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my 7/8 scale scratch locomotive (based on a Japanese 18" prototype)

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my 7/8 scale scratch locomotive (based on a Japanese 18" prototype)
Posted by FJ and G on Friday, February 29, 2008 5:06 PM

Here’s my 7/8” scale critter on O gauge track just finished building using a Williams floor and motor (floor was chopped several inches) and a Lionel truck for the front). The lights are on front and back using a separate circuit but since daylight, hard to see. Entire body and trucks are made with thick gauge steel. It was a bear to work with but adds a lot of weight and character

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

components inside critter and first testing prior to doing body work and detailing:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcu4zC4Xo3k

 

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Posted by altterrain on Friday, February 29, 2008 10:46 PM

Boy, I didn't think it could be done. You have actually out uglied any of Vic's lokies Wink [;)]. Nice job!

-Brian 

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Posted by dwbeckett on Saturday, March 1, 2008 12:46 PM
Nice Bell

The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.

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Posted by FJ and G on Saturday, March 1, 2008 5:49 PM

brian,

 

thanks; it's supposed to be pretty battered so I guess I've succeeded

 

beckett,

 

OK the bell's too good????? It's already missing the lanyard. I probably need to put a dent or crack in it and weather it a bitBig Smile [:D]

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Posted by Takasaki Matt on Sunday, March 2, 2008 5:25 PM

Very nice.  Looks like it has seen better days.

 Any chance of a photo of the prototype it is based on?  Always on the look out for something that would fit my railway.

 

 

Matthew Foster Takasaki Light Railway http://www.freewebs.com/mjhfoster/
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Posted by van buren s l on Sunday, March 2, 2008 7:54 PM

 Nice work Dave! Your critter just oozes character.

Bob

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Posted by FJ and G on Monday, March 3, 2008 7:19 AM
here's the prototype (From Narrow Gauge and Industrial Rwy Magazine). The only change made was to add bell and horn, as the prototype works on a captive line; the idea being that the loco could have (actually might be) used in a more diverse operating scenario where warning devices are needed. An R/C motorboat control powers it.

Also, 2 more photos






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Posted by FJ and G on Monday, March 3, 2008 7:22 AM

Takasaki,

 

The Japanese loco was designed by the lumber yard owner and built by an auto repair shop!  It runs on the Matsumoto Kenautau Line, which has a route 'mileage' of 400 metres.

 

I couldn't find info online. If you can; esp. photos; would be terrific. i take that back. i worked from the poor photos you see and if I saw better closeups, I'd see mine is lacking in details and I'd get depressed.

 

cheers

 

dave 

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Posted by Takasaki Matt on Monday, March 3, 2008 5:31 PM

Not one I've heard of before.  Sorry, bit pushed at the mo.   No time to surf for info.  Exam season bites yet again and I still have one paper to make and a listening test to record with my dulcet tones Whistling [:-^] - roll on spring hols.

 Great critter, you should be very proud!Bow [bow]

 

Matthew Foster Takasaki Light Railway http://www.freewebs.com/mjhfoster/
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Posted by ttrigg on Monday, March 3, 2008 9:40 PM
 altterrain wrote:

Boy, I didn't think it could be done. You have actually out uglied any of Vic's lokies Wink [;)]. Nice job!

-Brian 

I second that motion.  OK enough insults from one who has yet to attempt such a monster.  Well done my friend.

Tom Trigg

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Posted by vsmith on Monday, March 3, 2008 10:07 PM
 ttrigg wrote:
 altterrain wrote:

Boy, I didn't think it could be done. You have actually out uglied any of Vic's lokies Wink [;)]. Nice job!

-Brian 

I second that motion.  OK enough insults from one who has yet to attempt such a monster.  Well done my friend.

You guys are both nutsDunce [D)], his engine still has a decent paint job, its almost brand new! Right off the showroom floor, just compare that to my super cheepo critter where the rust and grime is the only thing holding it together....Mischief [:-,]

 

Seriously, thats a hellova cool modelThumbs Up [tup]

   Have fun with your trains

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Posted by FJ and G on Monday, March 10, 2008 8:32 AM

Here's UGLY in action: Warning, you must tilt your screen 90 degrees clockwise to view!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESchG5-Y4Zk


my stone viaduct


 

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Posted by hoofe116 on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:09 PM

Very attractive engine.

I've been contemplating working with sheet galvanized steel for two reasons: I'm familiar with the medium, have the tools (brake & sliproll) and a large roll of the stuff--perhaps two square yards. I'm wondering if the galvanized would take paint. Is this material used much in G gauge RR?

I took careful note of your rivet job--a question I posed a few weeks ago. I suppose a rounded-over punch and a piece of softwood underneath would do it?

Thanks,

Les W.

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Posted by hoofe116 on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:23 PM

 FJ and G wrote:
here's the prototype (From Narrow Gauge and Industrial Rwy Magazine).  An R/C motorboat control powers it.


Um, does the motorboat control 'power' it, or 'control' it? I'm looking for an inexpensive engine controller. Is the Boat setup expensive? Do you have direction control? ie, fwd/rev? (I doubt left/right is of much value on a RR loco) Tongue [:P]

Thanks,

Les W

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Posted by FJ and G on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:26 AM

Les,

 

Yes, takes paint (used spray paint; laquer best).

 

Yes, used a heavy-duty punch with wood behind it

 

Yes, my motor boat controller is the most robust and least expensive system out there. Yes, it puts the train in forward and reverse.

 

It can operate your train from a football field away, even with the antenna left coiled

 

The disadvantage is it doesn't do sound and special effects. BUT, I just want my train to run forward and reverse and to do it well

 

Why spend so much money on a fancy R/C system is beyond me. I've had nothing but fun and success with mine for 3 years now on a variety of O gauge and G gauge locomotives. This particular locomotive is for O gauge and despite its small size, all components fit neatly inside:

Here's your needs:

1. A 6- 7.2V battery (NiMh is good) with charger. That will run you about $30 or less.

2. ProBoat Waterproof ESC (Electronic Speed Control with Reverse
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PRB2314
$40

3. Ranger II HiTec Radio transmitter/receiver for ground vehicles (order any channel)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXARP0**&P=0
$40

 

Takes about 15 minutes to install.

 

Here's what it looks likee inside the loco

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcu4zC4Xo3k

 

Try to get a smaller battery than I used (they actually are several batteries encased in some sort of plastic wrap. R/C hobby shops have what you need, or go to the sources I listed for the transmitter and ESC (electronic speed controller). Radio shack has them but they tend to be pricier and bigger than you need. 

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Posted by hoofe116 on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:08 PM

FJ

Great! Thanks for the comprehensive reply& addresses.

Les W.

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Posted by Ray Dunakin on Thursday, March 13, 2008 12:51 AM
Nice work, David! I love small, funky locos like that.

 Visit www.raydunakin.com to see pics of the rugged and rocky In-ko-pah Railroad!

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