Hi all...

I was fortunate to attend SuperTrains in Calgary a few weeks back to speak about the move of Brian Pate's KMR layout to Dawson City.  I was doubly fortunate to be able to spend a very enjoyable afternoon with Grant Eastman and his stunning Southern Alberta Rail layout.  Grant's work has been published and I have been a fan of his work for a long time.  I also got to operate on the SAR several years ago as part of the Northern Rails 2014 op event and it was truly unique experience.

I have recently released my "Cheap and Easy Automatic Block Signal System".  This is an ABS system that does not need a computer, programming, and except for the signal connections does not involve any soldering.  This system has been installed on three layouts ranging from medium to large to very large.  This system is available from Model Railroad Control Systems at this link:

http://www.modelrailroadcontrolsystems.com/dual-abs-signal-controller/

I have always wanted a transfer locomotive to work between my steel mills and foundries, but the only one I know of was a model of the brass Baldwin DT-6-6-2000. Only time I have found those those was high dollar locomotives so I set out on designing and building my own. 

I stated by looking for a mechanism and frame. I wanted to use a good running engine that ran great at low speeds. I ran across a Kato SD40-2 that had electrical problems but for the price I pick it up. Once I found the issue and fixed it I had my base for the transfer locomotive.