Weekend Update 4/18/21

[Jesse6669]

Using extra target and ladder from the etched brass test kit for the N PRR signal bridge, and some added details that were 3D printed, I made a test PL signal.   

The mast is 1mm brass tube, the 3D printed items were the revised (more robust, less fragile) lens/shade/lamp housings, the finial and the base, printed by Shapeways.  I added a bit of wire for the "spider" (it's not a full spider--just a vertical pipe to serve as an attachment point.  The lamp housings are set up for 0402 LED's but I balked at wiring up the 7 lamps with magnet wire for now.  There's a tab of Tamiya tape on the mast and the completed signal head was ACC'd to it.  The telescopic base tube is also just a single layer of Tamiya tape wrapped around the main tube.  The attachment points/platforms on the top of the ladder aren't 100% prototype, so I might etch more authentic components.  Also since the signal bridge project seems to be a "Go" (there are sufficient pre-orders for sure) I'll probably make these as a kit as well later on--if there's interest that is-- or at very least get the parts on Shapeways and/or digital download.   

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[Ed Kapuscinski]

Jesse, that's amazing seeing it come together.

[dougnelson]

Nice job on that model!

James Will sold his excellent-quality castings on eBay.  He had a wide selection of models, and model parts in N and H0. He was also an active member here. Unfortunately he suffered a stroke few years ago and no longer makes models.  You were lucky to find that model.  I talked him into designing the IT40 forklift (for my Freedom Train model). He had the CAD design almost competed, but he never made the model. He also had several other designs in works which never came to fruition.  I wish I bought more of his models when  they were still available.

Thanks for the explanation Peteski.  It is a very nice quality casting.  I was surprised I had not heard of them before.

[RRRover]

Poles up at Anita, AZ - Although the old lines are gone from Anita, I borrowed from Willaha.

Here's one of my images from that area taken in 1989. Looks great!

[mrhedley]

My depot relocation project is pretty much done.
(As well as the depot name signs - finally)




Thanks,
Wolf

Nice work, Wolf.  BTW, is that Oxnard by the Beach or Oxnard by the Onion Fields? 

[chuck geiger]

Here's one of my images from that area taken in 1989. Looks great!

RR is that Anita? Sure has changed. Thanks for the pic.

[OldEastRR]

Yipes! Stripes! New Haven's got 'em! SO fun to decal them -- finally got these done:







If there's another RR's loco scheme that has more stripes in more different places, I'd like to see it. I also think the MicroScale NH decal set is designed for the shorter-nosed FA, not the PA.

[nickelplate759]

Yipes! Stripes! New Haven's got 'em! SO fun to decal them -- finally got these done:



...

Is that a Life-Like DL-109 with rebuilt roof details?  Nicely done!

[peteski]

Using extra target and ladder from the etched brass test kit for the N PRR signal bridge, and some added details that were 3D printed, I made a test PL signal.   

The mast is 1mm brass tube, the 3D printed items were the revised (more robust, less fragile) lens/shade/lamp housings, the finial and the base, printed by Shapeways.  I added a bit of wire for the "spider" (it's not a full spider--just a vertical pipe to serve as an attachment point.  The lamp housings are set up for 0402 LED's but I balked at wiring up the 7 lamps with magnet wire for now. 

Yes, I can see wiring the LEDs together at the target being a pain. Custom PC board would make it easier. But you only need 4 wires running down the mast (or 3 if you use the mast as the common connection).

[wm3798]

A little Hi Rail fun...


The Cleveland Night Express meets the Shenandoah somewhere west of PawPaw...

Lee

[paggs]

Nice double track stone arch bridge. Who is the manufacturer?  I was looking for a double track stone arch for my main line.

[dem34]

Nice double track stone arch bridge. Who is the manufacturer?  I was looking for a double track stone arch for my main line.

Weldon incorporated. Its a subsidiary of Laurel Valley Products.

[nkalanaga]

Altohorn25:  Thank you.  That's what I was afraid of. 

I wonder why MT doesn't keep these in stock?  As much demand as there is for metal wheels, and as many MT trucks as have been sold, one would think it would be a natural product for them.

[peteski]

Altohorn25:  Thank you.  That's what I was afraid of. 

I wonder why MT doesn't keep these in stock?  As much demand as there is for metal wheels, and as many MT trucks as have been sold, one would think it would be a natural product for them.

I'm not all  that excited,  at least about their appearance. Not enough info yet on how quickly their tread will get gunked up.

[Maletrain]

I'm not all  that excited,  at least about their appearance. Not enough info yet on how quickly their tread will get gunked up.

Under a 10x loupe, the MTL metal wheels don't look anywhere near as smooth on their treads (or other surfaces) as the lathe-turned wheels from ESM, Fox Valley or BLMA.  They don't seem to roll quite as well, either.  The  MTL wheels look to be sintered from metal powder, rather than turned in a lathe.  Some day, I an going to get around to doing quantifiable rolling tests, but at this point, my unquantified impression is that the MTL plastic wheels roll more freely than the MTL metal wheels.