Above: SPMW 205 vs mini-SPMW 205.
See more instructions here: https://makershare.com/projects/southern-pacific-rotary-snow-plow-ho-scale
Union Pacific Railroad operates a fleet of three Rotary Snow Plows, which are used only in the worst weather conditions found during winter on California's Donner Pass route. The first rotaries (originally called "Rotary Steam Snow Shovels") were introduced in 1890 by the SP predecessor, the Central Pacific Railroad, and have been a staple of snow fighting equipment for over a century. This model replicates Rotary 205, built in 1920, which was converted from steam power to diesel in 1958, and is preserved in the California State Railroad Museum. In addition, here are instructions on how to build a B-Unit Snail (used to provide power to the rotary) and a diorama case to operate them.
I've always been fascinated by the snow fighting operations but unfortunately, no manufacturer has released a working model, nor a true model of SP prototype. Here is an HO Scale (1:87) model that not only is detailed for 205, but works in snow too!
I would like to thank the California State Railroad Museum, CSRRM Library, and fellow Rotary builder (and Museum Docent) Mr. B. Bender for their assistance in my project.
-A. Thomas Payne 4/2018
See more instructions here: https://makershare.com/projects/southern-pacific-rotary-snow-plow-ho-scale
Union Pacific Railroad operates a fleet of three Rotary Snow Plows, which are used only in the worst weather conditions found during winter on California's Donner Pass route. The first rotaries (originally called "Rotary Steam Snow Shovels") were introduced in 1890 by the SP predecessor, the Central Pacific Railroad, and have been a staple of snow fighting equipment for over a century. This model replicates Rotary 205, built in 1920, which was converted from steam power to diesel in 1958, and is preserved in the California State Railroad Museum. In addition, here are instructions on how to build a B-Unit Snail (used to provide power to the rotary) and a diorama case to operate them.
I've always been fascinated by the snow fighting operations but unfortunately, no manufacturer has released a working model, nor a true model of SP prototype. Here is an HO Scale (1:87) model that not only is detailed for 205, but works in snow too!
I would like to thank the California State Railroad Museum, CSRRM Library, and fellow Rotary builder (and Museum Docent) Mr. B. Bender for their assistance in my project.
-A. Thomas Payne 4/2018
Rotary Photos
Sounds:
| rotary_snow_plow_1.spj |
Shell/Base:
| rev_4.zip |
Backdrop
(Based off an image by G.R.R. on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cavenewt/12489106124), edited for cleanliness and size.
(Based off an image by G.R.R. on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cavenewt/12489106124), edited for cleanliness and size.
Decals:
Further Reading:
Snow on the Run, Southern Pacific Company
Kitbashing an SP Rotary Snowplow, Reed
SP Rotaries, SP Railfan
Motive Power Review: Rotary Snowplow Survivors, Haze Gray
Donner Pass: Southern Pacific's Sierra Crossing, Signor
Snowbound Streamliner: Rescuing the 1952 City of San Francisco, Church
Old and New Methods of Fighting Snow, National Car Builders May 1888
The Great Sierra Snow Blockade, McLaughlin
The Case of the Standed Streamliner, Bull, Trains and Travel Jan 1953
An Ancient Pass Traps a Modern Donner Party, Life Jan 1952
Snow Service - Roseville Division, Southern Pacific Lines Special Notice 4
Cold California Nights, Schlinger, Railfan and Railroad Jan 2018
Snow on the Run, Southern Pacific Company
Kitbashing an SP Rotary Snowplow, Reed
SP Rotaries, SP Railfan
Motive Power Review: Rotary Snowplow Survivors, Haze Gray
Donner Pass: Southern Pacific's Sierra Crossing, Signor
Snowbound Streamliner: Rescuing the 1952 City of San Francisco, Church
Old and New Methods of Fighting Snow, National Car Builders May 1888
The Great Sierra Snow Blockade, McLaughlin
The Case of the Standed Streamliner, Bull, Trains and Travel Jan 1953
An Ancient Pass Traps a Modern Donner Party, Life Jan 1952
Snow Service - Roseville Division, Southern Pacific Lines Special Notice 4
Cold California Nights, Schlinger, Railfan and Railroad Jan 2018
