First Impressions

[SAH]

The local NMRA Division sponsored a layout tour Sunday.  Since I'm "new" to the area I put the AC&Y on tour to see if I could recruit some new operators.  The tour organizer did not list the modeling scale for the layouts.  It's more-or-less assumed the scale is HO, plus many of the layouts are well known in the area, so the scale is not a mystery.

Here's the view greeting guests as they descend the stairs.



It was kind of fun to watch the double take or even an audible "It's N scale!" upon entering the room.  No one turned around and walked out though.   

More than one guest really studied certain parts of the layout, Brittain Yard in particular.  I'd ask if they had questions but the reply was usually "No.  But it's very nice." 



One gentlemen, an HO scale modeler, finally said "There's something different about your freight cars compared to other N scale models I've seen.  What is different?"  So we talked about the obvious things like closer to scale details, prototypical plausible paint and lettering schemes and weathering.  Then I launched in the not so obvious things such as lowering ride height, body mounted couplers, reducing the space between the cars, better trucks and wheels sets.  When we finished he said something to the effect of "Hmmm.  I didn't think it was possible to do that in N scale.  It runs pretty well too."  I assured him many N scalers are out there doing the same thing.  You just have to hunt for them a bit. 

It was an enjoyable afternoon, even if my voice was down to a rasp by the end. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Hell yeah! Fly the flag!

And I can hardly think of a better layout to be an ambassador for the capabilities of what N can be.

[thomasjmdavis]

That gives me a level to shoot for as I begin building a new layout. 

What caught my eye as soon as I saw the photo were the 2 Walthers (I assume) auto box cars on track 7.  If they are what I think they are, did you luck into a couple without the usual warping, or did you discover a way to flatten the doors?  Also wondering about the "Grand Canyon" boxcar and where you sourced the door.

Very nice work all around.

[SAH]

Thanks Ed.  And where do I find my inspiration?  Here of course.

There are two Walthers based auto box cars on track seven Tom.  The DD version is a casting of an undec I lucked into some time ago.  I figured the chance of finding any more was slim to none so I made a mold.  It certainly is hard to find a decorated one without warped doors.

The SD version is a kitbash from which I also made a mold. 

[SAH]

I forgot to answer your Q about the ATSF car last night Tom.  Here's a photo.  I purchased it from George Holloweel (not sure of the spelling and could not find it online.  My apologies George.) at the Danville, VA N scale convention years ago.  I recall him saying it was an Intermountain release.  Aside from the door, the running board seems to be a one off as well.  Hard to see in the photo but it's sectional with a different tread profile. 

[thomasjmdavis]

@SAH - thanks for the responses. 
Your recast Walthers cars are indeed very nice. I have a couple of the cars that I picked up for a few bucks from a hobby shop that had them in the discount box, spent some time removing the doors, and have been hoping to find some replacements.  I don't think I have the skillset to cast my own, but I am pretty good at styrene modification.

I have some of George's cars myself, but not of the "12 panel" bodystyle. I do have some of the earlier Deluxe models with similar doors, but the tackboards are cast in to the upper part of the door.  It may be that when IMRC redid the tooling (to allow the door to open), this is the door for their version of the car. Thanks for posting a close up of the car- I need new bifocals, and in the other shot, the door looked altogether different to me- not your photography, just my eyesight when it comes to details.

Your work is really inspirational, and I hope my own work approaches that as I begin detailing rolling stock for the "once and future" layout.

[rail_nut]

Tom,
If you want to try to cast a simple flat part like a door. I have used plasticine to make the mould and 5 minute epoxy for the part. the mould isn't reuseable but the pasticine can be reused to be make a new mould each time. Cost is minimal and could be fun to try. You might be surprised at what you can do!
Brad

[Sokramiketes]

@SAH - thanks for the responses. 
Your recast Walthers cars are indeed very nice. I have a couple of the cars that I picked up for a few bucks from a hobby shop that had them in the discount box, spent some time removing the doors, and have been hoping to find some replacements.  I don't think I have the skillset to cast my own, but I am pretty good at styrene modification.

I have some of George's cars myself, but not of the "12 panel" bodystyle. I do have some of the earlier Deluxe models with similar doors, but the tackboards are cast in to the upper part of the door.  It may be that when IMRC redid the tooling (to allow the door to open), this is the door for their version of the car. Thanks for posting a close up of the car- I need new bifocals, and in the other shot, the door looked altogether different to me- not your photography, just my eyesight when it comes to details.

Your work is really inspirational, and I hope my own work approaches that as I begin detailing rolling stock for the "once and future" layout.

I don't think there is any lineage between the Deluxe 1944 AAR boxcar and the Intermountain 12 Panel.  The Intermountain car was tooled new, and has the features shown along with the Gypsum running boards.

Here's an HO example so you can see what pattern they were going for.  It's not the best rendition on the N scale model, but at least adds some variety to the fleet.

http://www.planomodelproducts.com/192-web1.jpg

George Hollwedel was great at matching prototype lettering schemes to special run cars. 

[thomasjmdavis]

You're right Mike, I am confusing my boxcars.  Don't know why (since I had one sitting on the desk and could have counted panels) I was thinking the Deluxe were 12 panel.  The door on mine is based, I think, on the same pattern as to door on SAH's Grand Canyon car. One of the reasons I like the Deluxe cars is that the door tooling is closer to scale, since the doors don't open- but the downside is that they look a bit odd in a train of MTL and IMRC cars.  And turns out I do have a couple of the IMRC 12 panel boxcars, but equipped with different doors altogether.

At any rate, hope to see more of SAH's layout and modeling.  And to catch up on some of my own projects...I need to get the list down below 100...

[sirenwerks]

I don't think there is any lineage between the Deluxe 1944 AAR boxcar and the Intermountain 12 Panel.  The Intermountain car was tooled new, and has the features shown along with the Gypsum running boards.

IMRC's 6 panel box car is based on GN's home built fleet.