A long-awaited arrival

 Thanks to efforts by Rapido Trains in conjunction with the Conrail Historical Society, HO scale Conrail modelers now have access to the dedicated locomotives of one of the most legendary of Conrail trains:  the E8A locomotives that served on the Office Car Special!

These three locomotives were of PRR and Erie lineage.  The 4022 came to Conrail from Erie Lackawanna in 1976, while both the 4020 and 4021 went from PRR to PC but then to Amtrak in 1971, and so were not on Conrail's initial roster.  In 1983, Amtrak was in need of switchers, and so organized a trade with Conrail where Amtrak would receive 4 switchers in exchange for two E units.  Conrail rebuilt all three for service on the famed Office Car Special, the 'OCS' that every Conrail fan hoped to see.  A train of customized business cars trailed them on the prototype, and custom car sides are soon to be available for those looking to create a faithful model of the train.  

For now, the engines will suffice - it's a big start on the way to doing the whole train.  The only small omission for this run is that the class lights come able to lit, but only white - when Conrail more commonly used the red.  I removed the shell and it turned out with a bit of Tamiya Clear Red enamel paint I could create the red lights.  

You can see the small red rectangles where I painted the light tubes.  Also painted was the back of the lenses in the E units.  

Now, F11 creates a scene that many Conrail guys remembered from when the OCS would overnight near their favorite spot:

While the OC will not see the OCS pass at every session, it will soon be able to see it sometimes, adding to the fun of an operating session.  We are on the way with these beautiful new E8's!

Yard Book has arrived!

 I am thrilled to announce that my second published book has arrived!  It is a thrill to hold in my hands, with a nice glossy cover full of bright colors and a beautiful layout inside.

Thanks to Kristen for the photo, with the book featured in front of the yard that inspired it.  What a pleasure!  These works are an incredible amount of work to create but really do have lasting power.  Here is hoping that this title inspires people like the books before have inspired me.  

If you'd like a copy, they are in stock now at the publisher:  https://shop.trains.com/collections/books-dvds/products/designing-operating-yards

It will also be available at stores soon and at Amazon.com.  Pete was very excited to open the package with me!

Thank you all for your support and for following along with this remarkable journey.

Life, imitating art

Working with the NJ TRANSIT Heritage Committee has been a wonderfully rewarding experience.  Despite considerable odds, there is enough great energy and executive support to allow the committee to continue its work in honoring the past and the veterans of railroads that worked so hard to create NJ TRANSIT as we know it today.  

This year's creation, revealed officially to the employees of the railroad at the annual Family Day celebration at the Meadows Maintenance Complex:  GP40PH-2B 4208, redecorated in full Conrail paint.  Conrail was the direct corporate predecessor of NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations and was the designated operator of commuter trains in New Jersey from Conrail's 'day one' on April 1, 1976 through January 1, 1983.   

This was a months-long project to restore the exterior of the locomotive, design a paint scheme, and work with the mechanical groups to bring it to reality.  Work was completed in the enginehouse at Hoboken Terminal by employees charged with maintaining equipment.  

Nearing completion in the shops at Hoboken.  Check out the quality of the paintwork and masking!

The Heritage Committee team responsible for project delivery.  

Family Day is always a great experience, but when three of our GP40P heritage projects are together, it is extra special!  

4208 was a special collaboration with the passionate crowd of people that are interested in Conrail.  Because many of us remember it, there is a special tangibility to this scheme.  Brett Jones is the reason we have a proper horn for 4208 - an RS3L from his collection.  

DemClams with 4208 ahead of the opening of Family Day, where they will help out this year for the first time.  

NJT President Kevin Corbett was present, and invited Conrail Shared Assets President Brian Gorton to share in the initial presentations.  Brian and Kevin smiled a lot, and shared some time on the locomotive in honor of the close relationship between NJ TRANSIT and Conrail, even today.  

Brian and Kevin on the 4208, with the T shirts I designed for the occasion!

Conrail's era on NJT included painting former Conrail engines, now assigned to commuter service funded by the NJ Department of Transportation.  The 4101, which was completed in 2022, shares a frame with 4208.  I have always loved the clean lines of the EMD hood units.

The biggest privilege is sharing these accomplishments with my family, whose support and enthusiasm allows me to spend so much effort on the projects.  We once again have created a lasting tribute that will bring smiles for many.  Watch for the 4208 to hit the lines in revenue service starting this fall!