Dan Goins built this diorama for Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR). TTCI  operates a special  railroad technology testing facility in Pueblo, Colorado. This model represents an acoustic test site that is located on the TTCI test track. The only railroad we are aware of that actually has its own oval track! When EMD wants to get a new locomotive certified, this is where it will be done. This diorama depicts a testing station that was built to develop the Trackside Acoustic Detection System or TADS and utilizes various cameras, recorders, transponders and acoustic sensors that can detect an amazing range of specific railcar bearing and wheel issues. Using this testing array, TTCI was able to develop a compact TADS unit that is being installed on various railroads worldwide including UP and BNSF mainlines. The diorama was mostly scratchbuilt utilizing IHC signal bridge components, various electrical cabinet castings along with  Evergreen, Plastruct and Micro Engineering plastic stock. Wood cabinet tapered plugs were used for the concrete mounting bases. A River Point Station Ford F-450 truck with service body and Preiser figures rounded out the display.

Posted October 5, 2019