Mid September Update

September is flying by with the October 3rd Fort Worth Layout Operstions Day quickly approaching. A lot of small projects on-going that will be completed for operations in the next week, but in this post I wanted to showcase some fantastic products that I have purchased / added on the St. Clair Sub.

Disclaimer - the opinions on this post are my own solely after purchasing the following products described below

Remote Control Locomotive Operations

Some time ago I had googled HO scale RCL operator figure and came across a photo of just that. Further investigation revealed a company on Facebook called MeDo Miniatures. After sending a FB message to the seller, I received a quick response from Melissa noting the cost and options like shoulder radio or none. For the customization and detail $9.00 is a great bargain per figure, and in short order two figures were on their way. 

There was fantastic communication with the seller setting expectations on order status and providing a completion preview before payment and shipping.

Completion preview before shipping. Courtesy Medo Miniatures.

Figures were packed well and arrived in great condition. They look even better in person, and the detail is superb.

With operators on site, MCIS implemented RCL operations within Bay Yard for handling classification of traffic. Being i model contemporary operations we are following the prototype practice of other regionals such Wisconsin Central, Wheeling & Lake Erie, and Montana Rail Link. The RCL MP15DC is captive within the yard and is worked together by two operators. 

Operators on east end of Bay Yard. Future work will see a more extensive antennae array and RCL decals on 153.

With RCL operations established, homemade warning signs have been added around the yard perimeter. 

These figures are a great add enhancing the modern day feel. If your not on Facebook here is the email contact to reach Melissa: MeDoMiniatures@gmail.com

Coal & Coke Loads

In my never ending search for cost effective and realistic hopper loads, I recently came across a seller on eBay that makes a great product fitting my requirements. Kevin (EBay seller: kevintvdshop) has a great product that is very cost effective, easy to handle, and realistic. His EBay page offers different loads sizes and types. My suggestion would be send him a message on EBay making sure you get the right size loads. On my first set I got the wrong ones but working with him, got the right coal loads for my Walthers Bethlehem hoppers. I now have 14 coal loads for the  Bethlehem cars and 4 coke loads that fit in Bowser 100 ton hoppers. The loads are around $1.50 to $2 each so you can fill your fleet up and not break the bank. Having these loads will bring grester realism for my operators delivering coal to the Saginaw Valley Co-gen and coke to Michigan Sugar.

                   COKE LOADS

 These loads originated off the CWE (Tom Patterson) / WLE at Mountain State Carbon in Follansbee, West Virginia. Next stop is Michigan Sugar at Upper Huron, MI riding the R-BAPB-21.

                     COAL LOADS

This coal train originates on the Indiana Southern and hands off to the MCIS via NS at Fort Wayne, IN. becoming the C-FWUH-17. Sometimes foreign power such as NS, NTO, or GWI properties can be found in consist.

Hope everyone enjoyed the product reviews. Great offerings just ask to see what the sellers can do you for you. Have a great weekend.

GM

Disclaimer - the opinions on this post are my own solely after purchasing the following products described above