The First 2010 Railwire Prototype Scratchbashing Challenge - shop flats

[Philip H]

When Chris posted this, I knew I had to scratch build it:

I'm thinking what was carried on it wouldn't fit on this:

And since we had such fun with the Critter build http://therailwire.net/forum/index.php/topic,19637.0.html, I thought this would make a great Railwire Scratchbuilding Challenge.

So let's start the new year with some new modeling.  This one is a bit more complicated then the Critter - I am not sure its a two beer project unless they are Guinness - so if folks want a deadline I propose 30 January.  That gives some of you time to do the CAD drawings and run your laser cutters.

Me, I'm off to look for trucks and styrene strip.  Have fun and I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

[Philip H]

First, I assembled my materials.

Then I drank an adult beverage by a company called Abita (not a requirement, but sure tasted good).

Then I knocked out this:



All in styrene.  Side sills are 0.010 x 0.156 styrene; end sills are 0.010 x 0.100 and the deck is v-groove to simulate wood.

Looking at it critically, its too short by about 2 or 3 feet.  I guestimated its length at 18 feet from the size of the trucks relative to the whole package, but I think I need to go a tad longer.  It also needs to ride a hair lower, and the side sills aren't as pointy as they need to be.  On the other hand, the IMRC 33" wheels look great in the trucks, and they roll really well.

And yes friends, that's Atlas Tru-Truck the critter is riding on.

Off to work, coffee, and more noodling.  Stay tuned.

[wm3798]

The rivet detail is the bone crusher on this one.  Maybe the clear decal trick will work like on the tread plate.
What are you using for a floor?  I assume wood planks, but perhaps steel given that this little guy is carrying a heavy load?

Lee

[Philip H]

This version has a wood floor made of V-groove siding.  So will the next iteration.

For rivets, I was thinking of using these:

http://www.archertransfers.com/AR88014.html

Any idea if they are worth it?

[wm3798]

Probably would work well...  But ordering things and buying stuff takes some of the adventure out of it.  I like to use stuff that's on hand.  Saves pushing back from the workbench for anything other than more beer.

I've got another one of these dogs I can cut up...


Once you peel away the crap, it has pretty good rivet detail.


I'm thinking a little slice and splice...

Lee

[Philip H]

I would prefer to do this as a complete scrap box activity too - but I don't have decal capable printers at home.  So if I want rivets, I either steal the wife's pounce wheel from the sewing box (and thus ensuring a sleeping space under the layout), or I order the decals.  Doing so will be the only purchase necessary to make the thing up.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

What about using a needle with some drops of paint (after you've done the base coat) to do the rivets?

[wm3798]

an excellent low cost option!  Some matte medium might work, too...

Lee

[Philip H]

I was also thinking gel type CA since it takes less time to dry.

Hum, yet another topic post coming up I think . . .

[NandW]

Once you peel away the crap, it has pretty good rivet detail.

Lee

Damn Lee, that's nice.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I really like that car, especially because I had a hand in it... (and by a hand, I mean tossing it at Lee).

But you know what else I like about that scene?

The track is two different colors. Very nice.

[wm3798]

My favorite part is the wheels.  I took old pizza wheels and turned them down in the dremel.  These days I absolutely love not spending money!

[Philip H]

Here's version 2.  I like the truck spacing on this and the ride height - I haven't added the sides yet however.  The only problem is I'll have to lower the adjacent car more (!) or raise this one a bit, because my current deck rests just below the top of the MT coupler on the autoparts box car to the right.

[wm3798]

Looking good...

[Philip H]

So I spent some time last night working on the ride height issue.  I added two strips of 0.010x0.100 styrene to the bolster, which raised it just enough - I think.  I also added a MT 1205 body mount coupler (I have another for the other end).  Although it doesn't show in this really badly lit photo, the MT on the flatcar is still a tad low.  Since I don't expect  this car to see much revenue service, I may just leave it, and proceed with the sides.