Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Scratchbuilding a side discharge rotary snow plow

79669 views
1122 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, July 28, 2023 12:46 AM

Hi Ed,

Thanks for the images of the work car interiors, especially the water heaters. I already have a water heater started but now I know how to finish the details. It appears to me that the coal for the heater was stored in the angled front cabinets under the heater, but I think I would like the look of a coal scuttle better.

I also suspect that the cars that Ed shows would have used the water heater as a heat source for warming the car as well. It would make sense to only have to fuel one apparatus.

I see that they used proper porcelain toilets as opposed to the outhouse style wood box that I modeled. I'll see if I can come up with something more professional looking.

Hi rrebell,

I just purchased some brass shim stock which is extremely thin. I'm going to see if I can build a couple of coal scuttles out of that. It will be easy to cut and shape, and I can use CA instead of solder to hold the parts together.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,077 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, July 27, 2023 11:15 PM

hon30critter
I'm debating whether or not I should put some privacy screening around the commode.

Most of the 'camp cars' and baggage or RPO cars I've seen over the years never seemed to show much effort by the railroads to provide any kind of attempt to protect the modesty of their 'valued' employees.

 ACF Lot 2765 61205-N by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr

While this is an express messenger car, you can get the idea. At least the Union Pacific wanted you to keep warm while on the hopper:

 lot 379 004 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 20,924 posts
Posted by Overmod on Thursday, July 27, 2023 9:20 PM

You could always do the Greenwich Village Boho Shower thing.  Hang a rail from the ceiling around the space for the commode, and hang a blanket or canvas from it on hooks, surrounding the Cosmic Utensil.  When not in 'use' you could take the blanket down to open up the space.  Whistling

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,496 posts
Posted by rrebell on Thursday, July 27, 2023 8:25 AM

hon30critter

I got a few more details installed in the Crew Car. I'm debating whether or not I should put some privacy screening around the commode.

My hands are too shakey to work on the coal scuttles or the mattresses so I'm going to pull out the locomotive tenders to figure out how to mount the speakers. I doubt that I will be doing any soldering tonight.

Cheers!!

Dave

 

Don't forget the coal bucket.

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 5,945 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, July 27, 2023 6:45 AM

hon30critter
Sometimes it seems to me that you might be worried about offending me. You needn't be concerned. Please don't hesitate to speak your mind.

Never Fear, Dave, if I feel it is necessary I’ll always speak my mind, but hopefully politely!!
 
Now I believe that this is being reproduced for non-commercial purposes, (see notation on plan) as no one could even afford to buy the amount of discarded scrap pieces that this build has already incurred, (see, I think that was polite!!Whistling), so…
 
 MR Jan 53. by Bear, on Flickr
 
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, July 27, 2023 6:18 AM

 While not an MOW bunk car, though it does show one set of bunks, it clearly shows an enclosed commode complete with handwash basin. It also shows a coal fired water heater,

Hi Bear!

You are not raining on my parade at all! I was just having a little fun with my speculation about whether or not the commode would have been 'private'. Of course it would have been. I just wanted to see if anyone was paying attention.Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh I will add some partitions (and a sink if I can fit it in). I may have to shorten the tables a bit or perhaps remove a table and a couple of the chairs.

I also have planned to include water heaters in both the Cook Car and the Crew Car, although I haven't a clue about what they would look like. I am imagining an upright cylinder with a small stove underneath it, but that may be totally out to lunch.

I'm not sure if I still have access to the MR archives but I will try to look up the article to which you refer.

I greatly value your input! Sometimes it seems to me that you might be worried about offending me. You needn't be concerned. Please don't hesitate to speak your mind. Same goes for everybody else.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 5,945 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Thursday, July 27, 2023 5:32 AM
Gidday Dave, I don’t want to rain on your parade but the January 1953 Model Railroader has the plans for a Supply Car, originally a 43” clerestory passenger car, including the interior floor plan.  While not an MOW bunk car, though it does show one set of bunks, it clearly shows an enclosed commode complete with handwash basin. It also shows a coal fired water heater, though I suppose that the pot belly stove could have been fitted with a wetback for water heating (???)
 
Cheers, the unhelpful Bear.Embarrassed

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, July 27, 2023 4:00 AM

I have modified the floor of one of the tenders to accept a Scale Sound Systems square speaker. The tender came fitted with a round speaker which performed very poorly even after I put a sealed enclosure over it. I had to grind away the mounting tabs for the round speaker.

The speaker now fits quite nicely into the opening.

The size of the speaker dictates that the decoder be hard wired. That's going to be a bit of a challenge since all of the wires leading from the locomotive to the tender are black.

The other thing that I will do while I have the tender apart is to add all wheel power pickup. The existing axle wipers look to be very well designed, but I can do better.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, July 27, 2023 12:12 AM

I got a few more details installed in the Crew Car. I'm debating whether or not I should put some privacy screening around the commode.

My hands are too shakey to work on the coal scuttles or the mattresses so I'm going to pull out the locomotive tenders to figure out how to mount the speakers. I doubt that I will be doing any soldering tonight.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 5:06 PM

Good Grief, Dave!!!! You’re trying to do my head in!!!   Scratch build one!!!

Hi Bear,

That's exactly what I'm going to do. I think I will try it with the modeling clay first. If that doesn't work I will use your suggestion to carve one out of wood. Styrene is a possibility too.

I'm going to put the cars aside for a little while and get the locomotives finished so I can honour Rich's request to see the train running.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 5,945 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 4:35 PM

hon30critter
Does anyone know if someone manufactures HO scale coal scuttles,

Good Grief, Dave!!!! You’re trying to do my head in!!!ConfusedLaugh
 
Scratch build one!!! If you can make lumpy mattresses surely you can make a coal scuttle!! I’d carve one from wood, cheating as I’d incorporate the coal in the carving, and use fine wire for the handle.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 3:04 PM

Water Level Route
Maybe one of the 3D printing sites, like Shapeways?

Hi Mike,

Great suggestion!

Thanks,

Dave

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

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,609 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 6:05 AM

Maybe one of the 3D printing sites, like Shapeways?

Mike

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 1:20 AM

70,000+ views!! Amazing!!

Does anyone know if someone manufactures HO scale coal scuttles, or has in the past? It dawned on me that having a wood pile in the Cook Car probably wasn't logical. I'm guessing that it would be more likely that the stoves would have used coal.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 1:15 AM

I bought some modeling clay to make the Crew Car lumpy mattresses out of. That will be an interesting experiment.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 23,640 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Monday, July 24, 2023 6:28 AM

hon30critter
richhotrain
my only disappointment is that we have yet to see a completed snow plow actually running on a strip of track - - the original purpose of this thread.   

Hi Rich,

I will spend some time correcting that. There are a few things that I have to do before I can run the train. I have to install new speakers in the locomotives, reprogram the locomotive and plow numbers, and add some couplers. Nothing extreme.

I will also have to clear off one side of the layout table so I have some space to lay a temporary track. Give me a few days.

Cheers!!

Dave 

Hi Dave. Glad to see that you are taking my good natured ribbing so well. Just to get a glimpse of that snow plow in action will be a real treat. YesYesYes

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 23,640 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Monday, July 24, 2023 6:25 AM

Track fiddler

That's some Funny stuff Rich!  I'll post on that! Laugh

LOL. It sounds like such fun, TF, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Let's see what Dave has to say. Smile, Wink & Grin

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, July 23, 2023 8:41 PM

richhotrain
my only disappointment is that we have yet to see a completed snow plow actually running on a strip of track - - the original purpose of this thread. 

Hi Rich,

I will spend some time correcting that. There are a few things that I have to do before I can run the train. I have to install new speakers in the locomotives, reprogram the locomotive and plow numbers, and add some couplers. Nothing extreme.

I will also have to clear off one side of the layout table so I have some space to lay a temporary track. Give me a few days.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 7,842 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, July 23, 2023 5:24 PM

That's some Funny stuff Rich!  I'll post on that! Laugh

Seriously though.  I'm in no hurry these day either.  Steady as she goes said the ship captain, and Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprize said the same thing as well.  So I'm good with thatWink

 

Looking Mighty Good DaveYesYesYes

Thank you!

 

TF

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 23,640 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, July 23, 2023 6:06 AM

hon30critter
 
Overmod
As this project begins to wind toward completion -- what will be next? 

Hi Overmod,

There is still a lot to do before this project is complete, and I'm not in any hurry. It will not be complete until I can run the train on my own layout. I'm sure I can drag out the layout building for months!!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughClown

Of that I have no doubt, Dave. LaughLaugh

I am planning a thread where participants will offer their best guess on Views and completion date. I am going with 100,000+ Views and a completion date of July 23, 2024 just because that is a year from today. Smile, Wink & Grin

Seriously though, my only disappointment is that we have yet to see a completed snow plow actually running on a strip of track - - the original purpose of this thread. Crying

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, July 23, 2023 2:30 AM

Overmod
As this project begins to wind toward completion -- what will be next? How about

Hi Overmod,

I'm sorry but I am getting an error message when I go to your link. I'm not sure what is wrong.

There is still a lot to do before this project is complete, and I'm not in any hurry. It will not be complete until I can run the train on my own layout. I'm sure I can drag out the layout building for months!!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughClown

I decided to rearrange the bunk beds in the Crew Car in order to make more space for tables and chairs, and maybe some lockers. If I don't do upright lockers I will make foot lockers to go under the bunks and just add some coat hooks along the walls. I need to find a coal skuttle and stove tools to go beside the stove.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 20,924 posts
Posted by Overmod on Saturday, July 22, 2023 9:46 PM

As this project begins to wind toward completion -- what will be next?

How about

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,609 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, July 21, 2023 9:54 AM

Crew car is looking great Dave!

Mike

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 5,945 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, July 21, 2023 6:00 AM

 Worried by Bear, on Flickr

hon30critter
...watching the thread for Bear's cartoons

Dave, I reckon that if you were relying on “Beartoons” to boost the post count, it would be still in double figures!!LaughLaughLaugh
Keep on, keeping on!

Cheers, the Bear.Smile

 

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, July 20, 2023 11:32 PM

Bunk beds for the crew car.

I haven't figured out how to model the mattresses yet. I may get out the old play dough recipe we had for the kids. I could make them look really lumpy!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh

You can also see the 1/16" thick lead sheet that I have installed between the frame and the visible floor. The car will be plenty heavy enough.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: A Secret Secured Location in Flyover Country
  • 5,172 posts
Posted by York1 on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 4:12 PM

hon30critter
The thread just went over 69,000 views! Of course, 68,000 of those are from me constantly watching the thread for Bear's cartoons. Seriously, thanks for your interest!

 

This thread has become like an old friend that I check on each day!

York1 John       

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 6:01 AM

I have made some progress on the Crew Car. The basic shell is assembled and it fits quite nicely on the frame. I still have to figure out how to keep it attached to the frame.

I also got the scratchbuilt power pickups mounted on the trucks. They are made from 0.005" brass sheet and they are mounted with #80 nuts and bolts. I still have to attach the feed wires.

The thread just went over 69,000 views! Of course, 68,000 of those are from me constantly watching the thread for Bear's cartoons.Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh Seriously, thanks for your interest!

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, July 17, 2023 3:25 PM

Hi Bear,

Canada is about to do away with best before dates to reduce food waste so I didn't bother with the dates on the cans and boxes.

The fine tipped paint markers were a good investment. It took me 1/10th time to paint all the colours than it would have taken using bottled paint.

Cheers!!

Dave

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

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 5,945 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Monday, July 17, 2023 5:01 AM

hon30critter
Okay, okay, I know I'm going a bit overboard with this sort of detail, but what the heck?!?).

 Use by by Bear, on Flickr

Smile

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,386 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, July 17, 2023 12:28 AM

 

hon30critter
Last night I ordered a set of fine tipped acrylic paint pens. That will make the job a lot easier

I got the paint markers and I am very happy with them. I finished painting the pantry shelves for the Cook Car and I think they will look okay in the model. The tips of the paint pens aren't as fine as I had hoped. I am going to order another set with finer tips. Here are the pantry shelves (you won't be able to see them unless the shell is removed. Okay, okay, I know I'm going a bit overboard with this sort of detail, 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!

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!