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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 2, 2023 17:48:29 GMT -8
Recently I have been closely comparing the styrene plastic MDC wood caboose in their familiar "old time" line to the CPR plans. It is obvious MDC used our historic wood van as the basis for their model, but many changes were made that make this kit not very accurate for CP. I know some people are satisfied with it and that's great. I think there are hobby, financial and mental health benefits in hacking up old kits. The landed cost to me for these is around $25 vs $100+ for most other options. Even if $30 is added for parts, decals and paint there is still a lot of money to be saved and weeks of important modelling enjoyment by using old-school methods. And yes, I have the TLT, Kaslo and Juneco kits and all are excellent as well. Please vote in the poll and write reasons for your opinion as whether/how best to proceed in the thread below.
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Post by GP40P-2 on Aug 2, 2023 19:11:31 GMT -8
I had to vote "for rebuild it" as I want to see what you can do with it!!
Of course you will probably need to replace 90% of it, so you may just want to scratch build it.
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Aug 2, 2023 23:43:37 GMT -8
I had to vote "for rebuild it" as I want to see what you can do with it!! Of course you will probably need to replace 90% of it, so you may just want to scratch build it. Same here. While I'd enjoy a scratchbuild thread just as much, I'm more curious about adapting an existing product. For example, just a few days ago I was looking at adapting some Walthers bridge abutments and piers. But they're cast in very thick plastic, and with some angles cast in too for good measure. So I'm very reticent about cutting up these particular kits. |
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Post by Christian on Aug 3, 2023 1:31:17 GMT -8
I think there are hobby, financial, and mental health benefits in hacking up old kits. Yep. And I promise that I won't comment on brakes! |
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Aug 3, 2023 4:22:59 GMT -8
"hobby, financial and mental health benefits in hacking up old kits." For a good old Hack, hacker like yourself....what else is there?  |
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leikec
Junior Member
Posts: 96 
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Post by leikec on Aug 3, 2023 7:33:14 GMT -8
I’d love to see another thread on scratchbuilding. Of course, this must be qualified by saying that I’d love it if almost every thread was a thread on scratchbuilding…
Jeff C
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Post by edgecrusher on Aug 3, 2023 8:31:48 GMT -8
I say start with the old MDC kit, it'll make for an interesting challenge.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 3, 2023 8:47:39 GMT -8
Yep. And I promise that I won't comment on brakes! You were respectful and kind in your approach plus you illustrated with a clear embedded image. Your comments were appreciated and I hope they continue! |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 3, 2023 8:48:35 GMT -8
I say start with the old MDC kit, it'll make for an interesting challenge. Possible inspiration for your brass update project?  |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 3, 2023 8:49:54 GMT -8
For a good old Hack, hacker like yourself....what else is there? Looks like you want me to hack up these old hacks. |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 3, 2023 8:53:11 GMT -8
I had to vote "for rebuild it" as I want to see what you can do with it!! Of course you will probably need to replace 90% of it, so you may just want to scratch build it. Thank you for your continued support of my threads. Your thoughts echo mine but it seems from the poll there is much more interest in seeing me adapt these old cars than to do another scratch. Kind of a surprising result but possibly folks just want to see me do something different from my usual. |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 3, 2023 8:57:27 GMT -8
Same here. While I'd enjoy a scratchbuild thread just as much, I'm more curious about adapting an existing product. For example, just a few days ago I was looking at adapting some Walthers bridge abutments and piers. But they're cast in very thick plastic, and with some angles cast in too for good measure. So I'm very reticent about cutting up these particular kits. Thanks for this. It looks like most agree with you.
As for your bridge piers, why not start an embedded photo thread and show us the problem, then the approach you decide on and how you implement it? Possibly a few of us could be inspired by your solution as cutting heavy plastic is not ideal. |
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Post by edgecrusher on Aug 3, 2023 9:08:35 GMT -8
I say start with the old MDC kit, it'll make for an interesting challenge. Possible inspiration for your brass update project? Unfortunately the only thing I lack in any of my projects is the time to work on them. |
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Post by Christian on Aug 3, 2023 9:55:14 GMT -8
Kind of a surprising result but possibly folks just want to see me do something different from my usual. That's not it at all. Cutting up an existing model into parts isn't much different from 2023 style scratch building using commercial parts wherever possible. Having said that - I scrolled through images of CP wooden vans. It looks to me like you will need new sides because of the windows and width of the end platforms. And the underframe might need enough work to be easier to replace. K Brakes, of course! New trucks. And so forth. Surprisingly, the roof and cupola look ok to me. |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 3, 2023 10:08:44 GMT -8
That's not it at all. Cutting up an existing model into parts isn't much different from 2023 style scratch building using commercial parts wherever possible. Having said that - I scrolled through images of CP wooden vans. It looks to me like you will need new sides because of the windows and width of the end platforms. And the underframe might need enough work to be easier to replace. K Brakes, of course! New trucks. And so forth. Surprisingly, the roof and cupola look ok to me. Interesting comments. I have never heard "scratchbuilding" defined by year like that. And yes, every single component of the MDC model will need adjusting or replacing. Cupola, ends, steps and trucks need complete replacement while roof, sides and under frame can be adjusted. I would love to simply build a whole new under frame but the poll says most of you would prefer seeing me rebuild vs start over. Brake system depends on which van and era/version is being modelled. Lots of decisions to make with these but at least this is giving my mind something positive to chew on. Thank you and everyone for all the likes and support thus far. |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 3, 2023 10:16:23 GMT -8
New question: I have small stock of "fat" 33" metal wheels left in my parts box along with a stock of the nice semi-scale wheels I've been using for quite some time. In your opinion, should I "use up" the last of my fat wheels on this potential build (might involve up to 3 vans tbd) or should I continue with the semi-scale wheels and place the "fat" wheels into quarantine with my #5 couplers?
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Aug 3, 2023 14:17:43 GMT -8
New question: I have small stock of "fat" 33" metal wheels left in my parts box along with a stock of the nice semi-scale wheels I've been using for quite some time. In your opinion, should I "use up" the last of my fat wheels on this potential build (might involve up to 3 vans tbd) or should I continue with the semi-scale wheels and place the "fat" wheels into quarantine with my #5 couplers? Keep the fat wheels for boxcars and other "house" cars where they're kind of hidden underneath, while using semi-scale wheelsets on cabooses, tank cars, and other cars with open ends or sides where the wheels can be seen. |
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Aug 3, 2023 14:19:30 GMT -8
Same here. While I'd enjoy a scratchbuild thread just as much, I'm more curious about adapting an existing product. For example, just a few days ago I was looking at adapting some Walthers bridge abutments and piers. But they're cast in very thick plastic, and with some angles cast in too for good measure. So I'm very reticent about cutting up these particular kits. Thanks for this. It looks like most agree with you.
As for your bridge piers, why not start an embedded photo thread and show us the problem, then the approach you decide on and how you implement it? Possibly a few of us could be inspired by your solution as cutting heavy plastic is not ideal. The problem is I bought single track piers and abutments for my single track bridge... which is too wide. The abutments are angled in several dimensions and also of rather thick plastic. I'm taking the easy route and buying double track kits instead and eBaying the kits I have now. |
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Post by soolinerr on Aug 5, 2023 11:06:11 GMT -8
No more build threads!
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Post by Christian on Aug 5, 2023 13:43:55 GMT -8
You can choose to not click on the build threads just like I choose to not click on the "why isn't it on time?" threads. |
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Aug 5, 2023 15:35:13 GMT -8
Why in the world not?? That's model building rather than adding to collections. |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 7, 2023 16:17:34 GMT -8
Obtain some storage boxes and organize the factory parts. Decide what is usable and what aftermarket parts are needed.
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Post by hudsonyard on Aug 7, 2023 16:34:10 GMT -8
weird stance to take, i come to this forum to see great modeling |
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Post by Christian on Aug 7, 2023 16:36:47 GMT -8
Obtain some storage boxes and organize the factory parts. Decide what is usable and what aftermarket parts are needed. Does this mean you're going to do it? |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 7, 2023 16:50:51 GMT -8
Obtain some storage boxes and organize the factory parts. Decide what is usable and what aftermarket parts are needed. Does this mean you're going to do it? Not 100% decided yet. I don't like to commit to a project until I know the critical parts are available. Still need to gather up a few things and the thread was started to get input from ARF. This is the engineering phase, feel free to offer further input at this time. |
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Aug 8, 2023 5:32:38 GMT -8
Sounds like another bottle of wine needs to go into position....
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 8, 2023 5:45:28 GMT -8
Sounds like another bottle of wine needs to go into position.... Locked and loaded. Supply was running low. |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 8, 2023 8:27:29 GMT -8
The poll results have me conflicted while the MDC kit analysis continues. The early-century 3-window wood side version is one I wish to model but both window placement and spacing are at least a scale foot or two off where they should be. Length of the body sides is also 12-18" too long, spacing of truck centers is off by 6-12 scale inches and end platforms are too narrow. The roof and under frame are generally at the right dimensions. Roof detailing is incorrect and requires lots of dremel, file and sandpaper work. Under frame length is the correct CP 35' 5" over strikers and detailing is acceptable but there are many drilled holes that would need to be filled in or plated over. Cupola, ends, steps and all other detailing must be totally replaced to bring end results in line with current standards and expectations.
Q for those of you who voted to adapt the kit rather than scratch build: Does the above information change your view?
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Post by sd40dash2 on Aug 8, 2023 8:39:39 GMT -8
The two sad former layout queens have been completely disassembled, cleaned and are now laid out to dry.
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Post by schroed2 on Aug 8, 2023 10:39:53 GMT -8
Q for those of you who voted to adapt the kit rather than scratch build: Does the above information change your view? I changed my vote accordingly... |
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