The HMLX story...

Hilton and Mears. Celebrating two years of our trans-Atlantic friendship, this post looks at the small series of HMLX models that I have created as part of the symbiotic relationship our modelling has with one another...

Since 2021 a small number of items have appeared in my collection with the HMLX markings, what are they and why did I choose to model these particular items?

GE switcher

Every leasor needs a few switchers in service, and the partnership that brought you various Claremont and Concord posts was bound to result in a GE centre cab sooner or later! This model was actually created in 2021, inspired by the larger 50+ ton models offered by GE and the ex US Airforce example used by the Mohawk Adirondack and Northern. A full description of the model can be found on the blog. With it's ESU decoder and small stay alive this model is a sweet running thing that looks great on the layout, I do wonder if I should retro-fit sound and a larger stay alive in future, but it doesn't see as much use as other locomotives (possibly due to its lack of sound) so for now, it's just a neat reminder of our friendship.

Cement traffic

The HMLX cement cars are from American Limited, and their creation was shared alongside the Ballard and Wantage SW1. These are neat cars, and perfect for Beaverbrook. They owe their connection to HMLX because of Chris's interest in the cement distribution depot just off Beaverbrook in 1:1 Moncton. They form the backbone of cement traffic on the layout, so are quite frequently 'in play' either arriving or leaving the front spur.

Interchange?

And so the latest car, and one still to receive it's own blog post, a patched 50ft car modelled entirely for the potential of real world interchange with a layout Chris may or may not build in the future. This Athearn 'Ready to Roll' model is neatly detailed but I've added brake hoses, but must look at adding a few items under the floor to connect the floating brake components up to something! The 'semi-scale' coupling are un-centred as Chris mentioned he preferred to centre these himself during switching operations - and it's a change I might make on my own future models. The original markings 'faded' down the body with off-white enamels before being patched out with grey primer - along with other 'body repairs' in the same grey. The original reporting marks were patched with HMLX decals, weathering is my usual methods, but on this rich red car with patchwork finish really does pop - it's actually one of my favourite models now. 

If a H0 scale layout should happen to evolve in Nova Scotia then it is this HMLX car that is likely to find it's way across the Atlantic. The thought of photographing a car here, and there (and back again?) and the stories that journey can bring to the blog are almost as exciting as the act of creating the model in the first place. 

If you would be interested in building and operating your own HMLX cars then Chris and I would have no problem with our 'reporting marks' finding use elsewhere. Please do share what you get up to and the stories that unfurl. Until next time, more soon...

Donate

I love writing and creating material for the blog. If you enjoy what you read and engage with I would be appreciative of any donation, large or small, to help me keep it advert and restriction free.