I started down the path of trying to figure out what I should model. Make up a layout or try and replicate a “prototype” <- learned that this word is used to mean the real-world operating train that a model layout is based on. If only I knew of an once operating railroad that I had some history with… The Port Townsend railroad seemed like a good place to start. So the research began. Hello google. I found a lot of interesting history about the operating railroads in the pacific northwest specifically around the Olympic Peninsula. It turns out the Port Townsend railroad was a short line that used a 3 track barge to shuttle the train cars over to Seattle. That seems like it would be fun to try and model. I have pictures and documents from my Aunt about the railroad and a really good picture of the Diesel locomotive they ran.
My grandparents posing with the Whitcomb engine.
I spent a lot of time trying to trace down the model and type of that loco. I eventually narrowed it down to a couple options and ended up making contact with Randy Gustafson that is truly a master of Whitcomb locomotives, he has an uncanny eye for engine details. On his website he makes customized N scale kits and sells body parts to replicate the Whitcomb engines. Check his site out http://www.randgust.com/ However, he said my engine is a strange hybrid and through some research he discovered it is actually a Baldwin-Whitcomb.
Continental Grain #11 was built 10/53 by Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton subsidiary Whitcomb for the Ohio Power Company. The order was cancelled, and the locomotive was acquired 10/54 by the Port Townsend Railroad, a 13-mile line on Washington's Olympic peninsula. On June 6, 1975, the Milwaukee Road took over operations of the Port Townsend Railroad, and #11 was was sold to Continental Grain in Tacoma in October, 1975.
I spent a lot of time trying to trace down the model and type of that loco. I eventually narrowed it down to a couple options and ended up making contact with Randy Gustafson that is truly a master of Whitcomb locomotives, he has an uncanny eye for engine details. On his website he makes customized N scale kits and sells body parts to replicate the Whitcomb engines. Check his site out http://www.randgust.com/ However, he said my engine is a strange hybrid and through some research he discovered it is actually a Baldwin-Whitcomb.
Continental Grain #11 was built 10/53 by Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton subsidiary Whitcomb for the Ohio Power Company. The order was cancelled, and the locomotive was acquired 10/54 by the Port Townsend Railroad, a 13-mile line on Washington's Olympic peninsula. On June 6, 1975, the Milwaukee Road took over operations of the Port Townsend Railroad, and #11 was was sold to Continental Grain in Tacoma in October, 1975.
Randy's body kit wouldn’t work for me but he was willing to take on the project of making me a body that would match. But first I needed to get a body to start with and for that he recommended a GE 44 tonner which is one of the models I thought the PT locomotive might be but later ruled out. I found a generic GE 44 tonner made by Bachmann on ebay for $55 and bought it.
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