BLW/ZT B&O 1957 Freight Set

rfranzosa · Posted: Sat May 30, 2020 8:18 am Post subject: BLW/ZT B&O 1957 Freight Set

This set will be similar to the ConnRiver set, specifically designed for a route, in this case, the B&O West End by Chris van Wagoner (aka "Longiron"). The route covers most of the Cumberland Division from Keyser to Grafton as it was from the 1920's to the 1950's. This locomotives in the set are a representative set taken from the 1956 engine assignments. Many of these models already exist in the BLW/ZT library, but not in the mid 1950's livery. This date was chosen to include these units prior to the 1957 renumbering. SD9s and GP7s were brand new, the bulk of the freight hauling units were F7s.

The shot below is a set of F7s I am updating with additional features to take advantage of 2048x2048 textures and Open Rails, but they will run on MSTS as well. After I finish the additional detail work and testing, it will be on to the paint shop!

Chris Parker has again assembled an enormous number of accurate B&O freight cars with super-detailed skins. We still have work to do (including a new locomotive to the BLW/ZT roster). Stay tuned!

for a look at what Chris has been working on, check out this thread over at trainsim.com - [https://www.trainsim.com/vbts/showthread.php?328657-BLWZT-B-amp-O-Set

conductorchris · Joined: 05 Apr 2010 Posts: 62 Location: Westminster VT

Note that I don't have the source material to make a stab at assembling an accurate representational fleet of cars. What I've done instead is produced a good representation of the B&O freight car fleet in 1957 (with some exceptions, see below). Since coal was the dominant commodity and B&O hoppers the dominant hopper, it will cover most of your needs for the West End route. However there were a fair number of WM and RDG hoppers mixed in and some others as well - plus the through freights could have anything from the national pool.

Exceptions: the BLWZT car fleet does not include the iconic wagontop boxcar - but George Mathews made one and Geoff Brown repainted a fleet, available at Elvas Tower; the M-26 boxcar built in the 1920's is also unrepresented, but available at Elvas Tower.

We also don't have the wagontop covered hopper, but that had a much smaller presence, especially on the West End.

Christopher

bandorr2000 · Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 139 Location: Cinnaminson, NJ

The cement hoppers may have been on the M&K branch as there was a cement plant on that line. If I can find my documentation I'll give you the name of the facility.

bandorr2000 · Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 139 Location: Cinnaminson, NJ

Cement company was Alpha Portland Cement Co. at MP 2.2 on M&K Branch. Had a 10 car siding.

rfranzosa · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 11:18 am Post subject:

Hi All,

It's been a while since we have updated this thread. Chris Parker has been skinning cabooses, and I have been busy as well adding to the BLW/ZT stable.. 1955 vintage Baldwin AS-16 (also good for PRSL!). Please ignore the incomplete textures, these are work-in-progress shots.

rfranzosa · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:36 pm Post subject:

Hi All,

We appreciate your patience as we continue on with the updates and changes to our motive power for the 1957 B&O West End route pack...

Upgraded EMD F7, complete with the B&O medallion on the nose.

New Baldwin AS-16

Updated Baldwin DS-44-1000. Just noticed, I need to take the 3D cab windows from the AS-16 and put them on this model!

Updated Alco S4 - Showing the BRAND NEW Alco Switcher Cabview (Thanks to Chris Parker for the photographs), louvers, handrail detail, new radiator. I have many more details to add/upgrade on this model.

We believe this set will be worth the wait!

Rick, Christopher and Gaetan

rosssweet · Joined: 30 Nov 2011 Posts: 54 Location: Nowra NSW Australia

Hi Rick,
Is there a chance this pack may include a new updated RS1 Alco ?
Cheers Ross

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/o-9185-alco-rs1-retired-glenwood-pa-1905089905

rfranzosa · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2021 1:50 pm Post subject:

Hi Ross,

We are working from actual assignment sheets for locomotives that were assigned to the B&O west end in 1956-57. Unfortunately, there were no RS1s assigned to the locations in the B&O West End represented in Chris van Wagoner's route.

We still plan to upgrade the Alco RS1, but not for this set.

This set will include (assigned to Grafton) Baldwin AS-16s, EMD F7s, EMD GP9s; (assigned to Keyser): ALCO S-4s, Baldwin DS-44-1000s, EMD SD9s; (assigned to M&K Junction): EMD F7s, EMD SD9s, and F7 sets for pool freights. The only units we are unable to produce (yet) for the B&O west end are the Baldwin Sharks.

Rick