Modelling BNML #2...

Winnipeg railfans should be well familiar with the BNSF #1685 that has called Winnipeg home since being built as Midland #2 in 1957. The unit underwent a repaint after 1970 to become BNML #2 and lasted this way until 1999, when it received the current livery. The BNML operation here is unique and down-home. Every weekday they leave the Taylor Street garage with their Operation Lifesaver caboose and head into the city to do some switching with CN, mostly involving tank cars. At one time, BNML brought their freight down to the US border via the CN Letellier sub but in more recent times the traffic has been handled by CN and 1685 stays in the city.

My model of #2 follows the appearance of the unit as she was in 1989, my modelling era. There is no factory painted version of this unique engine in existence, so anyone who wants one must make their own. You need to start with a Proto2000 phase 2 GP9, non-dynamic, torpedo tube version. This is a rather difficult version to find unless you are willing to start with a decorated model and strip the paint. I was lucky enough to be able to locate an undecorated version so that was my starting point. Here is what I did for my own version of BNML #2. This was a straightforward project.

  • Assemble and paint the shell with Badger Model Flex Katy Green. Tops of walkway black, sides green.
  • Add DA Western Cullen type beacon
  • Add Sinclair antenna
  • Add bell to roof
  • Add speed recorder to truck journal
  • Letter the unit using decals from the Microscale BN set. You will need to find a small letter M elsewhere. Add stripes to front of unit ONLY. Note there was no BN logo on this unit and NO large road number on the side.
  • After lettering is in place, apply grab irons and handrails.
  • Add lenses to corner marker lamps
  • Add all-weather windows to cab
  • Add horn
  • Add rerail frogs to front and back of carbody as shown
  • Add broom in grab irons
  • Weather intake louvers (mine look better than the photo shows)
  • Complete assembly in the normal manner.

© updated 8-4-08

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