A Car & Locomotive Shop Alco RSD12 was painted in the A&O Black Diamond scheme (‘54-’62) and serves in pusher service on the south end of the Coal Ridge Sub, from Ricksburg to Linnwood, West Virginia.

Shoving hard against steel framed cab 180, #321 is literally helping to hoist 35-40 pounds of coal train up the twisting 2.5% grades from Ricksburg. Pushers are NOT cosmetic on the A&O. Nor are the coal drags infrequent.

Weathering on RSD #321 was carefully done with oils, pin washes, and Pan Pastel powders. And of course, it’s tricked-out with LocSound, a gutsy Tangband speaker, and all the lights of its big brother. As a good portion of it’s operating territory is a chest-to-chin level, in-your-face experience, it’s a visual/visceral treat…..for those who like Alcos.

The EMD F3 B unit of the Kayford Coal Company on A&O 1.0 is about to get a significant redo on A&O 2.0. With the construction of the actual Clinchfield Coal Company flood loader where the Haysi #1 toiled in RC service, a change was needed.

The Haysi RR #1 (and only) which switched out the Clinchfield Coal flood loader I replicated. It’s greatly beloved by Appalachian modelers and is an icon to also be replicated.

The yellow Haysi Railroad #1 is now the yellow Brookstone Coal Company #1. And with a new LokSound backEMF decoder it can slowly advance hoppers under the Brookstone flood loading chute. It’s sweet. (See the Brooks section on the Structures page for pictures as well as the videos section.)

F7 #241 and F3 #210from A&O 1.0 days have been joined by F7 B units #s 242 and 246. Units are kits by P&D.

With each unit sound equipped, these guys literally roar into whatever area they occupy. Plans call for them this lash-up to eventually be halved and each remaining set to be joined by an A&O GP9.

With Mars Light rotating and washing the concrete walls of Cathedral Tunnel, it makes for a fun experience, and picture. It appears fireman Georgie has turned on the cab light to recheck their train orders.

Atlas F2 #213 assists #212 with the Grand Floridian. Both units have gutsy sound.

Looking to somewhat mimic the CB&Q F unit paint scheme, Atlas A&O F2 #212 sees service on the point of the ““Grand Floridian.” The GF operates like the famed CZ, but using the Tennessee Southern, the A&O, and the Greenfield Southeastern to link Chicago to Miami.