Modeling topic
Test-Fitting 3D Collars for HO Scale F40PHM-2 and F40C
Tonight, I test-fitted a pair of 3D printed collars onto the donor mechanisms of two upcoming projects: a Metra F40PHM-2 based on a Walthers Trainline F40PH (back). and a Metra F40C based on a Bachmann SD40-2 (front). The collar for the F40PHM-2 fits nice and snug. Unfortunately, the collar for F40C needs some corrections.
Thanks,
Damin.
Helper Operation Dynamics
In the new issue of MRH Joe Fugate talks about operating long trains with helpers. It so happens that I just finished setting up a train with a steam puller and pusher to demonstrate on my HO layout at the Portland NMRA convention. I have a fairly long (30 ft) 2.2 % grade that I just completed that leads into Cajon Pass Summit. It has curves of 48, 60, and 70 inches. I wanted a train of at least 30 cars and to use BLI 2-10-2's.
Next Kit
Started on third kit, another Barr Mills - Bud Smiley's: I made good progress for me in one afternoon.
Finished General Store
The Bar Mills General Store Kit was actually finished some months ago (slow and steady)! My second craftsman kit.
Chicago Transit Authority 1-50 Series Rapid Transit Car
Here's a quick photo of the test-print for my N scale CTA 1-50 series rapid transit car project:
This design is still a work in progress. It's designed to fit on a Tomytec TM-20 mechanism. I'm still waiting on a test-print to confirm that the sideframes will fit the trucks.
More information can be found at:
Richlawn RR - Misti Mountain progress - 12-2-15 Lower mountain water
** Update 12-17-15 mountain lake water almost finished (page 15 on this thread)
** Update 12-2-15 Rock work & track work at the mountain base (page 14 on this thread)
** UPDATE - Lower mountain scenery (page 14 on this thread)
** UPDATE 11-14-15 Waterfall removed (page 13 on this thread)
** Update 11-12-13 Shack on the mountain (page 12 on this thread)
** Update 10-30-15 Shack on mountain - groundwork (page 12 on this thread)
** Update 10-28-15 trees on the mountain (page 11 on this thread)
The W&N gets a paint shop
One of the latest additions to my modeling efforts was the construction of a spray booth for my workshop. When the house was built I included an exterior vent in the workshop wall. The spray booth is approximately 24" wide and about 11 to 18 in tall inside, with about a 12" deep spray area. It has a 10x20 air filter in the back of the spray area. There is a squirrel cage fan with the motor outside the blower housing moving the air.
My Own Space
I've been told in no uncertain terms that the kitchen table is not an ideal hobby workbench. I can't say as I find any flaws in that logic, so I went about finding a suitable alternative. I first thought sticking a table under the shelf layout was the best bet, but we have two cats and one of them is an idiot, so that would simply provide him with a launch pad to the otherwise out-of-reach layout. So off to find plan B.
How to tell if Loco has the DCC plug
When looking online at locomotives the description doesn't really tell you whether or not the DC engine has the 8/9 pin DCC plug?
I tend to like both Atlas, some Athearn and Walthers engines, but the Walthers description doesn't tell you almost like they want you to buy the DCC model over the DC model. I have a couple of Walthers Trainline GP9M's that I will have to hardwire when the time comes.
Train elevator mechanism
I am going to be forced into a 2 level layout when I move. A lot of helix owners now regret the waste of space and some would prefer not to go from level to level at all. Suddenly lifting a train from the lower yard to the upper yard becomes attractive. All sorts of do it yourself ideas when I Googled this site. Then after spending hours of dreaming and thinking and drawing my lift mechanism was finished. It's been hiding behind my TV for 3 years. When I move I will put the TV on the wall and use the TV electric lift to move my trains up and down.
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