In the fall of 2001, I was contacted by Jim Murray,
owner of Murry Design and Manufacturing and the MDM Locomotive Works, maker
of inch and one half scale models of EMD Geeps and F units. Jim told
me that he had a request from a customer for a model of the 5623 and that
he needed a few photos and a couple of dimensions. The model was
completed in February, 2002 and the following photos present the finished
product. The 1-1/2" scale means that 1-1/2" on the model equals 1
foot on the original. It is built to 7-1/2" track gauge. Their
web site at MDM Locomotive Works
has more detail photos of their products. By the way, this is not
a commerical for MDM, the only thing I got out of this is the pleasure
of helping a little and seeing the finished model.
Once construction was complete,
the model was taken to the Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma (LOCO),
east of Oklahoma City, for a test run.
All of the unique details on the
side frame and roof were custom made by MDM especially for this model.
The model carries the correct P3 horn while the full size 5623 carries
a favorite M3.
Here is the rear truck, mounted
on the locomotive shipping platform. Great attention is put into
the truck castings and finish.
The crating process was undertaken
at Johnson Crating Company. While sitting on the fork lift blades,
one can get some idea of the size of this 5623. At around 500 pounds
of geep, the crate had to be sturdy.
