Alaska Railroad #562 was the only one of twelve S160 Consolidations in Alaskan service built by American Locomotive Company. It is the prototype for this HO scale model being built for Randy Thompson starting from the S160 kit imported by Randy. The instructions for the basic kit are very straight forward. As soon as one starts adding the unique ARR features such as the higher cab roof, compound compressor, snow plow pilot etc. etc. It took some time to ensure all the components were still serviceable. Headlights, DCC control and Soundtrax LC sound all added new twists to the wiring requirements.

The locomotive now weighs nearly 14 ounces on the drivers but with the three stage gear tower drive it seems there is no load at all. After some shakedown trips on the Consolidated Southwestern and the Alaska Northern she will be sent to the paint shop. Building this model in brass and pewter has been a divergence from my normal kit bashing excursions but has proven a very satisfying experience.

Click here for Pat Durand's s-160 construction article.