Weekend Update 1/17/16

[peteski]

That Scotchlite sill stripe is simply a safety feature, common to many passenger cars these days.  Its suppose to make passenger cars a bit more visible at crossings.

The "Amtrak America" branding is only going on the new Viewliners, though the old Viewliners are suppose to be renamed into the new River-series, as announced early last year.  So far I have only found one car that has received its new River name, AMTK 62014 Croton River, has received its new name... not sure how much of a priority it is to actually name any of the others.  They are using the darker blue than what isfound on the Phase V paint scheme, making them stand out a bit more...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ottomatic77/23594445945

Thanks Jerry!

[mighalpern]

very nice Wolf
kit bashed???

[Cajonpassfan]

Wolf, that's very nice. Is that a standard Harriman design? I need a similar UP facility for San Bernardino, but without the tower (instead there was a smallish freestanding structure with a storage "bucket" up top) I can't seem to be able to find plans of better photos anywhere and it occurred to me if the water tank was a "common standard" design; why not the sand house? See below; the small squarish structure is the sandhouse...
Otto K.

[garethashenden]

Got quite a bit done this weekend.

Some track laying



And some tender parts




More on the layout: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34940.0
And the Locomotive: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=37834.0

[Upstate Gator]

Probably a week's worth of work (after years of thinking about it) creating my version of trackage at Dearborn Station. Still need to add feeders, test, and fasten it down. The mockup of the trainshed is to remind me of what I'm trying to do.

The switchstands are earring posts and backs from Michaels.

BenW

[Hamaker]

I've started using the same kind of switchstands.....the earring thing.  They work fine for me.

[davidgray1974]

Just a little scenery work applying static grass, crushed rock and bushes this weekend.  I also finally received a couple of Atlas RS-3's and a 5 car Con Cor passenger set from the Bay.  The RS-3's were advertised as having electrical problems and the owner couldn't get them to work.  Just needed a good cleaning and they look and work great!



As always, thanks for looking!

David

[Bendtracker1]

Looks great David!
Glad to see you posting again.   

[nkalanaga]

David:  If those were the original Atlas/Kato RS3s they probably did need cleaning.  The frame bearing surface where the truck met the frame was often a little rough, and tended to get dirty very quickly.  I polished mine with 1200 grit sandpaper, which helped, then added jumper cables between the pair, which really helped.  After that they ran almost as well as my 4-unit Minitrx F set.  The RS3s were smoother starting, but 32-wheel pickup and heavy frames made the Fs more reliable.

[Lemosteam]

Looks great David!
Glad to see you posting again.   

Hear, Hear!

David, that layout is gorgeous.  Missed seeing regular pics of it! 

[SP-Wolf]

Wolf, that's very nice. Is that a standard Harriman design? I need a similar UP facility for San Bernardino, but without the tower (instead there was a smallish freestanding structure with a storage "bucket" up top) I can't seem to be able to find plans of better photos anywhere and it occurred to me if the water tank was a "common standard" design; why not the sand house? See below; the small squarish structure is the sandhouse...
Otto K.

Good morning Otto,

I don't think it's a Harriman design. But, (At least on the SP) - there were plenty of sand houses without the tower. I have the series of books entitled Southern Pacific common standards (Volumes 1 -5). But - as was pointed out to me -- the sand houses were not common standard. I think the SP built sand houses to suit the engine servicing needs of each location. Some were absolutely huge (They looked more like coaling towers) all the way down in size - to just a drop bottom gondola holding the sand (No building at all).

Thanks,
Wolf

[GaryHinshaw]

Just a little scenery work applying static grass, crushed rock and bushes this weekend.
...
As always, thanks for looking!

Very inspiring work David!  Thanks for posting.

[Cajonpassfan]

I don't think it's a Harriman design. But, (At least on the SP) - there were plenty of sand houses without the tower. I have the series of books entitled Southern Pacific common standards (Volumes 1 -5). But - as was pointed out to me -- the sand houses were not common standard. I think the SP built sand houses to suit the engine servicing needs of each location. Some were absolutely huge (They looked more like coaling towers) all the way down in size - to just a drop bottom gondola holding the sand (No building at all).

Thanks,
Wolf

Thanks Wolf, appreciate it. I guess I'll keep on looking for more pics....
Or I could fake it, but as soon as I'm done, a real clear pic will surface somewhere 
Otto. K.

[davidgray1974]

Thanks everyone!  I could probably post more often if i wasn't so critical of my work and constantly redoing scenery.    This can be a bit frustrating so i find rc cars, photography and slot cars a nice distraction.  Well, that and also trolling The Railwire getting inspiration.   

@nkalanaga - You're exactly right.  When i took the shell off and removed the trucks, it was hard not to notice all the build up on the frame.  A quick wipe down and light sanding was all it needed.  Not a bad deal for $35! 

Thanks,

David

[davidgray1974]

Quite the busy week on the Kanto Sub; a full report is in the Kanto thrad in Layout Engineering Reports.... The station is now complete and planted....

This looks really great!  Still amazed how fast you completed this particular scene.  It really has come together nicely and the wooden planks were a great touch.  Great job!