Hello everyone, I have kind of a different question and thought I would get some input from my fellow “prototype” modelers out there. I’m in the middle of working on my average size (12’ x 15’) L-shaped layout, covering the Detroit, Michigan area Grand Trunk Western line. Already through design, benchwork, and trackwork, its not the easiest thing trying to be true to the accuracy of the line, but its a fairly good representation. Anyway, I recently purchased the Bachmann Dynamis DCC system, which is a great system by the way, and along with it I was given a free diesel locomotive…an undecorated SD-45. Upon researching the GTW roster, I discovered that they never used the SD-45. My plan was to paint and decal it as a member of my GTW line. But I also want to be true to the “prototype” if possible. So, I would appreciate any thoughts the prototype community has about this?..should I go with GTW anyway?..should I model it after another particular roadname?..if so, which one.
Hello “gtw,” I wouldn’t presume to say what you should do in following your favorite prototype, but I can tell you how I approach this question for myself. I don’t want to run any locomotives on my layout that the Santa Fe or Union Pacific wasn’t using in Southern California in 1947. I find that knowing what locomotives those were and how they were used is a big part of the fun of prototype modeling, so anything that doesn’t fit into that framework would detract from my enjoyment. So long, Andy
I would go with a PRR, EL or N&W (you’d have to “high hood” it) which would be likely interchange partners with the GTW. It could come through on a run through train from the other railroad. The RDG, CB&Q,CNW, SP and UP also used SD45’s but didn’t really connect directly.
This is my take on the question: the hobby is meant to be fun and exciting for each of us. What each of us finds exciting and fun is self-determined. When we determine a new direction, or wish to incorporate new understanding, that becomes part of our fun. What it boils down to here is: do you really want one of those engines, or do you want to be prototypical for your main railroad? Could your main road have leased such a unit…ever?
Could you do as I do and have two, maybe even three roads that you model in rotation? If your layout is largely freelanced, but you have an intense interest in one railroad, you are likely to have engines pertaining to that railroad. Alternatively, if you were to develop an interest in a second railroad, you can always swap out the rolling stock, even some industries, and the engines to spend a month or so playing with the second “set”. Would that be “fun” for you? More “fun” than foregoing the SD-45?
It really is a personal decision. I find that one’s approach and interests are evolutionary as time passes. I have just purchased two Santa Fe warbonnet SD75M’s because I really like the look. But, I am a die-hard steam nut. Still, I change.
My freelance N Scale CB&T is a paper railroad own by the CSX and NS…The CB&T has no locomotives or cars.Locomotives are furnish by CSX and NS on a monthly rotating bases.Empty CSX and NS freight cars are supplied according to the customers needs…
CB&T has it own operating crew and a small yard office.
The CB&T is a 14 mile urban industrial branch railroad that serves 12 customers.It also has a dormant 5 block branch line that served a now closed paint manufacturer…
How the CB&T came into exsistance is simple…I couldn’t make up my mind if I wanted to model CSX or NS…Now I can have both…[tup]
Or I can use my C&HV GP9s if the mood its…See how it works?
Along with the PRR you could go PC. The Ford plants were served by all these roads in the Detroit Area and the yards could find GTW, PC and DT&I power.
I just want to thank everyone for your input. You’ve given me a lot of great suggestions. I happen to live in the Detroit area, so I get to see GTW, Conrail, Norfolk Southern quite a bit around here. I’m thinking about painting the SD-45 as a Conrail version. From what I can tell, they cross paths within Detroit somewhere…just not sure if you ever see them together in a consist.
Again, thanks for all of the comments. Keep’em coming if you have anything else to suggest.
One other option would be to trade it to someone for a GTW prototype engine that you don’t have. That way you could add to your roster at no cost. just make sure it is a fair trade in both directions.
In the last couple of decades, things like “run-thru” trains and engines working off time on other roads is so common that any engine can be seen just about anywhere it seems !! Here in Minneapolis / St. Paul MN we see a lot of Norfolk Southern engines coming in on coal trains for example, nearest NS track is…well, Chicago I’d guess?? I’ve photographed Grand Trunk engines in Minneapolis too.
Don’t forget too that since NAFTA, CN and CP engines are common in the US too.
I would go towards the demonstrator. I’m sure if you looked GTW would have at least tried an SD-45, I would say even more likely if they did run SD-40’s. Plus then if you build another layout down the road or something it can go with it as it’s a demonstrator unit and tied to any particular rail road. But don’t feel bad, my original plan was to freelance a shortline using ALCo engines only, that’s changing real fast lol. So far it’s a GP9 and eventually will have a U23 added to it. Neither by ALCo. Ugh, then again I was going to run an F-M H15/16 as they are my favorit designed engine (I like the round windows) so I might end up squeezing a lot of different motive power in my roster. Just made your situation seem less confusing didn’t I.
hello gtw1969, I am also modeling the CN/GTW in HO. I’m located near Port Huron so I see motive power as diverse as CN, GTW, UP!, BNSF, NS, even saw a really ratty looking Illinois Central unit once. I see all of the above in mixed consists and CSX occasionally hauling chemical tankers to plants on the South side of Marysville. I’m sure at least one of these RR’s used SD45s and you could choose a livery you like.
Hi Gerry,
I agree with you…I also have seen quite a few roadnames come through here. Those you listed, plus Norfolk Southern, Canadian Pacific. I’ve decided to make my SD-45 a Conrail. I’m modeling the Hamtramck freight yard, where GTW and Conrail converge. From there, GTW heads up to Port Huron by you, and Conrail heads up to Utica. I’m also modeling the Detroit River Tunnel, which has all of the roadnames mentioned going through there. My motive power is building up…(2) GTW GP40-2’s, (2) SD-45’s (One already painted in the Conrail scheme), and (2) hand-me-down Chessie System SD-40’s. Good luck with your GTW/CN L/O…post some pics!..I’ll do the same.
