Neil Schofield - CP in Vermont

An overall look at the main yard on Neil's layout.

Don Janes and I visited Neil Schofield's layout during the NERPM this spring. It was nice to see what he had competed since our last visit maybe two years ago. These views gives one a look at the rolling stock in the yard plus engines and cabooses in use. I really enjoy seeing how Neil weathers his cars up. Very realistic! More photos to follow in another post...George Dutka 

A nice variety of rolling stock. Taken with my cell phone.

Like the look of the CP International of Maine boxcar.

Throwback Thursday - GMDD Built Class 66 Locomotives

by Keith MacCauley 

For the second time while vacationing in the UK I heard the distinctive turbo-charged chant of a two cycle EMD prime mover. To my delight I was able to get decent photos of two GMDD London built Class 66 locomotives along with pan shots of another. Some details as follows. Officially a model JT42CWR, the Class 66 locomotive is configured as double cab, full width carbody. Powered by a twelve cylinder 710 prime mover developing 3,300 HP, the double ended DC locomotive features EMD’s patented self-steering trucks. Production of the Class 66 locomotives would commence in 1998 in London Ontario and, following the closure of the GMDD facility in 2012, conclude in 2016 from Muncie IN. In total some five-hundred were produced for the UK; through sales and acquisitions, operation of the British Class 66’s has spread into Europe.

Seemingly operating crew protection in Great Britain is not a priority; I did not even see evidence of an anti-climber on the pilots. I have to believe that there must be substantial collision posts positioned in front of the engineer’s and helper’s seats (not sure if they use the term ‘conductor’?).

GB Railfreight 66706 was built in 2001, Heavy Haul Rail 66418 was built in 2006, and Freightliner 66566 was delivered in 2002.

Wordless Wednesday No. 693

 

More NEB&W Papers

Do you remember the days when we looked forward for a new Berkshire Blab to be printed. There was a lot of interesting information in there and news on new kits. Hard to believe the offering and club is now gone.

I found these paper the other day when going through my Rutland Ry. papers...George Dutka

Green Mountain Divsion

The Green Mountain Division set in 1950's. Don Janes photo.

A view Don Janes posted on Friday on Facebook. I really like the view so am sharing it with you. It is in his Waterbury, Vt. scene...George Dutka  

NEB&W Boxcar

What came in my box of parts. A C&BT Shops offering.

I recently found my boxcar kit that I got second hand of a NEB&W model. It has some work already done to it but I have more to do. Another project for this fall or winter...George Dutka

Mine is numbered NEB&W 80775

More Ghost Signs!

Believe this one is Detroit.  

Here are a few more examples that might inspire you to try some old signs. Dave's Decals have a lot of interesting signs that can work like these views...George Dutka

Throw Back Thursday – CN Cabooses (1)

by Keith MacCauley

Somewhat difficult to believe that the caboose as the last car of a train has been absent from railroading for almost forty years. Granted regulatory approval in early 1988, Canadian railways embraced the transition from ‘van’ (Canadian for caboose) to EOT (End Of Train) device with enthusiasm. Some views of CN’s well known Pointe St. Charles caboose.

Wordless Wednesday No. 692

 

Available Now at Amazon

This view is of my Proof copy.

A tribute to Peter Mumby is now available through Amazon books. I only have the draft that I approved at the moment which is what this photo is of. Price is $25 Canadian and if you are a Prime member free shipping. They will also be available through Broughdale Hobbies maybe at a better price once my delivery comes through next weekend...George Dutka  

WOD Train Show

This coming weekend the WOD (Western Ontario Division-NMRA) is having their yearly train show in Breslau, Ontario. The train show has improved over the years with some nice clinics happening through the day and great door prize by ITLA a $400 value. Might be something to do next Sunday!...George Dutka

This and That - September 2026

An old gas station that might be something to model. I like the sign...could be an abandoned location.

Just a bit of extra's for you to look at...enjoy...George Dutka  

When I was posting about ghost sign's Kevin Smith sent me these to views of Wards Bakery in WRJ. I had forgotten about that location. Not sure if the signs remain. Will have to check the next time there.

The original photo has been on the blog  before but this is an evening view of the photo with smoke and backdrop added via AI. It does add a bit to the view. It took me three tries to get the smoke out of at least near the stack.

A weather beaten CN engine in London yard, Sept 9, 2026.

I asked AI to make a black ink drawing of photo from my layout. I think it did a good job with this one on the first try.

A True Line Trains boxcar I added air hoses, and uncoupling levers to. This side is more heavy weathered than the other side.

An old postcard of the CN Brantford, Ontario station.

This is a different look at the CN Paris, Ontario bridge from below. I have been very close to the bridge but never underneath. Facebook find.

Kip Grant in RMC

Our friend Kip Grant has this great article "Why not a Passenger Train" in the "current" September 2026 RMC...check it out...George Dutka

Throw Back Thursday – CN C-630M (1)

 

by Keith MacCauley

Some views of Canadian National’s burly Montreal Locomotive Works built C-630M’s from Peter Mumby and myself. Constructed in parallel with ongoing Alco production out of Schenectady in 1968, the ‘M’ suffix denoted their Canadian origin and application of a Canadian design truck. Seemingly a railfan favourite, given their checkered reliability, probably not an operating crew favourite.

Wordless Wednesday No. 691

 

Rutland Ry Caboose Views

Just a couple of shots in Bellows Falls of my new addition to the fleet. Still thinking of repaint the caboose...George Dutka   

New Haven Boxcar

NH 32764 a 40' boxcar is seen in Toronto, Ontario in 1956.

This photo came across my screen which is a Jim Parker photo. A nice overhead view when the car was pretty new...George Dutka  

Don Janes New Layout

This is a view from a month or so ago of what Don has done on his feed mill peninsula. All CP power here today. Don Janes photo.

Another view of the new module Don has built in his workshop. This area is almost complete as a peninsula which attaches to a shelf around the room layout. Tracks are beginning to be laid down along one wall...George Dutka

AI Photo Options

This is the photo that AI generated when I asked to change the background to Vermont scene, light the headlight, add smoke and an engineman. For some reason it liked the idea of two headlights so there is one up top also instead of the bell.

I spent a bit of time last Friday playing around with AI. It showed up as a link when I was saving a photo so I thought I would see what it was about. It probably was there for awhile, but I had not noticed it. An interesting option. I did make a couple of photos look different using it but then it stopped working unless I paid a monthly fee. Always a catch to things today. So here is what I got for free...George Dutka

The original photo I took. Quite the change for sure using AI.