Weekend Update 8/2/15

[Erik aka Ngineer]

Hi all,
I really like thi picture of the Dodge, big and small.

I have been busy painting stuff I got in from the 3D printer (again). Now I have to wait another 4 days until the next batch arrives...

I am building the supplies up for my MOW yard to be. To that end I have made a rack with cable reels. I saw that somewhere a long time ago and I wanted to add that to my yard.



Furthermore I finished the model of my 50' flat car load with concrete ties and bulkheads:

[sizemore]

I've paused construction on the Millvale diorama to get to work on a Western Maryland chop nose GP9.  Testing a set of etched brass handrails. (Attachment Link)

Where'd you get the etched handrails?!?! 

The S.

[bbussey]

I got my test shots of the snap-in operational diaphragms for Kato/Budd fluted passenger cars a week or so also. Today, I got my test shots of the snap-in operational diaphragms for MTL heavyweights.  Into the Bestine soup for a day, and then onto beta testing.

[arbomambo]

I got my test shots of the snap-in operational diaphragms for Kato/Budd fluted passenger cars a week or so also. Today, I got my test shots of the snap-in operational diaphragms for MTL heavyweights.  Into the Bestine soup for a day, and then onto beta testing.

Watching these closely!!!!!
what is your final opinion of the robustness of the design?...are you satisfied with the operation on the Kato cars?
Bruce

[chuck geiger]

DFF - Or Chopper looks great.

[Jesse6669]

Where'd you get the etched handrails?!?! 

Not officially released yet, but the set if from James' Train Parts, using similar design as his set for the DD35.  Testing for fit, etc.  There are a bunch of other goodies in the set too!

[Cajonpassfan]

Watching these closely!!!!!
what is your final opinion of the robustness of the design?...are you satisfied with the operation on the Kato cars?
Bruce

Ditto here! Especially interested in the heavyweights!
Otto K.

[bbussey]

Watching these closely!!!!!
what is your final opinion of the robustness of the design?...are you satisfied with the operation on the Kato cars?

Yes, I am.  Of course, they aren't as robust of course as the ALM injection-molded plastic versions.  But if used as intended, they are fine.

[coosvalley]

I've been weathering some rolling stock..Some are not finished, but close enough to show them off

















And some pics of some locos in-progress....The factory painted GP-38s have gotten new grab irons, see through fans, cut levers and a few other parts, more to come...







Thanks for looking and have a great weekend!

[strummer]

Love those MEC units.

Having lived "Down East" for a bit back in the '70's, I've got a soft spot for the Pine Tree Route; nice work on both the Geeps and the weathered cars...

Mark (now) in Oregon 

PS: FWIW: Your photos of those Geeps inspired me so much I just purchased a "38" so I can attempt what you're doing...

[nkalanaga]

I've noticed a lot of tank cars with reporting marks on top.  With more commodities moving in unit trains, or at least large cuts of cars, it's probably very handy for the people at the loading racks.

Containers also have long had top reporting marks, for the crane operators

[C855B]

IIRC the reporting marks on top are primarily for hazmat assessment. In a serious derailment cars are frequently on their sides, and having a readable identifier is an alternative for determining the commodity and how it should be handled when the placard(s) are inaccessible. Also provides identity by helicopter when the cars are still upright.

[nkalanaga]

Mike:  Probably a major reason for using them.  I liked the " DO NOT UPRight" labels.  They make perfect sense, if you have a car with a leak on  the upper side, but I've never seen it in a picture.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I am guessing that they are afraid of breaking the funnel flow stems if they try to upright the cars.

[skytop35]

Working on a 60' NYC baggage car.