Weekend Update 1/22/12

[BCR 570]

That's it Mark........I'm taking up needlepoint..............

Be sure to post photos of your tea cosy with the beaver logo when you have it finished . . . . 


Tim

[avel]

Nice videos Chuck, just wish they were longer and the camera panned slower. There are a lot of details to absorb.

[John]

Mark, if you don't do a coffee table book with those photos when all is said and done we may remove your "South of the Border" privileges.

[rochsub]

I have lots to update on this week.  My apologies in advance for the monster post.

No need to apologize, I would would have enjoyed a few more pictures.  I am also waiting for your next video on youtube.  Excellent work Mark!

Daryl

[rochsub]

One of two warehouses that will be located next to the proviso yard.  Still need to add trim, roof detail, brick mortar lines, and weathering. 

[coosvalley]

This week I painted and decaled this pulpwood car based on a pic I have....





Next is a factory painted RS-11 that I relettered from C.V to Lamoille Valley. Boy that fuel tank has got to go ....





Here is the real one for comparison http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=12198

And I am looking forward to the Springfield show next weekend.......

[wm3798]

I received my first Bachmann NE steel caboose, and at first glance, Walther's ought to just chuck their tooling.

Apart from the wheel size and coupler size things we've already discussed, the only thing I can see materially wrong with it is the size of the numbers on the sides.
http://rr-fallenflags.org/rdg/rdg92886ads.jpg

First we see the new arrival posed with its cousin, a Life Like caboose that was improved and weathered by Rich Yourstone.  Rich did what he could with the ride height, and added window glass.  The weathering accentuates the coarse details of the shell.  I should note that prior to photographing the Bachmann car, I replaced the 36" stock wheels with some 33" weathered metal wheels of unspecified origin, but I would guess they're Fox Valleys.  This should only affect the ride height by a scale 1.5", so I'm not going to quibble.



You can see the disparity of the car numbers, especially when compared to the proto photo.  This one of those things that makes one furrow one's brow when Bachmann gets oh so close to a home run.  Fortunately, I've got a set of Reading caboose numbers, so this won't be a difficult fix.

Now let's compare the new car to a more or less stock Life Like caboose...

The WM paint scheme was applied by Bev Bel, and it's not bad.  The only modifications are the addition of Micro Trains trucks/couplers, and the application of some Micro Crystal Clear to the windows.  The most startling difference is in the ride height.  There's got to be a scale foot or more between the two roof tops.  Looking down, you can see how nicely rendered the steel steps and grabs are rendered on the Bachmann.  The rivet detail is also superior, compared to the grapefruits used on the LifeLike model.  Finally, the window sash detail is more refined on both the side windows and the cupola.

Now let's take a look at the Bachmann through the lens of an Overland Brass NE caboose...


Here we see that the proportions of the Bachmann car almost match identically to the brass caboose.  The quality of the casting on the end steps is especially apparent.  While the etched brass provides a very subtle rivet detail compared to the plastic Bachmann car, the difference is virtually negligible.  It's interesting to note the limitations of brass, though.  Note the lack of depth in the window openings.  There is no attempt to render the sash detail.  Perhaps a second layer of brass would have done the trick.  It's also interesting see that while the window openings are probably dead on, without the sash detail, the windows look too gaping on the brass.

Taking the long view, you can see how they all stack up.

As a physical model, the Bachmann car is the clear winner in just about every category, except the paint department.  On closer comparison, it looks like the "R" in READING is also the wrong font.

I'm looking forward to getting a Western Maryland sample to dissect.  The pictures I've seen demonstrate that the paint scheme is a lot more accurate.  But I'll have to wait to get mine, because Sizemore has apparently bought out the entire stock that was available in the Eastern Time Zone... 

Anyway, there's your review from the Hagerstown Shops.
Lee

[chuck geiger]

Nice videos Chuck, just wish they were longer and the camera panned slower. There are a lot of details to absorb.

Gonna make em longer with Flip Video from work tomorrow. Slower pan as well!

[bbussey]

Apart from the wheel size and coupler size things we've already discussed, the only thing I can see materially wrong with it is the size of the numbers on the sides.

Lee, the READING font is off also.  The Life-Like lettering is correct.  The one detriment of the Bachmann caboose is that they got the deco schemes wrong on a number of them.  But the tooling itself is top-notch and the cars always can be repainted.

[wm3798]

Right you are... I noticed that too as I was reviewing the photos.  The R looks the most off, but on closer inspection, they went right for the throat with the whole thing goofed.

But yes, the tooling is outstanding.  There may be a lot of old Life Likes getting dumped for $5 in the near future.

Lee

[delamaize]

I scratchbuilt this switch for the 144 sq inch challenge. I am using Peco really tight switches, and had 2 right hand, and needed a 3rd left hand, so I made a imprint of one of my right hands then traced it onto the other side of the paper, glued it to some thin styrine and went from there. I need to make some kind of workable drawbar still, the one in the picture failed. This is probably my 3rd or 4th scratchbuilt switch.....

[Scottl]

Strange, my post did not stay- I'll try again.

Finished up the GP-40W today.  My pair is done now for an intermodal train.

[jmlaboda]

Really nice!!!

[Puddington]

Ok...........all right.........fine..........I guess...........if I have to.............ok, here goes.....

Nice CN (cough) GP 40W..........darn fine modeling.......excellent workmanship..........great painting..........wonderful scene............how'd I do....?

BUT ITS CN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Warmest personal regards......a dedicated CPR modeler...............LOL 

[Scottl]

Thanks, especially Pud!  I know that was like donating a kidney...