Weekend Update 7/21/24

[up1950s]

https://www.riverdalepress.com/stories/csx-sells-abandoned-rail-stretch-for-112m,86912

https://www.progressrail.com/en/Segments/Infrastructure/Kershaw/RailEquipment/Model_60_Sand_Remover.html#multimedia-CRMZRUdUfUT8RFY-poster

https://www.nps.gov/places/maca-historic-train.htm

https://www.wilmarsugar-anz.com/media-centre/latest-news/wilmar-launches-new-loco

https://www.republiclocomotive.com/locomotive-design-manufacturing/

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https://mechtraveller.com/2024/02/the-extraordinary-mount-emily-shay-no-1-geared-steam-engine-has-a-new-home/

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https://www.thetravel.com/cheap-but-scenic-train-trips-in-the-us-under-75-usd/

https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/experiences/

https://vista.today/2023/08/vandalism-west-chester-railroad/

[Dave V]

Still no modeling for me this week, but here's a shot I took on a break today.

RGS C-17 #42 and C-19 #40 at Ridgway await the call to bring a stock extra over Lizard Head Pass.



#42 is a Key brass engine with a can motor I repainted and weathered, while #40 is a Blackstone engine I weathered (and I added a spark arrestor to both).

[shark_jj]

Continuing on from installing the grout roadway last week, this week I concentrated on the scenery in this area.  In this sequence of photos we see PRR Coal Extra 9827 South, a trainload of empties returning from a PP&L plant transiting through the area.   The first two photo's show the area I have worked on with trees, ground cover, and bushes added.  The transitions to the backdrop are complete, as is the foreground.  Soft shoulders have been added to the road.  Still ahead are fine details like weathering the roadway, highway signs, and highway barriers. 

Photo 3 is a long view of this short aisle showing how the area I worked on will fit into the whole scene. 

More info can be found in the Grand Trunk Southern Layout thread. 

[Sumner]

The 'straight & curved' SpeedTrap speedometers are done....

and the print files are up on Thingiverse.com. The whole build for both is ( HERE ).

SpeedTrap software is finished and seems to work fine. Click the image above or ( HERE ) to see it in action and.....

…..above or ( HERE ).

The 'straight' SpeedTrap print files are up on thingiverse.com ( HERE ).

The 'curved' SpeedTrap print files are up on thingiverse.com ( HERE ).

I had a request for KPH readings on the SpeedTrap speedometers in addition to the MPH readings that are there.  I spent some time today and added that feature.  When you load the software you have a choice now between MPH and KPH.

I tested the code out in the 'curved' & 'straight' SpeedTraps and ....

... it seems to be working fine.

For the whole build of this speedometer go ( HERE ).



Sumner

[chessie system fan]

This week I finished a design project I began last year.  This is a Southern 36' 153500-series boxcar.

[squirrelhunter]

This week I finished a design project I began last year.  This is a Southern 36' 153500-series boxcar.

Is this a Southern SU class car?

[chessie system fan]

Correct. 

[spookshow]

Another building for my grain elevator -









I also managed to turn this -



Into this -



It's a good thing I ordered two of them because my first attempt at extraction surgery did not go so well 

-Mark

[craigolio1]

Continuing on from installing the grout roadway last week, this week I concentrated on the scenery in this area.  In this sequence of photos we see PRR Coal Extra 9827 South, a trainload of empties returning from a PP&L plant transiting through the area.   The first two photo's show the area I have worked on with trees, ground cover, and bushes added.  The transitions to the backdrop are complete, as is the foreground.  Soft shoulders have been added to the road.  Still ahead are fine details like weathering the roadway, highway signs, and highway barriers. 

Photo 3 is a long view of this short aisle showing how the area I worked on will fit into the whole scene. 

More info can be found in the Grand Trunk Southern Layout thread. 

Holy cow this looks good. You must stand in front of it thinking “oh yeahhhhhh”. Haha. Well done.

Craig.

[PiperguyUMD]

Counting to scout railfan locations on the modules. Found a good one just south of the Sabillasville MD bridge. The problem with shooting inside out on these curves is that the background is my garage. I think this fall I may work on making some sceniced backdrops that can be clamped onto the edge of different modules for photography. Also, I need a photography coach. I'm an iphoneographer, and don't really have a ton to spend on camera gear, but surely there are tips and tricks, or maybe even a better app, to get a better quality photos.



Also trying to finish one other project before my schedule starts picking up next month. More details in the WM Modules thread.

[Cajonpassfan]

Is this a Southern SU class car?

Nice, would love to get my hands on one...we need more 36 footers (and not just the old-timey ones available).
Otto

[chessie system fan]

Yeah, I'd be glad to make these available once I do a few test prints to see how the board gaps do. I also need to figure out how to create the truss rod supports. Does anyone know the smallest size of brass square rod available?

[garethashenden]

Yeah, I'd be glad to make these available once I do a few test prints to see how the board gaps do. I also need to figure out how to create the truss rod supports. Does anyone know the smallest size of brass square rod available?

I don't think I've ever seen anything less than 1mm. So about 0.040". What size do you need?

[trainforfun]

These tracks and ties laying machines are incredible !! Thanks for posting the links .
I could not work sitting under the machines , going backward on a train makes me sick ....   

[thomasjmdavis]

Also, I need a photography coach.

I saw that, and first thing that jumped into my head was....
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/atsf7.jpg

But, of course...you were looking for someone to instruct you on what the 217 adjustments on your 'automated' digital camera were for.