Equipment Standards
Given what I do for a living might expect that my entire freight car roster is made up of highly detailed, accurate models. As much as I might try, this is not yet the case. True, I have a number of the better detailed plastic kits from Branchline, Proto 2000, Red Caboose, Intermountain and others as well as a number of resin cars from Speedwitch, Sunshine Westerfield and Funaro and Camerlengo. Several of my cars are from Accurail, Bowser, Model Die Casting and Athearn, cast-on details and all. I make no excuses, I have a railroad to build! All of the cars have been at least been weathered, and many have had extra details added. As I build more of the highly detailed cars some of the older, less detailed cars come off the layout and find good homes elewhere.
Recently I have converted most of the rolling stock to "Code 88" semi-scale wheels and Kadee #58 couplers. The difference in appearance is dramatic, although trackwork and coupler heights need to be to slightly tighter standards than I might have started with! I also remove the "Air Hose" trip pins from the couplers, I think this looks better, and since I don't use magnets I have no need for them.
My locomotives are all detailed to match the prototypes. All are DCC equiped (I use MRC's Prodigy Advanced system) and most now have sound decoders installed. Click on the links below for some photos and more details.