Sunday, November 28, 2010

New micro LED's




These new LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) are super-small. They were installed as HO scale truck headlights. I think they look pretty good. They sell for about 20 cents each. The uses are endless. The picture with the penny compares

the size. It took about an hour to solder wires on the first one.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Zephyrs detour on the Santa Fe pacific



A special DRGW passenger train was ran on the Santa fe Pacific this July. The local railfans told us that it was chartered by a wealthy Los Angeles couple named Paul and Patti D AKA world famous "P Daddy". We met Paul at the Wasatch Tower yard office where a crew change was made. The train consist was a F-7 set, baggage car and a dome observation. The baggage car was reportly for Mrs. D's extensive Red Hat collection. Paul told us he also hired the renowed Chef Giada to cook for them. The trip was taking them from Salt Lake City to Chicago to visit their daughter. Paul, a huge baseball fan, would take in some baseball games at Wrigley field. We said our goodbyes and told Paul we would chase the train through the city. left: The beautiful dome car. below the train leaves Wasatch Tower.














The train heads east near Utah Oil













Great shot of the train at DRGW Jct.














We wave goodbye to Paul and Patty hoping they
enjoy their dinner and trip.




Saturday, March 13, 2010

Cats and trains




Ozzy the cat investigating the staging yard. Our cat "B" on the layout. Although not condoned this sometimes happens. The cats like to spend time with me in the layout room.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

West Green River


The 5693 waits at West Green River. The Athern model SD45-2 is weathered with acrylics.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Santa Fe caboose


This Santa Fe caboose photo was taken by my friend and fellow conductor Steve Phares. It was taken in the mid to late 1960's. Note the marker lights and the wire running towards the door. Steve said that the conductor would bring them to work and hang them. They were not standard Santa fe equipment. Also note the smoke coming out of the vent on the roof, on this cold California day.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Turbo Sauger





This is the Turbosauger vacuum device. It works on Dcc. The dirt in the chamber is one trip around a 265 foot mainline about once every 2 months. Note the brush to help pick up loose ballast etc. It is pulled around the layout with a locomotive. It is also easily cleaned out, just remove the elbow and dump the chamber.