Updated 2/13/04
Great Northern fans... Whistle Stop Trains has new items of interest to both the GN modeler and collector. Included are nine different bound reproduction volumes: GN Passenger Car Diagrams, dated 11-1-68 ($16.95), GN Diesel & Gas Electric Car and Locomotive Diagrams ($16.95), GN Steam Locomotive Diagrams ($16.95), GN Work Equipment Diagrams, dated 7-1-69 ($12.95), Snow Removal Equipment Diagrams for BN, including GN, NP, CB&Q and SP&S ($10.00), GN Work Equipment Diagrams in three volumes, dated 12-1-56 ($14.95 each volume), and GN Standard Trestle Blueprints. We have also reproduced two different GN note pads (now you can actually use them rather than just collect them!). Call for more information.
SP&S Modelers...We are proud to announce our first HO scale locomotive project, a Genesis F-3 A-A set, 800A-1 and 800A-2, in the "as delivered" paint scheme. We chose to do the as delivered scheme for several reasons. First, it had never been done before. Secondly, they were the first F units purchased by the SP&S, and the only SP&S F units that could be done correctly without modifying the Athearn Genesis shell. Units 800 A-1 and A-2 were delivered to the SP&S in July 1947, and remained unchanged for approximately 18 months. Early in 1949 the black and white nose herald was replaced with the more common red and white herald. Later that year the 800 A-1 was renumbered to 800 and the A-2 became 801.
By the early 1950's both the paint and physical characteristics were modified. The yellow on the nose was first changed to cover the entire top of the nose. The yellow was changed again to continue up the windshield post and to surround the windshield. The first body change involved changing the two single trumpet air horns to a three-trumpet horn. Other changes included a radio antenna, cooling coils on the roof, larger grab rails on the nose, additional grab irons, removal of the middle porthole, and still later the skirting above the fuel tanks was modified. In the late 1960's rotary beacons were added, and finally the paint was changed to the broad stripe scheme. Both of these units were still on the roster for the 1970 BN merger, but were disposed of shortly thereafter.
Future SP&S Projects...The enthusiasm for this first F unit set, and feedback from SP&S modelers, has prompted us to consider doing more F-units in the future. Our next locomotive project will be F7 AA set 803 and 804 in the late 1950's paint scheme. Like the first models the body will be green, but the yellow will swoop up the nose, cover the nose, and surround the windshields. The roof will be oxide red and the lettering roman rather than gothic. In talking with SP&S modelers, most consider this the most striking paint scheme applied to the F units. For those who own the book, Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway by Todd Schwenk, refer to the top of page 127 for a photo.
The third and final set of F units will be painted in the late 1960's broad stripe scheme, and numbered 805 and 806. By the mid-1960's most of the railroads that owned F units had removed some, or all, of the side skirting to allow for easier access for fueling and servicing. Athearn is currently working on an economical way to remove the side skirts from above the fuel tanks. We hope that by the time we are ready to do this third project they will be able to offer this option.
The most exciting news about these future projects is that Athearn is willing to do more than just a paint job. They are ready to add after-market detail parts to correctly detail these locomotives. This would entail filling some of the body holes with putty and installing many parts. The result would be a correctly detailed, ready-to-run, model to match the paint scheme. This of course will not come without a price. It is estimated this extra work will add $30 to $40 to the price of the units. The question is, are you modelers willing to pay the extra money for a correct model, or do you just want the paint job? Please give us your feedback. We would like to start the second project in March 2004, and need to know which direction you want us to go. Please fax, mail or e-mail your comments. We are currently taking reservations for both of these future projects.
Whistle Stop Trains will also continue to offer custom runs of SP&S rolling stock. We are currently working with Accurail to produce a new version of their USRA boxcar in a 1930's to 1940's scheme, and plan for Red Caboose to produce a MOW Ice Service car. These cars are expected sometime in May-June. Please watch this site for further detail on these and other future projects.
Two SP&S boxcars are still available exclusively from Whistle Stop Trains. The first is a Gunderson-built 50' boxcar that has been retooled by LBF with Superior panel doors and new side ladders. It is BN green with yellow lettering, and available in six new road numbers. The second car is a 40' boxcar from InterMountain, in a new paint scheme (GN style lettering), and four road numbers. Remember, 50 cents of every sale of these cars goes to the SP&S Historical Society. Call to reserve your's now!
New HO Boxcar...just arrived! Another Whistle Stop Trains exclusive. The colorful "Astoria Plywood" 53' Evans Boxcar is made exclusively for us by Atlas. It is ready-to-run, and available in two road numbers for $17.95 each.
New product announcements
Fall 2003: Walthers, in cooperation with Shinohara, is planning a new line of DCC-ready HO scale turnouts. They will be drop-in replacements for existing Walthers code 83 products. Features include: fully assembled, pre-wired jumper, isolated frog with built-in connection, powered points with correct polarity, improved point clearance gaps to prevent short circuits from metal wheel sets, insulated tie bar, tab reinforcement to hold points more securely, and the option to power frog through switch machines. The first items in the proposed series will include #4 and #6 turnouts. Expected delivery in Fall 2003. Estimated cost $16.00 each.
February 2004: Proto 2000 PA/PB Locomotives in Denver & Rio Grande Western; Gulf, Mobile & Ohio; Missouri Pacific; New York, New Haven & Hartford; Union Pacific; Alco Demonstrator; undec.
Did you know?...the city of Portland owns three historic steam locomotives. Since 1975 the Southern Pacific #4449, the Spokane, Portland & Seattle #700 and the Oregon Railroad & Navigation #197 have been restored and maintained by volunteers in the Brooklyn roundhouse.
The future of the roundhouse is uncertain. Locomotive volunteers and community members have formed the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, to secure a permanent home for the engines and create a facility to preserve Oregon's rail heritage. The proposed rail complex will combine a maintenance shop, the historic roundhouse and turntable, and interpretive displays of historic rail equipment.
If you want to know more about the efforts to secure a permanent restoration facility for Portland's historic steam locomotives, and to build a site that preserves Oregon's rail heritage, contact the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation at: Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, 4770 SW 98th Ave., Beaverton, OR 97005
