Railroad Construction and Maintenance Equipment

I recently completed a "Railway Maintenance" area.  I was constantly taking my track cleaning cars on and off the railway.  I had a corner of the layout that needed "something" to fill the void.  So, I created a "Railway Maintenance" building.  (Granted this is for minor maintenance and acts as an occasional transfer station)   The track cleaning cars reminded me of the spraying equipment that I have seen railroads use to get rid of weeds and brush along the right of way.  And now I don't have to keep taking the cleaning cars in and out of their boxes!

Check out die-cast masters CAT M323F.  I'm very pleased with it.  Being 1:50 scale it doesn't fit on O track very well...but it's close.

I'm also waiting on the Lionel CSX tamper.

Very nice models. If you are going to use the Corman or Hulcher names, you will need to use colors other than blue. The blue color on the cage is used by Donahue Brothers, out of W.Va. Corman uses red as a secondary color on their machines. Hulcher just uses the Cat yellow on theirs. Also, due to heavier engines and cars, most derailment companies are using the bigger 583 Cat sidebooms, although a lot of 572's are still in service, as they are lighter to haul on the highway. Davis crane's derailment division is now using some Leibherr sidebooms. Corman has some JD sidebooms in their fleet now. However, Cat machines are still the main sideboom seen at derailments. Great work though, as those derailment sidebooms are heavily modified as you have done.

Jeff

AMF- Nice maintenance area.  That's cool that it does double duty, and probably reminds you to run the track cleaner.

A. Wells- Yes, I really like mine.  There is also the issue that O scale track doesn't scale out to be 56 1/2".   I will post some pics of the M323F and my NZG Liebherr 922 rail excavators.  The Lionel tamper is cool.

Mowingman - Thanks for the detailed info about the various companies and which machines they are running.  I didn't know about Donahue Brothers, I really like the blue on their machines.  I'm planning on a fictional rail and inland marine services company, which likely purchased the sidebooms used.   I understand that the 572 doesn't require all of the counterweights to be removed for hauling.  I have also seen them used for laying track panel and their original purpose of laying pipe.

I'd really like to see  detailed O scale section trucks, dump trucks, and material / tie trucks which could run on the track.

Here's some equipment at the Point of Rocks Tunnel back in 2015.

@ESPEE 8722

I see that you had mentioned the CAT M323F in your original post, I apologize.  I missed a great opportunity to take photos of a series of CSX rail maintenance equipment (as in rail parked) recently.  I have no idea what some of those machines do and have not seen any elsewhere.

I've bought several of the Diecast Masters CAT equipment pieces and I plan to buy about two or three more.  I've also bought several of the tractor trailer pieces as well for Intermodal staging.

Points of Rocks is an area I've wanted to model in the future.

A. Wells - No worries.  I have a few other DM CAT products and like them all.  I wish they made a standard US intermodal chassis.

Here are some pics of a CSX track gang which was parked on a siding for an electrical transformer yard not far from Point of Rocks in Doubs, MD again back in 2015.  I wish I knew what all of these did, but I bet models are available of all of them in HO.

Here is an NS track gang also from 2015 parked in Chatham, VA.

An interesting mix of equipment working on the CSX line near Brunswick, MD @Lander Rd.  2015 was a busy year for track maintenance. 

Anybody have info on the speeder? 

@ESPEE 8722 - Absolutely fantastic photos!  I've noticed that DieCast Masters is making more and more HO scale products.  I'm hoping to see some fork lifts in their offerings soon.

Check out the individual websites for the varoius derailment contractors. They often show photos of their different machines. There is Hulcher, Corman, Grace, Davis Crane, derailment div., Donahue Bros., Pat Baker Company, and others. There is also Cranemasters, who does not use sidebooms, but uses specially equipped cranes.

Jeff

A. Wells - Thanks for the props.

Mowingman - Thanks again for the info,  I will check out those companies, many of which are new to me.  A pair of the Cranemasters cranes would be nice in 1/48 or 1/50th. It looks like a pair can lift a locomotive.  I think it takes (4) large sidebooms to do the same.     

A few more photos from the same year, the CSX MOW mother-load at ACCA yard, Richmond.

I currently have a Cat 365B L Series II Excavator.  Other items on my wish list include: Cat D7E Track-Type Tractor, Peterbilt 579 Day Cab with Cat Mural trailer, Cat 980K Wheel Loader and Cat 242D Skid Steer Loader.

@ESPEE 8722 - I see a Cat CT660 Dump Truck in DM's Cat catalog (85290c).

A. Wells- Those all sound like something the railroad could use!  I like that the DCM stuff often comes with multiple tool attachments (see below).

As promised, here are the DCM CAT 323F and NZG Liebherr A922 rail excavators,  The tools shown with the CAT came with it (except for the tamper transport stand which I quickly made).  The Liebherr also included a yellow bucket similar to the one that came with the CAT.

BTW, these are all 1:50 scale.

Some more CAT / DCM for you including a 2590 track loader hauling tie plates, and a 320D excavator with chisel getting ready to scale some rocks!  The DCM equipment typically comes with an operator inside.

Norscot CAT 972K wheel loader.  The 980 must be a beast!

Ertl JD 310 back hoe.  Every MOW department needs at least one backhoe.

One of my favorite models of all time, I might even like it more than my Williams scale GG1.  This is a Sword Models Mack Granite Elliot Fuel / Lube truck.  It has tons of details and operating doors.  The last photo is of a smaller CSX Elliot Fuel / Lube truck at Point of Rocks in 2014. 

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

Norscot CAT 972K wheel loader.  The 980 must be a beast!

Maybe I'll just get the 972K instead of the 980 then.

Here is a Hiram Gradall XL 5200 tracked excavator and a photo of a similar XL 4100 rail model near the old Hershey Chocolate plant on the NS Lebanon Valley line in PA in 2014.

I keep trying to follow this thread and I automatically get removed.  Not sure why.  I'm ready to bite the bullet on a CAT 950H Wheel Loader and CAT 963K Track Loader.

You should check out DM's 71067 Dump Truck.  I may get that one.

Some BNSF track gang equipment near Coram, MT in 2016

What's with the mix of concrete ties and wood ties in photo #3?

Another interesting mix of MOW equipment in Alta Vista, VA in 2016.  I think that the short train with the Trackmobile was pouring a concrete retaining wall for the 2nd track between Gretna and Hurt, VA on the NS.

@A. Wells posted:

What's with the mix of concrete ties and wood ties in photo #3?

Ha. Didn't notice that.  I have no idea. 

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

Ha. Didn't notice that.  I have no idea.

Looks like a slow upgrade.  Ever fifth tie for starters.  I have heard this is actually not recommended. Something about the concrete ties being super stiff and the wooden ties having some "give" as you run over them causing a weird undulating feedback to the rolling stock.  Essentially you make everything bounce.  Definitely some neat equipment to look at though.

Here's a UP MOW train on the Tehachapi Loop back in 2016:

Notice how they use different ballast for the cement ties on the left verses the wood ties on the right.

Did someone said ballast?  If no one makes them, roll your own.,,

I think they were just finishing the second track (with concrete ties) when I was there.  Here is another shot looking the other way.

and a derailment at the bottom of the loop, between tunnels 9 and 10.

@CBS072 posted:

Did someone said ballast?  If no one makes them, roll your own.,,

Looks great!  Thanks for posting.

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

Norscot CAT 972K wheel loader.  The 980 must be a beast!

Indeed the 980 machine is a beast in real life.  When I worked at CAT, I learned how to operate this and several other of their machines.   The amount of power these machines have are amazing.  CAT is the premier manufacturer of construction equipment - hands down - bar none.

The Liebherr LTM-1050 3.1 is a 55 ton crane, being used here to unload and position some track panels.  The crane is by NZG Models, the trailer is a Sword Models East 48' flat bed.

@CBS072 posted:

Did someone said ballast?  If no one makes them, roll your own.,,

Great project Keith!   I see a couple in my future.   Did you start with a two bay hopper?  Anxious for more details.  Thanks for the post.

Cheers, Dave

@CBS072 posted:

Did someone said ballast?  If no one makes them, roll your own.,,

Do you know what ballast they use for cement ties?

@ESPEE 8722 - You're going to leave me that Sword flat bed in your Will, right?  I just got my Diecast Masters CAT items today!

@A. Wells - Sure, but it might be a while... In the meanwhile, the Weiss Brothers East step deck flat is pretty nice too.  I will get some pictures.  Please show us your new acquisitions.  Did you get the Western Star dump truck?  I like the white version with the red and blue paint (71034).

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

@A. Wells - Sure, but it might be a while... In the meanwhile, the Weiss Brothers East step deck flat is pretty nice too.  I will get some pictures.  Please show us your new acquisitions.  Did you get the Western Star dump truck?  I like the white version with the red and blue paint (71034).

I did not but it's on my list.  I have to pace myself with purchases now.   I have the boxes here and plan to make some time this evening to take photos.

SPEC CAST MODEL CON 014  1:50

@joe krasko posted:

SPEC CAST MODEL CON 014  1:50

Very cool, Joe. You happen to know what years Northwestern Engineering built that model? I can't seem to find any info.

Thanks, Jim

Here are some pictures of my MOW equipment

Here are photos of all but two of my Diecast Masters items:

@CNJ Jim posted:

Very cool, Joe. You happen to know what years Northwestern Engineering built that model? I can't seem to find any info.

Thanks, Jim

Jim...it's a model 25-D....1958-1974

@A. Wells posted:

Here are photos of all but two of my Diecast Masters items:

That's a very nice collection...the ripper on the 963 looks serious!  I like their container chassis. 

@francis bauer posted:

Here are some pictures of my MOW equipment

Very cool Francis, do you have any more info to share?  Are those scratch built?  The working lights are nice. 

@ESPEE 8722 - Not shown is the M323F and the very large 5110B Hydraulic Excavator.  I want to get more semi's...specifically Peterbilt 579 Day Cabs.  I'd like to attempt to make my own 53' container chassis as well.

The crew has started loading in the big crane.  Both trailers are Weiss Bros, including the East step deck with a section of boom and a Mirsberger utility trailer with crane mats.  The Weiss Bros step deck trailer is very similar to the flat deck Sword trailer, except the tool boxes don't open.  Also shown are a Sword Ford F250, DCM Volvo VNR 300 Cab, and Motorart JCB 456 wheel loader moving some rail spikes.

@A. Wells posted:

@ESPEE 8722 - Not shown is the M323F and the very large 5110B Hydraulic Excavator.  I want to get more semi's...specifically Peterbilt 579 Day Cabs.  I'd like to attempt to make my own 53' container chassis as well.

A 53' chassis would be excellent, it'd be nice to have something to load all my 53' Atlas O Maxi IV containers into.   A kit could be CNC'd from ABS and glued on a jig. I've seen from other posts that you have the CAD skills.

You will need some of these yard tractors for your container terminal.  The Capacity is by Tonkin, the Terberg is unbranded.

To finish up the East trailers, here is an East dump trailer with Pete 357 cab both by Sword. Lots of detail, the working bed cover is over the top (pun intended).

I think ballast would be too heavy for a trailer this size, maybe it would be loaded with sand or lightweight soil from an excavation?

There are some videos online of this type of trailer tipping over sideways when dumping.

Yep That's the plan...to CAD it up, do a resin print and use that to make a mold.  The problem lies in my lack of time.  I still work work.  It makes it hard to fully finalize some projects.  I like the Sword East Dump trailer, albeit I wouldn't be able to find much use for that on my layouts.  The wheels on it are exquisite though. A

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

To finish up the East trailers, here is an East dump trailer with Pete 357 cab both by Sword. Lots of detail, the working bed cover is over the top (pun intended).

I think ballast would be too heavy for a trailer this size, maybe it would be loaded with sand or lightweight soil from an excavation?

There are some videos online of this type of trailer tipping over sideways when dumping.

Yes, you could not fill this trailer anywhere near full of ballast, due to weight issues. However, ballast can be hauled in these trailers, and often is. You can only load the trailer about 1/3 - 1/2 full when hauling crushed ballast, due to highway weight limits. (FYI: I used to supervise a fleet of dump trucks and later owned one.) And yes, it is not all that hard to tip one over when dumping. It always made me nervous when dumping mine. Fortunately, unless frozen, ballast slides out pretty easily.

Jeff

@mowingman posted:

Yes, you could not fill this trailer anywhere near full of ballast, due to weight issues. However, ballast can be hauled in these trailers, and often is. You can only load the trailer about 1/3 - 1/2 full when hauling crushed ballast, due to highway weight limits. (FYI: I used to supervise a fleet of dump trucks and later owned one.) And yes, it is not all that hard to tip one over when dumping. It always made me nervous when dumping mine. Fortunately, unless frozen, ballast slides out pretty easily.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff! it's always nice to hear about real life experiences with this equipment.  Now I can load my trailer with some ballast.   

Here's a CAT 963D by Norscot, with a Holt root rake ready to clear some land for a new transloading facility. 

This Komatsu D51PX forestry dozer from First Gear is assisting with the land clearing.  The winch inspired me to find winch kits for my CAT 572s in the initial post. 

Here's a Norscot CAT D6K ready to regrade an industrial siding which will be put back into service.  The ripper will be needed to remove the kudzu which has grown over the previously abandoned siding.

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

A 53' chassis would be excellent, it'd be nice to have something to load all my 53' Atlas O Maxi IV containers into.   A kit could be CNC'd from ABS and glued on a jig. I've seen from other posts that you have the CAD skills.

You will need some of these yard tractors for your container terminal.  The Capacity is by Tonkin, the Terberg is unbranded.

I've been trying to make 53' trailers for these for a while.  Making the trailer part out of styrene is the easy part.  I have been unable to find wheel sets for the trailer.  Once you can source the wheels the rest is pretty straight forward.

@Bossman284 posted:

I've been trying to make 53' trailers for these for a while.  Making the trailer part out of styrene is the easy part.  I have been unable to find wheel sets for the trailer.  Once you can source the wheels the rest is pretty straight forward.

A lot of people, me included, would be interested in a 53' chassis as kits or completed models.  Did you look at Tekno? They make a lot of Euro truck parts in 1/50.  I've ordered some parts and loads from TruckMo and another seller in the UK before.

https://www.truckmo.com/en/tek...essories/tires-rims/

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

A lot of people, me included, would be interested in a 53' chassis as kits or completed models.  Did you look at Tekno? They make a lot of Euro truck parts in 1/50.  I've ordered some parts and loads from TruckMo and another seller in the UK before.

https://www.truckmo.com/en/tek...essories/tires-rims/

Same problem with the tires and rims.  I have some HO scale 53' chassis kits.  Loathe them.  I am interested in possibly using TPU material to make the tires.  That's a resin print, mold process.  The rims can easily be made from PLA or ABS.  But you have to have a model to start with.  I'll take a look at the UK site when I get some free time.

The engineers spec'd some riprap for erosion control at the industrial siding.  Here is a First Gear Kenworth T880 dump truck delivering a load.

A Norscot CAT 950H is loading the riprap into a pair of 2 railed MTH RK Diffco side dump cars for placement along the siding.

A Lionel tamper and speeder were spotted on a siding.

The crew is preparing to install some sheet piles to replace a bridge pier.  They are using a Conrad ABI hydraulic pile driver on Sennebogen SR35T chassis.  The Duha sheet piles arrived on a Lionel PS-4 flat car.

To assist with the project, a Hitachi Zaxis ZX250LC (unbranded) excavator was brought in on an RMT depressed flat car.

really nice stuff guys

more MOW pictures from layout

Is that the new lionel tamper?  I never got my preorder.

no, it's one of the first issued out  years ago

My tamper is circa 2004.

Testing out an NZG Grove SM4688 scissor lift for some upcoming bridge service work.

A Visit to the Buckingham Branch yard in Dilwyn, VA back in August 2014.  The last two photos are a tie treatment plant located nearby. 

Some shots of the locomotive service area and MoW cars at 30th Street Station in Philly in October 2019.  Has there ever been a Kasgro (KRL) "Red n' Ready" flat car available in O scale?

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

A Visit to the Buckingham Branch yard in Dilwyn, VA back in August 2014.  The last two photos are a tie treatment plant located nearby. 

Those BB's run near my house frequently.  Unfortunately, I've yet to identify a solid schedule to take videos.  I'm confused as to why they don't put their nice logo on the engines instead of the drab paint work they have now.  That GP7/9 is used for their excursions...of which I have yet to purchase a ticket.

Anthony

Yeah, I agree.   Here's a photo from Jan of 2021 in Charlottesville with the new logo with some side dump cars and a rapid discharge ballast hopper.  The logo is curiously small though, like an HO decal on an O scale loco.

Some MoW supplies at the Winchester and Western in Gore, Va back in March 2021.  The cat was very familiar with the stacks of rail and wheels, it must be good hunting.  I like these rural scenes because I probably have most of this stuff sitting around and it would be fairly simple to model this type of Class III MoW yard.

@ESPEE 8722 posted:

Yeah, I agree.   Here's a photo from Jan of 2021 in Charlottesville with the new logo with some side dump cars and a rapid discharge ballast hopper.  The logo is curiously small though, like an HO decal on an O scale loco.

They must use that consist often...I saw it last week...including the TTX boxcar on the end.  I didn't get a good look at the "side dump" cars until just now.

Since I have their logo in all it's glory on my computer, I should do a fantasy scheme and send it to them.  I assume those are GP-40's or GP-38-2's.

That might give them some good ideas.  The BB-1 is a GP7, BB-7 is a GP40.

Here are BB-8 and BB-3 in Doswell, VA back in Nov 2014.  Both are listed as GP16s.

They don't have to even paint their logo on the diesels.  They can do like trucking companies and get the large vinyl sheet appliques.  Of course that might present an issue when trying to open the access doors.

Good idea.  Metro did that maybe 5 years ago to update some old trains.  I wonder how it worked out for them.

The mechanic is checking the hydraulics on a used Norscot CAT 432D backhoe.  The service truck is an International Durastar by First Gear.  The backhoe came with an auger, chisel, boom and fork.

@darlander posted:

Great project Keith!   I see a couple in my future.   Did you start with a two bay hopper?  Anxious for more details.  Thanks for the post.

Cheers, Dave

Thanks Keith as you have inspired me and I'm in the process of building two ballast hoppers.   I purchase a couple of Weaver two bay hoppers on eBay for the project and have finished the demolition phase.   I'm now ready to build the drop chutes.   I have also completed the ballast loads for the cars.  Happy to share a few pic of the process so far!

My Canvas:

My target:

Demolition with a little help from a radio arm saw:

Clean up with 60 and 80 grit sanding blocks:

Ready for the building of the shoots:

Ballast loads are finished:

Love a new project!!   Will post again when finished!

Cheers, Dave

Completed the Hart ballast hoppers.    

Cheers, Dave

@darlander posted:

Completed the Hart ballast hoppers.    

Those look great, let me know when you are taking orders....

Here's a preview of a rail construction yard diorama I"m working on with a Diecast Promotions 1/50 Chevy Silverado. 

Jet power snow blower.   A newly purchased jet powered snow blower has arrived and has been set out on Danlilu siding on the Mountain Division where it will wait to be called on for winter storms.

Some very nice die cast being used in MOW service along with some very nice MOW rolling stock.

Darlender, any photos of chute fabrication?

BIG HOOK in action.

@coach joe posted:

Some very nice die cast being used in MOW service along with some very nice MOW rolling stock.

Darlender, any photos of chute fabrication?

Coach Joe, sorry for the delay with my response. We have recently returned from a Canada and  northwestern US road trip and I have been away from my computer for most of that time. It was just today that I noticed your request for more pictures of the build. I was able to use materials that I had on hand so I do not have all the styrene/copper stock numbers used for the chutes.

The bones of the build are Weaver 2 bay offset hoppers. The drop  chutes are scale 6.5 feet long, 2.5 feet wide and 2 feet high.   Hope that the following pictures tell the story:

Cheers, Dave

@darlander posted:

Coach Joe, sorry for the delay with my response. We have recently returned from a Canada and  northwestern US road trip and I have been away from my computer for most of that time. It was just today that I noticed your request for more pictures of the build. I was able to use materials that I had on hand so I do not have all the styrene/copper stock numbers used for the shoots.

The bones of the build are Weaver 2 bay offset hoppers. The drop  shoots are scale 6.5 feet long, 2.5 feet wide and 2 feet high.   Hope that the following pictures tell the story:

Cheers, Dave

Thank you for the progress photos.  I have a better understanding and see more of the details in the unpainted versions.

                                                          1960'S ERA...

While visiting Cajon Pass yesterday, my friend took me to Colton, CA to see a derailed UP SD40-2.  Near the Colton yard was a GATX car cleaning and repair center.