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Locomotive Numberboard Display Question

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  • Member since
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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Thursday, April 20, 2017 10:59 AM

Good news !  Recommend using a fluorescent tube/ lamp and fixture to light it evenly and with low heat given off.  They come in small lengths like 8" to 18" or so 'off-the-shelf'.  A 'warm white' bulb color would look more 'railroady' than a cool white one. 

- PDN.

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by Murphy Siding on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 10:56 PM

Well I hope we get to see some pictures.

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by coborn35 on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 9:39 PM

Good news! With Jigsaws being reasonably priced I picked one up and got quite a start into this project! Just need to cut a little more plywood, paint, add the lighting and it will be done!

Mechanical Department  "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."

The Missabe Road: Safety First

 

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Posted by erikem on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 9:10 PM

tree68

BUT, might I suggest that you check with local vocational schools, or even the local high school, if they still teach shop.  They probably do have the tools you need, and might even take on the entire project, if you can provide sufficient guidance, as well as the materials.

Depending on what part of Montana the OP is living in, the nearest vocational school may be a fur distance away. OTOH, he may have neighbors with all sorts of tools.

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 5:03 PM

Some tool/ equipment rental shops will rent sabre saws, drills, and the like.

- PDN. 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 10:43 PM

I would say a bandsaw or jigsaw would be just the ticket - much easier than using a plane or a rasp.

I'd go with a hardwood.

BUT, might I suggest that you check with local vocational schools, or even the local high school, if they still teach shop.  They probably do have the tools you need, and might even take on the entire project, if you can provide sufficient guidance, as well as the materials.

And they'll be doing it for a grade, so you'd be likely to see some nice work.

LarryWhistling
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Locomotive Numberboard Display Question
Posted by coborn35 on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 9:02 PM

I would like to try and get around to mounting and displaying a few numberboards I've got, and I have a specific way I want to do it. Once upon a time the DM&IR diesel house guys made a display out of the DM&IR (B&LE) 892's board for their foreman before it became the DMIR #215. It sat flush in a wood box, complete with lights inside and gaskets, and painted half orange and half black just as it sat on the locomotive. Has anyone done anything like this? Any idea the kind of wood to use or tips for lighting? I just moved to Montana last fall so I don't have any heavy duty tools like miter saws or the ilk yet, but I do have a garage to work on stuff. I would imagine making the box would be easy enough, but carving out the wood in the exact curve of the boards seems very daunting! Any tips? I'm hoping there will be an easier way than using a jigsaw but can't think of any at the moment!

Mechanical Department  "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."

The Missabe Road: Safety First

 

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