unfinished business

[FJ and G]

got some jazz/swing music on TV and scratching again, as took day off. Workin on a strap rail project, spiking track, building a tank car off a flat and making crates for O scale flats, (with toy train trucks and couplers) the last 2 shown here.

I don't have plans, just start building and see where it leads

Tank is coffee stir sticks with a copper plumbing cap. I melted a penny on the cap for the lid and while still hot, sunk it into a pvc tube. Tried ACC but coffee sticks didn't stick to pvc so using Welder contact adhesive that's doin the trick. I need more lid detail and want to design a spigot and hose for the tank.

Re: the crates (shown); I found that if you ain't gonna open the crates, use a block of wood and then ACC the coffee sticks to it. You can also design small sheds using single blocks like this (one of the blocks shown hasn't had the sticks attached yet). Acc  works fine with these; no need for square or clamps or reinforcements as it's all in the block; also making some unfinished crates for the loading dock and some crates will be built up without the block so contents can be shown.

I have a bunch of plastic parts, like a toothpaste cap; and will have to see how I can turn them into a rusty look.

well, gotta get back to work; lets see, I can't remember what project to work on next; BB the beagle just stole some wood and is chewing on it

[Jumijo]

I love those crates, David. I hope Jim puts your post in the how-to thread!

Jim 

[FJ and G]

thanks, Jim,

the penny's a bit off center so need to remelt the solder; The unfinished crates look cool too but are at work (I need to take "smokin breaks" at work to do these projects sometimes); I penciled in "this side up" on top and arrows on the sides too, just like you might see them in real life

single block construction makes the work a snap; in a matter of minutes. I use little nippy cutters to cut the stir sticks; they go flying across the room when I cut; i'm sure one of our concerned readers will mention wearing goggles or for the hound, doggles

 

(in case anyone's interested, here's my scratchbuilds in 7/8n2 scale; maine 2 foot stuff; the size of loco and boxcar is correct) but funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cqniqtTmPg

 

and here's my toy train mth running off homemade r/c system to show it can go slow too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwEJVowwCVA

 

 

[Jumijo]

 

David,

Great videos!

And I have to say, from what little I was able to see, you have a wonderful outdoor layout. Please get that video camera out there and give us all a real tour!

I think the hobby is going to look back on you in years to come as a pioneer. Your success in running O gauge trains with a remote control, all on battery power is inspirational, and hopefully, only a few years ahead of its time.

Jim 

[FJ and G]

thanks, Jim.

I'm helping a fellow build a strap iron railroad like they had in the 19th century. Using strap iron and sticks, you can cut the strap iron lengthwise (from construction projects) and silicone glue attach to sticks to make rails. If one of the straps becomes loose, it could puncture the underside of a passenger car and skewer some of the passengers, adding to the prototypical operation

 

 

 

the iron straps, btw, conduct electricity if using track power. For curves, cut angles and fit or simply cut curves in the straps 

[1688torpedo]

 Hello Dave-    Those are nice Crates you made. Sounds like BB thinks she's a Termite since she stole some of your Wood to chew on or maybe she thinks Wood taste better than G-R-I-T-S.  At least she's getting her daily fiber. Take Care.

[FJ and G]

keith, the other day when i was typing this at home, BB was sitting on my lap and fell asleep in front of the keyboard

 

 

[1688torpedo]

 Dave-LOL! BB must have been waiting too long for the old Jif Peanut Butter Commercials to download on the AOL site & decided to Take Care.