Benson, Arkansas

[broadoak]

It was fun Cheshire Lines I must admit, but I no longer model the American scene, all the models have been sold.
I thought 25 years was enough so I now model an imaginary GWR branch line. Also I run my narrow gauge railway Two Sisters, Oh and fiddle with a test track.

Kind regards Peter M

[broadoak]

A Rock Island SW1500 #942, one of ten, in the livery it carried when first purchased from EMD is seen switching an ATSF covered hopper in the back siding at Colonel's Crossing.
These locomotives had the optional Flexicoil trucks and due to their high tractive effort made then useful as transfer power and ultimately as slug control units.
The model is the more expensive well detailed but fragile later Athearns.



A dark blue pick up truck takes a chance and nips across the grade Crossing while a switching move is in progress.

It would seem you get idiots on models as well as in real life.

Peter M

[broadoak]

The Rock Island virtually invented the road switcher with the Alco RS1. It is a concept that today dominates the industry.
It began simply enough with a request to Alco for a 1000 hp switcher on a lengthened frame with road trucks and room for a short hood behind the cab. The engine end being considered the front, as per switcher practice.
The first unit called an RS1 for road/switch 1, was delivered in March 1941, followed before the outbreak of war (for America) by three more.
The original four were requisitioned by the War Department for urgent use overseas.
My version is lettered for the Talbot Valley Rail Road and is an Atlas model and I rather like her.
She is seen shuffling cars around the yards at Benson.
 






Peter M

[broadoak]

A Rock Island EMD SW9 end cab yard switcher arriving at Benson with a mixed freight train.
The model is a detailed blue box job, which I bought as an un-decorated model then spray painted it and added details and decals.

Peter M

[broadoak]

With this selection of pictures we come a little more up to date with a DRGW EMD GP60 #3154, she was used for the Ski Train during the 96-97 season. She is seen arriving at Benson with a short mixed train consisting of empty covered hoppers and an empty boxcar for specially cut lumber. Then a few more shots of the locomotive itself.











Peter M

[broadoak]

A chop nose Rock Island GP9 1750 HP seen on the joining section between Benson and Colonel’s Crossing with a train of pulpwood flats.
A Lifelike model if I remember correctly.
Then again arriving at Benson with a train of covered hoppers in tow.











Finally in the yard at Benson with a Rock Island Yard switcher wearing a coat of bankruptcy blue.


Peter M

[broadoak]

An Alco RS1 belonging to the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad known as the Suzy Q, an Atlas model belonging to Andy Knott who also took the photographs on a visit to Benson.







Peter M

[broadoak]

A couple more pictures of the two SP F units on a recent visit. I think they are a very elegant looking machine to my eye. The loco on the left in the first picture is the Baldwin S12 yard switcher.





Peter M

[broadoak]

The model featured this time is a Mopac EMD SW1200 end cab switcher made from an early Athearn BB kit with added details. I know the fuel tank is not quite right it should extend downwards and outwards more. Also I have now seen a colour photograph of an actual Mopac switcher and the trucks on some examples at least are the same colour as the body. I’ve been told by an American modeller that the decals used are not very good but they look OK to me.
I have gone back in time as well in order to use some freight cars with roof walks that don't often get an airing. I bought these years ago when I first got into modelling the American scene. They are a mix of Bachmann ready made and Athearn shake the box kits.
It is assumed the SW1200 brought the train in from Pine Bluff via the SP interchange.







Peter M

[broadoak]

A Rock Island GP18 in the yard at Benson, these were similar to the GP7 and GP9 but with a number of improvements. A well detailed Lifelike model.

Peter M