Weekend Update 11/17/13

[jmlaboda - RIP]

"I originally intended to do "Benton" in IC colors, but then happened across a picture of it in NP colors and I just had to do it."

It was done IIRC as a part of the same agreement that saw NP and CB&Q dome - sleepers being used during the winter months on the IC.

[rochsub]

I know you all want me to do the ceiling but I don't be leave it is needed. Growing up I had my layout in the basement without a finished ceiling and I never had a dust problem. also that was a 50 year old house with old school flooring (1x6 boards) my new house is only 6 years old with plywood flooring so less seams to drop dust. I also have Hepa air filtration in this house so I don't see there being a problem.

What scale was your childhood layout?

[nkalanaga]

I was wondering a while back what happened to the Canadaigua Southern.

Ian:  Plastic for the ceiling sounds like a very good idea for any basement where the utilities are on  the underside.  Not only will it stop the dust, but if one has to make repairs, just cut a hole in the plastic, then staple a new piece over it when done.  Much easier than repairing a drywall ceiling, or fishing pipes and wires around suspended ceiling hardware.  I hadn't thought of plastic for a ceiling before...

[wcfn100]

A little late to the game but I got my Express trucks today and promptly discarded the box car attached.



Clearly it needs to be dropped (so does that stock IM car  ), and there are some mounting issues due to the stud system Athearn used but by biggest concern is going to be clearance.  I'll have to move the center cross members just like the prototype, but I don't know if I will get enough room at the sill steps (stirrups) to swing the trucks.  I try for a 15" min radius on anything I do, this is looking close.  Then there's the coupler clearance.  I haven't followed up with the Bowser(FT)/Etched pocket thread we have here because I haven't been doing any modeling.  But it may be the only thing that fits.  Not that I mind, I've been waiting for a reason.


Jason

[wazzou]

Jason -
Do those trucks closely match the wheelbase of your prototype?

[wcfn100]

Jason -
Do those trucks closely match the wheelbase of your prototype?

Yeah, they should be right on at 7'.   They do look very odd with the body sitting so high and the car ends missing.

Jason

[wazzou]

Oh, that's what I was missing...the ends.  It would surely look less sucky with them on.

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

What scale was your childhood layout?

I had Lionel, HO, and N-scale all worked into one layout on a 5x9 ping pong table.

[James Costello]

The color choices are up to the layout builder. How would you like to operate this layout?   

Any more photos or track plan of that layout? Looks nice...

[towl1996]

I have one of those (unbuilt). One of these days I'll make some decals for it and get it built.  I'm thinking of making a master pattern and resin casting the the cylinder ends.  Another project waiting for a round tuit. 

Well, if you do get around to making some decals and cylinder ends, I'll throw some money your way. 

[peteski]

Any more photos or track plan of that layout? Looks nice...

James, no online track plan, but the layout was featured in May 2009 issue of Model Railroader mag.
Some additional info online is here

[James Costello]

James, no online track plan, but the layout was featured in May 2009 issue of Model Railroader mag.
Some additional info online is here

Thank you!

[pwnj]

Just finished a few projects for myself and others.  One is the CR Desert Storm veterans tribute unit. This was redecorated from the generic Atlas CR SD50.  Had to custom match the CR blue (PollyScale CR blue was definitely not a match, but was able to mix Vallejo colors to get it close enough, then used weathering to blend it in). MicroScale decals were applied, and did some detail painting.  Also did a couple of tribute cars, and modified a CR caboose (was riding too high and needed new underslung couplers).  Conrail is growing on me (kind of like a disease...). 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'd love to hear about your custom Vallejo mix to match Atlas CR blue. I agree, the old Polyscale was way off from it.

Also, if you like that unit, pay attention to the CRHS's Facebook page over the next few days. I've been working on something fun that's about to be announced...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Conrail-Historical-Society/113684468655895

[w neal]

Any more photos or track plan of that layout? Looks nice...

There you go. I think presentation is important. Its all up to you, of course. I just prefer a ceiling of some kind. Sorry, my personal bias I guess