The February category was Motive Power: Diesel, Steam, Electric & Traction, we had six contestants. After member voting, the winners were chosen, as follows:

1st place went to Dennis Lippert for his submission of two HO scale GP30s, a Conrail and a Penn Central. He compared modeling a new (2024) Scaletrains model to an old (1999) Proto-2000 model. The new Conrail model is out of the box, decoder added, and weathered. The older Penn Central model was purchased used at a train show for $40, and upgraded over the years with new Stewart trucks, a decoder, lights, Cannon fans, custom paint, and elbow grease. In all, after accounting for inflation and free labor, they cost the same.

2nd place went to Kevin Squire for his entry of an N scale TCR Steeple Cab, he provided a prototype photo and list of upgrades that he made to this model, which he bought to solve his Inglenook puzzle. He built this N scale pocket diorama in a clamshell eyeglass case.

3rd place went to Rick Montgomery for his HO Scale NS GE Dash 8-40B #7003. Originally a Walthers Trainline LMX #8554. Painted and decalled for Norfolk Southern, slight weathering and number boards added.

Paints: Gloss Black, Burnt Oxide, Rail Tie Brown, and Yellow.
Decals: Microscale NS and Dymo Label

Three additional entries were submitted for the February contest.

Erik Fritzberg entered a pair of O-Scale PRR Alco RSD-12s.

Mike DeSensi entered an N-Scale Santa Fe GP30.

Steve Ross entered an HO scale NW SD40-2 #6185. Started with an Athearn Blue Box HO kit given to him by a co-worker, cleaned and lubed, no electrical upgrades at this time. Added KD #37 couplpers, 3rd brake cylinders to center axles, American Model Builders window set, Detail Associates eye bolts (long hood sides), firecracker antenna, coupler lifft bars, Details West MU cables and hoses, Leslie RS-5TRF horn, NW/SOU front mount bell, circular vent, Tichy grab irons, Shell Scale decals for numberboards, small stencils, factory paint plus accents, and started weathering.

This page is based on the Keystone Flyer and emails from Dominic Martinelli.