Weekend Update - 9-16-2007

[John]

Post your progress here

[nscalesteve]

I just did modify two Atlas geeps with new numbers and some detail parts...






and I did receive a shipment from Japan with two brand spanking new ALPS MD-5500 printers... 

...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Nice steve!
I love those Southern Geeps.

I decided that I needed to finish up one of the onetrak modules I have kicking around the apartment. I ballasted the mainline. It's drying, but after its dried a bit more I'll shoot some photos.

[atsf_arizona]

SNFF 2007 09 15

GP7B project - build a Des Plaines Kit

Started the rudimentary steps.

Disassembled shell:



Removed cab.  Two tabs, need to gently squeeze them out (as you
can tell, I sheared one of the tabs off!  Of course, will not
need cab so it's OK):



Side view of shell with cab removed:



Overhead view of shell with cab removed:



Kit instructions say assemble the side / top pieces first...
I am thinking about how I want to cut away or file down the existing plastic shell to allow the
pieces to fit.  I am thinking maybe grind down instead of completely cut out....
Cannot just place the side pieces on the existing shell (too thick), so will
need to cut out or grind. I want to make sure everything is perfectly straight
and also well supported... hmmm... thinking.

Test fit of replacement cab side:



Slowly working on it..... 

[Zox]

Nothing worth a picture (yet), but I was able today to successfully extract the styrene "water" from my bridge module and trim it so it will (hopefully) lay flat again. I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

[3rdrail]

Got back this afternoon from the Wiregrass Train Show in Dothan, AL. Am dead tired from sitting in a card table chair (albeit with cushion) for 14 hours (8 Saturday and 6 today). Did you know you can get repetitive motion injury from twisting a throttle knob for 14 hours over 2 days??

My railroad is getting old. Steam locomotives kept derailing in the tunnels. The two shays doubleheaded well but occasionally derailed on the 7 inch radius curves. So ran my LIRR H16-44 most and realized part of the logo is missing on one side. Since it is the black printing, plant to copy the one on the other side and make a decal.

Took some photos, and will also take some of the Lima Shay, which I converted to coal. Wish Atlas hadn't blackened the connecting rods, as it is hard to detect motion. Too tired to work on downloading them tonight. 

Edit: Boy, was I tired last night - didn't notice all the spelling errors.  :-[

[asciibaron]

i worked out 2 tricks for my layout.  considered a modification to the staging to the east and then decided it worked as is.  cleaned up my N-Trak module - looking what i need to do to get it ready for the B&O show...

-'67

[wm3798]

Hardwired a decoder into my new-to-me BL-2, and quickly put it to work.

The first unit is #81, a newer split frame drive, which has been in service for a number of years now.  The second unit, #82, is an older plastic frame drive.  I was able to get them to M.U. without much CV tinkering at all.

I was modestly surprised at the differences in the decorating between the two.  The speedlettering is smaller and the yellow stripe is thicker on 82.  I expect a bit of weathering will tone that down a bit.  Otherwise, the old spring drive with lead blobs does just fine working in tandem with her sister.

As soon as the video is finished uploading, I'll post a link.

<edit> It's up! 

/>
Lee

[kiwi_al]

Just a start on a SD60M

[Mark5]

Nuttin much here - began installation of T8 lighting in train room. I had to use a couple of 24" T8s in a couple spots and discovered that the local mega suppliers don't sell "sunshine" tubes for this size - had to find them and order them online ...

[Frank Amato]

I spent most of the weekend outside doing yard work and playing with my kids.  Last night, I started working on DCC installs (DZ123 decoders) for two of my Kato PAs.  Pics to follow...

[tom mann]

I managed to work a little on my On30 boxcars and weather some AZL z scale locos.

[dclyde]

I'm curious about the GP9B kit...Where did you find it?

[asciibaron]

I'm curious about the GP9B kit...Where did you find it?

http://www.desplaineshobbies.com/n_parts.html

-'67

[Chris333]

I managed to completely ignore my On30 and built some Nn3 instead:



Why? I dunno