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Post by kisatchie on May 18, 2012 11:59:37 GMT -8
Way back in 1999, I found an article in N Scale Magazine (March/April) showing how to make log cars using Micro-Trains 39' tank car underframes. I ordered a bunch and would have completed the project, but hurricane Katrina flooded me out of New Orleans and the cars were ruined. I ordered some more underframes recently, and they arrived today. Now, I'm busy tapping the coupler mounting holes on the underframes so I can put #1027 couplers on. I'm also trimming the protrusions off the top of the underframes so I can have a flat surface to add the wood planking (withing the week???). I suppose I could put Micro-Trains trucks w/o couplers on the cars, but I have so many Atlas bettendorf trucks (Accumates trimmed off) lying around that I'd prefer not to let them go to waste. Decisions, decisions. Anyhow, once I finish them (by year's end?  ) I'd like to post photos here. Just gotta get a digital camera, because scanning film doesn't always work right. Oh well, back to tapping those coupler holes... Hmm... Kiz drives me to
drink. I'm going to tap a
keg... |
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Post by KIM on May 18, 2012 13:05:49 GMT -8
What will be the theme of your layout?
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Post by rhpd42002 on May 18, 2012 13:35:09 GMT -8
Way back in 1999, I found an article in N Scale Magazine (March/April) showing how to make log cars using Micro-Trains 39' tank car underframes. I ordered a bunch and would have completed the project, but hurricane Katrina flooded me out of New Orleans and the cars were ruined. I ordered some more underframes recently, and they arrived today. Now, I'm busy tapping the coupler mounting holes on the underframes so I can put #1027 couplers on. I'm also trimming the protrusions off the top of the underframes so I can have a flat surface to add the wood planking (withing the week???). I suppose I could put Micro-Trains trucks w/o couplers on the cars, but I have so many Atlas bettendorf trucks (Accumates trimmed off) lying around that I'd prefer not to let them go to waste. Decisions, decisions. Anyhow, once I finish them (by year's end? ) I'd like to post photos here. Just gotta get a digital camera, because scanning film doesn't always work right. Oh well, back to tapping those coupler holes... Hmm... Kiz drives me to
drink. I'm going to tap a
keg...Kiz, I'd like to see those pics when you get a camera and post 'em. Sounds like a nice project. Miss Dee, You could always tap my whiskey barrel!!  |
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Post by kisatchie on May 18, 2012 13:35:12 GMT -8
What will be the theme of your layout? Right now, I plan to cut a 4x8 sheet of plywood to get two 2x8 sections that will be joined to make an "L" shape. When that happens, I still haven't decided. (Ah, what to do with my two curious cats???) I want part of the layout to be a logging area, with a town where I can keep a switcher busy non stop ;D This will be, I hope, temporary. I have dreams of a gigantic layout, but first, I'll have to find a literary agent to find a publisher for the 3-1/2 books I've written about a wonderful genetic mutation. (An English degree really comes in handy when one likes to write.) If the books are best sellers, then I'll be able to splurge on my hobby. One can hope.... Hmm... I hope Kiz doesn't
forget to feed me tonight... |
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Post by rhpd42002 on May 18, 2012 13:40:15 GMT -8
Hmm... I hope Kiz doesn't
forget to feed me tonight...[/quote] Miss Dee, Make Kiz take you to the break room. We have plenty of bananas, but still looking for a termite supplier!! ;D
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Post by umtrrauthor on May 19, 2012 16:42:26 GMT -8
Kiz,
Digital cameras have gotten really inexpensive. Some of the pocket digital cameras rival the resolution of my Digital Rebel. To me that means that in a pinch even a second hand digital camera might work.
Technically speaking, the log cars would probably have Arch Bar or Andrews trucks, especially if they weren't interchanged (the bans on those trucks only applied if the cars left home rails). Failing that, you can always invoke Rule #1* and put the Bettendorfs on.
Good luck with the books! Self-publishing is always an option (which I've also considered, but then I have to write the book first) but self-publishing also means self-everthing else as well.
*It's your railroad.
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Post by kisatchie on May 19, 2012 17:56:47 GMT -8
Technically speaking, the log cars would probably have Arch Bar or Andrews trucks, especially if they weren't interchanged (the bans on those trucks only applied if the cars left home rails). Failing that, you can always invoke Rule #1* and put the Bettendorfs on.... The article that explains how to make the log cars (using bettendorfs) mentions "Even today, this type of log car is in use at the Simpson operation in Shelton, Washington. Simpson interchanges with the Burlington Northern, so it's not uncommon to see logging traffic along the Class 1 mainline." I'm going to model my fictional logging operation on the fringes of Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest, tying in with my Kisatchie, Gulf & Northern Class 1 railroad. Anyone doesn't like it --- tough.  Hmm... speaking of tough,
never let Kiz fix you a steak... |
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Post by umtrrauthor on May 19, 2012 18:04:44 GMT -8
There's a prototype for everything!
Depending on the time period modeled, you could even go to Roller Bearing Trucks. There was a "required" date of the late 1960s/early 1970s for RB Trucks these according to the info I have available.
One key question is how many people would pay attention anyway... I do, but my local N Scale friends rate that as fairly high on the nitpicking scale... again, Rule #1 always applies...
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eja
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by eja on May 26, 2012 20:26:23 GMT -8
WAY BACK in 1999.....  I've got bananas in my fridge that are older than than that... I've even got some Fast Jeff 6 volt light bulbs |
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Post by rhpd42002 on May 27, 2012 7:30:28 GMT -8
So, Kiz, how's the project coming along? |
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Post by inkaneer on May 28, 2012 6:55:49 GMT -8
Way back in 1999, I found an article in N Scale Magazine (March/April) showing how to make log cars using Micro-Trains 39' tank car underframes. I ordered a bunch and would have completed the project, but hurricane Katrina flooded me out of New Orleans and the cars were ruined. I was just reading the same article. I have been reviewing my older N Scale mags and finding a lot of useful stuff therein. Even the articles on trees which everypone bemoaned at the time are now interesting. The newer mags do not have the 'how to' articlesike the older ones did. |
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Post by kisatchie on May 28, 2012 11:24:43 GMT -8
So, Kiz, how's the project coming along? I should get the last of the #1027 body-mount couplers in the mail the day after Memorial Day, so the couplers will get put on the remaining 12 cars once I assemble the couplers. As for putting the wood planking on the underframes... I decided to paint the planking a wood color before gluing them in place. Of course, with this change in plans, I need to order some wood colored paint first. And rust color to paint the bunks that will hold the logs in place. And I'll need logs too. But there are plenty of twigs lying around outside (the wind blows off numerous branches from the many ancient trees here in town). Oh well, that's where things stand now. Hmm... more like lying
unconscious by the side
of the road... |
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Post by umtrrauthor on May 29, 2012 9:27:18 GMT -8
There are some good wood colored craft paints out there at the "big box" stores. Cheaper than the model railroad paints by a long shot.
Not sure if there are termite color paints though, sorry Dee...
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Post by powersteamguy1790 on May 29, 2012 11:00:05 GMT -8
Check out any of the craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or JoAnns for cheaper acrylic paints. There are many wood stain colors to choose from as well as burnt Umber and earth tone colors. Just as a side note. If you take a color swatch (the size of a quarter) to Home Depot, they will mix up eight ounces of any paint for $3.00. I've done this many times for paint colors I use frequently such as Grimy Black, Burnt umber and Rail Tie Brown. etc. etc. Stay cool and run steam......  |
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Post by inkaneer on Jun 22, 2012 4:57:40 GMT -8
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Post by loggerhead on Jun 23, 2012 13:24:55 GMT -8
Pictures.........we need pictures........sounds like a great project.
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Post by loggerhead on Jun 23, 2012 13:26:10 GMT -8
Pictures.........sounds like a great project
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Post by kisatchie on Jun 25, 2012 12:08:22 GMT -8
Pictures.........we need pictures........sounds like a great project. Sorry... no pictures. I don't have a digital camera. I shoot film exclusively, and I don't have a scanner. The project is about halfway finished. The couplers are on the underframes, and I've added trucks. I have the (styrene) wood planking and bunks ready to be applied, but I still need to get wood-colored paint for the planking the next time I can get to the hobby shop 210 miles away LOL. Hmm... Kiz apparently
has never heard of mail
order... |
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Post by KIM on Jun 25, 2012 16:13:42 GMT -8
Good to see you again Kiz. Dee make him stick around.
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Post by kisatchie on Jun 25, 2012 16:42:56 GMT -8
Good to see you again Kiz. Dee make him stick around.
fingers to the keyboard
as I... wait, that won't
work... |
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) I'd like to post photos here. Just gotta get a digital camera, because scanning film doesn't always work right.
