Keep your HO roads clear with the new Boley Snowplow
By Mike Smith

Boley's snowplow with the salt spreader is a nice addition to the Boley 1:87 line. This style of plow truck is very similar to the type used by many municipalities and state agencies in North America. For instance, the New York State Thruway uses trucks similar to this with a few minor differences.

Boley's model is a fine example of snow-fighting equipment commonplace on cold northern highways. The model is of typical Boley construction with die-cast cab, clear windows, plastic under-frame, wheels, tires and salt box. The paint on the cab has a smooth high gloss finish and closely matches the molded color of the dump bed. The blade is well done and appears to be properly shaped. Adding auxiliary lighting such as a second set of headlights and turn signals above blade level would increase the realism. Some modelers may also want to add a "wing" blade to the side of the truck, as this option is common on many plow trucks. The small orange beacon is nice but a few extra lights on the cab would also be appropriate. The covered salt box is well done, as is the salter head on the rear of the box. The fact that the head is positionable is also a neat feature!

This model is also available with the new and old style cab as are a lot of the other Boley models. Starting with a truck decorated in high-visibility yellow, I wanted to replicate a New York State DOT plow. I added some CSX blue to the wheels and fenders, as well as some diagonal stripes to the rear. It's not a perfect match, but it looks pretty cool posed on the layout.

If you model the "snow belt" like I do, a few of these plows will be right at home on your layout, whether out on the highways, or parked by the maintenance shed.

Please visit Boley for more information.

About the Author
Mike Smith, 30, of Rochester, New York, is a frequent contributor to RAILROAD.NET. A life-long model railroader, he is an experienced hobbyist. While his main interest lies in railroading, Mike also constructs models of vehicles, airplanes, and military equipment.