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 has been on the cards for years, ever since I built the CN S13 a few years ago… whilst the manufacturer is the same the technology is very different. That S13u was a resin casting from a master, whereas this model is a 3D print. The assembly is similar though, a little prep of the body and then adding various metal detail parts… to which I add scratch built detail based upon photographs. 

CP Rail - where CN epitomised my prairie memories, it is CP Rail that escorted 9 year old me across the Rockies. 

I love the recently completed SWEEP. An ex CN model now operated by HMLX. The plan is to follow the same approach here, this model will be finished in a faded CP Rail red with the markings patched out in black with white HMLX stencilling, inspired by the WHRC Windsor and Hantsport units, bringing us full circle to the Maritimes again.

You might notice she still needs primer ‘below the skirt’. This is going to require some careful disassembly and masking and if I’m honest, I’ve been too excited ‘testing’ her out on Beaverbrook to contemplate that at present! With a prevailing wind we will see the first of the red coats on the body this week, but in the meantime this post is more about sharing that feeling, that pure excitement and anticipation of bringing a model together. 

Whilst modifying ready to run models, enjoying weathering them so they fit with my projects is a both an enjoyable pastime and has pleasing results, nothing matches the feeling of creating something unique, be it a wagon, building or locomotive. Keep building, whatever scale or prototype you choose. Until next time, more soon…

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