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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 16, 2023 4:28:29 GMT -8
Time to start building up the under frame. The train line isn't long for this world.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 17, 2023 4:31:19 GMT -8
Busy busy busy around here lately. Be sure to wear ear protection!
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 18, 2023 4:03:04 GMT -8
Plastic platform surfaces have been nibbled out. Next time I will try to use heavier strips to hold up the platforms rather than wasting all that styrene and nibbling. Plus strips will be straighter and probably closer to prototype practice anyway.
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Post by slowfreight on Sept 18, 2023 5:00:21 GMT -8
Reading with interest....i have an older version of the Chopper, and I find that it struggles to cut thick pieces without veering diagonally. Anyone have techniques to compensate, or alternative tools when chopping thicker stock?
Also,I am interested in how others cut and square windows. I have used one of my machinist squares as a filing guide, but found it very quickly can damage the square. Score/snap/reassemble seems reasonable for buildings, but maybe not accurate enough for rolling stock.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 18, 2023 6:14:43 GMT -8
^ Hi. Good questions about cutting in windows, which I will demonstrate here in the next couple of weeks. As for the opinions of others, I would recommend reading the thread I started on styrene book recommendations in the crew lounge. If you prefer a video format, this is the best explanation I've seen from a styrene master. On the squaring issue, please see my 2019 build thread of CP 434071 in the completed projects section showing my method for constructing the cupola offered nearly perfect squares and lines.
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Post by Christian on Sept 18, 2023 7:49:32 GMT -8
I have an older version of the Chopper, and I find that it struggles to cut thick pieces without veering diagonally. Also, I am interested in how others cut and square windows. I have used one of my machinist squares as a filing guide, but found it very quickly can damage the square. Common single edge razor blades are 0.009" thick. I use blades that are 0.012" thick - a bit stiffer. Note that the words i ndustrial, heavy duty, commercial, and so on are used for common 0.009" blades. The thicker blades state thickness as that is a selling point. Having said, this stiffer blade lets me chop slightly thicker stock. I'm comfortable up to 0.060" X 0.080" strips. Thicker I rotate the piece cutting a bit into each side until it is through. A snick of a sanding block is still needed to flatten the cut. If the length is critical I use a miter box and razor saw. As for the windows. I use a nibbler which Manny will probably demonstrate in this thread. (He seems to have gone tool shopping recently!) First I use a square and blade to score the perimeter of the opening. Then drill and nibble. With the score I can get a straight nibble/cut. Corners might need a snick from a very small square file. Note, if you are using commercial window/door castings you only need to be in the ball park. |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 19, 2023 3:54:58 GMT -8
Cut end sill bars, mark and drill 1 grab iron location, install grab iron, then install bars onto ends when dry. Oh and some cross members interfered with wheels, those are now gone.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 20, 2023 3:29:55 GMT -8
Since everyone's favourite part seems to be watching me suffer through step preparation and installation, check this out! You definitely need steady hands, the right etchings and styrene, good cutters, good magnifiers or vision, patience and the right mood. All of these small parts need to be cut and mounted as straight as possible.
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Post by cp6027 on Sept 20, 2023 7:56:38 GMT -8
Looks like one of those factory pictures that Rapido posts!
This is fantastic work and I look forward to seeing al the steps required to achieve the finished products. Definitely helps with motivation to work on the various resin and styrene kits I have around.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 20, 2023 8:10:20 GMT -8
Looks like one of those factory pictures that Rapido posts! This is fantastic work and I look forward to seeing al the steps required to achieve the finished products. Definitely helps with motivation to work on the various resin and styrene kits I have around. Thanks very much for your kind and supporting comments. I am glad you appreciate the thread and are getting something out of it. I look forward to seeing some progress photos of your kit builds! |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 21, 2023 3:42:44 GMT -8
Whew, step and platform installation complete. You need to take it slow for this as it all needs to be straight, square and aligned to look good and be safe for crews. Harder than it appears!
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Post by Christian on Sept 21, 2023 9:21:51 GMT -8
You haven't mentioned adhesive in this build. I did note in an early photo that you had a bottle of Weldbond with the stupid cap. Is that what holds the steps together?
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 21, 2023 10:08:55 GMT -8
^ Indeed, that versatile Weldbond glue is used about 90% of the time, my ACC doesn't give me the required time to carefully align each piece. I know you're a fan of Weldbond.  ACC has only been used thus far to secure the bolsters as they have to withstand a lot of force from turning the truck screws. |
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Post by edgecrusher on Sept 21, 2023 11:54:54 GMT -8
Are you using the Plano caboose platforms for these or did you find something else that works?
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 21, 2023 14:28:34 GMT -8
^ Plano 454, see posts of Sept 10 and 14 for photos. I didn't illustrate the tedious exercise, but the platforms needed to be narrowed and the cutoffs were just the right size to provide more steps!
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 22, 2023 3:51:09 GMT -8
There is nothing like see-through steps and platforms. Thank you to Plano for producing these etchings and to Evergreen for the excellent selection of styrene strip for the risers.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 23, 2023 4:36:44 GMT -8
I think this turned out pretty good, what do you think?
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Sept 23, 2023 6:08:19 GMT -8
Very good indeed.
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Sept 23, 2023 15:14:07 GMT -8
I admire your dexterity and neat workmanship... |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 24, 2023 5:02:43 GMT -8
Painted a bunch of trucks at once.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 25, 2023 3:44:37 GMT -8
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Post by cpr4200 on Sept 25, 2023 7:43:07 GMT -8
Are the steps made with unmodified dimensional strip? I have to figure out how to make GMD stepwells like that. Whose trucks and wheels? I have a Kaslo plywood van kit coming (I only need one) and will try your Cat Yellow paint suggestion.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 25, 2023 8:04:42 GMT -8
Tichy trucks and Moloco wheels for the win. Good luck with the Kaslo kit and yellow paint. Would love to see a photo or two of your progress in ARF!
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Post by edgecrusher on Sept 25, 2023 10:38:20 GMT -8
I didn't realize Tichy made caboose trucks, I'll have to look into this. Those look a bit like ones I'll be needing for an IC caboose in the future.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 26, 2023 4:01:11 GMT -8
Trucks and wheels painted, assembled and set aside for testing plus final installation a bit later.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 27, 2023 3:52:42 GMT -8
Again check final truck and wheel swing and all clearances, make adjustments as needed.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 28, 2023 4:52:21 GMT -8
Quick shot of the u/f after checking coupler height. I strongly recommend using .060 sheet for under frames like this and NOT .040 which has a lot more flex. See how straight this u/f is?
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 29, 2023 5:04:19 GMT -8
Brake parts have arrived.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Sept 30, 2023 4:21:41 GMT -8
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Post by sd40dash2 on Oct 1, 2023 5:08:29 GMT -8
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