Weekend Update - March 18, 2007

[wm3798]

I like the idea of using a screw through the bottom... does that attach to the bicycle chain under the road bed?  That really cuts down on derailments, I bet!  Finally I can get rid of my Unitrak!

Lee

[tom mann]

WOW.  I wasn't going to post this week 'cause I'm late, but you guys have been incredibly inspiring. 

Here's my contrib.  Working through planning the construction process for the NKP SD-9 detailing job.  I'm considering submitting an article to OBTR.  "Road Switchers:  Why What's Above the Frame Doesn't Matter" 

Steve

great, great ;D

Or maybe: "Converting your n-scale collection to Brio".

and a follow up:  "modify your magnet couplers to pull more train cars"

[Iain]

Ok, I decided to try one solid pickup wiper on one side.  It can take some effort to get it bent and cut correctly

[Iain]

Chris, more info on that switcher project please, as in I would like everything you have save for drawings of the proto.  Pictures of your model, how you shortened it, etc.

[UP_Phill]

Bit late but what the hey! I didn't do much on the weekend but I did convert my challenger to coal.

[SAH]

that bottom block of wood seems slightly out of scale .. and it should only have 4 splinters vice 5

But John, I HAD to make it that large or the Playskool people wouldn't fit in the cab!  Getting the engineer in there was easy, but the fireman . . . . Sheesh, that silly red hat and all.   :

All yucks aside, the wood and screw serves as a frame straightener.  See photo below.  After the stock handrails are clipped from the walkway casting and attached to the frame, the assembly bows.  The nut and washer draws them back into alignment so the stanchions and handrail can be attached to a correctly aligned frame.  A better solution would be to use the body rather than a wood block.  However I want to be able to remove the body so I can paint the frame and handrails more easily with an airbrush.  I have another idea using the body that involves using a block of wood held inside the body with water soluble glue.  I think it will work better than the Brio Body approach.

[tokenbrit]

I did convert my challenger to coal.

Looks awesome - did you paint the cab interior too?

I'd be interested in coal conversion details if you'd be willing to share online...

[pnolan48]

Late to the party, as usual.

I know that insane asylum is not politically correct today, but Jeanne and I are modeling the 1950s. So, after climbing the long grade behind Harrigton Farms, we pass this scene. We are directly above the East Harbor. In the foreground is our first ball field, which got destroyed last summer, when I fell fixing tracks behind the insane asylum. I wanted Animal House's Faber College here; Jeanne wanted an insane asylum. Guess who won? The buildings are paper-wrapped matte board.

[pnolan48]

This is Williamstown. You can see the insane asylum up on the hill in the background. It's a sleepy town. That's one of my five-minute backdrops for the sky. We'll return on the left track, after passing the plutonium "research" reactor and going on to Westover.

[pnolan48]

Past Williamstown, we get into the the suburbs. These are ceramic houses that I bought for about $1.00 each on eBay. They are about the right scale, and an easy way to populate a village. Some of them are rather garish, others just right.

[keystonecrossings]

I wanted Animal House's Faber College here...

Aw, man, great idea!

[pnolan48]

Not my idea, but members from all different forums. But you eventually learn who is boss, Jerry!

[UP_Phill]

I did convert my challenger to coal.

Looks awesome - did you paint the cab interior too?

I'd be interested in coal conversion details if you'd be willing to share online...

I'll try and get something up this weekend.