Norwich 1948

I found this photo of Norwich from 1948, 10 years before my period.  It is looking southward, the main line goes off toward the left about half way up, towards Groton and the shoreline.  Running off the left above the nain is the line that interchanges with the Central Vermont.  From what I read there was also a couple of packing houses and a scrap dealer on that track.  In the photo you can see a bulk track (team track) just above the station.  At this point in time Norwich has no passenger service, so it appears that it is also being used as either a bulk track or cars for interchange with the CV.  the the left (east) of the station, you can see the remains of the old roundhouse and turntable.  the only thing left is the water tower.

While my current version of Norwich is very much freelanced, I have made a couple of changes to it based on this photo.   I had the bulk track that is just south of the station, but no interchange track.  I have rearranged the track on my version of Norwich to more closely match the layout here.  The yard at the real Norwich, it is south just over the bridge and under the tunnel to the south. On my layout a small yard will be on the est side of the main, across from the station.
While the changes I made are minor, it adds more operations to Norwich and at least make it a tad closer to the prototype.

Wordless Wednesday

Tank Car

My friend Bill C. mentioned a Lehigh Gas tank car that was lettered for Norwich, Conn.  I have other info other then then the photo.  Does anybody know more about the company or the car.  Where in Norwich was the company located, did they have just the one car, what years was it in service.

Did Atlas or Kadee make a model or are there any decals available to letter it?

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

More FA's

I have been getting the hang of weathering with Pan Pastels and I really enjoy working with them.  I decided to do a set of the green FA's and they look a little more worn torn as they have not seen the paint shop in a number of years, unlike the McGinnis units.  The deferred maintenance is starting to take its toll on the units and oil leaks are staring to show up.  I used linseed oil to simulate the oil leak and full spillage on the models.  I learned that trick from a Mike Confalone Video.



Oil Leak on this one

A nice hard working grungy look to the set. That Chateau Martin cars needs to be
toned down!  I may make that one of my next projects.

RS-11

On Monday Rapido announced they are producing Alco RS-11 in many variations: NH, PC, CR and LV are all in the first run among others.  They are also producing the MLW RS-18 and Tempo passenger train.  Both CN and CP RS-18's often made into New England on the Central Vermont and the CP lines.  All the locomotives will have the correct details for each railroad.

Of course I am only two detail parts away from finishing my Atlas RS-11.

Nearly complete Atlas RS-11

I need to add drop steps and the brake chain guides.  I have already modified the cab window on the fireman side, added Hancock air whistles, steam generator vent and stack, train control box with the extended walkway over it.  I have also used modified an Atlas fuel tank form and Atlas RS4/5.  I may also replace the actual handrails with brass wire as the Atlas ones are very clunky.  I would retain the Atlas stanchions.  I only need one or two for the layout so I am on the fence on ordering one of those lovely Rapido units.