[?]

CStPM&O & CNW     Motive Power on the Hannibal Branch of the Omaha Railway   We have chosen use of American Flyer stock due to it's availability, parts, and close resemblance to the original engines that shook the ties on the Omaha Road. The Flyer stock that we use would typically not be classified as collector material. Usually there is enough wrong with the original to not decrease it's value by modification. The engines may be converted to DC current for DCC operation, although consideration is being given to be flexible enough for AC or DC, depending on future collecting possibilities. Never know...One thing is for sure, capabilities to run High Rail and/or Scale will be a priority.      A test was made using nickel silver code 100 rail from Atlas HO flex track. The rail was removed from the ties, and nailed to a  hollow door using a 20 inch radius and HO spikes. The inner flanges just cleared the door, clipped a couple of inside HO spikes, but ran extremely smooth. I am going to use N scale spikes between the rails, HO on the outside, and buy HO flex track in bulk to strip the ties off. Should save a bundle. Switch making may be another story. We will keep you updated on the Layout page as we progress.  Omaha number 600, 601, and 602Pacific style engine can be modeled...

The E-3 heavy Pacific with road number of 602 as seen in 1930 fresh from the factory

An American Flyer 280 series could look like this.

Shown below is Omaha 112, a ten wheeler delivered August 5, 1911. This style of engines have seen may years hauling freight and passengers.
Starting with a "Game Train" shown below, the ten wheeler can be recreated with some modifications to the drive system by using a six wheel drive and changes to the boiler shell.

 0-6-0 and 0-8-0's were also part of the Omaha roster and Flyer made units to use for conversion. They are more rare and expensive, but can be found in "for parts only" condition to convert and repaint. Apparently all kids were not easy on their toys. The 343 shown needs a lot of work, but someday it will inspire kids of all ages again. Switchers are the most fun when it comes to operations due to the operator interface.

Diesels were also available through American Flyer and also were in service in the era planned. American Flyer Baldwin Switcher came as road number 355 and cold be modified to look similar

Passenger trains converted from streamlined steam to diesel A-B units for savings in maintenance and fuel costs. A and B units were available through Flyer also.

Another workhorse of the railroad was the "GEEPS" The GP (general Purpose) units carried freight and sometimes even passenger service. They were geared for speed and power which made them useful for many applications including switching in yards where multiple cars were moved. The American Flyer units had slightly longer trucks, but would suffice by adding greater detail such as hand rails, hoses, marker lights, etc...

 Some of the photos of real engines and locomotives came from my collection, but some also came from the Don Ross Collection. Don has been collecting photos for many years, and has an on-line business of selling pictures to the public for very reasonable prices. Choose from hundreds of photos and hundreds of road names. If you have a favorite road, and would like to get some pictures that are suitable for hanging, check him out. It's worth the trip online.