Weekend Update 2014/11/23

[chuck geiger]

Back from Caboose Hobbies - I read a lot of whining on line about their service. They rock. Couldn't
find ME Code 55 Flex, that's what I went with and they whisked me off to the drawers under a cool
layout and boom. Got Atlas C-55 t/outs, ground throws, bridge flex, trestle bents, Midwest cork road
bed and not bad 137.00. Walmart another few bucks for acrylic paint, pins to hold track, Xacto knife
and more. great being 90 minutes away from the biggest model railroad store in the world. In the words
of George Costanza I'M BACK BABY.

[Jim Starbuck]

Skytop Dell Rapids is now ready for service!

Very cool Bill

[Seligman Sub]

Regularly running on the Sub these days -  a 108 car earthworm with distributed power - you see the lead locos in the foreground right and the DP back left:

Here's the middle:



I have 2% in and out of staging and have no problems.  The locos are FVM ES44DC.  Worst thing that's happened is the occasional uncouple mid train, and that not at all often.

Simply stunning.  Truly inspirational modeling Jim.

[ednadolski]

Fantastic work Jim!  Love to see more, do you have any pic/video/blog links?

(Yes, I am biased in favor of the Tehachapi theme) 


Ed

[jereising]

Ed,
The links on my signature should get you there...there is a lengthy thread on Trainboard which kinda serves as my blog that begins at the beginning and is current.  The other link is to the Sub's web site which, I must be honest, is not very up to date but still has different pictures.  I also have several videos on Youtube, search on the oakville sub and jim reising...happy hunting!  (And thanks for the comments folks!)

[BCR 570]

Not a lot of modelling time lately, but this week I managed to complete some long running projects . . .

The two display flatcars for the Provincial Museum Train:








I have yet to build the logging exhibits they carried.  Also completed - the three display coaches for the Provincial Mueum Train:










Three more cars and a steam locomotive to build . . . 


Tim

[keeper]

Skytop Dell Rapids is now ready for service!

Hi Bill,

Very nice indeed!
What did you use for the interior and steps?

Thomas

[skytop35]

Hi Bill,

Very nice indeed!
What did you use for the interior and steps?

Thomas

Thomas,

They are cast resin parts. The solarium seating was done by another party for the brass Olympian Railway Classics cars. It didn't fit until I cut it way down as its a bit wide. A real pain, perhaps I need to make a specific part for this model that would fit without so much carving. I ruined several castings doing this one.

[chuck geiger]

Sunday morning building "S" curve and bridge flex with bents.

[BCR 570]

Bill:

Is it your long term intent to keep the carbody removable?  I ask because for the museum coaches I have just completed, I was wondering whether or not to glue the underframes in.  When I pick them up, they invariably come apart.  There is no interior detail as the blinds were invariably closed to protect the exhibits from sunlight, and that is how I have modelled them, so I am struggling to think of a reason why I would need to get inside.

Tim

[Csxmtsub]

I'm getting ready to take on a bigger scale of modeling!!

[C855B]

I'm getting ready to take on a bigger scale of modeling!!
...

Congrats! As a certified (or certifiable) signal nut, I've always had a soft spot for CPLs, but lacking connections or pure luck, when they appear on eBay or whatever they are way too rich for my blood. Did you get any masts or mounts? The extra-tall poles with the characteristic finial are iconic.

Best of luck with the project!

[BCRail_FSJ]

Here is part weekend update and  part "Top Tip"

Did you know that certain dental floss containers make perfect N scale bridge piers.?    They have a nice taper, are the exact width for Central Valley spans (from which my Fort Nelson bridge is kitbashed) and, depending on your prototype are the correct height.  I'm using the Shoppers Drug Mart generic 'Life' brand value sized dispensers.

They are not an exact match for the Fort Nelson river bridge piers but as a way of saving time, money and avoiding hand-carving balsa wood piers I am fine with this approach.





Early stages here.   Sanding and primer is definitely needed as the smooth plastic does not take paint well.

[Jim Starbuck]

[ Guests cannot view attachments ] I got fired up after attending Trainfest and actually did some modeling.
The LL SW1200 has been on my list for quite a while.

Modifications include:
Turned down flanges
Kato brass worms
TCS Z2 hardwire decoder
Independently controlled cab and headlight via micro LEDs
Spark arrestors
MU hoses
Train line hoses
MU stands
All weather window
Cab shade
Canvas winter front
Air tank piping
Z scale couplers
A little detail paint and weathering

Jim

[wcfn100]

(Attachment Link) I got fired up after attending Trainfest and actually did some modeling.
The LL SW1200 has been on my list for quite a while.

Look nice Jim, but what number is it? 

Jason