Looks like my excitement over the P2K 35 was short lived.The main difference that finally stood out was the fuel fill area.Anyway,I did contact Walthers to see if maybe future phases would be considered,in particular,phase 1b's.Waiting and hoping for a good response.

On Feb.17 I received a reply from Robin S. concerning a possible future run of the GP35 1b's.She was glad to suggest it for future consideration but no plans are currently on the table for that phase.If interested in this model phase for a future P2K send Walthers an e-mail and maybe enough asking will get it done.

I also recently e-mailed minuteman scale hobbies concerning SCII RDG yellow but have not received a reply.Back before Christmas Shawn said he was having trouble with the shade,either too light or too orange.

Lastly,has anyone heard any news concerning the Atlas GP7 which was supposed to be released the 4th quarter of 15?

There are a couple of custom roundhouse HTw "beet" hoppers on eBay that look pretty nice. Out of my era, but they caught my eye with
The blue panel, and tarp frame on top.www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/301880706858

For those who might be interested...if you log on to www.coal-region-fire .com and click on the picture 2016 coal region emergency service training there are some great pictures of the NS Safety Train in Harrisburg.The train was there for a train safety seminar on 05/11/2016

Chris, Thanks for the heads up on this book. A treasure trove of historical photos. The photo of three units from the last group of the Baldwin AS-16 models coupled together - priceless. Evan

Atlas has listed in their new catalog RDG C424's numbered 5202/06/10.I e-mailed Atlas to see if the RDG units would come with the appropriate details for the RDG units,i.e. correct fuel tanks,side sills,pilots,duel sand fills on the short hood and hand rails.I haven't received a response...don't know that I will.

Saw Mr. English's interview from the NMRA convention.Disappointed to hear him say Bowser will not be doing Ph1 rs3's.He did say they were working on 8 well known locomotives for future releases...hoping there's something there for us RDG modelers.
I did pick up the recently released 40ft banner boxes from Bowser...not sure how prototypical but they look good.Also,Bowser announced RDG 50fter's in the box car red "DF" scheme.They will be offering 3 #'s 19206/243/227...still waiting for the AS16's to show up.

I also sent an e-mail to Shane at scale trains and asked if they would consider looking into the GP35 model...I'll keep you posted.

Finally...I received an e-mail from Shawn Cavaretta of Minuteman Scale Models the makers of Scalecoat paint.He has informed me that the RDG yellow is completed and all that is needed is to bottle the final product

Happy Modeling