Weekend Update 3/31/24

[Mark5]

The ashpan perhaps? There's something beneath the frames in the middle, where a diesel would have a fuel tank. I think its an ashpan, but I'm not sure.

I think you nailed it! http://www.virginiaroom.org/digital/files/original/49/4407/HNWR168.jpg

[Sumner]

Still been working on what I'm calling the HandCab Throttle that hopefully will be working as a JMRI WiThrottle protocol WiFi throttle.  I won't be doing the software which has been working  for some time minus the code that needs to be written to read the pots under the throttle, brake and reverser handles.



More info on the project  on ( HERE )

and on my website ( HERE )

Sumner

[packers#1]

Those of you who are scale conscious look away now

I’ve bought my first Horribly Oversized locomotive since I was a kid. Apparently you can rebuild Life Like P2K locomotives into solidly reliable runners and pick them up for a song, so I started trolling eBay to find a good example for my someday but seems to be sooner HO Appalachia Coal Hauler layout I want to build. Well, this little guy was hanging out there with a buy it now option of $60 and looked a little suspicious, as the box had been cut in half and the locomotive was in just one bay of styrofoam. There was, however, a tag on the box that caught my eye which seemed to indicate this little fella already had a DCC decoder. So, I managed to get it for $40 plus shipping. Upon inspection, it’s missing a couple handrails, the conductor side front handrail is messed up and I either need a new one or to replace it, and there’s a few parts broken off (two grabs, the horn, a lift ring, and the cut levers). However, the two key things for me are 1) I was right, there’s already an NCE decoder in there and whoever put it in did a great job and 2) the drive axles appear to have been replaced as the gears aren’t split. Since I’m planning on repainting this thing anyways, I’m not too broken up about the broken bits anyways, as I’m wanting to get into HO as well for the ease of modeling (I’ve had to admit to myself that N scale is just too small for my pudgy fingers. For scale, I wear a size 15 ring). So overall, super happy, and looking forward to getting my track and getting back from my business trip to Iowa next week to see if this decoder is fried or not.

[freedj]

I've been picking away at a few projects on the layout in the last month.  In what feels like a huge decision, i've decided to push the layout forward in time to about 2010 just after Great Lakes Central took over from Tuscola and Saginaw Bay.

Once that decision was made, I had a project NW2 laying around that needed to become TSBY 1977.  It has some unique features including an extended window and some vents just in front of the cab windows (I can't find any photos of the top, or other NW2s with these).  I drew up and printed the vents, the window, and some new stacks to match.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

After a trip to the LHS with my daughter, we picked out a walthers house and some colors and have built it up.  I made it strong enough for her to move around.  Just a little more weathering and then the glass can go in.  I may also make it have a minimal interior with random lighting,  I think she would love that.

I have also been mocking up my grade crossing / backdrop transition with paint and construction paper to see if it is convincing.  There will be shrubs / trees on the backdrop behind the curve.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

I've also been doing a bit of car weathering with oil paints.  Im going for the C&O Blue box car that has weathered into a blue-brown.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Jesse6669]

I did several iterations of this T-scale 60' tank car, the difficulty being getting the supports and support contact areas right-sized while still having small (enough) diameter piping/railings but robust enough to stand some handling.  I'm reasonably satisfied with this one.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Made some good progress on both the layout and an actual model, but first... check this out.

Some of you may be familiar with my Glenarm TTRAK module that features a model of the Maryland and Pennsylvania station scratch built by my dad @EdKap2. Glenarm is about ten minutes away if you make a left out of my driveway.



For ages the station was decrepit. It was last a pizza place but I think that was well over a decade ago.



I've been afraid we'd lose it since I first saw it.

Well, some time ago I heard it was purchased by a local investor and was going to get turned into a coffee shop. I couldn't believe it. I love coffee shops (see my map of them along the PRR middle division: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZWZEdoZRPz3Wy4Bg9) and having one in a MA&PA station 10 minutes from my door? Sounded too good to be true.

Today was opening day.







It's not quite EBT level of miraculous, but it's up there.

[Philip H]

@Ed Kapuscinski - next time I’m up that better be our first stop.

[MK]

@Ed Kapuscinski any room for a small layout, T-Trak or otherwise? 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

@Ed Kapuscinski any room for a small layout, T-Trak or otherwise? 

I don't think so, but I might offer to loan them my module in exchange for free coffee.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

@Ed Kapuscinski - next time I’m up that better be our first stop.

You know it!

[dem34]

I don't think so, but I might offer to loan them my module in exchange for free coffee.

This is an excellent way to flood your inbox with Layout building requests.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

This is an excellent way to flood your inbox with Layout building requests.

I'll put your email address on it

[dem34]

I'll put your email address on it