WPF...July 3-6, 2008

[jeffrey-wimberly]

[loathar]

A couple of guys talking things over near the new turntable..

Maybe those 2 guys are talking about who stole the lower head light from their E unit?

[jep1267]

and I had to perform a C section today, both parent and little one are doing fine..

JaRRell

Must have gotten most of his genes from dads side of the family

[dragenrider]

and I had to perform a C section today, both parent and little one are doing fine..

JaRRell

Must have gotten most of his genes from dads side of the family

 

So this must be another example of mixed genes?

This is an Alco rebuilt by EMD.  It's one of the regular engines used on the Midland Railroad, a tourist/museum operation in Baldwin City, Kansas.

[lvanhen]

David - I got seasick enough the first time around - did you have to copy ALL the pics again?

[selector]

I am enjoying the thread, everyone.  It is a pleasure to see all the developments, the newer posters, and the nice mix of themes, ability, and overall imagery.  For those of you whose photos are a bit jittery, or fuzzy, you might try placing the camera on a tripod or on a table atop a small bean bag and using the shutter timer.  I often take images with the camera resting on the tracks, on a small block of wood or scrap foam, and if I need to get it angled, I'll use bits of cardboard or scale lumber.  I have even used an old floppy disk to get the right angle, with one edge shoved under the camera's rear, front, or side.  It works to steady the shot.

I am amazed at the really good models and layouts.  Thanks to all posters who continue to make this a welcome thread for me to look forward to each weekend.

Here is a recent image, a whimsical one, and an alternate to one I entered in a photo of the month contest on another forum.  It should speak for itself.  I have titled it, "Don't look back!"  I would like to acknowledge Jacon12's masterful hand in sharpening it for me and adding a nice frame.

[G Paine]

For the Bicentential, B&M repainted one locomotive in a bicentential color scheme and renumbered it 1776. They also painted a number of others in a simplified scheme. A few years later, GP7 B&M 1715 has seen a lot of use, and is in the middle of a consist behind GP40-2 B&M 300.

I painted, detailed, decalled and weathered these undecorated HO Athern blue box locomotives based on photos in some of my books. The scene at Greenvale Junction is still in progress, and needs additional details like crossbucks at the crossing, parking meters and other stuff.

[twhite]

I just found out that my Photoshop editing allows you to turn a color photo into a B&W one--DUH! 

Anyway, here's the same shot of Bassett's Station near the top of Yuba Pass, only in B&W.

 

I kind of like B&W.  I think I'll do some more.

Tom

[wedudler]

I'm busy with my structure project.

 Wolfgang

[jon grant]

I've been dabbling with some before-and-after photos of Sweethome Chicago to show the differences made over the past couple of months. Here's a selection

Before

 

After

Before

 

After

 

Jon

[tomkat-13]

You can click on image to enlarge & then you can print the signs.

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Nice work everybody!

Tomkat-13 ... that was a good idea to post the signs

Here's an Eastbound train....

[wm3798]

During the 1960's, WM had a program that rebuilt 55ton fishbellies into 66 ton cars at their shops at Elkins.  Basically, they added two panels to lengthen the car, and modified the slope sheets. It was still a two bay car. I'm working out the details of how to more accurately represent that.

There were several classes based on the rebuild dates, H-21, H-24, H-27 and H-28. Info and pictures are available in the WM Color Guide by Jack Brown. The cars lasted well into the Chessie era, including many in Chessie paint.

I recently received a bunch of surplus N scale Atlas 55t hoppers, so I started working out how to modify the cars to get a car (or 12!) to represent the rebuilt series WM cars.  It takes 3 of the stock Atlas cars to build two of the 66 tonners.

Here's the more or less finished product...

I completed the second car today, and it's a lot better than the first. I also moved the hopper bays on both of them.

The decaling is a little neater this time, but I'm still getting something of a "fat film" effect in the close ups. The car looks fine under normal viewing conditions.

Here's the end markings.

I laid out the artwork on my computer, and farmed out the decal printing to a guy with an Alps printer. I've got enough lettering to do 16 cars, but my immediate goal is to do 12.

Once again, a touch of weathering will help even things out a bit. But overall, I'm really happy with the outcome of this project. Just need to build 10 more!

Lee

[loathar]

Jon-I love that cross over track work next to the two white tank cars in your last pic! I assume that's custom hand laid??

tomkat-13-Thanks a bunch for the signs!

[jon grant]

Jon-I love that cross over track work next to the two white tank cars in your last pic! I assume that's custom hand laid??

Loathar, I wish I had the skill and patience to build it myself, but it is actually a Peco code 75 double slip, and there is an identical 'twin'

(photo taken a month ago, hence the lack of scenery)

Jon

[myowngod]

Yeh Tomkat, Thanks for the signs.  I put themin my sign file right away.

Jon, those chicago pix look great.  I love some of the details you added to the buildings.

Lee, the hoppers look great.

 

[mj3200]

Kadee close coupling Proto 2000 E8 conversion.

I'm delighted with the results!!

Before....

After...

 

[jep1267]

I'm busy with my structure project.

 Wolfgang

I don't think I'm alone when I say, I want to see more shots of your interior work....very nice! 

edit: Doh! what a dope I am I just noticed the link. Thanks! 

 

 

[Phoebe Vet]

I just found out that my Photoshop editing allows you to turn a color photo into a B&W one--DUH! 

Anyway, here's the same shot of Bassett's Station near the top of Yuba Pass, only in B&W.

 

I kind of like B&W.  I think I'll do some more.

Tom

 

If you look on the "actions" pallet you will find an action that will convert it to sepia tone, too.

It is not a requirement that you make it B&W first.

[C&O Fan]

I just found out that my Photoshop editing allows you to turn a color photo into a B&W one--DUH! 

Anyway, here's the same shot of Bassett's Station near the top of Yuba Pass, only in B&W.

 

I kind of like B&W.  I think I'll do some more.

Tom

 

Looking really good Tom

Although it looks like you have some tree repair work to do looks like a few got topped with all the rock work going on

[C&O Fan]

First attempt at weathering with my new air brush

Car on the left {Southern} was done with a very heavy coat of dust

car in the middle was medium ,car on the right light and the car on top has none

I think they need an over coat of mud because it looks like too much white

 

 

Also attempted to paint a couple of heavy weight passenger cars

[twhite]

Tom

 

Looking really good Tom

Although it looks like you have some tree repair work to do looks like a few got topped with all the rock work going on

Terry--

You're right, I DID lose some top branches, didn't I? 

Uh, how about I blame it on HO scale Pine Beetles?

BTW, nice work with the air-brush.  I envy you, I have NEVER gotten the hang of using one of those thingies. 

Tom

[tomkat-13]

Here are some more signs + 2 background buildings. You can click on image to enlarge & then print the signs.

 

 

 

Here are some billboards I started.

[P & LE RR]

 Got around to installing my scratch built plastic pellet silos this weekend.

 

[4-6-6-4 Challenger]

These were partially lit with the new and partially light with the old 2700k.

What great shots howmus.  I love that coaling tower

[Grampys Trains]

Hi all: Just got back from a week in Canada, no internet up North.  Here's a pair of Alcos crossing the chasm.     

[twhite]

Grampys--

That's just BEAUTIFUL!!!   As a Bonafide Bridge Freak, how did you build that viaduct?  That's one handsome structure!

Tom

[Blue Flamer]

Hi all: Just got back from a week in Canada, no internet up North. 

Grampy.

I just love to see pictures of your Layout. Very well done.

As for your remark about there being no Internet up here in the Great White North, I must take exception. Unless you were way out in the Boonies, most people up here can get on the internet. Some places out in the country can't get Hi Speed because of the old phone lines, but if they have a phone line, they can get Dial Up. I live in Toronto and I have Hi Speed. The only problem is that Ma Bell rips us off to the tune of $50.00 a month + taxes for the priviledge.

Thanks to all who contributed all the great photo's this weekend. Well done everyone.

Blue Flamer. 

[Grampys Trains]

Hi Tom: Thanks, the viaduct was from Micro Engineering, and the deck bridge was from ME, as well. It seemed like the viaduct had a million small pieces, but with time and patience,and pretty good instructions, it eventually came together.

[Grampys Trains]

Hi Blue Flamer: Thanks for the kind words.  We were in the Sharbot Lake area of Ontario. Our friends from St. Catherines have a trailer on a lake that begins with a K. They do have a telephone, but it's a land line. There is no cell phone reception there. I suppose they could get dial up there, but it's nice to get away from all the contraptions. Besides, we were too busy fishing to use the net, pun intended! BTW, a belated happy Canada Day, we celebrated with our Canadian friends.