Weekend Update 12/4/16

[Chris333]

On the Googler you can look right down the middle of it:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8962946,-121.0806556,3a,75y,176.11h,86.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sA2aOpT6w_x1qTgL2F_NE9A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://bridgehunter.com/photos/16/63/166328-M.jpg

[randgust]

Well, this was certainly fun and different.

I had a customer request to see if I could construct a narrow-gauge Nn3 version of my Whitcomb centercab kit, similar to the US navy unit on Oahu.

When we discovered that an Z AZL GP7 chassis would literally drop right in, and I could use my old resin GE70-tonner sideframes, well... off we went.

Customer is planning to paint and finish, but did want me to do the handrails:





I'm not sure if there's another 8x8 Nn3 diesel out there, but this worked pretty darn well.

[Chris333]

Randy. One of my Erie books had this photo:
https://goo.gl/photos/7mdghZz2rz1SSw3y5
Says Whitcombs headed to Europe Croxton yard Secaucus NJ

[randgust]

Wow, great shot.   

This is kind of what I'm going for here, which is another case of 'close enough'.

https://flic.kr/p/avJT2a

[wcfn100]

Got my Shapeways package today and got one coupler installed.



I'll have more of a discussion about it on the other thread after some chicken nuggets and shake.


Jason

[mu26aeh]

No modeling for me.  Had a good evening on eBay tonight with some items, others not so much.

[craigolio1]

Craig, I bet the answer is simple: an earlier iteration of the bridge was the multi-span plate girder with steel towers. When the road underneath was widened, the towers were in the way and a much longer span was required. Rather then building a new bridge, the Pratt truss was an ingenious way to span the roadway while supporting the pre-existing deck above. As to who decides, most of the time the design is driven purely by engineering considerations and cost, and in most instances, the selection of a steel bridge type is a nobrainer.
Surprisingly, Auburn has two other bridges that are even more interesting than this one; if you like bridges, check out Bridgehunter.com, a great site.
Otto K.

What a clever idea for altering the bridge. Makes complete sense.

I will check out that site for sure.

Craig

[up1950s]

Well bravo to MTL on those great looking couplers . Still waiting for a trade in date on hundreds of 1015's bought assembled and mounted . Thanks for that great shot Jason .

[jgiovenni]

Hi to all, speaking about bridges, this is my creek scene, step by step:
Let's start! Well, track and webcard scenery are already working:


Here is the basic landform in place (cars are for proportion):


Landform, ballast and rocks:


Same scene, different view:


Here you can see the almost ortogonal view of the bridge:


Basic vegetation, rocks in the riverbed and some more color!


Riverbed and bridge from below:


Pouring the water:


And ... the final effect:


Hope you liked it!

Ciao,

Giovanni

http://www.plasticando.com

[craigolio1]

Awesome step by step. Looks really nice.

[davefoxx]

I'm next on the list of M³T hosting after @wm3798, so, today, I've been working on some details to help create a finished scene.  Here's my first attempt at stringing wires for the line poles on the A&R.  It's not easy getting the correct amount of sag while trying to get the wire to set in CA on top of the insulator on the pole.  Sadly, after all of this effort, when you step back from the scene, the wires are not that visible.



But, I turn my back for just five minutes, and . . . Goddamned kudzu!



Seriously, I was disappointed, because any attempts at Kudzu Jesus were unsuccessful.  The EZ Line is too flexible and just won't support the kudzu without non-prototypical sags.  Too bad. 

DFF

[jmlaboda - RIP]

Seriously, I was disappointed, because any attempts at Kudzu Jesus were unsuccessful.  The EZ Line is too flexible and just won't support the kudzu without non-prototypical sags.  Too bad. 

As one who has had to see kudzu for 34 years I think I can say that you have captured the look of kudzu... the scene looks great!!!

[craigolio1]

Can you replace one span of line with bronze wire so it will hold its shape?

[basementcalling]

I would say that scene kills it, but anyone who knows kudzu, knows nothing kills it. 

Excellent work, Dave.

[nkalanaga]

Looks fine to me, and yes, prototype kudzu also changes the way wires hang.  That stuff can be heavy.