Weekly Photo Fun 1/6 - 1/12/17

[Green_Elite_Cab]

A few shots of some new equipment i picked up in the last few months.

Though this isn't an accurate model of an N7E caboose, it is painted up to match the Conrail Historical Society's N7E. Its got the right shape, but some windows need to be adjusted. However, its good enough for me.



This is one of the Korea Brass (actually only a plastic model) U25C models. I picked it up at a significant discount at a TCS Wow Sound decoder demonstration. The model comes equipped with such a decoder. So far, I really enjoy it, though because it has "realistic" operating settings, I haven't really been able to put it in a train with my other locomotives. Still, I really enjoy the way it works, and I ALMOST wish I could make my other decoders operate in a similar fashion.

The model is pretty sharp to. For Conrail modelers, the numbers you pick depends on the date. The U25Cs were in the 6500 series, but were renumbered to the 6800 series in early 1979 in order to make room for brand new SD40-2 locomotives. Conrail 6810 here started as a PRR #6510. It was GE's first six axle locomotive. How GEs have changed since then!



I also picked up a Rapido FL9 in the Metro North scheme, though in hindsight, this is one of the mid-80s versions still equipped with a steam generator. Most people won't notice, but I kinda wish noticed before I bought it. While it might be possible to "Update" the model with my own parts, that would probably do more harm than good. For now, its a good looking model of a unique prototype.

That Hancock Air Whistle really confuses the non-train crowd at the open house. They keep looking for that steam locomotive!

These were the original Dual Mode locomotives, running on Third rail or its own Diesel engine. I wish it were a little louder, since even with adjusting the volume, it can't always be heard during busy train shows. On the other hand, I have a Rapido F40PH that will deafen the crowd.



I also managed to scoop up a Metro North commuter cab car. These are proving harder to come by than the CDOT cars. Speaking of which, I have a CDOT GP38 in the McGuinness scheme, which when I get a decoder installed, I'll have a second CDOT trainset. How I got here being a New Jersey Modeler is beyond me. I'm not sure I've been to Connecticut more than once