spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 20, 2010 14:30:09 GMT -5
 I have lurked the board for a long time but with recent developments where life imitates art I felt compeled to post up. The Alaska Rail Link is my road that conects Fort Nelson, Canada with Fairbanks, Alaska creating a true trans continental railroad. Along the route at Delta Junction we inner tie with the Copper River and North Western. In the late 80's I developed the Alaska Rail Link after coming accross some old route studies that had been developed to connect the Alaska Railroad. My concept was to run the railroad with an oil pipe line in the ROW conected to the trans Alaska pipeline. I started modeling some old u boat units as a kid but when Rail Power came out with SD90 shells I picked up a couple and modeled my first two real ARL 2nd generation units with modified Athearn chassis and earnst gears. Its funny at the time I called them Arctic Caterpillars and the idea was the ARL had its own rebuild shop that picked up second hand units and rebuilt to Arctic specs with Cat prime movers. I particularly like surplus UP SD90 to rebuild Through college and life along the way I have modified many SD40 locomotives into 1st generation locos. The last 5 years or so I have been able to get back into the hobby and model some more units. I have most of them 99% complete with something stupid like wipers or touch up on the paint left to complete. I have rebuilt/painted several Kato SD40 for local club members to spread my colors. As I can get some time and the photo expertise of the wife I will post up more pictures. Currently built and running ARL loco roster: 2 Cat MAC90 8000 Series 4 Cat MAC90 6000 Series 2 SD90 patched waiting rebuild 1 SD701 4000 Series 5 SD40C 4000 Series 1 SD45C 4000 Series 1 SD45C 5000 Series Recently completed Cat GP45 Think Kennicot hi cab GP40X mated with GP60 Finishing up a Kaslo SD60F in ARL blue with CAT60C B unit to go with it. I love the inspiration, ideas and pointers this forum has. SPD |
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Post by antlorch on Jun 20, 2010 15:32:39 GMT -5
I like your railroad alot,not only because those are my initinals to my name but also just your consept in general,cant wait to see more of your engines. Please post as much as you want or can.... Welcome aboard..
Anthony R. Lorch
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Post by gabby on Jun 20, 2010 20:25:04 GMT -5
That is a good looking unit spd. I presume the tanks on the roof are air tanks???
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spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 20, 2010 20:45:57 GMT -5
Several of my units have extended range fuel tanks resulting in the air reservoirs going to the roof. Some ARL units run them on the roof to utilize engine heat in the winter to reduce freezing issues.  Here is one of my early rail power build 8000 series locos with the extended fuel and roof reservoirs. |
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spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 20, 2010 20:53:23 GMT -5
SD70I with my first generation dark blue scheme.  Another 6000 series Cat Mac90 but without additional air  |
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spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 20, 2010 20:58:42 GMT -5
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Post by m a y o r 79 on Jun 20, 2010 21:21:30 GMT -5
Really cool concept, and great looking models. I really like the SD90 with the extended range fuel tank! I'd hate to get the bill for filling that monster up  |
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Post by antlorch on Jun 20, 2010 22:34:21 GMT -5
The SD70I is my favorite........
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deez
Chairman
Midland Belt Railway
Posts: 949
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Post by deez on Jun 20, 2010 23:34:58 GMT -5
Yes, excelent models and concept!
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Post by mrlfan on Jun 20, 2010 23:55:09 GMT -5
I like them SPD. The layout looks nice also. Welcome to the group and thanks for sharing your work.
Glenn Hoover
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spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 21, 2010 0:15:40 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliments
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Post by icghogger on Jun 21, 2010 9:41:24 GMT -5
Welcome to the Double D, and Great Work on those locomotives (the layout is Fabulous as well!)!!
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Post by Lfire83 on Jun 21, 2010 20:01:05 GMT -5
Winterization hatches and air filter snow shields and moose meat on plow blades... Oh my!!!! #4322 is one sweet looking unit! I had the pleasure of working on the ARR for several months a few years back, and it is by far the most unique railroad I have ever seen. Great models, and nice layout!
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Post by Raeder on Jun 26, 2010 12:00:17 GMT -5
I want to see that SD60F and B-unit. Those sound pretty cool.
You'd be hard pressed to lose these locos in the snow, they are bright! I like the ARL logo too, that looks neat.
Kevin
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spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 28, 2010 1:22:26 GMT -5
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spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 28, 2010 1:28:17 GMT -5
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spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 28, 2010 1:36:42 GMT -5
I have seen several other threads on Fuel tenders and yes ARL runs fuel tenders inspired by the BN. The ARL does not like buying fuel in Canada so we refuel at the refinery in North Pole, AK and run tankers.   Probably enough blue and white for one night so I will save the other pictures for another time. |
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bcrail
Superintendent
Posts: 162
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Post by bcrail on Jun 28, 2010 3:49:44 GMT -5
Whats wrong with Canuck fuel, eh? lol
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spd
Engineer
Alaska Rail Link
Posts: 34
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Post by spd on Jun 28, 2010 9:52:35 GMT -5
NOthing wrong with canuck fuel other than its sold by the liter.....
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Post by Lfire83 on Jun 28, 2010 18:07:01 GMT -5
I am curious about the raised cab on the GP46X; how would that deter ice fog from forming? It is one heck of a unique build, the covered barn is pretty sweet too.
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