A Clowder of Locomotives

Perhaps it should really be a pride of locomotives, but nonetheless, I present a quick dump of latest locomotive photos not yet added to the roster page. I apologize for the EL locomotives that sneak in from time to time, as I try to keep an Erie pure roster in time and liveries, but alas. 

Nothing to report of consequence on the layout itself. A minute or two of research is possible to cobble together during the day in between meetings and tasks where leveling benchwork (the current task) or laying track or running wire (the next task) is impossible without being in situ. 

№ 802

Erie Nos. 918 and 928

Reworking the 149th

I finished reworking the bench work on the 149th street yard several weeks ago, but I forgot to post results. I replaced the 15 ply Baltic birch with 2 layers of 3/4" foam, which reduced the weight considerably. I also added a new fascia board around the entire perimeter. I also built a make-shift storage cradle for it to make it easier to move around. I got a large spade bit to bore some weight reducing holes in the 1x frame members. I haven't reconnected the wiring.

I'm pleased with the results, but it is still too heavy and awkward to move by myself. I think I am going to start from scratch with a 2 or 3 section frame that can be separated and stored under the HBS when not in operation. The track plan is great fun to operate and worth this effort to get it right. I'm learning, too, and my mantra is "lighter is better."

I moved most of the HBS peninsula today (see last post) and countersunk some leg bolts I missed originally that were causing gaps in between modules.  I also cut shelf supports/ leg braces and started installing them. It stiffens up the legs well, and I'm looking forward to the storage space. 

There is still a lot of organizing to do, but there is progress on finally getting the room in a more comfortable shape. Went through 20 years of magazines including MR and saved 4 articles and a handful of issues for reference. The rest went into the recycling bin. I figure at this point that I will either get the DVD collection, or simply do an Internet search when I want ideas or how to articles on something. I freed up a whole lot of space, and I feel lighter. Lighter is better.

Atlas FTW

Copyright © Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.

My buddy Van pointed out to me today that the new road names for the Atlas HH660s are to include the Hoboken Manufacturer's Railroad, and I must say I'm a little giddy. I had been told by a little birdie a couple of years ago (it seems that long ago, anyway) that this was going to happen, but I had kind of forgotten about it until today.

This is a pretty classy paint scheme if I do say so.