QUOTE: For those who have not scratch built but would like to try your hand at it, just keep in mind the scale you're doing. For instance HO is 1:87 meaning that if the prototype is 87 feet long then the model would be one foot long. A 50' boxcar would be 0.5747126 feet or 6.8965512 inches (about 6-7/8") in length. Take 1 divided by 87 which gives you one scale foot. (0.0114942). Then multiple that by the length of the boxcar, 50', which gives you 0.5747126 scale feet. To get inches from feet multiply the scale feet by 12. In this instance 0.5747126 times 12 equals 6.8965512. The decimal equates close to 7/8". Here's a great site for conversions. http://www.onlineconversion.com/ Now lets convert a photo. You know that a 50' boxcar model is 6-7/8". When you measure the boxcar in the photo it is only, for simplicity, 3-7/16" then you know that the boxcar in the photo is half the size of the model you want to build. Therefore all measurements from the photo need to be doubled (multiplied by 2). If the photo measurement, lets say, is 2.29884 (close to 2-19/64) then the boxcar in the photo is only 1/3 the size and all measurements must be multiplied by 3 to get the correct size for your model. I use a "cheap" digital caliper (mine cost less than $20) to measure photos. This gives you decimal numbers for greater accuracy. Then convert to fractions only if needed. I hope this has been a help. It may sound difficult at first but after you convert a couple measurements you'll see how easy it is.
Larry
http://www.youtube.com/user/ClinchValleySD40
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52481330@N05/
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/page/1/ppuser/8745/sl/c
Ray Breyer
Modeling the NKP's Peoria Division, circa 1943
QUOTE: Originally posted by Grayhound Challenger Also at this time, I would like to announce that I will be offering unlimited technicle and how to assistance to anyone feeling they need it.
QUOTE: Originally posted by dougal I'll make an CR/NS MT6 slug set.
QUOTE: Originally posted by Dough QUOTE: Originally posted by dougal I'll make an CR/NS MT6 slug set. Seriously, if you need any info or pics, there is one just laying around about 30 min from me.
QUOTE: Originally posted by Dough It is a from a series of slugs made from chopped down Alco RS11, RS12, and RS15s. MT6 is Motor Trailor six wheel. There are also some RS4s which I believe were made from RS11's. I am pretty sure that it was EMD who did the conversions as they added bloomberg trucks. Conrail had them made and then CSX and NS split them. I believe that most have been retired by now. I was lucky enough to see one operating at CSX's Frontier Yard a while back, and just recently a local shortline purchased one of an MT4 number 1005 from CSX's surplus auction. I am not sure why they wanted it however. My best guess is parts, although other than the trucks I don't know what else would work for their Geeps. Their is a site somewhere that talks about them and has pics. I'll see if I can find it. Here it is click on the side bar to learn more: http://crcyc.railfan.net/locos/misc/slug/slug.html HTH
QUOTE: Originally posted by Ray Marinaccio Dougal Just in case you didn't know. You can find scale drawings of the MT6 in the March 1992 RMC Page 67. I've been thinking of bashing an SD38 and MT6 but haven't come across the necessary parts yet.