TheRailwire
General Discussion => N and Z Scales => Topic started by: up1950s on January 05, 2024, 07:26:04 PM
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(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/medium_53-050124190445.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=37756)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/670051250781604899/
https://www.cnwhs.org/imggallery/displayimage.php?album=6&pid=1465
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/what-is-your-favorite-flatcar-and-load
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https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/early-piggyback-project?postsPerPage=100&page=1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piggyback_%28transportation%29#/media/File:South_Australian_Railways_narrow_gauge_locomotive_T232_on_broad_gauge_crocodile_car.jpg
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I posted this on the Greenville gondola thread, but this is my contribution for the week. The Bachmann model is well-tooled but the deco schemes, while well-applied, are prototypically questionable. I stripped a New York Central model and shaved off the extra retainer valve and pipe. The trucks were upgraded to Atlas 70-ton with ESM wheels, and the couplers were upgraded to MTL 1015s. Extra weight was added. I primed and airbrushed the body in black, and applied custom decals to prototypically represent the Erie prototype. Weathering consists of airbrushed dust along the lower regions followed by chalks.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1534-010124122436-376722080.jpeg)
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Propane and propane accessories coming soon to the CSX Hanover Subdivision
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/medium_2695-050124235906.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=37762)
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Hi
As some of you will know, I'm a big Alco fan, but when your favourite railroad sells it's Alcos and gets some Geeps, you just have to go to the dark side. The Morristown & Erie has purchased a couple of former Mopac GP-15-1s, so I just have to do the same. I can't do any more than what you see at the moment, as they are potentially lettering them differently from previous engines. It's now a waiting game.
Cheers from Downunder.
Steve
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/medium_2874-060124012426.jpeg)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/medium_2874-060124012238.jpeg)
Prototype photo, thanks to a Facebook friend.
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OK we have to get things back on track with some ALCO/MLW love here . . . . . I have started on a second CN MLW C-424 as I need one in the older paint scheme for my diorama.
I started by disassembling the Hobbycraft Canada/Life-Like C-424 and adding the battery boxes underneath the left walkway:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-050124110957-37746994.jpeg)
I removed the side blisters from the fuel tank, added new segmented ones with fuel filler pipes, and scratchbuilt new air tanks:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-050124110957-377461221.jpeg)
Atlas was able to provide me with a spare ALCO C-420 shell which will be used to replace the rear end on the Life-Like model:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-050124110957-37682799.jpeg)
Next up is removing the battery boxes ahead of/behind the cab and the headlight above the cab windows:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-050124110957-376821663.jpeg)
I have also got back to work on the Pine River bridge. In September I got the track sections painted and weathered, and feeder wires attached. Next came the challenge of gluing six and a half feet of track onto the bridge so it would be level and straight. The process was undertaken in my friend John W's new layout room where there was plenty of light and space.
The tops of the girders on which the track will sit were not perfectly level, so to correct that John glued sandpaper to his eight foot level, and we slid it back and forth against the top of the bridge while it was resting on its side in a large jig:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-060124014025-37760523.jpeg)
Here I am threading the feeder wires at each end through the holes drilled in the ends of the plate girder spans:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-060124014025-37760437.jpeg)
After applying contact cement along the tops of the girders, the track was positioned in place and pressed down. We used steel rulers to verify that the track was straight, as well as sighting along the track from each end:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-060124014026-377692450.jpeg)
The contact cement ensured good adhesion fairly quickly while providing us with sufficient working time to nudge the track into alignment where needed:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-060124014026-377691897.jpeg)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-060124014026-377711185.jpeg)
The bridge was then left overnight for the cement to set up permanently:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/1731-060124014026-377711788.jpeg)
Tomorrow I will bring it home and add the remaining guard rails and ties at the track joints, do some paint touch-ups after handling, and I can then install it on the layout.
Tim
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OK we have to get things back on track with some ALCO/MLW love here . . . . .
Well said Tim.
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Propane and propane accessories coming soon to the CSX Hanover Subdivision
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/medium_2695-050124235906.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=37762)
Hank Hill would be thrilled.
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No real modeling, but I'm starting to assemble SD40-2 models for an upcoming article on the history of the engine in N scale.
[attachimg=1]
Left to right: Original Bachmann, Spectrum, BLI, Intermountain, Kato
[attachimg=2]
I'M and BLI cabs up close.
[attachimg=3]
The Bachmanns are not pretty!
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
The decks are pretty similar in height between the Kato, I'M and BLI
[attachimg=6]
The Bachmanns stand about 2 scale feet too high. In fact, this spectrum unit sits even higher than the original! The engine was not propped up in any way.
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Been building up to this this week.
/>
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Experimenting with photo backdrops and refining 3D terrain to better match. Always interesting what unanticipated photo shots emerge.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/2314-060124122615.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37779)
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(Attachment Link)
The Bachmanns stand about 2 scale feet too high. In fact, this spectrum unit sits even higher than the original! The engine was not propped up in any way.
The shell on the left doesn't look like it's snapped down all the way?
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No real modeling, but I'm starting to assemble SD40-2 models for an upcoming article on the history of the engine in N scale.
(Attachment Link)
Left to right: Original Bachmann, Spectrum, BLI, Intermountain, Kato
(Attachment Link)
I'M and BLI cabs up close.
(Attachment Link)
The Bachmanns are not pretty!
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
The decks are pretty similar in height between the Kato, I'M and BLI
(Attachment Link)
The Bachmanns stand about 2 scale feet too high. In fact, this spectrum unit sits even higher than the original! The engine was not propped up in any way.
So you see the way Kato has been gaslighting us with the depth of the sill? It still blows my mind.
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The shell on the left doesn't look like it's snapped down all the way?
Nope, it is actually seated all the way down. Crazy right? I could probably get it to sit further down if I removed the light board and milled the frame, but my intention here is to show them as close to original as possible.
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Daniel you are missing one in your history: the Con-Cor SD40-2
https://www.trovestar.com/generic/zoom.php?id=211237
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Doing some work on the UP Early Challengers.
Drasko[attachimg=1][attachimg=2][attachimg=3][attachimg=4]
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Daniel you are missing one in your history: the Con-Cor SD40-2
https://www.trovestar.com/generic/zoom.php?id=211237
That is next on my shopping list. I also need to purchase a few different versions of the Kato model.
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I did the 2nd test print of the Mn3 EBT #27. The railings printed better than expected, and I even tried one end with the brake wheel and *it* printed well. A couple minor refinements still needed and window glass. I know I'm setting myself up for a model of EBT 16 at some point...
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3184-060124141911.jpeg)
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That is next on my shopping list. I also need to purchase a few different versions of the Kato model.
Don't know if you are only covering plastic, but there was also the Hallmark/Kumata SD40-2 as well.
http://www.spookshow.net/loco/hmsd40-2.html
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I finished up the ATSF baggage car casting that I've been working on (got the decals I ordered in the mail yesterday).
Modelflex paint (Pullman Green and Flat Black). Testors Glosscote under the decals and Dullcote to seal them. Modelflex Railroad Tie Brown for weathering.
Decals are from two different sets: "Santa Fe" is a Microscale set and everything else is a Nickle Plate Road set from K4 Decals.
I still need to add "glass" to the baggage door windows and the clerestory.
Prototype photo for reference.
[attachimg=1][attachimg=2][attachimg=3][attachimg=4]
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That is next on my shopping list. I also need to purchase a few different versions of the Kato model.
The mid production unit is the only other version, the snoot and early share everything but the body shell.
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I finished-up this N-scale ESM G32C gondola this week. I've had it sitting around for a while and finally built it. Wish I had a couple more of them, now.
Chris
[attachimg=1]
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I finished a fuel dealer yesterday. It's roughly based on a shed from a dealer in small town Iowa along one of the Milwaukee mains. Needs some touch up and details, but all in due time.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53446319742_0822ab1e0d_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53447242361_5622d835cf_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53447655455_534fa90e58_b.jpg)
Now I can say I have 6 square inches of a layout finished 8)
Lucas
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I finished a fuel dealer yesterday. It's roughly based on a shed from a dealer in small town Iowa along one of the Milwaukee mains. Needs some touch up and details, but all in due time.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53446319742_0822ab1e0d_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53447242361_5622d835cf_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53447655455_534fa90e58_b.jpg)
Now I can say I have 6 square inches of a layout finished 8)
Lucas
Lucas, where did you get the tanks? Looks great
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I finished a fuel dealer yesterday. It's roughly based on a shed from a dealer in small town Iowa along one of the Milwaukee mains.
Now I can say I have 6 square inches of a layout finished 8)
Lucas
Very nice, Lucas
I'm going to have about 14 of these on my layout and just started printing tanks tody
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Working on livestock pens
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/GbhpNX.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnGbhpNXj)
Added a siding for stock pens on the Feather River Railway junction that is the lead to the highline staging yard
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/924/6KIvWs.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/po6KIvWsj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q70/923/rSz1Gt.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnrSz1Gtj)
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Put the finishing touches on my barn kit today.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8eTfmL8YyC2M0qlViNNNqJrrVvo95-_8gvt6YqqH8nDn7cdMGSz6HC7mss9TdUzhjJj6R1bqeahfvYIMtnTVDHkkPnMFKFf5Hvqhgqt7v0gwhtovdqNU_g0EacOsZw5pvwo7Ly7w49cjncA-XZQIy0yIFcIfRAI34PK0GdnR_vuSmxrVJNJGHN7rWbw/w640-h416/IMG_8897.JPG)
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=23915.msg787138;topicseen#msg787138
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Allen, it looks old and rustic. Great job
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Thanks Rodney!
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Nope, it is actually seated all the way down. Crazy right? I could probably get it to sit further down if I removed the light board and milled the frame, but my intention here is to show them as close to original as possible.
In the front the chassis has little metal posts which snap into holes in the edge of the walkway. No such setup in the rear of the loco?
While not handy right now, I'm pretty sure my old Bachmann (white box) loco had those snaps on both ends. Makes no sense to just have the snap only on one end.
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I finally pulled all my stuff out of storage and organized it under the layout. No more wasted time rummaging around for things in stacked piles of boxes...
(https://nscalefortstjohnsub.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/20240106_152217.jpg)
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daniel_leavitt2000: Someone, N Scale of Nevada maybe, once made a replacement frame casting for the original Bachmann SD40-2, to lower the unit. If you can find one, or enough info on it, that might be an interesting addition to your history.
Scottl: Paint you pink foam a "dirt" color and you'd have a pretty good scene as-is. I've seen western US rocks that didn't look too different.
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I added some reflective stripes, a little graffiti, and patched my ex EL hopper for OFOX. It's not prototypical but I notice a lot of old crusty cars around here now owned by OFOX so I went with it. The number is in the same number series as other 2 bay hoppers they have. I'll work on weathering the truck/wheels and adding some cement spills next.
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
I found a lot of GHQ steam loco kits on ebay and put in a low bid. I Ended up winning them, so I grabbed a Kato Mikado to give steam building a try after I wrap up the hopper. It'll be my first time customizing steam and should be fun. Famous last words.
[attachimg=3]
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I added some reflective stripes, a little graffiti, and patched my ex EL hopper for OFOX. It's not prototypical but I notice a lot of old crusty cars around here now owned by OFOX so I went with it. The number is in the same number series as other 2 bay hoppers they have. I'll work on weathering the truck/wheels and adding some cement spills next.
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
Who's decal set of stencil style lettering did you use? Been trying to find someone who makes them in N scale. Sadly Smokebox Graphics is not interested in doing N scale.
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I also got around to more scenery on the curve approaching Fraser BC. Note the T-pins, this track is tricky and really wants to twist length-wise. I *should've* glued down with construction cement direct to the foam (I used wood glue) and when I wet down the scenery, the wood glue softens a bit and lets it pop. Lesson learned.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3184-070124092509.jpeg)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3184-070124092655.jpeg)
The little layout is almost done though, and I hope to display at a few train shows along with some of the T- and M-scale models I'm making (and some "commercial" T-scale stuff like the CN FP9).
Next up is probably a similar set-up (roundy-round in a 2x4 foot T-track frame) but in T-scale, with the long-planned Princeton Jct. on one side, and somewhere in WV on the Virginian on the other... both can have E33s.. hehe...
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Who's decal set of stencil style lettering did you use? Been trying to find someone who makes them in N scale. Sadly Smokebox Graphics is not interested in doing N scale.
These are from Microscale sheet 60-1302. They have a couple different stencil fonts.
I've also wanted Smokebox to dip into N scale, they have some sets I could make good use of.
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Thanks Austin and Rodney! Rodney, 14 dealers will keep your operators quite busy!
Lucas, where did you get the tanks? Looks great
The horizontal tank is from the Walther's fuel dealer kit. The vertical tanks came from a batch of stuff from another modeler. They are cast resin, and already had a coat of silver paint. I haven't found anything close yet- 3D prints might be the answer now? They really are nice, a wise modeler would have made a cast of one for future projects, but I never said I was wise :D
Lucas
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Hello to Y'all,
Completed my SP DS-113 class H12-44 (Wheels of Time)
(https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/dsc04841.146923/full)
(https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/dsc04843.146921/full)
Thanks,
Wolf
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Hello to Y'all,
Completed my SP DS-113 class H12-44 (Wheels of Time)
Beautiful job Wolf. Excellent hand rail execution, including all the unique SP lighting practices. +++
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I added some reflective stripes, a little graffiti, and patched my ex EL hopper for OFOX. It's not prototypical but I notice a lot of old crusty cars around here now owned by OFOX so I went with it. The number is in the same number series as other 2 bay hoppers they have. I'll work on weathering the truck/wheels and adding some cement spills next.
(Attachment Link)
That looks ugly ............................................................ ugly enough to appear real . Bravo
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I added some reflective stripes, a little graffiti, and patched my ex EL hopper for OFOX. It's not prototypical but I notice a lot of old crusty cars around here now owned by OFOX so I went with it. The number is in the same number series as other 2 bay hoppers they have. I'll work on weathering the truck/wheels and adding some cement spills next.
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
Outstanding work. But I'm sad you desecrated an E-L model... :D
Ron
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I've not posted much recently as I've been working more on kits than anything else. But the local NMRA Division will be here in a couple of weeks, and I wanted to show some progress since the last time I hosted a meeting. So Painted Post, NY received numerous structures, a coating of ground cover, trees recycled from my last layout, and cinder ballast along the tracks. (I won't risk adding the final ballast until after the visitors leave. The trains are running well and I hesitate to do anything that might compromise that before visitors arrive.)
In the first photo, the crossing is Erwins, where the DL&W double-track main crossed the Erie's Rochester Division. The track leading off to the right is the Erie, which ran through the streets of Painted Post. The track on the far left passing through the backdrop is the B&H main heading into the helix down to the lower deck.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/2735-070124202952.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37821)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/2735-070124203027.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37822)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/2735-070124203056.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37823)
I've also removed all of the 1972-era EL equipment from the layout and will be running transition era equipment for 2024. The EL will reappear in 2025.
Ron
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Hello to Y'all,
Completed my SP DS-113 class H12-44 (Wheels of Time)
Fantastic work SP-Wolf. very inspiring
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Hello to Y'all,
Completed my SP DS-113 class H12-44 (Wheels of Time)
Wolf,
Yet another inspiring piece of work!
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CN Diesel Division moving right along.....
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124210615.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37824)
I chose to model the high underframe so instead of the brass strips ,I used wire. I drilled holes thru the chassis and used screws to secure the connection.
Here are the M420s:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124211145.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37825)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124211330.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37826)
And the M636
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124211558.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37827)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124211716.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37828)
Lock4244-here's what the Briggs replacement drivetrain looks like:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124212140.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37829)
until next week :P
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I added some reflective stripes, a little graffiti, and patched my ex EL hopper for OFOX. It's not prototypical but I notice a lot of old crusty cars around here now owned by OFOX so I went with it. The number is in the same number series as other 2 bay hoppers they have. I'll work on weathering the truck/wheels and adding some cement spills next.
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
I found a lot of GHQ steam loco kits on ebay and put in a low bid. I Ended up winning them, so I grabbed a Kato Mikado to give steam building a try after I wrap up the hopper. It'll be my first time customizing steam and should be fun. Famous last words.
(Attachment Link)
I have a bunch of rolling stock that needs reflective striping. Where did, or how did you do it on this?
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More progress.
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-18.03.43.jpg)
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-18.06.50.jpg)
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-17.40.00.jpg)
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-17.41.12.jpg)
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-17.42.34.jpg)
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-17.42.55.jpg)
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-17.45.03.jpg)
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That is really outstanding work Ed!
If I could make one small suggestion though. Put a TrueScale or at least a Z scale coupler on the back of the caboose if it needs to be operational. That’s the only thing in any of the photos that says N Scale.
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CN Diesel Division moving right along.....
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124210615.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37824)
I chose to model the high underframe so instead of the brass strips ,I used wire. I drilled holes thru the chassis and used screws to secure the connection.
As did I. Found the chassis modification to be fairly simple. Says a lot given first time that I did anything model related (besides buying models) was modifying four chassis for these M-420's. Alas, they languish... though maybe this year is the year :)
Here are the M420s:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124211145.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37825)
Looking forward to these being completed... I mean if Rapido is going to announce an n scale version it won't be until after you've completed at least one, lol ;)
And the M636
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124211558.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37827)
What did you use for the nose headlight?
Lock4244-here's what the Briggs replacement drivetrain looks like:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-070124212140.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37829)
until next week :P
Replacement for the universal joint that slips? Be nice if Atlas would man up to the s***y drivetrain and fix them.
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Theater car in the BNSF OCS
Having inspection crew and going out for the first job this year.
Thanks :D
Ryoichi
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That is really outstanding work Ed!
If I could make one small suggestion though. Put a TrueScale or at least a Z scale coupler on the back of the caboose if it needs to be operational. That’s the only thing in any of the photos that says N Scale.
Oh yeah! That's one of my usual upgrades on current caboose projects. I did that one... holy crap, 20 years ago! It might get cycled through the shops soon for some upgrades. We'll see.
And thanks for the compliments. It's high praise.
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With the calendar now changed out for the new year, I can share this locomotive with you guys. I was asked by a spouse to make U.S. Suger 148 for a good friend of mine who has the pleasure of working on this high-stepping pacific. I had only a week to take this IHC locomotive, apply details, paint, decals, and install DCC before turning it over in time for Christmas. The Circus City decals were easy to work with, and I had to make the number plate since I accidentally ordered oval instead of round ones online. It was good fun to work on HO scale and felt like I was tinkering with a Lionel engine after all this time goofing around in N. My only complaint is that I didn't have any Tamiya putty, and had to rely on Squadron, which shrinks like crazy compared to the former.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451466990_cbdf39abe4_c.jpg)
I also set up the Lake Shore Central Free-moN switching layout. I have a few things, such as track and bus wiring, that needs to be corrected since last year's Ohio N Scale weekend. It was nice to also have a little op session on it, which was the first time also since last May. Having an Atlas sound C420 shoving grain hoppers back and forth really helps melt the daily stresses away, and makes this one enjoyable hobby. The goal is to have it fully scenic by May for Ohio and the National N Scale conventions.
One of the immediate improvements that I have made to it is to the turnouts. On these Atlas switches the throw bars have been scrapped, since the switch rail would not settle flush with the stock rail, causing cars to wobble over them. A Fast Tracks copper head switch tie was sodered on, along with a spring throw bar made of 0.015 brass rod to the Adafruit SPDT 805 switch.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451054806_e28a600f16_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451370964_e90fab880e_z.jpg)
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More progress.
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-18.03.43.jpg)
Pure pornographic filth right here. I love it!!
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Daniel you are missing one in your history: the Con-Cor SD40-2
https://www.trovestar.com/generic/zoom.php?id=211237
And don't get too far before you include a Scale Trains release. They've been showing off new tooling.
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And don't get too far before you include a Scale Trains release. They've been showing off new tooling.
Now slated for end of February.
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Now slated for end of February.
Here is the status so far (in chronological order of release):
× Con-Cor SD40-2 Early Phase (I should have one by the end of the month)
✔ Bachmann SD40-2 Early Phase
✔ Spectrum SD40-2 Early Phase
✔ Kato SD40-2 Early Phase
× Kato SD40-2 Snoot (I have one but it is detailed. 2 others were converted to standard-nose Conrail units)
✔ Kato SD40-2 Mid Phase
× IM SD40-2 Early Phase (I'm not buying one of these but may need to borrow one)
✔ IM SD40-2 Mid Phase
× IM SD40-2 Snoot (Need to borrow one of these as well)
✔ BLI SD40-2 Early Phase
Scale Trains SD40-2 Early Phase (Need to borrow one of these. I'll talk to Shane at the show to see if I can)
Scale Trains SD40-2 Mid Phase - On order
Bachmann SD40-2 Mid Phase - On order
As for the Key/Endo and Hallmark/Kumata brass, I'll add them if I can borrow some.
I will also cover the IM SD40-2W and SD40T-2 models as I have both on hand. I'll add the Overland/Ajin SD40T-2 only if I'm able to cover everything else AND find a way to borrow one.
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I have a bunch of rolling stock that needs reflective striping. Where did, or how did you do it on this?
These were done with Microscale yellow reflector stripe sheet #60-4389. White is 60-4390.
I also have N scale 1"-4" decal stripes that I'll cut to length in the event I need some longer/shorter and for use on locomotives sills. HO stripes also come in handy when I need a wider reflector that some RRs put on the ends of cars.
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What did you use for the nose headlight?
Hi Lock - It came that way.
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Nice work on the CN units - keep us posted!
Tim
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Hi Lock - It came that way.
Ah, it's a Briggs shell.
I have 12 of their M-630 shells... I suppose converting a few to M-636's is not impossible.
CN C-630M's are not a problem to make with the Atlas shell, nose headlight and intake modifications on them later in life (though at least one made it to 1991 with the original intake arrangement).
CP C-630M's need a new rear end and nose headlight and intake modifications on them later in life.
CP M-630 - Briggs.
CN and CP M-636... carbody and radiator modifications to Briggs shell.
And the fuel tanks.
I probably should concentrate on the Bedarail SD40's... if I finish one it'll be a first for me. :|
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(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/9-080124210037.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37849)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/9-080124210116.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37850)
Worked on my West End of the Narrows modules...
Lee
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Pure pornographic filth right here. I love it!!
Thanks!!
Hopefully much more to come.
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× Kato SD40-2 Snoot (I have one but it is detailed. 2 others were converted to standard-nose Conrail units)
I didn't know you did a nose job on these! Pics?
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I probably should concentrate on the Bedarail SD40's... if I finish one it'll be a first for me. :|
Hi Lock
When you do the SD40 make sure you don't install the grab iron on the top of the nose and the rear end where the noodle goes until you apply the decals.
cheers
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Hi Lock
When you do the SD40 make sure you don't install the grab iron on the top of the nose and the rear end where the noodle goes until you apply the decals.
cheers
Thanks... and I did note the missing grabs on your primed SD40 ;)
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DCC and sound installed in my newest P42 over the weekend. Alternating ditchlights and my "no cables to the shell" solution.
Inside the loco. Milled frame in the rear for speaker, LEDs added for ditchlights:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/6153-090124020645.jpeg)
Headlight dimmed:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/6153-090124020734.jpeg)
Headlight full bright with ditchlights:
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/6153-090124020804.jpeg)
Chris
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More progress.
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-07-17.40.00.jpg)
I probably missed you showing off the SD9 after you finished it, this is the first photo I've noticed - looks great, your choice of blue worked well!
The V&O hopper looks good too, and they both remind me to ask both Matt at Circus City and Mike at K4 if they can do VM: it feels odd that we don't have much for the N scale member of the trio.
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I have 12 of their M-630 shells... I suppose converting a few to M-636's is not impossible.
CN C-630M's are not a problem to make with the Atlas shell, nose headlight and intake modifications on them later in life (though at least one made it to 1991 with the original intake arrangement).
CP C-630M's need a new rear end and nose headlight and intake modifications on them later in life.
CP M-630 - Briggs.
CN and CP M-636... carbody and radiator modifications to Briggs shell.
The main spotting difference of the M-636 is the four core radiator rather than the three core on the M-630.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/19/medium_2874-080820172257.jpeg)
(https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/cp-rail-4743.104055/full&d=1436195604)
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That is really outstanding work Ed!
If I could make one small suggestion though. Put a TrueScale or at least a Z scale coupler on the back of the caboose if it needs to be operational. That’s the only thing in any of the photos that says N Scale.
I have N scale couplers on all my cabooses, because I operate and switchers have to couple and uncouple to/from them.
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Great looking models.
The main spotting difference of the M-636 is the four core radiator rather than the three core on the M-630.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/19/medium_2874-080820172257.jpeg)
(https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/cp-rail-4743.104055/full&d=1436195604)
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I got a little lit this weekend...
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/9-090124093440.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37857)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/9-090124093500.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37858)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/9-090124093521.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37859)
Lee
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The main spotting difference of the M-636 is the four core radiator rather than the three core on the M-630.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/19/medium_2874-080820172257.jpeg)
(https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/cp-rail-4743.104055/full&d=1436195604)
:drool: :drool: :drool:
I remember you doing a walk through on how to make the Briggs M-630 an M-636... staples and all. Is that CP 4742 in bottom pic?
QCM ex Alco demo C-636 looks great, btw... digging those trucks.
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[quote
I remember you doing a walk through on how to make the Briggs M-630 an M-636... staples and all. Is that CP 4742 in bottom pic?
QCM ex Alco demo C-636 looks great, btw... digging those trucks.
[/quote]
Thanks. Close, she's 4743, still alive and well on the Delaware Lackawanna in Scranton.
(https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/cp-rail-4743-in-n-scale.106228/full&d=1436196223)
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Thanks. Close, she's 4743, still alive and well on the Delaware Lackawanna in Scranton.
(https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/cp-rail-4743-in-n-scale.106228/full&d=1436196223)
Beautiful :o
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Thanks. Close, she's 4743, still alive and well on the Delaware Lackawanna in Scranton.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3697-090124150135.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37873)
What a beauty! That is one heavily customized MLW
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I probably missed you showing off the SD9 after you finished it, this is the first photo I've noticed - looks great, your choice of blue worked well!
The V&O hopper looks good too, and they both remind me to ask both Matt at Circus City and Mike at K4 if they can do VM: it feels odd that we don't have much for the N scale member of the trio.
Thanks!
Have you seen the bulkhead I did with the leftovers and a $5 CLC car from a train show?
(https://conrail1285.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-07-14-12.07.29.jpg)
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Bryan: I have MT Z/Nn3 couplers on a few of my N cars, including all of my ore cars, and they work fine with MT N and Accumate couplers. I don't know how well they'd work with McHenrys.
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Chris- what decoder did you use in your P42? Did you mill down the frame yourself? I just got a new Kato P42 and am thinking of trying to do the same.
Thanks!
Mark
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Chris- what decoder did you use in your P42? Did you mill down the frame yourself? I just got a new Kato P42 and am thinking of trying to do the same.
Thanks!
Mark
I used the ESU 58941 decoder. It basically is the Loksound 5 Nano decoder and comes on a board made to fit Kato wide-body locomotives. Fits perfectly, you just have to isolate the motor leads with some kapton tape as you would with other decoder offerings made for this type of loco.
I cut down the rear end of the cast frame for a 11x15 speaker. Just used the standard one supplied by ESU with the decoder (not sure if the US retail version includes it, the packaging here in Europe does have a speaker and two LEDs in it).
Just be very careful when cutting or milling the frame. The area where the trucks mount is very delicate, this can snap very easily if you clamp the frame in the center and use a lot of force on the rear. The plastic part with the coupler is a good guide for the horizontal cut, remove it and then clamp the frame right there, that prevents excessive force being transmitted through the truck mount area. You also need to cut down the plastic insert in the roof area to create space for the speaker.
Chris
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New adventures in rotary couplers for me.
After reading a thread about couplers, it occurred to me that some magnets that I bought for under-track uncoupling might be strong enough to hold a train together.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CL1H4ZM (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CL1H4ZM)
I took the cover off an MTL medium shank, removed the contents, and found that there was more than enough room to glue one it. In fact it was too thin to fit snugly so I added a paper shim to get some control over it - these things are almost too tiny to pick up.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/5312-100124145338.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37880)
When I did it to a second truck I found that they repelled each other. Rats, need north up on one and north down on the opposing, so I repeated it on a third truck and installed them four and five cars back on my unit train.
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/5312-100124145455.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37881)
There are 20 cars following the couplers. My silo ran out halfway thru and I spilled coal on the track refilling it. Uh oh, watched the cars bump up and down over the coal and sure enough the magnets uncoupled. After blowing off the track they only bumped up and down a little (vacuum needed) and stayed coupled the rest of the run. And it worked great in the rotary dumper and during the push out of the dumper. I'll keep them and see how things play out, but it looks promising.
For those who are into operations, this can be your chance to duplicate breaking a coupler by failing to take up the slack when you get rolling. Caveat being the cars can't be coupled to the "wrong" end of their neighbor.
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Very cool
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I didn't know you did a nose job on these! Pics?
They are not perfect. I still need to add cab signal boxes and 6444 really needs number board help. 6444 also has a 81" nose :facepalm: It was the first attempt and I made corrections with 6508. I may need to rebuild her.
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
Next to the real Kato mid phase. The BN has the right front handrails but also has ditch lights on deck. So the snoot is still probably the best choice.
[attachimg=4]
Oh I did up a SF snoot too:
[attachimg=5]
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For those who are into operations, this can be your chance to duplicate breaking a coupler by failing to take up the slack when you get rolling. Caveat being the cars can't be coupled to the "wrong" end of their neighbor.
TBF, this is prototypical.
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They are not perfect. I still need to add cab signal boxes and 6444 really needs number board help. 6444 also has a 81" nose :facepalm: It was the first attempt and I made corrections with 6508. I may need to rebuild her.
Don't forget the Sinclair antennas. The Custom N Scale etched ones by @sschaer are awesome.
Otherwise, they look good!
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Thanks, Chris. Sounds good and I will take your recommendations to heart making my modifications.
Mark
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Thanks!
Have you seen the bulkhead I did with the leftovers and a $5 CLC car from a train show?
Ooh, very nice - I have now, and I might borrow that idea!
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Working on some bridges for the new layout
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3-100124091256.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37876)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3-100124092413.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37877)
STL File below
Thingiverse
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6427088
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3-110124150728.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37891)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3-110124150740.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37892)
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/37/3-110124150754.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=37893)
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Nice bridge John. Very cool.
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Looks good John. Do you still have the same printer that you started with?
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Nice bridge John. Very cool.
Thanks
Looks good John. Do you still have the same printer that you started with?
I’m using a photon mono.
Working on some bridges for the new layout ...
Looks great, John! Sort of looks like you printed that without supports. Yes? No?
Yup .. flat on the build plate .. unfortunately the mono will only do a 60' model if printed flat
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Yup .. flat on the build plate .. unfortunately the mono will only do a 60' model if printed flat
I think I'll give it a try! D2 appears to be good for an 80-footer. The vat needs a complete cleaning after an "oopsie", but maybe I can get something going in the next day or so.
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@John , here's that bridge printed on a Photon D2, also on the build plate. Resin is AnyCubic Craftsman gray. Default Chitubox settings for the D2.
(http://www.everywherewest.com/D2_bridge.jpg)
Given my experience and relative frustrations with a Photon original, the D2 is a total game changer.
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I surprised about 1/4th of the way up those side girders there is no warp line from the change in tension at the height the center beams stop printing. Looks good.
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@John , here's that bridge printed on a Photon D2, also on the build plate. Resin is AnyCubic Craftsman gray. Default Chitubox settings for the D2.
(http://www.everywherewest.com/D2_bridge.jpg)
Given my experience and relative frustrations with a Photon original, the D2 is a total game changer.
Looks good Mike .. My first print on my Mono had some holes near the bottom of the large girders .. I took a look at the SCAD code from the creator file posted on Thingiverse - and the OG author specifies the steelthickness parameter at .23 something milimiters -- which doesnt work well with my machine .. so I created a repaired file where I increased the girder thickness to .60 which should print better .. still a work in progress and I need to figure out how he manipulates the thicknesses .. for now, I may just use the SCAD sketch to generate the style and length - then go back and retrofit the additional thicknesses were needed .. and print at an angle to reduce the suction off the plate. I've uploaded the modified .stl to Tinkercad. Either way, it's a good alternative to the Atlas, Central Valley, Kato, and ME bridges available.
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Mine also has a couple of holes at that bottom joint, but they’re so small paint would take care of them. What impresses me about the D2 is one of the things that impressed Bryan - the ability to hold very thin walls. The first print I did after the supplied test print was signal heads. Aside from most of them failing because I made the support cones too thin, the targets and visors that made it (I didn’t measure) had to be ~0.004”.
Chris, one of the most noticeable things during printing is there is no “pop” as the print pulls away from the FEP. Don’t know if it’s the different resin formulation or just the way this printer works, but you’re right. I like things that “just work” with no futzing around!
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May I ask which program you drew the bridge in? I would love to learn how to do this so I can draw the plate girder bridge for my diorama as it is the best way to get the rivet detail.
Tim
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May I ask which program you drew the bridge in? I would love to learn how to do this so I can draw the plate girder bridge for my diorama as it is the best way to get the rivet detail.
Tim
[/quote
Hi Tim, I would suggest Fusion 360, there is a hobbyist version that is free. The learning curve is a little steep, but I can help you with basics. Give me incentive to get back at the N2 project to finish your version.
Mike
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May I ask which program you drew the bridge in? I would love to learn how to do this so I can draw the plate girder bridge for my diorama as it is the best way to get the rivet detail.
I am assuming by the .scad file that came with the .stl download, the program is OpenSCAD (https://openscad.org/). It is not WYSIWYG.
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Thank you! Yes I would really like to learn how to do this as I have to do the CAD work for it to be counted for AP judging.
And yes I was going to ask how my N2b is coming . . . . .
Tim
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Thank you! Yes I would really like to learn how to do this as I have to do the CAD work for it to be counted for AP judging.
And yes I was going to ask how my N2b is coming . . . . .
Tim
Emailed you, we can set something up…
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Thank you!
Tim
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May I ask which program you drew the bridge in? I would love to learn how to do this so I can draw the plate girder bridge for my diorama as it is the best way to get the rivet detail.
Tim
Tim .. this is a variation of a bridge posted on Tinkercad .. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4902597
You would need to download OpenSCAD and use it to generate the bridge - the script allows you to customize length , height , etc
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@John Interesting, I did not realize there was a programming style of 3D modelling. I plan to use that bridge design too and this makes modification possible. Thanks for the link
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In Solidworks you can use equations and global variables to quickly change dimensions and make designs universal.
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@John Interesting, I did not realize there was a programming style of 3D modelling. I plan to use that bridge design too and this makes modification possible. Thanks for the link
There are some flaws in that script. It makes the side truss too thin to print properly with consistency. For this particular design I’m going to put together some 72’ 62’ and 50’ foot variations with both the straight ends and the rounded end. You’re welcome to the files after I get them done
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There are some flaws in that script. It makes the side truss too thin to print properly with consistency. For this particular design I’m going to put together some 72’ 62’ and 50’ foot variations with both the straight ends and the rounded end. You’re welcome to the files after I get them done
That would be awesome, John. I will be availing myself of them. Thanks!
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That is next on my shopping list. I also need to purchase a few different versions of the Kato model.
Sent you a PM. I have one I will donate to the cause.
Clint
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Beautiful :o
It is amazing how the very "clean" looking C-628 ( not very many bumps, vents or added boxes and things), and then you go to the M-636 which has grown warts. The two best schemes are the D&H for the C-628 and CP for the rest of the "C" trucked Alcos.
Bruce