ILSX 1343

ILSX SD40T-2 1343 made a solo run down the Skally today. The engine has been working on the MNN out of Holt MN, but it has moved over to the Skally to get partnered up with ILSX SD40T-2. The duo will be working grain and flour service to the Horizon Mill in Rush City.
After turning at M&D Jct. the 1343 ran back to Rush City light.The engine started life as an Intermountain Tunnel Motor. I stripped it down, changed the lights to match the prototype, added BLMA grab irons, cab shades, AC unit, antenna stand, fans, cut levers, mu and air hoses, mirrors and wipers. I used a MbE Air Horn and a Sunrise rear light.A nice shot by Brian Kays for reference. I really appreciate him posting some nice shots of the 1343.

CRR Icebreaker Car

I normally don't post many pictures of projects that are "on the workbench". I usually forget to take pictures until they make their layout debut. But I thought I would let you know what I'm working on right now. This car is being built for a friends line. Ken Borowski's Clinchfield Railroad Blue Ridge Division is one of my favorite lines and I wanted to contribute to the great work Ken has already done. I'm embarking on a mission to complete an CRR Icebreaker car. I have about half of the metal super-structure done and then I need to build a weight box for the other end. When it's done the car will make a one way run down the Skally Line on it's way to Erwin, TN.

BNSF 3964

Yesterday I happened to be rolling my the Minnesota Commercial shops and I noticed they had a new slug back on a track used for long term storage. BNSF B23-7 4208 has been hiding here for a while, but it looks like the MNNR has acquired BNSF slug 3964. It would be fun to see this ex-ATSF F7A in service.

NS 5169

For some reason the Skally has been seeing some NS power lately. These engines will not on the line for very long, they just happen to be running through on their way to other parts of the country. This week NS 5169 was leading a very short NTWSUP north.You might be wondering why there are running long hood forward, well that is forward for this engine. I don't think we'll be setting any of the ILSX or SCXY engines up that way, I doubt it would make the crews very happy.
On a scenic note, you can see some of the static grass I have begun experimenting with. I'm not sold on Woodland Scenics grass and will be trying others to find the right look coming up.