Northern Pacific (NP) W-5 Mikado Project

[wazzou]

RE: the builders plate...does it really need to be fully legible?  It just needs to look like a builders plate, right?
It's kind of like a trust plate.  You know it's there and what it represents even if you can't necessarily read it.
It just completes the illusion.

[superturbine]

Why make it an illusion if it doesn't have to be. 
I think it's good to push the envelope!

[peteski]

How thick is the real plate?  1/4" maybe?  That is 0.0016" thick in N scale.  Can you cast something that thin, or will it be way out of scale, just like the gaps between simulated boards on the Rapido meat reefer?     

[mmagliaro]

It would be cool if it actually had relief.  Etched brass would be fabulous, but even there, I don't know if you
could really etch out all that lettering at this tiny size.   

I do agree that having an unreadable plate that just "looks right" is
better than none at all.  So I put one on.  See below...

This photo, I think, captures the color and tone of the smokebox a little better.   I tried to shift the lighting so I
could light up the side and undercarriage without blasting the smokebox.

[peteski]

Excellent Max!

BTW, I was serious - it you like I could print a builders plate decal for you.

[mmagliaro]

Excellent Max!

BTW, I was serious - it you like I could print a builders plate decal for you.

Thanks, Peteski!   If you want to give it a go, please do.  If you can get it at least somewhat legible, it will be better than
what I have and I would gladly use it.  You can scrape the photo right out of this forum.  It will have way over 1200 dpi
when it is shrunk down to a scale 14" x 7"  (I think if you change it to 3300 dpi or 6600, it will be about perfect.  I can't remember).

[peteski]

Thanks, Peteski!   If you want to give it a go, please do.  If you can get it at least somewhat legible, it will be better than
what I have and I would gladly use it.  You can scrape the photo right out of this forum.  It will have way over 1200 dpi
when it is shrunk down to a scale 14" x 7"  (I think if you change it to 3300 dpi or 6600, it will be about perfect.  I can't remember).

I've been doing some work on this. So the plate will be 0.0875" X 0.0438".  The resolution of the image you posted earlier is about 7200 dpi for that size.  But it takes a bit more than just resizing the bitmap.  I re-sampled it to 2400 dpi (way more than I need for the 600 dpi printout), then converted it to lineart (black/white) image and now I will have to create the black and gold artwork.  Basically the gold will be inverted version of the black.  I'll PM you when I need your address.

[mmagliaro]

Thanks Peteski.  Yes, those are the correct dimensions.

I just noted that the Microscale NYC steam decal sheet includes some Alco builder plates of this type.
Looking at my sheet of those, I must say, they are downright unreadable even under heavy magnification, except for
the big "A" in "American".   I'm not sure this size of lettering could ever be printed on any decal or etched part.
You can still try if you want, and I welcome it, but I think we're chasing a pipe dream with this.

[superturbine]

I have n scale plates that are legible.   Find and HO or O scale plate that will work and I will make it happen.

[Caddy58]

What an outstanding engine build and tutorial.
I am completely blown away.
The white stripes on the running boards are very nice details. On quite a few photos the engines are so dirty that it is impossible to tell if there are white stripes, but they add a "classic" look.
I guess I need to enhance one or two of my W3s...

If you are already counting: I would be very interested in a W5 kit. I already got a spare Kato Mike and one more W3 kit.

But if I could choose I would prefer Gregg to do the Class A Northern kit...

Cheers
Dirk

[Lemosteam]

Max, quite simply put, this is a museum quality work of art.  You have taken super-detailing steam in n scale to a level that only you can achieve (at least that I have seen).  It has been a sheer pleasure following this thread and witnessing your genius.

Thank you for sharing your work.

[mmagliaro]

Thank you, John.  I am touched by your statement. 

Here are some "on the layout" shots.  Yes, I do actually run it!
(In the interest of full disclosure, the headlight is photoshopped...)

[eric220]

Holy mother of moo moo that thing is gorgeous! Putting it on the layout just completes the picture.

[Scottl]

Honestly, that is spectacular.

[Mike C]

  That's really a fantastic looking locomotive !  But I just gotta ask, would you consider building another one to sell ????