ModelRailroadForums.com is a free
Model Railroad Discussion Forum and
photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
Well, I've decided to go with Zephyr's Rock Lobster paint scheme. Here's why.
1) I don't believe the RI would have gone back to the red/yellow or maroon/yellow paint scheme so soon.
2) They would have dumped the blue as soon as they could.
3) I believe that the Rock would have dug back into it's history to design a new paint scheme. The red/silver cab units paint on new power would have resembled the SF too much.
I think Zephyr's paint scheme captures the early diesel spirit with a clean and sharp looking modern paint job. So, off to the paint shed my units will go.
I will assume that the RI would have required a larger loco then the GP38-2. I will also assume that they choose the SD60 in 1985 as a long drag replacement to the older U's and SD40-2's. The SD60 deliveries would have continued through the SD60M.
Now I just need to coordinate with Zephyr on the numbering of these modern locos.
Sweet, sounds like you're gonna make some awesome units. I like the history matching Zepher's too, makes it more fun for us!
The biggest problem is going to be to find a place to run these. There is a big club in south Ft Worth but they're hung up on the steam/diesel transition era. The nearest club that has a any-era-will-work philosophy is over in Mesquite, which is 60 miles away. The guys in S. Ft Worth have a REALLY nice layout but the "you must be prototypical" to run here kind of pissed me off and all the internal bickering that I heard in one hour was a little too much. I thought running toy trains was supposed to be fun. I guess I'll just work on building these and keep looking for a place. If not then I'll be happy watching them hang over on my 18" turns.
Internal bickering is something to avoid. Here in San Diego, one of the biggest layouts is set in th 1950's-1970's, though rarely do I see 1950's-70's era trains running. One of the members is a BNSF fan like I.
I didn't know about this but I will look into it. Are any of the members here showing their layouts?
Southern Railway lives on
Glad you decided on a paint scheme. And I really like Zephyr's paint scheme too. Travel down to Colorado and you can visit all the other modern day modelers. In Denver, we have NYC, SOU, and RI. And we just might all run them together at the train show in November!
I can't wait.
-Smoke
I really look forward to cooperating with you, macjet! Together, we can take the modern Rock Island to new heights! I also agree with how your history is formed - as the Rock Island upgraded its track, it was able to run larger locomotives.
Here's a photo of my SD60, which is an Athearn RTR, former Soo Line. I have since added black anit-glare panels on the nose and some weathering.
macjet, I would like to welcome you to the world of modern-day fallen flag modelers! It's such a phenomenal and enjoyable concept, and it's best enjoyed when you form alliances with other fellow modern fallen flaggers.
Thanks all! Actually seeing this paint scheme on my loco (SD60) just reaffirms my decision to run this paint. It looks awesome.
I am working with Zephyr utilizing his numbering system so that we'll have commonality and no duplicates in the modern Rock Island. This should be fun.
I'm already envisioning a fleet of modern Rock Island covered hoppers, my favorite car for some reason.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website
(Learn More Here)
