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Well this is more on what am I going to do on my layout - TrainWorld is shipping my second MTH Illinois Central Gulf engine so I can duplicate the prototype photo I tool years (decades) ago.  The Orange and White paint scheme engine is due in a few days. I have had the ICG Blue and Orange for several months now.

Too bad its now Canadian National - not that it is a bad organization - just too much consolidation in the RR industry IMHO - fallen flags. My industry went from 11 competitors to 4 due to Ivan Boesky starting the M&A craze during my career. I was bought 2 twice and survived both - many people did not. Good - Bad - I don't know - but a lot of good people lost their jobs so VPs and shareholders made a lot of money on the mergers. Well the Fed approved it so it most have been in the best interests of the country and its citizens.

The image was shot (by me)  in Pesotum Illinois just south of Champaign. Notice the incredibly flat land - you can see the horizon in all directions from there if something is not in the way.  South bound freight.

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Last edited by ScoutingDad

I looked up ICG 8004 - the web data shows it is a GP10 built in 1968.  I think I took the photo in late 1990. Apparently ICG rebuilt GP7 GP9 and others and ended up with a different number (GP10) than the original EMD engine. I do not know enough about the engines to tell the difference.

I had a fraternity  brother who worked for EMD in McCook Illinois, who told me about the basic difference between the GE and EMD diesels - one was built from a casting the other was a weldment. Both had advantages and disadvantages.

@mike g. posted:

Thanks Chris for making it so easy to understand! It can be a real pain in the rear for some of us that are slow when it comes to electrical! LOL

Wow! I agree Mike g. As a carpet layout and now a 4x8-er, I am amazed at the larger layouts that the "Big Boys" build and model. Also, there is something quite daunting when the gathering of 3, expensive, ZW controllers set in the forefront. And apparently, just the amount of wiring is expensive. And, with the technology that is out there, what with remote control systems and Rail Sound Consists, the appeal will reach out to the younger generations, for sure!

I started using Bluetooth sound speakers with a Sound-of-trains app three years ago. I found small rechargeable speakers that look like a Crate-of-Freight on flatcars. That solved the lack of horns issue I have with several engines we run. Also, It keeps one engineer busy with the laptop selecting sounds, while the other makes the trains move. Technology! The kids soak it up.

That being said, a line of ZW transformers at the forefront shows how expensive it can get. And I again thank the leaders of this hobby, sharing selflessly, how to manage intricate issues we all encounter.

Great Video and thanks again!

Last edited by Miggy

Mark, you must have seen the NS 1072, the Illinois Terminal heritage unit. The IT was liquidated by the NW in 1982.

Rusty

Rusty, It is very odd.  I have seen this engine twice now.  It is not the heritage unit.  It is a smaller diesel, but I am not up on diesels after first generation.  It certainly wasn't green.  It was solid black with Illinois Terminal in white block letters on the side.  I have not found a photograph anywhere online, and wasn't able to get the phone out quickly to take a photograph.  It was moving and I was driving.  I am suspicious but don't know if it was something the CN or AK Steel bought or leased and wasn't repainted.  It also could have been something the Buffalo and Pittsburgh had because they interchange with the B&LE (CN) in Butler.  The B&P also have lots of diesels at their Butler Shop of various paint schemes.  Maybe I was delirious when I saw it. 

Last edited by Mark Boyce

Did it look like this one?  This set of rails runs east west through Champaign. This consist was making a delivery of stone and other materials to a concrete products company. I would see them about 3 times a week when I was driving to work - do not remember what that is like anymore - over a year now.  CN operates the track down here.  I thought about picking up this color scheme from MTH and decided not to buy.

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Jeff, that is an excellent photograph!  That looks like what I have seen.  It looks like an SD or GP something or other.  I can't see how many wheels.  The last time was probably 6 months ago or so.  I didn't notice the yellow stripe, but it could have been blocked from view, or I was concentrating on the lettering and missed it.  That must be it!  Thank you!!

Mark what a sheltered life you must have led to not be up on Midwest railroads ; )

I didn't even know about Illinois Terminal until I saw the road name on an engine 2 years ago and I have been all over the Midwest. Still do not know anything about them.

Trains publishes posters of historical road names in the US/Canada and by current owner showing rights of way. I have several hanging in my train room.

For some fun look up "Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad" Quite a history and still independent.

@ScoutingDad posted:

Mark what a sheltered life you must have led to not be up on Midwest railroads ; )

I didn't even know about Illinois Terminal until I saw the road name on an engine 2 years ago and I have been all over the Midwest. Still do not know anything about them.

Trains publishes posters of historical road names in the US/Canada and by current owner showing rights of way. I have several hanging in my train room.

For some fun look up "Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad" Quite a history and still independent.

SD and @Mark Boyce- Virtual Railfan has a camera at Waupaca Wisconsin at a foundry. The line is owned by CN but they run locals with IT, and GT Geeps.

She will be setting on the layout the next time you see her guys... I can recommend this kit from Woodlands Scenics... the Corner Emporium. Precision cut and fits together well.

Next in the agenda for the DJ&C rail yard us streets and roads...

What is your normal width of your road way for the 1:48/1:43 ratio cars and trucks?

The yellow center line stripes, I cannot paint them on the roads.
What’s recommended?  
I know recently Mike g. has cut the strips from something. But please share with me again 🙄

I appreciate your interest and information 😊

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  • F9D861A8-E9AE-4E53-8FB7-219DB44098F7: Railroad street side
  • CBC1EAE5-F67E-47F5-A7AE-FE28D6027358: Left side with adjoining building
  • 335D1AA7-6079-4B63-8813-FDA9D2195930: Scott Street
  • 3B983676-9344-4784-8A78-9893D985EBA0: Alley

Seth Thomas...regarding yellow or white road striping, parking space marker lines, etc., I've had good luck with 1/8' auto pinstriping from the local auto parts store...not exactly in scale, but does the job for me...



Pond Aerial 2

Capetrainman I appreciate the kind reply.

Since you supplied such nice streets tonight, how did you make your side walks...? Thanks in advance. 😊

While l was on a roll with the Nash Dealer structure, l decided to tackle this T. Yorke "Tony's Garage", as it is a dilapidated ruin and could have serviced cars in my ghost town.  With no instruction sheet, and several anonymous plaster cast walls and other parts, l conjured up a seat of pants assembly l am pleased with, a garage up on a stone walled basement where mechanic could work under cars, but gas was sold at bottom of ramp.  Building is done, but ramp and basement are under construction.

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