Another year post

It's been another year and no updates for my modeling blog. I've been busy, but not posting. I need to start posting more. Plan is to start building several Cannon & CO freight car kits while I'm deployed next year. I've been busy, but not modeling specific and not posting what I have been doing. I worked with Rapido for the Mopac FPA-2, FA-2, and FB-2 locomotives. I worked with Cannon & CO on their two phosphate box car kits - which was a fun project. I worked with Athearn on the Genesis Mopac GP7 models that were recently announced. I learned several interesting things about the Mopac lettering changes that occurred on the GP7/9/18 locomotives during the 60s and early 70s which I wouldn't have known if I didn't study the great collection of items in the Missouri Pacific Historical Society collection. I plan to work with Rapido on their upcoming SW1200 model and their B-boat series of locomotives.

I purchased Brian Banna's outstanding model of Mopac GP15-1 1555. It's currently the pride of my locomotive fleet. I have been able to locate photos of it on my line. I downsized my locomotive roster to 11 Mopac locomotives - with a possibility of one additional if Rapido does the early B23-7. I have two non-Mopac locomotives on my roster - a UP GP30 because the GP30 is a unique and cool looking locomotive and I feel I can justify it as a horsepower agreement. I also have a MILW SDL39 locomotive which I either plan to build from parts or purchase one of the new Lines West Products models. Lines West Products is a new company with production in the US. I am going to wait until they release their model and I can see reviews and a-real-life-model before I purchase. I don't fully trust new fly-by-night startups so I'll wait and see what, if anything they release. Hopefully they don't turn in to Railflyer or the craptastic Value Trains USA. Why a SDL39? Why not. Again, I will use it for horsepower hours. I would say UP GP30s ran on my line - especially after the merger, but the SDL39 probably never.

Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Years and more blog posts and ACTUAL modeling from me.

Take Care!

Nate

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