Regular readers know I have a group of models built by James Trout. That he was quite a fine craftsman is an understatement, as he was in real life a Disney illustrator.

This NW-2 very recently joined my group of Trout models. It is lettered for his personal road, the West Coast Southern, of which I have other examples.

In the photos here it is seen with a stock version of the Super-Scale NW-2 (more here), which is used as the basis for his model, and also a 3D printed Shapeways SW-7 (more here).

He modified his model and upgraded it in a number of ways. The most obvious and visually helpful modification was the cab. The Super-Scale cab has always seemed a bit off to me, and now it is clear why: It is not long enough, window shapes are off, and the back step is clunky. Trout fixed all those things by replacing the cab sides and modifying the ends. The front side really looks nice with the characteristic look of the NW-2 windows, which was a key modification.

There are other modifications to the body, but the other big change, only somewhat visible in the photos, is he completely redid the steps in brass. The detail is much finer and pleasing to the eye, with see through treads.

Also I should note the lettering, like most of his other models, was done by hand with his steady, artist hand.

As the model arrived it has sideframes but no other parts from the original drive. At first I was a little disappointed, but then I realized this was a blessing, as I can work out a new drive that would require only minimal changes to the frame, but otherwise the model will remain visually exactly as it is now.

I’d love to get this running using the Athearn drive parts I have used numerous times now. I have WAY too many projects going, but this one is going to be pushed ahead a bit in the line, be watching for more in the coming months.

Continue to Part 2