The Coffee Shop (a place to chat) Est. 2004

[egmurphy]

QUOTE: Teffy: When you were talking about having some demi kits - what is a guy in Corpus Cristie going to do with snow blowers? Their's not that much temp differance between you and him.

I'll be darned if I know. He said they were constructing some display for a museum layout. Maybe an exhibit to show Texas kids what snow looks like........ [:D]


It's cooler here, but still not cold. When we went for our usual morning constitutional and walk with the dogs, Fran put on slacks and a (thin) fleece jacket. I wore my usual shorts and T shirt, but at least I perspired less than usual.


Man you guys were talkative last night. I logged out to watch Monday Night Football and you added another page of posts. I'll catch up later this morning. Gotta run and refill the coffee pot. Whoever did the last pot shorted on the grounds and the coffee seemed more like tea...... hhhmmmmm You weren't messing with the Coffee Shop pot'o'coffee, were you Tef??? Next one will be good. I'm using coffee from the mountain region here in Veracruz state. And I'll put in an extra spoonful just for the pot.


Hasta luego,

Ed

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TEFFY

Is it GLOWTOWN or GLOETOWN? In your last post it was Glowtown and on your webb site it's Gloetown. Sounds like a nice little town is about to BURST into prosperity with the comming of the G & L railroad. How much freight will the laundry business generate?

[oops] That darn keyboard!!!!! It is Gloetown. Named after my wife Gloria, Gloe for short. She's also the town mayor, the CEO, CFO and XO... She has more titles than I have on my letterhead!!!!!!
I don't know how much freight will be generated by the laundry business but Mr Wun Tun wants to "clean up"!!!!!!!!!!! [(-D][(-D][(-D]

[pedromorgan]

hi folks i'm back (which means i am back at work with nothing to do!)

i did compleatly ruin my first resin mould. i didnt use anything like enough release agent and the 2 halfs stuck together seamlessly. i am not put off though and i will try again but the christmas budget wont hold and it will have to wait untill my january pay packet. the bits of the mould that had released were of excellant quality and had no air bubbles which i am very pleased about. the detail was astonishing. it even showed up the printed livery on the side (i thought i would be able to get away with not stripping it.)
soo although it wass a total loss i have learnt tons from it.. i now have a list of things to kit bash and moould and copy!

Mk3 coaches TGS,FO,buffet
eurostar coaches FO and buffet
seacow wagons....... the possibilities are endless!

peter

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RDLkrbyvllRR


phil: I have a undecorated Athearn GP38-2 I would like to paint. I unfortunately don't have an airbrush, or air compressor. Painting with a paintbrush is something I've thought about. There is an airbru***hey sell at Wal-Mart for less than 20 dollars, I've thought about buying. It is, I believe, made by Testors. [?][?]One question though, how many cans of air would it take to paint the loco? Or does anyone have an air compressor I could borrow? Or, paint it for me. I also, want do super-detail it. Any takers?[:D]

You can paint several locos (5-6) depending on the amount of painting you do to them with one large can. I use one of the Testors airbrushes myself, purchased at Walmart in fact.

[pedromorgan]

i would strongly advise againte going along the air can route. it is not only the capacity of the compressor that is not suffecient but you will also get icing on the can and condensation in the tubes that will result in moisture and spattering in the finish and will ruin it. people who say they are happy with the finish from air cans are usually the same ones that havent tried using a compressor and dont know how buch better it is. you can bick up a compressor very cheaply. or a tire inflator from a hardware store and make a resevoir for it.

other word of wisdom is this.... the key to paint is this.....PREPERATION. before painting wa***he item in the strongest substance the item can handle. if is is metal them i use a powerfull solvent cleaner. if it is plastic then paint thinners will do the job. dont use washing up liquid or soapey water as this always leaves a slightly greasey surface. if you are going to use solvents on plastics then test the substance on a small area first to make sure it is safe to proceed. and also be patient. leave it for a full 24 houres before putting on the next coat.

Peter

[dharmon]

If you can afford to buy a compressor do so. And yes, there are issues with using a can sometimes.....however...and having used a compressor before...I kind of find the generality insulting.....

these were done with el cheapo air brusho and can o' air....


and can o' air


oh, and can o' air


Generally, I have been satisified with using can o' air......

[pedromorgan]

sorry no offence was intended, however apart from portability, can you think of an advantage of using an can of air? and i did say USUALLY the ones tha havnt tried using a compressor. i used a can of air to do a job and found it only gave me enough air to do 2 sides of a carridge.
the point i was trying to get across in my other post was that the purchase of a compressof was a purchase that would not be regretted.

once again i apologise if i caused any offence.

Peter

[dharmon]

I apologize if I came back heavy handed. I agree that if you can afford a dedicated compressor or can acquire the proper adapters to use a shop compressor, it is worth it. My experience has been generally favorable with cans, and the problems I have have were almost exclusively caused by my own error..not preparing the surface, using old paint, painting on a way too humid or cold day, or trying to use a can at the end of its life. I have also found that regardless of propellant, some of the water based paints will bead, and must be applied in multiple extremely thin coats. As a rule, I can get 5-6 good locos or cars out of a can. Towards the end of the can's life, I only use it to apply dullcoat or weathering, not primary colors. For a beginner, though until they got comfortable with an airbrush, I'd recommend (based on my experiences) getting a basic $20 Testors set and a can of air from Walmart to start with. Later on, if the skill or desire to upgrade increases, then go with a compressor first, then a more expensive airbrush with more features.

[pedromorgan]

i'l go along with that.

i am yet to try weathering with an airbrush. i tend to model a "mini utopia" rather than a miniture real-world! is that what you use the water based paints for?

Peter

p.s. i just noticed i got a star...yipeeeeee

[egmurphy]

Christmas came early. My monthly package of mail from the other side arrived today... finally. Among other odds and ends it had...

Model Railroader Mag (Dec)
Trains Mag (Dec)
Classic Trains Mag (Winter)
Classic Trains Special Issue - Streamliner pioneers
Railroad Model Craftsman (Dec)
N Scale (Nov-Dec)

Happy...happy...happy...

Regards

Ed

[Noah Hofrichter]

Phil, yep it's digital, forgot to mention that.

Robert, Try here for scale drawings of locomotives, and then you can paint them and add logos in Paint. Really very handy. The link is: http://www.trainiax.0catch.com/mescaleloco.htm

Dharmon, nice to know the Testors Airbrush works, I've been considering getting one myself.

Well, I got alot of home work, so see you!

Noah

[Anonymous]

Noah & jhhtrainsplains: Thanks for the links. I will go and see if their what I'm looking for.

pedromorgan & dharmon: Thanks for the info on the airbrush and can o' air. I want to out with the Testors brush. Then, upgrade to a more expensive one, with better features. I also plan to buy an air compressor when I get more experience. As for paint, I was planning on using water based. What would you all recommend. For, I've never painted a loco or car before.

dharmon: Those are some real nice photos.[tup]

Well, guys, I've got my christmas present today, (Tue. Dec. 14). It is a 2002 Ford Taurus. We traded the car we had for this one. I'm now cruising in style.[:D]

TTFN, Robert

[Anonymous]

Well I have, for the most part, my cov. hopper kit done, all it needs now is some work on the roofwalk, gluing the roof on, metal wheelsets, and paint.

Today was the coldest day this winter in Illinois, we're only at about 25 degrees right now. With a little luck, I might get to go rabbit or squirrel hunting this weekend.[:)]

Not much else going on today. This week is going very slow for me, although those weeks right before Christmas usually do...[;)]

Christopher

[tomwatkins]

Good evening Everybody,

Today was a beautiful day in the mountains. We got our first real snow this morning. it wasn't enough to get Noah in trouble, just enough to be really pretty.It probably lasted about two hours and then it started clearing up and the temperature started down. we're supposed to get down to about 12 or 13 tonight. I think it's wintertime in the mountains.

Shawna is home from school. All done with this semester. We're are all really enjoying her being home, and really glad that this semester is over.

I actually got started on the scenery today. Naturally i'm going to start with the most complex section. I started building the structure for the Hiwassee River this afternoon. The river bed is going to be a piece of 1/4" plywood with foam used for the riverbanks and surrounding terrain. I've also got to build a removeable access hatch adjacent to the river bank in case I need to get to the tracks at the rear of this area. I've never had a problem in this area, but if I don't have a way to get to them easily, I will. After all, the town is named "Murphy".

Teffy, being left handed, my left handed monkey wrench is one of my most used tools.
I keep it on the pegboard right next to my skyhook. Sometimes I hang it from my skyhook. That's a good tip on using the "N scale " mode on the Digitrax systems. It will definitely increase the life span of the lights.

Chris, a belated congrats on 1K. I'm glad you're feeling better. Stomach flu is no fun.

Luct, I'm glad you and your son had a good time and got the benchwork section done. That's really cool.

Der, that sounds like a good plan for the yard. Keep us posted on your progress. I've gotten good results using thin cardstock (poster board) for spray shields.

Paul, It's not just a hole in the ground, It's a Large Smoking Hole in the ground.

Robert, the steel wool does work really well. It's also good for keeping squirrels out of the attic. They'd better have a good dental plan. Congrats on the new ride. Enjoy.

I'd better go for now.
Have a great evening everybody,
Tom

[der5997]

Robert:

QUOTE: pedromorgan & dharmon: Thanks for the info on the airbrush and can o' air. I want to out with the Testors brush. Then, upgrade to a more expensive one, with better features. I also plan to buy an air compressor when I get more experience. As for paint, I was planning on using water based. What would you all recommend. For, I've never painted a loco or car before.

I've had real success with water based acrylics. I find that, of the brands in the LHS, Tamiya is pretty good, but wildly expensive in Canada, especially as they have stopped making a reasonably sized jar, and gone to tiny ones for the same , or about the same, money. [xx(][V][censored][soapbox] I haven't tried many other LHS stocked brands, and they tend to carry a higher price tag than I find amusing. So, what's a body to do?

Dollar, store craft section, "Deco Art" or similar 2 oz bottles of just about any colour your heart could desire, or the makings for same. Now, the "Price" you pay for this frugality is the inconvenience of mixing and diluting down, and experimenting to find the right dilution and spray pressure that does the job.
Hear dharmon now, and believe him later

QUOTE: some of the water based paints will bead, and must be applied in multiple extremely thin coats.

The thin coats thing is key, especially if you like the neat details that came to light when you stripped the paint off the car you are now going to paint in your scheme[:D]
So why bother? For me it's ease of clean up, and the absence of toxic fumes. You still have the air borne particle issue, so a paint booth is nice, or outdoors, which seems to be the prefered method of the warmer climed amongst us here in the Coffee Shop. My booth I built myself, runs off a battery charger through a car battery, and has a car blower set on suck (think DC, and switch the + to - )ported to a drier vent to outdoors.
(The On/Off switch BTW is a knife switch from a RR Telegraph system in B.C.)
In any case, wear a mask unless you like having your lungs bunged up.
Practice on scrap bits and pieces until your technique is as you like it. (Another advantage of cheap paints!)
I think that my first brush may have been the Testors $20 brush. (Light Blue body and cap?) One of the upgrades I made very early on was to get a little wire mesh filter that fits over the feed tube in the supply bottle. The brush upgrade I made was to one with a small reservoir , a paint cup I think it's called. I like that because you don't have to have a large amount of paint made up, and can change colours quickly.

BTW dharmon, great looking paint jobs [tup]

Carved some ballast profiles into the foam of the main down to the yard, and a bit of general terrain carving last night. Started on the paint and a***hing today. It's drying now, and maybe tomorrow will see the ballast between the rails applied and glued.
Here's the start.

and here's the whole lower yard "de-iced"!

The carved ballast along the main still shows as blue because the mailine ballast has to be put on yet.
It will be interesting to see how much of the ash has stuck to the paint when I come to vacuum it up at the end of this process. (After the inside-the - rails ballast has dried.)

Who knows, if this works, I may get all entheusiastic and start "de-icing" other parts of the layout.[(-D]

[Paul W. Beverung]

I made it to the basement last night. After setting a live trap I did some what ifing on the layout. I think that I've come up with an idea that will fix up the old layout with out tearing it down and starting over. One ofthe things I'll have to pick up is a double cross over, Code 100 type. I'll still be adding some new trackage in Code 70. I'll be moving the ore dock out of the middle of the layout to the out side. That's one of the musts. I'd like to raise the entire layout about 6 inches if I can figure out a way to do it with out damaging it. Anyway last night was productive and I'm happy. Now if I could only retire and have more time to play.

Der; The yard really looks good. What are you using for ground cover again? I never thought about using craft store paints. I'll have to give them a try.

Yea. Large smoking hole, and with just one rocket. I did that to an old M113 APC at a fire power demo at Ft Rucker once. Only it took me a full load of 76 2.75" FFARs. Still, IT WAS FUN.

I've got to go down to the basement and check the trap and maybe do some more ifing. So I'll say Good Night and Good News.

Paul

the Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

[PennsyHoosier]

On the compressor vs. air vs. tire--I've used them all. Canned air will run you into the poor house eventually. Save up and buy a decent little compressor. You'll be glad you did.

Along these lines, I used my (new) airbrush and (old) compressor to paint some stencils in the kitchen for my wife. She is now convinced that I need a NEW compressor. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Hey y'all just had to make my nightly drop in

Looks like we've got quite a debate going on in here[soapbox]!!! Good reading though, I'm looking in to an airbrush myself (Santa, Hope you're watching[:D]). I believe I'll go with a compressor, since I've already in the farm shop (actually about 3). I am still undecided on the kind of brush I'll get, depends on who is buying, me or dad.

Ed: looks like you hit the jackpot!!! Have you got those donuts I passed your way yet?

Der: nice idea on cheap paint. I figure I'll have a lot of practicing to do before I jump in on that loco.

Gotta put the dogs out, so I'll see y'all later
Greg

[tomwatkins]

Good Mornin' Everybody,
It's going to be a beautiful day in the mountains today. It's very cold. The thermometer is sitting on 10 degrees (F). But there's not a cloud to be seen anywhere and the sunshine is beautiful. We'll probably get up to the mid to high 30's this afternoon. I've got some errands and odds and ends to knock out this morning, and then it's off to the basement to work on the river.

Der, the yard is looking good. Let us know how you like using the ashes. Sounds like a really good idea.

Paul, I seem to remember an article in MR a number of years ago about raising a layout. I'll be glad to try to track it down if you'd like.

Better go fo now. The sooner I get the other stuff done, the sooner the fun starts.

Have a great day everybody,
Tom

[Anonymous]

Good Morning All:

We got below 32 last night, I can't remember when it was that cold in December.

I was worried that maybe we were going to have two guys involved in fistacuffs. Everyone has an opinion.

When you are rady to buy your first air compressor and don't have a lot of money, GO TO THE PAWN SHOP. They have lots of them and they are CHEAP.

I agree with Peter and Lawrence that the cans will kill you finanically.

I use a lot of Krylon paint from Wal-Mart. If you soak it in hot water, (from the sink and not the stove, after all you don't want the can to explode) it will make the paint thinner and not cover up so much detail. Their flat black is way cheaper then any place else and it looks good on the ties, ballast, and buildings. I don't think that I'm going to paint a loco with it but just about everything else gets it.

I put in a temp track last night and now my mainline is finished. I called eight different shops and have yet to find a code 83 32/36 LH curved turnout. Even Walthers is out of them. It sure was nice to run the trains around the room like they are supposed to. Sat I get to wire it all in with permanent wire instead of the jumper wires. Next, I get to start on the branch line, but I'm sure that the train running will get in the way. After all one needs to keep testing the track to be sure that it is still working.

I was supprised to find out that the BLI 4-8-4 is a stronger puller then the Proto 2-8-8-2.

Ed:
Dan Rather (the pompas a**, according to my mother) chided San Antonio one time about not having a snow plow when they got 3" of snow. If their was a snow plow in SA it would be in a museum and they wouldn't know what to do with it. He should have known better as he is from a small town just south of SA.

John:
The progress on your layout is astounding. I wi***hat I could come see it again. You need to think about a book like Lou Sassi wrote about building a layout. You've taken a lot of ideas from a lot of different sources and put them into one layout. It would be a good book to read.

I've got to get to work (darn)

Ya'll have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pedromorgan


i am yet to try weathering with an airbrush. i tend to model a "mini utopia" rather than a miniture real-world! is that what you use the water based paints for?

p.s. i just noticed i got a star...yipeeeeee

Congrats on the star.....Actually, I use water based paints almost exclusively now. Much easier to keep the airbrush clean...which in my opinion, has much more impact on a good paint job than the air source. Clean nozzles both air and paint are key to a good clean flow. Easier to clean up any mess, and easy to quickly take care of a mistake with soap and water if you act fast. Other than clean up, the lack of fumes is nice too. I use Poly Scale and Modelflex (whatever they are called this week) primarily. Also, although I understand the Floquil no longer has plastic senstivity issues, I'm still wary of using it..without undercoating and so between that, clean up and the availability of colors in water based, why bother?

QUOTE: Originally posted by RDLkrbyvllRR


pedromorgan & dharmon: Thanks for the info on the airbrush and can o' air. I want to out with the Testors brush. Then, upgrade to a more expensive one, with better features. I also plan to buy an air compressor when I get more experience. As for paint, I was planning on using water based. What would you all recommend. For, I've never painted a loco or car before.

Sounds like a plan. As mentioned by Teffy and PennyHoosier, if you use alot of cans, you'll end up paying for a compressor. My plan is to eventually get the right adapters for my shop compressor. As for paints, as mentioned above, I use water based primarily. The plastic must be cleaned and free of oil, a good washing in the sink with Dawn will do and thoroughly dry it. Thin coats are key. Don't rush it. Thin coat..just about as little as the airbrush will allow, let it dry a bit, another coat, dry and so on. Try not to paint in high humidity or where it's cool...warmer and drier the better. Use new paint for airbrushing. After water based paint has been open for 6 months or so, I use that bottle for brushing only. No matter how well I mix it up, it seems to still start globbing. which will cause a poor paint job and clog the nozzle. I also drop a BB in the paint bottle after I open it to help mix it as I shake the bottle. If you find you've put it on too thick...immediately go to the sink and wa***he paint off with warm water and soap. And the final piece of advice would be to find an old Tyco or Bachmann boxcar shell and practice your technique on it first. Practice painting, weathering whatever, on a hulk first, and you'll be much happier later on.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Noah Hofrichter


Dharmon, nice to know the Testors Airbrush works, I've been considering getting one myself.

I would recommend the Testors at least until you get comfortable with an airbrush. My first one was a basic Badger, and I ended up using it for 15 years. Then I tried a much more complex Badger for awhile, then went back to a simple Testors.

Thanks for the compliments folks. 'ppreciate the kind words.

Dan

[n2mopac]

I know y'all on this forum like to celebrate such things, so I thought I'd give you the honor of being the recipient of my 500th post, making me an official 3 star member.
[yeah] [wow] [tup]
[:D] [8D]
And it only took me 4 years to do it. That means I can reach 5 stars in just 12 more short years. [banghead]

Ron


[tup]

[Anonymous]

'noon, all. Boy, is it cold here at my place.

[tup]Thanks, again for all the info on painting. Modelflex, and Poly Scale are the paints I'm considering. As for practice, I have plenty of cheap cars to use.

That's about it.

I see I've got my first star. And it only took me about two weeks.[8D][:D][^][:)][;)]

TTFN, Robert

[Anonymous]

Hey folks -

This has to be my favorite thread in the Model Railroader forums. It allows someone to get to know other people in a hurry!

Luct - Love the pic of the 4-6-4 on the bottom of your posts. Did you take that picture yourself? I also checked on your new website - looks like a good beginning! Keep us posted as to your progress, please.

Egmurphy - How do you like living in Mexico? Any reason you retired down there, other than the dollar can be stretched quite a bit there? Just curious what the biggest differences are between here and there. My only experience with Mexico was in Tijuana (sp?) with some military buddies, so I don't know what the 'real' Mexico is like. I checked your pictures on Rail Images - way cool! Looks like your packing a lot of layout onto the back of a door! I wish my mail was as fun as what you received - instead, I get mostly bills.

Cjm89 - Chris, that's an easy name to remember - and your last name is spelled the same as my mother's maiden name. My barber when I was based at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX, used to be an engineer for the CB&Q and the follow-on roads (through mergers). He was also a decorated combat Marine with time in Korea and Vietnam, so I used to LOVE going and getting my haircut.

CP5415 - Good luck with the puppy - you'll need it! I don't know what is more work - dogs or 3 year olds!

Ferg - I remember the Sierra A-10 game. Used to play it when I dreamed of being in the cockpit one day. If you pick up the latest and greatest computer sim that features the A-10, UbiSoft's LockOn: Modern Air Combat, and take a look at the credits, you'll find my name in there as a consultant.

Paul - I shot you an E-mail, but if you don't get it, E-mail me and let me know! Always great to hear from another aviator/train buff. The story of you hiding a modular layout in a footlocker is hilarious - you might be more of a train nut than me, and we'd have a hard time convincing my wife of that but it might just be true. I love shooting 2.75" rockets - just have to be careful not to 'tip' them out of the pods in fixed wing aircraft. Dunno if helos have that same problem or not. I love the sound of rockets coming out of the pod - and Willy Pete rockets are way too much fun!

der5997 - Tank = SMOKING hole in the ground = BIG grin on my face. Instant gratification if you ask me!

JimRCGMO - I try not to scare railfans - engineers are another story! Always wonder what they're thinking when we practice head-on guns passes against a string of Norfolk Southern diesels. I'm with you on obnoxious cell phone users, too - one guy received a call during one of our mass briefings and attempted to take it! We threw him out of the briefing and locked the door behind him, then he had to pay a fine before being allowed back into the squadron bar to drink.

krump - Did you ever find any of your mother's stolen stuff? Or did you get sidetracked, so to speak? [:D]

Mr. Watkins - Sounds like riding those speeders would be fun, even if it was cold and rainy. Hmmmm....speeders would make a sporty target for an A-10, too!

Teffy - I have to laugh at you using a BLI 4-8-4 to test trackwork. I'd probably do the same! Use it or lose it is my motto. I have a Bachmann Spectrum K-4 and 3 coaches under the Christmas tree, and most people would think I'm nuts for doing so (especially with my train-loving 3 year old on the loose around the house). I say what the hey, don't have a layout yet so might as well enjoy it somehow.

Noah - Those new SD40-2s of yours - who makes them? Got any pictures of them yet? How do you like them?

Jhhtrainsplanes - The Global Hawk looks like a crash-a-saurus! That's how my flight lead described it when we saw one at the 2003 Wright-Patterson AFB air show that we flew into. I'm glad it's not piloted, because you'd have to be on crack to want to fly that thing! I have to agree with your assessment on the latest diesels from EMD & GE - they have me scratching my head. I guess it's like the A-10 in a way - function over form. I also agree, we should all pray for the young man with the heart condition - anyone who has ever had an extended illness knows it can be tough to maintain a positive attitude, so we should all drop him a line and let him know he's in our thoughts and prayers.

RDLkrbyvllRR - Had to laugh about your comment on not getting excited about the stars. Monday night was a meteor shower, and I happened to be flying for the corporate job just around its peak of activity. Climbed above a solid cloud deck, and it WAS a sight to see - more shooting stars than you could shake a stick at. I would have loved to have had some night vision goggles with me - not only can you see SO many more stars than you can with the naked eye, but the meteor shower would have looked AWESOME. I like your VB logo, very sporty. What is the final paint scheme idea?

Philnrunt - Thanks for the welcome!

PennsyHoosier - I like the K-4 pic on your signature. The K-4 is my favorite steam locomotive. Are you aware of the restoration attempt on the K-4 at Steamtown National Park? I haven't kept tabs on their progress, but I heard recently that Steamtown isn't doing so well.

Dharmon - I agree, a cheapo airbrush and can o' air is better than not doing any airbrushing at all. When I first starting using an airbrush (I probably wasn't even 11 or 12), that's the way I went because I couldn't afford anything else. I'm just getting back into the hobby, but an airbrush and compressor are something I'm going to have to start thinking about.

Well, I hope I engaged everyone in conversation - those who I missed, I'll catch up with next time.

I'm going to post this here, and on its own topic in general discussion and over in the Trains forum, because I am very interested in the answer. Last night's flight took me to Roanoke, VA, and on the way out of there I departed runway 24 and made a lazy turn to the east so I could get a glimpse of the former Norfolk Western (now Norfolk Southern) yard and engine terminal. I was amazed to see that there was still a turntable there, and there were TONS of locomotives sitting there to be worked on. Anyhow, as I was looking down into what was a relatively dark yard, I saw dozens and dozens of what could only be described as blue/white strobe lights. It looked like fireflies had invaded the yard! I was wondering if anyone with some knowledge of the prototype can tell me what those lights were and what they are used for. Thanks in advance!

Time to go to sleep, have to get up in a few hours and play with airplanes. Maybe I'll dream of Pennsy K-4s charging up horseshoe curve...

Chris

[der5997]

Ron:

QUOTE: And it only took me 4 years to do it. That means I can reach 5 stars in just 12 more short years.

..and to think we still won't have finished our layouts by then[:O][:P]
Congratulations you stellar people [tup]
Dan

QUOTE: I also drop a BB in the paint bottle after I open it to help mix it as I shake the bottle.

Before or after rat hunting? [(-D] Thanks for the tip. Now to find a loose BB................BTW, is more better, or will one on its own do?

On the ash-dusted-over-wet-paint front, looks like I'll be glueing down quite a bit. The top surface of most of what I did yesterday is not bonded. Just how much paint does one have to use to make a ground cover stick? I did small areas so it would'nt dry out, but didn't glob the paint on, just painted normally (well of course [:D])
The only places where the paint soaked through to the top surface were where the paint was most thickly applied. Bummer [V]

Just got back from a free lunch. Well, since there is no such thing, the cost comes from our municiple taxes, and so is borne by lots more folks than those present at the restuarant (Fairwinds, Bob, where you stayed).
His Worship the Mayor brought a bus load of assorted Councilors and Regional Municipality Staffers out to our neck of the woods, and the Chamber of Commerce was invited to nosh. Since the President and VP are away, yours truly had to whip around and assemble a posse to enjoy the hospitality. Fun was had by all, and they are making their way back to the city via one of the worst roads in our area. Hope they learn something.

Bob:

QUOTE: You need to think about a book like Lou Sassi wrote about building a layout.

Not familiar with that, what's it called? It would be interesting to watch our local library try to find it [:D]
Actually if anyone has the ISBN # for it, I'll get them to give it a go. Next year I'll qualify for the "The're too old to remember to return it" Senior's amnesty on book returns that our library runs, so I'd have time to read it. Takes me for ever to read a book, but Kris is a one a day reader. [:D]
If I find a spare lifetime laying around, I'll think about writing one [(-D]

TTFN

[Anonymous]

Warthogdrvr: The paint scheme for my locos will be red with a white stripe going around the entire loco. It's similar to the UP scheme, for example. As for the logo, it will be white with no box. I'm going to create another one and will post it here. The one I've posted was as the manufacturers say " a pre-production" model. I should've mentioned that when I posted it.

And, this is a great place to meet others. I have made several friends, and consider you one as well. If you want to know more about me, or my plans, please e-mail me. I will write you back.[:)] I want to say [#welcome] as well.

TTFN, Robert

[JPowell]

Afternoon all -
Had to drop by and let everyone know I have not fallen off the face of the eart...yet.

Warthog - Nice name. My unit used to have A-10's. Now, we have Falcons. I'm a AGR in the NY ANG in Syracuse. Hope these fella's are treating you nice... yes? If not, I don't know what to tell ya....

How's the shopping going guy's? I think the dremmel is coming next weekend (under the tree). I mentioned it to my dad last week, then he called my CFO (wife) and she got upset that I had mentioned that I wanted one to him as well. As for her, well the kid has spent about 70 on her so far and still has more things he wants to get her. And ya know what... he can as he's her son. As for me... well, I'm going to get her a bike, a bookcase she saw at Bath and Beauty, and who knows what else.

I have 2 days of work left , then I'm taking next week off. 3 days vacation (I have 89 days on the books) and I get 9 days off. Life is sooooo good in the Guard..... I'm going to work the 3 days between the 2 holidays as it will be so sllloooooowwwwwww!

Anyways, got to get going.
JP

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RDLkrbyvllRR

Warthogdrvr: The paint scheme for my locos will be red with a white stripe going around the entire loco. It's similar to the UP scheme, for example. As for the logo, it will be white with no box. I'm going to create another one and will post it here. The one I've posted was as the manufacturers say " a pre-production" model. I should've mentioned that when I posted it.

I'm with you now. I'm getting the mental image of CP Rail locos with a white cheat line wrapped around them. That would look very attractive.

By the way, don't know if you've seen this site or not, but it might give you some ideas:

http://paintshop.railfan.net/paint_scheme_design.html

QUOTE: And, this is a great place to meet others. I have made several friends, and consider you one as well. If you want to know more about me, or my plans, please e-mail me. I will write you back.[:)] I want to say [#welcome] as well.

I shot you an E-mail. These forums certainly are a great place to make friends!

Chris

[dharmon]

Robert,

Here's a link to paintshop, where you can download drawings to workup a scheme.

http://paintshop.railfan.net/home.html

Also, I'd recommend painting the white first, masked the area and then do the red. Another option is to get some white stripe decals and do it that way. Sometimes that turns out to be an easier way to stripe something, and will often achieve crisper lines than masking.

Dan

[Anonymous]

dharmon: Using white stripe decals are what I'm planning. The stripe will run just below the windows. As soon as I can get my paint scheme done. I'll post the results for everyone to see.

Guy's, thanks for the links.

'til later, Robert