Received a package Tuesday containing an MTH Alco UP C628. It’s a Railking scale engine with photo sound 2.0 and new in the box. I found it using MTH’s product locator and was surprised, happy, and a bit lucky to find one available since this locomotive in UP livery was released December of 2002. This model has been resting on the shelf for the past 18 years.
In 1973 the Missabe was looking for motive power to help handle the upturn in taconite shipment brought on by an improved economy. The DM&IR was a big supporter of Electro-Motive Division power but they could not deliver new locomotives until 1975. So, the Missabe went searching for a temporary solution and found ten Union Pacific 6 axle Century series Alco C-630’s that were in good shape and reasonably priced. They kept the basic livery colors, painted out the UP markings, blocked out the first number of their original four digit designations, and added simple block letters here and there, to identify the new owner as, the DMIR. I have always liked the look of the UP and it’s massive locomotives, and now I have a good reason to see it on my layout. I fondly remember, as a youngster, traveling out west to Denver and occasionally chasing some big steam along the route. It's now lashed up to assist my two SD24’s, one of which is non-powered.
The #2901 will become DMIR #901. I have some detail parts on order, need to find some maroon alphabet decals or dry transfers, add foot boards to the pilots, and move the horn back over the roof vents (DMIR placed them there to prevent them from freezing up in winter). I also plan to convert it to a C630. This will require some fabrication/modification to the venting on the hood bulge, just south of the cab. For now, it will run as a C628. Nice to have a new project in the wings!
In the meantime, everyone keep on posting, good health to all, wash your hands, don't touch your face and stay on TRACK (of course, that means all 3 rails!).
Cheers, Dave
PS: Another great diversion to help weather this storm: Visit the Lake Superior train museum, one of my happy places:
https://www.youtube.com/playli...CSI4bn_W7nWrhgXlwtLu
They have produced over 60, 5+ minute vignettes highlighting the history of railroading in the north country of middle America. Enjoy!!!
