New Power For The Empire Belt

Greetings All,

With an increased amount of daily trains and tonnage the Empire Belt found itself in need of new motive power and when new motive power is needed the E.B.R.R.'s first call is to the N.M.D.C. (Neal Multz Diesel Consultants). The N.M.D.C is a for profit corporation that assists railroads in identifying their power needs and diesel manufacturers in fulfilling the needs of the railroads.

Agents from the N.M.D.C. after a careful study of current and projected rail traffic on the E.B.R.R. recommended two 3,000 horsepower six axle units to keep the heavier tonnage trains running on time and within a reasonable schedule. While Empire Belt management mulled over the findings the N.M.D.C. was hard at work behind the scenes. A meeting at an undisclosed location with 1/87th scale Sir Neal led to information being obtained that EMD was having some difficulties selling a pair of SDP40s. Originally part of an eight unit order for the Great Northern they cancelled the order after the first six. The leftover two could be had for a very reasonable price.

So what's an SDP40? Basically it's an SD40 with a steam generator. Same power output, trucks, prime mover and operators manual. Perfect for the Empire Belt with the bonus of powering special passenger trains down the road. The OK was given, the N.M.D.C handled the negotiations and they came thru for the E.B.R.R. again.

Now that's a good story line for the blog. The reality is I bought two Athearn BB NYC SDP40s many years ago. Later I found out the NYC never had them. I barely ran them so I painted them in a fantasy Penn Central livery in 2014 thinking I would like them better. After very limited use I decided they would be better suited for my freelanced Empire Belt RR. These "like new" engines have been resurrected from the locomotive purgatory box and are now in service in their third and hopefully final paint scheme.

An original Blue Box NYC SDP40

#1 as PC 6190 in 2014:

#2 as PC 6197 in 2015:
 
Neither unit looked bad but I had trouble getting them on the layout with the more accurate PC models I've painted. So fast forward 4 years and they've been given a new lease on life as E.B.R.R. 6294 and 6295. These were available numbers from the PC SD40 series.

E.B.R.R. #6295 in the decal setting process. Note the extended long hood and vent to the left. This is the location of the boiler.

On March 3rd the two SDP40s rolled out of the Terminal Yard Shops ready for revenue service.  

The hostler has coupled the SDP40s to a pair of Empire Belt GE U30Cs and spotted the units on track 9. 1/87th scale Senior Engineer Sir Neal with conductor AT JOE will do the honors on the first run. 1/87th scale AT JOE has since been promoted to engineer 

1/87th scale Sir Neal talks with the hostler as E.B.R.R. 6294 poses for the camera and 1/87th scale PC Ralph looks on. PC Ralph will be at the throttle of the seven unit GE-EMD consist behind him. 

E.B.R.R. 6295  and 6294 ready for their maiden run.

Empire Belt U-Boats 6576 and 6574 round out the four engine consist. We're talking a combined 12,000 horsepower here!  

An aerial shot of Terminal Yard. 1/87th scale Engineer Ed and conductor John look on from track 6. They're assigned to the four engine lash up with ex NYC GP40 3007 that's on track 5.

The three consists in full profile

Train EC-1 leaves Terminal Yard for Empire City's North Side Yard with 1/87th scale Senior Engineer Sir Neal at the throttle 

Bedford Tower operator 1/87th scale John B is checking out the newest E.B.R.R. power.

Up and over the Cornelius Vanderbilt Bridge and onto the High Line without breaking a sweat. 

A trio of Alco Centuries idle on the inner main. Judging from the Swift's Premium reefer car this is a local leaving or heading to Ralph's Grocery Warehouse.

1/87th scale Sir Larry has come out of the Hohman Ave tower and watches 6294 lead the train into North Side Yard.

1/87th scale Senior Engineer Sir Neal and Conductor AT JOE head into the North Side Yard office to file their report on the new engines.

Later that day the new engines are posed on the Empire City viaduct for the obligatory company promotional photo.  

It's been seven weeks since the SDP40s were first released and I'm happy to report they are working out great. I'm happy with their utilitarian look, their overall performance and the increased tonnage capabilities for the Empire Belt RR. Much better having them 'in service' then sitting in a box for 4 years!

The E.B.R.R. would like to thank the N.M.D.C. for their diligence and hard work in procuring these engines.

Thanks for reading!