tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36451621386158228542024-03-13T09:38:45.362-04:00The Rock Island: Ottawa Sands in N ScaleAn operations based N Scale layout depicting the Rock Island Railroad between Peoria and Ottawa, Illinois circa 1972.Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.comBlogger905125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-58730419219551629032023-05-22T06:36:00.002-04:002023-05-22T06:36:28.025-04:00The ROCK is Dead, but Kaolin is King<p>While the Rock may have faded, the reign of kaolin continues to thrive! Explore the website and blog of my latest model railroad venture, where I embark on the exciting journey of recreating the Kaolin Road of Sandersville, Georgia.</p><p><a href="https://www.sandersville-ho-scale-layout.com/" target="_blank">https://www.sandersville-ho-scale-layout.com/</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sandersville-ho-scale-layout.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2446" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-Zy6uBLO4r_fv7SNVUyeS8VahcXtWDD4gzM6yA4odS9dEK0tFQfzfQt1xEU6GN6eELLxwzB1eoqrflAevANqsrcQ7Prh4qGEzIiBSd3snKHd8Dq9ufNQxeSjaKkHb_bJw_QGgNwlRdHeBK7H_i9zl_CvRukMSgOuo9LQB6QgR_SUbT6tgBhv05HskEw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-44968497922580627652017-06-08T09:22:00.001-04:002017-06-08T09:22:16.733-04:00The ROCK: Ottawa Sands is DeadSome of you may have been following on my Facebook page, but I need to report that the ROCK: Ottawa Sands is dead. <br />
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A new layout is to rise from the ashes. Found out more information here.<br />
<a href="http://southernilrails.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://southernilrails.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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This blog will remain active for historical reference.Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-7663852120664371692016-08-29T22:20:00.004-04:002016-08-29T22:20:50.088-04:00Op Session Countdown 08.29.16Less than two weeks until we operate. This evening, I confirmed up with some of my operators (waiting to hear back on a few) that will bring the layout to life.<br />
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Received the decoders I needed to power my locomotives today. Installed three this evening. The Kato decoder install goes pretty quick. I completed three in roughly thirty minutes.<br />
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Here are some photos of the progress.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_4HXZ2TeW8/V8Tr8W7ccbI/AAAAAAAANHg/9lgtqdMA-SQ42XgbMVM1Rec10hIx1veHACLcB/s1600/2016-08-29%2B21.37.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_4HXZ2TeW8/V8Tr8W7ccbI/AAAAAAAANHg/9lgtqdMA-SQ42XgbMVM1Rec10hIx1veHACLcB/s320/2016-08-29%2B21.37.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kitchen table is lined up with quite a variety of motive power.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNEi7Y9n6KY/V8Tr8cEUSLI/AAAAAAAANHo/zwDuplp6ZLEOlwf2K1sARm2KrTv5Vok5ACLcB/s1600/2016-08-29%2B21.37.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNEi7Y9n6KY/V8Tr8cEUSLI/AAAAAAAANHo/zwDuplp6ZLEOlwf2K1sARm2KrTv5Vok5ACLcB/s320/2016-08-29%2B21.37.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kato BN U30C - Stock light board removed. Kapton tape added per Digitrax instructions.</div>
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Digitrax DN163K1C decoder installed.</div>
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Burlington Northern U30C #5393</div>
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Next to roll out of the shop, Chicago & Illinois Midland SD38-2 #75</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LC6iHE8s6hA/V8Tr9EM8nHI/AAAAAAAANH8/Q0cylGGXWMkYjpnunM-78Ue8NdnxosFYgCLcB/s1600/2016-08-29%2B22.08.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LC6iHE8s6hA/V8Tr9EM8nHI/AAAAAAAANH8/Q0cylGGXWMkYjpnunM-78Ue8NdnxosFYgCLcB/s320/2016-08-29%2B22.08.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As well as Chicago & Illinois Midland SD38-2 #73</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1GGcMsbcaQ/V8Tr9N7IZUI/AAAAAAAANIA/B7RgGeUAPCc7i-aDdSAKwV-d91eJEuvtACLcB/s1600/2016-08-29%2B22.08.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1GGcMsbcaQ/V8Tr9N7IZUI/AAAAAAAANIA/B7RgGeUAPCc7i-aDdSAKwV-d91eJEuvtACLcB/s320/2016-08-29%2B22.08.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The pair of C&IM locos ready for service.</div>
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Worked on making some new tabs today and started the staging process (slow process this evening). I'm changing some things around so I have to wait until I make the new tabs as I go.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyuygtiDjTk/V8Tr7-vQLfI/AAAAAAAANHc/nI4Ncfmw-zEy9oyiNClwe9EoYDCE8TxlQCLcB/s1600/2016-08-29%2B16.14.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyuygtiDjTk/V8Tr7-vQLfI/AAAAAAAANHc/nI4Ncfmw-zEy9oyiNClwe9EoYDCE8TxlQCLcB/s320/2016-08-29%2B16.14.51.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Oc5xJLufZo/V8Tr8YwCICI/AAAAAAAANHk/XpYCJV2mVH8MVhFI4c0SO7_vL0AHgIv5wCLcB/s1600/2016-08-29%2B16.48.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Oc5xJLufZo/V8Tr8YwCICI/AAAAAAAANHk/XpYCJV2mVH8MVhFI4c0SO7_vL0AHgIv5wCLcB/s320/2016-08-29%2B16.48.09.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I can't remember if I mentioned this or not, but tore out the track at the south end of Bridge Jct, but realized I didn't have a left hand turnout (had two right hand turnouts instead). Sadness. Ordered some left hand turnouts this morning. Progress will be at a stand still on the revised Bridge Junction until it arrives (hopefully by the end of the week).</span></div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-35108134516947467512016-08-27T20:07:00.004-04:002016-08-27T20:07:49.516-04:00Back Shop Report 08.27.16This evening, I finished cleaning off the workbench and picked up in the room. I think that part is finally done other than vacuuming.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Icg09CGOM/V8IqHRS2S7I/AAAAAAAANGs/VqVqIHiWiuMzY-xoLFf4XMqnE8MvDKaMACLcB/s1600/2016-08-27%2B18.43.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Icg09CGOM/V8IqHRS2S7I/AAAAAAAANGs/VqVqIHiWiuMzY-xoLFf4XMqnE8MvDKaMACLcB/s320/2016-08-27%2B18.43.11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Swapped out the factory Kato couplers with Micro Trains #2004-1 couplers. I struggled with this on the custom paint locomotives having to file out the coupler box opening. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWwziyVUQR0/V8IqHlR9-AI/AAAAAAAANG8/Bo-0GkRlMhUA07Tgp8lngJojpFdOeIK5QCLcB/s1600/2016-08-27%2B19.47.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWwziyVUQR0/V8IqHlR9-AI/AAAAAAAANG8/Bo-0GkRlMhUA07Tgp8lngJojpFdOeIK5QCLcB/s320/2016-08-27%2B19.47.21.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Removed the decoders out of two Soo Line locomotives that will be decommissioned and sold on eBay.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-se_eWMJ3kM0/V8IqHlxXlYI/AAAAAAAANG0/BOmp5g1cRJoGgyFQWt1tVkh_Nf_rotWyQCLcB/s1600/2016-08-27%2B19.46.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-se_eWMJ3kM0/V8IqHlxXlYI/AAAAAAAANG0/BOmp5g1cRJoGgyFQWt1tVkh_Nf_rotWyQCLcB/s320/2016-08-27%2B19.46.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I have a couple U30Cs and C30-7s. Half have the old chassis and half with the new drop-in decoder chassis. My hope was that I could simply swap the shells so I could drop in some decoders to get some BN power operational for this next op session. One fit on the swap, the other, not so much. Sadness! I may have to order another CN-GP decoder to get it running. I'm already wary about this install now. I may see if I can farm out to a friend of mine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfbXqYL7eJk/V8IqH9ekbQI/AAAAAAAANHA/zmoLHef8JOcNaCobhke-gwq0miOz3vKZgCLcB/s1600/2016-08-27%2B19.59.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfbXqYL7eJk/V8IqH9ekbQI/AAAAAAAANHA/zmoLHef8JOcNaCobhke-gwq0miOz3vKZgCLcB/s320/2016-08-27%2B19.59.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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See how the shell doesn't sit down fully on the chassis. Sad!</div>
Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-36015056206227743502016-08-25T22:31:00.001-04:002016-08-25T22:33:00.385-04:00Preparation for Operating Session 09.10.16Hello Everyone! <br />
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The ROCK has laid dormant for nearly a year now. I operated last September 2015. That's awful! Life has been busy with my family, work, and entirely way too much research on the Peoria area. I have found that subject very fascinating!<br />
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Anywho, back to the layout. I tried to operate in July, but there was just no way. I got more serious after being inspired operating on a few local layouts. During this off time, I have acquired a lot of rolling stock and locomotives which I occasionally posted photos of the custom painted units. With so much new stuff, I have the strong desire to implement a few minor changes, but not completely re-doing the layout. That's way more than I want to take on at this point. I have decided to merge my Peoria area (the recently built addition last year of Iowa Jct) with the sand operations of Ottawa.<br />
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So, here are some changes.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-rw59_jsoM/V7-ij8rW8nI/AAAAAAAANFo/uUnNjET2Og4j8jazjUaNM5uiWL18EBaUACLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B21.13.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-rw59_jsoM/V7-ij8rW8nI/AAAAAAAANFo/uUnNjET2Og4j8jazjUaNM5uiWL18EBaUACLcB/s320/2016-08-25%2B21.13.12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bureau Junction is being modified. It will now be Bridge Jct in Peoria, IL. It used to connect to the RI Yard. The tracks will now be moved over to the right to connect with the Peoria & Pekin Union (P&PU) Railway. The former RI yard will remain, but be the Peoria Terminal trackage now.</div>
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The P&PU 91 Yard will be extended all the way down to the mainline. The leg going down to the lower right will lead to the P&PU 90 Yard.</div>
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You can see the roadbed was laid in preparation of the track move.</div>
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A Burlington Northern coal train is lined up at CNW Jct awaiting to be transferred to the Chicago & Illinois Midland to fuel the Powerton Plant.</div>
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These should actually be empties, but I haven't removed the loads. A unit C&IM train ready to swap with the BN on the main at Wesley Road. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5CZmvAoSxk/V7-iksHR0vI/AAAAAAAANF8/2ipZNgILI9MxQkNoHPe3Aj2cmaltaItBgCLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B21.44.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5CZmvAoSxk/V7-iksHR0vI/AAAAAAAANF8/2ipZNgILI9MxQkNoHPe3Aj2cmaltaItBgCLcB/s320/2016-08-25%2B21.44.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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New Toledo, Peoria & Western Power sitting in the Peoria Terminal Yard just north of Iowa Jct.</div>
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Things look normal over at Ottawa Silica.</div>
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As well as Libbey-Owens Ford.</div>
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The box cars look a little larger, but business as normal at L-O-F.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvKkO9MHshk/V7-ilm0zNYI/AAAAAAAANGM/EGVnCjFLRk0ocDaOU5fGEJoYAObsH80FgCLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B21.46.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvKkO9MHshk/V7-ilm0zNYI/AAAAAAAANGM/EGVnCjFLRk0ocDaOU5fGEJoYAObsH80FgCLcB/s320/2016-08-25%2B21.46.19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hmm....Westclox or Quaker Oats Boxboard Company?</div>
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Not photographed - Peru Power. Looking more like a chemical company now. </div>
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Whoa! Illinois Terminal train? Where did that come from?</div>
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This train will now run from the drop down staging to Ottawa Yard. </div>
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Completely non-protoytpical, but I want to run it. </div>
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This will replace the Soo Line freight (which was also non-prototypical).</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-48hF9SnTg/V7-il1FJ0jI/AAAAAAAANGU/Se4KvlBGEvwUyEes91cO4f6jl04MnfvrQCLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B21.47.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-48hF9SnTg/V7-il1FJ0jI/AAAAAAAANGU/Se4KvlBGEvwUyEes91cO4f6jl04MnfvrQCLcB/s320/2016-08-25%2B21.47.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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PQ is looking different. I see a line of grain hoppers and a bunch of these yellow and white </div>
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Corn Products covered hoppers loading corn starch. CPC International is taking over!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4XDaKc9yRI/V7-imEShpKI/AAAAAAAANGY/KSAsPj6wc10MKmyLDb9dD9ru76Y15PkYQCLcB/s1600/2016-08-25%2B21.47.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4XDaKc9yRI/V7-imEShpKI/AAAAAAAANGY/KSAsPj6wc10MKmyLDb9dD9ru76Y15PkYQCLcB/s320/2016-08-25%2B21.47.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A view of Ottawa Yard.</div>
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Jobs will change slightly:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Ottawa Yard Job - Duties remain the same although car classification will be modified.</li>
<li>Ottawa Sand Job - Duties remain the same.</li>
<li>Utica Sand Job - Annulled. Replaced Peoria Terminal Job.</li>
<li>Rock Island Iowa Jct yard - Annulled.</li>
<li>Peoria Terminal Job - Starts on the drop leaf staging, works American Oil, CPC International, Quaker Oats and unknown business (former Utica Sand Plant).</li>
<li>Rock Island #113 - Joliet to Bureau Turn - Annulled.</li>
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New Through Freights:</div>
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<li>Illinois Terminal Freight #200 / #203 - Madison, IL to Ottawa, IL</li>
<li>Toledo, Peoria & Western Freight #121 / #122 - Lomax, IL to East Peoria, IL</li>
<li>Burlington Northern loaded coal trains to Chicago & Illinois Midland (power swapped on the main at Wesley (in front of Quaker Oats at Wesley Road).</li>
<li>Toledo, Peoria & Western Kickapoo Job - Works Iowa Jct.</li>
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Crazy, right? Why, sure! But, it's my world and I want to mix it up a bit! </div>
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(without rebuilding the entire thing this time around).</div>
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I hope to post more photos this weekend as I get Bridge Jct trackwork redone. I also have a bunch of decoders on order. Most of them will be easy drop in decoders, but I have two CN-GP decoders to install on two TP&W C424s. A little over two weeks until operating day. Time to get to work!</div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-29177068429196793072016-06-15T22:09:00.000-04:002016-06-15T22:10:28.903-04:00Paint Shop Update: TP&W RS11Another awesome unit created by Jeff Gowers of Virginia. Toledo, Peoria & Western RS11 #400 arrived from the paint shop this week. Rumors of modeling the Peoria Area are being heard on the ROCK.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8m5L_HDPqwA/V2IJ_JlyAGI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/SabAhcgK4pIn05CujQDIR99ORbnLF4N_gCLcB/s1600/2016-06-14%2B17.28.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8m5L_HDPqwA/V2IJ_JlyAGI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/SabAhcgK4pIn05CujQDIR99ORbnLF4N_gCLcB/s320/2016-06-14%2B17.28.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-42895911562163868232016-05-19T06:22:00.001-04:002016-05-19T06:22:32.362-04:00Paint Shop News: New TP&W PowerI received two newly painted locomotives by Jeff Gowers of Virginia today. The Toledo, Peoria & Western (TP&W) Walthers C-424s look super sharp! I'm very pleased! I need to add some Micro Trains couplers to the units. It appears they take the same type as the Kato SD40s.<br />
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Here are some photos of the new units.<br />
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Here is a quick video I took on the test track. The units run very well together (in DC mode). You would think they were consisted and speed matched. <br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kgowdQ3uC_s/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kgowdQ3uC_s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-16297994749270650942016-05-06T12:21:00.001-04:002016-05-06T12:21:13.115-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Paint Shop Quick PeekHere's a quick peek at one of three projects we have outsourced currently. Two TP&W C424s and one RS11 are in the works.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFwFANMmKPY/VyzEa_m5tdI/AAAAAAAAM60/7PBGyY7U7R8gJZvroytQXpTtiVStuQAswCLcB/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFwFANMmKPY/VyzEa_m5tdI/AAAAAAAAM60/7PBGyY7U7R8gJZvroytQXpTtiVStuQAswCLcB/s320/image.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-3325517966353540232016-05-02T21:37:00.000-04:002016-05-02T21:37:30.684-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Chicago & Illinois Midland PhotosI was digging through some old photos tonight and found these of the Chicago & Illinois Midland in Springfield, IL. I vaguely remember taking these. They are dated July 31st, 2005. I assume my wife and I were exploring around in Springfield. Funny, how I came across these now that I'm interested in the C&IM.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1r-i9EDTh0A/Vyf_9kzeqcI/AAAAAAAAM6E/P26lvVttFNgFtFO2HOtcR4h-CPTfmSDdQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1r-i9EDTh0A/Vyf_9kzeqcI/AAAAAAAAM6E/P26lvVttFNgFtFO2HOtcR4h-CPTfmSDdQCLcB/s320/IMG_3827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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C&IM SD20 #81</div>
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C&IM SD20 #82</div>
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I'm assuming this is the large former Pillsbury Plant in Springfield, IL.</div>
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In other news, I'm working on cleaning and sorting a bunch of stuff in the layout room. I have way too many cars. Time to consolidate some. </div>
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I have a few TP&W custom paint projects outsourced and waiting for return. I'm also waiting on some custom Peoria & Eastern and Peru & Pekin Union Railway decals to come in to work on a few other projects.</div>
<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-69691180026831122272016-04-18T16:43:00.000-04:002016-04-18T16:43:06.688-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Bad Airbrush UpdateI received my repaired airbrush back from Badger over the weekend. Jesus replaced the tip which was split and the needle bearing (little plastic piece). So, hopefully, now, I'm good to go! No cost except for the return shipping.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fuHE1tZuuU/VxVGJ-ZLt1I/AAAAAAAAM4A/Hnn6Vxs1HQ49exTi6Vlv3YMnwKGaRGjZACLcB/s1600/2016-04-18%2B15.21.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fuHE1tZuuU/VxVGJ-ZLt1I/AAAAAAAAM4A/Hnn6Vxs1HQ49exTi6Vlv3YMnwKGaRGjZACLcB/s320/2016-04-18%2B15.21.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This week, I doubt I will be producing many paint shop reports. We have guests coming to visit Saturday and they want to see the layout. That means, I need to get moving on cleaning and organizing. That has invoked the thought of operating though. I sent out a feeler email to a few folks. I have two confirmed so far. Two more and we can operate. The projected date to operate in Saturday, June 4th.</div>
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I have a lot to do between now and then as I have some tricks up my sleeve.</div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-30672304076672130332016-04-14T18:58:00.001-04:002016-04-14T18:58:39.427-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Paint Shop News w/ Lots of PhotosFive more CPC International tank cars came online today. This brings the total to eight. I have one Atlas tank and one Delaware Valley airslide hopper to decal to complete the project. Currently, I'm waiting on delivery of more decals.<br />
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The paint shop also completed the Peoria & Eastern GP7 #5630. This one has the red and white Ex-PC logo on the sides and ends. <br />
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The Big news though are the four Chicago & Illinois Midland SD38-2s that arrived on the railroad today. These were farmed out to a gentleman in Virginia that also custom painted the Illinois Terminal locomotives for me. He is super quick and does excellent work! <br />
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Also, we are fastly approaching blog post #900 (this is post #895). The blog surpassed 90,000 views a week or so go. Pretty cool considering I created the blog just as a timeline of events working on my layout. I never expected anyone to actually read it. I'll have to come up with something good to post for #900.<br />
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Here are photos of the CPC International Cars, C&IM Locomotives and few other interesting subjects.<br />
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Lots of CPC International traffic sitting in the yard this evening.</div>
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The second batch had better more crisper paint lines. The more I paint, the better I get.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9eEPYJg-B4/VxAdB0ayfbI/AAAAAAAAM0I/8Yx7K6xXG3YxqZxkXrPPEAEIwCG6y97GgCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.27.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9eEPYJg-B4/VxAdB0ayfbI/AAAAAAAAM0I/8Yx7K6xXG3YxqZxkXrPPEAEIwCG6y97GgCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.27.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Close up detail of the CPC International Tank Car</div>
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Painted from stripped or undecorated Roundhouse General Tank Cars</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uABaxqzqkcQ/VxAdCA-yvNI/AAAAAAAAM0M/t5PcMsqk3cECAVBuAeBxmtHiOZ6w8zgpgCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.27.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uABaxqzqkcQ/VxAdCA-yvNI/AAAAAAAAM0M/t5PcMsqk3cECAVBuAeBxmtHiOZ6w8zgpgCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.27.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Close up detail of the CPC International Tank Car</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvgVTPZqDUM/VxAdCC4w9iI/AAAAAAAAM0Q/S-_qQI6NPY4hwfhZFZ3pNTPEoGgNI0ZlwCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.38.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvgVTPZqDUM/VxAdCC4w9iI/AAAAAAAAM0Q/S-_qQI6NPY4hwfhZFZ3pNTPEoGgNI0ZlwCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.38.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Peoria & Eastern GP7s #5628 and #5630 passing Wesley Road crossing.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgLEFdiZpic/VxAdCQiE9OI/AAAAAAAAM0U/zy_PaXfkDn07fxdQGj_kM53V1yZBcY6kQCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.38.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgLEFdiZpic/VxAdCQiE9OI/AAAAAAAAM0U/zy_PaXfkDn07fxdQGj_kM53V1yZBcY6kQCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.38.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Micro Trains C&IM 40' Box Car and Illinois Terminal 50' Box Car (heavily weathered)</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bb-jgtQM6jM/VxAdCw7WbxI/AAAAAAAAM0Y/YJb6lPFLwD8GFxC9n8pJoLAfGeMz9BkhQCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.39.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bb-jgtQM6jM/VxAdCw7WbxI/AAAAAAAAM0Y/YJb6lPFLwD8GFxC9n8pJoLAfGeMz9BkhQCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.39.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bluford Shops Illinois Central Woodchip Hopper</div>
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Atlas C&O Cupola Style Penn Central Caboose</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imRCYOq9bOM/VxAdDQ-5uMI/AAAAAAAAM0k/N1GhOINqZfctrHBQAdlHz8K_9o2kJg4QgCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.44.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imRCYOq9bOM/VxAdDQ-5uMI/AAAAAAAAM0k/N1GhOINqZfctrHBQAdlHz8K_9o2kJg4QgCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.44.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois Terminal SD39s</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iieDFYp62I8/VxAdDqhxECI/AAAAAAAAM0o/6l0QcsQgpuky1ZH709SKY7J6ubY9iqppACLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.44.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iieDFYp62I8/VxAdDqhxECI/AAAAAAAAM0o/6l0QcsQgpuky1ZH709SKY7J6ubY9iqppACLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.44.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois Terminal SD39s - different paint scheme</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sG2KRU4bUok/VxAdDpFQaQI/AAAAAAAAM0s/-269Yxb14ts7xTww_nAgwBYt51cxJXa4gCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.44.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sG2KRU4bUok/VxAdDpFQaQI/AAAAAAAAM0s/-269Yxb14ts7xTww_nAgwBYt51cxJXa4gCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.44.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Intermoutain 4750 CuFt 3-Bay Grain Hoppers</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUFggPOOSac/VxAdDxHxEgI/AAAAAAAAM0w/I1YHz0mBP9Qm1ZFzWDjRgDFbYj1NTKj6gCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.44.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUFggPOOSac/VxAdDxHxEgI/AAAAAAAAM0w/I1YHz0mBP9Qm1ZFzWDjRgDFbYj1NTKj6gCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.44.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Micro Trains Illinois Terminal 40' Box Car (Weathered) and Atlas Illinois Terminal </div>
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50' Precision Box Car</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klgcFHC7QoU/VxAdEGpLqMI/AAAAAAAAM00/4RQ49EZuPeojgvR7GcNQIdiiQzDhXpizQCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.45.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klgcFHC7QoU/VxAdEGpLqMI/AAAAAAAAM00/4RQ49EZuPeojgvR7GcNQIdiiQzDhXpizQCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.45.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Atlas Illinois Terminal Caboose</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-citIagkYXoM/VxAdETPfRrI/AAAAAAAAM04/gvK-77s2IugBc-qGMJMWq55jwbgt6nevgCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.52.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-citIagkYXoM/VxAdETPfRrI/AAAAAAAAM04/gvK-77s2IugBc-qGMJMWq55jwbgt6nevgCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.52.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chicago & Illinois Midland SD38-2s #73, 72, 71 and #74 (four of the six they owned)</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhlHg4O017o/VxAdEjbsVJI/AAAAAAAAM08/HBiXGGIp6lMiJtcVwG9cPGVh7qQtqqnoQCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.52.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhlHg4O017o/VxAdEjbsVJI/AAAAAAAAM08/HBiXGGIp6lMiJtcVwG9cPGVh7qQtqqnoQCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.52.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P02mBO5_XHE/VxAdE5flmVI/AAAAAAAAM1E/nTVun1qcoeoGsXQ70vPUK_A_R3Iui3_YgCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.52.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P02mBO5_XHE/VxAdE5flmVI/AAAAAAAAM1E/nTVun1qcoeoGsXQ70vPUK_A_R3Iui3_YgCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.52.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ouLfzdp1SQ/VxAdFJPyj_I/AAAAAAAAM1I/HZpZ1I360IQVsy--CxPFGJsJKYGVx9lgACLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.53.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ouLfzdp1SQ/VxAdFJPyj_I/AAAAAAAAM1I/HZpZ1I360IQVsy--CxPFGJsJKYGVx9lgACLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.53.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WX-NISkoNHg/VxAdFf2GTnI/AAAAAAAAM1M/4gkXPoqaD2oPYSYqnZPiWlAnZKsQlKN6QCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.53.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WX-NISkoNHg/VxAdFf2GTnI/AAAAAAAAM1M/4gkXPoqaD2oPYSYqnZPiWlAnZKsQlKN6QCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.53.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwvdMApHFOQ/VxAdFrVdQcI/AAAAAAAAM1Q/SNEGj9lUoHU5Kpz23J2OH9u8uPPyChZ5QCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.53.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwvdMApHFOQ/VxAdFrVdQcI/AAAAAAAAM1Q/SNEGj9lUoHU5Kpz23J2OH9u8uPPyChZ5QCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.53.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAay4fYxsd4/VxAdF93mYEI/AAAAAAAAM1U/BrZKz4E-z_oF7Ze0Xi7e5rQoiRle_wZvQCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.53.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAay4fYxsd4/VxAdF93mYEI/AAAAAAAAM1U/BrZKz4E-z_oF7Ze0Xi7e5rQoiRle_wZvQCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.53.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bluford Shops C&IM 70-ton Coal Hopper</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cmcNeoDlIk/VxAdF9A7EPI/AAAAAAAAM1Y/Bfe-pt83ZFEdLhS7YkJHD1reh5710k3JQCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.54.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cmcNeoDlIk/VxAdF9A7EPI/AAAAAAAAM1Y/Bfe-pt83ZFEdLhS7YkJHD1reh5710k3JQCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.54.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ktKiRFzt4/VxAdGPjwJwI/AAAAAAAAM1c/5J7TpXmdyUsmkmdu9H3nLXYeUCqcabtEACLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B17.54.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ktKiRFzt4/VxAdGPjwJwI/AAAAAAAAM1c/5J7TpXmdyUsmkmdu9H3nLXYeUCqcabtEACLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B17.54.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Atlas Chicago & Illinois Midland Extended Vision Caboose</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpg1JrkljOg/VxAdGcEaKPI/AAAAAAAAM1g/6nNBGsf1f2sg-5aAOk3VHbqII-RLc67kgCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.01.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpg1JrkljOg/VxAdGcEaKPI/AAAAAAAAM1g/6nNBGsf1f2sg-5aAOk3VHbqII-RLc67kgCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.01.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kato Burlington Northern GE U30Cs</div>
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This one was lightly weathered and beacon added on top (purchased that way).</div>
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I need to find some more beacons to add to the second BN U30C as well as </div>
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the C&IM SD38-2s.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RI5SlUNnGxo/VxAdGmCmrQI/AAAAAAAAM1k/tQp-etyPGCUjdEtoFc_ADacx1pJQaY4awCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.01.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RI5SlUNnGxo/VxAdGmCmrQI/AAAAAAAAM1k/tQp-etyPGCUjdEtoFc_ADacx1pJQaY4awCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.01.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1N0Um-1-i0/VxAdGptVvVI/AAAAAAAAM1o/12d47octVPgeOld19hxJh6vhNQdbXgqXgCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.01.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1N0Um-1-i0/VxAdGptVvVI/AAAAAAAAM1o/12d47octVPgeOld19hxJh6vhNQdbXgqXgCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.01.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Atlas Burlington Northern 90-ton Hopper</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28cEnWe9ofA/VxAdHKnITuI/AAAAAAAAM1s/B7eqB_oukuAFuNGoS7-WjJCqWi2paWiiACLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.03.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28cEnWe9ofA/VxAdHKnITuI/AAAAAAAAM1s/B7eqB_oukuAFuNGoS7-WjJCqWi2paWiiACLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.03.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Atlas Union Pacific B23-7 #137 leading up a C&IM coal train.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TC2IvxyXjDE/VxAdHFHQRXI/AAAAAAAAM1w/zViUdpM47gkdM_tY1qFm_BqmVgjmGezZwCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.03.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TC2IvxyXjDE/VxAdHFHQRXI/AAAAAAAAM1w/zViUdpM47gkdM_tY1qFm_BqmVgjmGezZwCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.03.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taJ0u3qDx5E/VxAdHdcx7JI/AAAAAAAAM10/I7T9Bta1VGMQOSx5Q5NtHiUAeE4xzCX3ACLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.03.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taJ0u3qDx5E/VxAdHdcx7JI/AAAAAAAAM10/I7T9Bta1VGMQOSx5Q5NtHiUAeE4xzCX3ACLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.03.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kato Chicago & Northwestern SD40-2 #6847</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNofQAQ9jIw/VxAdHhkDNWI/AAAAAAAAM14/Jon9rPBQhbUxDw1DgnpxbC4oRtPVdJv-wCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.03.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNofQAQ9jIw/VxAdHhkDNWI/AAAAAAAAM14/Jon9rPBQhbUxDw1DgnpxbC4oRtPVdJv-wCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.03.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkl_Zkn2ZGQ/VxAdH1cEPgI/AAAAAAAAM18/GatJIyHfjqc51xBUpeMzf4QIjCmL9lmSwCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.05.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkl_Zkn2ZGQ/VxAdH1cEPgI/AAAAAAAAM18/GatJIyHfjqc51xBUpeMzf4QIjCmL9lmSwCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.05.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois Central Gulf GP30s leading a mixed freight.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7fdcko4lGc/VxAdH-JHM0I/AAAAAAAAM2A/DERDuL09wtIatrfRiUL0uHmsYkjpkKgDQCLcB/s1600/2016-04-14%2B18.05.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7fdcko4lGc/VxAdH-JHM0I/AAAAAAAAM2A/DERDuL09wtIatrfRiUL0uHmsYkjpkKgDQCLcB/s320/2016-04-14%2B18.05.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-24977265761367264432016-04-06T21:07:00.000-04:002016-04-06T21:07:08.917-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Paint Shop NewsI have been experiencing the worst, let me reiterate, the WORST allergy season ever. Sometime after I turned thirty, I began developing seasonal allergies in the fall and spring. I've been tested for the most common allergies, but nothing was positive. This year my allergies have kicked my butt. I've known for sometime that NC was bad for allergy sufferers (even for those who had never had issues with allergies). I found that Charlotte is in the top 100 worst cities. I think it is time I move to the midwest. This state is slowly killing me!<br />
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So, anywho, I haven't been able to work on projects like I want due to suffering from the allergies. This evening, I finally mustered up enough energy to clean some projects to prepare for paint. I'll be painting four more CPC International tank cars and another Peoria & Eastern (Ex-Penn Central) GP7.<br />
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-1298182990041788002016-03-31T18:33:00.000-04:002016-03-31T18:33:23.917-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Peoria & Eastern GP7 - Part IIToday, I decalled up the Peoria & Eastern GP7 #5628. I've only found a few photos online, but it appears the P&E simply took Penn Central GP7s and added their logo where they saw fit. I like the arrangement on this one. For the second one, I'll mix it up a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jey3WVAkF8/Vv2kJkXqeAI/AAAAAAAAMy0/th7u2ZvT8X434Kb1z7-jeNarxG9wH7Lzw/s1600/2016-03-31%2B18.17.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jey3WVAkF8/Vv2kJkXqeAI/AAAAAAAAMy0/th7u2ZvT8X434Kb1z7-jeNarxG9wH7Lzw/s320/2016-03-31%2B18.17.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Paint:</u></b><br />
Tru-Color TCP-010 Black<br />
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<b><u>Decals:</u></b><br />
Microscale 60-1098 - Penn Central Non-Standard Boxcar Lettering (for Peoria & Eastern)<br />
Microscale 60-84 - Penn Central Diesels (1968-1976)<br />
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I'm so glad I decided to try custom painting. I might not be the best at it yet, but working hard to figure it out. I really love having some custom pieces nobody else has. :-)<br />
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I was planning on painting the second P&E GP7 this weekend, but noticed the one I purchased off eBay didn't match the description. Waiting on the replacement now. This weekend, I plan on working on some other projects though. <br />
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- Four CPC International Tank Cars<br />
- Repair of one CPC International Tank Car (fix paint line)<br />
- Atlas P&PU S2.<br />
- Possible TP&W C424s.<br />
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-28705651884144420772016-03-30T19:40:00.000-04:002016-03-30T19:40:34.766-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Peoria & Eastern GP7Well, after being knocked completely on my butt by a sinus cold/flu type deal for five days, I finally got out to paint the Atlas GP7 shell tonight. I painted using Tru-Color Black and added a gloss coat. It is now ready for decals.<br />
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-72785779722204969602016-03-24T21:11:00.000-04:002016-03-24T21:11:02.718-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Paint Shop PlansSo, the crew at the Paint Shop is lining up more work. They have found something else they are interested in painting. <br />
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I will use an Atlas PS-2 2-Bay Covered Hopper. It is missing a rib in the middle, but has the space of two columns of letters. I will add a small piece of styrene, paint flat black and decal. </div>
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So many projects, so little time. </div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-17755046541443365842016-03-23T13:35:00.003-04:002016-03-23T13:35:38.457-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Paint Shop UpdateAn EMD GP7 Non-Dynamic brake unit was spotted going into the Paint Shop today. It has been disassembled and cleaned. Rumor has it that it will become Peoria & Eastern #5628 Ex-Penn Central. <br />
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It will look similar to this.<br />
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We're hoping to catch some photos of the newly painted unit in the next few days.</div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-60702114163874403362016-03-22T18:17:00.003-04:002016-03-22T18:17:45.384-04:00The ROCK 3.0: More CPC InternationalAnother CPC International Tank rolled out of the paint shop today. I *really* like these tank cars! Now, to figure out how to model CPC International in Peoria. :-) <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tu-Y09EL5p0/VvHEXQ8e7-I/AAAAAAAAMxw/E-JO6WndNS4lAvV6CDB_mtNsvmcoABiUQ/s1600/2016-03-22%2B18.12.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tu-Y09EL5p0/VvHEXQ8e7-I/AAAAAAAAMxw/E-JO6WndNS4lAvV6CDB_mtNsvmcoABiUQ/s320/2016-03-22%2B18.12.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A cut of CPC International tank cars sitting in 91 Yard ready for pickup by the Rock Island.</div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-431138057436973672016-03-17T21:29:00.001-04:002016-03-17T21:30:04.666-04:00The ROCK 3.0: CPC International A few CPC International cars made it to the layout this evening. Two of the tanks which you saw earlier, plus one formerly Undecorated Delaware Valley 50' Airslide which now has been converted to CPC International. I have one more of these to decal up as well as a bunch of tank cars.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzXEwvXmBeI/VutZyU8bFmI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/HyyXFe9OmgQLCKZozktl_4NgXa9-4zIag/s1600/2016-03-17%2B21.12.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzXEwvXmBeI/VutZyU8bFmI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/HyyXFe9OmgQLCKZozktl_4NgXa9-4zIag/s320/2016-03-17%2B21.12.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looks like a Peoria Terminal Co. local (over powered) making a delivery of empties to </div>
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CPC International in Pekin, Illinois.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIhJ4Ce2ONY/VutZ0fz7jII/AAAAAAAAMxU/4E2Gm5cT9tAah3EvBHqGC3owcGD7wVL-g/s1600/2016-03-17%2B21.13.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIhJ4Ce2ONY/VutZ0fz7jII/AAAAAAAAMxU/4E2Gm5cT9tAah3EvBHqGC3owcGD7wVL-g/s320/2016-03-17%2B21.13.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-1234833143629007482016-03-17T09:29:00.001-04:002016-04-11T14:59:40.943-04:00The ROCK 3.0: Airbrushing ProgressWell, my adventures in airbrushing have been interesting so far. I purchased the Badger 200NH airbrush. It worked well for the two or three times I used it. After a period of non-use, it wouldn't siphon the paint out of the jar anymore. I could siphon acetone, but even then it was pulsating. I found out it is a needle bearing most likely as the cause. I tried replacing this on my own as I found the parts available online. Nope, this is not a customer-replaceable part. It needs to be sent off to Badger for repair. So, that is what I plan on doing tomorrow. <br />
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I failed to mention that after the period on non-use, I noticed that the tip of the needle was bent. I wasn't sure how that happened as I hadn't dropped it. After a few days, it dawned on me my daughter in passing said (a while back), "Daddy, your airbrush dropped, but it's ok". I put it back on the shelf. I confirmed this again with my daughter. Well, that explains that. I must have been in post-Sunday afternoon nap mode when she told me, so I didn't think anything else about it.<br />
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Meanwhile, I refer to good friends Larry Keller and Allan Heimsoth for advice on airbrushing in general. One friend mentioned he had numerous airbrushes. Some are better than others, but generally one would work when the mood struck to actually paint something. Considering the Badger 200 is not super expensive, I went this route and purchased a second to keep on hand. I'm glad I did now otherwise I would still be out of commission.<br />
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So, back to painting. It has been a struggle. Mainly, because I'm making newbie mistakes. I painted some tank cars without cleaning them thoroughly first. That created an issue with paint peeling off for a leprosy effect. Sadness.<br />
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I painted three Atlas Kaolin tanks. Results - All had the leprosy effect. Those will need to be stripped and repainted.<br />
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I painted four (of five I own) Roundhouse previously stripped (purchased that way off eBay) tank cars. Paint stuck well to those. Painted the car yellow and the bottom half black. My black line is pretty sharp except around the ladder region. I tried fixing this but made it worse on one car. Instead, I will try to hide it with some weathering. I hit all cars with gloss coat last night and decaled up two this morning as CPC International tanks. The tip to apply a gloss coat beforehand decaling eliminated the issue I had before with the shininess of the label. Thanks everyone for that tip!<br />
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So, here are some photos of the tank cars with one side decaled. I will decal the other side later today. I have a few more decal sheets on order. When I'm done, I will have a total of eight CPC International tank cars (5x MDC/Roundhouse, 3x Atlas Kaolin). <br />
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I think they turned out pretty darn nice!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXLYhsi3JT8/Vuqvh5pur8I/AAAAAAAAMw0/liLRjOS2xzMjb3-9HTBrnYuC8JkeaGDSw/s1600/2016-03-17%2B08.55.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXLYhsi3JT8/Vuqvh5pur8I/AAAAAAAAMw0/liLRjOS2xzMjb3-9HTBrnYuC8JkeaGDSw/s320/2016-03-17%2B08.55.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall, airbrushing has been a learning process. I will get better over time. I'm really pleased with how these turned out after adding decals today. <br />
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Decals required for this job:<br />
Microscale 60-727 - Corn Products Freight Cars - 40' Tank Car, 3-Bay ACF Hopper<br />
Microscale 60-796 - Tank Cars - Senica, Amstar, CPC International 1970+<br />
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Paint:<br />
Tru-Color Rock Island Yellow TCP-261<br />
Tru-Color Flat Black TCP-805<br />
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-18155592758004424432016-01-12T10:08:00.001-05:002016-01-12T10:08:08.294-05:00The ROCK 3.0: Havana, IL Coal DockWhile up in Illinois over Christmas, we drove through Havana, IL. There were a couple of coal trains lined up in the small yard to be unloaded to barges on the Illinois River. I snapped a few photos, but have some better ones from a few years back. This is the former Chicago & Illinois Midland dock.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZesuR1IZpGY/VpUWVrNu1YI/AAAAAAAAMqc/8waIkjTWotE/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.40.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZesuR1IZpGY/VpUWVrNu1YI/AAAAAAAAMqc/8waIkjTWotE/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.40.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cars are pushed up the grade via a mechanical arm.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CVxjxbKcimY/VpUWVkeGGSI/AAAAAAAAMqk/5NRj2a12iFY/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.40.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CVxjxbKcimY/VpUWVkeGGSI/AAAAAAAAMqk/5NRj2a12iFY/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.40.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Former Chicago & Illinois Midland 40' Single Sliding Door Box Car</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbde6rA0mas/VpUWVrKFpyI/AAAAAAAAMqg/olKWQG8oK-g/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.40.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbde6rA0mas/VpUWVrKFpyI/AAAAAAAAMqg/olKWQG8oK-g/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.40.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois & Midland Caboose.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NdsJLT1xIQ/VpUWWob-cvI/AAAAAAAAMqo/5daGq0E6Z8E/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.40.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NdsJLT1xIQ/VpUWWob-cvI/AAAAAAAAMqo/5daGq0E6Z8E/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.40.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-caY4JNFUdFs/VpUWWm8xuyI/AAAAAAAAMqs/_umCu1EFevw/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.40.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-caY4JNFUdFs/VpUWWm8xuyI/AAAAAAAAMqs/_umCu1EFevw/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.40.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfBO3MoaLdk/VpUWW7x2HZI/AAAAAAAAMqw/cSGO5u11BrE/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.40.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfBO3MoaLdk/VpUWW7x2HZI/AAAAAAAAMqw/cSGO5u11BrE/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.40.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure what this machine does, but I assume this might be a coal storage yard if barges are not available.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlPE6qNAia8/VpUWXBIhw3I/AAAAAAAAMq0/lULcYXCdmS8/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.40.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlPE6qNAia8/VpUWXBIhw3I/AAAAAAAAMq0/lULcYXCdmS8/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.40.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlX3OlLtJU8/VpUWXNBPFmI/AAAAAAAAMq4/xmqTWtc1Xzo/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.41.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlX3OlLtJU8/VpUWXNBPFmI/AAAAAAAAMq4/xmqTWtc1Xzo/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.41.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see the rotary dumper dumping a load of coal inside the building.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyFBg4uB4lw/VpUWXaTrzeI/AAAAAAAAMq8/SYqk_dnePxs/s1600/2015-12-30%2B08.41.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyFBg4uB4lw/VpUWXaTrzeI/AAAAAAAAMq8/SYqk_dnePxs/s320/2015-12-30%2B08.41.12.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-86963388109695766812016-01-11T18:36:00.002-05:002016-01-14T14:12:13.785-05:00The ROCK 3.0: What in the World?What in the world is going on over at the ROCK? I've noticed some changes over at the ROCK for the past few weeks.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEreJad23eQ/Vo8rzRBSmTI/AAAAAAAAMmE/XziCw-EX2FQ/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.07.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEreJad23eQ/Vo8rzRBSmTI/AAAAAAAAMmE/XziCw-EX2FQ/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.07.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Toledo Peoria & Western GP7s #102 and #103</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYmLbAVE-AM/Vo8rzfj1ynI/AAAAAAAAMmA/xRheRPNu3ak/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.08.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYmLbAVE-AM/Vo8rzfj1ynI/AAAAAAAAMmA/xRheRPNu3ak/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.08.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Future Toledo Peoria & Western #800 and #801</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbfkmVnW7tc/VpQ8Omyn5vI/AAAAAAAAMpg/G70O7PwuP3s/s1600/2016-01-11%2B17.14.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbfkmVnW7tc/VpQ8Omyn5vI/AAAAAAAAMpg/G70O7PwuP3s/s320/2016-01-11%2B17.14.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois Terminal SD39 #2301</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLhmVXjWTOo/VpQ8OgLMTWI/AAAAAAAAMpc/qIbIT1bebZY/s1600/2016-01-11%2B17.15.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLhmVXjWTOo/VpQ8OgLMTWI/AAAAAAAAMpc/qIbIT1bebZY/s320/2016-01-11%2B17.15.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6Ppb_HhBnQ/VpQ8OY5k9CI/AAAAAAAAMpY/vPxjZ921KM4/s1600/2016-01-11%2B17.14.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6Ppb_HhBnQ/VpQ8OY5k9CI/AAAAAAAAMpY/vPxjZ921KM4/s320/2016-01-11%2B17.14.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU8cJQi_EjE/Vo8rzU_Xi3I/AAAAAAAAMmI/zIUP5PvkC8g/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.12.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU8cJQi_EjE/Vo8rzU_Xi3I/AAAAAAAAMmI/zIUP5PvkC8g/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.12.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois Terminal GP7 #1603</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKegyZFJ6P0/Vo8r0ONYCfI/AAAAAAAAMmM/EB3iB_Qhxe8/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.13.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKegyZFJ6P0/Vo8r0ONYCfI/AAAAAAAAMmM/EB3iB_Qhxe8/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.13.24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Union Pacific B23-7 #137</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12XKwakyz8E/Vo8r0Z4WQ6I/AAAAAAAAMmU/sZJw2MoN_-I/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.14.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12XKwakyz8E/Vo8r0Z4WQ6I/AAAAAAAAMmU/sZJw2MoN_-I/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.14.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Future Illinois Terminal SD39 #2305</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEbShjEFS_8/Vo8r0g0oS8I/AAAAAAAAMmg/tIFg5Wc6nzo/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.15.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEbShjEFS_8/Vo8r0g0oS8I/AAAAAAAAMmg/tIFg5Wc6nzo/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.15.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Future Illinois Terminal GP7 #1605</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWOm5oWWv1g/Vo8r0g_QUyI/AAAAAAAAMmo/ZptrlggYTkM/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.16.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWOm5oWWv1g/Vo8r0g_QUyI/AAAAAAAAMmo/ZptrlggYTkM/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.16.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois Terminal RS1 #752</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oKXxxapiM4/Vo8r0_Pl8yI/AAAAAAAAMmk/VC1oYbPPgKY/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.17.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oKXxxapiM4/Vo8r0_Pl8yI/AAAAAAAAMmk/VC1oYbPPgKY/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.17.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chicago & Illinois Midland SD9s #50 and #54</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDqlkPPvFQI/Vo8r1rCqj7I/AAAAAAAAMm0/JyW1MgrdPwU/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.18.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDqlkPPvFQI/Vo8r1rCqj7I/AAAAAAAAMm0/JyW1MgrdPwU/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.18.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rock Island U30C #4589</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdHNxOa5iQc/Vo8r12JZ_xI/AAAAAAAAMm8/IXlKeKvZVqs/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.19.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdHNxOa5iQc/Vo8r12JZ_xI/AAAAAAAAMm8/IXlKeKvZVqs/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.19.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rock Island SD40-2 #4797</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzLp8j5Byfc/Vo8r137MmZI/AAAAAAAAMnA/bOSNp1K8ShA/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.20.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzLp8j5Byfc/Vo8r137MmZI/AAAAAAAAMnA/bOSNp1K8ShA/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.20.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois Central Gulf GP30s #2251 and #2265</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xeXioWUu3_4/Vo8r2TcHlnI/AAAAAAAAMnI/VDrglc3jEK8/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.21.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xeXioWUu3_4/Vo8r2TcHlnI/AAAAAAAAMnI/VDrglc3jEK8/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.21.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chicago & Illinois Midland Caboose #276</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3vV5W2R6Ok/Vo8r2i6kCQI/AAAAAAAAMnQ/-20NUCxPJ0Q/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.21.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3vV5W2R6Ok/Vo8r2i6kCQI/AAAAAAAAMnQ/-20NUCxPJ0Q/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.21.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rock Island Caboose #17206</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oq4hTQydu98/Vo8r2tJ-W1I/AAAAAAAAMnU/oXqFN8JStHc/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.21.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oq4hTQydu98/Vo8r2tJ-W1I/AAAAAAAAMnU/oXqFN8JStHc/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.21.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Future Illinois Terminal Caboose </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7nNhF1cZPI/Vo8r3Cg0GII/AAAAAAAAMng/wD_u3jFg1CY/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.25.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7nNhF1cZPI/Vo8r3Cg0GII/AAAAAAAAMng/wD_u3jFg1CY/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.25.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Illinois Central Gulf Caboose #ICG 199423</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWCZHaAIUpQ/Vo8r3U1q3cI/AAAAAAAAMnw/76Mb01H9Lv4/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.26.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWCZHaAIUpQ/Vo8r3U1q3cI/AAAAAAAAMnw/76Mb01H9Lv4/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.26.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Penn Central Caboose #22874</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTluXMAV7gc/Vo8r3bW-TFI/AAAAAAAAMns/QRQ_Q7bcARA/s1600/2016-01-04%2B18.26.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTluXMAV7gc/Vo8r3bW-TFI/AAAAAAAAMns/QRQ_Q7bcARA/s320/2016-01-04%2B18.26.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Collection of various roads cabooses</div>
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I'm not sure what is going on, but a lot of power from Peoria appears to be making its way north up on the Rock Island.</div>
Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-36003503702530891452015-12-20T10:12:00.001-05:002015-12-20T10:12:54.943-05:00The ROCK 3.0: Exploring IllinoisSo, the family is on the road exploring Illinois. Here are some of the sights so far.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXHuyQFjjF8/VnbC9VK2jyI/AAAAAAAAMkg/f5i_7NErdK4/s1600/2015-12-19%2B13.15.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXHuyQFjjF8/VnbC9VK2jyI/AAAAAAAAMkg/f5i_7NErdK4/s320/2015-12-19%2B13.15.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Respondek Illini Terminal GP7 #1604 in Litchfield, Illinois</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKP8smZ2qDI/VnbC373KnsI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/eCYK-O-suNQ/s1600/2015-12-19%2B13.15.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKP8smZ2qDI/VnbC373KnsI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/eCYK-O-suNQ/s320/2015-12-19%2B13.15.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfconSEIkCs/VnbC4l-ryiI/AAAAAAAAMkU/FDyi5dgu4iI/s1600/2015-12-19%2B13.53.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfconSEIkCs/VnbC4l-ryiI/AAAAAAAAMkU/FDyi5dgu4iI/s320/2015-12-19%2B13.53.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dynergy Kincaid Power Plant near Pawnee, Illinois.</div>
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I believe this was a former Commonwealth Edison Power Plant. The plant has coal provided by the former Peabody Coal Mine #10 (not sure what it might be called today). The mine was served by the Chicago & Illinois Midland Railroad back in the day.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVnGNVeOfwc/VnbDDHw6veI/AAAAAAAAMko/naIK8dkXmJY/s1600/2015-12-19%2B13.54.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVnGNVeOfwc/VnbDDHw6veI/AAAAAAAAMko/naIK8dkXmJY/s320/2015-12-19%2B13.54.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They had huge piles of coal built up around the plant. Two bulldozers were working on the piles of coal.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsKQQ3cz98M/VnbDL86ycPI/AAAAAAAAMkw/RTjCnCVM-q8/s1600/2015-12-19%2B13.58.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsKQQ3cz98M/VnbDL86ycPI/AAAAAAAAMkw/RTjCnCVM-q8/s320/2015-12-19%2B13.58.39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is a small five or six track yard here lined with unit coal trains. Here sits a BNSF SD70ACe. I would guess this was a DPU unit from the rear of a coal train.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrrpUowzmGU/VnbDQSy1jAI/AAAAAAAAMk4/EdveTPPNKUw/s1600/2015-12-19%2B13.58.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrrpUowzmGU/VnbDQSy1jAI/AAAAAAAAMk4/EdveTPPNKUw/s320/2015-12-19%2B13.58.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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PLM International lease hopper. There were a bunch of these in the yard on multiple tracks.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFLQuszlpDc/VnbDX4wjjJI/AAAAAAAAMlA/s6lBLOUGzt0/s1600/2015-12-19%2B13.59.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFLQuszlpDc/VnbDX4wjjJI/AAAAAAAAMlA/s6lBLOUGzt0/s320/2015-12-19%2B13.59.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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BNSF SD70ACe</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Taq8GxIiSls/VnbDicyfFQI/AAAAAAAAMlI/yuzfMIWiT0w/s1600/2015-12-19%2B14.05.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Taq8GxIiSls/VnbDicyfFQI/AAAAAAAAMlI/yuzfMIWiT0w/s320/2015-12-19%2B14.05.32.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Old Grain Elevator in Pawnee, Illinois</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hSoSE4SCiY/VnbDieQCvNI/AAAAAAAAMlM/o8MEl8sAqO4/s1600/2015-12-19%2B14.05.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hSoSE4SCiY/VnbDieQCvNI/AAAAAAAAMlM/o8MEl8sAqO4/s320/2015-12-19%2B14.05.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Old C&IM No Trespassing sign in Pawnee, Illinois</div>
<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-51601034866458811362015-12-15T08:55:00.001-05:002015-12-15T08:55:22.965-05:00The ROCK 3.0: CPC International Cars Project UpdateLast night, I started working on the CPC International cars. I painted three Atlas Kaolin tanks yellow as well as two Delaware Valley 50' Airslide Covered Hoppers. I need to go back and touch up the yellow paint on the airslide hoppers and two issues on a tank car. I will then be able to mask off the top of the tank car to paint the bottom black.<br />
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Here are photos of the progress so far.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--I0Yz105Chc/VnAawGJEAWI/AAAAAAAAMjE/6Zl2z6sljPQ/s1600/2015-12-14%2B17.29.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--I0Yz105Chc/VnAawGJEAWI/AAAAAAAAMjE/6Zl2z6sljPQ/s320/2015-12-14%2B17.29.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Atlas Undecorated Kaolin Tank Car</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X99ZLRNhTcc/VnAayiLFeQI/AAAAAAAAMjU/OG2bIj_ngw8/s1600/2015-12-14%2B17.29.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X99ZLRNhTcc/VnAayiLFeQI/AAAAAAAAMjU/OG2bIj_ngw8/s320/2015-12-14%2B17.29.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Delaware Valley Undecorated 50' Airslide Covered Hopper</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-58iWXUP_Prg/VnAazCfN9PI/AAAAAAAAMjY/cCfKHhj0nHc/s1600/2015-12-14%2B19.21.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-58iWXUP_Prg/VnAazCfN9PI/AAAAAAAAMjY/cCfKHhj0nHc/s320/2015-12-14%2B19.21.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I consulted with Tru-Color and they suggested the Erie Lackawanna Yellow.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRXD8WsD6fk/VnAazNdCZBI/AAAAAAAAMjc/XlIYUwrZK2Q/s1600/2015-12-14%2B19.21.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRXD8WsD6fk/VnAazNdCZBI/AAAAAAAAMjc/XlIYUwrZK2Q/s320/2015-12-14%2B19.21.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was hoping the paint would cover better on the railings. I will need to remove those and hit them again with the air brush.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iL4iq05ieaQ/VnAa024TiiI/AAAAAAAAMjs/wJXz6L73k7c/s1600/2015-12-14%2B19.22.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iL4iq05ieaQ/VnAa024TiiI/AAAAAAAAMjs/wJXz6L73k7c/s320/2015-12-14%2B19.22.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall, I think they look pretty good.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntb7Z6_z8gk/VnAa1Dg2RoI/AAAAAAAAMjw/sT6EWrnDqFc/s1600/2015-12-14%2B19.22.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntb7Z6_z8gk/VnAa1Dg2RoI/AAAAAAAAMjw/sT6EWrnDqFc/s320/2015-12-14%2B19.22.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Side by side my tank vs. the Atlas 3-Bay Covered Hopper.</div>
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I believe it is close. Allen mentioned it is more green in tint and I can see that now better on the laptop. Of course, I'm color blind. So, close enough for me. I assume I will weather these cars which will hopefully make the paint schemes match better.</div>
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Speaking of painting, what do you guys use to hold your models when painting?</div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-88126189249980039022015-12-14T19:04:00.002-05:002015-12-14T19:04:36.045-05:00The ROCK 3.0: N Scale SD38-2So, I have been wanting to custom paint some Chicago & Illinois Midland SD38-2s and Illinois Terminal SD39s. I figured I would just use a Kato undecorated shell as it would be close enough for my purpose. Both these models did not have dynamic brakes. So, the Kato shells were ultra hard to find.<br />
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I came across this site the other day. Big Dawg Originals has resin mold shells of an SD38-2 Non-Dynamic brake unit which would be perfect. I purchased one to test. <br />
<a href="http://www.bigdawgoriginals.com/collections/n-scale-shells/products/copy-of-sd38-2-with-dynamic-brake-undecorated-resin-shells-n-scale-trains-by-big-dawg-originals" target="_blank">http://www.bigdawgoriginals.com/collections/n-scale-shells/products/copy-of-sd38-2-with-dynamic-brake-undecorated-resin-shells-n-scale-trains-by-big-dawg-originals</a><br />
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Here are some photos I took of the unit. It has some flashing to clean off. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bK1qGmca5U/Vm8vPIZIDDI/AAAAAAAAMhw/DWIJvmNGLs4/s1600/2015-12-14%2B14.14.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bK1qGmca5U/Vm8vPIZIDDI/AAAAAAAAMhw/DWIJvmNGLs4/s320/2015-12-14%2B14.14.39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zkJHo709nY/Vm8vRD63_rI/AAAAAAAAMiE/vz1F4sjY0fI/s1600/2015-12-14%2B14.15.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zkJHo709nY/Vm8vRD63_rI/AAAAAAAAMiE/vz1F4sjY0fI/s320/2015-12-14%2B14.15.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc5J9TsriUM/Vm8vRS3ndvI/AAAAAAAAMiI/BpatKVmdJog/s1600/2015-12-14%2B14.15.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc5J9TsriUM/Vm8vRS3ndvI/AAAAAAAAMiI/BpatKVmdJog/s320/2015-12-14%2B14.15.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tested the shell on a Kato SD40-2 and it fit well with no binding of the motor. I will purchase some Kato SD40-2 handrails and glass to complete the loco shell. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVEGQejPWb8/Vm9Y59bi9lI/AAAAAAAAMic/ujPJu8OHTTs/s1600/2015-12-14%2B17.24.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVEGQejPWb8/Vm9Y59bi9lI/AAAAAAAAMic/ujPJu8OHTTs/s320/2015-12-14%2B17.24.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tip0ICo2JH0/Vm9Y7A_Gn9I/AAAAAAAAMik/myaoThqAvzQ/s1600/2015-12-14%2B17.24.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tip0ICo2JH0/Vm9Y7A_Gn9I/AAAAAAAAMik/myaoThqAvzQ/s320/2015-12-14%2B17.24.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So far so good. I think this project will be interesting and can't wait to see the completed locomotives.<br />
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645162138615822854.post-11007298437032353832015-12-11T19:23:00.000-05:002015-12-11T19:23:22.831-05:00The ROCK 3.0: New TP&W PowerI resisted for some time now, but finally broke down and purchased some Toledo, Peoria & Western (TP&W) motive power. Peoria operations need to be expanded.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEjalThriiE/Vmtot_whZoI/AAAAAAAAMg8/uGX5lC16Hgc/s1600/2015-12-11%2B18.36.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEjalThriiE/Vmtot_whZoI/AAAAAAAAMg8/uGX5lC16Hgc/s320/2015-12-11%2B18.36.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Steven Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04698895648596281032noreply@blogger.com2