November 2020 Happenings

Thanksgiving is nine days away as I write this, and I'm wondering if we will even have anything to celebrate; or if it will be legal to do so. 2020 is a year which won't be missed, that's for sure, everything seems to be in confusion or turmoil. Never thought I'd miss normal or boring times before this mess started. As a citizen of California, we can't have too many people over for Thanksgiving; instead we will be holding a funeral for our pet turkey's on that day, funerals are allowed up to 50 mourners.

ON THE MODEL RAILROAD FRONT:

Been working on a couple of other things, cabooses mostly, with a few other projects getting some traction at the same time. Not much else to report anyway, not even sure if anybody is still reading what's posted on here.

Consolidated Copper Company 3183 was finally returned to service this month, it had been sitting derelict on some out of service trackage near the old mine workings for ages.

The shops removed the well worn archbar trucks and replaced them with some leaf spring Bettendorf's for a smoother, safer ride.

This car will see service on the El Cobre Branch as that serves Consolidated Copper who has reopened their operations earlier this year (Arizona Southern timeline is mid 1976).

Thanks for reading, leave a note if the mood strikes, and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. 

Stay safe, John Huey

Granite Rock GP35 Comes For A Visit.

Howdy, this is just a quick report to say what was observed a day or so ago near Siete Madres, AZ. Extra 442 North had an offroad unit in its consist, an EMD GP35 of all things, working the White Rock turn. I managed to catch a couple of images that I want to share here. Its not all that often that an EMD makes it this far North in Arizona Southern territory, so it's worthy of note. Here is what was captured, Granite Rock 104.

Click on any photo for a larger view.

That's all for now, feel free to write or just say hi.

As always, Enjoy Your Trains!

John Huey

Athearn Genesis Union Pacific Caboose Observations

Hi folks, just passed another birthday, more than I care to think about really, but there it is, another one in the rear view mirror. Last year I pre-ordered one of the U.P. CA-8's with DCC and Sound, just because I thought it would be fun. I remember hearing the UP hacks having and using whistles while switching and thought that would be a fun detail to emulate. Well funny thing was, I got a call from the place I ordered the car a day or so before my birthday, which turned out to be a funny coincidence. They shipped quickly, the car was in Illinois on Wednesday, and I had it the following Saturday, one day after the "big" day; pretty great service if you ask me.

The model is pretty darn nice. The cupola is a little wide, sticks out about a scale inch or so beyond the cars side, which is obvious, but not a deal breaker. All the other points on the model are spot on. The trucks, the markers, the railings, the grabs, the paint and lettering all up to normal Athearn Genesis standards. The car is a real beauty.

What I did not realize when I ordered this model was, I was buying something quite more than a model train car, I was buying something therapeutic for today's troubles.

The "clickity-clack" sound on jointed rail is a sound I'd not heard in decades. The DCC chip in this model has that sound as an option that matches the speed of the car (more or less), so I just set the throttle at the desired cadence and enjoy the sound I once was so fond of; music to my troubled soul. 

Well done Athearn!

Thanks for visiting, write or comment should the mood strike ya.

Enjoy Your Trains,

John Huey

Visited the Colorado Model Railroad Museum

Needing a time out, a chance to get away from the insanity of SoCal for a few days, the wife and I went to Colorado for our anniversary. While there one place we went to was the Colorado Model Railroad Museum in Greely, Colorado.

A most interesting place to visit if you get the chance, both I and the wife had a great time at the museum. Both of us coming away with some more modeling ideas. Let me post some photos as they are a lot more entertaining than my words.

Click on a photo to see a larger version...

So, in conclusion, let me say if you get a chance to check out this place, both the wife and I recommend that you do so.

Colorado Model RR Museum Link:  https://www.cmrm.org/

Thanks for visiting, drop a note or say something if the mood strikes.

Enjoy Your Trains,

John Huey