Putting a Proto 2000 URSA 0-6-0 to work

There were a couple of Grand Trunk six-wheeled yard engines at Black Rock, New York (Buffalo), assigned to Fort Erie, Ontario. Regulars were 7528 and 7529. Both were taken out of service September 1956. Over the years, various others in the 7520-series filled in as the regulars were shopped. The whole story, including locomotive assignments, description of operations, maps, time tables and numerous photos, is presented in Steam to the Niagara Frontier.

For the HO scale modeler who loves steam era freight cars, enjoys a variety of railroads, and perhaps doesn't have a lot of space: consider modeling just the International Bridge between Fort Erie and Black Rock. Staging yard at either end. You could start with either one or two of the Proto 2000 0-6-0s and build plastic and resin freight car kits to your heart's content. Don't even worry about cabooses. Virtually any car in interchange service in North America could pass over that bridge (busiest international railroad connection in North America).

If the day comes that you want to do a little more, get a Broadway NYC (orTH&B) Hudson or two for the CPR/TH&B/NYC passenger trains. Or maybe some PRR cab units or road switchers for the two PRR trains each way (per day) which came and went from Fort Erie. Or NYC steam or diesel freight power. Or C&O... or Erie...