HO scale modeling notes - Griswold crossing signals, MILW Thrall caboose

[Ethan]

I'm in a "deep" research phase right now, in part seeking out suitable models. A couple things of note that I've come across lately:

Griswold crossing signals

• NJ International Griswold style crossing signals #1096 (may have to search online to find one to buy):
  https://njisignals.com/collections/ho-scale-crossings/products/1096-griswold-crossing-signal-1
  
• Mark's Model Railservices Griswold style crossing signals, with and without rotating stop sign (currently sold out as of April 2020, but there is hope):
  http://www.marksmodelrailservices.com/page4.html
  
  In action, really cool:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahtuFF8LLQ4
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2KHnOyjxdk
  

Milwaukee Road Thrall cabooses

• https://lineswestproducts.com/product-category/ho-scale-2/caboose/
• https://lineswestproducts.com/product/milwaukee-road-thrall-caboose-ho-scale-assembled-80s-era-992175/

I have no stake in any of the companies above, but was happy to find these very specific models.

Next up: finding suitable 1970s era CCLX corn syrup tank cars. No easy feat - so far Tangent seems to have something close, but not exact.

Best,
Ethan

[haggar]

Thanks for posting your research. Always helpful for modelers..
I intend on modeling the Tribune Freedom Center and the CNW low line from Sun Times to Ogden. Maybe Goose Island or Kingsbury if I have enough years left in me
You posted some video of Bob Rivard's layout. I was fortunate enough see it in person about 20 years ago when the Soo Line Historical Society held a convention near his home. Very impressive.

Joe

[TBurke]

I'm in a "deep" research phase right now, in part seeking out suitable models. A couple things of note that I've come across lately:

Griswold crossing signals

• NJ International Griswold style crossing signals #1096 (may have to search online to find one to buy):
  https://njisignals.com/collections/ho-scale-crossings/products/1096-griswold-crossing-signal-1
  
• Mark's Model Railservices Griswold style crossing signals, with and without rotating stop sign (currently sold out as of April 2020, but there is hope):
  http://www.marksmodelrailservices.com/page4.html
  
  In action, really cool:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahtuFF8LLQ4
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2KHnOyjxdk
  

Milwaukee Road Thrall cabooses

• https://lineswestproducts.com/product-category/ho-scale-2/caboose/
• https://lineswestproducts.com/product/milwaukee-road-thrall-caboose-ho-scale-assembled-80s-era-992175/

I have no stake in any of the companies above, but was happy to find these very specific models.

Next up: finding suitable 1970s era CCLX corn syrup tank cars. No easy feat - so far Tangent seems to have something close, but not exact.

Best,
Ethan

Good research. I use NJ International N-scale crossing signals on my two dioramas including cantilevered signals to represent what the Milwaukee Road used at the busier crossings like Belmont and Addison. It was years ago but I ordered mine from Walthers.

Here's are images of a Griswold signal on the C&E line on Lakewood by Peerless.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/39092860@N06/40415559573/in/photolist-2iceqZP-Rqyp9x-24zoiND-xT8VVw

https://www.flickr.com/photos/39092860@N06/20925748284/in/photolist-2iceqZP-Rqyp9x-24zoiND-xT8VVw

https://www.flickr.com/photos/39092860@N06/49353859601/in/photolist-2iceqZP-Rqyp9x-24zoiND-xT8VVw

And another one I believe, this time at School Street-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/39092860@N06/28487390604/in/photolist-2eNAZKi-2eNAZDr-SEu1U9-Si25nw-GAZtKa-YvHRsN-KQpRgR-KpkjJY-L3jS1J-ybwqeP-xFuWZM-xEExBY