Author Topic: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco  (Read 1788 times)

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Dwight in Toronto

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Re: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco
« Reply #30 on: July 20, 2024, 04:02:53 PM »
+7
After a bit of a delay, I managed to put a few finishing touches on my inaugural scratch-building endeavour. 

I nestled a hand-held signal lantern on the floor of the front stoop:




… and put a second lantern with a red lens on the rear:



I also installed a Microtrains coupler, and shortly thereafter, stumbled upon a tiny piece of rolling stock that seemed like it could be just the thing to haul around behind this diminutive locomotive. 

I found this at a train show some time ago - it was getting batted about in the bottom of a box full of used N scale track and turnouts, had lost its wheels who knows when, and had unusual formed-wire couplers, the type of which I had never seen before.   The vendor willingly tossed it in with a couple of tank cars that I purchased from him, and I pretty much forgot all about it.
 
I posted a pic here on TRW, and folks informed me that it’s an item from the MinitrainS product line (European, I believe). 

I removed the wire configurations, managed to equip it with a single Microtrains coupler, and easily popped in a set of spare wheels.  Being so small, it needed a bit of additional weight, so I cut thin strips of lead tape and rolled them up to simulate a load of steel coils.
 
Here’s a short, hastily shot demonstration video of the final makeup, running on my workbench test oval:

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The only thing left to do is locate some white water-slide decal lettering so that the road insignia can be finalized, but I’m afraid that will be dependent upon a serendipitous find at some future train show.  Other than that, I think I can call this project “done”.


« Last Edit: July 31, 2024, 04:45:33 PM by Dwight in Toronto »

Dwight in Toronto

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Re: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco
« Reply #31 on: July 21, 2024, 09:47:37 AM »
0
@Jim Starbuck … private email sent.

Jim Starbuck

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Re: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco
« Reply #32 on: July 22, 2024, 12:23:51 PM »
+1
Email sent
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craigolio1

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Re: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco
« Reply #33 on: July 29, 2024, 12:08:32 AM »
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Well done Dwight! 

This looks really good.

Craig

Dwight in Toronto

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Re: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco
« Reply #34 on: July 29, 2024, 07:11:45 AM »
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Hey Craig, thanks for having a look and commenting.

This introduction to scratch building has given me the confidence to tackle a structure as a next project.  I’m looking at the Markham station - built 1870 for Grand Trunk Railway. It’s a busy spot these days as a GO stop, has been lovingly restored and maintained throughout its existence, is not overly complicated modelling-wise, and I can be there in 15 minutes to take pics and measurements. 

https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/events/markham-1/markham-village-train-station/Markham-Village-Train-Station-5.png


https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/events/markham-1/markham-village-train-station/Markham-Village-Train-Station-3.jpg

craigolio1

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Re: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco
« Reply #35 on: July 29, 2024, 09:39:55 AM »
0
Hey Craig, thanks for having a look and commenting.

This introduction to scratch building has given me the confidence to tackle a structure as a next project.  I’m looking at the Markham station - built 1870 for Grand Trunk Railway. It’s a busy spot these days as a GO stop, has been lovingly restored and maintained throughout its existence, is not overly complicated modelling-wise, and I can be there in 15 minutes to take pics and measurements. 

https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/events/markham-1/markham-village-train-station/Markham-Village-Train-Station-5.png

https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/events/markham-1/markham-village-train-station/Markham-Village-Train-Station-3.jpg



Oh that will be a cool project!!

I need to use the lathe idea. Love the bell and tanks.

Craig
« Last Edit: July 29, 2024, 10:04:37 AM by craigolio1 »

Dwight in Toronto

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Re: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco
« Reply #36 on: July 31, 2024, 05:23:27 PM »
+5
I closed off this build just about two weeks ago, saying that the only thing left to do was to find just the right water-slide decal lettering for the road name - a dubious, long-shot proposition that I thought would “be dependent upon a serendipitous find at some future train show”.

I am thrilled to report that Jim Starbuck generously offered to help me out by custom-printing what turned out to be exactly what I had in mind!  We exchanged a few email messages, and within about a week I had the perfectly executed, commercial-grade professional results in-hand.  Thank you Mr. Starbuck … you’re a stellar guy indeed!

Apologies if folks are maybe getting a bit tired of seeing this model, but I felt it only proper to wrap things up by showing the final result.  By the way, the “JMC&M” insignia is simply the initials of our four grandkids:






And what the heck - here’s a final video clip demonstrating the forward, reverse, and red marker lamps:

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There’s a bit of red LED bleeding through into the back-up/reverse headlight housing that needs tidied up, but I think I can say that this build is now complete.  Thanks for following.


Jim Starbuck

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Re: Noob Scratch Builder Attempts N Box Cab Loco
« Reply #37 on: July 31, 2024, 06:34:43 PM »
+1
That looks great Dwight! Glad I could help.
Many, many times I’ve been the recipient of the generosity, talent and knowledge here.
Railwire man, that’s how we do!
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