Weekend Update 2/11/24

[up1950s]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Eustis_Military_Railroad

https://transportation.army.mil/history/studies/railroad.html

https://www.acwr.com/economic-development/rail-maps/class-i-freight-carriers

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelpeck/2021/09/29/why-the-us-armys-rail-transport-system-is-a-wreck/?sh=51e89eed78ab

https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2022/03/labors-slaves-in-the-adirondacks-building-the-adirondack-railroad/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ls-JYIu_WVk

[Dave V]

I've been building a small representative section of the extensive snow shed system that the Rio Grande Southern built atop Lizard Head Pass. I have a ways to go yet, but the section I'm building follows prototype construction as closely as I can. The shed was in rough shape by the era I model, having been ravaged at intervals both by fires and the brutal weather at the 10,250-foot altitude.



Build thread:

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=57238.0

[BCR 570]

My modelling efforts this week were hampered by a couple of tool failures.  I have been wanting to get my M-420 handrails soldered together but was having issues with my soldering iron.  Despite changing the tip it didnt seem to be heating up properly, and solder was beading up on the tip.  After twenty plus years I decided it was time to replace it so purchased a Weller 1010 soldering station and 70W iron which I will try out this weekend:




While there I saw a nice floor lamp and magnifier on sale and came home with that too.  I have reached the age where some visual assistance would be helpful and now I will actually be able to see what the heck I am doing.  It has a large 1.75x mag window surrounded by LED lights, which in addition to modelling will also be helpful for photographing work in progress on the workbench (see below):




My other tool failure was some old drill bits snapping while trying to drill out brass headlight castings for my CN C-424.  I got some new ones today and they worked much better so the old ones were likely worn.


I am now working on the carbody for my CN C-424.  This front oblique view shows the addition of the front headlight on the nose, molded grab irons removed, former headlight and horn location filled with styrene, one pair of class lights removed, and cab modifications following removal of battery boxes:




The rear oblique view shows the new rear end (from an Atlas C-420), molded grab irons removed, rear headlight added, and aforementioned cab modifications:




Thank you to Jeff Briggs who helped me with some of this work, and also gave me a lesson on soldering his handrails.  That combined with Craig's video and the new iron should get me going!


Tim

[Olivani]

After twenty plus years I decided it was time to replace it so purchased a Weller 1010 soldering station and 70W iron which I will try out this weekend:

Had the same happening a couple of weeks ago and I bought the same Weller setup - good stuff !

Oliver

[EJN]

I have reached the age where some visual assistance would be helpful and now I will actually be able to see what the heck I am doing.

I too have reached that age, in fact last October I found out I have cataracts beginning to form in both eyes.
Even before that I was beginning to get frustrated with working with N scale, and began dabbling in HO.

But now I have the proper tools to continue in N scale 




This was on sale at Walthers for $83 - Kato N scale ES44AC (DC version). I immediately bought it, arrived yesterday.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[u18b]

Well, here is a project I've sat on for 10 years.   N-Scale Magazine finally printed it.  I'm so thankful.

It is a GP7L.  An early GP7 riding on switcher trucks.  Looks kind of weird- which is why I did the project.
A few of these are still running!

Here is a photo NSM did not use in the article.




See my website for other prototype photos:
https://u18b.com/gp7l-phase-1-research/

[wm3798]

It's happening!


I'm working on the junction to tie in my TTrak modules.

More news as it happens in my layout engineering report.

Lee

[thomasjmdavis]

Well, here is a project I've sat on for 10 years.   N-Scale Magazine finally printed it.  I'm so thankful.

It is a GP7L.  An early GP7 riding on switcher trucks.  Looks kind of weird- which is why I did the project.
A few of these are still running!

https://u18b.com/gp7l-phase-1-research/

I've been experimenting with a similar project. Which switcher trucks did you use?

[CR4100]

I reworked one of my earliest 3D designs, a Procor aluminum sodium chlorate car. Major changes were made on the inside by adding a 10x40mm compartment for holding weight. On the outside I added weld lines (.07x.07mm!) and support for the walkway railings. The test print below came out good. I need to adjust the print angle and supports for "production" versions.

[PiperguyUMD]

It's happening!


I'm working on the junction to tie in my TTrak modules.

More news as it happens in my layout engineering report.

Lee

YAS!

[altohorn25]

Well, here is a project I've sat on for 10 years.   N-Scale Magazine finally printed it.  I'm so thankful.

It is a GP7L.  An early GP7 riding on switcher trucks.  Looks kind of weird- which is why I did the project.
A few of these are still running!

Here is a photo NSM did not use in the article.




See my website for other prototype photos:
https://u18b.com/gp7l-phase-1-research/

Looks good in the NC&StL colors

[u18b]

I've been experimenting with a similar project. Which switcher trucks did you use?

You need to buy the magazine!
 

[samusi01]

This update really should have been posted last weekend but I was short of time. Received from SendCutSend.com my first test set of laser cut metal weights for my 100 ton flatcars:



Here installed in one of the flats:



The steel version costs a tiny bit of weight - 0.1oz - but offer the ability to allow loads with magnets to defy gravity:

[wazzou]

Received from SendCutSend.com my first test set of laser cut metal weights for my 100 ton flatcars:

As seen on Battlebots. 
Nice job!

[dandopinski]

BCR 570

I am now working on the carbody for my CN C-424.  This front oblique view shows the addition of the front headlight on the nose, molded grab irons removed, former headlight and horn location filled with styrene, one pair of class lights removed, and cab modifications following removal of battery boxes 

I'm taking notes!