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40' Ortner Aggregate Car Upgrades

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  • Member since
    April 2017
  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • 1,585 posts
Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 7:02 AM

You’ve probably finished the railings, but if not, I would suggest a small jig might help. Here’s my HO scale ladder jig.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile
 

 
Put a quick jig together as per your idea. Excellent advice. I'll modify the jig later today to get the dimensions closer to the ladders on other HO cars. Thank you. DJ
 
  • Member since
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  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 9:12 AM

On my way home had a new idea for a jig. This HO ladder fits perfectly onto a breadboard so this will be my new jig. DJ

 

  • Member since
    April 2017
  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Thursday, July 20, 2017 4:13 AM

Working on 'downgrading' one end of the car. Real coal from the mine in Springhill, Nova Scotia was sprinkled onto the end of the car from above as though it was being loaded. Note that a ladder is now in place on this end of the car. Lots more to do on the ends and sides.

 

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  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Thursday, July 20, 2017 4:23 AM

Once the cement spray dries, the excess coal dust will be brushed off the end of the car - there will not be loose bituminous coal falling onto the track (just if you are wondering). DJ

  • Member since
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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, July 20, 2017 6:38 AM

The inside of the hopper looks pristine. You better dirty it up.  

Alton Junction

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  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Thursday, July 20, 2017 1:07 PM

All components installed on the car. Coal dust applied and adhesive spray drying. After drying I'll clean up loose coal then put the trucks and couplers back on. Finally, a load will be added and then onto the track. DJ

 

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Posted by maxman on Thursday, July 20, 2017 2:37 PM

Who made those Ortner car models originally?  Walthers, or someone else?

Thanks

  • Member since
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  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Thursday, July 20, 2017 3:04 PM

maxman

Who made those Ortner car models originally?  Walthers, or someone else?

Thanks

 

if you go to eBay and search 'ho scale ortner' you'll see Walthers cars so I assume Walthers for this particular car. DJ

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, July 20, 2017 3:43 PM

OldSchoolScratchbuilder

 

 
maxman

Who made those Ortner car models originally?  Walthers, or someone else?

Thanks

 

 

 

if you go to eBay and search 'ho scale ortner' you'll see Walthers cars so I assume Walthers for this particular car. DJ

 

Yes, definitely Walthers.

 

Alton Junction

  • Member since
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  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Thursday, July 20, 2017 4:45 PM

Two last pictures to wrap up this thread. First hopper loaded with bituminous coal from the mine at Springhill, Nova Scotia is ready to roll. In total I will do the same with six hoppers, so the second one will be broken down this evening. After that I will move on to barite and manganese ore Ortner hoppers. DJ

 

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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, July 20, 2017 4:54 PM

Are you keeping the GRR road name on the hoppers?

Alton Junction

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  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Thursday, July 20, 2017 5:07 PM

richhotrain

Are you keeping the GRR road name on the hoppers?

 

Yes. I'm not keeping these cars. I am going to trade them for other model railroad stuff. DJ

  • Member since
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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, July 20, 2017 5:22 PM

OldSchoolScratchbuilder
 
richhotrain

Are you keeping the GRR road name on the hoppers? 

Yes. I'm not keeping these cars. I am going to trade them for other model railroad stuff. DJ 

OK, now you have really raised my curiosity. If you are not going to keep the cars, why make all those changes to them? What may please you about those modifications and "detailing" may make them too difficult to trade or sell since others may not agree with your changes.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
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  • From: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Posted by OldSchoolScratchbuilder on Thursday, July 20, 2017 5:51 PM

richhotrain

 

 
OldSchoolScratchbuilder
 
richhotrain

Are you keeping the GRR road name on the hoppers? 

Yes. I'm not keeping these cars. I am going to trade them for other model railroad stuff. DJ 

 

 

OK, now you have really raised my curiosity. If you are not going to keep the cars, why make all those changes to them? What may please you about those modifications and "detailing" may make them too difficult to trade or sell since others may not agree with your changes.

 

Rich

 

This car is already taken by a friend who grew up and lives in Springhill, Nova Scotia and knows very well the history of the mining disasters that eventually closed the mines. I am making a nice wood/stained-glass display case for him.

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