the main or on an adjacent track simu- lating tie replacements. In this case, no scale powered models are involved. The only modeling skill needed would be constructing the stop and advance stop boards. Simulating these functions can be interesting, and may add a fun wrin- kle to an operating session. Temporary slow orders are common
on any railroad. Reasons for the orders can be many: after track work, such as surfacing; or existing poor roadbed, such as mud pockets causing poor track surface. Many times these slow orders are marked with yellow signs at the start of the slow order area and a green “resume” sign at the far end. The use of slow orders on your model rail- road will keep your train crews on their toes and will benefit by increas- ing the time it takes to travel across our all-too-short model railroad main- lines.
A final word before clearing the main track
Simulating operations of mainte- nance-of-way crews (often called “maintenance in the way” by trainmen) can be a tricky balance of fun or hassle. If you find your operating sessions bog down due to maintenance-of-way “work,” delay them or park them back into a spur or yard track. This is pretty much what prototype railroads do
RAILROAD MAGAZINE COLLECTION: KINGSTON, ON; APRIL 19, 1962
when revenue trains must run. Re- member, we operate model railroads to have fun; we have the option to delay this “work” without the prototype con- sequences.
As you can see, there are a variety of maintenance-of- way activities to chose from, enough so a part-time position could be created specifically for this in your operating sessions.
Selected websites pertaining to m.o.w. equipment T
he following websites will aid in obtaining models and more information on m.o.w. equipment. This is not an all-inclusive list; many others are out there. Not listed, but also a source of prototype and model information are several forum/discussion sites with maintenance-of-way topics.
Model manufacturers with m.o.w. offerings:
walthers.com
bachmanntrains.com jlinnovative.com nwsl.com
Wm K Walthers Inc.: manufacturer and supplier Bachmann: offers an HO scale tamper and motor car set
J L Innovative Design / Durango Press: small HO scale m.o.w. equipment NorthWest Short Line: drive components for several scales
customfinishingmodels.com Custom Finishing: large selection of HO m.o.w. kits Railway Express Miniatures: no known website, selection of N scale m.o.w. kits
Photo sites with prototype m.o.w. selections:
rrpicturesarchives.net northeast.railfan.net trackgang.railfan.net
Prototype sites:
herzogcompanies.com sperryrail.com dapcondt.com loram.com
akrailroad.com aolcrane.com brandt.ca
plasseramerican.com harscorail.com nordco.com
georgetownrail.com dmfatlanta.com
mitchell-railgear.com RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN
RR Pictures Archives: good photo resource, over 8,000 m.o.w. shots North East Rails: good general site with a m.o.w. section Track Gang: dedicated only to m.o.w.
Herzog; contractor, unique and innovative m.o.w. equipment and services Sperry; contractor, best known name in rail flaw detection equipment Dapco Industries Inc.: contractor–rail flaw detection equipment Loram Maintenance of Way: contractor–rail grinding, ballast cleaning A & K Railroad Materials: supplier of all track components
American & Ohio Locomotive Crane: manufacturer of cranes, locomotives Brandt Rail Road Corp.: manufacturer of hi-rail truck type railcar-movers Plasser American: manufacturer of track equipment
Harsco Rail: manufacturer of track equipment, hi-rail assemblies Nordco Inc.: manufacturer of track equipment
GREX–Georgetown Rail Equipment: manufacturer of m.o.w. railcars Diversified Metal Fabricators: manufacturer of hi-rail assemblies Mitchell Equipment: manufacturer of hi-rail assemblies
79
Just as some people prefer to oper- ate a local way freight, and some like dispatching trains, some may desire to try their hand at maintenance-of-way operations. Try to mix-up the mainte- nance-of-way tasks from one session to another. Take feedback from other operators as to their likes or dislikes. Just keep it interesting and keep it fun for all.
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