And
now for something completely different for me modeling MODERN, and for the first
time ever modeling a loco that is currently running, on the Conrail roster
out of Camden NJ. My last “modern” modeling was my Conrail SD40-2 in 1990. The
below photos were taken on 6-29-19 in Paulsboro NJ. What a novel concept it
is to be able to take your own research photos especially close to home. As
of spring 2024 5235 was parked in Conway yard near Pittsburgh. I do not know
if it is running or not. Also I have done LOTS of “modern” buying and modeling
since starting this project page. |
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My
friend John Peters Jr. is running 5235 remotely in Camden NJ. Note the belt control box. He is the engineer
and also uncouples the cars for switching.
This
loco was also bought at the Ted Mauer auction on 6-22-19 with my Norfolk
Southern B32-8 and Southern SD40-2 from the collection of the
late Dave Bailey. I have recently become slightly obsessed with second
generation High Hood diesels, which is very far off track from my main PRR,
PRSL and Reading modeling interests.
This
loco is Overland/Ajin model 1755 released in 1984. Only 15 were made making it
a rather rare model. My choice to make this Norfolk Southern instead of Norfolk
& Western was really tough. I like N&W as well.
This
plate should be in the long hood, not where it is here on the deck. Do we have
classic the cold Overland solder joints, OR, NO Solder? In this case
BOTH!!! I spent an hour going around the
handrail stanchions soldering them back for reinforcing. No Overland GP38-2 or
SD40-2 I have ever handled had all the handrails well attached. They all needed
repair or better soldering. I got rid of
the rubber tubing motor coupling and installed NWSL cups and a custom brass dogbone shaft.
Added
4-18-24
This loco suffered great procrastination waiting for some info
for making the size of the remote control equipment shelf on the cab that I never
got. I still changed my mind many times about making this as Southern, Norfolk
& Western or Norfolk Southern. Since getting this loco I recently got another
high hood GP38-2 that was already painted for Southern so that made the
decision to keep this as Norfolk Southern 5235 easy but before the remote
equipment was added. That would have been a great detail but I want to get this
loco done after 5 years.
This is what a bare brass loco looks like after sitting for 5
years. A quick trip through the blast booth removes the tarnish. I forgot I stopped
just short of it being truly ready for paint. There are no horns or bell and a
few other small things yet that have to be added here.
Revised
4-18-24
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