HRC Acquires Long Island Railroad Alco

As a result of a blowout sale by my LHS the Hoschton Railway Company was able to take delivery of a brand new MTH Long Island Railroad Alco w/DCS.

The LIRR is an HRC favorite and this Alco will be a welcome addition to the HRC Fleet.  The sounds are fantastic and the smoke unit robust.  It is a good puller with some nice details.

Here she is on her maiden revenue generating run.

Operating Session on the NYCTL

Spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon operating trains on the incredible NYCTL.  As is usual John was a great host and had lined up a number of fun trains to run.  My intention was to record some of the fun but once again I got caught up in the action and only managed to grab 2 videos.  I will try harder the next time to share the fun via video.

In light of the huge increase in the demand for coal John had a string of coal hoppers that needed to be switched out.  Even better, the hoppers were driven by 2 beautiful LIRR locos.

 

I  also got to switch out most of the industries as well making some moves in the newly expanded terminal yard.   

During one of my union contracted break periods John shared his knowledge of all things Penn Central by way of his Penn Central library.  I also received an education in the various types and sizes of intermodal cars.

Speaking of intermodal the best train of the day was getting  a ringside seat to a very large string of intermodal cars making the rounds of the NYCTL.  I was so caught up in watching the fun I neglected to capture the action in a video.  

Thanks to my friend Sir John for a wonderful afternoon of trains and fun.

 

New Haven Acquisitions for the HRC

The Hoschton Railway Company took delivery of 3 New Haven EMD F3 "B' units today.    This acquisition  marks the first of many future New Haven rolling stock.   First order of business is to find 2 matching powered "A" units.  A special thanks to my friend Sir John for pointing out how much I was missing by not having any NH trains represented on the HRC. 

New Pipe and Coil loads

Seems like the NYCTL shops are working overtime these days.  Sir John worked his magic and created some great pipe and coil loads for the HRC.  They look great and fit perfectly.  Note - some of the cars pictured below are scheduled for repainting into either PC, PRR or Hoschton road names.

I think I will apply a dose of weathering to the loads so they will match up other steel loads I have. These loads will be a great addition to the Gantry Crane Facility and yet be built Steel plant located on the west side of Hoschton. Big thank you to John for the great gifts.

1st attempt adding scenic details

I started building my layout about 6 years ago.  Progress has been very slow but steady.  One aspect of building the layout that I was always looking forward to doing was adding all the scenic details.  While I have been trying to be logical in completing the layout tasks in the correct order I just couldn't wait any longer to try my hand at some scenic details.  After seeing the amazing scenic work of  Ralph on his King's Port Division and John on his NYCTL I had to jump in the water and give it a try.  I picked a small area running parallel to a mainline adding an old narrow country gravel road.

This is my first attempt of doing any scenic work but I think it came out well. Still want to add a few more items along the right of way, but I am happy with the outcome.

PC Coal Hoppers Finished

Finished up the repaint and letter of 4 Western Maryland coal hoppers into PC livery.  I picked up all 4 hoppers at our LHS.  Three of them were new old stock and the 4th was mint condition. All 4 were in the bargain bin for $13 ea. which is very cheap for a good 0-scale car.  This the same bargain bin where I found that nice PRR boxcar a couple of weeks ago.  I think these cars were in the bin because the road name not being all that popular.

Here they are stripped and primed.

Here they are painted and decaled.  This is my first attempt at weathering and I have to say it was great fun.  Being a toy train guy the thought of weathering anything was never a thought for me.  However, I became a fan after seeing John and Ralph's beautiful weathering jobs.  I can see where this could become addicting.

 

Some other projects underway is the wiring of the Transfer Table as well as a number of operating accessories in the new Industrial Complex. Also try my hand at some scenic details.  Should be able to post some photos of that  in a few days. Progress is slow but moving ahead.

Swap Meet Treasures

Last Saturday, Sir John and I headed over to the local hobby shop with pockets heavy with cash in hopes of finding some great deals and unexpected finds.  Neither of us were disappointed.

Fortunately I was quickly relieved of a portion of my heavy cash load.   Being the eagle eyed investigator that he is Sir John quickly spotted a beautiful cow and calf set of Union Pacific NW-2's.  With the huge expansion of the East Hoschton Industrial Complex it was clear to upper management  that the railroad would be woefully short of adequate switcher  power to service the complex. 

Great find (by Sir John) which will help fill in a huge gap in switcher power. Has very little run time and exterior is in mint condition. Direction control is sketchy.  I don't yet know if this has an e-unit or circuit board for direction.  Either way it is an easy fix. Additionally, this is about the fastest locomotive I have ever owned.  It has dual motors wired in parallel.  Think I will rewire them in series to slow it down. Should result in slower startup speed.

 

 Put to work immediately moving out a couple of Morton Salt Hoppers.  It is anticipated that there will be a TREMENDOUS increase in demand for Morton Salt, as evidenced by the almost certain construction of not 1 but 2  Morton Salt facilities at A.P.P.R. northern and southern facilities.

Also found a mint condition used PRR Boxcar in the bargain bin. Not sure how it made its way to the bargain bin but it now has a home.

As always it was a terrific day meeting up with John and hunting for some treasures.