Yes, that’s an AAR switcher truck (bogie). And that appears to be an NW 2, but there are others in the NW series that look almost identical. This is an older model because of the curved windows on the cab. Later NW’s and SW’s which look almost identical had squared off windows. The odd looking “onion” on top of the stack is called a spark arrester. Keeps the exhaust from setting stuff on fire… 
Speaking of those spark arresters, Ric, your NW2 has those type on it. Where did you get them??
Warren Mumpower said:Warren, I made those from exacto knife blade container tops. They were originally red and I painted them black along with the stacks that were originally silver. I'm surprized you remembered that. ;-)
Speaking of those spark arresters, Ric, your NW2 has those type on it. Where did you get them??
Most definately. That is the one detail that caught my eye. I guess if we had not been so busy with the ops and then saying good bye I would have asked then. I went back and checked a pic I have of the locomotive and see that they are the more cylindrical style rather than the onion shape like on the locomotive above. I also like the CN style which looks like a muffler laying on it’s side.
T’other side of the question , clearly showing the curved windows mentioned by Warren .
The flash certainly bounces off the reflective stripes , doesn’t it ? Mike
Since we are up to our necks in this discussion I thought I would post some pix that summarize what we have been talking about. The first 4 pictures will show the 4 most common trucks used under switchers…an Alco S1 with Blunt, S4 with AAR, SW1500 with Flexicoil and an MP15DC with Blombergs.
These last 2 pictures will show the window difference between the older EMD switchers with curved windows and the newer with straight. The older locomotive is an NW2, the newer is an SW8. Also notice the spark arrester on the SW8. It is the type that Ric models on his NW2. The blue NW2 above has a more “onion” shaped arrester.
Good gracious , Warren , and there was me thinking I had all the variants in HO . Now I know better . I think that I shall stick to my 45mm stuff though , the HO is becoming hard to see .
There is obviously a good reason for the curved top to the front windows , but why would anyone be standing in the middle looking along the engine cowling ?
Useful pictures , thanks .
Mike
The pictures are of the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City Nevada. It is the southern branch of the main Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, but not fully developed as of yet.
The blue switcher engine is the prototype EMD NW-2. It traveled the country showing the benefits of diesel motive power for EMD in the early days to the various raailroads. It has made it’s way through numerous operating railroads ending up in The Nevada State RR in Boulder. I believe that it is still owned by the Union Pacific, just on loan. I’ve driven this loco before.
They also operate an old Fairbanks-Morse switcher, with opposed piston submarine diesel engine, and a GP-9 Loco in Union Pacific colors.
The museum operates a 3 1/2 mile point to point tourist operation on weekends during the winter and for other special events(4th of July, Santa train etc.). The fares charged are paying for the fuel and maintenace with operations coming from volunteers. I know. I’m a vounteer some weekends.
The deserted aspect of the area is because there are only two fulltime employees of this southern branch of the NV RR museum. All operations, upkeep and refurbishment are done by volunteers. There are some dead locos that are being brought out from storage and painted for static display like the one shown in your pictures. lack of funding, as with all railroad museums, prevents bringing these unit back into operating condition. So they get a coat of paint. The museum did sell a Shay a few years ago to a railroad in Califronia. I understand that it is being rebuilt.
Since staffing is short, some of the cars and locos will be placed in static display, which will allow people driving through Boulder City to stop and “kick the tires” of some outdated and retired equipment, even when no one is present. Our painting skills are put to the test as we battle the garffiti goons, again and again.
Tom Smith said:Some days I wish we could catch a few g goons, strip 'em down and "tag" them with non-washable paint, then drop 'em off on a gravel back road about 20 miles out of town and let 'em try to walk back -- barefoot and buck naked on a cold January morning. But that would be a breach of their rights. Sigh.
.... as we battle the graffiti goons, again and again.
Tom ,
Thanks for your very enlightening reply . Martyn said he was pleased to know that someone was around to look after things , but was distressed to see the grafitti in view of the obvious care taken to make the displayed Railway Items attractive .
He also made the point that it may be worthwhile to put a secure collection box there , he would ceratinly have made a donation .
Your voluntary efforts were very much appreciated by Martyn and his Fiancee . Please let the rest of the staff know that there is one Englishman and one American Lady who would like to come back and see it running some time .
Regards from Martyn , Emely , and Mike
Chris Vernell said:Chris, That wouldn't breach anyone's rights, they don't have to come back. ;-)Tom Smith said:Some days I wish we could catch a few g goons, strip 'em down and "tag" them with non-washable paint, then drop 'em off on a gravel back road about 20 miles out of town and let 'em try to walk back -- barefoot and buck naked on a cold January morning. But that would be a breach of their rights. Sigh.
.... as we battle the graffiti goons, again and again.
“So, let me see if I understand what you are saying, son. You were trespassing on private property, and defacing the same property with spray paint. Then some Good Samaritan found you walking naked without boots on a gravel road in the middle of January and gave you a ride for twenty miles? And you say that some how your civil rights were violated? Boy, you are lucky that we don’t throw you in the hoosegow for indecent exposure, 'cept you are so cold that nothing is exposed. Get out of my town before I figure out a way to put you in the slammer and throw away the key.”
“And don’t come back. I won’t be so nice the next time.”
Sigh, only in our dreams.
Mike Morgan said:Should Emily and Martyn venture back this way, let me know and I'll try to get them a ride on one of the diesels.
Your voluntary efforts were very much appreciated by Martyn and his Fiancee . Please let the rest of the staff know that there is one Englishman and one American Lady who would like to come back and see it running some time . Regards from Martyn , Emely , and Mike
Tom
That’s a very kind thought , Tom .
They will probably make it for next Thanksgiving .
I shall pass the message on .
And Have a Very Merry Christmas .
Mike