CSX HO Scale Miami Downtown Spur Train with Two Custom Locomotives

To cap off 2023, I ran the model train equivalent of Time's "Person of the Year", the "Model Train of the Year"... this would translate to a train I model that had the most impact or significance this year.
Without question, that title goes to CSX Y322, the Downtown Spur Switcher. The train is made popular by Lance Mindheim's masterpiece layouts and inspiring model train content covering the Miami industrial switching scene.
The Downtown Spur, East Rail 2.0, and whatnot have been featured and discussed in no fewer than three podcast episodes this year:
• Lance Mindheim and The...
• Lance Mindheim shares ...
• Lance Mindheim and The...
This year, I also completed two additional Miami Iron and Metal-based scrap gondolas, while acquiring other pieces such as more LPG tanks, scrap gondolas, etc. This level of progress makes it possible to run trains matching the size of the prototype, which runs anywhere between 10 and 20 cars on a good day.
Two visits were made to Lance's layout. One was my first since the pandemic and was simply a blast. The other coincided with a rail prototype modeler's meet which allowed a cool opportunity to share some tidbits on Miami style operations.
Sadly, on this visit the GP38-3 which I built specifically to run on that layout got damaged, but in short order it was repaired and ready for the next local meet with ECHOES.
Finally, I brought a GP39-2 up to the ESU Loksound V5/LED lighting standard that I've held up lately. This was quietly done to what was my second DCC-friendly locomotive, 4305, in adapting it to 4310, which ran in South Florida recently. The 4310 was made the leader of the consist on this special run at Pinecrest Gardens.
So here we go, a full sized CSX Y322 in model train form, with cars modeled for FP&T, Miami Iron and Metal, Sungas, SALCO, Family and Son, and Pan American Paper. 2009 added for layout reliability and due to the rare existence of double headed yard jobs in Miami. Enjoy and Happy New Year! May 2024 be an excellent year with many new and exciting opportunities for all.
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[@smalltowntraveller]

Lovely realistic models❤❤

[@sntrainzchaserguy6883]

Happy new year to you my friend. I hope to meet in the short future one day. Who knows maybe this upcoming year LOL!!

[@Therobloxrailfanner_113]

Nice video! Those locomotives look and sound great

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Thanks! Especially given the audio tends to get muffled in spaces like that

[@tropicalrailroadproduction5028]

Wonderful video. I hope you have a wonderful happy new year 🎈🎊🎆.

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Thanks, you too!

[@notyouraverageyoutuber3172]

I remember this, they were always at the Miami harvest festival, sad they stopped attending. 😕

[@TolgaEastCoast]

If you all make enough noise to the Harvest Festival organizers, they just might get us back.

[@notyouraverageyoutuber3172]

@@TolgaEastCoast It’s some new people, I can try but if not, is there anywhere else I can see this?

[@TolgaEastCoast]

@@notyouraverageyoutuber3172 pinecrest gardens, until jan 6