Scratchbuilding From Garden Ry Magazine plans

[Anonymous]

I love the pull-out plans that are included in Garden Ry's magazine. I'm looking forward to starting on a couple cars. I'm thinking of building them in G-scale.

The box car in the recent issue, work caboose a few issues back and the cupola caboose from about a year ago. All appear to be 1920's era cars. I was thinking of using arch bar trucks.

I'm curious if that makes sense and if so, if anyone recommends a manufacturer and model. Also, I was thinking of using body-mount draft gear boxes for the couplers. Any ideas on what to use there?
Thx
- Stack.

[toenailridgesl]

Stack,
I've built 20 or more models from GR plans, in fact a bunch of pix of my models are on Marc Horowitz' website where you can buy back-issue plan sets.
http://www.sidestreetbannerworks.com/railways/plans.html
I use MDC archbar truck kits, they look almost identical to Bachmann trucks but with a slightly different mounting hole.
Body mounting couplers is fine so long as your curves will allow them, anything smaller than 4ft radius can cause derailments due to body overhang.

[Anonymous]

Great job on the equipment. I have a new book mark in my favorites.
Thanks for the tip on the MDC trucks
Stack

[Anonymous]

I too really like the plans in the magazine. I just completed most of the G-scale wood hopper, which was my first scratch building project ever. I've got tons of questions like Stack (like what trucks and couplers are appropriate) and more general large scale scratch building questions (like does anybody besides Ozark miniatures make large scale details).
Who else out there is scratch-building large scale rolling stock?

- Paul

[grandpopswalt]

To toenailridgesl,

My thanks as well for pointing us to Marc's website. Maybe we can all get a little inspiration from it and get up the nerve to tackle some sratchbuilding projects.

Walt Sarapa

[toenailridgesl]

Paul,
you ask "who else out there besides OzMin does details?"
Check the ads for Trackside Details in Ca. in the GR mags. Brilliant detail bits & pieces, mostly in brass. He doesn't use the net, you need to contact via snail-mail but excellent parts.
Some of the manufacturers will also sell you parts if you contact their service departments. I don't own or use any Aristo equipment but have heard that they are very forthcoming with extra bits. Also Bachmann and LGB.
I'm in the process currently of building a 1:20.3 version of the tank car from June '95 plans, had the G-scale plans increased in size by 10% to correct scale. Will post some pix when done. Also last night finished my 8th Model T from the GR plans.

[Anonymous]

I just scratch built a bobber caboose from the February issue modifying it to resemble a black and white photograph of a Great Northern bobber caboose I found in a GN steam book. This is my first attempt at using the plans from the magazine. I've sent photographs to the website but haven't seen them posted as of yet.

[Anonymous]

Phil, thanks for the pointer to other details.

My newbie questions keep coming. Thanks for anybody who would will share their knowledge...

Where can I get scribed wood? Northeastern Scale Lumber has it but only 3.5 inches wide while some cars require 4+ inches of scribed wood top-to-bottom.

What kind of paint/lacquer do you use on the wood rollingstock models?

Thanks,
-Paul

[toenailridgesl]

Paul,
I scribe my own wood, using model aircraft 3-ply 1/32" thickness. Scribe using the back of the hobby knife blade.
My wooden models are painted with the cheapest spray cans I can find, then oversprayed with Testors Dullcote.
This is my line-up of Model Ts built from GR plans:

[silverstatespecialties]

There are some great weathering ideas in the March '04 issue of Model Railroading (Vol. 34, No. 1; http://www.modelrailroadingmag.com). Article is called "Modeling a Well Used Gondola" in HO scale, but contains some GREAT ideas for not only realistic weathering but how to give your cars that "beat-up" appearance. Check it out, pretty cool.

[Anonymous]

Where can I acquire the various windows, doors, trims and other G scale attributes for scratchbuilding?

What kinds of things are out there? Latter I would like to build structures.

[smcgill]

The bridge is also one of the pull out plans!
I had to widen it when I bought the Shay - 1" wider!
It still looks great!
The wood is cedar!



The log cars were my second project from the pull out plans!
Again the wood is cedar!
Fence co.'s usually have a free wood area, and just cut it up on your saw!
The trucks are MDC also!
The coupler is a K-dee!

[bman36]

smcgill,
Nice work! I usually buy Western Red Cedar fence boards at Home Depot and put them through the table saw. Sure can get a lot from just one board. One side is usually rough which gives a nice "peeled look" to the wood. Snow is MELTING here guys. Hey look....there's a RR under there. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by smcgill

[img]

How did you do the trestle?

[Anonymous]

ATT"N ALL SCRATCHBUILDERS: I have done Lionel, HO & N. I 've scratch built in both HO & N using styrene, wood & brass. I've used basswood (linnwood), balsa, pine
& maybe other wood. I've been a model railroader for 54 years.

My question: Will using 1/8" sheet balsa frames; both solid & open, overlaid with
1/16" x 3/16" strip and using 1/8" aircraft plywood flooring give a car enough strength
to operate on an indoor G layout? Pros & cons, please.
fishwagon

[smcgill]

Some where there was an article on building one! I blew up the plans full size and mounted it on a board! I then made each piece to fit & put in blocking to hold each piece in place - so I could glue & nail it! The original pieces I saved as templates so that I could set up and cut 20-30 of each piece! Then they were set into the jig and glued & nailed! I tried to make it so I could flip it over and nail the other side !(Air nailer !!)Take it apart and do it all over again untill you have as many need! I then flowted each bent in wood preserve untill it wouldn't take any more.You then can cut up stock to connect each piece together! You can go as long as you want by just making the bents! If I wanted a shorter bent I just cut It shorter! I used the top as a reference on my saw fence!
It's not very hard once you get the hang of it! I also cut extra incase some split or broke !

[smcgill]

I moved and I took the trestle apart (bents are in a box) ! I still have the templates and form so when it's time!!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by smcgill

Some where there was an article on building one! I blew up the plans full size and mounted it on a board! I then made each piece to fit & put in blocking to hold each piece in place - so I could glue & nail it! The original pieces I saved as templates so that I could set up and cut 20-30 of each piece! Then they were set into the jig and glued & nailed! I tried to make it so I could flip it over and nail the other side !(Air nailer !!)Take it apart and do it all over again untill you have as many need! I then flowted each bent in wood preserve untill it wouldn't take any more.You then can cut up stock to connect each piece together! You can go as long as you want by just making the bents! If I wanted a shorter bent I just cut It shorter! I used the top as a reference on my saw fence!
It's not very hard once you get the hang of it! I also cut extra incase some split or broke !

Could you e-mail me a scan of one of these full sized templates? Or reference the magazine issue from which you got it.

[smcgill]

Now you know why I made the form ! [:)]
It is easy to find! [:D]
I dont have a scanner! [|)]
I'm getting old and hve moved so I don't know were anything is! [|)]
I think the article was in Garden Railroading!
Good luck!
Sorry not much help! [xx(]

[bman36]

fishwagon,
In regards to scratchbuilding....I have used 1/8" Baltic Birch Plywood. It is very light and strong. Generally it comes in 4'x4' sheets. Not sure if this is available where you live. I used it on all sides and the floor. I then put my "planks" over it to give the finished look. Came out very nice and not a heavy car either. Any more questions...just post!!! Later eh...Brian.

[jmozz]

how can I get a copy of those model t cars my frist scratchbuild car was a water tank it came out great i have a load of plans but not the model t help!!!!!!!!!!! John Mozz

[toenailridgesl]

Mozz,
contact Marc Horowitz at http://www.sidestreetbannerworks.com/railways/plans.html
He supplies copies of the GR plans. He just sent me pix of a brilliant Model T he made, powered as as rail-truck using a clockwork mechaism

[jmozz]

phil thanks for the info i saw the pictures of the model t's i hope mine come out like marc's jmozz

[toenailridgesl]

Mozz,
those are MY trucks on Marc's plans page. I just finished the 8th, a buckboard....

You can see all of Model Ts here:
http://www.trainweb.org/toenailridge/tindex.html

[Anonymous]

Phil,

What can I say, but Wonderful! I which I had your talent.

[bman36]

Phil,
As always....very nice indeed. When I was a kid I would see Model T and Model A bodies lined up beside country gas stations. Most are gone now but since my parents came from the farm my Dad still knows who is hiding what. Ever heard of a Whippett? One still by my Uncle's farm north of town. Neat car but there sure is a lot of wood in it. Best to stick with the trains. Less wood in one of my buildings than half a door in that thing. For me I love the Fat Fendered cars of the late 30's and early 40's. Have my eye on a 41' Willys Coupe. Already have a 440 ready to roar to life once again. Think it may have to wait until the kids are grown. Plan on being a Grandpa one day with a railroad the grandkids will enjoy and a Willys that will strike fear into the "Tuner" crowd. Vrrrrrrooooom!!!!! Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

Bman, Buy the Willey's now if the price is right. I'm sure you've noticed the price rising on every thing. Buy it and store it until you're financialy able to build it right. Years from now you e=will pay double for same condition car.

[Anonymous]

I BUILT A FEW BUILDINGS FROM GARDEN RR MAGAZINE PLANS AND FROM OUT OF MY HEAD, I LIKE MAKING MY OWN THINGS. I JUST STARTED A 10 FOOT TRESTLE BRIDGE MADE OF ALUM. , THIS WILL TAKE A FEW WEEKS UNTIL I AM DONE , IT TAKES A LOT OF CUTTING OF THE PARTS THAT I NEED FOR THE BRIDGE. BEN .- OF PA. [:)][:D]