The Housatonic RR in N scale

[basementcalling]

I have still not had any time to spend working on my N-scale Housatonic Layout in a while, but I did get a chance to visit with someone that is working on the actual Housatonic RR GP-35 #3604. That locomotive is being rewired and will be running again thanks to the great team at the Grafton & Upton RR shop in Massachusetts. Our own Randy Stahl  a/k/a "sd45elect2000" from the G&U saved the two front number boards from the 3604. One was broken and the other a bit faded so they were being replaced. They now have a home with me. Since I can't shrink them down to fit my N scale models, I will have to frame at least the one intact number board and maybe even backlight it. Here is the intact one next to my N-scale model of the #3604.  That will definitely find a place of honor in my layout room!



1:1 numberboard was from same location as seen on the 1:160 model.  (Which I apparently need to dust...  )

Will you fade and weather your number board in the unit to match the prototype?

[Pomperaugrr]

Will you fade and weather your number board in the unit to match the prototype?

That's a good question.
I do still need to weather all of my locomotives, so there will be a fade on the number boards as well as the paint, plus appropriate levels of rust and grime.  I am modeling the Housatonic RR circa 1995 to 2010, so the weathering won't be as severe as the units currently show.  All 5 HRRC GP35's are currently out of service, but the #3604 will hopefully be running again by late spring.

[peteski]

That's a good question.
I do still need to weather all of my locomotives, so there will be a fade on the number boards as well as the paint, plus appropriate levels of rust and grime.  I am modeling the Housatonic RR circa 1995 to 2010, so the weathering won't be as severe as the units currently show.  All 5 HRRC GP35's are currently out of service, but the #3604 will hopefully be running again by late spring.

Fading the number board numbers (less than 1/16" high) on an N scale locomotive would be quite a feat!   

[Pomperaugrr]

Fading the number board numbers (less than 1/16" high) on an N scale locomotive would be quite a feat!   

I've never tried it, so what could possibly go wrong!    

[JeffB]

Thanks for the info!

There's an old photo in "Connecticut Railroads" that shows a GE80 tonner lettered for the Housatonic...  I believe it was very early on in their revival as a tourist RR (common carrier too?).

It is still being stored out of service.

Not that this matters or is overly relevant to your fantastic layout... 

But I found an online advertisement for a GE 80 tonner and in the description it said "former Housatonic RR...".  So I think the Housatonic got rid of the 80 tonner.

Will find out more info in the future...  Looks like Son #1 is going to be the conductor/switchman on NX-13.  Aced his ride along Sunday and provided his physical and drug test is OK (it should not be a problem) and the UP sends his certifications to the RR, he should be starting with them sometime late December, early Jan.

Jeff

[Pomperaugrr]

Not that this matters or is overly relevant to your fantastic layout... 

But I found an online advertisement for a GE 80 tonner and in the description it said "former Housatonic RR...".  So I think the Housatonic got rid of the 80 tonner.

Will find out more info in the future...  Looks like Son #1 is going to be the conductor/switchman on NX-13.  Aced his ride along Sunday and provided his physical and drug test is OK (it should not be a problem) and the UP sends his certifications to the RR, he should be starting with them sometime late December, early Jan.

Jeff

I wish your son well Jeff.  Hopefully our paths will cross one day.

Eric

[JeffB]

I wish your son well Jeff.  Hopefully our paths will cross one day.

Eric

Thanks Eric...  Appreciate the sentiment.  He's definitely excited about it.

Have a great holiday.

Jeff