Switcher Saturday 3-18-2023🍀

Well, I’m late to the party again but we added a B&O SD35 to the roster and it’s a next to new Atlas O Masterline diesel, with cruise control and TMCC…. Happy Railroading Everyone

Pete

Almost had this done in time, until I forgot to tape the windows for clear coat.

Taking Sally the Yard Goat out for a run this morning on the main line:

Now, I'm curious about something: do any of you have a switcher that stays in a freight yard, only venturing out on the main line to spot a train car or two?

In other words, a switcher that's a 100% yard goat?

If so, why?

Arnold

@Sitka posted:

Great looking fleet of switchers this weekend! PW Lionel 0-4-0 meeting MPC 0-4-0 along with Lionel HO 0-6-0

Nice scenes, Mark! I see "Mom" is hard at work on the pike today! I like the 0-6-0 on the red flat. I've got the black 6424 auto carrier version loaded with a couple of "Coke" '55 T-birds from Matchbox/Dinky that @mike.caruso gave me the idea for:

My four BEEPs are in the background awaiting assignment...

@leapinlarry posted:

Well, I’m late to the party again but we added a B&O SD35 to the roster and it’s a next to new Atlas O Masterline diesel, with cruise control and TMCC…. Happy Railroading Everyone

It’s ok Larry there’s still a few Refreshments left. Thanks for sharing your pics.

@Bill Swatos posted:

Nice scenes, Mark! I see "Mom" is hard at work on the pike today! I like the 0-6-0 on the red flat. I've got the black 6424 auto carrier version loaded with a couple of "Coke" '55 T-birds from Matchbox/Dinky that @mike.caruso gave me the idea for:

My four BEEPs are in the background awaiting assignment...

Thanks Bill looks like that table is growing,  nice looking GG-1

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Taking Sally the Yard Goat out for a run this morning on the main line:

Now, I'm curious about something: do any of you have a switcher that stays in a freight yard, only venturing out on the main line to spot a train car or two?

In other words, a switcher that's a 100% yard goat?

If so, why?

Arnold

All mine serves my little town on the layout then goes back to the main line to return rail cars just like they do in my “Real” small home town.

MTH EL GP35 - taking a page out of Lionel’s playbook! Placing the controls under a roof panel, instead of the undercarriage.

So, Lee (and others who might want to chime in), is it fair to say that your switchers primarily service your yard(s), and are not loopers (little engines that primarily run on your main line(s)?

My wife, Shawn, just  reminded me of the children's story of The Little Engine That Could.

It starts out like this:

"Chug, chug, chug, puff, puff, puff, ding, dong, ding, dong, the little train rumbled over the tracks;

She was a happy little train, for she had such a jolly load to carry;

Her cars were filled with good things for boys and girls .  . ."

The story by Watty Piper goes on to make the point that it was the little switcher engine who wanted to help, not the big locomotives, who saved the day by pulling the broken down train over the mountain. It teaches the value of optimism and hardwork.

IMO, this is a charming story to read to a young child, like maybe some of our grandchildren, and I vaguely remember this story being read to me, many, many years ago.

Maybe that story planted the seed in me, and some of you, my fine Forum friends, for our incurable condition: switcheritis.

LOL, Arnold

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

So, Lee (and others who might want to chime in), is it fair to say that your switchers primarily service your yard(s), and are not loopers (little engines that primarily run on your main line(s)?

The main reason I even bought this engine was for my B&M wreck train.

@lee drennen - Thank you for your support.  Don

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

My wife, Shawn, just  reminded me of the children's story of The Little Engine That Could.

It starts out like this:

"Chug, chug, chug, puff, puff, puff, ding, dong, ding, dong, the little train rumbled over the tracks;

She was a happy little train, for she had such a jolly load to carry;

Her cars were filled with good things for boys and girls .  . ."

The story by Watty Piper goes on to make the point that it was the little switcher engine who wanted to help, not the big locomotives, who saved the day by pulling the broken down train over the mountain. It teaches the value of optimism and hardwork.

IMO, this is a charming story to read to a young child, like maybe some of our grandchildren, and I vaguely remember this story being read to me, many, many years ago.

Maybe that story planted the seed in me, and some of you, my fine Forum friends, for our incurable condition: switcheritis.

LOL, Arnold

Arnold I agree, The Little Engine the Could is a wonderful story!  I remember my father reading it to me when I was about 3 years old.    In addition to the values of optimism and hard work, the story demonstrates the virtue of reaching out and helping others.