, full-length handrails, grab irons and air hoses on the pilots, Kadee couplers…and heavy weathering, of course.  

I was trying to represent a locomotive that had seen many years of service in northeastern PA coal country with very few—if any—washings over the course of its life!  The “northeastern” steel caboose is also from MTH, modified with Kadees and air hoses…and weathering.

Happy switcher Saturday! Here is my new  dash - 8 that lionel has scaled down to switcher size -

Happy SWSat!

I'll tag along with Mel's Atlas O RS1. I have the LIRR model from 2002 with TMCC. Excellent detailing on these models including chains on the rear trucks. This is my only Atlas O engine at the moment but I'd buy more if the right opportunity comes along.

Here she is with my MTH LIRR PS3 model (the green one) This was a custom run for Trainworld right before MTH closed down.

Here's a video of the startup and shutdown sequences. Great sound set in these.

Wishing all of SWSat Nation a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Bob

An Alco RS-3 hauls a string of cars through Maybrook, the last unfinished section on my layout. Back ground scenery was almost completed this past week. The Maybrook area will be completely redesigned starting in January. The two buildings in the foreground were built by Model Building Services of Salem Ma,

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jC8xvdnFvzVAo3gA7

@CNJ #1601 posted:

Here’s a Baldwin VO-1000 (MTH Premier) that I modified to include: fixed pilots, full-length handrails, grab irons and air hoses on the pilots, Kadee couplers…and heavy weathering, of course.  

I was trying to represent a locomotive that had seen many years of service in northeastern PA coal country with very few—if any—washings over the course of its life!  The “northeastern” steel caboose is also from MTH, modified with Kadees and air hoses…and weathering.

The boxcar in the second picture looks like it has a "plunger" type of coupler and large, 3 rail wheel flanges; the track is obviously 2 rail, so what are we seeing here?

Beautiful work, in any case!

Mark in Oregon

Bob, the MTH Railking RS1 start up sounds are pretty good, too.

John

@Steam Crazy posted:

Bob, the MTH Railking RS1 start up sounds are pretty good, too.

John

They sure are. I wasn't slighting MTH. The LIRR engine sounds just as good. I haven't compared them side by side but I sense that will happen soon.....

Bob

Even the little guys need some love. Here's my little work horse Plymouth Switcher by K-line smoking away! You're right @RSJB18, these little guys are addicting. Especially knowing they were made right here in Ohio! Have a great New Year everyone.

Bob, I know you weren't slighting MTH.  I just happened to have the video in the archives, so I posted it for comparison.

The first time I powered up my RS1, I thought something was wrong with the sound file!

John

@Strummer posted:

The boxcar in the second picture looks like it has a "plunger" type of coupler and large, 3 rail wheel flanges; the track is obviouly 2 rail, so what are we seeing here?

Beautiful work, in any case!

Mark in Oregon

Good eyes, Mark…and thanks for the kind words!  These photos were shot on a diorama that I built for photographing my weathering and detailing work.  It’s not a layout.  

I started weathering items several years before I made the switch to “3-Rail Scale”, so some of my rolling stock still has traditional claw couplers.  I’ll get around to adding Kadees at some point.

@CNJ #1601 posted:

Here’s a Baldwin VO-1000 (MTH Premier) that I modified to include: fixed pilots, full-length handrails, grab irons and air hoses on the pilots, Kadee couplers…and heavy weathering, of course.  

I was trying to represent a locomotive that had seen many years of service in northeastern PA coal country with very few—if any—washings over the course of its life!  The “northeastern” steel caboose is also from MTH, modified with Kadees and air hoses…and weathering.

Great work !

Good morning SWSAT crew!

Penn Central GP9 7180 (AtlasO) takes on fuel as it prepares for another day's work:

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!

Tom

Here is my 'prettiest' postwar switcher. I have a couple others in below C5 physical condition. This ol' 623 ran hundreds of miles around my grandfathers table. After 30+ years in storage it was barely running. I tore it all down and rebuilt it - removing cakes of crud from the motor, gears, wheels, etc...Washed the body up gently (it still looks pretty good for about 70 years old) . I stripped and repainted the frame and built the missing end handrail parts myself (you can kinda tell which parts I made ) Cleaned and lubed everything. I added a pair of green LEDs behind the marker lenses because I couldn't help myself. I suspect I have a mis-match on the thrust washer for the armature because it runs pretty well forward and hesitates to go reverse... I suspect that someone has tinkered with it and maybe has a different motor armature due to my bearing thrust washer issues. (or maybe I grabbed the wrong washer during rebuild) and the GM stickers on the body from the different 622, 6220 models I think, or maybe the body was swapped (shrug). Anyways... I'm pleased with how she looks Now, I gotta get the motor bearings and/or washers sorted and smooth - AND I forgot to connect the coupler wire (slaps forehead)

@woodsyT posted:

Here is my 'prettiest' postwar switcher. I have a couple others in below C5 physical condition. This ol' 623 ran hundreds of miles around my grandfathers table. After 30+ years in storage it was barely running. I tore it all down and rebuilt it - removing cakes of crud from the motor, gears, wheels, etc...Washed the body up gently (it still looks pretty good for about 70 years old) . I stripped and repainted the frame and built the missing end handrail parts myself (you can kinda tell which parts I made ) Cleaned and lubed everything. I added a pair of green LEDs behind the marker lenses because I couldn't help myself. I suspect I have a mis-match on the thrust washer for the armature because it runs pretty well forward and hesitates to go reverse... I suspect that someone has tinkered with it and maybe has a different motor armature due to my bearing thrust washer issues. (or maybe I grabbed the wrong washer during rebuild) and the GM stickers on the body from the different 622, 6220 models I think, or maybe the body was swapped (shrug). Anyways... I'm pleased with how she looks Now, I gotta get the motor bearings and/or washers sorted and smooth - AND I forgot to connect the coupler wire (slaps forehead)

Your Grandfather would be proud of you! Great job on the clean up.

I posted my B6 earlier. I got home at 1:00 AM from a BDay party. So I posted before I zonked out. Im up for a second round. Here’s an MTH Erie Lackawanna AS-616 in commuter service.

@RSJB18 posted:

Happy SWSat!

I'll tag along with Mel's Atlas O RS1. I have the LIRR model from 2002 with TMCC. Excellent detailing on these models including chains on the rear trucks. This is my only Atlas O engine at the moment but I'd buy more if the right opportunity comes along.

Here she is with my MTH LIRR PS3 model (the green one) This was a custom run for Trainworld right before MTH closed down.

Here's a video of the startup and shutdown sequences. Great sound set in these.

Wishing all of SWSat Nation a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Bob

The diesel sound is perfect, especially in the shutdown. I was a production manager of a concrete plant for over 30 years, the sound of diesels was a huge part of my life. That is one feature I’m looking forward to when the Base 3 arrives. It will be so different to start up and shut down a locomotive on a powered track without needing to throw a toggle switch on a siding.

Gene

@CNJ #1601 posted:

Here’s a Baldwin VO-1000 (MTH Premier) that I modified to include: fixed pilots, full-length handrails, grab irons and air hoses on the pilots, Kadee couplers…and heavy weathering, of course.  

I was trying to represent a locomotive that had seen many years of service in northeastern PA coal country with very few—if any—washings over the course of its life!  The “northeastern” steel caboose is also from MTH, modified with Kadees and air hoses…and weathering.

You nailed it, great job!

Gene

@Steam Crazy posted:

Bob, the MTH Railking RS1 start up sounds are pretty good, too.

John

John, that does sound good, like a diesel starting up on a very cold morning after a couple shots of ether.

Gene

First post of my son’s new Russian decapod, U.S. Army version.  Since they needed most all of their engines for switcher duty, feel safe posting it here.

@Donnie Kennedy posted:

Even the little guys need some love. Here's my little work horse Plymouth Switcher by K-line smoking away! You're right @RSJB18, these little guys are addicting. Especially knowing they were made right here in Ohio! Have a great New Year everyone.

You’re right Donnie, the beautiful Legacy engines are superb, but there’s something about running a simple little switcher. Happy New Year.

Gene

@Bill Park posted:

An Alco RS-3 hauls a string of cars through Maybrook, the last unfinished section on my layout. Back ground scenery was almost completed this past week. The Maybrook area will be completely redesigned starting in January. The two buildings in the foreground were built by Model Building Services of Salem Ma,

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jC8xvdnFvzVAo3gA7

Really good looking head end power, and a nice string of boxcars, Bill. Layout looks great, too! Thanks for posting!

MTH Nativity switcher and cars last run for 2023.

Have a great close for the year everyone .  God speed .

WOW!   Great content everyone!  Keep it coming!!

Here's a short clip of my Virginian Train Master ( WbB product ) exiting East Tunnel with a mixed freight, as my MTH Christmas trolley trundles by on the elevated line.  Later a B&O Docksider running lite with caboose cross over the red bridge which carries the Mountain Division across Lake Christopher.  A 44 tonner faces off with a N&W Y6b Mallet ( a sort of David and Goliath situation ).  

Happy New Years Switcher Saturday!

@Dallas Joseph posted:

MTH Nativity switcher and cars last run for 2023.

Have a great close for the year everyone .  God speed .

Dallas, that is a beautiful train. I’ve never seen those cars before; are they custom?

@RayKay posted:

Happy New Years Switcher Saturday

Really like the over/under loop, Ray

Hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season! Received this switcher as a Christmas present, Alco S2 , love the start up and Alco sounds. Amazed at the detail of MTH premier diesel locomotives and how solid and smooth it runs. Layout progress has been slow but will model a small harbor/dock theme on one end. I guess now with this new switcher I will have to see if I can somehow incorporate a flour mill. Really enjoying being back in the hobby, and really enjoy seeing all the great layouts and locomotives on the posts.

Happy New Year , wishing everyone the best of Health, Peace and Happiness!!

Patrick has inspired me to do a 2nd post for this Switcher Saturday as he has done.

This short video shows an MTH PS2 or 3 Philadelphia Bethlehem and New England diesel switcher (not sure but I think it's an S2), running on DCS, hauling a mixed freight consist across my George Washingmachine Bridge.

Yesterday I bought some double stick tape and spruced up the backdrop behind the bridge.

Arnold

Arnold, your backdrop looks good and I like your video.  I'm curious about the Providence, New England and Bethlehem RR because I never heard of it nor could I find anything in a search.  Can you tell me something about it?  Thanks.

John

PS My guess is your switcher is an EMD SW1.

@pennsyfan posted:

Dallas, that is a beautiful train. I’ve never seen those cars before; are they custom?

Thanks Bob.

The Nativity Train is all MTH except the caboose which is an inexpensive Lionel  with  Thommas Kinkade artwork.

The switcher and tender are totally stock.    The Shepard / Angel  car , the Wisemen car and the Creche car ( with added burlap material for the roof )allhave some burlap flooring and assorted bushes that I had added.       I added lights to the Lionel caboose and constructed a white angel to it's rear deck.

Have a good weekend Bob.  God speed sir.

SWSAT already!  Where did the other 5 Saturdays of the week go????

Everyone posted great switchers.  Here’s an LGB 0-4-0 under the Christmas tree.