Diesel locos
NKP GP-9 Detailing
I started to detail a Front Range GP-9 for the Nickel Plate. I picked up a Front Range shell on ebay last year, and earlier this year I got a great deal on a Proto 2000 drive. It's not an exact fit, but a little trimming here and there, and I got the shell on. I had to file a bit on the underside of the non-dynamic hatch to clear the DCC recepticle. The shell had a slight crack on the left side, but I filled it in and sanded it down.
Atlas HO Gp38 shell removal -SOLVED
In case anyone else runs across this issue, here's the answer. Couplers and pockets need to be removed (which I had done originally). There are NO other tabs, catches, screws or anything else to contend with. It's just a dementedly tight fitting shell.
How do you clean and oil your engines?
I hope you would share your thoughts and experience about how you clean and oil your engines.
Different views and methods are appreciated.
I think MRH columnist Bruce P did a very thoroughfare column in the january 2013 issue of MRH. He shows how he cleans the Kato NW2 and oils it. He literarily takes the engine apart, clean the gears in an ultrasonic cleaner and lubricates it with NanoOil and NewerStall.
Cheap Build
Several years ago, myself, Brian Banna, and a couple others came up with the "Cheap Build" concept. The concept was to build and detail a diesel for under $100.oo and still have it look nice. My first concept build was from a Rail Power Products SD-45 shell. I ended up spending $52.oo on this unit. We still do this every now and then at the Detailer. Here is a video of that build.
New HO scale RS-1's from Atlas with Loksound
So these are supposed to be available in June? I am real tempted to buy a couple of the SP&S. It is the closest prototype to what I am modeling.
My question is about the turbine sound. I downloaded the manual from the ESU website but was unable to find anything about turning the volume of that specific sound down. All the sound samples I have listened to from ESU and other mfg's for the 539T make me want to rethink my choices. I just think the whining is too much. Sort of like the bells. After a very short time they can get annoying.
Walthers Proto 2000 U23B
In the market for an HO U23B with DCC and Sound. Noticed Walther's is running a sale on theirs at a really good price. Plus, I like the fact Walther's uses a Tsunami sound decoder versus the Atlas U23B which use the QSI decoder. "Not a fan of the QSI decoders"
However, the sale price is such that I am a little suspicious of the quality given I have never purchased a Proto 2000 locomotive. Does anyone have any experience with Proto 2000 U23B/U30B models or Proto 2000 locomotives in general?
Plymouth MDT/GE35 Ton Switcher
I am looking to re-motor an HO Plymouth MDT / GE 35 Ton Switcher. This particular model was manufactured in Yugoslavia, It has a three pole motor and single drive axle that when enough voltage is applied, it takes off like a rocket; not what you want for a switcher. I want to add DCC and sound, if possible, I think an n-scale decoder and speaker would fit if an appropriate motor can be found. I have looked at the Stanton drives from NWSL but their largest wheelbase is 10-feet. I measure the wheelbase of the loco as 11.5-feet.
Tsunami decoder vs. QSI Titan
Good evening! I have a question about sound decoders. I have 3 Atlas C420's, two of them with QSI Titan and one that has a Tsunami replacement for the QSI. The C420 with the Tsunami is one smooth runner. It's excellent!!!! The two with the QSI Titan lurch quite a bit while running a slow speeds and also slow down quite a bit in a couple of curves. Is this due to the motor control of a QSI decoder vs. the Tsunami?
SPSF Meadow Sub: Union Pacific SW1500 for the UP Transfer
I wanted to add a little variety to my UP transfer, so I decided to model another locomotive that could be paired with the GP38-2 and would be swapped with the CNW GP15-1. This project took exactly one week to complete and it helped that I started with a model that had already been detailed fairly well.
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