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Scratchbuilding a side discharge rotary snow plow

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, May 5, 2023 10:59 PM

Track fiddler
This was my favorite part of the thread. After seeing that intricate detail in craftsmanship, you already had it at that

Hey TF!

I have to admit that I was rather pleased with how the engines turned out. They look even better with the steam pipes attached.

Don't look too closely however because you will see that things are not aligned as well as they could be. Fortunately you can't see the defects when the shell is installed.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, May 5, 2023 11:10 PM

Aligned Schmimed!

As my Grandfather used to say.  "We are our own worst enemy, as critics of our own work".

Nobody sees what you see, unless you tell them.

You're Awesome Dave, and a heck of a CraftsmanYesYesYes

 

TF

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Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, May 6, 2023 1:15 AM

Thank you TF! Your support makes me feel a lot better about my modeling efforts. I don't think that I will ever reach the level of accuracy that doctorwayne does, but it's still nice to know that my work is appreciated.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, May 6, 2023 1:50 AM

Bull PuckySmile

Don't ever put yourself under someone else Dave.  Your modeling is one of a kind from scratch, and it's beautifully done.  Scratch is never duplicated.

Wayne does exceptional work that's well admired, but so do you.

 

TF

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Posted by Water Level Route on Saturday, May 6, 2023 7:03 AM

I'll echo what TF said.  You are an exceptional modeler Dave.  This thread is over 61,000 views for a reason!

Mike

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, May 12, 2023 1:23 PM

 just got the doner car for the next piece of rolling stock. All I really need is the clerestory roof and the floor:

This is what it will hopefully look like when I am done. Sorry, I have forgotten how to post a still photo from a video. If you click on the picture icon at the bottom left you will get a brief view of the Cook Car:

I have to make a copy of the section car that follows the Cooks Car as well. That may be a total scratchbuild.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, May 14, 2023 6:07 AM

I managed to install the windows and the door in the Cook Car side walls. I still have to find a clear view of the back wall. There doesn't appear to be a window in it but I can't tell if there is a door or not. I think it would make sense to have a door in at least one end of the car. The front end of the car clearly does not have a door.

 

Why railroading guys made life so difficult for themselves is beyond my understanding! Why would you build a car that was obviously designed to accommodate people (the Cook Car) that required those people to climb onto the roof, navigate to the other end of the car without falling off and getting killed, and then climb down another ladder in order to get to a door (if there was actually a door at the other end!). Strange!

Perhaps somebody can explain.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by Overmod on Sunday, May 14, 2023 9:59 AM

It was my understanding that these 'cook cars' were not operated with the train in motion or standing on active track: as with dormitory/bunkhouse cars, the MOW consist would be parked, and treated just as buildings in a stationary camp would be, for the duration of the work.

These were not diners, and would likely not require access from the rest of the train while moving.

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, May 14, 2023 10:02 AM

-- D E L E T E D --

Overmod typed almost the exact same response and beat me to the reply by a few seconds.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by hon30critter on Monday, May 15, 2023 7:11 AM

Hi Overmod and Kevin,

Thanks for that information. That would explain the lack of end doors and the large roof walk.

I wondered why there weren't more windows if the car was being used as a diner which it was not. The Cumbres and Toltec snow train has a crew car as well which might have served as dining quarters. I suspect that the C&TRR used the cook car to provide hot meals for the volunteers during the excursions, hence the reason for it being in the train.

I just like the looks of the car so I'm going to run it in the consist anyhow. So far it has been a fun build and the rest of the project should be fairly simple. The small number of windows will make detailing the interior pretty easy.

I have changed the walking platforms on the water car again. I had originally thought that the platforms were only on the corners of the car only (don't know where I got that ideaDunce). Then I saw a better view of the car ends and realized that there wasn't a gap across the ends of the car so I filled those in. Then I got a much clearer view of the side platforms and realized that they were continuous as well so I have filled those in too. The side walkways appeared to have a gap in the side view pictures because the center sections were apparently painted black. Now the running boards go all the way around the car which obviously makes more sense. I just have to figure out what sort of non-slip surface they might have had. They appear to be smooth in the photos.

I still have to finish the brake details. I started the cook car so I could take a break from the other projects. I have recieved the new speakers for the locomotives from Scale Sound Systems so I have to install those and finish building the tenders. The C&TRR had dog houses on both locomotive tenders. I haven't decided whether to model those or not. They do add an interesting feature.

We will be away until Wednesday night. We are going 'glamping' at the Pinery Provincial Park on Lake Huron. We are not staying overnight in the park because we no longer have any camping equipment so we have rented a B&B close by for the two nights.

Cheers!!

Dave

 

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 11:49 PM

I have a question for Ed (gmpullman). Where did you find the photos of the water car that show the corner of the car with the brake mechanism and the night time view of the car?

The reason I am asking is because I'm trying to find detailed photos of the other cars in the consist, namely a view of the Cook Car rear wall.

Thanks,

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, May 18, 2023 7:02 AM

hon30critter
...and then climb down another ladder in order to get to a door (if there was actually a door at the other end!)

 
Gidday Dave, regarding the cook car, I’m getting confused as to what sides you’re looking for but I’d strongly suggest that there are doors at both ends.
 
 
 
And here’s a photo of the other side…
 
 
Hope I'm on your wave length?
Cheers, the Bear.ConfusedSmile
 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, May 18, 2023 10:07 AM

hon30critter
I have a question for Ed (gmpullman).

I often search Flickr for railroad photos. Flickr seems to be a site more geared toward the photographer and not just a photo hosting site. Many of the photos are of a higher resolution which helps in picking out details.

 D&RGW MOW Equipment: Cook Car 053 by Kevin Madore, on Flickr

If you notice the caption area under the photo you'll see the links both to that particular photo as well as the person who has uploaded it. If you click one of those links you'll be taken to the Flickr site where you can continue to look at photos that the particular contributor has posted or use the tools to browse or do a further search.

I'm not sure if 'registering' with Flickr is necessary to do a search. Once you learn the navigation tricks you can search within a person's 'albums' or you can choose to search the entire site.

Some users don't even bother with sorting photos into albums, others keep photos nicely sorted into categories, or albums.

If I search the site for 'denver rio grande' I get almost ten thousand photos.

'rio grande narrow gauge' gets me 2,794 photos.

Some users, like myself, allow anyone to share or download photos. When I share another's photo I am sure to retain that owner's credits that can be linked back to Flickr, playing by the rules. A few contributors have photos that are 'Public Domain' and are free to use without restrictions, although I still credit the photographer, if known.

 Curving toward Cresco by Mike Danneman, on Flickr

 Rio Grande MOW Cook Car 053 by Wil Hata, on Flickr

 Rotary OY Cab by Roy P, on Flickr

 Rotary OY Water car by Roy P, on Flickr

 Turning at Big Horn Wye by Kevin Madore, on Flickr

Hope that helps,

     Cheers, Ed

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, May 18, 2023 9:28 PM

gmpullman
Hope that helps,

Hi Ed!

That helps enormously!!! Thank you for showing me how to find the photos I needed. I really appreciate your help.

Now I know that there was a door in the back of the car!

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, May 18, 2023 10:55 PM

gmpullman
I'm not sure if 'registering' with Flickr is necessary to do a search.

I normally stay logged in to Flickr but logged out to see if the search function works. It does, though typing in the correct search criteria would help!Embarrassed
 
I’m possibly jumping the gun, Dave, but this PDF offers some reasonably comprehensive information / dimensions which should help you kit bash / scratch build the Section Men car, D & RGW 04258, which is specifically mentioned on page 8.
 
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, May 18, 2023 11:14 PM

I’m possibly jumping the gun, Dave, but this PDF offers some reasonably comprehensive information / dimensions which should help you kit bash / scratch build the Section Men car, D & RGW 04258, which is specifically mentioned on page 8.

Hi Bear,

Thank you for finding that information. I haven't read through it yet but I did look at the photos of the D&RG 'outfit car'. I had planned on building that car for the consist. Having all that detailed information will definitely allow me to construct an accurate model (or if I flub it at least I will know exactly how far off the mark I wasSmile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughClown).

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, May 19, 2023 1:14 AM

I have the shell for the Cook Car assembled. I have to decide if I am going to leave the rivet details on the roof in place or sand them off and apply a canvas roof instead. I'm leaning towards the canvas roof since I have to sand off the roof vents anyhow.

I had to extend the sides of the roof slightly to get the proper overhang. The seam where the extensions join the roof will have to be filled which is another reason to sand the whole roof smooth.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by AEP528 on Friday, May 19, 2023 10:44 AM

 

 
hon30critter
...and then climb down another ladder in order to get to a door (if there was actually a door at the other end!)

 

 
Gidday Dave, regarding the cook car, I’m getting confused as to what sides you’re looking for but I’d strongly suggest that there are doors at both ends.
 
 
 
And here’s a photo of the other side…
 
 
Hope I'm on your wave length?
Cheers, the Bear.ConfusedSmile
 
 

I think what he's asking is why there is a rooftop walkway with ladders at each end. That implies there was a need to get past the car while moving out on the line, but that it was not possible to walk through the car.

All of the photos you linked to appear to show the same end of the car (note the position of the railing with respect to the clerestory).

Here is a link to a photo of the other end:

https://ngtrainpics.photoshelter.com/image/I0000R1yxVPuYxbo

Here's an even better picture:

http://drgw.free.fr/DRGW/MOW/Snow/RtyTrain/CTS-00-068_en.htm

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Posted by hon30critter on Friday, May 19, 2023 9:27 PM

Hi AEP528 and Bear,

First, thanks for the wonderful photos AEP528!

The last photo clearly shows that there was no door on the end of the Cook Car closest to the plow/locomotives, so I have that modeled correctly. I agree with Bear that not being able to walk straight through the car seems strange, but apparently that's the way they did it. Who knows why?

My next step will be to figure out how to mount the shell to the frame so that it can be removable. Then I will build a basic interior including a large cook stove, a sink and water tank, a serving counter and some storage cabinets. Maybe an ice box would be appropriate too. The details will be hard to see with the shell on but what the heck.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, May 19, 2023 10:39 PM

hon30critter
The last photo clearly shows that there was no door on the end of the Cook Car closest to the plow/locomotives

In the light of a previous reply, I’m going to have upgrade the spectacles!!Bang HeadBang HeadBang Head
 
Cheers, the Bear.Embarrassed 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by Track fiddler on Friday, May 19, 2023 10:54 PM

Beautiful Luster!

If you dont mind me asking?

What kind of furniture polish do you use on your table Dave?

 

SmileTF

 

PS   Kidding, The Cook Car looks very good to me.  Sand-em!  Apply the canvas roof as it's more Old School, and more your styleYes 

In your track record of excellence, you have never came across as a rivet counter to meWink

 

TF

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Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, May 20, 2023 12:15 AM

Track fiddler
you have never came across as a rivet counter to me

Hi TF,

You are right. I am not a rivet counter. Life is too short! If I was counting rivets on the Cook Car I would have to make it about 1/3rd longer. Not going to happen.

I got the roof rivets and vents sanded off and it looks a lot better IMHO. I had to add a 0.040" strip to either side of the roof so that it would overhang the walls properly. I have just puttied the seams between the strips and the roof and I am waiting for that to dry.

I also started on the cook stove. I'm going to make it as a six 'element' stove with an oven and a water reservoir. It will also have a warming compartment above the stove. We had a similar stove at our old cottage and I cooked on it many, many times. I loved using it! I'll wing it on the rest of the pieces in the car.

The water car is almost done. All that remains to be installed are the brake parts.

I want to say again how grateful I am for all the help and attention I have received over the last year and a half. You guys have been wonderful!

Cheers!!

Dave

 

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, May 20, 2023 10:34 PM

I have started to build the interior details for the Cook Car. So far I have most of the big stove assembled and a sink/counter cabinet. Making the little parts is fun! I'll show pictures when I have all the bits built.

I have a question. What do you suggest that I use to mimic the roofing material on the Cook Car? I'm guessing that the original was heavy canvas coated in tar. I have some fine cotton fabric but the weave is a bit coarse for modeling in HO scale. I need the material to be able to conform to the clerestory roof shape. Would kleenex work?

Thanks,

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, May 21, 2023 4:30 AM

Here are some of the interior details for the Cook Car. I have built cold storage cabinets into the shell. 

I still have to build a serving table and some more counters.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by York1 on Sunday, May 21, 2023 6:30 AM

Great work, Dave!  Thanks for sharing the photos.

York1 John       

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Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, May 21, 2023 7:06 AM

Thanks John,

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by hon30critter on Monday, May 22, 2023 2:07 AM

This is roughly what the interior of the Cook Car will look like. I will probably add a couple more shelf units:

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by Attuvian1 on Monday, May 22, 2023 3:25 PM

hon30critter

This is roughly what the interior of the Cook Car will look like. I will probably add a couple more shelf units:

Cheers!!

Dave

 
I dunno, Dave.  Thinking the Diner may be in for some serious competiton when this one's done and ready for business!  Are you gonna offer jobs at better (any!) pay to the girls currently twiddling their thumbs at Jeffrey's?  Laugh
 
Attuvian1 John
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Posted by hon30critter on Monday, May 22, 2023 7:54 PM

Attuvian1
I dunno, Dave.  Thinking the Diner may be in for some serious competiton when this one's done and ready for business!  Are you gonna offer jobs at better (any!) pay to the girls currently twiddling their thumbs at Jeffrey's?

Hi John,

I kinda thought everyone would be volunteers, but if I do have to pay a wage it will be a very generous one!

Don't forget that this won't be the actual dining car. There will be a separate crew car with tables, chairs and a loo, plus lockers for everyone's extra clothing etc. That scratchbuild is next on the list. After all, I have to keep this thread going long enough so that I can catch up to Mark Pruitt's view count which is currently at almost 72,000. I'm only about 9,000 views behind himSmile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughLaugh.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by Pruitt on Monday, May 22, 2023 7:58 PM

Uh-Oh! Guess I'd better get back to work!

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