I bought a BLI old time inspection ca(Milw Road) last week, and a new BNSF GP39-2 this week end at a local train show. I had the GP39-2 pulling a 17 car ‘Ethanol Express’ train, with the hi-rail inspection car ‘leading’ it by about 12-15 inches. Lot’s of amused ‘looks’ - if the inspection car stalled on a turnout, it would be a ‘bump’ from the GP39-2 and get a little way ahead of the ethanol train again!
I was able to put about 2 hours of ‘break-in’ time on each of them. I have been thinking about picking up the BLI hi-rail pickup trucks & using it in operating sessions when one of the two mains are ‘out of service’ for track work. It is rather amazing how well these hi-rail vehicles run, and they have 3 function outputs in their NCE decoder.
Jim
I had to actually go to BLI’s website to see what a hi-rail inspection car was. They DO look interesting. Have you weathered yours, yet? Would like to see pics if you have any.
Sounds as if you had a good time.
I wonder how many ‘freight only’ operators have considered running a hi-railer ahead of the occasional excursion passenger train - or all alone after a big natural event in their modeled world (earthquake, gully-washer rainstorm, tornado…) Could add a lot to the modeled ambiance.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Jim,
Sounds like that was a fun time!
Thank you for sharing the info on the other Fx on the decoder!
I have the DC’s & put one of the DCC units on order for a kitbash & will add some Functioned LEDs.
Appreciate the tip!
All, I know that BC Rail used to run a Speeder ahead of the trains to detect obstruction & other dangers at one time. So that type of operation is a prototypical practice on some roads & timelines, & not inconceivable.