BC Rail CRS20 in the raw…

For a good 6 months or so I’ve been working on this resin model of a BC Rail CRS20 in H0 scale for my own layout…

“But your layout is set in the Maritimes?” I hear you say, and you’re right. Do you remember I mentioned the TerraTransport RS18C rebuild program? How we travelled to British Columbia to try our their CRS20? Well one came on test to the Moncton area so turns up on Beaverbrook… either that or Beaverbrook is transported to Dawson Creek in 1999 rekindling my memories of a road trip adventure.

The model is from BCR Model Shop and was produced for them by Briggs. The body is formed from several resin castings and I have supplemented this with etched stanchions from their RS18 etch, rather than the plastic donor handrails of the Atlas Classic RS32. These metal details really have lifted the detail of this model, but have been the cause of it’s drawn out gestation! Forming them requires a certain state of mind, one that rewards patience. She also has a pair of Kaslo RS18 pilots and details from the usual sources.

There is still plenty of work to do, although I’ve started working on the underframe, having replaced the Atlas Classic truck frames with those from their Master C420 for the correct journal boxes. The big job is cutting down the fuel tank area for the narrower tank that needs fitting. This is the next task and will need the body carefully removing and the chassis dis-assembling to avoid getting metal shavings in the inner workings. Rather less fidelity, compared to the handrails, this model is proving to be an enjoyable build and full of contrast. Enjoy the weekend, more soon…