Algoma Central Railfan & Modelling Site

Modeller's Showcase

This page showcases the work of several ACR modellers. If you model the ACR and would like to share your work, send a photo and description to me via an email attachment.

Nick Masney
Mike Pebesma
Chris vanderHeide

Nick Masney

Nick Masney models the ACR during the transition era from steam to diesel (1951-52), and some of his excellent models show here.

	ACR 29 started as a Pacific Pike brass CPR N2 Consolidation. The pilot, boiler, drivers, cab and tender were all significantly modified to match photos and line drawings of #29 (see pages 45 & 130 of "The Algoma Central Railway Story"). A can motor and NWSL gear set complete this model.
	This is a brass SP MK-10 Mikado that matches the dimensions of the Virginian Ry #455, which was purchased by the ACR in 1937 and re-built. This model has been modified with the appropriate boiler appliances and handrails to match photographs from 1948. The tender has been extensively modified to represent the ACR 60 class (ex- Wabash) tenders which were applied to numbers 70 & 71. Paint, lettering, lighting and sound system complete this model.
	This model is an Akane brass USRA Mikado, modified to represent the Wabash locomotive which the ACR purchased and modified themselves. The tender was cut down, the coal box fabricated from sheet brass (measured from the photographs). New trailing truck, and additional plumbing and fixtures were added to the boiler in correct locations to represent #60 in 1951 (whistle, bell, feed water heater, rectangular number box, handrails, etc.)
	AC 140 is a stock Proto 2000 SW8 factory painted for the ACR. It has been lightly weathered to represent its as-new appearance in 1951.
	Caboose 9507 is represented using an MDC (Roundhouse) 3-window wood caboose. Custom painted with custom decals.
	A pair of ACR 40' boxcars deliver supplies at a typical station along the line. HO scale models and photo by Nick Masney.
	A pair of ACR 40' boxcars.
	ACR steel boxcar #2901. This was a rebuilt GTW boxcar, damaged on the ACR and written off by GTW. The ACR repaired it and it became their first steel boxcar. 2901 was the only steel boxcar on the ACR to ever be fully repainted and wear the bear logo. Nick Masney built this car from a resin kit from Sylvan Scale Models.
	The prototype for this car was one of a hundred cars built in 1928. Nick Masney built AC 3190 from an Accurail wood boxcar.
	ACR wood reefer 2801, modeled using an Accurail reefer and modified CDS dry transfer lettering. This car does not appear in any Official Railway Equipment Register lists, but apparently did exist as old photos of this car have surfaced. This was probably the only car of its type on the Algoma Central and likely used for local express deliveries along the line.
	ACR pulpwood rack flatcar 1795. This car was modelled using a Tichy 40' flatcar with the superstructure scratchbuilt from scale lumber. The lettering has been pieced together using a combination of CDS lettering and old Champ decals.
	AC 2542, another 40' flatcar with wood end racks for pulpwood. This car is modelled with an Ulrich metal car with Kadee trucks. Lettering pieced together as on 1795 above.

Mike Pebesma

This model of one of the AC's 61' bulkhead gondolas was kitbashed from a Walthers 65' gondola by Mike Pebesma. Mike says:

"My intention was to create a model of the car that was very close, but maybe not 100% accurate. Starting with a Walther's 65' mill gondola, the car body was shortened by cutting off each end. The cast on ladders were used as a guide for the cuts. New bulkhead ends were built from .020" styrene sheet and ribs from styrene strip.

"The original weight and underframe were installed as per the instructions. Detail Associates brake parts were added to the end. The prototype car is riveted construction whereas the Walther's car is not. At the time I built this car, rivets such as the Archer decals were not available, but this small compromise was one I am willing to live with. The model was painted with Polly Scale engine black lightened slightly with reefer white. Lettering for this car was from a CDS dry transfer set. The load is made from Evergreen styrene beams of varying size."

Chris vanderHeide

This baggage car is modelled after AC 302 using a California Zephyr baggage car from Broadway Limited custom lettered with decals from Black Cat Decals.

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