My first train ever is rolling down the line

[RR Redneck]

Good job on that vat car.

[GearDrivenSteam]

Hay that's cool. I know you're proud. Nothing like seeing something you've made come together.

[bman36]

Hey there,

     Good for you! With each project will come new ideas and new ways to build them. Thanks for sharing. Later eh...Brian.

 

[Anonymous]

Wer all have our strengths and weaknesses and i for one could not hope to do what has been achieved here, well done.

Ian

[CB&Q3007]

That is way cool!!!  Man that is a great way to expand the roster with out flattening the wallet.

I am thinking that I may have to try my hand at that........

[Anonymous]

have to say i am very impressed at the inginuity and the finished result - shows that  tools and money are no barrier to a determined  mind and a bit of lateral thought.

[FJ and G]

Built my first train; a vat flat. I believe it to be the first ever 7/8n2 car ever built entirely from scratch parts without using any tools except a screwdriver.

Built it from the wheels up using absolutely no railroad parts starting with wheels using washers, nuts and screws.













coupler parts (pin is Arrow Rivet Remaches 1/8" 3mm steel--shows the long one and how it is trimmed to be shorter; link is made from AGR-Test Replacement Links #41 Offset link--shows the link with the pin that comes with it that is taken out by removing the cotter pin. Into that hole goes a screw to hold the link to the body). All parts from Lowe's. Total cost of building entire car is about $3. Used cedar wood, stained with Water Thompson seal. Bearings for the axle are made from cut sections of copper gas tubing (Lowe's) stuck in hole drilled out. Vat is can of Manhattan chowder cut with hacksaw. Casting Resin poured in. These cars simulate water cars or even molasses cars in service on narrow gauge lines.