One of the future projects I plan to start sometime in the future is a 1:64th scale model of the Whittier Provider, an ocean going railbarge that transports 50 railcars at a time from Seattle, WA, to Whittier, AL. Furthermore, in addition to railcars, this barge can also transport containers, both in overhead racks and on the aft deck (when it isn’t carrying a full load of railcars). It is even possible to stack additional cargo, such as small construction equipment, trucks, and pleasure boats, on metal plates that are placed on top of the containers.

In one of the pictures I have of this barge, it is transporting a CH-54/S-64 on one of these metal plates on top of the containers and definitely want to include this feature when I construct my model.

http://www.lynden.com/aml/images/Helecopt_small.JPG

While I am NOT yet building the barge itself, I figured I’d build the S-64 (a 1:72 CH-54) and let it sit on the layout until the barge is complete (many years from now).

I was just trying to determine if it was more likely that the S-64 in the picture is a new aircraft being transported to its new owners in Alaska, or a used aircraft traveling to or from Alaska for a specific job?

IF it is likely a used aircraft, where can I find advice on how to realistically “weather” this aircraft (I assume that, due to their cost, no owner would allow their S-64 to fall into disrepair, but some wear is bound to show…)?

There are not many S64s left flying and no more new ones being built. It is most likely an older/rebuilt one being ferried somewhere to do a job. With what it cost to fly them, it is probably cheaper to ferry it there. As for weathering, the commercial ones are maintained pretty well. I woulod say some light oil and dust around the engines and hoist area, a little paint rubbing around the doors and hand hold, and not much else.

Here is an Erickson S64 Skycrane to see what they look like in use.

Hope that helps and good luck.