Weekend Update 2/25/18

[John]

If the custom run would be done, I'd like to see this slightly different scheme done

http://www.rnbphoto.com/Cement/Cement-Pages/Image1.html

I hope IMRC, if the cars ever come to fruition, does LEHX and MMID in the 3281 series

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2807254

I think the 5000 series is Johnstown America .. it would be a foobie

[mu26aeh]

I think the 5000 series is Johnstown America .. it would be a foobie

Well, then that's the next car for FVM to make

[RockGp40]

I'm still hoping a manufacturer does the Thrall 5400. I get lots of them on the MDDE.

[nscalbitz]

The MMID cars are from Precision Master, run years ago.  I'm not certain how many different numbers they released, but given my research based on what shows up on eBay, sale groups and shows they only did 2 #'s, 3601 and 3628.  Those 2 #'s are the only 2 I ever see for sale.  This haul came as a result of actually losing an auction on eBay.  I had a second chance offer sent soon after, with seller stating he had multiple 3 car sets available.  I asked how many he had and he wrote back he would list another auction with remaining cars.  He listed 4 sets and I bought all 4.  2 3-packs are going to a friend of mine who had asked about them.

Fox Valley Models now has the molds for these cars with upgraded details etc.  I have added MMID as a suggested paint scheme for them on a couple of occasions, so we'll see if they run them or not.  It has not been mentioned as of yet for a release.  The only thing I need to change is that these cars had 5 roof hatches, where these have 3.

1. Don't most manfrs. cross pollinate anyway? Copy schemes after some one else has done them to ride the wave. Even moreso in limited availability times?
2. Who will be the first manfr. to produce two cars- one with full road number and one abbreviated- giving (or likely selling for $5_ a tiny decal sheet with "fill your own" variant numbers and two plastic squeeze packets of solution? Easily done and fills another niche!
regards
davew

[nkalanaga]

Even better would be dry transfer numbers.  No need for solutions, just print a sheet of various numbers.  Given the right number choices, one could have enough digits to mix and match any number the customer wanted, and most customers would be happy with the half dozen or so ready-to-use numbers supplied. 

I, for instance, have no need for more than one of the cars discussed in this topic, and don't know what I would use that one for.  Even if I had a customer that would receive these cars, in Montana, it would likely be one at a time, so two or three would be enough for operations.  A modeler with a large industry using these cars could use a lot, and dry transfers are easier piece together than decals, making custom numbers simpler.

[mark dance]

a quick update on a number of projects...

1) conversion of Atlas S2s to CPR MLW DS-10ks...added the watchman heaters





2) Nelson Freighthouse...finished save the loading docks and stairs







3) Nelson Diesel house...almost done the design for the multi layer walls (two to go) then I can finalize the file for the ALPs printer to print the very fine mullions onto mylar.  Also I received the test parts for the floors and elevated walk ways for the inspection and heavy work bays.  Unfortunately they were cut from 0.016" instead of 0.022" as designed and so the fits were loose and the parts less than 1/4 the desired stiffness, but putting them together did give me a feel for what will work and what won't in the final design.  I found a few small errors but also came up with better ways to design the parts to assure perpendicularity in the assembly.









...and the last ops session I will have time for before the RMMBC meet in May





...and TRW's own Mr Hinshaw (at rear) switching the yard with Brian C.  Yes, Gary does seem to turn up in a lot of photos!



I hope everyone enjoyed the Olympics!

md

[Angus Shops]

Holy cow Mark, you're killing me...
I 'cut first wood' in the new layout room today, but it was only to allow me to build a few shelves to get some of the flotsam of the floor so I can clean out enough room to work. But it's a start...
Geoff

[mu26aeh]

MT did this with SP rapid discharge ortners, think they were called pods.  Could change last 2 numbers of car. 

[S Class]

OK , but what are Hammond and Clarkson doing ? 

I have visions of the desk on fire and bleeped swearing in the background.

[chicken45]

Did some layout research in Portage, PA this weekend.
Click below to find out why I took upside down pictures of the station!
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=28969.msg565394#msg565394

[milw156]

Here are a couple more videos From the Madison Wi MR show from last weekend

[Cajonpassfan]

It's been said "you can't ever have enough staging". My guess is I have enough.
I finally managed to finish all trackage in Barstow (East Staging) and install the last remaining Tortoise.
Lower right to left: Running track, three Arrival tracks.
Upper center, left to right: Running track plus eight Departure tracks, five Passenger tracks.
All Shinohara code 70 track; not pretty but bulletproof. Perfect for hidden staging.
Now on to Los Angeles, (West Staging)...
Otto K.

[CNR5529]

@Big Train and I cut a bunch of lumber this weekend, to prepare for construction of Free-moN style modules, and to make these:

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The profiled wood roadbed will serve to secure PC ties rigidly to the module end plates. We made enough to last several lifetimes!

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Afterwards, I assembled some of the first module frames, but more on that shortly...

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[James Costello]

MT did this with SP rapid discharge ortners, think they were called pods.  Could change last 2 numbers of car.

Close. About a decade ago N Scale of Nevada did it for a few MTL releases - an ATSF autorack, the SP Ortner hoppers and maybe the FEC Ortners too.

Precision Overlay Decal or something....

[shark_jj]

Mark, your layout is an inspiration.  Progress has been made on the Grand Trunk Southern as the rebuild of the yard has been finished with the completion of wiring and tortoise installation and wiring.  Here is a photo of the west end of the yard.  More info and photos on my layout thread at https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=26250.msg565570#msg565570  The turnouts at the rear will lead to a future turntable and roundhouse installation.  The buildings that are there currently are just covering up the plywood.