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Post by mlehman on Feb 8, 2014 22:36:38 GMT -8
This 5 Perspectives is about light. Railroads operate around the clock, so light is important to keep things running smoothly. We often take light for granted, but in the past it was a hard-won thing. After completing the structure for my engine service area, I still needed one more thing -- light, so that the hostlers can fuel and service locos at night. It's a reach out there, so I wanted to get this done before dirting things in. Plus I had project just last week where having the SMD form factor would have made things easier. So ordered from Ulrich Models on a Sunday, had them in my hand by Thursday. And I fashioned some light poles from tapered, stained dowels and brass stock. Daytime Night Time The Long View The Low Down View Close-up
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Post by rockisland652 on Mar 1, 2014 10:11:16 GMT -8
Despite the scenery straight out of 1970's era Doctor Who,... ...I thought I'd show some views of the 'time warp' from a few weeks back. Here we see two views of a modern Rock Island intermodal train meeting a modern Metra train at Joliet. Nice. A fine two train meet caught right at the diamonds, right? The other view... However,... Despite my near constant whining about the subject, there are no decent Budd Bilevel cars on the market today. I still wanted to show a parallel universe with RI meeting Metra. How do you show what isn't really there? Simple: don't. Imply that it is there,... Of course the elevated shots also reveal the incorrect crossing angle.
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Post by mlehman on Mar 2, 2014 6:12:28 GMT -8
Space -- the final frontier for model railroading... Nice group of pics, Tom, despite the reminder that some things are a lot harder to model than they would seem. Those Budds are signature cars and would sell like hotcakes for whoever does bring them out.
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Post by riggelweg on Mar 3, 2014 19:59:24 GMT -8
Fantastic photo! I can't wait to see your updates.
The Lehigh and New England bridge over the Lehigh River at Lehigh Gap ,PA lives on in HO scale , prototype built in 1911, model built in 2010. Unfortunately,the prototype is gone.
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Post by mlehman on Mar 4, 2014 6:52:05 GMT -8
It's time for a DoubleBonus 5P starring...aircraft! So why the heck are a bunch of aircraft models hanging around? Well, they're vehicles just like ground-based transportation we often depict in conjunction with our modeling. They also add an element of perspective and space that is useful in relation to the rest of the layout. One problem is the lack of HO aircraft models. I have two, an Osborn Models DHC-2 Beaver and a Roco Bell UH-1. These work well on the ground as well as in the air because they are HO. But keep in mind any kit in HO or a smaller scale, as they all work pretty well once you have them flying above your layout. With each aircraft, there will be a close-up and a wide shot to show it in relation to the layout. Keep in mind that I have a relatively low 6'6" ceiling. If you have more overhead space, this works even better. In each case, the aircraft is hung from a single strand of 4 pound test mono-filament fishing line. The Beaver comes with floats, but I changed it over to wheels. The UH-1 is painted black, just so you can say you saw one of "those." The next two planes are in 1:144 or N scale. They help force perspective. The Testor WB-29 was modified by addition of a "flycatcher" nuclear fallout sampling system used to bring back debris from Soviet nuclear tests. This theme was chosen as it's part of my research on the US nuclear intelligence program. Next is a recent addition to the fleet, a MiniCraft Douglass DC-6. The kit was old, so the decals crumbled. I have a new, fresh set on the way, but for now it's flying cargo rather anonymously. Then there's my Academy B-52, a 1:320 scale model, that elicited some interesting comments when it appeared here previously in SPF. I'll get that crooked engine nacelle straightened next time I'm back in that corner.
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Post by railfan4life on Mar 4, 2014 20:13:37 GMT -8
Mike, Great job as always. Love the waterfall and the night shots. The aircraft are really cool too. That B52 needs the SAC stripe for the full effect though. Kevin
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Post by mlehman on Mar 4, 2014 22:57:12 GMT -8
Kevin, Thanks. Unfortunately, no SAC banner/stripe with the included decals. I've been keeping my eyes open, but finding one in 1:320 ain't gonna be easy. Maybe a blue sharpie can do the trick, as it's tiny and far away enough?
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Post by riogrande on Mar 5, 2014 5:01:13 GMT -8
Gotta say, loving the photo essays. I just stumbled onto the topic as I didn't know what it was about until I wandered in!
It's great seeing the RR under operation in different scenarios. I enjoy seeing the various rolling stock employed in their roles. Even the Rio Grande Zephyr F9's pulling a coal train, which likely did happen. The F9's, while purchase with passenger service in mind (steam generator equipped B units) as I've read, worked in freight duties between delivery in 1955 and approx. 1965, when the prime CZ power (F3's) were sidelined, first by a wreck in the summer (#5521-5524) and then retirement at the end of 1965. I see an OMI brass single stripe caboose there - lovely (got one of those in the riveted 01400 series) and even a WP Center-beam (177+ anachronism?)!
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Post by mlehman on Mar 5, 2014 6:43:14 GMT -8
Jim, Thanks for your comments. Glad I can put on a convincing show I try to create the impression of an operating rail line with the Four Corners Division, even if it's significantly fictional. Gotta say, loving the photo essays. I just stumbled onto the topic as I didn't know what it was about until I wandered in! It's great seeing the RR under operation in different scenarios. I enjoy seeing the various rolling stock employed in their roles. Even the Rio Grande Zephyr F9's pulling a coal train, which likely did happen. The F9's, while purchase with passenger service in mind (steam generator equipped B units) as I've read, worked in freight duties between delivery in 1955 and approx. 1965, when the prime CZ power (F3's) were sidelined, first by a wreck in the summer (#5521-5524) and then retirement at the end of 1965. I see an OMI brass single stripe caboose there - lovely (got one of those in the riveted 01400 series) and even a WP Center-beam (177+ anachronism?)! Having a pseudo-branch also means increased traffic led the Rio Grande to retain and repurpose/rebuild a lot of first generation motive power to milk another decade or so of work out of it. When I get into full weathering mode, this distinction will be more clear. So I run a flexible era show that stretches over roughly two decades. Depending on what I'm running, it's easy to go early or late. If I have to choose a cut-off date, it's 1974, but that's flexible, too. Mainly it's about no GP40s. Nothing against them, just that they're frontline power that works the primary mains and not the Four Corners Division. I may relent on that someday, but it makes sense for now. The Tunnel Motors sneak in because I love them and the grade profile and traffic require modern six-axle power. The WP Centerbeam at 11-77 is just about the latest NEW date for rolling stock on the line and that's just a handful that are NEW after 74. This has given me a great idea for another 5P, though. Five historical anachronisms on my layout.
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Post by riogrande on Mar 5, 2014 9:21:49 GMT -8
The branch line scenario is a good way to work in the equipment and operating scenarios. It's a bit like the Alamosa branch line which connected to narrow gauge territory; in latter years that was GP40 territory.
Acquiring rolling stock out side of time frame can be a slippery slope! I have been bit by that over the years but in the reverse of you. I started out mainly collecting 1980 - 1995, but as I've collected books and some video's, back dated mainly 70's and 80's with a cutoff of about 1991 (no TTX speed logo, no Golden West) - earliest date 1965 end of F3's and include CB&Q GP30/35 pool power. Since I really hate to run trains without cabooses, I may narrow my end date earlier but I have some nice Sea Land and SP TT Twin Stacks that want running which requires about 1989 still. Oh well!
The ER Center-bream was hard to resist! Genesis GP40-2's are due late summer so there will be another temptation - but if you avoid #3129 and 3130, the other two numbers will work for a mid-1970's cutoff! How many of those nice 01400 Cabooses have you managed to scare up?
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Post by mlehman on Mar 5, 2014 9:45:17 GMT -8
Jim, The Alamosa thing isn't far off. I started out wanting to model the narrowgauge all the way to Alamosa, then have it as a dual-gauge terminal. Just not enough space. Then I remembered that Durango was dual-gauge for a time when the Farmington branch was built. Then I thought, let's just put Durango on the standard gauge -- and the rest is history, more or less. I have four of the OMI 1400 series, so that covers my SG ops pretty well along with some others (Walthers and the oddball PFM). I sold off my 1500 series cabooses, although I have a couple of those Atlass close-enough ones left, which helps avoid being tempted by GP40s. GP40s just don't get me excited when there's more interesting power to run, although I certainly understand this is entirely a personal taste and not a verdict on the model.
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Post by riogrande on Mar 5, 2014 13:12:30 GMT -8
That follows - can see the connection there to Alamosa. Some interesting stuff there worthy of modeling or "proto-lancing".
The OMI 1400 series cabooses seem like "musts" for caboose era Rio Grande modeling if one can swing it. I few years back I managed to bag 5 OMI cabooses 01400 cabooses and 1 Div. Pt. (4-stripe). Two of the OMI still need painted. Don't have any proper 01500 cabooses - only a few Atlas foobies. Speaking of cabooses, I've been getting bay window fever being originally an SP fan and slowly getting wooed back! The new Centralia bay windows are sweet and of course the Genesis C-50's too.
I've always liked the uniform look of the EMD hood diesels including the GP40's; they all seem to match like they are in the same family (GP30, GP35, GP40, GP40-2, SD45), but I know to some they are boring. I guess it's like music or art, in the eye or ear of the beholder! Most people love the F units but I've been enjoying your latest series on the Standard Gauge fair. I have to say I have been tempted in the last couple years with the Blackstone steam engines, but can't afford to have "it all"
Keep the photo essays coming!
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Post by Spikre on Mar 5, 2014 13:37:03 GMT -8
James, replace the GP30 with the GP28,or even the SD28. the GP30 looks like nothing before or since from EMD. GP30s do look much better than the Aero Train Blimps. Spikre
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Post by mlehman on Apr 6, 2014 6:57:13 GMT -8
Don't say anything, but there's some sort of nuclear complex on my layout. It started as an afterthought and a good way for some comic relief to relax from dealing with such things on a daily basis in my research. So it's all rather tongue-in-cheek. We're just having fun here. The depot is located on a loop of track that I originally built to turn train. In fact, all of Dove Creek was my original staging before expansion in space next to the layout in the basement. Now it's rather a big deal traffic wise, with a large quarry and cement plant next door (CCCP, which is a story in itself). along with some warehouses and ag industry customers. The depot is an Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) depot called Uracam after the contractor that runs the plant, the Uranium Corporation of America. The Four Corners region is saturated with uranium deposits, which is responsible for a lot of traffic, even on the narrowgauge. I built the main gate, fencing and signage some time ago, but it was rather low key and you could miss it entirely if you didn't look back there on the first deck. Now it's hard to miss with the lighting enhancements. Overviews of the area of the main gate, which is adjacent to Dove Creek's business district, which is mainly a red-light zone Signage tells you a little. But then it urges you to remember to forget. Dim your headlights, get blinded by the gate lights, show ID, and then you're on -- with proper credentials that is. Eventually, I'll get around to a 5P that shows how "the stuff" leaves the plant to move elsewhere in the AEC system for further processing. Stay tuned.
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Post by railfan4life on Apr 6, 2014 9:58:56 GMT -8
Very nice Mike--as always.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Post by mlehman on Apr 6, 2014 12:11:14 GMT -8
Kevin, Thanks! One thing that's a little hard to see, but is worth a mention for entertainment value, the guard in the shack is holding --- cue drumroll --- a donut. One thing that's great about an industry like this is you can send practically any commodity or car type in without needing to elaborate on the waybill exactly what it is. So long as it's properly placarded, no sweat. Sometimes I just enter "Stuff" or "Misc." on the waybill if I want to see a car used. Of course there's plenty of interesting stuff I know goes in and out, so plenty of entertainment value -- and no one comes out glowing.
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Post by WP 257 on Apr 6, 2014 20:22:41 GMT -8
I've always liked the uniform look of the EMD hood diesels including the GP40's; they all seem to match like they are in the same family (GP30, GP35, GP40, GP40-2, SD45), but I know to some they are boring. I guess it's like music or art, in the eye or ear of the beholder! Most people love the F units but I've been enjoying your latest series on the Standard Gauge fair. I have to say I have been tempted in the last couple years with the Blackstone steam engines, but can't afford to have "it all" Keep the photo essays coming! Donnell-- At one time I wasn't too excited about the EMD Second Generation units...but now I miss them. Somewhere along the way I changed my mind from hating them for being ever-present on Conrail, to realizing they were an endangered species, to now missing them... The Reading and Northern just weeks ago acquired (from Larry's Truck and Electric) 4 former BNSF/Santa Fe GP30U's (rebuilt by Santa Fe circa 1982 or 1983 with 645 power assemblies to a 2500 horsepower rating). My one friend hustled over to get photos of them already. Amazingly--the Santa Fe blue and yellow warbonnet paint looks very good on 3 of the 4 units...even still shiny. Someone at Topeka kept up the paint touchups late into the BNSF era. Conrail SD45-2 6666 "Satan's Engine" which used to haunt Horseshoe Curve as a helper, along with its other former EL sisters, lives on if only in my mind. Too many hours spent watching them waiting for the next train near Alto Tower... Now back to topic, sorry.
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Post by mlehman on May 11, 2014 5:50:11 GMT -8
This 5P is of the new Sheridan passenger shelter. It's patterned after the one at Tacoma along the Silverton Branch. Looking past the truck bringing down some raw ore to load at Sheridan's spur at the almost completed shelter. I was always impressed with multi-level stations on famous layouts, a common way to deal with the need for a station where one track passing over another back in the day. I think John Allen had one. In any case, mine is decidedly less impressive than any of those (there's only on track involved), but was built in one evening out of scraps from other projects. The platform is multi-level, to deal with clearance issues where it's located on a curve. For the roofing, really old school Walthers printed shingle paper I bought back around 1970. Predating accessibility standards, the stairs and railings at least (mostly) keep the drunks from falling off the platform before train time
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Post by mlehman on Jun 20, 2014 11:52:17 GMT -8
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Post by mlehman on Aug 13, 2014 5:11:18 GMT -8
I took along my camera while railfanning in Durango last week. Got the pictures back of them making up an extra freight to send east to Chama and points beyond from the photoservice and would like to share some prints with you...[can you tell I'm trying to make this sound all old-timey and 20th century? ]... I got there just in time to see the extra's power, the now familiar lashup of two GE 70-tonners today consisting of 95 and 97, on the turntable down at the roundhouse. The expense of updating the turntable to 75' long really pays off with the modern power that followed its installation. The extra was mostly all about moving MTs. Here a cut of Gramps tank cars and the one miscellaneous tanker of gasoline that was the train's only load are being pulled from the loading rack at the Oriental refinery. The cut of tankers is pulled past the stockyard switch next to the packing house. 95 and 97 back onto a cut of MT stock cars and a caboose, pump air, then they depart for Chama, New Mexico by going back through the reversing loop. Leaving town eastbound, we catch a last glimpse of Extra 95 East as it heads under the highway overpass. It's not quite big-time railroading like on the standard gauge, but it'll do.
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Post by bar on Aug 13, 2014 7:50:58 GMT -8
Great work, Mike! Dual-gauge track is cool!
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Post by mlehman on Aug 13, 2014 11:09:30 GMT -8
bar, Thanks, appreciate your enthusiasm. Maybe next time I'll try to grab an idler car and run a Hesperus turn or run an extra local from Dove Creek that will involve a dual gauge train.
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Post by Spikre on Aug 13, 2014 12:16:53 GMT -8
great Pics Mike !! next there should be a 3' HH600 running on that line,or even a 3' RS-1. Spikre
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Post by mlehman on Sept 3, 2014 10:47:04 GMT -8
This time around I documented building a model of a rather unique prototype, the Silverton RR's "Red Mountain" combine. It existed into at least the 1970s near Tefft on the Silverton Branch, but has probably since "joined the elements" based on pics of it from then. I used a LaBelle Rio Grande combine kit as the basis of this bash. It probably takes less time to build it this way than as designed, because you don't have to shape and build the roof with its clerestory needed for the standard Rio Grande version. Slice, Dice and Glue: Converting a 8 window side to a 7 window side Along with the window change, you also need to shape the baggage door bottom panels so they are rounded. Easy to do with a round file. Then there's the roof...basically a piece of 1/32" plywood, with rounded formers CA-ed on the underside. Careful location of the ribs allows for a tight press fit After priming and paint, another test run. Not a derailment, meaning it's one of my straighter builds I found some suggestive evidence that this car had en windows in the passenger section, as many cars of this era did. I liked the idea of a combine doubling as a observation car of a sort, so included them. The bigger windows let you see inside better...where it's still empty. Gotta get some seats, but I like the look. The decals are what I'm not happy with, as they refused to snuggle despite repeated work. After get hit with matte, I went back, sliced em again and applied more MicroSol. This seems to be helping oddly enough as a last-ditch effort. They may end up coming off and I'll try for something more accurate than the Republic Locomotive ones here.
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Post by mlehman on Sept 19, 2014 16:08:06 GMT -8
We're on the dual-gauge again this time, on an Extra 64 Coal Turn to Hesperus and back to Durango. Our power is one of the relatively new DL-535E Alco originally developed for the White Pass & Yukon, but found eminently suitable by the Rio Grande for upgrading their narrowgauge freight operations. There is no way to turn a loco in Hesperus anymore, so #64 will back all the way to Durango... After arriving in Durango, #64's crew has just finished spotting two cars of company coal at the coaling tower. Backing past Carbon Junction Tower, #64 is ready to shove the last gon onto the cut of coal cars headed for Silverton and points beyond. Here, #64's crew drops the caboose into the pocket where it can easily be added it to the rear of the next Silverton train. An overview of Durango Yard. Bonus Image: This 5P made possible in part by the efforts of Blackstone, who delivered these fine RTR beauts to fill out that train this week.
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Post by ATR925 on Sept 20, 2014 6:34:23 GMT -8
Mike, 5P great concept, good layout pictures gives me insight to all the great layouts out there good work all. I'm not big on picture taking but would like to jump in with 5Ps of Tremont on the Atwood-Tremont RR. As this is my first post of this type here I've included a schematic for reference. The ATR is an operational switching layout about 50% complete, era late 5o's to early 70s time frame. The concept is point to point ( Atwood to Tremont )with interchange and transfer at Midway with NYC and Tremont with NS. There are two other branch lines to Lehigh and Inland I will try to followup pictures later, hope my picture taking improves. Hope you guys enjoy, and feel free to supply feed back. Thanks Ed
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Post by mlehman on Sept 20, 2014 9:47:20 GMT -8
Hi Ed, Interesting start. Looking forward to seeing more.
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