Weekend Update 1/7/24

[Ed Kapuscinski]

More progress.

[Jim Starbuck]

That is really outstanding work Ed!

If I could make one small suggestion though. Put a TrueScale or at least a Z scale coupler on the back of the caboose if it needs to be operational. That’s the only thing in any of the photos that says N Scale.

[lock4244]

CN Diesel Division moving right along.....


I chose to model the high underframe so instead of the brass strips ,I used wire. I drilled holes thru the chassis and used screws to secure the connection.

As did I. Found the chassis modification to be fairly simple. Says a lot given first time that I did anything model related (besides buying models) was modifying four chassis for these M-420's. Alas, they languish... though maybe this year is the year 

Here are the M420s:

Looking forward to these being completed... I mean if Rapido is going to announce an n scale version it won't be until after you've completed at least one, lol 

And the M636

What did you use for the nose headlight?

Lock4244-here's what the Briggs replacement drivetrain looks like:



until next week

Replacement for the universal joint that slips? Be nice if Atlas would man up to the s***y drivetrain and fix them.

[0303fxm]

Theater car in the BNSF OCS
Having inspection crew and going out for the first job this year.

Thanks 

Ryoichi

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That is really outstanding work Ed!

If I could make one small suggestion though. Put a TrueScale or at least a Z scale coupler on the back of the caboose if it needs to be operational. That’s the only thing in any of the photos that says N Scale.

Oh yeah! That's one of my usual upgrades on current caboose projects. I did that one... holy crap, 20 years ago! It might get cycled through the shops soon for some upgrades. We'll see.

And thanks for the compliments. It's high praise.

[btrain]

With the calendar now changed out for the new year, I can share this locomotive with you guys. I was asked by a spouse to make U.S. Suger 148 for a good friend of mine who has the pleasure of working on this high-stepping pacific. I had only a week to take this IHC locomotive, apply details, paint, decals, and install DCC before turning it over in time for Christmas. The Circus City decals were easy to work with, and I had to make the number plate since I accidentally ordered oval instead of round ones online. It was good fun to work on HO scale and felt like I was tinkering with a Lionel engine after all this time goofing around in N. My only complaint is that I didn't have any Tamiya putty, and had to rely on Squadron, which shrinks like crazy compared to the former.



I also set up the Lake Shore Central Free-moN switching layout. I have a few things, such as track and bus wiring, that needs to be corrected since last year's Ohio N Scale weekend. It was nice to also have a little op session on it, which was the first time also since last May. Having an Atlas sound C420 shoving grain hoppers back and forth really helps melt the daily stresses away, and makes this one enjoyable hobby. The goal is to have it fully scenic by May for Ohio and the National N Scale conventions. 

One of the immediate improvements that I have made to it is to the turnouts. On these Atlas switches the throw bars have been scrapped, since the switch rail would not settle flush with the stock rail, causing cars to wobble over them. A Fast Tracks copper head switch tie was sodered on, along with a spring throw bar made of 0.015 brass rod to the Adafruit SPDT 805 switch.

[crrcoal]

More progress.

Pure pornographic filth right here. I love it!!

[Sokramiketes]

Daniel you are missing one in your history: the Con-Cor SD40-2

https://www.trovestar.com/generic/zoom.php?id=211237

And don't get too far before you include a Scale Trains release.  They've been showing off new tooling. 

[C855B]

And don't get too far before you include a Scale Trains release.  They've been showing off new tooling.

Now slated for end of February.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Now slated for end of February.

Here is the status so far (in chronological order of release):

× Con-Cor SD40-2 Early Phase (I should have one by the end of the month)
✔ Bachmann SD40-2 Early Phase
✔ Spectrum SD40-2 Early Phase
✔ Kato SD40-2 Early Phase
× Kato SD40-2 Snoot (I have one but it is detailed. 2 others were converted to standard-nose Conrail units)
✔ Kato SD40-2 Mid Phase
× IM SD40-2 Early Phase (I'm not buying one of these but may need to borrow one)
✔ IM SD40-2 Mid Phase
× IM SD40-2 Snoot (Need to borrow one of these as well)
✔ BLI SD40-2 Early Phase
   Scale Trains SD40-2 Early Phase (Need to borrow one of these. I'll talk to Shane at the show to see if I can)
   Scale Trains SD40-2 Mid Phase - On order
   Bachmann SD40-2 Mid Phase - On order

As for the Key/Endo and Hallmark/Kumata brass, I'll add them if I can borrow some.

I will also cover the IM SD40-2W and SD40T-2 models as I have both on hand. I'll add the Overland/Ajin SD40T-2 only if I'm able to cover everything else AND find a way to borrow one.



 

[bnsfdash8]

I have a bunch of rolling stock that needs reflective striping. Where did, or how did you do it on this?

These were done with Microscale yellow reflector stripe sheet #60-4389. White is 60-4390.

I also have N scale 1"-4" decal stripes that I'll cut to length in the event I need some longer/shorter and for use on locomotives sills. HO stripes also come in handy when I need a wider reflector that some RRs put on the ends of cars.

[dandopinski]

What did you use for the nose headlight?

Hi Lock - It came that way.

[BCR 570]

Nice work on the CN units - keep us posted!

Tim

[lock4244]

Hi Lock - It came that way.

Ah, it's a Briggs shell.

I have 12 of their M-630 shells... I suppose converting a few to M-636's is not impossible.

CN C-630M's are not a problem to make with the Atlas shell, nose headlight and intake modifications on them later in life (though at least one made it to 1991 with the original intake arrangement).
CP C-630M's need a new rear end and nose headlight and intake modifications on them later in life.
CP M-630 - Briggs.
CN and CP M-636... carbody and radiator modifications to Briggs shell.

And the fuel tanks.

I probably should concentrate on the Bedarail SD40's... if I finish one it'll be a first for me. 

[wm3798]

Worked on my West End of the Narrows modules...
Lee