Sunday Photo Fun 28 Nov 2021

[Christian]

Last weeks Sunday Photos started Monday so I thought I'd jump start this. You guys are too shy. There's no "rule" about who starts the photos.

This is a Cargill hopper I built back in the days where there weren't any super hopper models available. It's a lowly Walthers after lots of carving and Planoizing. Cargill gold weathered into all sorts of pale and hazy colors. The prototype photo I used as a reference was close to minty green. So I painted the car minty green. Should have a gold cast to the green, but that isn't what came out of the airbrush. Decals are mine printed on an ALPs that pretty much match the prototype photograph. The stupid detail is the little roof over the ACI plate.

[sd40dash2]

Two recent projects to share this week: Latest-run 2021 Bowser CP SD40-2 5925 has just arrived and was improved by replacing coupler with Kadee scale-head whisker coupler (unsightly trip pin removed). The VIA unit is a 2014-run Rapido F40PH-2D that was improved by renumbering it, adding rerail frogs, repaint cab seats to black, replace couplers and bend wipers into a prototypical position.

My congratulations go to Bowser and Rapido for listening to their SMEs to make these prototypically-accurate and highly-detailed masterpieces. Thanks are also due to several workers along the supply chain, including all design, engineering, financial, production and logistics workers. All of these and others clearly worked very hard to make these models so awesome for our enjoyment!

[timvanmersbergen]

Big things on a big weekend.

After eating a big meal, the sandman comes to many of us.  For me he used these newly finished CB&Q silica sand service hoppers.  I had been waiting a long time for Intermountain to release cars with the right hatch hinge arrangement and roof.  Once they did, it turns out they used the wrong roof so I have to rebuild them with resin parts.  Doh!  For now, I got some of the cars from Q-Connection and the Amarillo Railroad Museum that caught the problem and actually have the correct roof and hatches.




CB&Q 181671 is a 1959 build HC-1B from the latter half of production with the full color herald.  Started as a Q-Connection HC-1C with lettering removed, repainted mineral red, lettered with Kohlberg decals.




CB&Q 181635 is an earlier production HC-1B from an Amarillo FW&D car with lettering removed.  It was repainted and lettered with Kohlberg decals.




Finally, CB&Q 181187 is a 1955 build HC-1A.  For this one I selectively removed the FW&D lettering and replaced with Jerry Hammsmith decals for reporting marks and service information along with a few other bits to match the prototype.

Also had a few friends over to operate on the evening of Black Friday.  Here are a few trains through East Dubuque, IL.




CGW train 192 has just crossed the river and now is coming out of the tunnel to head south to Galena Junction and home rails to Chicago.



CB&Q train #97, 626 west meets train #88, 975 east by the East Dubuque depot.

Tim VanMersbergen

[myoungwisc]

Nice models everyone! Here's a shot from the workbench this morning, a unit I've been working on for some time. This Atlas model started out factory decorated with a number of modifications to the appearance made to match prototype photos. There's still a ways to go, but unfortunately when gloss coating the model last night, a mottled surface developed which I haven't experienced before with Testors rattle can products. Hopefully I can make it less noticeable with a bit of weathering...

[csxt8400]

Good stuff, what's not to like when CGW SD40's and patch jobs are to be seen. That old Cargill hopper is a beauty, Christian! Totally love the ACI drip piece.

SD40-2, I just got the 5929 in the mail. Pretty nice locomotive, only two issues I have is the frame over the fuel tank seems a bit warped and the numberboard font needs to be taller.

Anyway, I've been doing more computer decal work lately so the modeling has been on the backburner. I have stripped and ripped off the offending details on the PWRS 5077's though. Next up is adding the EXR door parts, stirrups, and end ladders.

[TBird1958]

GP40 follies, third of 5 planned rebuilds of my Atlas Red Box fleet, both side of the chassis with some added detail parts and Evergreen channel, the unit also got a Kato cab and Athearn nose, which comes with the D&RGW headlight. This was fun to try, requires a little shimming on the inside edges of the cab step. Now to re weather the new parts and blend it all back together.

Have a great Sunday,

Mark Hills

[fr8kar]

I managed to work on one of my printed Trailmobile bullnose pup trailer kits a bit this week and in the process found a few things that need tweaking. I also found an elusive rear view of these trailers which has resulted in a redesign of the bumper, taillights and door frame. So maybe the third time will be the charm? At least it will have a pintle hook.... whoops! Don't know how I missed that on these first two iterations.

Here's the second attempt pictured with the original Shapeways print. I've updated many of the generic details in the door, latches, suspension and have begun printing wheel/tire combos instead of having to use A-line parts (nothing wrong with them, but since I can get better detail why not?). I misplaced the decals I made for the original trailer so this one doesn't have any yet. The tractor is a heavily modified Tyco Kenworth K100.








Tinkering with this model has resulted in a lot of back-and-forth between CAD and the workbench. I fixed a lot of things but I ended up chasing that rabbit until I wound up with Fruehauf pup trailers. This is what happens when I'm left unsupervised...

Another thing I was able to successfully print are the National Uni-Truck II used on some Front Runners. It took some doing, but I was able to get the Intermountain wheels in there after tuning the trucks up with the Reboxx tool. Fortunately this only took a few minutes and I was able to get back to the trailers.

[stevef45]

Finishing up this CSX SD50 2488. Added etched DB lift lugs from Tony Sissons. More dw and da parts where needed. Ditch lights are former railflyer ditch light castings with styrene backing. Had someone through a facebook group draw up the correct horn arraignment and ordered some so i don't need to hack up any dw horns
2021-11-28_08-27-15 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
2021-11-28_02-11-14 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr

The red acrylic tube i ordered came within a day of ordering. Had to thin them out on my custom made lathe LOL
20211124_170151 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
20211124_155829 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
Got enough turned down for all the NJT models requiring red markers and this sd50.

[myoungwisc]

Nov 28, 2021 10:48:08 GMT -8 TBird1958 said:

GP40 follies, third of 5 planned rebuild of my Atlas Reb Box fleet, both side of the chassis with some added detail parts and Evergreen channel, the unit also got a Kato cab and Athearn nose, which comes with the D&RGW headlight. This was fun to try, requires a little shimming on the inside edges of the cab step. Now to re weather the new parts and blend it all back together.

Have a great Sunday,

Mark Hills

Mark- what size C-channel did you use for the underframe?

-Martin

[TBird1958]

Hi Martin,

That was .100 channel, it's just slightly deeper than the molded sill, helps it look like it's sitting lower on it's trucks.

[jbilbrey]

Back in 2003 or 2004, I picked up this HO model of a Silverton Ore Pocket by Grandt Line in Silverton, CO but just now built and painted the kit.  I painted it almost entirely using "craft store" acrylics and oil's.  The roof got a coat of Tamiya red primer before being misted with silver and then finished with an oil wash.

Silverton Ore Pocket by James Bilbrey, on Flickr

[sd40dash2]

Nov 28, 2021 10:45:46 GMT -8 csxt8400 said:

SD40-2, I just got the 5929 in the mail. Pretty nice locomotive, only two issues I have is the frame over the fuel tank seems a bit warped and the numberboard font needs to be taller.

Thanks for the comments -- I agree about the numberboard font. It should actually be rounded on 5900-6024 except 5929 got new numberboards later in life and they used the other CP squared font. Except that the square font used on these models is not quite right for CP Rail. Bowser got these fonts right in the prior runs of SD40-2s, so perhaps this got lost in the shuffle due to the new factory? Not sure but I decided to forgive the issue and just accept it. My unit also has the same sill issue you mention which seems to be a plastic curing issue? My older run Bowsers don't have that problem either. This run of units was several years behind and given all the world issues at play I am surprised we saw them at all. For my own reasons, right or wrong I have decided to give them a pass on all these issues.

[TBird1958]

A rebuilt Walthers Ph. I 4427 - Thanks Christian!

[Funnelfan]

Spokane Portland & Seattle Rwy 4-8-4 #700 wheels the passenger train on the River City Western through the Palouse Hills of Eastern Washington. River City Modelers in Spokane, WA.

[jbilbrey]

Something for the more contemporary model railroaders.  I recently rebuilt/upgraded this Walthers heavy-duty flatcar.  The trucks are 100-ton roller-bearing trucks from Genesis; they should be 125-ton trucks but I didn't have four in the spare parts bins.  Uncoupling levers are from Plano.  I substituted the couplers for Kadee couplers and added air hoses from the same sources.  Finally, I removed the kit brake stands and added the DA brake levers on the sides of the span bolsters - a change made on the prototypes in the early 2000's.

Walthers QTTX Flat by James Bilbrey, on Flickr

I need to find that ex-CN NSC covered hopper that I was working on before I moved so that I can finish it.   

[Funnelfan]

Nov 28, 2021 11:11:47 GMT -8 fr8kar said:

I managed to work on one of my printed Trailmobile bullnose pup trailer kits a bit this week and in the process found a few things that need tweaking. I also found an elusive rear view of these trailers which has resulted in a redesign of the bumper, taillights and door frame. So maybe the third time will be the charm? At least it will have a pintle hook.... whoops! Don't know how I missed that on these first two iterations.

Here's the second attempt pictured with the original Shapeways print. I've updated many of the generic details in the door, latches, suspension and have begun printing wheel/tire combos instead of having to use A-line parts (nothing wrong with them, but since I can get better detail why not?). I misplaced the decals I made for the original trailer so this one doesn't have any yet. The tractor is a heavily modified Tyco Kenworth K100.








Tinkering with this model has resulted in a lot of back-and-forth between CAD and the workbench. I fixed a lot of things but I ended up chasing that rabbit until I wound up with Fruehauf pup trailers. This is what happens when I'm left unsupervised...

Another thing I was able to successfully print are the National Uni-Truck II used on some Front Runners. It took some doing, but I was able to get the Intermountain wheels in there after tuning the trucks up with the Reboxx tool. Fortunately this only took a few minutes and I was able to get back to the trailers.

Those are some very nice models, well done. What software are you using to design these parts? I need to find some decent software for making parts and stuff for 3D printing. Really want to make some Alloy Trailers that were popular in the 1990's.

[fr8kar]

Nov 28, 2021 13:03:11 GMT -8 Funnelfan said:

Those are some very nice models, well done. What software are you using to design these parts? I need to find some decent software for making parts and stuff for 3D printing. Really want to make some Alloy Trailers that were popular in the 1990's.

Thanks!

Unless you've got some old computer equipment lying around, you're not going to like this answer. I use AutoCAD 2000 (a.k.a. R15) to draw the parts first as 2D drawings then I use some basic 3D modeling commands to go from 2D to 3D. The last operating system this software would run on was Windows XP using compatiblity mode. It's not particularly good at 3D modeling, but if the desired result is something I can break down to primitive shapes like spheres, cylinders, prisms, etc. then I can usually get the job done. Complex curved surfaces are rarely possible (think Dreadnaught ends on a boxcar), at least with the skills I have. The models are also "dumb" meaning they can't really be edited like models made using parametric modeling software. But I've owned this license for 20 years and I'm pretty adept with the software at this point. I used to work in civil engineering and land surveying before I left all that for Uncle Warren's Playhouse, so at least I got paid to learn how to use it. I'd like to move on to something more powerful and capable, but life keeps getting in the way.

[rounder]

solidworks is the way to go for 3d mechanical.

[ChessieFan1978]

Reading SD45's

Reading 7600's by Matthew Fisher, on Flickr

[wmrdgfan]

Nov 28, 2021 11:26:04 GMT -8 stevef45 said:

Finishing up this CSX SD50 2488. Added etched DB lift lugs from Tony Sissons. More dw and da parts where needed. Ditch lights are former railflyer ditch light castings with styrene backing. Had someone through a facebook group draw up the correct horn arraignment and ordered some so i don't need to hack up any dw horns
2021-11-28_08-27-15 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
2021-11-28_02-11-14 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr

The red acrylic tube i ordered came within a day of ordering. Had to thin them out on my custom made lathe LOL
20211124_170151 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
20211124_155829 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
Got enough turned down for all the NJT models requiring red markers and this sd50.

[wmrdgfan]

Nov 28, 2021 11:26:04 GMT -8 stevef45 said:

Finishing up this CSX SD50 2488. Added etched DB lift lugs from Tony Sissons. More dw and da parts where needed. Ditch lights are former railflyer ditch light castings with styrene backing. Had someone through a facebook group draw up the correct horn arraignment and ordered some so i don't need to hack up any dw horns
2021-11-28_08-27-15 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
2021-11-28_02-11-14 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr

The red acrylic tube i ordered came within a day of ordering. Had to thin them out on my custom made lathe LOL
20211124_170151 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
20211124_155829 by Tripps Pics79, on Flickr
Got enough turned down for all the NJT models requiring red markers and this sd50.

Who makes the bug eye marker lights you have on this model?

[trainboyy]

I'm just a hair late to the party.. but I bring good news. I picked up a decent-condition Athearn RTR SD50 for $60 at the Greenberg show in Edison NJ; a great price, even if the unit is a little banged up. Some work will need to be done; I have to trim and file the pegs that used to hold whatever plow was originally on this unit, add MU hoses and windshield wipers, and hope I can find a replacement front handrail. I don't have a soldering iron let alone the brass stanchions to build my own.
Also one funny thing is that the rear coupler was originally an X2F "Horn Hook" coupler..   Let that one sink in. I've since tossed it right in the trash because those old TYCo couplers are nothing but trouble.

...also, speaking of bug eye markers, I am curious as well. 

[cemr5396]

Nov 28, 2021 11:46:33 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

Nov 28, 2021 10:45:46 GMT -8 csxt8400 said:

SD40-2, I just got the 5929 in the mail. Pretty nice locomotive, only two issues I have is the frame over the fuel tank seems a bit warped and the numberboard font needs to be taller.

Thanks for the comments -- I agree about the numberboard font. It should actually be rounded on 5900-6024 except 5929 got new numberboards later in life and they used the other CP squared font. Except that the square font used on these models is not quite right for CP Rail. Bowser got these fonts right in the prior runs of SD40-2s, so perhaps this got lost in the shuffle due to the new factory? Not sure but I decided to forgive the issue and just accept it. My unit also has the same sill issue you mention which seems to be a plastic curing issue? My older run Bowsers don't have that problem either. This run of units was several years behind and given all the world issues at play I am surprised we saw them at all. For my own reasons, right or wrong I have decided to give them a pass on all these issues.

I got one of the SD40-3 beltpack yard units, with the revised all-yellow Beaver logo. Mine was nearly perfect out of the box, I haven't seen anything wrong with it from a detail or assembly perspective. The only problems I have noticed were a bum motor and somewhat lackluster headlight brightness, but I have talked to Lee and he said he will send me a new motor, and the lighting issues have been a thing with the SD40-2s (and the Red Barns for that matter) since forever so that is just par for the course. 

I still think the Bowser SD40-2/SD40-2F is one of the best mass produced diesel models ever made, IMO. 

One of these days, if I can ever get rid of my current mountain of projects and if I have less things on order and more budget room, I want to get another one of those - the correct version, of course - strip it, and do it up like that CEMR unit from my avatar. Seeing that unit all the time when I was young is a good part of the reason I fell in love with the GMD units and all their unique features. I still miss that thing every time I see one of their trains go by with another basic black EMD-built GP38, it's just not the same.

[sd40dash2]

Nov 28, 2021 21:16:20 GMT -8 cemr5396 said:

Nov 28, 2021 11:46:33 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

I still think the Bowser SD40-2/SD40-2F is one of the best mass produced diesel models ever made, IMO. 

100% agreed. Usually I end up doing a lot of tweaks on models including RTRs but Bowser SD40-2s have required very little attention on my part. I think Lee and Scott spared no effort and expense to get these right.

I would love to see some simple workbench photos of your 5100 if you care to post whenever you have a chance.

[cemr5396]

Nov 28, 2021 21:32:01 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

Nov 28, 2021 21:16:20 GMT -8 cemr5396 said:

I still think the Bowser SD40-2/SD40-2F is one of the best mass produced diesel models ever made, IMO. 

100% agreed. Usually I end up doing a lot of tweaks on models including RTRs but Bowser SD40-2s have required very little attention on my part. I think Lee and Scott spared no effort and expense to get these right.

I would love to see some simple workbench photos of your 5100 if you care to post whenever you have a chance.

Will do. 

The thing is in pieces on one of my storage shelves right now, but once I get it back together and running again I will be sure to get some pics of it in action for SPF 

[sd40dash2]

Nov 28, 2021 21:16:20 GMT -8 cemr5396 said:

Nov 28, 2021 11:46:33 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

One of these days, if I can ever get rid of my current mountain of projects and if I have less things on order and more budget room, I want to get another one of those - the correct version, of course - strip it, and do it up like that CEMR unit from my avatar. Seeing that unit all the time when I was young is a good part of the reason I fell in love with the GMD units and all their unique features. I still miss that thing every time I see one of their trains go by with another basic black EMD-built GP38, it's just not the same.

Interesting idea to build a model of that unit. Hmmm you mustn't be very old if you're referring to CEMR 5396 from when you were "young". That unit may be the only survivor of the old Ontario Hydro fleet that bounced back and forth between CN and CP in the late-1990s. Bowser did do several of the CN versions and I am enjoying my CN 5388 (ex-CP 5779). But you don't have to wait and strip to do one of these as someone here recently posted a link to the Bowser sales website where they have a few versions of these in undec. So just buy any SD40-2 and the right undec shell and that will save you the strip job. Lastly, are the decals available or will that be a custom job as well?

[jonklein611]

Nov 28, 2021 13:03:11 GMT -8 Funnelfan said:

Nov 28, 2021 11:11:47 GMT -8 fr8kar said:

Those are some very nice models, well done. What software are you using to design these parts? I need to find some decent software for making parts and stuff for 3D printing. Really want to make some Alloy Trailers that were popular in the 1990's.

As a hobbyist, you can get a copy of Fusion360 for free. It's relatively easy to use and can talk to 3D printers / CNC / etc.

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

Nov 29, 2021 5:07:16 GMT -8 jonklein611 said:

Nov 28, 2021 13:03:11 GMT -8 Funnelfan said:

As a hobbyist, you can get a copy of Fusion360 for free. It's relatively easy to use and can talk to 3D printers / CNC / etc.

Fusion360 is good software. Works well for 3d printing. Like anything it does have a bit of a learning curve, but prior experience will help. Lots of tutorials on U-tub

[12bridge]

Oof, that red rod looks like alot of work. Whenever I do working markers, I just use a red LED and canopy glue to make a "lens" in the part. A quick coat of Tamiya transparent red over that.

[danpik]

some new vehicles for loading my auto racks









Not finished yet. '74 El Camino