Hello all, been a member here for a while; but, haven't done much posting here. Look forward to good discussions! I model the N.P. in the transition era of 1953. I was three years old at this time and can just barely remember steam. However, I love steam and first generation diesels. Any other N.P. modelers out there? I am a member of te Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association and have made it to two NPRHA Conventions, both here in Duluth and last years in Brainerd and we're headed to Missoula montana this year for the 2020 Convention. Nice to be here and thanks to those running the show! Mark
Hi Mark, Welcome to Trainboard. I'm an NP modeler myself, although I model in Z, so as you can imangine I need to scratchbuild almost everything. This winter I built an Alco S2 kit, and several NP depots. And right now I am working on modeling Lester WA on the stampede pass.
Welcome to TrainBoard, Mark! I grew up nearby to a busy NP branch line. Fond memories of a small boy, from the same time frame as your own.
rray, wonderful job on the Alco S-2, Yes, I would imagine that it is necessary to scratch build much of your stuff for Z scale. Are you a member of the NPRRA? I'm sure that atleast you have access to the NPRHA's website as there is a bunch of great information there! Can someone give me a quick run down on how to post photos?
I used to be a member of the NPRHA, but let it lapse several years ago, probably because they didn't offer any Z Scale models . I got most of the info and diagrams, articles, etc., for my future modeling projects while I was a member. I had decided I would make more NP structures in Z Scale, per drawings and customized by photos, than were available in all the other scales combined. I also decided I would try to make each one look better than the models offered on the NPRHA site, (in fit and finish) if I could, trying to lure more NP modelers into Z Scale. Why? Because the only NP locos ever offered in Z to date, are the MTL F7 A and B in Loewy Green, AZL F3 A and B in the Butterknife scheme, MTL GP9 in Canoe scheme, and the Marklin Pacific based off an German steam mechanism with a caricature USRA shell lettered for NP pulling a clearly ATSF extra long caboose painted NP. That's all, only 4 locomotives, 3 for passenger service and 1 for freight. Don't get me worng, I'm not bitter or angry or anything, I'm actually quite upbeat and happy to be modeling NP in Z Scale, and I want to prove #1 that Z Scale, just like any other scale can be a serious modelers scale, #2, that the unique NP equipment can be convincingly modeled in Z, and #3 I hope to generate enough interest in the NP that AZL will offer their upcoming RS3's and F7's in NP paint. AZL came out with the whole fleet of lightweight passerger cars in Z last summer, 4 domes, everything... Yet they did not produce a matching ABA F unit set to pull them. Their paint don't match MTL's, and MTL's horrible coffee grinder F units run like crap. Homade Alps decals are a horrible match for NP colors, yet that is all I can do, so my NP Freight locos need to be weatherd to hide the yellow color mismatch, and it's incredibly difficult to apply and set Z Scale decals precisely, my least favorite part of the hobby where everything always goes downhill. I always have to leave well enough alone when I decal Z Scale locos, try to fix a slightly skewed decal, and the whole thing is shot. Z Scale is FUN! How to post a photo on Trainboard: Press the "Upload a File" button next to post a reply. Press the "Choose File" button on the popup. Select the picture (easiest if it's on your desktop and is alread under 2000 pixels X and Y) then your picture shows up as a thumbnail bottom left of the post reply window, with an option of posting it as a thumbnail or full size image, so click your choice, and press the "post reply" button after you have all your text in place.
Will try to post one photo. This is an MDC Roundhouse Ten Wheeler kit that has been modified to look like a Northern Pacific S-4 via an article in Model Railroader Magazine. It has a TCS WOW101-KA decoder and Keep Alive in it. As it turns out, the kit was very close to start with for conversion to an N.P. S-4, so just the addition of some brass details and the purchase a Tender that better aproximates the S-4's tender and your good to go. (The Grimy Black frame of the locomotive is presented as to gray in the photo.)
Welcome aboard TB! Also an NP nut here in eastern MT, Glendive, Home of the Mighty Yellowstone! The NPRHA has a lot of good info and stories in their mag and online sources. I occassionally even meet an old NP veteran here in town. I worked in Livingston for a number of years and got my start favoring NP there. They have an awesome depot museum there. With an HO layout in the basement. NP, of course!
badlandnp, the next NPRHA Convention is out your way in Missoula! I'm going to be there, how about you?
Not certain yet. Depends on how work goes this year. Haven't been there in a lot of years, as it is a long drive, almost as far as Minneapolis is!
If you pass through Glendive, on I-94, give me advance notice and we can get in touch. There's a lot of interesting rail here!
Let's see, there was a Southern Pacific, Northern Pacific, and Western Pacific. I wonder why there was no Eastern Pacific. Doug
Badlandnp, "If you pass through Glendive, on I-94, give me advance notice and we can get in touch. There's a lot of interesting rail here"! I know that BNSF has a training facility in Glasgow, Montana which isn't to far from Glendive, I should think. My ex boss's son went there to become a conductor for the Big New Santa Fe. So, now I need to ask how to Quote someone when responding to them. This site isn't quite as intuitive as I am used to.