Living the dream.
Hello everyone! The computer problems I was having last week are fixed, and I am able to open the Weekend Photo Fun thread right-on-time for us all.
This week my share is "Weekend Photo No-Fun" from me.
I have had a great little California Air Compressor for a few years, and it has run flawlessly with never any problem. I bought it for airbrushing, but I have used it for filling tires, spraying drywall texture, cleaning shop-vac filters, and everything else you would use an air compressor for.
It has held up like a champion.
Well... A couple of weeks ago I needed to move my workbench to get to the Orbit Sprinkler control timer. In the move I broke the air inlet filter/silencer off of the compressor.
I thought this was no-big deal because I found a new inlet filter at Northern, however. a little bit of the old fitting broke off inside the air compressor. I used an extractor to try to get it out, then I cracked the head assembly!
-Photographs by Kevin Parson
I destroyed an air compressor that had absolutely nothing wrong with it.
My old comressor had a small five gallon tank. The only available similar replacement had an eight gallon tank, and it was $50.00 more expensive than when I bought the old one. Nothing I could do. I ordered it. It arrived in two days.
Fortunately it fits just fine in the location I have for it.
-Photograph by Kevin Parson
It seems to work just fine, and is at least as quiet as my old one. I hope I don't break this one.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone's photographs this weekend. Lets have some fun.
-Kevin
Thanks for opening WPF, Kevin. Bummer about the air compressor! Well, all's well that ends well, eh?
A little progress this week. I got this AHM "Genoa" out to run it. I didn't realize I hadn't added any weight to the tender for electrical pickup. So I got busy last night, laminated sheet lead into blocks and put 'em in every space inside the tender I could.
Here's the tender with the original "wood" load, the new wood bunker, made of 1/16 sheet lead with styrene sides. real wood will be added. That flywheel adds some weight as well as momentum. My "DC Keep Alive"!
How much can a plastic bodied AHM ('60s Pocher with all steel chassis, and real brass domes) Genoa be made to weigh? Original weight of engine and tender: 6.76 oz. Ya probably wouldn't believe it if I just stated the new weight...
Over a pound, my target weight. Every space inside the loco is filled with lead, including the cab. I know that's a compromise, but I can live with it for better electrical pickup. Even the smoke stack is full of lead shot. The firebox was "deepened" also, adding yet another ounce. I put a stronger spring in the leading truck to push more weight onto it, but it also helps load the rear axle better. The engine weighs just over 11 oz.
Why am I so hung up on 4-4-0s, when my layout is set in the mid-late '60s? I just love watching them run. Excursions, I suppose... A "Genoa", by the way, was my first model of a steam engine, in the mid 70s, the all plastic chassis one with only a metal cover plate, and plastic domes.
Finally, changing the subject, I ordered this Walthers Truck loading rack for tank trucks, so I can finally work on the fuel oil distributor dealer I plan for this area. I dry slapped the roof and supports on the base just for fitting.
Let's see what ya got! Dan
Good morning from cold and windy with occasional lake effect snow Northeast Ohio!
Kevin, thanks for starting us out, I went thru 3 air compressors in the last 15 years, my original Binks lasted for 40 before wearing out(even after being submerged in 3' of water), the Sears one lasted about 5 until the rocker switch broke (which I still have until I can repair it), I have been using one I got at Lowe's that has lasted 6 or 7 years and seems to be going strong.
Dan, great work on that locomotive, those are hard to get good weight into I am sure it will do good work for you in the future.
This week's accomplishments!
First an IMWX 1937 AAR Boxcar kit with Yarmouth Sill Steps painted with Scalecoat II Black and Orange paints then lettered with Highball Graphics decals. The NH sold off a large number of boxcars in the mid 50's and then had them refurbished and leased them back in the new McGinnis paint scheme.
Next, a Tangent PC G43C 52'6" Gondola kit, painted with Floquil PC Green and Rust Paints then lettered with Dan Kohlberg decals. The PRR started the G43 gondola fleet and G43A, B and C classes followed under Penn Central until 3,500 of these cars were built replacing old G31 and other classes that were worn out. The various classes had various floors along with coil racks and other applicances.
A pair of Kato SD-45 painted for the PC with a general freight, I find doing models of the PC is very interesting with all the varied equipment and repaints.
Have a good weekend!
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!
Collins Diner has the usual busy Sunday morning breakfast crowd. There's not much action at the Canaan Union Station or wye this morning though, on the N-scale Housatonic RR.
Another weekend! Of course, in retirement, the weekend doesn't mean the same thing anymore. The entire week is a weekend!
Kevin, that's too bad about the compressor. But it looks like you got the perfect replacement. Another great addition to your garage workshop.
Dan, that truck loading area looks interesting. I hope you can post more photos of it as you continue to build it.
Rick, I imagine you get tired of me saying the same thing week after week, but your work with painting and decals of the cars is excellent!
Housatonic, I really like that scene from your layout. Your parking lot colors and areas are very realistic.
I have another photo from the layout that no longer exists. I had just put in these trackside buildings and was getting ready to add a bunch of junk and other stuff to the scene when I decided to take the layout apart and start a another one:
Have a great weekend.
York1 John
Thanks for setting up the WPF (last one for January '23 already!) Kevin. That's a shame you couldn't get a new head for your California compressor. One of the downsides to the import conundrum is the parts availability.
Great work on your cars, Rick. I cheated on my P-C G-43 and bought an RTR model. Yours is much more distinctive.
Nice Diner scene on the Housatonic!
Well, that's one way to get a project finished, John! Just start fresh. Looks like you had a good arrangement going there.
I picked up a model from a fairly recent entry in HO manufacturers. This New Haven insulated box car comes from Eastern Seaboard Models:
New Haven X1H by Edmund, on Flickr
New Haven XIH by Edmund, on Flickr
I always thought it was a treat to spot one of these cars in a passing train back when trainwatching.
Cheers, Ed
It's friday!
The santa fe gp 9 has a nice train.
gmpullmanI picked up a model from a fairly recent entry in HO manufacturers. This New Haven insulated box car comes from Eastern Seaboard Models:
That is a great model of a unique boxcar Ed.
I bought the brass version a few years ago.
I still have no idea what ficticious rairoad I will put on this beautiful model.
I zoomed in on the picture of your model and see the "new" date was 7-53, so it is A-OK for my era.
Rick, yet another pair of sharp looking cars. Question, How many freight cars do you have by now, and do you build them for the club, and leave them there permanently?
N-scale... I like both the diner and the station there. Especially that the diner has plenty of space for parking and driving around it.
John, I trust you saved the structures!
Ed, nicely detailed and colorful box car. Reminds me of a far less detailed one I had way back in my real realy days. AHM?
BMT. Yes, that is a nice train.
Kevin, that brass is indeed beautiful.
In response to John's comment about the truck loading area, I guess this is as good a time and place to discuss the plans for it. There's about a 5 foot long area on the layout that tapers from around 13 inches down to 9, then angles in more sharply.
These pictures are of mocked up stand ins for possible placement for the structures and tanks. I could and may well place the tanks on the other side of the tracks also. And not use anything bigger than the gray ABS pipe ones, and not as many as shown, because...
This is a 1/1 delivery facility currently here in Bend, Oregon that I like the looks of. The largest warehouse structure is made of currugated metal and looks like it has been there a long time, but well kept up. The "tank farm" is just out of the pictures, and is smaller that the arrangement shown on my layout in these pictures.
The office building doesn't look too complicated either. I like the structures, and could scratch build them easily enough, but they'll be rearranged to fit the space. I took the easy way out and bought the Walthers loading rack, having no desire to scratch that complicated maze of pipes and pumps.
I've been procrastinating this area until I got that kit, which came this week. Progress (as slow as it is) will be posted here on WPF. Dan
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
In an alternate universe...
Southgate 2In an alternate universe.
ditto???
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Southgate 2 In an alternate universe.
IMG_0333 by Bear, on Flickr
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Oh for cryin' out loud!
(Or laughin').
Well I'll be a monkey's uncle! Another great edition of Weekend Photo Fun, and this week, it looks like you have "Baked Beans" as a theme in your thread Kevin
It Was The "BEAR" I'll Tell You, IT WAS THE BEAR!!!
Never thought I'd see the day of picnic food mixed with model railroading, but might-as-well contribute to the (CAUSE)!
Guess they do kinda go together....."Cool Beans"
As always, great looking stuff gentleman.
TF
Kevin, Thanks for opening the WPF, sorry for your oops.
Thanks to all the contributors and viewers. Have a good weekend. Regards, Peter
This thread is putting a new meaning to "Going to Beans".
Great sutff from everyone.
Update on my Mel inspired project. The Cary metal shell/Athearn blue box E-7 project is starting to look like something.
Worked on the frame to get the right spot to attach the skirts.
Milled the sides of the frame so the skirts fit under the shell. While I had everything off of the frame I took the motor apart and cleaned the commutator and oiled the bearings. Greased up the gear towers and put the whole thing back together. Runs great for 25 year old blue box.
Painted the sideframes put them onto the trucks. Pins on the trucks match the mounting holes on the Athearn truck sideframes so easy to get them attached.
Wired up the headlight to the decoder and put a 2 pin connector on the wires.
Need to figure out front wideshields and buy some offset couplers since the current mounts are too low, but it looks pretty good paired with some CNW streamline cars.
A good compliment to my P2K E-6. Both weight in at close to 24 ounces and will pull a train big enough that it won't fit on the layout.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Scott Sonntag
A BNSF gevo recives some repair.
Thanks Kevin for the start to WPF. Sorry to hear about your air compressor. Stuff happens.
Dan - Cool little 4-4-0. The fuel distributor looks to be a fairly large scene. Good luck.
Rick - More great looking cars as usual. Love the PC freight. My BRVRR may have to morph into the PC someday.
Housatonic - Good looking diner scene. Nice work.
John - Memories.
Ed - A nice acquisition.
bmtrainmaster - You are right. A nice little train.
Kevin - A good looking brass model. Out of my price range for sure.
Dan - Looks like your have a good plan. I look forward to watching your progress and the finished product.
Bear - Good one.
Dan - Nothin wrong with bean cans. All you have to do is change the labels.
Bear - What ever works. The "different brand names" are interesting.
TF - A good dual advertisement.
Peter - "Uncle Dan's Pizza" reminds me of a local shop "Uncle Al's Pizza."
Scott - Nice work. A good looking CNW passenger train.
To continue the 'bean cans' prominent today:
The two grain bins at the Farmers Union elevator are tin cans in disguise. The tops are shaped styrene.
Keep the ideas and photos coming guys. Thanks to you WPF is always the best thread of the week.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
I've been model railroading for over 40 years and never owned a brass locomotive. Although I drooled over my Model Railroader's back in the 70's and 80's staring at all the brass locomotive advertisements from PFM, Sunset Models, Oriental Limited, etc. Well, I finally bought one two weeks ago, as I thought I needed a new challenge. It's a Sunset Models Union Pacific 4-6-0 '1242' made in 1978. I even have the review of it in the Sept 78 MR.
I took it apart, cleaned and lubed the drive system, replaced the drive tube and installed a Loksound 5, ESU powerpack and double sugar cube speakers in the small vanderbilt tender. It runs really great. I prepped and painted it, followed by decals, window glazing, smd's for the lights and other details. It came out really well for my first taste of brass. I also, have a connection to 1242, as it sits in Lion's Park a few miles from where I reside. I remember climbing into the cab of 1242 back in the 1970's.
I thought this project was going to last longer than only two weeks.
Nice work on the 1242!
I've been working on this engine house for our modular layout: The Silver San Juan & Pacific. Scratch built, designed in Turbocad, walls, doors, and windows cut on the Cricut. Last one is a test assembly after all the windows and glazing done.
turbocad screen capture by Eric Miller, on Flickr
cricut cutting walls by Eric Miller, on Flickr
engine house parts by Eric Miller, on Flickr
engine house walls completed by Eric Miller, on Flickr
It's always an honor to get Beartooned!
Peter, another great shot. Your work holds up so well even under close scrutiny. That guy looks real in there.
Scott, beautiful work on the "Es" both inside and out.
BMT, nice little action scene.
Allan, you capture that midwest atmosphere well there.
PMNRY, what an introduction into Brass! You've obviously already honed the skills required to bring it alive.
Eric, wow, that Cricut must make scratchbuilding a lot faster and cleaner. Beautiful structure so far.
And now, all bean can humor aside, After considerable deliberation, I think I have the layout for the fuel facility down. I have to remind myself, I'm not modeling that prototype one as such, just using the style of it as a guideline. I will say, from an overhead view of the real one, (Google Maps) my arrangement is as open and spacious as it is for vehicle movement.
Boxes and bits of stuff for stand in visual aid, I am backdating the facility some, eliminating the 80s or later looking truck dock. I'll add a smaller one.
I'm keeping the office and warehouse true to their prototype dimensions. The trucks will enter the filling rack by going around the back side of the office, then circle out around it, as does the prototype from another angle.
By keeping the tanks on the other side of the tracks, it compacts the facility putting them closer to the rack, and leaves the far end open for taking unobstructed pics of trains against the hard earned rock and tree backdrop. Progress will be WPF'ed. Dan
Southgate 2That guy looks real in there.
Dan, Enjoying your layout progress. Mock-ups are a great way to gain vision, and planning for photography is time well spent.
Thanks, but sorry I neglected to mention that the pizza parlor is a contribution to the layout by my son Dan: a customized version of Downtown Deco's Bingo's Pool Hall. We both enjoy making pizza from scatch, which gives extra special meaning to UD's.
Thanks to all. Regards, Peter
What cricut are you using?
Edit: Oops replied on the wrong post so I can't quote.
Wellsville Addison & Galeton #1700
Is that GE80T a 3d print?
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
Just needs the flat coat once the decals completely dry
Trolleys being painted. the last of the stock cars being painted it got new brake wheel and staff but remains in original configurstion . The H16-44 is being pinted in the same scheme as the 52. I likd how it that scheme came out. That is an old sprectrum splitframe somebody insolated and put dcc in. I wanted an FM for that shortline. I also got both these gp18. one will be heavily weathered and aged the other will also get the marsh creek scheme. both will be marsh creek units.
52 to show the marsh creek paint scheme.
I am working through as many projects as I think I will want for the layout either rebuild or build new. not sure which yet.
Shane
bmtrainmaster What cricut are you using? Edit: Oops replied on the wrong post so I can't quote.
Hi, its a Cricut Maker. It will cut basswood up to 1/16". Great for mock ups too!
Thanks, I have the cricut air so it can't cut the wood.