BurlingtonNorthern
New Member
I always enjoy attempting to create exact copies of specific prototypes when creating both specific model trains, structures, etc., as well as entire scenes.
However, since I enjoy creating unique pieces of equipment I find myself running into situations where a model would look unrealistic despite being a perfect copy of the prototype.
The perfect examples of this are Burlington Northern numbers 1, 2, & 3.
According to Paul Schneider in “Burlington Northern Diesel Locomotives”, BN 1,2,& 3 are GE 44-tonners which were acquired from the CB&Q during the merger which were never repainted but had their recording marks changed from CB&Q to BN and were numbered 1,2, & 3 (all of this is confirmed in photos in the book). The book then goes on to say that all three locos continued to work together in the same yard until they were retired.
http://www.mugii.com/john/Pictures/SE_Iowa_1970s/BN GE 44 Tonner 3.2.jpg
http://www.mugii.com/john/Pictures/SE_Iowa_1970s/BN GE 44 Tonner 3.jpg
I’ve already constructed BN #1 from a River Raisin model and have long wanted to construct one of its twins.
However, each time I go to buy the model to create this second model, a little voice in my head tells me that, despite the fact that this occurred regularly on the prototype, it would look entirely unrealistic to have two of these locos running together (I already get enough questions about the “realisticness” of BN #1).
Do any of you find that you have similar misgivings about constructing a unique (but still very prototypical) project???
However, since I enjoy creating unique pieces of equipment I find myself running into situations where a model would look unrealistic despite being a perfect copy of the prototype.
The perfect examples of this are Burlington Northern numbers 1, 2, & 3.
According to Paul Schneider in “Burlington Northern Diesel Locomotives”, BN 1,2,& 3 are GE 44-tonners which were acquired from the CB&Q during the merger which were never repainted but had their recording marks changed from CB&Q to BN and were numbered 1,2, & 3 (all of this is confirmed in photos in the book). The book then goes on to say that all three locos continued to work together in the same yard until they were retired.
http://www.mugii.com/john/Pictures/SE_Iowa_1970s/BN GE 44 Tonner 3.2.jpg
http://www.mugii.com/john/Pictures/SE_Iowa_1970s/BN GE 44 Tonner 3.jpg
I’ve already constructed BN #1 from a River Raisin model and have long wanted to construct one of its twins.
However, each time I go to buy the model to create this second model, a little voice in my head tells me that, despite the fact that this occurred regularly on the prototype, it would look entirely unrealistic to have two of these locos running together (I already get enough questions about the “realisticness” of BN #1).
Do any of you find that you have similar misgivings about constructing a unique (but still very prototypical) project???
Now, it's doubtful that any of the 44 tonners ran together since they had no MU controls but they certainly worked the same yard. Go ahead and build what you like, especially since you've done your homework. In case you didn't know, Bachmann has a perfect match for those 44 tonners with DCC for less than $50.
