rummaging through and old mag and saw the 'Trackside Photos" which was 3 pages, included were photos of 2 custom made HO brass locomotives, these were hand built, formed brass with some purchased parts, wheels, some cast parts but hand made, along with a short explanation of the methods used,,, question: does anyone still do handmade locomotives, can't remember if I have seen any photos of any in a long while, anyone out there still making them or know of anyone still creating?
I imagine there are a few modelers out there still carrying on this craftsmanship. But you won't see them in Trackside Photos any more, the days of showing works in progress are long gone.
Bob Boudreau
CANADA
Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/
That’s funny; I came across some old issues of MR recently and I noticed that there seemed to be a lot more emphasis put into custom building and detailing cars, locomotives, structures, etc. than there is now. And I’m talking about issues as recent as ’98-’99. One good example that comes to mind is an absolutely stunning ready mix plant in the October (I think) of ’98 issue. There was also a series on how to build your own steam locomotive that same year.
I think it shows how manufacturers have stepped up to produce models accurate enough that the need to be an expert model builder is no longer a must-have skill set in order to replicate a specific prototype or industry.
I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. It was just an observation. Although it was neat to go back and appreciate the craftsmanship of those before my time.
~ Jason
Some of the old trackside photos were utterly pedestrian as photos - indeed sometimes substandard -- but the point was the model or the craftsmanship or some unusual accomlishment, such as an S scale scratchbuilt engine built by a 13 year old, that sort of thing. Now the emphasis is more on the photo itself, it seems.
Dave Nelson
The industrial engine in my avatar is custom built from brass sheet and stock. The drive train is from an N scale Bachmann 4-4-0 with the motor mounted in the tender. The tender has been converted to look like a gon with a bunch of maintenance junk in it. The visible engine is from a LifeLike generator.
This clearly does not compare with the complexity of most brass locomotives, but I hope it does show that just about anyone can scratch build with brass.
Sorry - the picture is a bit out of focus.
I have another 4-4-0 to use as a base for a second 'critter'. With that one I can correct all of the goofs I made with the first, like mounting the headlight on the roof. The exhaust stack sits right in the middle of the headlight beam causing a noticeable shadow. I also don't understand why I left the air intake jutting up through the hood. Duh!?!
Don't be afraid to give brass a try.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter The industrial engine in my avatar is custom built from brass sheet and stock. The drive train is from an N scale Bachmann 4-4-0 with the motor mounted in the tender. The tender has been converted to look like a gon with a bunch of maintenance junk in it. The visible engine is from a LifeLike generator. This clearly does not compare with the complexity of most brass locomotives, but I hope it does show that just about anyone can scratch build with brass. Sorry - the picture is a bit out of focus. I have another 4-4-0 to use as a base for a second 'critter'. With that one I can correct all of the goofs I made with the first, like mounting the headlight on the roof. The exhaust stack sits right in the middle of the headlight beam causing a noticeable shadow. I also don't understand why I left the air intake jutting up through the hood. Duh!?! Don't be afraid to give brass a try. Dave
Personally, I think it looks really good. And the things you list as "issues", I think give it great character.
John
Actually, there are some pretty good model builders out there--mostly diesel, I think. But MR isn't much into model building these days, so I don't think the builders are likely to submit photos and the like. If you go over to Kalmbach's "Finescale Modeler', you'll see some quite good work. Most of it is kit modification, but once in awhile there's some excellent near-scratchbuilding.
The various RPM sorts of get-togethers are nice. I go to the one in Richmond CA every year and see some really nice work.
"When I was a lad" I remember MR showing Thornburgh building his 2-6-0, Darwin modifying his Tenshodo Big Boy so much that some folks were apoplectic with envy, and some guy building window sashes by hand out of paper. Oh, yeah, and that Armitage guy with his wacky idea you could build models out of plastic.
Ah, the olden days.
Ed