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The latest finished project! Cary FT with lead body

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  • Member since
    June 2005
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Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Monday, September 27, 2021 6:35 PM

RR_Mel, after looking back through the parts ordered, I used the two etched grill kits from Detail Associates for Stewart FTs.

ATSFGuy, I don't have any B units right now, but might pick one up eventually if it's cheap enough.Big Smile  I honestly model anything that I think is interesting.

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Posted by ATSFGuy on Monday, September 27, 2021 1:30 PM

Darth Santa Fe:

You're an artist!  I wish I could kitbash something like that. Smile

Are there any boosters or a second A unit to go with it?

Do you run DC or DCC?

I didn't know you modeled Cotton Belt alongside the Santa Fe.

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
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Posted by RR_Mel on Sunday, September 26, 2021 11:12 PM

Darth Santa Fe

 

RR-Mel, it's amazing what some etched grills can do for a model!  Adding them on a model like this is difficult, but I think it was worth the effort in the end.  Your E7s should look great!

 

What etched grill material did you use for the grill on your FT?


Mel

 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

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Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Sunday, September 26, 2021 3:53 PM

Southgate, got the link fixed!  I forgot to paste it into the embed function.

ndbprr, it is definitely lead.  The metal is much softer than my models made from zinc alloys or even pewter, and I had to be careful when working with it.  Some manufacturers like Cary actually used lead frequently until the late 70's or so, and Penn Line used to even feature it as one of the main reasons to get their steam engine kits (high quality "printer grade" lead for sharp details and more weight!).  Most of the body is about 1/8" thick to hold its shape, but can be bent easily if you're not careful (it's also a pain to drill because the soft lead likes to form around the drill bit and stick).  Cary did switch to zinc some time in the late 70's or early 80's.

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  • From: Kentucky
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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Sunday, September 26, 2021 12:41 PM

Darth ...... Excellent looking FT ! 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by ndbprr on Sunday, September 26, 2021 9:22 AM

I doubt very much that your Cary body is made of lead. Lead is extremely soft and would distort with finger pressure. I suspect Cary shells are a form of zinc based metal.  Nice job though.

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Posted by Southgate 2 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 11:36 PM

That is one SHARP looking Black Widow paint job, and the grills really set it off! 

The video link isn't working though. Dan

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    August 2019
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Posted by tankertoad135 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 11:29 PM

Darn!!!  That is one nicely completed model!  Well Done!!Cowboy

Don; Prez, CEO or whatever of the Wishram, Oregon and Western RRGeeked

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Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Saturday, September 25, 2021 10:56 PM

Thanks!Big Smile

SeeYou190, it can certainly pull more than what fits on the layout!  I wouldn't be surprised if it could go neck and neck in a pulling contest against against a much bigger RTR engine.

n012944, I'm going to be adding a bridge when I get to work on my new section's track, and will definitely be making sure it can hold the weight!

RR-Mel, it's amazing what some etched grills can do for a model!  Adding them on a model like this is difficult, but I think it was worth the effort in the end.  Your E7s should look great!

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  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
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Posted by RR_Mel on Saturday, September 25, 2021 8:44 PM

 

Darth I really like the see-through grills!!  Well worth the effort!!  Thanks for the idea.

 

I have a spare Cary E7 body that I’m going attempt to do the same.

 

And Kevin your correct, the heavy cast body adds over a pound of weight and my E7s have 10 ounces of drawbar on Athearn SD40 frames with the Mabuchi FK-280SA they draw 670ma at wheel slip.

 

 
Mel


 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

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    August 2004
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Posted by n012944 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 8:02 PM

Make sure your bridges are strong enough for it!  Big Smile

An "expensive model collector"

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 7:54 PM

That looks really good! I'll bet it can pull the walls down.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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    June 2005
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The latest finished project! Cary FT with lead body
Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Saturday, September 25, 2021 7:50 PM

Here's one that's been sitting around for a while!  I started this project years ago, and finally got around to finishing it!











Getting the see-through grills along the sides was especially time consuming!  The only way I could remove the original cast grills with my available tools was to drill small holes around the perimeter of each one, cut the thin wall between holes with a knife, and then file the inside smooth.  Modifying the Athearn chassis and Kato trucks was also an involved process, and the trucks wre tall enough that I had to partially cut out the floor of the GSB cab interior kit.  In the end though, I think it all turned out very well!

Also, here's a video!

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