Switcher Saturday August 19, 2023 Edition

In a New York State of mind this week:

Our favorite conventional ALCo NYC saddle tank hauling MTH die-cast woodside reefers and caboose.

Good to hear your mother-in-law's on the mend, Bob.

My switcher for today is Union Pacific #1875, a die-cast model of an EMD SW9 diesel switcher with fixed pilots made by Atlas O prior to 2001. Photos/videos show it on my 10’-by-5’ layout running at 26 scale miles-per-hour.

MELGAR

My favorite steam switcher:

Lionel GP9, from the Western Maryland Fireball Freight Set; china drive, no command, no railsounds, tires, good heft, great puller.

Happy SwSat everyone!  Nice little acquisition @RSJB18 . I’ve had my eye on one of those as well.  For this week, our little Kline Plymouth has been helping out the MTA workcrew with a few repairs on the el.  

@Strap Hanger posted:

Happy SwSat everyone!  Nice little acquisition @RSJB18 . I’ve had my eye on one of those as well.  For this week, our little Kline Plymouth has been helping out the MTA workcrew with a few repairs on the el.  

I watched them pass by on the last release but since LC was new, I figured I'd wait for the inevitable bugs to be worked out. Besides, my MiL had a Dr. appt in Rockville Center and I'm the chauffeur, so what else is a guy to do when he's waiting around, and 5 minutes from Trainland........

Price isn't as good this time though.

Bob

Hello switcher fans!  Since your Yardmaster models an era “where no freight train departs without a caboose”, he’s happy to report he finally received the MTH Premier Rutland wood sided caboose he ordered to pair with his Williams Rutland GE 70 tonner switcher no. 500.

No. 500 and caboose are seem on a train that says”Vermont” more than any other, a milk train.  The train is heading South from Rutland to Bellows Falls, VT to connect with the B&M.  The B&M will deliver the train to Boston.

John

Glad the mother-in-law is doing better Bob, and Thanks for stepping in on this fine thread Some more saddle tankers moving some barrels of beer.

This is my Reading 0-6-0T #1251. It is a conventional version made by Lionel (6-28613) in 2004. I bought it at the Big-E Springfield, Massachusetts train show in 2018 for $125.

MELGAR

@Steam Crazy posted:

Hello switcher fans!  Since your Yardmaster models an era “where no freight train departs without a caboose”, he’s happy to report he finally received the MTH Premier Rutland wood sided caboose he ordered to pair with his Williams Rutland GE 70 tonner switcher no. 500.

John

That caboose looks great John. I have one on order from Beth as well. I hope it ships out soon.

@Sitka- Thanks Mark. She's a hard one to take care of. She doesn't want to be a burden on us but she helped raise our 2 kids with lots of babysitting , etc., so it's the least we can do.

After a late night heavy workload ..... ( on FEF ) ........

.......old 6220 was called up to respond to an early morning emergency load going to the west coast for Labor Day.

Enjoy the weekend people.   God speed.

Here is another update on my SW1200 project.  It's been slow in development, but getting closer to the finish line.

I purchased these window frames from EV models.  They are challenging to work with and you really need the proper cutting tool.  I tried to cut the first one with regular snips and really bent up the frame.  Once I purchased the right snips it was a little easier.

I used CA glue to apply and the CA activated with the paint and blue paint leaked onto the frames, so some touch up with silver had to be done.

I think it looks fair.  Not sure I would do this again.  Maybe it gets easier the second time.

The prototype pic is my son's and used with permission.

Good morning fellow switcher fans!   Bob thanks for being in the engineer's seat, notching out the throttle, and getting us rolling for this fine Saturday!   So glad to hear that your mother - in - law's health is improving!   I was more than happy to fill in last week!  Btw - the Lion Chief 0-6-0 saddle tanker looks terrific!  IMHO Reading was a good choice

Wonderful pics, videos, and information  by everyone .. as is the usual case with SWSAT!   I hope everyone has a terrific weekend!!  

Dallas Joseph - just wondering if that switcher crew plans to tap that Heineken tank car after they get off duty today?  Lol!

Today on the Free State Junction Railway switcher action is captured by company photographer I.C. Thrulenz,  both at Butler Junction and out on the main line.  First generation diesel switchers are the backbone of the FSJR as they supply power for a multitude of railroad operations.

As a a B&O GP9 and SW9 consist rumble by in the background .... It's just another day on the railroad as these loading/unloading workers finish up their shift.  Actually, once they tie up that forklift for the afternoon, these guys will go to workout ...  doing one arm curls at McGlingies Pub located across from the railroad yard.    Yep that's right Spud Pruitt, Howie Kingsley, and Skeeter Whitty have been working together forever and a day.  Those fellers seem to do and have done everything together ... graduated high school together .. are on the same bowling team .. on the same baseball team ..  in the same train club etc. etc.   As a matter of fact they have their own designated barstools, all in a row,  over at McGlingies Pub.  

A Patapsco and Back Rivers VO1000 teams with a SW 9 calf to pull a long coal train on the mainline.  Brakemen Buford Morris and Trent Walters shoot the breeze while catching the breeze on the rear deck, as the locomotive is moving cab forward.  

A Baltimore & Annapolis Railroad SW9 provides the push/pull power for BIG HOOK as it does the heavy lifting from gondola to flat bed trailer.  

@trumpettrain posted:

Good morning fellow switcher fans!   Bob thanks for being in the engineer's seat, notching out the throttle, and getting us rolling for this fine Saturday!   

Dallas Joseph - just wondering if that switcher crew plans to tap thatHeineken tank car after they get off duty today?  Lol!

Hard to tell if they are going to be tapping that HEINNEKEN tank car Patrick ! ? !....................or that MOLSON XXX tanker , or the STRAUB beer tanker behind that HEINEKEN tanker or the PABST behind that one or the MOLSON GOLDEN next or the GUINNESS  or the SAM ADAMS or the MILLER 64 or etc.,etc. 🍺!!!           Don't know if they can wait to get off duty or not Patrick ............but they better be in good enough shape to get that consist assembled .  🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

@Ron045 posted:

Here is another update on my SW1200 project.  It's been slow in development, but getting closer to the finish line.

I think it looks fair.  Not sure I would do this again.  Maybe it gets easier the second time.

I think the SW1200 lokes pretty darn nice Ron.

The second time around probably would give you new ideas to perfect your skills.   Don't give up..........we like to see your work ( play ) .

Well here is a switcher you don't often see...its nearly the end of the postwar period in 1963-64 and this is officially listed as a "Scout" engine although it has ordinary couplers on the tender.  It came with both the slope back and a square tender in those years.  Two position reverse via a lever on top of the boiler, all plastic including the motor side plates. Available for separate sale in those years as well as in some low priced sets.  In 1964 it was included in a 3 car set with track and transformer for $14.95  Headlight, rubber traction tire, non-whistle tender.  

Best wishes everyone hope your weekend is going well

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Well here is a switcher you don't often see...its nearly the end of the postwar period in 1963-64 and this is officially listed as a "Scout" engine although it has ordinary couplers on the tender.  It came with both the slope back and a square tender in those years.  Two position reverse via a lever on top of the boiler, all plastic including the motor side plates. Available for separate sale in those years as well as in some low priced sets.  In 1964 it was included in a 3 car set with track and transformer for $14.95  Headlight, rubber traction tire, non-whistle tender.  

Best wishes everyone hope your weekend is going well

Don

Fun stuff! I posted my 0-4-0 version of the loco last week. Likewise, it was part of an uncatalogued Lionel set from the mid-sixties. Lately, I have been picking up these sets. Reading the book, “Authoritative Guide to Lionel’s Promotional Outfits (1960-1969),” by John W. Schmid provides  a wealth of interesting info on these sets and I highly recommend it if you can get your hands on a copy. 846 pages! Thanks for posting.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Hard to tell if they are going to be tapping that HEINNEKEN tank car Patrick ! ? !....................or that MOLSON XXX tanker , or the STRAUB beer tanker behind that HEINEKEN tanker or the PABST behind that one or the MOLSON GOLDEN next or the GUINNESS  or the SAM ADAMS or the MILLER 64 or etc.,etc. 🍺!!!           Don't know if they can wait to get off duty or not Patrick ............but they better be in good enough shape to get that consist assembled .  🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

Dallas - let me know if they tap either the Sam Adams or Guinness tank cars.  If so I'll be over at your railroad in a flash with a large empty mug!  Lol!

Naval Weapons Station BEEP prepares to leave coal dock.

Enroute to NWS Earle

@Dave Warburton- Dave I am embarrassed to say that I have that book and simply was in so much of a rush this morning I didn't look at it and just grabbed an archive picture of my 1062.  Wow you are correct, this locomotive along with the 1060 & 1061 was included in a bewildering number of promotional sets...that is really neat! Thanks for your comment.  You know Dave finding someone who is also interested in the "stuff nobody else wants" is really great fun and one of the advantages of this forum.  I am headed to the National Train Show next weekend and will see what I can find.

@ pennsyfan - Bob, your yellow Navy Beep from NWS Earle is really neat!  I also have a Navy BEEP but its entirely different. Here is mine from the Philadelphia Navy Yard (I used to live relatively close to this in Jamison, Pa).   As an aside I spent nearly 20 years working as an engineer for the Dept of the Navy, about 1/2 that time at NAS Patuxent River, Md.

Best wishes everyone!

Don

@trumpettrain posted:

Dallas - let me know if they tap either the Sam Adams or Guinness tank cars.  If so I'll be over at your railroad in a flash with a large empty mug!  Lol!

OR.............you cover shipping Patrick and I could check to see what siding you are near and you could be in paradise on Labor Day.

@RSJB18 posted:

This week I pulled the trigger on the new Lionel Lionchief 2.0 0-6-0T saddle tanker. I was torn between the New Haven and Reading, decided to go with the Reading. The body looks exactly like my older ATSF conventional. Programming into my Cab 1L was simple. I have to play with the bluetooth app when I have more time.

I gave it a good 20 minute break in run and all looks good so far.

Bob

Lionchief on Bluetooth is very intuitive; I really think you'll like it. I run all my Legacy and Lionchief on it since I don't have TMCC  or Legacy control systems. Only problem is that you can't run a shutdown sequence on it.

@Bill Swatos posted:

Lionchief on Bluetooth is very intuitive; I really think you'll like it. I run all my Legacy and Lionchief on it since I don't have TMCC  or Legacy control systems. Only problem is that you can't run a shutdown sequence on it.

I installed the app on my phone last night. You are right, very easy to use, but I have to look at the screen to do everything. The remote is easier to feel your way around.

I don't like that you can't have the app open in the background and do other things with your phone.....like take pictures. I have an older phone that I will put the app on instead.

The engine is great and I plan to do GRJ's chuff mod to make it 2 chuffs/rev. The sounds do get wonky at 4/ rev.

Bob

@RSJB18 posted:

I installed the app on my phone last night. You are right, very easy to use, but I have to look at the screen to do everything. The remote is easier to feel your way around.

I don't like that you can't have the app open in the background and do other things with your phone.....like take pictures. I have an older phone that I will put the app on instead.

The engine is great and I plan to do GRJ's chuff mod to make it 2 chuffs/rev. The sounds do get wonky at 4/ rev.

Bob

Actually, Bob, you can use your phone for other things while your loco is under the app's control. When you leave the app, the loco will stay in whatever state it is in when you leave the app. You can shoot a video, call someone, etc. When you reopen the app, the loco will be there and ready to go. Apparently, memory in the loco keeps the information needed to seamlessly reconnect with the app when you come back to it. The one thing I'm always sure to do is disconnect the loco from the app before removing track power; it seems to be the safest thing to do to avoid memory damage in the loco.

@Don McErlean posted:

@ pennsyfan - Bob, your yellow Navy Beep from NWS Earle is really neat!  I also have a Navy BEEP but its entirely different. Here is mine from the Philadelphia Navy Yard (I used to live relatively close to this in Jamison, Pa).   As an aside I spent nearly 20 years working as an engineer for the Dept of the Navy, about 1/2 that time at NAS Patuxent River, Md.

Best wishes everyone!

Don

Thanks Don, I’ll have to look for the blue one.
My earlier photos didn’t clearly show the hoppers. They are NWS also. When RMT offered them, it was a pair; NWS and Pearl Harbor. I wanted a pair of NWS and @Lionelbill wanted a pair of Pearl Harbors; so we switched.

How about a Lionel Bethlehem Genset switcher…

@RSJB18 posted:

I installed the app on my phone last night. You are right, very easy to use, but I have to look at the screen to do everything. The remote is easier to feel your way around.

I don't like that you can't have the app open in the background and do other things with your phone.....like take pictures. I have an older phone that I will put the app on instead.

The engine is great and I plan to do GRJ's chuff mod to make it 2 chuffs/rev. The sounds do get wonky at 4/ rev.

Bob

We’ll break you of your conventional habits one of these days, Bob

@Apples55 posted:

We’ll break you of your conventional habits one of these days, Bob

I fear that those habits have left the station Paul........ Cab 1L, DCS Remote Commander, and now Bluetooth.

And I'm seriously considering doing an upgrade of an engine with Blunami DCC boards........

Slip slidin' away..........

Nice looking genset BTW.

@Bill Swatos posted:

Actually, Bob, you can use your phone for other things while your loco is under the app's control. When you leave the app, the loco will stay in whatever state it is in when you leave the app. You can shoot a video, call someone, etc. When you reopen the app, the loco will be there and ready to go. Apparently, memory in the loco keeps the information needed to seamlessly reconnect with the app when you come back to it. The one thing I'm always sure to do is disconnect the loco from the app before removing track power; it seems to be the safest thing to do to avoid memory damage in the loco.

I will give that a try Bill. I used the app for one brief test run after installing it so I'll play around with it some more. I always do a shutdown before killing track power.

Bob

Bob, glad your MIL is feeling better. I always enjoy the SWSAT posts, and this week is no exception. Better late than never. Here is #447 in the yard waiting for an assignment.

Andy

Happy Switcher Saturday all,

Working on my new, but smaller 4'9x11' layout.

modified D264 with GarGraves & Ross Switches. Using my NH Beep to test the track.

RayK.

@Steamfan77 posted:

Bob, glad your MIL is feeling better. I always enjoy the SWSAT posts, and this week is no exception. Better late than never. Here is #447 in the yard waiting for an assignment.

Andy

Love that S2 Andy. When I was in Trainland on Friday, I was discussing LIRR RS3's with a gentleman. He was trying to decide on which of the three blue/ yellow models to buy. I'm partial to the gray orange, like your S2.
I saw that they are doing another custom run S2 with MTH too!

Bob

Bob, the orange and gray are more period appropriate for me, but I do own a few newer diesels. I’ll check Trainband’s website for the custom run, thanks for the heads up.

Andy