September 2002, I won 2^nd place in the MyLargescale.com photo contest. I called to claim my prize of a set of metal wheels BUT, I wanted to add extra cash to it and pick up a couple of sets of ball bearing wheels (BB) with the electrical tabs so I could replace the brush sets on my USA bay window caboose. Well, I waited, and waited. Along comes October and no wheels, BUT, another photo wins 2^nd place in the contest. I call again, STILL no wheels. I’m told the black ones are sold out BUT, we probably have the silver ones...NO PROBLEM, I’ll blacken them. Early January 2003 I called again, NO WHEELS anywhere. So, where can I get these (BB) wheels that seem to be sold out everywhere. AHHHHHH! The Aristo Snow Plow! Two complete sets of ball bearing, electrical tab wheels on it and, just to power the stupid headlight. I removed the plow’s wheels and installed them on the USA caboose. Now it "glides" the rails. Before it was like pulling a brick. While I was removing the wheels "my" wheels were turning. I liked the idea Marty Cozad had by putting the plow part on a more modern looking gondola. I did try that but, I wanted something a little more.

I had an old LGB powered tender just laying around. After removing the sides from the Aristo plow I tried a test fit. Sure’nuf it fit. I wanted to save the "Pennsylvania" so it would be on the side of my new plow. Only one addition cut was made along the support post to save the other "Pennsylvania" and then I CA’ed it together. (See "inside" photo) One wooden RR tie is under the front end of the blade and it’s "goo’ed" to the tender. It’s pretty much all "snap" fit. I wired up the headlight to the motor block (see the wires?) and added a Kadee. It looks good and runs great.