U30C #432

I ran across an Atlas Master U30C at a swap meet back in February. The previous owner had removed the original dual-mode decoder and put this unit on the back burner with the intentions of making it an C&O unit in the future. He decided to part with for a fair price and I made a home for it. Like the few other six-axle locomotives on the KY&N roster, the U30C was issued a 400-series number and a basic Digitrax decoder. Being a former BN unit, the strobe was removed and the air horn relocated to the engineer's side of the cab. I also added a side-mount bell to the long hood and a standard firecracker antenna. The locomotive was given an even coat of KY&N Hunter Green and the yellow striping and letters were applied. I expect to pair this with an Atlas SD35 and use it regularly in the coal fields on the Terminal Subdivision between Wheeling, WV and Charleston, WV.

October Update

Lots of changes since my last update in July, I started a new job on 7/31. It currently requires more travel than the previous job, so layout building has come to a crawl. However, I have been able to work on rolling stock while on the road.

First up are 2 Bay Offset Side hoppers from Atlas. KY&N #4152 is an H13b hopper that was part of an order of 700 built during the Summer of 1941. KY&N #14297 is an H13c hopper that was part of an order of 300 built during the Spring of 1945.

Inspired by the Southern Rilway's program of rebuilding 50' boxcars into TOFC flatcars, I built a 40' version for the KY&N out of extra parts in a parts bin. This is based on a Roundhouse diecast boxcar underframe, with Branchline brake components, A-Line grab irons, Details West TOFC hitch stand and Evergreen styrene strips. With sideswipe damage, this car is has obviously had a rough life. This will be KY&N 25290 when complete.

When I reconfigured the layout in June, I kept three sections from the original layout I started nearly 2 years ago. One of the weaknesses of the design was the inadequate length of the yard lead. I was left with two options; 1) extend the current yard lead but waste a significant amount of scenic space, or 2) install a new turnout and new yard lead. I chose the latter option and installed a #6 hand built turnout to allow the new lead to parallel the main tracks at the east side of Charleston. The yard crew should be able to grab a cut of 25 cars and clear the first yard switch, if neccesary, with this adjustment.