Quality Streetcar models in Nscale

[robert3985]

Neah, I didn't want to go that far. Everybody has their limitations. 

Candle wax (paraffin) should work just as well as beeswax for de-fuzzing thread.

I'm always running up against the "good enough" barrier in N-scale.  At least N-scale demands that I stop detailing at some point, whereas when I was building 1/8" scale sailing ships, about the only thing I couldn't quite get small enough were the small chains that were used on some of the rigging.  The main reason I quit doing it was after embossing over 3500 individual copper plates with over a dozen bolt heads on each plate on my last commercial job, it had ceased to be "fun".

Nope, paraffin doesn't work as well as real beeswax because it's brittle and stiff.  Beeswax, on the other hand is stickier and much more flexible and is the go-to for de-fuzzing model sailing ship rigging if you're not using quality and expensive 3-strand twisted Cuttyhunk Linen rigging line which doesn't require de-fuzzing.

Photo (1) - Here's the last commercial model sailing ship I made that killed my interest in that hobby...the "Comet" 1851, an American 3-masted clipper in 1/8" scale...fully rigged with linen sails, 100% scratchbuilt, plank-on-frame...


Photo (2) - Showing more of the rigging, mast & deck details...



Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Dwight in Toronto]

Bob - re: the ship modelling … I have no words that would adequately convey how much admiration I have for monumental accomplishments like that.  I can’t even guess at how many hours of work that would be.  Humbling indeed.

Back to more mundane things!

I settled on my option b) from earlier - that’s it - the carrier rope has been finalized:




I also attempted windshield wipers (soldered .012” brass wire with black Sharpie colouring):




I think this is about as far as I want to take this little beastie.  Tomorrow I will try to shoot and post a short video showing it in action.

[Mike C]

  Dwight , there is just 1 thing missing .... It needs a hook to hold the pole in the down position . You should be able to bend a piece of wire into the appropriate shape .      Mike 

[nickelplate759]

and one more thing...
From the pictures I can find, the spool cover for the retriever should be all red, rather than having the same red/white separation as the car body.

[Dwight in Toronto]

You guys made me smile!

I’m sorry Mike - I’m afraid I can’t do that !

George - I have to admit, that little bit of crappy factory paint has been a pebble in my shoe throughout this entire upgrade … I’ll see if I can touch that up.

Thanks guys.

[Dwight in Toronto]

As promised, here’s a hastily shot, short little video showing the streetcar running around on my workbench test oval. 

Watch carefully and you should be able to see the brake lights come on when the trolley stops, and then dim about 50% when it starts moving again.  The effect is much more noticeable IRL.  Similarly, the headlight is not nearly so blinding IRL!

Anyway, it was a fun wee project, and thanks to a bunch of background googling and input from the good folks here on TRW, I learned a TON of stuff about PCC streetcars.  Thanks again to all who followed along and contributed ideas, expertise and peer pressure!

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[Lemosteam]

I know its too late, but the fine black EZ line I just bought for my telephone poles measures 0.002" in diameter and is available in white.

[R L Smith]

I'm thinking this thread qualifies for "Best Of" status.  The modifications for DCC, lighting and details make this a fantastic model.


Ron

[Dwight in Toronto]

I'm thinking this thread qualifies for "Best Of" status.  The modifications for DCC, lighting and details make this a fantastic model.


Ron

Ron - thank you so very much for your commendation.  I mean, this is TRW … just having a fellow enthusiast even suggest such a nomination is hugely uplifting.  I would be elated if my little project were ever to be recognized in such a way!

[peteski]

I'm thinking this thread qualifies for "Best Of" status.  The modifications for DCC, lighting and details make this a fantastic model.

I agree, but it should really be split from the original topic into a build thread.  Some time ago I ask the mods to do that some time ago (even pointed to from which specific post the split should  be done, but nothing happened.