Modeling Maintenance of Way (MoW)
Bruce Smith
PRRT&HS 2014 Annual Meeting
Different types of MoW trains:
Living Quarters (Camp Trains)
Section or work gangs
Moved with the work
Parked in a siding near the job
Providing riding, eating and sleeping functions
Might also have cars for tools and other supplies
Typically made up of retired revenue service cars (passenger or freight)
Wreck Trains
Derrick (Crane)
Usually kept near steam source (not parked in a yard)
Many sizes (typical 120-250 ton)
Often self-propelled
Steam powered derricks used fuel and water from steam loco tenders -- when railroads dieselized, tenders were dedicated to wreck trains
Idler (allows boom clearance)
Carries shop trucks, other wrecking equipment
Additional cars for crew, tools, and FOOD.
Once called, crews often served at least a full shift
If wreck was minor, the train might "tour the line" fixing bad order cars, etc.
Operating rules restrict speeds
Typically 30 mph boom trailing, 15-20 mph boom leading
Other Trains
Ditching (Jordan spreader, crawler crane)
Ballast cleaning
Ballast train (often old hoppers)
Snow removal (may have plows on both ends for bidirectional operation)
Wire trains (when catenary was in use)
Tunnel maintenance
Weed spraying
Oil spraying
Rail grinding
Some Philosophies:
1) Model TRAINS, not individual equipment
2) Operate those trains -- don't just leave them in a yard or on the shelf
a) Do this prototypically
i) Work Extra train orders for train
ii) General Orders taking tracks out of service
b) Follow rules, such as speed restrictions
c) Don't overdo it! While work trains were common, they were not always out there obstructing the line!
d) Mix it up, with both location and type of work varying
3) Provide evidence of MoW activity
a) MoW structures
b) Materials placed for upcoming work, and debris from earlier projects
i) Ties, spikes, rails
c) Evidence of activity
i) New ties
ii) Clean dirt colored ditches and weed filled ditches
Sources of Models
Many are railroad specific and so are best suited to resin or metal kits or modification of revenue service cars.
Cranes and Derricks
Custom Finishing -- Burro crane
Walthers -- 25 ton diesel crane
Tichy -- 120 ton Brownhoist
Athearn -- 200-250 ton
Other
Jordan Spreader -- Walthers, brass, kits
Russell Plow -- Walthers, brass, kits
Camp Cars
XL -- Westerfield
Pullmans -- Branchline, Walthers
Other MoW Cars
X29 -- Red Caboose
X23 -- Westerfield
FM -- Sunshine, F&C
Many others can be kit-bashed or scratch built.
