Weekend Update 3/10/24

[nkalanaga]

Lee:  I'd imagine missing handrails weren't too uncommon in the 1960s/70, after a few years of running.

[Jesse6669]

Did someone mention an EF-4 (GE EL-C) @bbussey ?
 
I mostly completed this further iteration of my T-scale EL-C as Conrail E33 4610 (there's a newer revision with headlight inserts for LED lighting).  I did make Virginian decals as well, but no NH ones yet.. As I was posting I realized I didn't paint the step handrails white.  It needs to be weathered a bit as well.

[delamaize]

I forgot to post this last week. I 3D-printed an engine frame for an eventual EF4 Virginian electric, and decided to see if it actually would run. It is as light as a feather so it won’t pull a load, but it can pull itself. A great way to test before sending the digital model off for casting or machining.

Nice! Whats your plan to convert to metal?

[bbussey]

Did someone mention an EF-4 (GE EL-C) @bbussey ?
 
I mostly completed this further iteration of my T-scale EL-C as Conrail E33 4610 (there's a newer revision with headlight inserts for LED lighting).  I did make Virginian decals as well, but no NH ones yet.. As I was posting I realized I didn't paint the step handrails white.  It needs to be weathered a bit as well.

Your excellent model is just a TAAAAD too small for me!   

Nice! Whats your plan to convert to metal?

I 3D-printed the EP3 frame, but I'd like to go with something more precise.  I was going to look into lost wax casting but Mike Skibbe recommended machining so most likely that for both the EF4 and the EP4.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Did someone mention an EF-4 (GE EL-C) @bbussey ?
 
I mostly completed this further iteration of my T-scale EL-C as Conrail E33 4610 (there's a newer revision with headlight inserts for LED lighting).  I did make Virginian decals as well, but no NH ones yet.. As I was posting I realized I didn't paint the step handrails white.  It needs to be weathered a bit as well.

You also need to paint the walkways black.

[wm3798]

All wired up and functional.


Next to sort out the engine house tracks, figure out a scheme to motorize the turntable.

Then on to the upper yard.
Lee

[Cory Rothlisberger]

I finally got all the foam base layer glued down and ready to shape. Then started playing around with cutting some foam core to help reduce the appearance of the Unitrack. Next I need to start painting rails and gluing the track down.


Lastly, got a quick operating session in.



Edit: Updated photos...

[bigdawgks]

Your excellent model is just a TAAAAD too small for me!   

I 3D-printed the EP3 frame, but I'd like to go with something more precise.  I was going to look into lost wax casting but Mike Skibbe recommended machining so most likely that for both the EF4 and the EP4.

Do you think the shells and frames would be viable to sell as a kit (donor parts excluded)? I would certainly be interested in something like that

[Jesse6669]

You also need to paint the walkways black.

But I thought they were blue and just weathered to a dark color 

Actually I could possibly try painting them by shooting straight down with an airbrush to darken them, with some masking on the roof and sides... The other thing I noticed is the white number decals look a little overweight.  At this size the ink seems to want to "expand" due to the ink's thickness/round edges.  For example, with some PC worms I have had to make the white parts thinner in the T scale artwork, so the gaps show up.  I think I'll have to do that with the CR number decals.  After all, this is a "test model".  (Hm.. seems like all of my models are test models..)

[Ed Kapuscinski]

But I thought they were blue and just weathered to a dark color 

Haha. You've seen the article I wrote on the subject, right?

The spec said black, but it was usually applied quickly so blue bled through regularly.

Honestly, you might just be able to do it all with some thinned paint as a wash.

[peteski]

Am I the only one not seeing Cory's photos?  All I see is:


This used to be a common issue here some time ago with Google-hosted photos, but I though the problem was resolved.  BTW, I am logged into my Google account.

[shark_jj]

I could see them fine without logging into Railwire, and when I logged into Railwire I still see them fine.  I am not currently logged into my Google account.  Hope that info is helpful.

[Cory Rothlisberger]

Am I the only one not seeing Cory's photos?  All I see is:


This used to be a common issue here some time ago with Google-hosted photos, but I though the problem was resolved.  BTW, I am logged into my Google account.

Maybe I still have you blocked form my Atlas days... 

[peteski]

I could see them fine without logging into Railwire, and when I logged into Railwire I still see them fine.  I am not currently logged into my Google account.  Hope that info is helpful.

It is not TRW problem. Even when I click on the area where the missing photo is and it takes me to the actual URL of the Google photo I get that "do no enter" symbol.  Probably some Google and browser weirdness.

Maybe I still have you blocked form my Atlas days... 

LOL, gotta be it! 

[Jim Starbuck]

The Modutrak crew is working overtime getting several new modules on line to set up at the Rock River Valley Train Show in Machesney Park, IL (Rockford) next weekend.
I’ve been adding details such as the utility light in this farmhouse scene. The house and garage are printed models painted and detailed by Tom Breed.





Jim