More News On The Freelance Model Train Front

 Life is funny. It seems like the moment you get a budget figured out, and some spending control, something pops up from an unexpected direction that puts its hands into your pocket. The moment Rapido announced their PC&F B-100-32 boxcars, a decent pre-order was placed to secure some of them. The three types ordered, both as delivered and a bit older, should more than cover the Arizona Southern's copper anode hauling needs. One might think that, then two manufacturers add some Arizona or Mexico freelance cars to the mix.

Click on the drawings to see a larger view.

Copper State Railway appeared first, but then, not to be outdone, a railroad out of Tempe AZ added to the mix; The Lost Dutchman Railroad.

As if those two lines were not enough temptation, another freelance model railroad also threw its sombrero into the ring. Since the AZSO interchanges with two Mexican railroads, this Ferrocaril Golfo y Rio Bravo B-100-32, becomes a must have boxcar as well. Es bueno.

HomeShops LLC and Rapido are the responsible parties, and they are making things that are perfect for what the AZSO models. It's funny how some companies make things that we can't use while others seem to cater to our desires. 

 

Oh, and although they have not announced it yet, Rapido is investigating doing both a S-6 and a T-6 switcher based on their current MLW chassis. This is only a rumor at this point, but folks in the know make some interesting facial expressions when this particular subject is broached. Considering AZSO has need of both of these Alco models, the future seems to be interesting to say the least!

 

That's all for now, write back if the mood strikes you, and most of all, Enjoy Your Trains!

Best Wishes,

John Huey

CEO Arizona Southern RR

 

A New Lend/Lease Arrangement with Option to Purchase

 The shop forces of the Arizona Southern are ever on the lookout for any new Alco related technology. That being said, we've had our eyes on what Morrison-Knudsen and the D&H have been up to as of late. The Delaware & Hudson RR has had a number of of their aging RS-3's rebuilt with 2,000 horsepower 12 cylinder 251C prime movers; designated RS-3M's. The long hoods were raised six inches to accommodate the larger engine. The dynamic brakes were also relocated to a box behind the cab.

A railroad that AZSO has interchanged with, the Sun Belt System, has taken delivery of several of these M-K Rebuild RS-3M's, and we have arranged to obtain one of them for testing on our railroad. Basically, this rebuild is not unlike our 'in house' rebuilt RS-13R unit, but would not require obtaining a RS-11 long hood for the conversion, saving both time and expense to our budget.

We will have some follow up information as the testing proceeds, so stay tuned for future reports on this project.

That's all for now, write back if the mood strikes you, and most of all, Enjoy Your Trains!

 

Best Wishes,

John Huey

CEO Arizona Southern RR

RAPIDO TRAINS HAS DISCOVERED THE ACCESS CODE TO MY WALLET

 It's funny when you think about it.  When I was younger, had the energy and the drive to build models, run trains at various clubs, be up at all hours planning the next trackplan or railfan outing, there was not many quality models on the market.  Now here I am, nearing the end of track I suppose, and the choices of models is staggering.  Every SP, DRGW, NdeM, and others, bit of equipment seems to be available or will be soon. The number of SP and SSW boxcars alone is amazing.  I for one am beyond impressed with the choices of cars and motive power being produced. Case in point is RAPIDO TRAINS making a SP C-40-3 cupola caboose model, that is both surprising and very much welcome.

Rapido just posted some images of this caboose on their FaceBook page, and I took the liberty of sharing some here for those of you who are not fans of FB. Enjoy!

 

No hard dates for release yet, so keep your eyes watchful and those fingers ready when it is time to order. 

It's a good time to be a model railroader!

John Huey

CEO Arizona Southern RR

 

 

Another Per Diem Boxcar

 A Limited Edition HO-Scale Atlas FMC 5347 Box Car painted for freelance model railroad Copper State Railway joins the roster over here on the Arizona Southern. Pretty much any freight cars in and around the late 1960's to late 1970's seem to be fair game for adding to our pile. This car has both a copper vibe and an Arizona vibe, so there was little thought process dealing with this acquisition.

 

Both photos from https://homeshops.net/ website

 

This car is not too flashy either, and that is always a good thing. It seems easier to recreate a believable level of realism if the equipment is not too bright or shiny, so we try and roll with that basic concept whenever possible. Modeling the more common or average looking equipment as opposed to something too unique or rare, keeps things simple.

 Car available from: https://homeshops.net/

That's all for now, write back if the mood strikes. Enjoy your trains.

John Huey 

CEO Arizona Southern RR