I have three up them (the B&M box, and the 2 conrail hoppers) to par in terms of weight and metal wheels. The 2 NH boxcars are missing their coupler clips so I'm looking at cutting that off and using CA to attach a kadee pocket on them, since I don't have a drill and tap for 2-56 screws. The tank car needs weight and it'll be good to go. All the athearn boxcars need some undershank couplers since the coupler mounting is too low. I'd be done my now if I had a scale.
The amfleets, I don't know what I'm going to do with yet. I'll probably keep the one with the diapragms and add some weight to it; then sell of the others to buy some more with diagpragms. I'm hoping to get a Kato F40PH (since digitrax makes a sound decoder for it) and a few more amfleets and 1 or 2 MTH cars to make a good sized amtrak train. If I do that, it'll probably happen after I get my other projects finished.
I haven't done anything train related lately. I was planning to go to a friend's operating session after work today. But since I called work at 4am to tell them I was sick (upset stomach), I don't think I'll chance going over even though I'm feeling much better already.
Edit, I was borwsing ebay looking for a sound equipped SD24, I did find a few, but they are all UP or ATSF. I did find a non-sound BN one that I'm thinking of getting, since I don't have this number.
I did find this deal though: http://cgi.ebay.com/DDC-Equipped-Locos-ATLAS-CSX-SD-24-LIFE-LIKE-PRR-GP-9_W0QQitemZ220370876547QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item220370876547&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
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.
Well, I've had just about zero time lately, but I got some stuff done. I got more sidewalks done, almost finished up the track plan, and I did a little on my F40 project. The rear platform on the model was squared off, and the pilot was close to the end of the platform. While I was cutting off the rear a few weeks ago, the platform fell off (cut too much). But it worked out. I chopped the pilot off the platform. I sanded the corners of the platform off, so that they would be angled. I glued the pilot back on, closer to the front of where the platform was. I need styrene, paint, decals, LEDs, and couplers for the rest of the project, but that won't be for a while. I might work on it in the summer (I'll be down the shore, which means NO LAYOUT!!! :( so it will give me something to do). Pics for everything will come eventually (hopefully tomorrow!).
I don't know how much I'll be around till Memorial Day. Lacrosse started yesterday, and it's six days a week (we can't have practice on Sundays). School ends at 2:34, practice goes 2:45-5, takes 1/2 hour to get home, eat, do homework, sleep. Not much time, so don't expect to see too much of me around here.
We have the hockey banquet tomorrow morning. The team is going to Mass at 10:45, followed by brunch at noon.
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
That's an SD35, not an SD24.
Alex
Yup...
It has been just way to cold downstairs to do anything on my layout, so I did this instead...
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p1JDjBW8mPUzOEIBug7XGQw&gid=0
TrainManTy Yup... It has been just way to cold downstairs to do anything on my layout, so I did this instead... http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p1JDjBW8mPUzOEIBug7XGQw&gid=0
Cool! For me, it would be a NJT schedule (either M&E or M-B, they're both the same west of Denville), with H02 added on (and maybe occasionally a NS extra). There would also be NJT deadheads. On weekends, there's no service (Transit had kept putting it off), so there would be some NS stuff (not sure if H02 runs, but I've defenitely seen some stuff) and the X-Train(s) (NJT equipment move between Port Morris and the MMC in Kearny.
How much snow did you guys get on Monday? We started with 10". It was mostly gone yesterday; there's nothing left now. It hit 60 today :0 !!!!!
Hey, I'm back from a long sabbatical! The break wasn't my doing, but the musical just started picking up speed recently, so I wasn't able to work on my mrr for a week! I got some stuff done today, mostly the foundation for a bridge I am going to install, and some other assorted scenery.
It hit 70 in Chicago yesterday, and I walked home from school with no coat for the first time in 3 mos. Don't forget to set your clocks.
MadSinger
Sounds like it's been pretty warm everywhere the last couple days. I wore shorts and a tshirt to practice today (had to) and then we went to the mall. I went to Dick's to get a new shaft for my stick. Defense sticks are supposed to be 6 foot, but mine was way shorter (I got it in 4th grade). It was pretty nice being able to wear shorts again. Now only if I could go barefoot...
BTW, I'll be around mostly on Sundays, since we don't have practice or games. Have fun MRRing!
GG, I know. Still is a pretty good deal for 2 DCC equipped engines and a caboose. I've found some deals because people weren't paying attention or didn't know what they were dealing with. Remeber when I got those 6 P2K engines for 80 bucks?
On those 6, I sold 2 NYC GP7s off locally, I sold the Chessie and B&O SW9s on ebay, Tyler got one after a shell swap (was a SAL GP9 III, now an IC GP18).I still have to get rid of the NYC SW9. Actually, I have a bunch of stuff I need to get rid of. (including a pair of B&M boxcars)
Well, my stomach has settled down quite a bit since yesterday. I found out the clock in my room sets itself to DST automatically, which is nice. Today I might make coal loads for 2 conrail hoppers I have.
PackerTyler got one after a shell swap (was a SAL GP9 III, now an IC GP18).
Tyler got one after a shell swap (was a SAL GP9 III, now an IC GP18).
I've only seen one, and since I was standing 100 feet away to take this photo with a zoom lens (I actually cropped in pretty tight) I wasn't able to get a photo of the side with the trucks... Good ol' 487... Now on the Morristown & Erie/Maine Eastern.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1306539
But the ATSF GP30 and PRR GP7 didn't come about from those 6. They came about from shell swapping to get sound-equipped engines.
I came out with a decent haul tonight on ebay. I got another BN SD24, and a UP SD24 with sound. So I'll swap the shells and front lightboards to get a BN SD24 with sound and have a UP SD24 left over. Now what to do with the UP SD24??? (and that NYC SW9 I still have sitting in a box because it didn't sell on ebay.)
Upon browsing ebay, I found a U30C with sound installed by Tony's train exchange. If I get that, it'll have the same fate as the UP SD24. (getting it's sound guts removed and put under BN units, and replaced with non-sound guts)
Well, a UP SD24 would match my UP SDP35 and would..NO! NO MORE LOCOS! STOP DOING THAT! YOU DON'T NEED ANY MORE ENGINES! ...But what about when I replace 1701 once it gets repainted? NO! THAT WON'T BE FOR A LONG TIME! AND YOU PROMISED NO MORE ENGINES! Fine, but what about the SW9? It would.. NO!
...Sorry, that little guy inside my head was acting up again...
I'm taking it the little guy in your head is in bold? How did you know what I was thinking?
Actually, I choose the UP one because my SF friends are still unhappy about my 2 SF GP30s I got that I swapped shells to get BN (tyler has one of the SF GP30s, the other ones shell went to washington to get swapped for a BN shell). I would have perfered getting the SF one, since I won't have to swap sideframes., but it's probably best not get them more riled up by doing the same to an SD24; might not get invited their operating sessions anymore. Now that you mention it, a UP SD24/SDP35 would look pretty good together.
Now if I get that U30C, what to do with that? Guess I could keep it and the SD24 as transfer engines.
I tried selling that SW9 on ebay for 20 bucks, 3 times. I think at that price, it's a steal since it runs and pulls well, and the only thing wrong with it is some glue spots around the all weather windows.
The little guy in my head is telling me to get several SD40-2s and another F45. I need more stuff like GP7/9s and RS3/11s and to finish my GP35, C424s, and SW1500s.
TrainManTyFor those who don't know about FL9s, they have a 4-axle truck on the front and a 6-axle truck on the rear. This was needed to support the duel-mode third rail shoe pickups for operation into Grand Central Terminal.
FL9's were originally designed for long distance passenger service. They were designed with extra frame length, to accomodate a large steam generator and longer fuel tank, and reduce the need to refill fuel tanks and the steam gennies. A specialized 3-axle rear truck was placed under the extended car body, to support the extra weight of the larger steam genny.
New Haven was the ony buyer, and because none of their trains were long distance trains, they used the extra space for duel mode hardware, and mounted third rail shoes on the trucks.
I haven't been able to post pictures of my layout before so this is a test run...
This is of my EMD SD70Mac and U33C's on the east end of the layout.
Cape Vincent Southern Railroad
HO scale Horseshoe Curve in 5’x10’
My YouTube
RailfanS, welcome. Nice BSB U33C and Executive SD70MAC. Are you a BN fan, and is your name Vincent too? I guessed the last part because of you're railroad's name.
Hey railfan S, I remember you form the TAMR forums. great to see some more shots of your layout; how's the ballasting coming?
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Vincent, if you get that U30C, just hold onto that for a minute. I would like one more BN locomotive to go with my BN coal power. Since I bought a SD60M to match with my Oakway SD60, I wouldn't mind another BN locomotive. Although, once the SD60s came that bumped the U30Cs and C30-7s lower but...that U30C would look nice. I was thinking that or a SD40-2.
Tyler, you can never have enough locomotives! That UP SD24 would be nice for switching your yard, or maybe helper service...you can also chop it and rebuild it like the DMIR did with there SD7s and 9s...or be like the WC and keep them original.... Oh, and one more thing, I really think you should make your SDP35 into a L&N/Family Lines rebuilt SDP35. So far I notice a trend with your power paint schemes, and I don't think you quite notice this, but I'll tell you.
You have a Chessie GE unit. Chessie system didn't get made into CSX not to long ago. Your Chessie GE unit wouldn't be out of place if you model the late 80s-early/mid 90s, so that wouldn't need to be repainted. Your CSX GE unit would also not be to far off either. That paint scheme came out in the late 80s-early/mid 90s, I think, that wouldn't need to be repainted. Your Kodachrome GP30 wouldn't be out of place. The SPSF merger happened sometime around the late 80s. But I have seen Kodachrome paint locomotives in 1987-early/mid 90s, so that too wouldn't need to be repainted. Your UP SDP35 is a kicker, but I have a simpleish solution. You could make a few modifications to make it into an L&N/Family Lines SDP35 from the CSX. This would also fit the Late 80s-eraly/mid 90s time period...I think this would be better as the UP SDP35s didn't last long. But I found this photo of a CSX SDP35 in 1991.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=214770&nseq=10
RailfanS, I love the GN U33Cs!
My Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/JR7582 My Flickr Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wcfan/
Jordan, what other BN U30C are you talking about? I only have 1 U30C and 2 U33Cs (not here yet). The U30C I'm looking at is UP, the only reason being it has sound, and I could do a shell swap to get my U30C to have sound.
Speaking of CSX and SD35s, BN got 3 of them rebuilt as SD38Ps. (out of 10, 3 were SLSF SD38-2s, 3 were southern SD35s, 1 was a WM SD35, and 3 were LN SD35s)
Alex: I though the FL9s were designed by EMD at the request of NH, which wanted a duel-mode diesel. But I could be wrong.
Jordan: Every single loco on the roster will be completely repainted, although I'm still looking at having a patched WIN locomotive. Maybe my ex-IC GP10? So I don't really need to worry about paint schemes.
And I could use another loco for helper service (maybe 1701 will get that duty if I get a replacement for it?) but I think I'll hold off for now...
The L stands for Long Distance. FL9's were extended FP9s. The third rail hardware was installed for the New Haven, because New Haven was the only company to purchase them. The New Haven had EMD construct the units with a smaller Steam Generator and used the extra space for the third rail hardware.
I thought the L was since the frame was lengthened... And why would EMD make another long distance unit if they already had the E and F units for that?
Plus, the FL9s are notoriously underpowered. Long distance trains (and New York - Boston on the Merchant's Limited doesn't count!) would STILL be underpowered with two FL9s, but a pair of Es could handle it easily... Not exactly cost effective to have three units on one train if two could do it just as well and cheaper!
The battle of the FL9s...
Packer Jordan, what other BN U30C are you talking about? I only have 1 U30C and 2 U33Cs (not here yet). The U30C I'm looking at is UP, the only reason being it has sound, and I could do a shell swap to get my U30C to have sound.
Oh sorry. I thought that was a non sound U30C was BN.
Tyler, alright. I think that SDP35 would also make a good yard switcher.
Also, if you want some patched WIN locomotives, CNW GP30s, GP35s, and GP9s would work best. Umm GBW Alcos would work too, but in my history the WIN stored them pretty quick. That would be the power I think the WIN would be leasing. In 1993 there roster was mostly small Geeps from the CNW, and 3 SD40s. Around 1995 the WIN got SD45s, but they'd be using them on a regular basis and I don't think they'd want to be leasing them. In 2000 the WIN started buying SD40-2s. But pretty much anything will work; I can fit it in some how.
Oh, and one more note on the WIN. I think I'm going to replace the tunnel motors and SD45-2s I have painted, with SD40-2s. I'll just rule them out of the history as it'd be more plausible.
An SDP35 yard switcher? Well, I can see an SD38-2 (although Robby would kill me for saying that!) on a larger railroad, but on a small (75 miles total, on only one line!) shortline it would be way overkill. Any SD unit above the 26 series could handle almost any train on the railroad by itself (but all trains except for the local and yard job run with two locos) so a yard job would be a waste of money.
The yard only handles local traffic coming off the through trains to put on the locals; 7 or 8 cars max. I'm currently using an early Geep (a downgraded GP9m) to switch the yard with no trouble. I don't think I need an SDP35... And that long hood is a killer, it would be hard to see around, plus it would be incredibly ugly running long hood first with the squared back for the steam generator.
Sorry, don't have any CNW units to patch either...or GB&W Alcos for that matter. Although, I... DON'T EVEN START THINKING ABOUT BUYING MORE LOCOS!
He's back...
Packers#1Hey railfan S, I remember you form the TAMR forums. great to see some more shots of your layout; how's the ballasting coming?
Packer RailfanS, welcome. Nice BSB U33C and Executive SD70MAC. Are you a BN fan, and is your name Vincent too? I guessed the last part because of you're railroad's name.
Thanks for the welcome. Nice to see a familiar name Packers#1. Not too much has happened since the TAMR site went down. Progress has slowed do to a supply shortage and a turntable that is difficult to assemble. I decided not to ballast anymore track until I cover the area with groundfoam up to the roadbed (so I don't have to reballast after I put down the foam). Once again getting to the nearest hobby shop isn't easy so I am still trying to get ground foam (this looks like a job for eBay!). Also the large turntable is giving me some difficulty because of unclear instructions that don't work the way they are suppose to on the model. As for the locomotives in the pictures I'm never too picky when it comes to roadnames. Usually I purchase a locomotive because of price or the model (I don't really like the UP, but when I found a great deal on an SD90/43MAC I bought it). However the BN SD70 was different. After seeing it at 3 shows in 2 years I paid almost full price for it the 4th time I saw it. I was very impressed with the BN Executive paint scheme. The reason I buy any roadname and it doesn’t matter is that as part of my freelance railroads' story the CVS (Cape Vincent Southern) just purchases locomotives other lines don't want and doesn’t repaint them to save money (this might sound familiar to some of you because I explained this at the TAMR forum too). As for the name Cape Vincent is my home town. My name is Jamie. Previously (3-4 years ago) the railroad, minus the layout, was named after me and I decided I didn't like it. Next week I will be posting pictures of our youth clubs’ trip to the local Model RR club in Watertown NY. This is awesome because if we bring our own locomotives and cars then we get to run them on the clubs modular layout (which is a little bigger than mine). Well that's all for now, check out the new storage shelf I put up at the end of the room opposite the layout, I'll post layout progress somewhere here for now until the TAMR site is back up...
RailfanSPackers#1Hey railfan S, I remember you form the TAMR forums. great to see some more shots of your layout; how's the ballasting coming?Thanks for the welcome. Nice to see a familiar name Packers#1. Not too much has happened since the TAMR site went down.
Yeah, we've got an interim site going, but no forum on it. I'll pm you a link here.
as to your layout, dern, you've been busy! looks good.
Its a Lengthened FP9. New Haven didn't need the extra Steam Generator Capacity because its runs were not long enough to justify it, thus they put 3rd rail hardware in its place. Why would one need another axle just to support 3rd rail equipment? EMD designed it as a long distance loco, however New Haven, being the only buyer, had them place 3rd rail hardware in it.
RailfanS: Looks like a really neat layout! Hope you continue to post photos and updates on it!
Alex: Having whetted my appetite for a spirited debate, I conceed defeat... Wikipedia seems to side with you, mentioning the larger steam generator as the main reason for the extra axle, but then reffering to the 3rd rail equipment in the next sentence. You win...this time...
Well, I found a few minutes, so I'll stop in quickly.
Welcome Jaime! Nice layout.
I hate when other people mess things up for me. I found a F40 on eBay for $15, so I placed a bid for 20.09. I asked my mom if I had gotten outbid, and she said that the highest bid was $35, which is too high (there's an add in MR for one for 30 at Trainworld). I just checked- it was only $21- which means I only got outbid by 81 cents. Darnit!
Absolutely no time for anything the last couple days. I was GOING to take the pictures of new stuff the other day, BUT the battery in the camera was dead, and I couldn't find the charger... Soon, I promise. :(
Lax is going well. On thursday, we get out at 1:05, so we're either going to have a double practice, or just one longer one. But I won't be there because I have Confirmation. HAHAHA! We have a scrimmage on Saturday, so chances of going to the train show in Edison are not looking good (still waiting to go for 10 YEARS!!!). :*[
Well, I'll try to be back soon; maybe on the weekend till then.
Joe, that sucks to get outbid by less than a buck.
I took my CB&Q SD24 to the club last night and gave it it's break in run. I runs fine, but has a tendency to lose power alot; even on straight track. Everyone else who had an SD24 never had this problem. I took apart the front truck and found that the area where the axles contact the pick-up strip are dirty and has been painted black. When I get back home, I'll get rid of the paint in that area see if that helps.
It also takes off at full speed on it's own too. I found that one out the hard way when it T-boned a B&M freight (waits for alex to say something, lol). I don't know what's causing that, but I doubt it's the decoder I put in it, since I put in a TCS A4X. Maybe it has something to do with it losing power, since it always happens a little bit after loosing power.
Tyler, I recall you saying you're SDP35 has some sort of bug. Was it stalling out all over the place and running away like my SD24 is? If so, it might be the same problem, since they use the same trucks and other components.
PackerJoe, that sucks to get outbid by less than a buck.
I love when things get misexplained and they turn out to be better than I originally thought! Apparently, when my mom told me this, she only knew about one of them. So I ended up winning the second one! I made a huge mistake on the first rebuild (DON'T ASK!!!), so I'll start over with the new one. The old one will become a parts unit. I'll chop up the grilles from the old one because the F40PH-2CAT has an extra set on the lengthened hood. The old one runs fine, so maybe I could find a shell to fit on the frame.
Vincent: Hope that helps. My guess is that you're right about the contact, but maybe check to make sure that the decoder is installed properly (I doubt it).
Tyler: I know that Maine Eastern has recently been sending its FL9s down here to Morristown for a rebuild/overhaul/whatever. Here's a few shots from a few days ago of them on H74 in Phillipsburg. They would have probably have been put on H02 at Washington (NJ) and then brought to the Morristown & Erie shops in Motown. Photos thanks to Rick Glosser. http://rrpicturearchives.net/archivethumbs.aspx?id=41320 (I found this album by accident)
I woke up this morning and felt like I was going to pass out, so I stayed home (but I didn't do anything on the layout). I have a feeling that I'll have to stay home again tomorrow, so maybe I can find something to do.