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Show us your Blue Boxes!

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Posted by doctorwayne on Monday, December 13, 2010 1:41 PM

Once again, thanks for the kind words.

John , that is indeed a re-railer on the NW2.  The loco is what Athearn at the time called an SW1500, although it was closer to an SW7, I think.  I followed an article in MR that showed how to alter the hood to make it more like the earlier NW2, and I added some details and a very large can motor - I measured the inside width of the hood, but neglected to take into account the "draught angle" that resulted in the opening becoming narrower higher up.  This resulted in a lot of work with a mill file to allow the motor to fit.  It also got Ernst gear sets and Tomar pick-up shoes, plus a GSB cab interior. 

In the photo shown, it's sitting alongside Creechan's Fine Fuels, a free-lanced and mostly scratchbuilt coal dealer's yard.  I wanted to de-emphasise the height of the grade separation for the mainline tracks through the station at the rear, which resulted in elevated storage bins under the dump track - I don't know how prototypical it is, but it seems a logical option afforded by the height. 

I used Central Valley lattice-work columns and Evergreen structural shapes, plus lots of strip styrene.  The unseen back side is mostly .060" sheet styrene, and includes an almost unseen (and therefore un-detailed) garage/barn for delivery vehicles.  Sheathing is mostly Campbell corrugated sheets over a structural framework.  The removeable roof is built-up, with trusses supporting furring strips to which the corrugated sheets were attached with contact cement.

 

Here's a view from Liberty St., looking through the gate:

 

...and an overhead view, courtesy of Secord Air Services:

 

 

 

The scale house:

 

...and a seldom seen view of the garage/barn and rear of the office building, at left:

 

Here's the sales office, as seen from the street:

 

jwhitten

Wayne, how many locos does your layout roster?

 

 

The layout is meant to represent two different railroads, with one owning a part interest in the other.  A third road, not modelled, controls both, and supplies most of the "home road" rolling stock, along with the occasional locomotive.  Currently, its only loco active on the layout is this modified Bachmann USRA Light Mountain (designated a Mohawk):

 

The larger of the modelled roads currently uses four Bachmann Consolidations as their main power:

These are supplemented by a pair of Moguls, this ex-B&M B-15, a re-motored brass import:

 

...and a more modern sister from IHC (due to eventually be re-motored):

 

Under (re-)construction is this John English Pacific, a very smooth runner, still with its original open-frame motor.  Here's what it looked like when last active:

 

...and in its current state:

 

The other modelled road uses four re-worked Athearn USRA Light Mikes:

 

They'll eventually be joined by a pair of modified Bachmann 4-6-0s, currently undergoing a fairly major re-build (I'll probably substitute USRA-style cabs for the one shown, to keep a "family" look to this road's locos):

 

They also use this doodlebug (known as "The Bee" for both its colour scheme and the sound as it buzzes into town) for passenger service:

 

It started life as a Rivarossi combine, with detail parts from just about everybody.  Power is through the front truck only, from an Athearn F7, and it's mounted on part of the F7's original frame.  A can motor from Mashimi provides the "oomph"  (she'll pull 8 or 9 freight cars up any of the line's 2.5% grades), with power pick-up from both trucks.  

 

It also has a partially-detailed interior, although current ridership appears  to be somewhat low Whistling :

 

Because there'll eventually be a modelled interchange with the CNR, there are a couple of CN locos in service and used as-needed anywhere on the layout.   These include this re-worked Proto USRA 0-8-0, which will eventually become the local switcher for the town where the interchange will be located:

 

...and this brass H-6 Ten Wheeler, long one of my favourite CNR locos.  I picked it up fairly cheaply because it came without a box, but a few minor repairs and a new paint job got it into service quickly.  Not as powerful as the ex-B&M loco, but useful on short freights or mixed trains.  I use it anywhere on the layout.

 

I also have another three Bachmann Consolidations, two of which will become CNR N-2-bs, and the third a DW&P N-2-a, along with another Athearn Mike, likely to also become a CN loco.  There's also a Cary USRA boiler on Mantua 2-8-2 running gear, likely to become an Erie Northshore loco, and a Bachmann USRA 2-6-6-2 currently awaiting new gears from NWSL - the latter one will likely become a transfer loco, assigned to yet another free lanced road.

I also currently operate an interchange with my favourite prototype railroad, the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo.  However, I own no steam locos for this road.  While a passable TH&B Consolidation can be constructed using the Bachmann loco as a starting point, I plan to scratchbuilt a more accurate version on a mechanism which I have on-hand.  This road also owned the only two Canadian Berkshires, but they're too heavy for the branch I'm modelling - the Bachmann Berk would've made a suitable stand-in, with some modifications and a smaller tender.  I may also do a TH&B B-2s, a fairly burly 0-6-0 which was their most numerous locomotive. 

So, in summary, 14 active locos, including the Bee, and 11 yet to be built. 

Because I generally operate solo, using DC control, this is many more locos than would actually be needed, as I don't run more than a single train at any one time - there may be several locomotives on that train, but usually not more than two or three.  However, operations are sequential, so there will be several trains at various places along the line - one operating and the others "in the hole" or yet to be dispatched, and all requiring locomotives.

Sorry to have strayed somewhat from the "Blue Box" topic, although Athearn  is represented in the motive power. Smile, Wink & Grin

 

Wayne

 

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Posted by Forty Niner on Monday, December 13, 2010 2:30 PM

Wayne,

Let me know if you need some USRA "cabs" as I have some spare Genesis versions assuming those are the cabs you planned to use. Also I would love to get my hands on any extra of those Bachmann cabs, again assuming you have no plans for them.

I have some of the Bachmann SY 2-8-2's and feel they could be converted to really nice "American" looking engines without that many modifications but the cabs and the tenders are the biggest "sore thumbs" in my book.

Let me know if you have any interest in this direction,

Mark

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Posted by Railphotog on Monday, December 13, 2010 2:46 PM

When I got back into the hobby about 20 years ago, I'd pick up used Athearn models on the cheap at local train shows.  Since I didn't pay much for them, I had no problems cutting them apart, modifying them, etc.  Over the years I've made many models, and had a great time learning techniques and trying out new ones.   I doubt if I'd be interested in paying $200.00 or more for a recent Athearn diesel and doing something drastic to modify it.   Its a whole lot different from bashing a $15-20 model.

Here are a few whose images I already have in my Photobucket account:

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Monday, December 13, 2010 2:55 PM

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by doctorwayne on Monday, December 13, 2010 3:53 PM

Railphotog

When I got back into the hobby about 20 years ago, I'd pick up used Athearn models on the cheap at local train shows.  Since I didn't pay much for them, I had no problems cutting them apart, modifying them, etc.  Over the years I've made many models, and had a great time learning techniques and trying out new ones.   I doubt if I'd be interested in paying $200.00 or more for a recent Athearn diesel and doing something drastic to modify it.   Its a whole lot different from bashing a $15-20 model.

 

You're right, Bob:  if the supply of used Athearn cars and locos ever dries up, the hobby will be much the poorer for it, in my opinion.

Love the job you did on those locos, especially the "Sweep". Thumbs Up

 

Wayne

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Posted by nik .n on Monday, December 13, 2010 7:12 PM

And now that my PA's are tuned up and running, a video!

 

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Posted by Railphotog on Monday, December 13, 2010 8:05 PM

Found some more!


 

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by doctorwayne on Monday, December 13, 2010 11:38 PM

Forty Niner

Wayne,

Let me know if you need some USRA "cabs" as I have some spare Genesis versions assuming those are the cabs you planned to use. Also I would love to get my hands on any extra of those Bachmann cabs, again assuming you have no plans for them.

I have some of the Bachmann SY 2-8-2's and feel they could be converted to really nice "American" looking engines without that many modifications but the cabs and the tenders are the biggest "sore thumbs" in my book.

Let me know if you have any interest in this direction,

Mark

 

Thanks for the offer, Mark, but I have a couple of Bachmann USRA cabs for those locos.  The Bachmann Consolidation cabs are available from Bachmann, although they sell you the cab and the boiler, plus that big weight that fits inside the cab - I'm going to have so many boilers left over that I'm thinking of adding a boiler works to my next industrial area.  Smile, Wink & Grin  They'd make interesting flat car loads, although would require modifications to make them suitable as stationary boilers.

 

Wayne

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Posted by Forty Niner on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 12:10 AM

I understand Wayne, the Bachmann cabs are a finer looking item than the Genesis cabs. I only offered that as Bachmann parts are like getting ahold of dinosaur "lips" therefore I have scavaged every Spectrum steam part I can lay my hands on for various little projects of mine.

That's kind of a "bite" that you have to buy the entire boiler just to get the cabs but..................they aren't in the "parts" business.

Used to be able to get any part you wanted from Proto and very reasonably priced as well, now you might as well "wish upon a star" if you want any Proto parts. Personally I feel as though they are missing a good opportunity there but then of course "I" don't make the decisions and really don't care to get involved in that aspect of the hobby even if I had the chance to do it again.

P.S. As for your last set of photos, beautiful again as usual. I never get tired of looking at what you have done, do you hear that MR staff??? 5-6 pages at least??? Buy Lou Sassi some snow tires and send him north of the border as it's obvious drwayne isn't the only one showing some fine modeling here.

Mark

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Posted by jdobo on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 12:49 AM

 I love the blue box  and roundhouse kits they are great for weathering and modifying here are a few of mine:

 

Regards Jon.

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Posted by Metro Red Line on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 4:08 AM

 

 

I've since left HO scale for N four years ago, but I've kept a few of my favorite Athearn BB locos just for keepsake, Here they are on my old layout (1988-2006):

 

GP38-2 (directional lighting kit installed).

 

SW1500

 

AMD-103 (since sold at a Swap Meet)

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Posted by Railphotog on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 5:49 AM

Metro Red Line:  Your photos are too red/orange, you need to set your camera to "tungsten" lighting to make it go away.  Check your manual or in camera menu for White Balance.   If you can do it, remember to turn it back to Auto when done taking indoor photos by incandescent lights!

More photo tips in my model railroad photography website, in my signature.

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by cjcrescent on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 6:43 AM

Bob;

Your photography is great, as usual! One day, one day, I'll be able to have shots like yours.Smile

Back to the subject at hand.

Here is a BB SW-1500 "backdated" to a passable SW-1000 that I did for a friend who models the CB&Q.

 

Here is a flat car with a load

Looks like I gotta "repaint" the strapping.

A Southern RR Caboose

I have a few more photos I could show, but can't locate them in my computer to put online yet.Embarrassed

I may have to take them!

Carey

Keep it between the Rails

Alabama Central Homepage

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Posted by steamage on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 7:46 AM


My oldest Blue Box Gondola I had detailed with grabs and steps back in the mid 1960s. 


Same here with the Santa Fe box car,  I weathered both the gondola and box car because the printing jobs on Athearn cars just wasn't all that great back then. Really!


My wonderful old Athearn SD9 that was one of the first test shots off the production line. The engineer that designed the running gear, John Munson also added ball bearing's to the motor and the first flywheels to be used on an Athearn engine.

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Posted by Metro Red Line on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 4:02 PM

Railphotog

Metro Red Line:  Your photos are too red/orange, you need to set your camera to "tungsten" lighting to make it go away.  Check your manual or in camera menu for White Balance.   If you can do it, remember to turn it back to Auto when done taking indoor photos by incandescent lights!

More photo tips in my model railroad photography website, in my signature.

 

Thanks. I know next to nothing about that stuff, I only used a point-and-shoot digital back then to make "farewell" pics before I dismantled the old layout. Actually they look better "yellow" since turning on the flash exposes all my ugly modeling flaws :)

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Posted by pike-62 on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 5:07 PM

A couple of trailers to start

South Buffalo SW1500

SW1200

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Posted by the North East Rail Modeler on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 6:35 PM

Railphotog

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/railfan/F7Night-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/railfan/FNF7.jpg

 

 

 

Wow! That's some work there,Railphotog.

Do you have any more photos? Can you describe how you built that exelent model?

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Posted by Geared Steam on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 9:22 PM

Great thread, one of the better I've seen around here in quite a while, kinda like the forum used to be.

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/

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Posted by CP5415 on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 9:47 PM

Thanks! All I did was start it & others have helped make it an enjoyable thread. I showed my son with his first Blue Box in an earlier thread so why not get others to show there Blue Boxes too!

 

Gordon

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

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Posted by twhite on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 9:50 PM

I don't do diesels, but there's a whole string of BB PFE reefers behind the Yellowstone at the top of the photo.  I'd say that at least 60% of my large reefer fleet is Athearn, both older metal and BB.  Good stuff.

Tom

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Posted by doctorwayne on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 10:18 PM

twhite

....Good stuff.

 

I agree, Tom, both with regards to Athearn Blue Box stuff and to your photo. Thumbs Up

 

 

Forty Niner

.... As for your last set of photos, beautiful again as usual. I never get tired of looking at what you have done, do you hear that MR staff??? 5-6 pages at least??? Buy Lou Sassi some snow tires and send him north of the border as it's obvious drwayne isn't the only one showing some fine modeling here.

 

Sorry, Mark, I somehow missed the above comment.  While I'm very appreciative of your very kind words, and those of others, I don't think my layout is quite yet ready for "prime time".  Besides, everybody here has already seen most of it (some might say too much of it) and those parts not seen are probably better left that way. Smile, Wink & Grin

 

 

Wayne

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Posted by leadsled on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 10:19 PM

Just found this thread. Very cool. I'm just starting out-don't even have a layout plan done. I thought I would start on getting my inventory started. 95%+ are BB's. I love them. They're fun to put together. I'll try to get some pics posted.

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 10:33 PM

What a remarkable thread! impressive work, everybody!

There is an Athearn 62' tank car in this photo. It was kit bashed into the twin, upright storage tanks. The car body was sawed in half, and details were added. Other "Blue Box" models are two of the tank cars, and a Piggyback trailer on the highway bridge. If there were a similar thread for old Tyco stuff, I would include the grubby Burlington company-service tank car at the left.

The steel mill utilizes old Baldwin switchers acquired from GN and SP. The models are "Blue Box" units with DCC installed along with headlights at each end. The gondolas being switched at the rolling mill are also "Blue Box".

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by Railphotog on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 5:30 AM

the North East Rail Modeler

 Railphotog:

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/railfan/F7Night-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/railfan/FNF7.jpg

 

 

 

 

Wow! That's some work there,Railphotog.

Do you have any more photos? Can you describe how you built that exelent model?

 

Well it was quite a long time ago, but the basics should be evident - I cut away portions of the F-7 shell with a razor saw and/or a hobby knife, made the side framing with Plastruct angles.   I cut out the roof openings and filed/sanded them down to give a prototypical thickness.  The diesel engine inside was scratchbuilt using various plastic pieces from the junk box, I imagine one of the engine kits put out by Walthers would make it easier these days.  A styrene floor needed to be placed in the engine room first, and also a bulkhead between the cab and the engine space.

The model was originally made using a dummy Athearn unit, but I wanted to enter it in an NMRA contest, and engines need to be powered to enter, so I added a self-propelled PFM "SPUD" power truck on the front.  Yes - the model actually runs!

Can't think of any other specifics, ask if you have questions.

 

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by the North East Rail Modeler on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 1:50 PM

Now that you described how you built it, that F-7 looks easier to build now.  I'm definately going to try it for myself (only, not on a Blue-box loco, but, insted, Mabe on that old Tyco that's been sitting around for as long as I can remember)

It's also really neat that the F-7 can run, too. I don't know if I'll do that with my model or not, but I'll consider it.

 Thank You for the insperation.

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 5:43 PM

Bob ... I'm impressed with th old F7 too. Interesting you powered it. ... Also, I'd like to thank you for your rail photography website which is very helpful.

Below is a Geep made from Athearn a common Blue Box loco. It is detailed and painted for Northern Pacific,. The grain loading box cars are also Blue Box, and I am not aware of any other such cars available.

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by UncBob on Thursday, December 16, 2010 8:05 AM

doctorwayne

Bob, are those MDC/Roundhouse cars now considered part of the Blue Box line?  They're very similar in construction to Athearn cars and they did, for a time, use a predominantly blue box.  Smile, Wink & Grin   I have some of the same cars, although mine have been downgraded to work train service:

 

Wayne

Could be

It has been over 14 years and memory at 74 sometimes plays tricks

51% share holder in the ME&O ( Wife owns the other 49% )

ME&O

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Posted by doctorwayne on Thursday, December 16, 2010 5:04 PM

UncBob

 

Could be

It has been over 14 years and memory at 74 sometimes plays tricks

 

At least yours is still around to play tricks.  Smile, Wink & GrinLaugh

 

Wayne

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Posted by CP5415 on Thursday, December 16, 2010 5:16 PM

I came across pictures of Bob's F-unit in an old magazine I acquired not too long ago. I was shocked & pleased to see it here.

This current caboose, I know i know, it's not protoypical, but it was my Dad's so I'm keeping it.

The caboose was origionally from Roco but the frame & coupler housings had taken a beating over the last 30 years so when I was looking at it one evening, I wondered if the body would fit on an Athearn frame with, which it did! No modification needed. Fit just like the undec-Athearn body..

This Athearn offering has been in the family almost as long. It has been my only attempt at weathering, using a brush & some paper towel.

Gordon

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

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Posted by CP5415 on Thursday, December 16, 2010 5:21 PM

Bought this one from a guy through a neighbour  who painted it for the seller.

Liking the D&H lighting stripe in CP colours

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

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