Ed) You shoulda had that E.S.E. Hudson rounding one of those nice broad curves with a full consist behind in that last pic instead of just rusting there. Im sure it wouldnt have distracted too terribly much from those awesome new backdrops you just put in! Very well done!
I think you and RMNRWY get the "cought the most eye" awards this week for the exceptional 'view enhancements' made by both.
Douglas
Thanks to all the participants in the first of the Weekend Photo Fun episodes of 2023!
Great stuff everyone
Regards, Ed
A nice showing this weekend!
Scott: Your Mel inspired progress is great!
Shane, good work on the diesel roster.
Pike 62: Grin and beer it!
bmtrainmaster: I carefully measured, I have a couple motors the same exact size as those in that particular Ebay listing. Only, mine aren't twin shaft.
I set one inside an HO scale Kato RS body shell. It has plenty of room if installed flat sides as shown...
Note that the seller has, right above where it says quantity, a tab where you have to choose between large flywheels, small flywheels, and no flywheels. Even with the largest flywheels, it will fit in a narrow hood loco width wise. The lengths are provided for all the options further down in the listing
Have a good week everyone Dan
Dan: The Cary boxcab locomotive shell sure looks good. Your center-cab repower looks like a good project too.
RMNRWY: Thank you for answering my question. I have also not been happy with any of the commercial sky backdrops I have found. I need one 22 foot backdrop, and three 12 foot backdrops for my layout. I really do not want to paint my own sky and clouds.
David: Glad to hear that your track project turned out well.
Peter: The new Moloco boxcar sure looks good... a mighty fine find.
BMTrainMaster: I love the photo sequence you shared of the derailment and the aftermath. Please keep sharing.
Ed: You backdrop change certainly does look better.
Shane: You sure have a lot of great projects going on. That little Whitcomb is a real beauty.
Pike-62: Thank you for sharing your latest Billboard Beer Reefer cars. They all look very good.
Scott: Your Mel-Inspired E unit project looks very good. You sure did a fine job with the painting.
I was hoping to share a new purchase this week, but FedEx has said it has been "Out For Delivery since Thursday. It still is not here yet.
So... Instead... Here is one of my favorite pictures:
-Photograph by Kevin Parson
I will see everyone next week.
Take Care.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
ANother good week for photos.
This week working on the shell for my Mel project. Mel inspired me to start working on an old Cary E-7 metal shell that I've had for decades. Mel had a pretty good collection of these locomotives, so I figured that I could get mine completed.
Here is the painted and decaled shell. Had to add the second headlight and grabs on the sides.
The chassis is an old Athearn blue box SD-40T.
More work on the frame and trucks but it's finally starting to look like something.
Scott Sonntag
Southgate 2 In response to bmtrainmaster's question, (what motors am I using) I took a stroll on Ebay, here's a sample of what I found. 5Pcs 1/87 HO Scale Model Train Motor Voltage 12V Increased Torque DIY Hobby | eBay Once you get there you can scroll down th the bottom of the page and see various sizes and configurations. I like the look and size of the ones I linked to. The price is decent too. They don't appear to be supermagnet, which I don't recommend. I'm in no way affiliated with the seller, user take the appropriate measures...Just a sample. Dan
In response to bmtrainmaster's question, (what motors am I using) I took a stroll on Ebay, here's a sample of what I found.
5Pcs 1/87 HO Scale Model Train Motor Voltage 12V Increased Torque DIY Hobby | eBay
Once you get there you can scroll down th the bottom of the page and see various sizes and configurations. I like the look and size of the ones I linked to. The price is decent too. They don't appear to be supermagnet, which I don't recommend.
I'm in no way affiliated with the seller, user take the appropriate measures...Just a sample. Dan
Thanks, its is nice that those come with fly wheels, do those motors fit in scale width hoods?
Posted from ipad
A few more for this week
Atlas version now with ESu loksound V5 I was surprised to find this DCC reay unit had a Speaker already installed. Still needs the slap over. done and some dirt.
The first of 4 stock cars rebuild and redone. ready for many more years.
Decaling work goes on. RS32 and GP44-3. many more to go. these are using a new decal paper not orginally made for this. but I got it to work. the decals have since been settled properly from when this pic was taken
INtroducing #12 beech creek. a little aged. another one is awaiting finish decaling.
SHane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
A few more comments: Simon, sorry I missed your Shay! Nice! You will have to count me among those that Kevin mentioned, that this shay was an enemy of. I ended up parting it's mechanicals out to other projects.
RMNRWY, both the removal of the posts and the new backdrop are huge improvements. And the low angle scenes look great.
Peter, thats an impressive box car. And setting.
bmtrainmaster: Aren't derailments FUN?! I could have used your help cleaning up this one:
About the motor, sorry, all I can remember was I got it on Ebay years ago. It's magnets are so strong, it stops instantly when power is interrupted. That's why it needs such big flywheels. I had to mount it with the magnetic poles on top and bottom for fear that if it was level, it would get pulled off into another loco with strong magnets. I'll see if I can locate the source though. The silver motor was from an Atlas Austria model. Dan
RMNRWYI tried to obtain a 27 foot continuous (no seams) sky backdrop through various well known model railroad backdrop companies. I couldn't really get what I wanted.
I found myself in the same dilemma. When I started construction of the layout in '95, a backdrop wasn't high on my priority list. I thought the neutral gray fabric I chose for wall covering would be just fine.
I tried backgrounds sold for photographers studio shots and this was a slight improvement but still not quite there. The colors seemed way too vivid:
Sky-backdrop2 by Edmund, on Flickr
Sky-backdrop by Edmund, on Flickr
Since then I've tried several "solutions" none of which were satisfactory. I recently bought four, eight foot lengths of 24" high backdrop printed on heavy, matte photo paper. So far it is the best solution for me and the price of $2.50/sf is reasonable in my estimation.
Here is a before:
Backdrop_B4 by Edmund, on Flickr
These paper backdrops are from Duquesne Printing and might be OK for smaller dioramas they really don't work for large expanses.
I put up 2' x 3' panels of black foam-core for a substrate for the photo paper.
Backdrop_result-foamboard by Edmund, on Flickr
I taped the seams with black gaffer's tape. Across the top is a continuous piece of 2" double-stick tape. Now I was ready for the first eight-foot section:
Backdrop_result-early by Edmund, on Flickr
It went up well (it is off-level by 1/4" in 8 feet) working alone. Overall I'm really pleased with the outcome and it really helps to have a decent background for photos.
Backdrop_result-yard by Edmund, on Flickr
Backdrop_result-steam by Edmund, on Flickr
Backdrop_result by Edmund, on Flickr
I was going to keep this project off the WPF books until next weekend but since the subject came up I thought I'd jump in.
Thanks for all the great contributions, folks!
Cheers, Ed
Southgate 2 Ed, chisling out the old and replacing with improved trackwork always pays off. Nice water tower too. David, I see your making track improvements didn't seem to slow the traffic any! Rick, how you can produce 2 fine freightcars a week is beyond me. The SDs look good delivering the perishables. In the mail today: The Cary box cab mounted to the Athearn Hustler drive. Rubber band, the drive will get upgraded to can motor and gears. I'll have to come up with a snappier paint job too, lest it should look like a black hole moving around the layout. But it's in excellent shape! The snow plow will be replaced with a coupler. Last week I mentioned in the thread about 'Was this loco real", that I had a couple Alco C-415s (Mehano) to work on. Old ebay scores, someone put some effort into the SP one cosmetically. Oddly, the "wings" were used on the long hood. SP didn't put those on 415s. The other one was Santa Fe, I'll probably paint it SP. Correctly. Like their prototypes, the Mehanos had some serious deficiencies in terms of their drive trains. I addressed that during the last week. The SP got an Atlas (yellow box) can motor, home made flywheels, and Kato trucks. The undecorated one would have gotten the identical treatment, but a mishap with the motor dictated otherwise. So I used a this black one with super magnets. Thankfully they still seem to be speed matched. They run smoothly, but do transfer some noise through the plastic chassis. These both have a way to go, improved ends, replace them horrible hand rails, and put Alco (well, AAR) truck sideframes on those dramatically ground off Blombergs. And add lead weight. As usual, progress will be posted. Keep 'em coming! Dan
Ed, chisling out the old and replacing with improved trackwork always pays off. Nice water tower too.
David, I see your making track improvements didn't seem to slow the traffic any!
Rick, how you can produce 2 fine freightcars a week is beyond me. The SDs look good delivering the perishables.
In the mail today:
The Cary box cab mounted to the Athearn Hustler drive. Rubber band, the drive will get upgraded to can motor and gears. I'll have to come up with a snappier paint job too, lest it should look like a black hole moving around the layout. But it's in excellent shape! The snow plow will be replaced with a coupler.
Last week I mentioned in the thread about 'Was this loco real", that I had a couple Alco C-415s (Mehano) to work on. Old ebay scores, someone put some effort into the SP one cosmetically. Oddly, the "wings" were used on the long hood. SP didn't put those on 415s. The other one was Santa Fe, I'll probably paint it SP. Correctly.
Like their prototypes, the Mehanos had some serious deficiencies in terms of their drive trains. I addressed that during the last week.
The SP got an Atlas (yellow box) can motor, home made flywheels, and Kato trucks.
The undecorated one would have gotten the identical treatment, but a mishap with the motor dictated otherwise. So I used a this black one with super magnets. Thankfully they still seem to be speed matched. They run smoothly, but do transfer some noise through the plastic chassis.
These both have a way to go, improved ends, replace them horrible hand rails, and put Alco (well, AAR) truck sideframes on those dramatically ground off Blombergs. And add lead weight. As usual, progress will be posted.
Keep 'em coming! Dan
What motors are you using?
Derailment!
Derailment Clean up
Maintnence of Way repairs the track
Has I was making this post I checked FRA for the report and here it is:
Train 15 West was stoped at the depot picking up mail when the switch was broken. This caused 15 west to derail when the train departed the depot. No injuries happed when the train derailed. 2 cars derailed GD 211 was loaded with potatos and SP 66208 was empty.
Ed, Thanks for starting the WPF, new trackage passing the test with flying colors is satisfying and fun.
The Moloco GA 50' boxcar arrived a few days ago, doesn't like tight curves, but a beautiful model. Now I'm gonna' be thinkin' about Johnny Cash's rendition of the "Rock Island Line" more often.
Thanks to all the contributors and viewers. Have a good weekend. Regards, Peter
Thank you for your comments, gentlemen. Much appreciated.
Southgate 2 David, I see your making track improvements didn't seem to slow the traffic any!
The use of locomotive and carriages was to ensure everything ran well before securing everything down.
Final trials and testing.
The goods yard entrance. A representative to the real Leeds Hunslet Goods Yard (before becoming Crown Point Retail Park).
IMG_2518 by David Harrison, on Flickr
The goods yard with some wagons in position.
IMG_2516 by David Harrison, on Flickr
As I have a very large collection of locomotives (who hasn't) a small refuelling area was a must. (Not true to the real, but Rule 1. )
IMG_2517 by David Harrison, on Flickr
Everything tested and services can begin.
I now have to find a building that looks like a bonded warehouse. A bonded warehouse is a building that has goods to be taxed etc. (Imported goods or exported goods.)
Because the model layout is not a replica of Hunslet Goods Yard I shall keep the name of Crown Point Yard.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
I tried to obtain a 27 foot continuous (no seams) sky backdrop through various well known model railroad backdrop companies. I couldn't really get what I wanted. Whether it was the media it was printed on or the high price, I wasn't happy. I thought I would make my own sky backdrop with Adobe Photoshop and have it printed locally with media I supplied. It came out pretty good for my first attempt and I saved a bunch of money.
RMNRWYI replaced the sky backdrop.
Do you mind sharing the source of your sky backdrop?
A few new pics of my layout. I removed the 2x4 vertical supports and replaced the sky backdrop. The before and after pics below. A bunch of scenery changes. Picked up a few more locomotives and structures. One was a Bachmann UP 2-8-0 and a Vanderbilt tender that I had found online.
Thank you to everyone that has contributed so far. We are off to a great start!
Ed: Thank you for starting Weekend Photo Fun for us. I forgot all about it and fell asleep! That is an impressive update on your trackage. It all looks like a very pleasing scene. I hope for even more updates.
David: I see you are also doing some trackage updates. I'll bet everything will be perfect once your project is complete.
Rick: Wow... that 1958 cubic foot Covered Hopper is a great-looking model for sure. It is a beauty. Your club layout is always good to see as the setting for your models.
Simon: Congratualtions on getting the MDC Shay Locomotive to run at all, let alone well! I have known this model to be the enemy of many model builders. Your also looks great.
Let's all keep the good stuff and helpful responses coming. I am looking forward to it all.
I will be back later, I hope, with a contribution of my own.
Hello folks. Great pictures so far!
Ed, nice progress on your changes. A layout is never quite finished, isn't it?
David, I see you are also into intense re-dos. Those British brake vans are pretty cool!
Rick, no need to thank us for looking, I always enjoy admiring your work.
I've been working on different projects at the same time, in my usual disorganized manner. My HOn3 MDC Shay is just about completed. She runs well, for an MDC Shay .
IMG_20230104_153952b on Flickr
As shown on the picture, scenery work is also progressing. I'm just about finished with the ground cover. Trees and shrubs are next.
Simon
Good morning from cloudy, cold and snowy Northeast Ohio!
Ed, thanks for starting us out, a lot of nice work on the yard revamp, should work out good for you.
David, same with you although I like the maintenance facilities, a yard expansion can work wonders with routing and making up trains, out club did the same thing a couple of years ago.
Here is what I finished this week!
Another IMRC 1958CF Covered Hopper kit, these are so nice that I did not have to add anything to the car. Painted with Scalecoat II Boxcar Red #2 and lettered with CMR decals. The Shoreline serviced a sand pit in Rockwood, MI where they picked up loads of high mineral content sand every day to service the glass industry in Toledo, OH.
Next an Atlas 50' ACF Precision Design Boxcar kit, painted with Scalecoat II Boxcar Red #2 and lettered with Herald King Decals. This car was one of 25 cars renumbered and repainted from the original 154000 group for special services.
Another view of my Athearn SP SD45's with a reefer block, and Dennis Nehrenz's Southern powered Auto Parts train running on the Strongsville Club layout.
Thanks for looking!
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
Thanks for starting this weeks WPF, Ed.
I see you have been busy updating part of your layout.
I too have been doing the same.
To get greater variety in running freight trains I am altering Crown Point Yard.
Gone is the diesel yard. In its place will be a freight yard with a small diesel refuelling section.
Some of the track has been relaid and tested.
IMG_2513 by David Harrison, on Flickr
IMG_2514 by David Harrison, on Flickr
Meanwhile a new Maryport & Carlisle six wheeled brake van (original built in 1884) has arrived.
IMG_2515 by David Harrison, on Flickr
When I left off last week I had begun with a chisel and track cutters and ripped out the west end of the coal breaker yard. This area still had old power-routing turnoust and some of the track gaps weren't to my liking. I've had new turnouts to install here and a Frog Juicer, too.
West end yard-a by Edmund, on Flickr
I got the area leveled off and some new sheet cork down and the new turnouts in place, feeders wired and ready for painting.
West end yard-b by Edmund, on Flickr
Here the track and turnouts have been wired and tested then a light dusting of Camo Brown and light gray have been applied:
West end yard-painted by Edmund, on Flickr
Now the ballast (cinders) has been applied and a few structures set in place.
West end yard-overhead by Edmund, on Flickr
One problem with the old arrangement was that the siding didn't allow room for the water tower. Fixed it!
West end yard-ballast by Edmund, on Flickr
This track was originally put down in 1995 and this area has needed a little update. The other day i enjoyed some intense switching and everything performed flawlessly. It was fun to break up a train, pull the empties out for spotting at the coal loader and bringing the loads down.
Here we are in a new year! Everyone is welcome to post any favorite photos or photos of recent projects or layout improvements.
A new year is upon us and maybe some of us will be able to spend more time on modeling projects (hopefully).
Please feel free to contribute even if you only have some photos from the past that you'd like to share.
Thanks for joining in!