Okay. FRISCO decal is too small but it's the closest I had. Early Frisco era decals are rare as hens teeth so that's my excuse. I'm still proud of how it's turning out but I didn't think I'll be scratchbuilding any more rolling stock. I should've started by building a flat car or box car but oh well. I added the 1.5 incandescent marker lights but I need to order some resistors in 750 or 850 ohms (I think). Still need to add several details and build the under frame and end platforms, such as they are. Thanks for help and here's some progress photos.
Jim, rather than resistors, let me introduce you to something neat; a simple, adjustable voltage regulator that you can use with multiple lights. I will send you one along with instructions. I will have it adjusted for 1.5 volts.
First "date" that my wife and I had in May, 1993 not long after they'd closed the Broadway flood gate. A month or so prior, a bunch of us radio geeks at SEMO had an end-of-year meal there with our advisor. One new Broussard's patron expertly ordered gumbo. When his meal arrived, he told the server - with much frustration - "I'm sorry, I didn't order soup." My apologies for sidetracking. Jim, the project is looking fabulous. Please, keep scratchbuilding rolling stock!
Jim--There "might" be some gondola decals with that large lettering, although I'm not too familiar with HO decals (I'm in N scale). Tom G. PS: See Microscale 87-1459
That's what I thought. I actually have some gondola and boxcar decals but the letters are way too big. Figures. I may have a chance at scoring some that will be just right. Chris, if you ever come down this way give me a holler.
Jim--There's a photo of a Frisco gondola with those big letters in the Frisco Archive in the "Rolling Stock" section. FYI. Tom G.
My modeling buddy came through for me with the perfect sized FRISCO decal. He also added a creative bonus decal for the build date with my name on it. What a great way to celebrate my first scratchbuilt rolling stock. 7-15 could also mean 1915. Perfect. This forum is by far my most valued modeling tool! Next up will be caboose #319.
Although not quite accurate I'm going to order Athearn/Rounhouse all wheel electrical pickup tender trucks direct from Athearn. The same ones used on the old timer 2-6-0, 4-4-0 and 2-8-0. They are bullet proof for conductivity and I've used them on several locos and cabeese. Tonight I'll begin to build the under fame and stubby little end platforms.
Tonight's progress was the construction of the end platforms and basic completion of the under frame and truck bolsters. I made the end platforms by laminating styrene and scribed wood siding to form the proper shape and used a thin strip of styrene embossed with rivets to wrap around the end. These were glued to the ends of a styrene strip was glued to the under frame and left protruding enough to use as a mounting point for the platforms. The truck bolsters and frame supports are just pieces of styrene cut to shape. I'll add brake rigging some day. I added the grab irons to the platform and drilled holes for the railing supports which I'll add later. So far, so good.
Jim - I found a small pic of SLSF 499 in my files - a small waycar very similar to your model of SLSF 777. It got it from from Charles E.Winters years ago, and was taken in Monett, circa 1910. Some details - it rides on arch bar, leaf-sprung trucks; has what looks like rod braces on each corner front & rear of the cupola; and has no platform deck on the front. The pic is of the left side of the waycar, the side door is open, and the boys are out posing for the pic. Can't see anything of the back end. Front end grab iron detail is fairly clear. The lettering is just as you have it on your model. I'll be glad to send a scan of the pic if you would like - but at the moment my scanner is being stubborn (I'm having some software issues). Ken
That would be great! Thanks. On a sad note, Athearn informed me that their all wheel pickup tender trucks are no longer available! Now I have to use Kadee coupler centering springs to make my own. I hate doing that.
Jim - My scanner is being kinder to me today than it was last night! FYI, this is waycar SLSF 499, at Monett, MO, sometime in 1910. I obtained this from Charles Winters, a print from his collection, at least 30 years ago. Ken
That's an excellent photo. Thanks so much. Makes me want a fleet of these. I've seen five photos of different ones and they each have a unique characteristic. These photos are invaluable to guys like me who model such an ancient era.
Jim - I admit I'm a known truck nut, but I think this waycar needs those BIG leaf spring arch bar trucks to enhance its personality. Take a look at the Kadee #583 caboose truck (arch bar, big leaf springs). Ken
Ken, I just ordered two pair. Thanks and I certainly value your opinion. I've just got to make these trucks pick up current.
Jim - How about battery power with an on/off switch of some sort, if truck electric pick-up is a big problem? K
