Category: Locomotives

Stephen built this radio controlled hi-railer in January 1989. It is a milled aluminum frame with front suspension and electronics from a Tamiya Grasshopper RC car. This concept vehicle worked well and the body was painted maintenance yellow.

John Enders’ son-in-law Lee Balkum making a nighttime run of #478. The engine has been rebuilt as a SW switcher with gas-hydraulic power. It is currently dressed in red and white and lettered for Carolyn’s Katy & Texas Railroad.

 John Enders at the throttle of his 2.5″ scale, narrow gauge Mikado #16 at the Houston Area Live Steamers. The locomotive was completed in 1986 after several years of construction. John used #73 of the White Pass & Yukon Route as the inspiration.

John Enders is running his first narrow gauge, 2.5″ scale locomotive, a 2-4-2 plantation engine, “Woodie.” A local coat hanger factory sold its scrap for a fixed price by the pickup bed load. As its name implies, Woodie burned wood. John and Helen went and meticulously packed their pickup bed to maximize the purchase of…

John Enders completed this RS diesel #478 in April, 1978, at the request of grandson Stephen Balkum. A 7hp engine turns a generator powering an electric motor on each truck, a true gas-electric. Shown in its original blue with basic A&TC lettering, it later carried blue and yellow Santa Fe livery.

John Enders upscaled again and completed his 1.5″ scale Atlantic #869 in August 1969. He headed immediately to a train meet in Falfurrias where this picture was taken.

Built in the mid 1960s, this F unit’s drive system utilized a chain and bicycle sprocket.

John’s son, John Carroll Enders, Jr., is pictured with his newly restored 1″ scale switcher #65 which was originally built by John Sr. in 1965.

#71 0-4-0, 1″ Scale

#1962 Atlantic – 1″ Scale