I have a tiny update too. I have been working on modifying a Tichy crane. I wanted to put a small Detroit Diesel in it, so I finds a 6-71, only thing it was in the Chech Republic, well I ant scared so I order it, its 3D print amazing detail to it, It took 3 weeks to get across Europe and the Atlantic, hit New York and was here 3 days after that. It filled up what space I had pretty quick, I decided to make the Detroit drive a hydraulic pump to transfer power to the hoist mechanism (hey, my story right) that way it would be a clean and actually doable thing. I cut a place for the radiator in, I attached the fan to the hoist house, it just barely fits over the motor and exhaust, all I need to do now is add the hoses to the pump and walla. Now to wash the parts and get some paint on it, still a ways to go. I see I still need to make a rain cap for the exhaust atop the house. Always something else to do. thanks for stopping by.
That’s pretty neat Tom. Nice looking motor. Too bad it will be so tough to see assembled. I have always had good luck with international resin and photoetched pieces as well Tom. I have ordered a lot of Czech and Romanian parts.
Happy Wednesday All, A few project updates for this week. I managed to construct the piling that I was short for the curved trestle over "Lightning Creek" and get it somewhat installed: I will work on some ballasting, some scenery around this area and get the creek poured in the next few weeks. I have these four c.1908 cars just about ready for clear coat and weathering. I worked on the decals a bit more today and just about good to go, I think. Finally, I worked to weather the AMB "Dill's Market" to fit in with a building that was moved from the Zalma Branch to SE Kansas. I think they are somewhat comparable in style now. Still need some signage. Well, take care all. Hope to catch you next week! -Bob T.
Superb job Bob!! I am so glad to see some of my Steam locos run on your outfit. Its makes me glad, that you have them. And I hope for you many, many years of service and enjoyment.
Well, I tried the past two evenings to get some photos uploaded and here we are on Friday Morning.... I am currently working to get structures and scenery into a mining camp that is in a corner between the Lightning Creek and Lightning Creek Mine on the new portion of the layout. The positions of roads and structures are being worked, but something like below... I have been putting in the basic roads and making some structures that would be representative of an early 1900s mining camp town (one of these is from @Jim James ). I found some cork that is 1-mm thick with a peel and stick backing for the roads. I pulled apart a small freight station kit from AMB(?) to make a small station and a separate loading dock (modified foundation of what was under the "station". Been putting in grade crossings, etc. I have also been building another 34-ft Bitter Creek boxcar for the K-C, F-S, & M. decal set made from some old images of a Frisco System prototype. (artwork example is against an image of a 36-ft car). I have several sets of these if you are modeling similar and want one. Finally, the underframe detail of these cars is maddening, so I took a break and started an electronics project. I was interested in the new Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontrollers, which should have sufficient sampling speed to monitor a DCC signal. I am making a voltage monitor with a small display using one of these Picos. Code will be on GitHub if you like this stuff and want to participate in the project. The idea is that at the far ends of the layout (or any DCC district) you can get a display of the track voltage and a "status" light according to the scale you are running. For example, a yellow light if voltage is low. OK, that's it. Finally caught up after the RPM trip. Take Care All, -Bob T.
Oh, and I forgot to add that one of my acquisitions from the RPM meet arrived. Probably trouble, but a long term project: I also grabbed a half-dozen photo prints for this series of 4-4-0's from the Joe G. Collias collection. Have a good weekend all, -Bob T.
I am pretty sure it has never (other than by this vendor for testing) been out of the box or modified in 40 years. Probably all original. The evaluation from Resourced Rails says that it runs reasonably well/quiet, but I have not yet tested. -Bob T.
Based on what I had been told by local legend, Don Ball, the original gearbox and motor on any small brass locomotive will probably need to be replaced to get smooth operation. He had an inventory of NWSL gear boxes and motors for such. Don's blog is still being kept online by Don's widow (link on his name above).
Thanks Keith, Great info! I am a novice here and will be looking for lots of advice and help. -Bob T.
On his blog, under Locomotives, Don posted pictures of some of what he had done. All of his little engines ran very smoothly. http://sandcrr.blogspot.com/
A little update here. Not much modeling but today Walthers announced contest results. My farm finished second. That still paid well so I’m not too disappointed with it. But leaves room for next year right? Ha.
Well congratulations! It's going to be very interesting to see what edged-out your diorama. Just remember: Contests like this are very subjective and sometimes the best doesn't win. It's all on the whims of the judge(s).
Thanks Andre. Yeah really I feel great full to get that far. Considering that the contest is open to anyone on the globe. Thanks again. Steve
Congrats Steve! The competition seemed pretty solid this year. A great achievement to be top tier in that contest.