In primer: RS23…
Seldom am I more excited than when a model I’ve been working on reaches the stage where a coat of primer is applied… The unifying effect of that fine grey mist, the dull satin finish, the promise of what is to come. This time, a Kaslo Shops RS23 kit is the subject and the mix of kit, detailing parts and scratch built items come together to create the effect of miniaturised reality. The prototype, uniquely Canadian, a light weight ‘branchline’ unit from Montreal Locomotive Works is certainly distinctive. High stepping yet burly, full of purpose. Whilst perhaps not a resounding success and lacking the reliability overhauls of the CP RS18s (which sees the latter still in short line service today) they saw out the twilight of service on the juvenile short lines springing up across Canada. In my collection you will find BC Rail and CN locomotives but nothing from CP Rail . The idea that HMLX reflects not only a plausible reality but also echoes memories instructed this purchase, one that h
