At approximately 6:25 PM local time EMD/Atlas rolled in to town with Hoffman Valley RR's new motive power, a custom painted B-23-7. Several RR employees as well as the president of the company, Russ Hoffman, was on hand to inspect the new engine. Though not a formal ceremony, Mr. Hoffman took the time to address railfan's who were anxiously trying to get a closer look. "It has been some wait but we finally have our working tribute to the victim's of the September 11th attack"; he stated;" This could not come at a better time either as we are short motive power on the line and have been borrowing equipment. She will be well maintained but by no means idle as it was built to work." Railfans were delighted at the last statement as they all can't wait to get pictures of it in action. A formal ceremony is scheduled for later in the week and better pics will follow. <img src=http://www.trainboard.com/sigbreak.gif> Russ
Thanks guys, And here is the preliminary report from the chief engineer on it's maiden voyage: "Acceleration was smooth. No hesitation at low speed. Noise levels were extremely quiet. The only flaw was the rear light flickers sometimes when the engine is at forward throttle." Sounds like EMD(Atlas) has produced another fine product. <img src=http://www.trainboard.com/sigbreak.gif> Russ
Thanks for correction Catt! I guess that is what happens when you get excited about a new toy - the brain goes right out the window! Russ
Russ, NICE WORK! I LIKE IT! specially for the memorial of Sept 11th! I got a Aloco century that I just might make something for the Sept 11th tragity as well... It was a TYCO thats going to get repowered and custom painted being the paint is in terrible shape! so what better thing to paint or repaint a BICENTENIAL ALCO c-430 I believe. Sorry all you "ALCO guys" out their, i'm not to familiar with ALCO loco's. I'm more the coal, water, fire steam and power type guy!
<center>Lower Valley Gazette</center> <center>March 11th 2002</center> <center>HVRR Tribute To 9-11</center> In a somber tribute for victims of September 11th, the Hoffman Valley Railroad dedicated a new locomotive at it's headquarters today in a ceremony which included rail employees, railfans, area residents and representatives of local civic and religious centers. After a brief speech and dedication by the president of the railroad, the engine was blessed and started up. A long blast was given on the horn which was then echoed by other locomotives present in the yard as a salute to those that sacrificed their lives to save others as well as all the innocent victims that perished. A luncheon sponsored by the railroad followed the ceremony. Russ
Very good story. I like the creation of the "story" behind our railroads. It makes them seem more real. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff
Russ, I'm glad to see the side for the decalling work, I want to make a 9/11 loco myself and well, I would like to do something different. My question is, who made your decals for the "United We Stand" ? I want to do something simular but I can't make decals on my computer I have a bubble jet printer and not a laser printer. E-mail me on what I might be able to do about this and who to contact on the style and font for the decals for my own creation! Only thing is, mine will be HO scale and not N scale. Heres my e-mail address if you don't have it... yellowstone10@hotmail.com [ 11 March 2002, 03:38: Message edited by: 7600EM_1 ]
I am afraid that all the praise goes to Atlas. This was their limited edition N-scale "Spirit of America" scheme. It would be easy to reproduce, especially in HO. The only decals that you would really need is the lettering which shouldn't be too hard. I think that the hardest decals would be the little stars along the bottom. I have no experience at all in decal making but it has been covered on trainboard before. Hope this helps! <img src=http://www.trainboard.com/sigbreak.gif> Russ
