For those that have read my blogs, I am modeling the early Illinois Terminal, or the Illinois Traction as it was known before the 1930's.  My next project is recreate the early drop bottom gondola hoppers that the Illinois traction had as shown in this photo below courtesy of Mike Fourtney's collection. Specifically it is car 3065 in the foreground.  The Illinois Traction Company had about 300 of these I think.  

Hi

ok gang i need some help.  I just bought a couple engines on facebook and need help identifing one of them.

It is an sd-9 loco in prr paint scheme.  I know it has sound because it works fine however it will not move.  When I opened it up there was a board I was not familiar with and 3 lights on the inside.  2 amber lights for the headlights and one yellow one kinda in the cab area.  The board has a bunch of plugs in it for vairous wire groupings, and has a big capacitor also incorporated in it.

Hi all,

I am looking at some detail parts for some F units i need to work on (HO scale). Since i have not seen the parts in person and i only got access to what i see from webshops/listings, i would very much appreciate your feedback and suggestions on casting quality / thickness etc... if you have worked with them or saw them in person.