Every once in a while in my 35 years of attending York I find something that I felt would be so hard to find that I don't even bother looking for it. That happened this year. Though I model the PRR, I like the anthracite roads, and have at least one consist for each of them, including the Lehigh Valley. Years ago, I bought the initial release of the two red LV C-420's. I upgraded the traditional version to TMCC and ran the two together. A few years later, they released the gray and yellow version, and I added that to the consist as well. Then, about three years ago, they re-ran the red version, including a non-powered unit. For some reason, I never ordered the non-powered units, which are typically manufactured in tiny numbers (perhaps 15-25?). I came to regret my decision, and never saw any floating around at trains shows or advertised anywhere.
Wouldn't you know, Charlie Ro had not one, but TWO of them, including one in a factory sealed box at a very reasonable price. Charlie was standing right there and without hesitation, I said "I'll take it!". So here's a photo of the whole consist sitting on the long straightaway on my layout between Granville Road and Mattawana. The non-powered unit is the second one in the consist, cab number 414. I was just thrilled to find this engine, and it made for one of the most satisfying York meets I've had in a long time!
