Quality Streetcar models in Nscale

[robert3985]

Neah, I didn't want to go that far. Everybody has their limitations. 

Candle wax (paraffin) should work just as well as beeswax for de-fuzzing thread.

I'm always running up against the "good enough" barrier in N-scale.  At least N-scale demands that I stop detailing at some point, whereas when I was building 1/8" scale sailing ships, about the only thing I couldn't quite get small enough were the small chains that were used on some of the rigging.  The main reason I quit doing it was after embossing over 3500 individual copper plates with over a dozen bolt heads on each plate on my last commercial job, it had ceased to be "fun".

Nope, paraffin doesn't work as well as real beeswax because it's brittle and stiff.  Beeswax, on the other hand is stickier and much more flexible and is the go-to for de-fuzzing model sailing ship rigging if you're not using quality and expensive 3-strand twisted Cuttyhunk Linen rigging line which doesn't require de-fuzzing.

Photo (1) - Here's the last commercial model sailing ship I made that killed my interest in that hobby...the "Comet" 1851, an American 3-masted clipper in 1/8" scale...fully rigged with linen sails, 100% scratchbuilt, plank-on-frame...


Photo (2) - Showing more of the rigging, mast & deck details...



Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Dwight in Toronto]

Bob - re: the ship modelling … I have no words that would adequately convey how much admiration I have for monumental accomplishments like that.  I can’t even guess at how many hours of work that would be.  Humbling indeed.

Back to more mundane things!

I settled on my option b) from earlier - that’s it - the carrier rope has been finalized:




I also attempted windshield wipers (soldered .012” brass wire with black Sharpie colouring):




I think this is about as far as I want to take this little beastie.  Tomorrow I will try to shoot and post a short video showing it in action.

[Mike C]

  Dwight , there is just 1 thing missing .... It needs a hook to hold the pole in the down position . You should be able to bend a piece of wire into the appropriate shape .      Mike 

[nickelplate759]

and one more thing...
From the pictures I can find, the spool cover for the retriever should be all red, rather than having the same red/white separation as the car body.

[Dwight in Toronto]

You guys made me smile!

I’m sorry Mike - I’m afraid I can’t do that !

George - I have to admit, that little bit of crappy factory paint has been a pebble in my shoe throughout this entire upgrade … I’ll see if I can touch that up.

Thanks guys.

[Dwight in Toronto]

As promised, here’s a hastily shot, short little video showing the streetcar running around on my workbench test oval. 

Watch carefully and you should be able to see the brake lights come on when the trolley stops, and then dim about 50% when it starts moving again.  The effect is much more noticeable IRL.  Similarly, the headlight is not nearly so blinding IRL!

Anyway, it was a fun wee project, and thanks to a bunch of background googling and input from the good folks here on TRW, I learned a TON of stuff about PCC streetcars.  Thanks again to all who followed along and contributed ideas, expertise and peer pressure!

/>

[Lemosteam]

I know its too late, but the fine black EZ line I just bought for my telephone poles measures 0.002" in diameter and is available in white.

[R L Smith]

I'm thinking this thread qualifies for "Best Of" status.  The modifications for DCC, lighting and details make this a fantastic model.


Ron

[Dwight in Toronto]

I'm thinking this thread qualifies for "Best Of" status.  The modifications for DCC, lighting and details make this a fantastic model.


Ron

Ron - thank you so very much for your commendation.  I mean, this is TRW … just having a fellow enthusiast even suggest such a nomination is hugely uplifting.  I would be elated if my little project were ever to be recognized in such a way!

[peteski]

I'm thinking this thread qualifies for "Best Of" status.  The modifications for DCC, lighting and details make this a fantastic model.

I agree, but it should really be split from the original topic into a build thread.  Some time ago I ask the mods to do that some time ago (even pointed to from which specific post the split should  be done, but nothing happened.

[randgust]

It's a long way off, but I'm looking at a curved T-trak module of our hometown station, eventually may end up in the historical society.

But why this is here is that the local streetcar line came right up to the back door, and this many years later, the rails are still in the street behind the old station after the line closed down in....hmmm...probably 1929.   That chunk of track and some remaining span wire brackets on old buildings, completely gone.   

So I'm tinkering with a small streetcar loop module.   And a couple vehicles.

The little 4-wheel Brill is easy, that's a Model Power shell remounted on a Kato 11-108 chassis, those run just great.

But I also picked up, at scrap prices (thank God), a Bachmann Brill 8-wheeler, the notorious 'people in the windows' trolley, 8-wheel drive, just for the shell.  I'll put a new drive under it.

OMG talk about 'new old stock'.   Original Bachmann white box, still intact, with the instructions rolled up in it, yellowed from age, undated, but guessing original '82.   Sticker on the box was KayBee Toy and Hobby, line marked down to $17.50.   Taking it out of the box found a puddle of yellowed lubrication in the bottom, but carbody just fine. Talk about a time capsule.  This has to be at least 40 years in the original box, unopened.   You don't suppose it will actually run, do you?

Well, the headlights came on, nothing else.   Checked the trucks, gears locked solid.    Unscrewed the chassis, dropped the trucks....yup.   This has NEVER been run, no sign of it, and the axle gears are all visibly split, classic 'white gear disease', and no saving that.   I didn't expect it to run, and it was clearly listed as 'not tested' and priced accordingly.
You have to wonder if the "Lifetime Guarantee" would still apply, but I still wouldn't use that drive.  I want it to creep reliably and silently.
https://www.spookshow.net/loco/bachbrill.html

The good news is that the thick, glossy paint lifted off immediately in 91% alcohol.

Anybody need a functioning motor though?  I'll just be using the truck sideframes and the body shell.     I've got Kato chassis and gearheads, that's the plan.

[eja]

Rapido recently sent an email announcing a "modern" street car in HO  https://rapidotrains.com/ho-scale/transit/ttc-canadian-light-rail-vehicle.html

Mybe they may do it in N someday.

[Jesse6669]

I know it's technically not N scale, but  AZL just announced they are doing a PCC in Z scale.  I thought some of yinz would be interested.  I'm hoping they do the Terrible Trolly myself.

[chessie system fan]

^That could have good critter chassis potential.

[Chris333]

The Niles Car Co. was right down the road from me. I kitbashed this about 20 years ago from MDC cars and a shortened doodlebug drive.