Weekend Update - 5/2/2010

[bbussey]

... Great looking CN rack Bryan, what did you use for the handrail stanchions?  ...

I followed Chris Broughton's technique, which is using the taller of the GMM etched brass Pennsy antenna stanchions.  The number of taller stanchions in a set is exactly the number needed for the MTL auto rack.  All the handrails are .008" diameter stainless steel wire for a little extra strength during handling.

[delamaize]

Do you carry the doors with you ?

nope, those stay in the garage.

you at least got soft doors? I have the soft top/hard doors combo, seemed like anytime I didn't have the doors it would rain! > >

[Packer]

Changed oil on my car. What would normally take me about a half hour took almost 1.5 because of the prvious owner being a knucklehead and oil filter being in a very difficult to reach spot. The filter was in a hard to reach spot, on the side of engine, directly below lower intake manifold (read: hot), above the crossmember, with the distributor right next to it. On top of that it was also too tight (I had to Mcgyver). The oil drain plug was way too tight, so tight in fact I had to use an impact wrench to get it off. Then I had to run to Autozone for a new one, during rush hour with the crazies running around...

Also put som CR cars together, and have to figure out what the reporting mark PCA means (CR box has that as them)

[brokemoto]

This is the baled hay waggon kit from Rustic Rails, #NCV4310.  I was somewhat less than happy with this kit until I added the hay bales; they improved the appearance markedly.  This is the second Rustic Rails kit that I have built, and I am not all that crazy about them.  I like the Langley Miniature kits better.   Horsey and waggon kits ain't easy to find, and, they ain't cheap, neither .  RS Laser Kits does have some waggons for a reasonable price.  Their lacking horseys and drivers is not that big a deal for me, as I do still have one MP pack of sitting people and some horseys from B-mann and Preiser.

[Zox]

Yesterday, I helped staff BANTrak's setup at the B&O Museum--that's as close to model railroading work as I've gotten lately.

[CBQ Fan]

I am in the middle of redoing my engine yard.  I have the roadbed down and switches laid.  Now just to lay the track and hook up the wiring.  This iteration is much better than my two previous ideas.  I am much more satisfied!

[wm3798]

Well, sadly my "vacation" comes to an end today.  Happily, it was capped off with a splendiferous weekend of running and watching trains.  Had a great time at John's, and especially enjoyed birthday surprises from Sizemore and Phillip H.

Haven't had a chance to sift through the photographic rubble yet, but I did manage to get in the way of a few other people's lenses.

Lots of projects in the queue, now that I've taken delivery of all the free layout stuff that Phil scavenged from Craig's list...  there's helixes to build, the expanded engine terminal can get framed up, and the east staging yard can be rebuilt...

Stay tuned for further progress.

Lee

[seusscaboose]

worked on the gravel parking lot (better modelling through peer pressure)

[Philip H]

I finished these cars:



I managed to present one to Lee, as CEO of the Laurel Valley Lines.  I here their paintshop has managed to almost get it ready for service.

Then I went to the M&O to get a little running in:



I spent Saturday (my 39th birthday) at the Conrail Historical Society Rail-B-Q in Newport PA;




ANd now I'm happy to report that Dave Vollmer has arrived for the night.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

What a fun weekend. Running trains on the M&O (including my newly complete SD45) with the gang was awesome.

Then the RBQ yesterday (only a few pics forthcoming) and staying up til 3:30 telling Dave V The Aristocrats joke.

Today was great. Got to do a little on the CRHS's caboose, CR 21165, painting some of the cars railings to get her ready for interchange. Then Dave and I headed to Strasburg, the port road, and some Perryville railfanning with Dave Foxx.

Excellent weekend all around.

[wm3798]

Stayed away from them dangerous Curves, did ye?

[sd80mac]

Possible LL GP60M conversion, drawn in N-scale.

Donnell

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[sd80mac]

Three more...

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[sd80mac]

...last one.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Will these be made by M4D? If so I'm in for a few.