The Carolina Sandhills Lines in HO Scale

[strummer]

So...you have that beer yet?

Mark in Oregon

[davefoxx]

So...you have that beer yet?

Mark in Oregon

Haha!  Yes, sir!  In fact, since I connected the roundy-round loop, trackwork has come to a screeching halt.  Instead, I focused on installing a few more pairs of Sergent Engineering couplers this week, so I could get more rolling stock on the layout and enjoy a longer train running.

DFF

[sizemore]

I think its hilarious you used the word "Bitches".

The S.

[strummer]

Haha!  Yes, sir!  In fact, since I connected the roundy-round loop, trackwork has come to a screeching halt.  Instead, I focused on installing a few more pairs of Sergent Engineering couplers this week, so I could get more rolling stock on the layout and enjoy a longer train running.

DFF

Perhaps when all is said and done, you'll be willing to share your thoughts on those couplers...

Mark in Oregon

[davefoxx]

Perhaps when all is said and done, you'll be willing to share your thoughts on those couplers...

Mark in Oregon

I will.  Last night, I installed the couplers on the last freight car that I've purchased so far.  I've done one locomotive, fourteen freight cars, and one caboose.  A few were real bears, while trying to avoid damaging fragile details during installation.  But, no major damage occurred.  @k27463 was right; pulling the trucks off gave access to inverted coupler boxes on some of these cars.

The couplers are working well.  Until I get the A&R line installed on the layout, the minimum radius is 20" through some curved turnouts.  There's no problem with any of these cars (up to 60' length) and coupler swing.  I'd say that to use these couplers is fun, because it's prototypical: you have to ensure the couplers are centered and knuckles (at least one) open when building a train.  But, you do have to make sure that the slack is run in to uncouple.  That is, sometimes, I may have to reverse the train to push the cars together for uncoupling.  The magnetic uncoupling wand works great (I ordered two more on my last coupler order), and it has a wire on one end to use for centering couplers and opening knuckles.  So far, I have no regrets in the conversion, and I have been able to successfully convert everything that I've bought so far.

DFF

[davefoxx]

I took this morning off from work, and, while laying around, I got inspired to cut the final shape of the layout edge on the Aberdeen side.  I had been procrastinating this task, because of the mess, fear of screwing it up, etc.  But, I finally went at it, and it's over.  I'll make final adjustments at the time the fascia goes on, so the layout' edge will probably be a little more flowing and pleasing to the eye than the cut seen here.  This shaping gives me up to twelve more inches of aisle room on this side of the layout.  It will also make it easier to reach in to the layout.



The work train is out and running, so it's back to trackwork this weekend.

DFF

[davefoxx]

Thanks to the kind folks who made purchases this week from Dave Foxx's N Scale Emporium, the Seaboard Central 3.0 added this Seaboard System MP15DC to the roster.  It runs well and sounds really nice (after I turned the volume down, of course).  I have added new couplers but still need to add the sunshades and wind deflectors.



While I have been looking to add a second locomotive to the roster, I hadn't intended to purchase a switcher, since I only have a small yard.  However, perusing the internet shows that the prototype was often used on mainline trains in addition to switching duties.  That sealed the deal for me and the purchase was made.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4289305

DFF

[davefoxx]

First, the good news: this!



Yes, it's a foobie, and an expensive one at that.  But, it's a most excellent placeholder that will likely never be replaced by an accurate scratchbuilt model.  Heck, no one that I know would even know that its not exact.  I never had a caboose decorated for the A&R in N scale (and I never got around to custom painting my own ), and this fills a significant gap in the planned HO scale roster.  But . . .

Now, the bad news.  While Atlas has offered A&R GP38 No. 400 within the last ten years in HO (and even with DCC/sound), I cannot find one to save my life.  I'll keep looking.  Keep your fingers crossed.

DFF

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm assuming you've got an eBay alert setup for one? That may be the only way.

[davefoxx]

I'm assuming you've got an eBay alert setup for one? That may be the only way.

I do.  Stalking patiently.   

DFF

[strummer]

Well, if one's gonna turn up, that'll be the place...good luck!

Mark in Oregon

[Point353]

While Atlas has offered A&R GP38 No. 400 within the last ten years in HO (and even with DCC/sound), I cannot find one to save my life. 

Check your PM inbox for a possible lead.

[Rich_S]

the bad news.  While Atlas has offered A&R GP38 No. 400 within the last ten years in HO (and even with DCC/sound), I cannot find one to save my life.  I'll keep looking.  Keep your fingers crossed.

DFF

That unfortunately is the reality of today's limited runs. If you change scales or just change prototypes, you may wait awhile before you find that one piece you're missing. The worst part is, Atlas does re-run the GP38 model quite often, but the next run probably will not contain a A&R locomotive. Maybe you can keep emailing Paul requesting a re-run of the A&R 400, until you finally break him down   

The layout progress so far looks great. Great find on the A&R caboose, if you wouldn't have said anything, you'd be the only one who knew it was a foobie. I really like that Seaboard System MP15DC, very nice.   

[Lemosteam]

First, the good news: this!



Heck, no one that I know would even know that its not exact. 

DFF

That's not accurate.   

[davefoxx]

Alright, a crappy video to start our vacation!

DFF