Got an email the other day from a very good modeler requesting some pics of prototype rolling stock for the "Coal Belt" route.

Sooo... I packaged up what little I had that was semi-usable... and off it went.

IMAGINE my surprise to receive an email tonight with the attached screen!!!! Is this neat or what?

PLUS... seems this model and basic skin might be used to create a "mini-fleet" of this class of boxcar for the Midland Valley.

Now, how COOL is this?

After all the years of interest I've had in the regional roads of my area, the many trompings along long-abandoned right-of-way's, viewing historic photos and such... it is so gratifying to see it taking shape in RE.

And NOW... looks like there will be some historic (and as accurate as data allows) rolling stock to bring it to life!

A huge THANKS to John Fleming for taking an interest in some of the rolling stock of these lines!

Oooo ... a 36 foot wood XM with archbar trucks, and wood sills and truss rods ...! Be still my heart!

Nice job, Mr. Fleming!

Sexy, isn't it!

This is AWESOME, Gentlemen! Keep it coming! Can't wait to see the power!

R/
Galen

Galen said:

"Can't wait to see the power!"

Bear in mind Galen, as stated in other Coal Belt threads: I will not be trying to commission equipment for this route.

We will need to look to existing equipment for repainting. Along this line, perhaps at some point in the future a hobbiest steam locomotive modeler may take an interest in the route and offer to supply an engine or two. Who knows?

Personally, I would love nothing more than for Jon Davis to create stunning locomotives that are representitive of this route. HOWEVER. (And these are HUGE "howevers".)

1. Doing so will obligate me and remove this route project from "hobby passion" status and convert it into "work and commitment" status. Not good. Great way to ruin it for me.

PLUS...

2. Jon is very busy with "life" right now. I doubt he would have time to invest in an MSTS project at this point. Additionally, given the significantly reduced MSTS commercial market, I would have very meager returns to offer for his considerable time and skill investment.

Hey Now "Old Man"...

I hear ya! I am hoping to "generate interest" in this... Heck you run Alco's.... You should have all the time in the world... Waiting for the mechanical department to find ya! We need to chip in and get you a lap top!

I am really looking forward to it though...

Be Good my Friend!

Galen