Powered Stewart Models 25 ton rail crane

[Kentuckian]

Yes, an excellent build. The rate of progress you’re making is also impressive.

[Jim Starbuck]

Yes, an excellent build. The rate of progress you’re making is also impressive.

Thank you Kentuckian.
My goal is to have it finished in time to have it on the Modutrak layout when we set up at the Mad City show in Madison Wisconsin on February 19-20.

[Jim Starbuck]

I don’t know if it’s applicable to the American rail crane but since this is a proto bash anyway I added an inclinometer to the side of the boom.

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[muktown128]

Jim,

So the Mad City train show is a go for next month?  That's good to hear.  I guess I should check out the website.  I was disappointed that Trainfest was cancelled again in 2021. 

Scott

[Chris333]

I don’t know if it’s applicable to the American rail crane but since this is a proto bash anyway I added an inclinometer to the side of the boom.

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But does it move as the boom moves? 

[Jim Starbuck]

But does it move as the boom moves? 

Haha!
Since the boom will be stationary and it’s not going to be on any grades I’m going to say yes 😄
I’ll leave that kind of micro motion to the big guns like you and Max.

[Jim Starbuck]

Jim,

So the Mad City train show is a go for next month?  That's good to hear.  I guess I should check out the website.  I was disappointed that Trainfest was cancelled again in 2021. 

Scott

Scott,

As of right now the Mad City show is a go for February 19 & 20.
This will be two full years since we’ve set up for a show and we’re really looking forward to it.
Fingers crossed.

Jim

[Jim Starbuck]

I’ve been fretting about mounting the boom and adding the cables but I’m glad to have gotten it done this afternoon.
The larger cables from the tip to the bail are .008 phosphor bronze wire with tiny pieces of shrink tubing for the swedges. The rest of cable is Berkeley .007 fly tying line.
Still need to add the hoist lines but those should be pretty straightforward.

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[peteski]

That is a thing of beauty (as far as morel railroad cranes go). 

[wazzou]

Exquisite! 

[Jim Starbuck]

Thank you Peteski and Wazzou!

[mmagliaro]

Wow... The finished appearance with all the paint on it is even better than I imagined from all your previous photos.
This is an "A" model, man.  You should enter it in contests.
(BTW... you sir, are clearly a "big gun"... as big as any other modeler on this forum)

[craigolio1]

Outstanding work! Very inspiring.

Craig

[u18b]

Fantastic work. 
I would say.... going back to p2 of this thread that you made a HUGELY strategic decision to open up the solid cast cab and add all the interior details.   It really makes all the difference in world on this model.

I agree that you should look for a contest to enter this in.   Great non-revenue model.

[Jim Starbuck]

Thank you for the encouragement guys.

I’m calling the crane finished. Rear carbody details are on as well as the hoist lines and windshield.
It runs very well and will negotiate Unitrack turnouts without stalling while pushing the boom tender and crew car.
Unfortunately, somewhere in all the handling the rear facing work light failed. It tested fine before I mounted the boom but at this point I’m not going to take it apart to fix it. Other than that I think the build has been a success.

Detailing the boom tender flatcar is up next. It’s a Red Caboose 42 footer that I stripped and repainted freight car brown.

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Sure wish I could take a decent photo of it.