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Teen Model Railroader Place Locked

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:48 AM

Very nice GG!

How about some pictures?

Now I know what I can do, I should take pictures of the spray booth to show you guys, so you can build one like it. I'm 120% sure its a ton cheaper to build one yourself, even if the one I got is homemade and secondhand.

Alex

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Posted by Guilford Guy on Friday, December 26, 2008 10:45 PM

 Right now Factory Direct Trains has two for $150, AC6000's, SD40-2's, and SD9's, Blueline.

For X-mas I got a nice amount of shtuff...

Airbrush and Compressor

Lamoille Valley Boxcar

Claremont & Concord Decals

Scalecoat II paints

Fingerlakes Railway pocket knife

25$ Ebay Gift Card, and a 50$ American Express Gift Card, which I intend to spend on train stuff (S4 Shell+Handrails, Detail Parts, Module Stuff, Decals)

Smile

Alex

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Friday, December 26, 2008 10:17 PM

BLI's offering is pretty nice, but I did notice that the motor isn't too smooth in reverse, and pretty noisy(maybe that's just on the two I've personally tested). Also, I think the number boards are really oversize when compared to photos. Katos are nice, if you want to paint them.

Also, that computer on my desk doesn't have the internet, but it has the only printer in the house hooked up to it... Go figure. I use it for music, and homework purposes, and eventually I'll get the Digitrax PR3 and hook it up.

Alex

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  • From: Memphis, Tennessee
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Posted by SD60M on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:43 PM

Packer

Depends on which BLI SD40-2 you are talking about. The Paragon one is totally wrong, the whole thing is green except for the black part on the top of the units. MR's review of that SD40-2 mentions that. Although they let green walkways slip by without notice quite often, whic is what's wrong with the Blueline one.

 

The BlI Paragon isnt too bad the one i have BN #7919 did have the paint right the only thing i had to do was paint the walkways black. TrainWorld still has them listed and for $109 not bad. Im actually thinking about getting one in IC too!
Long Live The Burlington Northern!
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  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
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Posted by WCfan on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:27 PM

TrainManTy

Packer, check your PM's.

WCfan

Packer

It's kind of suprising there aren't any really good models of an SD40-2 with sound/dcc available, much less in BN. (or C30-7s with sound/dcc)

I might go Athearn if I ever paint a WIN SD40-2.

 

And I'm finally getting around to ordering my decals, so soon I'll have the first WIN unit, SDP35 1402!Tongue

Woohoo! Tongue Blush

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:18 PM

Packer, check your PM's.

WCfan

Packer

It's kind of suprising there aren't any really good models of an SD40-2 with sound/dcc available, much less in BN. (or C30-7s with sound/dcc)

I might go Athearn if I ever paint a WIN SD40-2.

 

And I'm finally getting around to ordering my decals, so soon I'll have the first WIN unit, SDP35 1402!Tongue

  • Member since
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  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
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Posted by WCfan on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:11 PM

Packer

It's kind of suprising there aren't any really good models of an SD40-2 with sound/dcc available, much less in BN. (or C30-7s with sound/dcc)

I guess you need to pick and choose the company that best meets your needs. I might go Athearn if I ever paint a WIN SD40-2.

  • Member since
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  • From: Shalimar. Florida
  • 2,622 posts
Posted by Packer on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:03 PM

Depends on which BLI SD40-2 you are talking about. The Paragon one is totally wrong, the whole thing is green except for the black part on the top of the units. MR's review of that SD40-2 mentions that. Although they let green walkways slip by without notice quite often, whic is what's wrong with the Blueline one.

Bachmann's and Athearn RTR SD40-2s are right as far as paint is concerned, but the detail on the Bachmann's ain't that great. Athearn RTRs is okay, just needs some details. (I think that cal-scale makes a kit for them). As for sound with the athearn, I could copy what a friend with a Southern SD40-2 did for sound. (a soundtraxx decoder)

It's kind of suprising there aren't any really good models of an SD40-2 with sound/dcc available, much less in BN. (or C30-7s with sound/dcc)

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

  • Member since
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Posted by demonwolf224 on Friday, December 26, 2008 8:00 PM

MERRY DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS!

What I got for Christmas

3 Atlas Super Track #6 Turnouts

10 pieces of atlas code 83 flextrack

12 pieces of midwest productions cork roadbed

Proto 2000 GP38-2 in Family Lines heritage patched out for Clinchfield

Athearn RTR GP38-2 Conrail Quality Heritage

Athearn Gennis 50' Southern Pacific Boxcar

Xuron Railnipers

Walthers Modulars Quality Investment Castings

I also got the Proto 1000 F Units both A and B in Erie heritage from my aunt.

 BTW-Railfan Alex, nice poster!

 

This post has come to you from Lewistown Pennsylvania!!!
  • Member since
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  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
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Posted by WCfan on Friday, December 26, 2008 7:50 PM

Packer

Strangely enough, I don't have a single SD40-2 in my roster (because no one actually makes a good detailed one with sound DCC and got the paint right at the same time)

The Broadway Limited BN SD40-2's green does seem a tad light in color...

Alex, looks real relaxed, kinda like my 4x8...now I see why you can't get on skype...Tongue...

  • Member since
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  • From: Shalimar. Florida
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Posted by Packer on Friday, December 26, 2008 7:26 PM

Definetally a lot neater than my install in my SW1500s. Athearn BB switchers make good egnines after a bit of work.

I have a powered and a dummy I wired together, put a sound decoder and speaker in the dummy (I'll get a new speaker someday that'll point down through the holes in the fuel tank). The powered has a Lenz silver decoder on top of the motor, and bunch of weight added (weighs a little more than a P2K Geep), but I'm going to replace it with a TCS M4 I have. The TCS decoder is tiny (about half as thin as the Lenz), so maybe the shell will sit right. The rear light goes to sound unit, but I still need to work on that and some of the details. (I'm needing 2 sets of the flexicoil trucks, some music wire, and the lenses for 2 units)

I spent the last few days making coal loads for my new hoppers, and touching up the existing ones. So I'm caught up on loads, just need to weather most of my coal hoppers (try 25) and those 6 engines. Maybe I should test my airbrush......

As for those wondering, I model the BN from 1970 until 1985; which gives me some flexibility for weathering, equipment and motive power. Last source I checked the whiteface scheme was introduced around 1987, and the tiger stripes around 1985; so I could have a few tiger stripe units, and no white face units (not really a big fan of the white face). The 15-year time frame also alows me to run Alcos and F-units, most of which were gone by the 80s, with U30Cs, SD40-2s, and C30-7s. Strangely enough, I don't have a single SD40-2 in my roster (because no one actually makes a good detailed one with sound DCC and got the paint right at the same time)

As for holiday train stuff; nothing. Just happens that some of the hoppers I ordered and a decoder I got back from TCS arrived when I was working christmas eve. My parents wrapped them and put them under the tree. Dunno why lots of older people who have kids think it's funny, but my parents are getting Charcoal (or coal, if I find it) next year. (okay not really). Well they pre-ordered an F45 with sound DCC for christmas, just waiting on Athearn.....

Meanwhile I have yet to secure the motor to the frame on my GP35, but that will happen when I swap decoders in my powered SW1500 I have. The C424s are halted until I order newer shells and a sound decoder for them.

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Friday, December 26, 2008 5:52 PM

Hey guys.

Not too much modeling done today, still relaxing and enjoying the holidays. But I did do a decoder installation for a client, and I figured I'd take pictures with the new camera:

First off, my nice, clean, relaxing working environment:

Now the install. Motor removed and frame isolated.

Motor positive (orange) and negative (grey) leads installed.

Track pickup (red and black) installed. Testing the decoder.

Shell and couplers installed.

Programming and final test run before I throw it back in the box.

I guess it's supposed to represent an SW1200RS. Looks like it was detailed with the Miniatures by Eric SW1200RS conversion kit. The original model was a Athearn Blue Box SW9.

He could have supplied me with a smaller decoder, but it still fits. A nice simple installation without lights over the holidays... At least there is still a little cash flowing in after buying gifts for the family... That took a hit on the hobby fund!

That's it for now.

Alex

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  • From: North Jersey
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Posted by ns3010 on Friday, December 26, 2008 4:55 PM

Sorry I'm late, but I've been away for the last two days. Anyway, but first...

Merry Christmas!!!

So here's what I got:

Bachmann E-Z Command

Bachann NS GP50

Magic Pan Bakeries (Walthers kit)

Hockey Gloves

Hockey Bag

Jeff Dunham's Christmas Special

NHL 2K9

Ties-for school

Laptop case

and more to come- just not sure what yet.

 

Hope "Santa" gave everyone what they wanted.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
My Photos on Flickr: Flickr
My Videos on Youtube: Youtube
My Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives

  • Member since
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  • From: Memphis, TN
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Posted by Packers#1 on Friday, December 26, 2008 11:58 AM

 Nice locos Jordan. I'll have to get a roster shot soon.

Well, under the tree, I got 2 $15 gift certificates to my LHS and ground throws (that's the model railroading stuff).

Also got a clemson T-shirt, packers t-shirt, and a new packers hoody:

http://www.footballfanatics.com/NFL_Green_Bay_Packers_Sweatshirts_And_Fleece/Reebok_Green_Bay_Packers_Green_Helmet_Hoody_Sweatshirt

I love my hoody. also got a book, some baseball cards, a card box, and IDK what else. yeah, we celebrate christmas a good deal here, lol.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Friday, December 26, 2008 10:34 AM

Thanks Ty!

It's an old Atlas/Kato GP7 that's been modified to be a St.L&H (CP) GP9. It looks pretty good, the windows came out ok, the chopnose looks alright.

The lights don't look too hot, I guess I'm not too good at placing them! And it is a custom paint with some weathering. I'm not too happy with the handrail paint though, because it is runny. The weathering is ok, should have practiced more thats for sure. That's why I haven't touched the C424 yet!

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 26, 2008 10:19 AM

You guys are really lucky... I don't think I got many gifts this year, not to mention locomotives... We don't exactly celebrate Christmas to the same extent as most people...if at all. Our gifts are mostly homemade. The last time I got a locomotive for Christmas was 7 years ago.

I did get an early present from a member of the forums here (Don Z) who was converting his rolling stock from Kadee #5s to the Kadee scale size couplers. He put in a couple pieces of rolling stock too. Thanks Don! That really made my day!

I don't think I'll ever need any more couplers... My whole fleet is converted now and I'm saving the rest for any new cars I pick up.


Alex, that GP9 looks outstanding! Great job! Bow Who makes that model, and is that a custom paint and decal job?

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Thursday, December 25, 2008 9:53 PM

Nice there Jordan!

Roster shot eh? Now thats an idea...

Alex

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  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
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Posted by WCfan on Thursday, December 25, 2008 7:06 PM

I like the StL&H Geep, you should get a SD40-2 painted in that...Tongue, I know CP still has a few running around.

Ok so I lied, it isn't the morning, but here are the pics.

DMIR 419, Athearn unit.

DMIR 215, a Kato unit. This is an older run, so it actually looks like the 215. Also, many of the pieces fit in there places with ease!

DMIR 419, and 215. I like the 419s Maroon.

Here's an Updated roster shot.

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  • From: Memphis, TN
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Posted by Packers#1 on Thursday, December 25, 2008 5:37 PM

Railfan Alex

Its a C424. The other is a GP9.

Well, hope you get some great gifts Sawyer!

 

K, thx.

I've already gotten some great gifts, I'm so happy that I finally have a cab unit again (C-Liner). I'm pretty sure one gift will be ground throws (what I asked for) and another is the pikestuff building that will serve as a yard office AND passenger station (yeah, kinda bland, but oh well Tongue)

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
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  • 990 posts
Posted by Railfan Alex on Thursday, December 25, 2008 5:32 PM

Its a C424. The other is a GP9.

Well, hope you get some great gifts Sawyer!

Alex

  • Member since
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  • From: Memphis, TN
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Posted by Packers#1 on Thursday, December 25, 2008 5:25 PM

 Nice shots Alex D., looks like ya'll got a nice camera. I use our family's camera for the most part, unless it's out of batteries, then I gotta bug my sister. That's a nice C424, right (or is it C425, they look the same Big Smile) Merry christmas, we still have presents to open under the tree (relatives finally got here, lol).

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
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  • 990 posts
Posted by Railfan Alex on Thursday, December 25, 2008 4:56 PM

So I guess you want to see some photos!

Here's 2 of the models I've been talking about the past little while:

Nothing too fancy, the ditch lights could look alot better on both. And there's still some details to add to both.

What do you guys think? Not a bad Christmas at all! Tongue

Alex

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Thursday, December 25, 2008 4:49 PM

Hey guys.

Hope Santa got what you all wanted. I know he certainly did for me!

We got a family point and shoot camera, so you know what that means!! It's layout building time!

Also got a nice, lightweight video tripod that I can actually bring on my bike (well, maybe not this time of year, but...)

And my sister actually asked my LHS what a good gift would be, and he said you can never run out of good ol' Kadee #5's, so my sister got my 3 packs of those.

Got a railroad calendar, and I asked for my MR subscription to be renewed.

Alex

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  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
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Posted by WCfan on Thursday, December 25, 2008 10:16 AM

Oh, I see Sawyer.

Tyler I posted at 1:02 Central Time.

Packer, you could also say the locomotives had just been washed, or repainted. I know BN had a huge fleet of SD45s, and BN did order some in 71 (the 65XX series, many of them made it to the WC, while many of the ex GN and NP SD45 went to the CNW). Here are some BN slides that RP contributor Kevin Piper Page through and you can find some neat BN motive power!

 http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php

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  • From: Memphis, TN
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Posted by Packers#1 on Thursday, December 25, 2008 9:44 AM

 

TrainManTy

Actually, I think trucks do get repainted. Either that, or they get cleaned really well. Couplers don't get painted though...

Ok, my bad, lol. Big Smile

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 25, 2008 9:41 AM

Actually, I think trucks do get repainted. Either that, or they get cleaned really well. Couplers don't get painted though...

  • Member since
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  • From: Memphis, TN
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Posted by Packers#1 on Thursday, December 25, 2008 9:27 AM

TrainManTy

Also, you could just add a little bit of weathering, such as on the trucks, pilot, and roof areas. The wouldn't be hard to do and would probably be easier to explain than having it brand-spanking clean.

 

And who repaints trucks? Big Smile

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 25, 2008 9:21 AM

What time was it for you when you posted? The post date here (Eastern Standard Time) says 2:02 AM...

Packer: What year are you modeling? The SD45s were built between 1965 and 1971 and the F45 between 1968 and 1971. If it's near then, the locos definetely could be new. Either that or they could be freshly repainted. The GN was merged into BN in 1970, and their F45s could have survived a few years in their GN scheme before they were repainted into BN, which could be the new paint job that makes them look so clean.

Also, you could just add a little bit of weathering, such as on the trucks, pilot, and roof areas. The wouldn't be hard to do and would probably be easier to explain than having it brand-spanking clean.

  • Member since
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  • From: Memphis, TN
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Posted by Packers#1 on Thursday, December 25, 2008 9:13 AM

WCfan

What type of offense do you guys run? We run Flex, which works nice. All the other teams we've played don't run flex, they ran some weird types that don't work well. The funny thing is, is every one knows Wausau West runs Flex, and they pratice stopping a flex cut layup, but we still beat them. the game we played on tuesday, we beat them by 20 points. One guy on the oppsite team put up a shot at our hoop, and made it! We got the points.

 

It's church league basketball. We run an offense that is basically just pass it around until there's an open shot. I think we're going to try to start using another offense though. We only practice once a week, so it's a little difficult to run an offense.

Vincent, thanks for the compliment. Coming from you, that's great, you do a great job w/ your weathering as well Big Smile

Merry Christmas to all! For model railroading (from Santa Wink), I got:

An Atlas Classic Susquehanna RS-1

Walthers Proto N FM C-Liner (this thing weighs a TON, way more than any of my other locos. have yet to see how it runs, my first non-Atlas loco)

Pikestuff single stall engine house

Pikestuff warehouse/office combo

Nu-Line structures wood loading dock

Rix 30' grain bin

Seaboard Orange + SAL Hopper beige

Also got "Comatose Comes Alive" by Skillet.

I got a NICE pocket knife from my siblings. Still waiting to see what my parents got me (have to wait for my grandma to come).

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
  • 2,354 posts
Posted by WCfan on Thursday, December 25, 2008 1:02 AM

Well, now it is offically Christmas. For model railroading, my parents got be an Athearn DMIR SD45T-2 (SD40-3) 419, and a Kato DMIR SD38-2 216. Pictures will come later in the morning.

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