Always looking for the differnt rolling stock I saw a steam era jet blower being used in Colorado and want one in my collection . Thought I saw them all but these are unique as the devil ! Need any and all links to pics or details of how to acqire one or build one .
I don’t know of any available models for these. They seem to be one-of-a-kind creations.
Penn Central had a couple–there’s at least one in the back of the PC freight and passenger car color guide. Here are some photos of one of them:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/pc/pc-x27155.jpg
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/pc/pc-x27155a.jpg
This looks like it could be kitbashed by cutting down a caboose, and using Cannon & Co locomotive doors on the ‘blower’ part…which could be scratchbuilt from styrene tube.
Steam Jet Blower? Do you mean rotary snow plow?
David
I did’nt think there would be a kit but hoped . Yep and thanks millions – I could only find modern era pics to go by . I’m into only steam era and know of no snow jets owned by any detailer or collector I have ever seen ! Maybe even cutting down and reworking a work caboose or crane tender ??
There were rotary snow throwers - There were mainly used on the main lines to cut through large drifts. These have been around since the 1880’s for sure(I believe Cooke was an early builder). There are still example operating now(usually powered by electricity generated from an engine).
There are are also jet powered units that blow down at the track and many times are used in yard/terminal areas. I suspect some of these have surplus military jet turbines. IIRC, the Milwaukee had one of these jet powered units. These units were created in the 50/60’s so I doubt one would see one in the steam era. Which kind are you talking about?
Jim
I remember something about Amtrak cutting a GG1 in half and using it for snow removal. Hmm, maybe that’s a use for my IHC GG1…
Cheers!
~METRO
No — this was a special on cable of a steam railroad over the mountains in Colorado . It was using all their vintage engine and rolling stock. They had this vintage steam jet/blower and were steaming the ice off the tracks with it . Off the main front tube was a metal and canvas looking snout down very close to the tracks . They released the steam down this – as it was shown actually blasting the ice and snow away with steam. My wife would’nt shut up long enough for me to hear the railway ! I was jumping around in my chair thinking of grabbing my old sock and stuffing it —LOL . NO IT WAS ALL STEAM ! Looked like it was --and after looking at the pics my buddy emdgp92 here gave me-- built from a work caboose which I will build mine from — a smoking work caboose . Of course also adding lighting if it does’nt have it . Can’t wait until I start scratchbuilding and super detailing my engine and cars ---- am way behind — keep finding more to do and the list gets longer and have’nt started ! Another thought just hit me – am going to try to blow the smoke down the tube to represent the steam on the original ! WOW !!!
Amtrak also had a rather unique “snow melter” made out of 1/2 of a GG1
-George
A REAL JET Snow Blower, Metro North Commuter Railroad (NY City)
I can only imagine what this steam blower looked like. Probbaly liek one of Dr Loveless’s inventions on Wild Wild West.
The more modern ones with jet engines are insane. I’ve never seen one operate in person, but I assume they must be LOUD.
–Randy
It looked like a wood work caboose refitted --old – beautiful in my eyes – it surely was made up by that line . Worked great … guy with video camera got a real closeup of the ice being melted/blown off the tracks . The engine was very vintage and small maybe a 2-4-2 or smaller . I was trying to absorb every second of the car details and try to hear which railroad but as I said before my wife kept blabbing loudly to my son and I missed it ! They’re still using it today . She’s tattered and worn but that makes her even more beautiful to me . The wood was old and very rough and metal was rusty . My dream ! [:-^]
Any chance you could contact the cable TV channel that broadcast that video, and get more info from them? Maybe then you could find out what railroad its on…
The caboose or the Mrs?
I’ve been prouling around for awhile. I’m pretty quiet, mainly cause I don’t have much to contribute. I did find one pic of a modern day snow jet in action. So enjoy.
They are extremely loud. Even in my tower, several hundred yards away, our snow jet is load. It also has a tendency to set the ties on fire.
Nick
As “The Mask” says - “Smokin’”!
Any chance of some pics??? Please??? [8D]
Do you mean something like this?
CV464,
To display a photo, put [ and img] before the link. then [/ and img] at the end of the link, no spaces and without the “and”.
No — look at pictures posted by emdgp92 – more like those .