Real great.
They look like something you stumble across at a small mine or lumber operation.
Something thrown together to get the job done.
Those are really versatile cars!
underworld
If thats what turns youon, why not?
Ian
New refinements: used bandsaw to cut a slot for the coupler; in this case a chain device that I've seen photos of on the real deal. The chain and hook will of course need to be weathered. The strap iron bumpers will rust by themselves. Builders throw these out by the droves. I've seen railroad ties wrapped with these bands in the right of way and the steel bands last for years despite rust. It's rather hard to drill thru them. I was gonna epoxy them but once in place I couldn't easily pull them off so I left them in place. They are very difficult to bend. I used duckbill pliers and hammered the square U shape that you see. The track you see is just some indoor test track, not configured to 7/8n18 (ties way too small).As you can probably tell, I'm having lots of fun jumping from project to project and rarely ever finishing any.
The load variety that can go on these is endless.
To me you seem to have made something quite realistic and intersting out of bugger all.
Rgds Ian
Hi Ian; didn't know you had such a good sense of humor.
I could use this rolling stock to haul rock bowling balls for Fred.
made a couple improvements. Screwed copper plating to the underside and sweat-soldered the 027 (Lionel) rail to the copper. Does 3 things. Mechanically holds the beams together (vice just wood glue); Secures the axle housings (rails) better to the frame; and thirdly, it lets the axles rub against the copper vice the wooden underside (as eventually, might cut a groove?) I'm sure there will be many more refinements to come such as the couplings, bumper plates and some designing of the topside
I could see Fred Flintstone on it. Looks pretty interesting though.
7/8n18 scale beam car, prototypical (for O gauge code 148 track); made from two 1:1 spike hole filler wood chunks (used to fill spike holes in ties). Wood is naturally weathered, no treatment done. Made axles from 027 rails, spiked to the beams. Wheels are Lionel fast-angle, needle axle. Rolls smoothly. Ready for couplers and a load. Each beam car takes about 5 minutes to make.
To see prototypical beamers, visit (and scroll down): http://www.7-8ths.info/78yackety/index.php?topic=144.0
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