Workshop Wednesday

Discussion in 'General' started by yardmaster, Nov 15, 2017.

  1. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    LOL! I can understand your corn-fusion! I confuse myself, sometimes!

    Model trains and me...

    Pretty much only three basic areas of interest:

    * Diesels from the transition to the end of the caboose. (But I chose to model 1964.)

    * Most steam eras, but my favorite is the link n' pin era. (This theme is in trouble, modeling wise.)

    * Dabble with 3-rail, mainly postwar type stuff. (And I do mean dabble.)

    What gets confusing is I will discuss any of the above at any time. What can I say? I've got trains on the brain!
     
  2. Not Wednesday like normal but I finished this up over the long weekend. A friend of mine that is an ICG modeler was liquidating equipment on ebay. He had this old Robin's Rails boxcar from the GM&O hysterical society as the auction was closing nobody had bid. So with a whopping 99 cent bid I got this. I got it a cfew weeks ago and faded it right away but had no clue what to do with it and pictures are scarce online. So after procrastinating a while I finally started in. It was an easy project to watch bowl games and paint. I sent him some photos to make sure he knew he screwed up. LOL Enjoy, Steve

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  3. I took these the same day. Not sure if I have shared this car before here or not. I did the same car for a customer not too long ago.
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  4. rjthomas909

    rjthomas909 Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Nice one Steve. Working on my oil-based weathering with some throw-aways.

    I buttoned up the DCC++ base station by mounting under the MoPac interchange module. I thought this small power strip with USB plugs was pretty neat and allows a single power cord off of the layout. DCCpp-System-2-sm.JPG

    This has been a nice DCC base station, in particular for running as I work on a section or two. I made a wye cable to patch into the bus main with this system.

    I also worked on another mini project, staining up strip wood with shoe dye and isopropyl alcohol mix. This is a coal or sand bin for near the Weir City depot. Here posed on a section that I had out for scenery work (with some of @Jim James resin cars).

    Coal-Bin-1-sm.JPG

    Need to weather it up and decide what to put in there. I also needs a couple of top cross-braces, but I need to stain up some more wood. You can also see a few bits of glue that seem to show up when you try to take a picture. Thanks camera.

    The design is based on this video from YouTube from Michael McCarville:



    Take care all,

    -Bob T.
     
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2021
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  5. Looks good Bob.
     
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  6. Heres mine. We are still wednesday for another hour here too!

    I added ACI, wheel dot, and no roof walk decals. I'll call it done now. They are weathered in a little now after this pic.
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    Also this one in the works now, from the archives here:
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    Here is another. Both these are just old cheap blue box cars:
    Proto:
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  7. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Okay, so I'm challenged as knowing what day it is... so sue me. Even though it ain't Wednesday, I'm in the mood to post, so here 'tis... :LOL:

    My goal for the next while is to get enough DCC/Sound equipped units on the layout so I can start taking 1 or 2 at a time back off the layout for paint/decal/weathering. (And still have enough units to cover the operational schedules.)

    My AS16 and a P2K GP7 are currently on their way to the The Whiz to get that magic performed on them that brings a model alive.

    While they're gone, I've been on an F unit kick. In so doing, I have had to revisit my paper roster to review the theoretical models that are on my KC&G paper roster and compare them to the model types ("Phases") I have on hand that are waiting their turn for modifications before they can be shipped them off for sound. With six EMD F models on hand, I'm in pretty good shape to get enough F's on the layout at least give me an acceptable representation of the 27 EMD F-types that are on the paper roster. My eventual goal is to have ten F's on the layout. (As well as ten GP7's to represent the 27 GP7's on the paper roster.)

    That said, I've been working on three models: Finishing up an F3 Ph3, an F7, and an F3 Ph2. The F3 Ph3 and F7 only needed minor things for the shells to be ready. The F3 Ph2 I just started on a few days ago.

    Here's a pic of the F3 Ph2 (model in the front) comparing it's unmodified tank/battery box (the skirt has been modified) to the F3 Ph3 that already has its tank/battery box (and skirt) modified. Modifying the skirts and tank/battery box is a PITA, but worth it to me.

    KCnG_WIP_Fs1.jpg
    Here's a comparison pic of the two units showing the disparity of the completion stage each model is in...

    KCnG_WIP_Fs2.jpg
    I'm very close to being finished with the plastic work on the F3 Ph2 and soon the hole drilling and wire work will begin. That's also tedious, but I really enjoy the result, for I just LOVE an F-type with all sorts of wire ladder rails, grabs, MU receptacles, and such hanging off them!

    All fer now!
     
  8. Sirfoldalot

    Sirfoldalot Frisco.org Supporter Frisco.org Supporter

    Andre - Well - I just LOVE IT when a plan comes together ....
    I have a pair of Stewart models in the closet - I forget the exact models, but has the screens - that I want to do the same as you have.
    As I do not wish for you to be without work, and the fact that I may never get to them, how about I just ship them to you for upgrades?
     
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  9. frisco1522

    frisco1522 Staff Member Staff Member

    I built the "wood" coal bunker extension yesterday out of PSC etched wood grain brass for the 4010. All is left on the tender are the truck chains.
     
  10. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Hi Sherrel!

    Stewart observations:

    My preferred Stewart F models are Kato powered. The later production Buehler powered Stewart F's have a different truck design that causes the frame to ride too high for my liking. However, stock Kato's also sit too high, but there are two nubbins on top of each truck that can easily be shaved off and doing so lowers the unit about .035" - .040" which makes the body/frame snuggle down on the frame better for that "F unit" look. For that reason I have to see a pic of the underside of the trucks on a supposed Stewart Kato being offered on eBay before I'm interested in it. (I can recognize the "Kato" trademark.) No underside pic that shows the "Kato" trademark, I pass it over.

    Custom work:

    Alas, I learned a long time ago that doing custom work costs me more than its worth. Back in the late 1980s early 1990s I almost ruined my hobby of model trains by doing custom work. (Structure assembly/painting/weathering, engine detail/paint/decal/weathering work, rolling stock assembly/painting/decal work etc.) It got to where I dreaded the "next one" for a customer... and that dread bled over into my personal modeling. Thus, I had to stop doing custom work, and after I finished my current custom jobs, it took over a year before the desire to model returned. SO... I have learned that custom work and I aren't a good mix.

    All fer this 'un!

    Andre
     
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  11. Sirfoldalot

    Sirfoldalot Frisco.org Supporter Frisco.org Supporter

    Aww Jeeze, Andre?
    I wasn't expecting to pay! I thought you just liked doing it "fur un"!
    After all, You said that you just "loved doing it"?

    P.S. Your work is OUTSTANDING!
    and, Thanks for the info on the Stewart/Kato models. Now I have to go check?
     
  12. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Sherrel:

    Ah... reread my words closely. I said:

    What I LOVE is an F-type with all sorts of riff raff on it. Putting that riff raff on... not so much.

    You see, I only detail engines as a means to an end. That is, the work is tedious, sometimes frustrating, and takes hours... BUT... I want the end result, so I go ahead and put forth the effort.

    I'm not a super-detailer, and I'm certainly not a "Super-Modeler". I gave up trying to be either eons ago. I simply want durable details that give me the "look" I desire, and even at that, I'll take the easiest, most spartan approach I can, to achieve the end result.

    In model trains, my real "thing" is operation. That seems to be where the most fun is found for me. Now, for sure, operating is all the more better if I can share my operations with a few close friends, but I also enjoy solo operation. However, I DO want the engines I use for operations to look "good enough" to suit my personal "good enough" criteria. Hence, the effort to make what mods I feel I must make as well as install what details I must install, in order to reach my "good enough" threshold.

    Does that make more sense?
     
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  13. Sirfoldalot

    Sirfoldalot Frisco.org Supporter Frisco.org Supporter

    LOL ... Sure took a lot of words to "beat around that bush"!

    My mama would say, "Excuses only satisfy those who make them".

    ANDRE, You are "super" in my book, and a pretty darn good "modeler" too!
     
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  14. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Of course, I'm still at it... as I can. (Got daughter deals today and tomorrow will helping to move the grand daughter to her new apartment!)

    A pic of the current engines on the assembly line...

    L to R:

    * F7 late that will be equipped with a steam generator for dual service. This one is next in line. Aside from modifying the trucks so it sits down low like it should, it's otherwise still box stock.

    * The F3 Ph2 that's getting the most attention at this point.

    * F3 Ph3 that essentially has all the shell work finished, and is ready for the frame to be milled.

    * F7 Ph1 Late that also has all the shell work done and is ready for the frame to be milled.

    KCnG_WIP_Fs_3.jpg

    With my dad duties today/tomorrow, it may be Wednesday before I can hit the ol' Hobby Hut and work on my F's again.

    Workshop Wednesday approacheth.
     
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  15. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Sherrel:

    Words I can do. An old model railroad friend doesn't call me "Mr. Verbosity" for nuttin! :ROFLMAO:
     
  16. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Took a short break from my F's this morning to try out my new visors I received last evening. These are etched from stainless steel:

    NewVisors1.jpg

    After removing a couple from the sprue and cleaning up, I installed one on one of my Atlas Gold GP7's...

    NewVisors2.jpg
    Compared to making my own from shim brass and a wire mount I would solder in place (instead of using glued in place plastic visors for durability reasons), these are a HUGE time saver. Me well pleased.

    (Sharp eyes will note the hastily applied engine number the KC&G's Mech Dept placed on the side of the undec unit when pressed into service some time ago. :ROFLMAO:)
     
  17. gjslsffan

    gjslsffan Staff Member Staff Member

    Been doing a bit of detail type modeling myself lately. Building prolly the last QA&P SD tunnel unit, this will make 5, and will likely round out the QA&P roster.
    I put a bunch of details on this one. 5 chime DW horn, DA antenna, Cannon exhaust stack, with a little extention inside for effect, Bakers Trains Bronze eye bolts, my last 2 see thru dynamic brake fans n blades, cut that cross section into the radiator section, and added the hand rail to the top F side rear. Cut and sanded smooth the cast on grabs on both ends as well as those class lights, Gyra casting on the nose, added the toilet hatch atop that Jimmy Durante schnoz, then drilled all them #79 holes for the grab irons. Drilled almost 300 #70 holes to open the radiator intakes in the tunnel section, cleaned and sanded them square and glued those brass intake screens in place. I glued styrene round stock in those BB mount holes in the shell then trimmed and sanded all that smooth. Then DW pilot buffer plates, plow, MU hoses and cut bars were added on the ends, then the buffer plates were clearanced to accept KD coupler boxes, which will now hold the shell to the frame. I then added DW air dryers, filters as well as DW air tank kit with the piping that goes on with those appliances, bent some brass wire for that too. Then I modified an additional front truck to run backwards with correct axle spacing and side frame orientation, also added brake cyl piping and some DW traction motor details helped make that backward running front truck (now the rear truck) look better. I then added the fuel fillers, vent pipe and other hardware to the fuel tank and frame, then had to mill the frame to be able to run that rear truck, had the proper length hex drives to work too. Im sure I forgot some stuff but I getting tired of typing. It went into the paint booth yesterday.
    Some progress pics,
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    Anyways thanks for taking a look!
     
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  18. SLSF Freak

    SLSF Freak Staff Member Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    A long while ago I was looking for pictures of a building I saw in one of my Frisco books - My book is in a box somewhere so I couldn't check it, but what I recall it was a small brick structure with sign "Frisco Cafe." Anyway, my search came up with a drawing of a "Frisco Cafe" in Francis, OK. Not what I remembered from the book but I thought it was cool anyway. Fast forward several years later, armed with a 3D printer and some time on my hands I thought it would make for a cool little project to test out some building textures (corrugated metal and wood shingles) Since the measurements of the structure are unknown, I did some guesswork based on standard door dimensions and proportioned it out until it loosely resembled the building. Then when I decided to add the signage, I actually did a lot of research into what specific advertising signs these might have been from the 30s or 40s era. I found vintage Coca-Cola and Pepsi signs online that appeared to be ballpark size of what's depicted in the drawing, got the actual measurements and it all sorta kinda fit with what the picture was showing. This week I 3D printed out the meter box and put it all together. Still need to finish the door and windows but I like how it's coming along for a "scrap" project...

    shingleTextureSigns.jpg

    If anyone knows more about the actual structure I'd be interested in learning more about it.

    Cheers -Mike
     
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  19. Coonskin

    Coonskin Member

    Tom:

    Ha! You've got DAB bad! (DAB=Detail Anal Bug.) That's some serious riff-raff you've hung on that thing. Looking great.

    Mike:

    That's a neat little structure. Well done!
     
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  20. Ozarktraveler

    Ozarktraveler Member

    Casually mentions drilling over 300 holes in the middle of adding a plethora of incredible, though tedious, details.

    So cool, Mr H.
     
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