You're right... I still need Soo Line, too. ACL. Oh, lord. I'm in deep. Thank you, btw. The caboose is in pieces, atm. I went by a YT video on changing out the body mount couplers. All the little tabs holding the coupler cover, railings broke off on mine. No damage to the railings or anything, other than that. It's going to have to be a project, but perfect opportunity to paint the railings, steps, etc. I've seen a Bluford bay window, but it's a yellow sided bay. This one, though not exact, is "based on" SOU X458 (I have prototype pics I found online). It even has Gantt Mfg. printed on it, which I can't remember details of who placed the order for them, Southern or C of G. The bays are kinda hard to find in Southern, n scale. I've seen a 4 digit model, but I can't remember what I read abt those.. seems like 4 digits used on very early models, or something like that. Thanks again
Thank goodness they continued, they've produced GREAT stuff. This is a longshot wild guess, because I've been thinking about it, wondering why I never noticed micro trains in hobby shops. Looking at the original KD logo, it kinda looks like a toy company.. again, longshot, just an observation from a marketing perspective, though I'm no professional advertiser. We know Microtrains are and were always awesome, but maybe they were overlooked? Just a thought.
I wanted to share these YT links. These are videos I've referenced for ideas on what to look for in rolling stock, especially the 1st link with the footage shot from Cannon Mills parking lot 1978. The second link is the Spartanburg footage that captured a non-patched RF&P and a Southern GS tank car. Check out that channel, tons of late-80s footage. Nice variety of locomotive action, paint schemes. Southern Railway in the 1970's: Southern Railway power pulling NS train 171 up the grade from Beaumont Jct. (1988):
Those are really nice. Beaumont, SC is at MP 67.6 today, while the MP sign in the video shows 452. This is Beaumont on 02/06/2016 looking in the same direction. The W Line at right from Columbia meets the mainline here.
Great photo. Taken 28 years after the video. I'm assuming you were closer to the junction, I don't see any houses or landmarks to go by. That is the channel I was talking about when I mentioned possibly finding some of your photo subjects still in service in late 80s-1990. Here's a couple screenshots I snapped but can't remember which video. I have a unlisted YT playlist, now, to keep up with stuff. Images via SOU5111 on YouTube:
The yellow bay window is the one I actually don't have. I probably ought to get one since most of what I would like to model would be "local service". I've held off for now as I have been focused on an earlier period than when those ran. I have one or two of the solid red ones, and all three of the brown ones. I never knew they existed in that paint, but apparently in the 1960s that is how they were painted. I also have one painted for the mid/late 1950s. If I ever see the other two numbers in that one I will get them. There are supposed to be a couple more released this year that are appropriate for the 1940's to mid 50s. I'll probably get those too.
What brand(s) are your cabooses? This I have is a Walthers and idk what glue they used at the factory, but both bays fell off while I was handling it. The fuel tank fell off inside the package years ago. Here's a Trovestar photo of what mine looks like assembled, and an eBay photo of one I found someone was selling in a lot with 2 Atlas locomotives. Same caboose, but that one has been painted basically how I'd paint mine, with less bright yellow. Maybe something in between safety yellow and school bus yellow, idk. The window seals and grab irons will take a steady hand to paint.. I was thinking abt using paint pens? I've never done any detailing to freight cars, it'll be a challenge.
I'm having a bit of trouble posting here, today. The site is real laggy and quoted replies aren't working. I'm on Chrome for Android...
Mine are from Bluford Shops. http://www.bluford-shops.com/bluford_93_032.htm That link will show what has been released. I've got one Transition era (the one I use the most lately), one or two of the solid red, and all three of the brown.
If you run across either of these Bluford models used, please let me know: 41020 Southern road service #X336; 41021 Southern road service #X397
I took a look around and don't see either at the moment. If I do run across them I will let you know. Next year, Bluford is planning to release a few more. It's a bit of a wait, but keep your eyes open for it. http://www.bluford-shops.com/bluford_93_043.htm I can direct you to the brown ones, although I think those are a bit earlier than your time frame.
I've had the same problem here for a number of days now. Using a PC running Windows 10 and browsing with Edge.
Yep, those are perfect. It says 3 road numbers will be released in '24. Pre-orders thru end of April, I'm assuming this year. I might email and find out if there'll be an extension on preorders. $45 is a hefty bite, right now. Thank you for the heads up, I appreciate that
Those are beautiful models, but I have none. When any in the series surface on eBay, a bidding frenzy erupts. They sell for north of $60, with some at $80 and another I saw at $145! I count nine variants of this model produced by FVM.
Thanks @Hardcoaler , also thx MK. I thought it may be Chrome but didn't want to switch browsers before finding out more here.
Thanks @Hardcoaler , also thx MK. I thought it may be Chrome but didn't want to switch browsers before finding out more here.