Coal hoppers in HO

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi everyone: I’m very new to this hobby but know of a prototype I’d like to start building in HO. After about 6 months of reading and research I’m getting close to actually building something. I still haven’t been able to find what type of coal hopper Devco Railway in Nova Scotia used in the 1980s to mid 90s. I have pictures of the prototypes but can’t seem to find any in HO scale or any other scale for that matter. Does anyone know of this railway and do You have any ideas of where I might purchase these hoppers in HO? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Yzer

2

Sounds like you’ll have to get yourself some custom decals and make them yourself. I’ve never heard of the railroad,nor have seen any hoppers in that road in HO.

Its not that hard to decal your own cars.Folks have been doing it for years,just take your time.

Patrick

Beaufort,SC

Dragon River Steel Corp {DRSC}

3

Thank You Patrick for the quick reply. I’m sure I will have to modify many parts of this railroad. Luckily I have some pics from the era. The Devco Railway was a part of Devco coal mines in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Growing up in a coal mining town (Glace Bay) in the 50s is the reason for this choice. I am still fascinated with coal trains. Again Thanks

4

Grab a few of your pictures, and visit Walthers’ and Athearn’s websites, compare the available hoppers to your pictures to find model that are close.

http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Freight&scale=H&manu=&item=&keywords=hopper&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search

http://www.athearn.com/Products/HO/Default.aspx

Most likely, as noted above, you will have to paint and decal the models you pick.

Tiger Valley offers kits of MLW diesels: http://www.lynnet.com/~tigervalley/default.htm

Have fun.

5

Thanks Nigel: I’ve checked many manufacturers websites and have come up empty. I happened to see an ad in June 2007 Model Railroader by Micro Trains. There is a hopper in the ad with Gifford Hill written on the side. That hopper is very close to the Devco hopper but when I went on Micro Trains website I couldn’t find the model. Maybe someone is familiar with Gifford Hill and could identify the hopper in the ad. I’m sure eventually We’ll come up with an answer. Thanks again.

6

Hello Yzer

One individual who frequents the forums from time to time is Bentnose Willie. He’s very knowlegable with regards to the CBNS and I dare say Devco. You may also want to contact Bill Linley, a gentleman with a great wealth of knowledge regarding Nova Scotia Railways. If he doesn’t know it, he will know someone who will. If you’re are interested let me know and I cn put you through to him.

As far as available rolling stock in Devco colours or Sydney and Louisburg colours, sorry but good luck as their ain’t any! However Microscale decals may have something available in those schemes and Maritime Hobbies in Halifax is a good source for those,Just ask for Mike.

There is also a MR Club in Sydney.

Regards

Fergie

7

Thanks Fergie: That’s great. I sure would like to get some insight from those guys. I realize I’ll have to have decals made up. Thanks again, Yzer