Weekend Update 6/16/19

[altohorn25]

I finally got all my Allis-Chalmers crawlers completed and loaded onto the flats. Quick video:

[strummer]

Oh, and the effect that I’m going for can be seen in this former L&N GP30 in the very beginning of the video below.  My GP40-2 is also of L&N lineage.  I just patched it for the Seaboard System.

DFF

I'd say you nailed it; great video, too.

Happy Father's Day to all who that applies to; if not, enjoy the rest of your weekend anyway. 

Mark in Oregon

[BCR 570]

I need to investigate whether a newer DCC friendly Atlas RS-11 is available these days.

Hi Andy:

Very interested to see you start on the RS-18s as I am about to do the same.  I purchased four of the most recent Atlas RS-11s which are marketed as "Decoder Ready".  Presumably one of the AMD decoders from TCS or something similar would drop right in for a non-sound option; LokSound will be more work.


Tim

[BCR 570]

although everyone looks so serious...   

This has been mentioned before; all I can say is that after twelve op sessions with zero accidents and no major derailments, I am pleased with my operators' attention to their duties 

I never knew the term “box canyon” meant the canyon was full of boxes

Yes I must get this area cleaned up; as tracklaying progressed it became a convenient area to store things but is definitely an eyesore.  I am hoping to get the bridge swapped back in this summer which will precipitate a cleanup.  The problem is where to put all that stuff . . . .


Tim

[shark_jj]

Finally decided it was time to put "water" in the river at Ethansburg.  There is a long (10ft) run of slow moving water, then a narrow channel with rapids.  Artistry isn't one of my strengths but overall I am happy with the way this is coming along.  Grand Trunk Southern Auto Parts hotshot is moving past on the mainline.  Now to get moving on the scenery by the backdrop and more trees!

[DKS]

Artistry isn't one of my strengths but overall I am happy with the way this is coming along.

Ya done good, daddy!

[MK]

Artistry isn't one of my strengths...

Liar!   

[tehachapifan]

That may be the best representation of river water I've seen. Excellent job!

[mplsjct]

That may be the best representation of river water I've seen. Excellent job!

+1

[altohorn25]

American Car and Foundry 1950 Baggage/Express car. Metal sides on an American Limited core kit cut down to the correct length. The last photo shows the Kato version for comparison (they're the same length; optical illusion).

[ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[BCRail_FSJ]

I purchased four of the most recent Atlas RS-11s which are marketed as "Decoder Ready".  Presumably one of the AMD decoders from TCS or something similar would drop right in for a non-sound option; LokSound will be more work.


Tim

Thanks for the tip.   I will keep a look out for a couple of those newer RS-11s for sure.

[Jim Starbuck]

I finished up the TR4B this afternoon.
It’s a Skytop Models shell on a narrowed LifeLike mech.
It also has an ESU Lokpilot Nano decoder installed.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Jim

[freedj]

This week I built the clarkesville depot and painted it up with a C&O triple grey scheme.  I also painted over the rest of the raw foam.  These two shots encompass the entire layout.

I also had my 2 year old up for a few watching the trains go sessions.  Adding that continuous run loop seems to have been a big hit with the family!

[Jim Starbuck]

Here’s a short shaky video of the HH660.
Apologies for the quality as I was trying to record the video and run the engine at the same time.

/>

Jim

[daniel_leavitt2000]

With all the Comet talk this week, I thought it might be good to start on a related project : the  MBTA Messerschmitt coach and cab cars. These were bought in 1988 to supplement the Comets. I believe these were the first cars to feature restrooms on the MBTA.

Aaron Bearden was kind enough to sketch out and use his Silhouette Cutter to make some sides.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

I started on one thought:
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

A few problems emerged... The sides are a bit too long, and the ends far too fragile. I decided to slice off the ends entirely and mount the laminated sides on tabs that support the doors.

This means that I am using many layers: top and bottom sides (they are only .01" thick and need two layers for support), another series of .01" strips to support the door, ends and sides. And I will still need a clear/tinted strip to use for the windows, which will look too far inset.

So I think I have a solution that would make construction much easier:

1. Use only the outer car side layer. Leave off end door detail. Cut finish and paint before assembly.
2. Use .02" clear styrene for the sides. Cut and finish. Mask the end door windows and center section, then paint the ends silver.
3. Add automotive tint to the inside of the clear sides.
4. Paint and finish car ends, roof, interior and frame.
5. Attach tinted clear styrene sides with ACC with activator to prevent fogging.
6. Attach finished car side to the exterior of the clear styrene sides using cell phone screen adhesive. This will prevent any window fogging and will keep the "sandwich" from warping or curling that can happen with plastic cement.