A month or so ago, I became aware of the impending closure
of a very impressive NSWGR HO scale layout because the owner had decided to branch out into bigger and better things. His decision provided the opportunity to
reallocate a few items of rolling stock to Philip’s Creek. With an appropriate
transfer fee agreed, these items are either now in-service or undergoing
refurbishment. Each is intended to supplement particular capabilities at
Philip’s Creek.
The first is an unpowered Trainorama 44 class that will
provide a double-heading capability
without worrying about setting up consists on the Powercab. It has been
nicely weathered and has already entered service working with 4473. It will also run with the
other mainline Alcos in the fleet (4512 and 44222). I had
contemplated purchasing one of these when they were initially released but for
one reason or another didn’t go through with it. Unusually, that earlier lassitude on my part has had a positive outcome.
The other three transferees are intended to expand the passenger services that currently pass through Philip’s Creek. Two of these, a Lima TAM sleeping car and a Powerline FS carriage, will be added to the mail train consist, while the FO will increase the capacity of the local passenger service.
All three carriages were in 'close to original' condition and
consequently, I have commenced a few modifications to align them to the
current passenger fleet. Primarily, this involves the addition of malthoid
roofs and interior detail.
While the photo opposite looks more like a model of a
wrecker's yard, it's actually showing two of the carriages in their current state of
refurbishment.
Of the three, the most extensive modifications involve
the TAM. It is also the only one of the three carriage types that I have not
modified previously. Fortunately, a number of articles from AMRM provided
guidance. To bring the carriage into my time period, the crown lights above the
windows had to go and I purchased an interior from the Old Dog Model Railway
range. The roof is currently undergoing its malthoid aka masking tape treatment
with replacement vents and wheels from Hobbyland at Hornsby. Painting and
weathering will follow.
Interiors for the FO and FS carriages are on order from the same manufacturer. These carriages will be finished over the next few months as time permits and then pressed
into service.
While these additions will probably finalise the mail train
consist, the local passenger service will continue to grow by a few more FO, as and when
they can be purchased.
