Weekend Update 6/16/13

[up1950s]

[DKS]

Based on this photo (and many others)--



--I merged six DPM kits, plus a bunch of random scraps, to make this:



Build article here: http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/chapter_9d.htm

[bbussey]

My New Haven heavyweight diner sides from last week had a major error with the kitchen windows so I had to redo them.   I took the opportunity to add the next largest NH diner class since the differences were minor, so I could have some variance between models.  I also added the end doors, since there are no vestibules on the prototypes.  The mill is on the last stage now, embossing 14,734 rivets over the next five hours.

[MichaelWinicki]

Started planting telegraph poles and wiring them up...

[dougnelson]

Here is a new video featuring PRR steam - this time in glorius HD and sensuround sound.  Skyline K4 on the mail and express train, and the M1a are brass.  The other K4 on the passenger train is a very upgraded MiniTrix.

If it is not displaying correctly, here is the link:

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[mark dance]

I built the prototype Mark II train order semaphore signal.  Here it is being controlled directly by a Digitrax DT400D.  On the C&W the Dispatcher sets and clears the signals using a panel built in JMRI/PanelPro which addresses DS64's directly.  The DS64 has enough outputs to set both sides of the semaphore (through latching relay circuits...you can hear them clicking in the video) and drive the panel mounted LED indicators.  I also use the inputs on the DS64 for the crew's "acknowledge" button to acknowledge they have received their orders which then allows the panel logic to permit the dispatcher to clear the signal.

The blades were mocked up using multiple layers of acetate sheet with the blade pattern printed on it.  The innermost layer has red and green ink applied to colour the signal aspects.  When glued together it is rigid enough to represent the blade yet flexible so it should withstand accidental contact – while cleaning track for example.  I picked up some nano LEDs today and will try these on the weekend to see how the lit aspects on the blades look.

I need to lengthen the Nitinol about 3/4" to provide more travel to the baldes and I have to beef up a couple of parts but, barring a nasty surprise with the nano LEDs, I think I can proceed to directly making the final 6-8 units now,  Probably in July.

I also weathered some rolling stock I picked up over the last few months.  Here they are positioned on the Kettle River bridge.







Have a great weekend.

md

[BCRail_FSJ]

I have made more progress on my Fort Nelson River bridge.  Getting close to finishing the first span with 2 more to follow

[PGE_Modeller]

The train order signals look great, Mark!  I would like to get a good look at those when I see you next week.  The layered blades to get the coloured lenses is a neat approach.

Cheers,

[eric220]

I upgraded the AR-1's on my upper level to OnGuard!'s.  Straight out of the box, no clicks and no shorts.  Why did I wait so long to upgrade?

[Kisatchie]

I also weathered some rolling stock I picked up over the last few months.  Here they are positioned on the Kettle River bridge.

What kind of trucks/couplers are on the wrecker? I have one I'm waiting to build, but I'm not sure if I want body-mounted couplers or not.


Hmm... I'm betting Kiz
will wreck his wrecker...

[mark dance]

What kind of trucks/couplers are on the wrecker? I have one I'm waiting to build, but I'm not sure if I want body-mounted couplers.

Honestly not sure. I built up the kits for the crane and idler last summer but did not paint them or add trucks/couplers..then Intermountain came out with a complete painted set of all 4 cars so I bought and weathered those!

Md

[seusscaboose]

I upgraded the AR-1's on my upper level to OnGuard!'s.  Straight out of the box, no clicks and no shorts.  Why did I wait so long to upgrade?

+1

[mark dance]

I upgraded the AR-1's on my upper level to OnGuard!'s.  Straight out of the box, no clicks and no shorts.  Why did I wait so long to upgrade?

I asked myself the same questions after replacing 7 of the 9 Digitrax AR units with the OnGuards...I honestly wonder how Digitrax can keep selling their reversers as the performance of the solid state units is far superior to theirs.
md

[wm3798]

Love the row houses, David.  Good thing it would never cross your mind to do casting of something like that in case other modelers might be thinking about doing an urban switching scene of say, oh, I dunno, East Baltimore or Locust Point or something...

Lee

[DKS]

Love the row houses, David.  Good thing it would never cross your mind to do casting of something like that in case other modelers might be thinking about doing an urban switching scene of say, oh, I dunno, East Baltimore or Locust Point or something...

Of course it did cross my mind, but because of the bow windows, it would be a rather expensive casting, unless I did it with solid windows (yuk). Might cost as much as bashing six DPM kits together. And of course I'd have to master it myself, as there's this little issue of IP if I were to use the kitbash I made for the master...