I had just finished filling my salmon quota at Fish Creek when ARR 2002 came by with a special charter of the new Holland America Cars built by Colorado Rail Car. These cars travel in pairs since the Kenai has the kitchen that is shared with the dinning room in the Knik. Seemed that only about 1/3 of the seats were full on that trip. It came back through the other direction in about an hour nearly full.

The fireweed is in full bloom so winter is not too far off and the railroad is nearing the end of the tourist season. Since these cars are all self contained, the 2002 in Quarter Pounder paint was assigned to the job.

Thanks to former director of Holland America Mt Mckinley rail services in Alaska, Matt Abbey, who negotiated the production of these new cars in HO scale. The paint and finish are superb. Bachmann offers a three car set with locomotive, power pack and track. The three cars in the set have plastic wheels and trucks and no lighting. They also offer two additional cars an, A and B, individually with lighting, metal wheels and trucks. They track beautifully even on 18" radius curves. Hobby Craft in the Diamond Center Anchorage, has a large stock and the very best prices to be found. be sure to order the cars in A and B sets.

The modeler can add a little life with passengers and some black armor wash on the screens on the skirts and trucks. Just spreading the skirts allows the interior of the car to drop out the bottom for access. Keep a clean work surface or the tinted windows will pick up any little specs of lint. Sun shades can be added inside the lower section windows to protect the diners from the low sun angle at dinner. I provided lighting in the Kenai and Knik which were originally without, by swapping their bodies from unlit cars in the three car set that have been put aside for kit bashing. Yep we have big plans for those.

Best of modeling to you all

Pat Durand