Weekend Update 4/5/15

[VonRyan]

MVS already DID the decals for the F22/23 for the PRR Pro project. There's a set of F22 and F23s on Shapeways that are pretty good. You got to use Z scale couplers and goo because I don't see how you can screw those suckers on there. The rivet detail didn't do the surface any facors so it had to be sanded down. I need to get the proper size Archer rivets to finish the project.
Personally, I'd rather see an FM over and F22. PRRParts was doing one but then his master broke.

I might have a blueprint tracing for the FM as well.

But since you suggested it I might have to ignore it 

[peteski]

It is something worth exploring. Cause I want two of them.
Although getting the deck detail on there should be interesting. Might have to go through a trial-and-error process.
Should make for a nifty kit though.

You could try to hire someone (possibly here, and hopefully for affordable wages) to design one in CAD, then print the master on one of the high-quality 3D printers.   Showcase Miniatures seems to be using 3D printed masters for their vehicle models and the quality is outstanding.

[chicken45]

I might have a blueprint tracing for the FM as well.

But since you suggested it I might have to ignore it 

You're walking that fine line of going back to being "the worst Cody!" 

[towl1996]

There's a set of F22 and F23s on Shapeways that are pretty good.

I saw them at one time, but I think they've been removed or I can't find them now. Plus, I thought I read the quality was poor. No matter, I still think there is a market for the F22 with a wooden deck and the F23 with the steel deck. Just my two cents.

[Iain]

You could try to hire someone (possibly here, and hopefully for affordable wages) to design one in CAD, then print the master on one of the high-quality 3D printers.   Showcase Miniatures seems to be using 3D printed masters for their vehicle models and the quality is outstanding.

Hai.

[VonRyan]

I saw them at one time, but I think they've been removed or I can't find them now. Plus, I thought I read the quality was poor. No matter, I still think there is a market for the F22 with a wooden deck and the F23 with the steel deck. Just my two cents.

If I do an F22, it'll come with pre-cut planks for you to build your own deck, just like I would do.
 

[peteski]

If I do an F22, it'll come with pre-cut planks for you to build your own deck, just like I would do.
 

Um, the rapid-prototype master can be used for metal-casting body of the car. Then laser-cut wood can be used for the planking (no board-by-board construction please).  This is year 2015 - we don't need to build things plank at a time. 

There are members here with lasers - maybe again, you could have the deck designed in CAD and collaborate with someone who has a laser.   Metal-cast body and real wood deck would make a really nice (and heavy) flat car.

[chicken45]

I saw them at one time, but I think they've been removed or I can't find them now. Plus, I thought I read the quality was poor. No matter, I still think there is a market for the F22 with a wooden deck and the F23 with the steel deck. Just my two cents.

I can vouch the quality was not poor. Inconsistent, maybe.
I ordered 2 sets of 2.  One set was of a different texture than the other. It was odd. But I'm telling you, the coupler thing almost killed it.
I'd love to see them too, but you cannot deny we need FM class more. I'll try to post pics when I'm back home.

[VonRyan]

Um, the rapid-prototype master can be used for metal-casting body of the car. Then laser-cut wood can be used for the planking (no board-by-board construction please).  This is year 2015 - we don't need to build things plank at a time. 

There are members here with lasers - maybe again, you could have the deck designed in CAD and collaborate with someone who has a laser.   Metal-cast body and real wood deck would make a really nice (and heavy) flat car.

Cast resin is the order of the day. If it comes to it, I'll have the master designed to accept a piece of metal for a weight.

In any case, sounds like the FM is going to be in the top-tier of choices. I have a few other things to look into as well, along with some market sampling, then we shall see what comes of it.

[VonRyan]

Just to confirm, this is the FM we're talking about?

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[R L Smith]

Thanks for posting the blueprint Cody. I was wondering why we were discussing the F-22 aircraft on this thread, but should have figured it was an SPF thing...   

[Dave V]

This was my weekend.

Rebuilt the RGS after having to dismantle the western half (the elevated part) when I had my deck replaced last winter.  Repairs to the RGS included rebuilding and stabilizing the retaining walls on the western loop, raising the western end so as to reduce the overall grades, reassembly of track, tamping, leveling, and ballast made from a mix of chicken grit and crushed oyster shells with polymeric sand.





Here's a closeup of the ballast.  The polymeric sand is a complementary tan but binds the ballast almost as if I'd glued it in place.



BTW, I think I'm still behind Chris and DKS on having multiple concurrent layout engineering threads...   

[basementcalling]

Chicken grit is damn close to something else. I was highly intrigued to see how you were using that OTHER chicken product on the layout, even allowing that it is a garden variety layout.

[chicken45]

Chicken? What?

[VonRyan]

Chicken grit is damn close to something else. I was highly intrigued to see how you were using that OTHER chicken product on the layout, even allowing that it is a garden variety layout.

I use that other chicken product when I'm growing tomatoes. I used to grow some of the best tomatoes in South Jersey.