A newly tooled Russell snowplow has been added to the WalthersProto line. But don’t confuse this model with its kit predecessor from 20 years ago. The ready-to-run 2014 version has prototype-specific details, metal wheelsets, a flanger with rivet detail, factory-installed wire grab irons, and underbody brake detail.
In addition, the new Russell has positionable wing blades. This is achieved with a brass hinge that’s screwed into the injection-molded plastic body shell. Pretty slick! Some of the paint had chipped off the hinges on our sample, but that’s an easy fix.
To negotiate tight curves, the plow uses a custom front truck with a scale 4′-9″ wheelbase. Except for a small bumps where the bearings would be located, the truck lacks detail such as springs and journal box covers. But that’s okay, as the truck is hidden behind the plow’s side skirts.
The model’s dimensions match or are within a scale inch or two of prototype drawings that I found on the Northern Pacific Ry. Historical Association website (www.nprha.org).
I also compared the model to a 1975 photo of no. 35 in Todd Sullivan’s NP Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (Morning Sun Books Inc., 1995). There were a few NP-related inaccuracies. The hinged access door for the front coupler and a hinged door between the front truck and wing blade on the right side were omitted. The crew door is incorrect (no. 35 had a two-vertical-panel door with three window panes). The headlight should be mounted on a bracket along the front edge of the cab, not on the roof. The single-chime air horn should also be facing forward. Though the prototype drawings indicate wood running boards, the steel boards on the model are correct.
I pushed the plow around our HO scale Wisconsin & Southern layout with an Electro-Motive Division GP38 diesel locomotive. The model passed over turnouts without incident. It also rolled well when being pulled on the rear of a train (This is how it was typically transported between terminals).
The model’s 33″ metal wheelsets are correctly gauged, and the Proto-Max metal coupler is at the correct height. At 3.2 ounces, the Russell snowplow is .7 ounce too light based on National Model Railroad Association recommended practice 20.1
Kudos to Walthers for bringing the Russell snowplow back to its HO scale product lineup. The well-detailed and well-proportioned model will be the star of your mainentance-of-way fleet.
Manufacturer
Wm. K. Walthers Inc.
P.O. Box 3039
Milwaukee, WI 53201
www.walthers.com
Paint schemes
Canadian National, Chesapeake & Ohio, Missouri Pacific (Union Pacific herald), Northern Pacific, Pennsylvania RR, and Soo Line. One road number per scheme; also available as undecorated kit
Era: Oct. 1953 to mid-1970s (as painted)
Features
- 33″ metal wheelsets,
- correctly gauged
- Factory-installed grab irons
- Proto-Max coupler (rear only), mounted at correct height
- Railroad-specific details
- Underbody brake gear and piping
- Weight: 3.2 ounces, .7 ounces too light based on National Model Railroad Association recommended practice 20.1
