I just got a set of all four B&O dark blue geeps of the Athearn Genesis line, DCC- and sound-equipped. I’ve included a couple of photos, but unfortunately my layout itself is not camera-ready, just benchwork and track. It looks like a construction zone, I’m working on a half-dozen different loco detailing projects at once. (Model railroading and ADHD do not mix very well.[B)])
As soon as I’ve had a chance to actually run them, I’ll update this thread with my observations.
First, some foamers-eye views of the full consist:
Now for the individual shots. We’ll start with unit# 6615, a “torpedo boat” passenger geep. I really love the 5-chime horn! You’ll notice the air tanks are a bit crooked on the near side, I may attempt to surgically correct that; while I’m at it I should also add a steam generator. As long as the unit runs and sounds OK, I don’t think that defect alone is worth sending the model back to Horizon:
That is a sensational line up!!! Congrats!!!
Did 6597 have the Spark Arrestors in real life, or is this one of the ‘period’ dilemmas?
Aside from that, you have an incredible line up!!! Kudo’s
If I am financially able, I hope to do the same with the pending IC&E and DM&E releases that are scheduled!
This is why everyone has not seen any lokies from me lately, I have a collection of blue painted shells that need decals & trim painting, but the release notices quelled my efforts severely…
Anyway, Real nice Ken, I’d be real proud of those!!!
Ken, very timely post for me! I just got interested B&O. I drive by the old B&O Round House (Yes, parts are still standing) heading to St Louis and my uncle was a engineer for B&O. I have 1 SD 7, 1 SD 9 and 1 GP 30 (with cracked gears) by Proto. I will pick up another PK 2 GP 30 (sure it will have cracked gears as well) Sunday.
I was going to post a question about what manufacturers are and have made B&O engines, but you seem to be the person to ask.
When I was 6 years old my Grandfather house over looked the B&O yard in Washington Ind. Have any photos?
PM me if you happen to have any B&O stuff you don’t need. [:-^]
I thought they were required by law in most states? Evidently not… Most pics of specific locos are close-up at engine terminals, where it’s hard to see any top details.
Ken, welcome to the Dark [blue] Side![swg] I spent my teen years [as soon as I got my drivers license] chasing B&O trains in the early 1970’s, right before the Chessie takeover. I always thought the blue and yellow scheme was much more elegant than the bright yellow and orange of Chessie.
As far as factory-painted B&O, there’s not a whole lot out there; I painted and lettered most of my stuff myself. In addition to P2K, there are some great-looking Athearn Genesis F7’s [and their geeps of course] in dark blue - but they are really pricey. Bachmann had [maybe still has?] dark blue GP9’s that are smooth runners and generally look pretty good, but they don’t have much detail.
Sorry, I’m afraid I don’t have any B&O power of my own for sale. I see quite a bit of P2K stuff on eBay though…
Fritz, I lived in your state [MI] until I was 13. That’s part of the reason I fell in love with this B&O scheme when my family moved to Maryland - it reminded me of the C&O!
Ken,
Yeah, unfortunately, the late Pic does not give a positive tell, I am leaning toward; it didn’t have them because I would expect them to be up to & slightly above the fan level, but one cannot be sure.
What struck me most of the ‘late’ photo was the shoulder rubbing on the nose, this was a new weathering detial to me, & I may have to ‘Pocket that’ for the future!!
Thanks again for sharing, this is interesting, & I enjoy it!
Do you have the Spring Mills Depot Cabeese? They are excellent!
There was a Wagontop styled 2 Bay Hopper on the cover of a recent Model RR Mag, & I would like to find one of those, but cannot find a reference to it at all… Perhaps it was a scratchbuilt, I do not know…
Ken,
A big Thanks again!
I will check that Link out mighty promptly!
I have the SMD Cabooses in the Late models, with one early; the Blue, the Chessie Yellow scheme, & an early Red one.
I am pleased with all of them, very nice models.
They will go very well with your new Locomotive roster, ha hah…
Although I do not have a completely ‘vivid library’ I do enjoy finding things in books & other references, so again, I appreciate the link!
After the C&O took control of the B&O they sent some locomotives to the B&O to help shore up B&O’s aging locomotive fleet…
These units kept their C&O numbers and looks and was operated short hood forward…B&O simply replaced the “C” with a “B” and removed the C&O for progress emblem.
However,you are correct…Those are pure B&O geeps and the crew should be facing forward…
Yeah, I have a P2K in my roster that fits that description. #6652, with the bell mounted just above the headlight. That one definitely runs short hood forward.
Ken, very nice. Didn’t think it would take you long to “get 'em out of the box” Really like the #6615, all my Geeps are in original blue/ gray/ black. They did a fantastic job of the proper detailing. If you don’t find out about the spark arrestors on #6597, James Mischke of the B&O yahoo groups is the one to ask. http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Baltimore_and_Ohio/
Ken, Nice looking locos! My son has chosen the B&O in the same era up here on the Buffalo division. I remember those Geeps MUed with F7’s, GP 30’s, etc. here. Here’s a shot taken around 1970 at East Salamanca. There were a lot of old veteran locos here then.
Stan - great photo![bow] That’s really a huge collection of 1st generation EMD. Were those all active units, or were some of them dead-lined?
Good question, it very well coulda been! I saw these torpedo geeps still being used in commuter service as late as the summer of 1972. Maybe steam generators weren’t needed for short runs? Or perhaps the the coaches were heated by electricity rather than steam. This sounds like something for the B&O Yahoo Group…
Ken, all of those units were active. At that time, the Buffalo division was very busy with a lot of coal still going to the steel mills in South Buffalo, and Kodak in Rochester. General freight business was brisk as well. Here’s another good shot:
The old F7’s were on their last legs here. I was sad to see them go. A few years after the B&O and C&O units disappeared, Western Maryland F units arrived for a short while. I think the ex Clinchfield F’s in CSX paint were the last to travel the Buffalo Division in 1987.
