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Ready for Snow? Show Off Your Plows and other Snowfighting Gear

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  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 8:45 PM

Walthers does not list them any more but they do come up on eBay from time to time. Unfortunately they tend to be a little pricey.

Right now on eBay there is a Roundhouse 3 in 1 kit for a Jordan Spreader. That is the same kit as I showed in my post above. It really lacks a lot of detail so how good a model you can make out of it depends on your scratchbuilding skills.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roundhouse-1516-HO-scale-3-in-1-Theme-kit-JORDAN-SPREADER-SNOW-CRAB-TOOL-CAR-/261359521417?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item3cda3dce89

There is also an Overland brass spreader for $400! Nice piece I guess but way out of my budget range.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-BRASS-Overland-Models-Jordan-Spreader-Model-2-180-by-Ajin-Precision-SEALED-/221341448477?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item3388fa791d

Walthers still carries a snow plow conversion kit for the spreader.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by zstripe on Friday, December 27, 2013 2:38 AM

How about some steamers and more, in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBSuNz3g0oA

Frank

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, January 2, 2014 10:23 PM

I thought I would bump this thread to let you know that there are some very interesting HO snow plows and flangers being offered on eBay right now. There are currently about 50 listed but apparently there are almost 200 plows in total that will be offered, all made by Ron Keith who was known as "Plow Man". Almost all are scratch built and there are lots of very interesting looking units.

So, if you want to pick up something out of the ordinary here's your chance.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/trainsandsuch/m.html?item=141155685657&pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item20dd88d519&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by mlehman on Friday, January 3, 2014 12:34 AM

Great tip, Dave!

Well worth a look and maybe some image grabs for later reference.

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by mlehman on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 1:56 AM

Getting to be the season for snow. Got those plows on yet?

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by crhostler61 on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 7:56 AM

I don't have any snowfighting equipment on my layout at this time, but I do have a few shots of real equipment that might inspire someone else.

http://s1320.photobucket.com/user/MarkH2102T1/media/Project57_zpsa1c810c0.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

 

http://s1320.photobucket.com/user/MarkH2102T1/media/Project368_zpsffabdc6c.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

 

The Jordan spreader was at Truckee CA in June 1989 and the rotary was in the yard in Sparks NV also June 1989.

 

Mark H 

Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history. 

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Posted by mlehman on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 8:22 AM

Mark,

Great pics. Thanks for sharing!

And nicely weathered, too.Wink

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by GP-9_Man11786 on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 8:57 AM

Here's my ideal piece of snowfighting equipment. Stick out tongue

Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale.

www.prr-nscale.blogspot.com 

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Posted by mlehman on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 10:27 AM

OK, OK, we're waiting for it....

Can't stand the suspense.Wink

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by southernnscale on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 1:49 PM

mlehman

OK, OK, we're waiting for it....

Can't stand the suspense.Wink

I was looking thru the site and came accross these outstanding Snow Machines and thought I would drop in with my 3D printed 1:220 Z scale Machine of my own. Not finish yet but does have it trucks on and ready to roll accross the tracks having problems posting photo!!!!!

 

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Posted by mlehman on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 4:17 PM

Now we have two suspensful waits on our hands. Has the Evil Grinch hexed pic posting in this thread, just to ruin the season for us all? Stay tuned...

In the meanwhile, this was just an excuse to post some random pics I've taken reacently that are somewhat seasonal.

One of the reasons for a test run with the plow on is to check for any obstructions that have grow, dropped, or mistakenly been placed in the ROW. This works just as well for your layout as it does for 1:1 if your plows haven't been out for awhile.

The bridge at Cascade Falls is pretty dramatic.

After taking water at Tefft, a small adjustment, and sandwiches arranged through the station agent's wife, things are ready to go.

Crossing the Animas River bridge south of Silverton.

At the station

No serious issues, so gold stars and beer all around for the section men!Beer

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by GP-9_Man11786 on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 9:16 PM

mlehman

Now we have two suspensful waits on our hands. Has the Evil Grinch hexed pic posting in this thread, just to ruin the season for us all? Stay tuned...

In the meanwhile, this was just an excuse to post some random pics I've taken reacently that are somewhat seasonal.

One of the reasons for a test run with the plow on is to check for any obstructions that have grow, dropped, or mistakenly been placed in the ROW. This works just as well for your layout as it does for 1:1 if your plows haven't been out for awhile.

The bridge at Cascade Falls is pretty dramatic.

After taking water at Tefft, a small adjustment, and sandwiches arranged through the station agent's wife, things are ready to go.

Crossing the Animas River bridge south of Silverton.

At the station

No serious issues, so gold stars and beer all around for the section men!Beer

 

Well I was trying to post a picture of a big green sign reading "I-95 South Miami" as a joke but the software seems to have other plans.

Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale.

www.prr-nscale.blogspot.com 

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Posted by mlehman on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 10:08 PM

GP-9_Man11786
Well I was trying to post a picture of a big green sign reading "I-95 South Miami" as a joke but the software seems to have other plans.

Aren't computers wonderful?Smile

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 11:21 PM

Here's my crew and their iron arsenal behind them...

The Russell wedge for the sidings and branch lines, the rotary for the main line (I'm 99% certain the NYC owned at least one rotary) and a borrowed Jordan spreader from the Santa Fe (never got around to repainting her!) for keeping the yards clear and clean-up work after the "big storm."

 

NOW this guy makes sure the driveway is clear so the UPS truck can get through with my shipments of train goodies Big Smile

Keep 'em coming! Ed

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, December 4, 2014 12:37 AM

Here is a couple that I didn't post last year when the thread was started:

A 'crab' which I believe was pulled backwards to widen the space left by conventional plows. It would have been followed by another plow to clear the snow that it pulled on to the center of the track:

It is a Roundhouse 3 in 1 kit.

This is a small flanger, also part of a Roundhouse 3 in 1 kit:

This is the Roundhouse 3 in 1 version of a Jordan spreader. Like I have said previously, it is lacking a lot of details:

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by rrebell on Thursday, December 4, 2014 12:53 AM

Snow, whats that!!!!!!  LOL

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, December 4, 2014 12:56 AM

rrebell:

Just ask anybody living in Buffalo!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by Motley on Thursday, December 4, 2014 11:21 AM

Here's my rotary snow plow.

Michael


CEO-
Mile-HI-Railroad
Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

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Posted by Dusty Solo on Thursday, December 4, 2014 3:44 PM

mlehman

Bob and Dave,

Really outstanding modeling, guys. I'm sure glad the Canadian contingent ain't afraid of snowWink

 

I'm sure they are not. A good friend, a member of the OPP must have upset sombody, because at one time he was posted for a time at a remote place called, Pickle Lake. He used to tell me jokingly that the weather forcast was either for snow or poor skiing.

Dusty

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Posted by mlehman on Thursday, December 4, 2014 4:42 PM

Great pics, everyone. Gotta get some of that fake snow to experiment with.

gmpullman
Keep 'em coming! Ed

Ed,

Hah, I knew someone would post a pic of "off track equipment."

I was ready for that, since we also bought the best insurance against it actually snowing enough to need it around here, a snowblower. I'm really glad I don't have to crank my squirrelly neck around to run it, too.Wink

 

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, December 4, 2014 5:30 PM

Mike,

I live just east of Cleveland in what's affectionately known as the "Snow Belt" in 2005-6 we had 157.58 inches of the fun stuff! Not quite as bad as Buffalo... but close. The Ohio National Guard was called out to load trucks and haul the snow south! We didn't have anyplace to put it.

This will be the first season I'll be using the monster. I'm not thrilled about running backwards but neither am I thrilled about the cost of a front mounted blower and the pain to remove the front end loader. I'll let you know how I feel in April!

My old tractor setup was nice. I had a Meyer's 6' plow with power angle and I made a sub frame for it and it was very effective. There's NO one easy solution for snow removal. Some days you just need a light scrape and others you're dealing with 5 foot drifts...Sigh

Again, If the Mail and UPS can't get through my layout would shrivel up and die! (Me too!)

Thanks for your reply! Ed

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Posted by mlehman on Thursday, December 4, 2014 5:47 PM

Yeah, I can definitely see the compromises at work. I know the front mounts are a lot more hassle. I've always had a fascination with snow removal, I guess from living through those late 70s winter around here -- when folks up your way got hit even harder. I almost talked a buddy into buying a Unimog with a blower back then. He would made a killing that first winter -- and then gone broke for 4 or 5 years. Lately though, our percipitation events have grown pretty intense and regular, so I figured it was time to take the plunge. Wife was OK with that, her back has its own share of issues.

Maybe we should make this the official winter survival thread? Model railroading is a big part of that for me. So long as there's power...Lightning

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, December 4, 2014 6:56 PM

Unimog! Now there's a machine! I had a Matchbox one when I was 7 or 8... been in love with them ever since.

New York Central had several models of their home-made jet engine snow BLOWERS. Not too sure how well one of those would be recieved in a residential area Whistling... Would be a fun scratchbuild broject, though Idea

We still talk about the winter of 1978 around here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Blizzard_of_1978

Yes, the model railroad is the Great Escape! Ed

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Posted by doctorwayne on Thursday, December 4, 2014 7:01 PM

Dusty Solo
A good friend, a member of the OPP must have upset sombody, because at one time he was posted for a time at a remote place called, Pickle Lake. He used to tell me jokingly that the weather forcast was either for snow or poor skiing.

Believe me, they have summer there, too. Temps were in the nineties when I worked there many years ago, and the mosquitoes were the size of pterodactyls. 599 was a gravel road (perhaps still is - the driving time to Savant Lake, just over 100 miles, shows as about 3 1/2 hours), but we, fortunately, flew in.

Other than that, a nice place, near what may have been one of the ends of the earth.  Stick out tongueWink


Wayne

 

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Posted by rrebell on Friday, December 5, 2014 12:00 AM

hon30critter

rrebell:

Just ask anybody living in Buffalo!

Dave

 

Thats why we moved from Baltimore to the Bay Area in California, it was Jan. and -5 back east and 75 in San Mateo, we went back and sold out all our real estate and started over.

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, December 5, 2014 1:40 AM

rrebell:

Nice move!

We are sort of fortunate in that we live just below the snow belt in central Ontario. We do get lots of snow but we don't get buried like the city of Barrie regularly does. Barrie is just 40 km north of us. None the less, I do own a snowblower, and it has come in handy many times. The strange thing with our winter weather is that the snow blower sat for two years without being needed. That was in 2010/2011 IIRC. Last year I was out every few days all winter long. Go figure.

By the way, the neighbours love it when I blow out the snow piles on their driveways left by the plows. Once you learn how to control the beast it isn't too hard to use.

That reminds me. I need to change to oil. Craftsman should be sued for making it such a difficult and messy procedure. One wheel needs to be removed. OK, that's simple enough. However when you remove the drain plug the oil has to run across the top of the frame before dripping messily into a tray of some sort. Stupid design! You can improve the process by installing a length of threaded pipe in the drain hole that overhangs the frame and then putting a cap on the end of the pipe, but you still have to go through the sloppy draining procedure the first time before you can put the pipe in. Big time PITA! Ya, you guessed it, I haven't changed the oil in five years!Dunce

Sorry! WAY OFF TOPIC!!Off Topic

My bad. Thanks for letting me rant.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by mlehman on Friday, December 5, 2014 1:48 AM

I've got several 'Mogs, including a narrowgauge 'Mog, but no snow blowers. I see they do make one now and it is tempting, even thoughh I'm not a fan of the blue paint on this one: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/405-14997

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by BATMAN on Friday, December 5, 2014 6:59 PM

 

rrebell

Snow, whats that!!!!!!  LOL

 

I also live on the West Coast and we never get snow.Whistling

The canine nose plow. No oil change required.

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

SPV
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Posted by SPV on Friday, December 5, 2014 9:16 PM

I know you've already seen this one, Mike, but for everyone else...

It's mid-October and the SPV is gearing up for the winter of 1907.  In the Utah mountains, it's not uncommon for the first snow of the year to come early in the fall.  Nothing heavy yet so the rotary is still sitting idle on a weedy siding near the roundhouse, but the plow on #19 is sufficient for clearing a few feet of snow if necessary.

 That's a Precision Scale plow on a backdated Blackstone C-19.

Chris

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, December 5, 2014 9:20 PM

Chris:

Nice model. Really nice weathering.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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