I began collecting O scale trains again about 10 years ago when Lionel introduced the "Hogwarts Express" set. I was okay with just running them under the Christmas tree once a year. But then at a train show a couple of years ago a friend sold me a William by Bachmann GP7 decorated in the Boston & Maine's famous "Bluebird" scheme, which is one of my favorites. He even included a matching caboose for only $150 total. That did it!
It was around then that I started to seriously consider building an O scale layout, one that would feature New England railroad trains and scenery.
The engine a copy of Lionel's classic #2346 postwar geep from 1955 and 1956. That means crude body detailing, unrealistic and oversize end and side railings, and less-than-perfect body proportions were a given. But they do have a certain toyish charm to them. At the same time, it doesn't fit my vision of what I want my "scale" layout to look like.
But I didn't care! I can use it to help me plan and test my layout's track and wiring, and when I feel like just running whatever I want I will pull it out and let it spin its wheels. After all, trains are supposed to be fun. And it already served in revenue service, helping me test the wiring of my layout for shorts (of which there was one...)
Here is a shot of GP9 #1744 in Mechanicville Yard on July 23, 1960.
Sadly, recently the horn died in my model. It wasn't a great sounding horn, but Harrison really enjoyed pushing the button and making it go off. A friend of mine repairs O scale trains, and it is currently as his house. Fingers crossed.
Here is a photo I took in Conway, New Hampshire in May 2025 of a real "Bluebird" Geep on the Conway Scenic Railroad. It was parked in their yard but easily accessible, though the clouds made it pretty dark. Seeing it was one of the highlights of the trip.
I hope that soon I will have my engine running on my layout again.
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