The Housatonic RR in N scale

[Pomperaugrr]

Have you seen this that the Al Gore Rhythm just suggested to me?

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Thanks Ed!  I had not seen that video yet.  Man, I can't wait to see at least one of the original Green and Gold HRRC GP35's running on home rails again!  The G&U is currently rewiring the 3604 for the HRRC.

[Pomperaugrr]

I have had little to no time available for modeling this summer, but I took 5 minutes last night to test out a proof of concept for the solar panel array on the roof of Becton Dickenson.  The prototype has solar panel arrays on the roof and in an adjacent field.  I had previously attempted to make my own solar panels by printing on transparency film, but I just couldn't get that realistic blue silicone look I wanted. A couple of days ago I stumbled across small solar cells for calculators and cell phones on Amazon. At 100 for $15 I gave it a shot. These are currently simply placed on some styrene strips for proof of concept. I will need to make racks and wiring chases for them, but I am happy with the possibilities these offer. I am going for the overall visual effect on a background building, not detailed model panels. The first photo shows one of my home-made panels on the left for comparison.

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[Philip H]

For extra credit, wire those solar cells up to power lights for the warehouse.   

[Pomperaugrr]

For extra credit, wire those solar cells up to power lights for the warehouse.   

The thought did cross my mind.  I could probably light up a LED, by the time I add the rest.   

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Whoa, that's pretty slick!

[Pomperaugrr]

Whoa, that's pretty slick!

They definitely still need work, but it seems like a good start.  The overall effect is decent.

[JeffB]

Nice!  Like the solar cells as solar panels.  Doesn't get much more authentic than that!

The YouTube video "Switching Specialty Minerals" is pretty great...

Didn't realize that it looks like someone saved the original CNE/NH crossing...  It's on display SE of the station.  You can even see it on Google Maps satellite view.

Does the Housatonic not have their own diesels any more?  They look to all be leased GATX/GMTX locomotives. 

Jeff

[Pomperaugrr]

Hi Jeff.

Yes, the actual "diamond" was saved and will be displayed in a more prominent spot by the Canaan Historical Society someday. 

Even though the Housatonic RR is currently using leased power, it does still have all 5 Green & Gold GP35's, the RS#M #9935 and the GP7U #22, still wearing the B&A paint, with HRRC stencil.  The #22 is just about done getting all new wheels installed on it by the Grafton & Upton RR shop.  They are also completely rewiring the GP35 #3604.  The other HRRC units are currently stored in Canaan out of service, but hopefully that will change someday.  We may see some additional home power running on the HRRC at some point.

Here is a shot of the #3604 from when I was invited by Randy Stahl (sd45elect2000) to the G&U shop earlier this year.  They do amazing work up there!

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[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?).

Wonder if they still have that sitting around somewhere, or if it was sold (To the Valley RR perhaps?)?

Jeff

[Pomperaugrr]

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?).

Wonder if they still have that sitting around somewhere, or if it was sold (To the Valley RR perhaps?)?

Jeff

It is still being stored out of service.

[JeffB]

It is still being stored out of service.

Good to hear that...  It would make a great "plant switcher" for Specialty Minerals, though I'm sure they get by just fine with a front end loader to move the cars.

I have to get up there and take a closer look.  Looks like the public roads around there allow some view of the operation without trespassing.

Jeff

[Pomperaugrr]

There has not been any layout work done over the summer.  This morning, however, I managed to get a quick grab shot of the Housatonic's NX-11 road job passing through New Milford, CT.

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[Pomperaugrr]

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...  )

[sd45elect2000]

I just knew there was a better alternative than tossing them !

Thanks for the shout out !

Randy

[Pomperaugrr]

I just knew there was a better alternative than tossing them !

Thanks for the shout out !

Randy

Thanks for the opportunity to have such a cool piece of the actual Housatonic!