Conrail C40-8W: After a verrry long wait for the etched handrails needed to complete this model (they were mis-addressed and floated in the postal system for a month or so..) I applied these delicate details and wrapped up the model. Well, sort of, because it's un-weathered and it's begging for at least some fading. Overall I think it turned out great. Decals were by CMR Products.
Oh, can you tell on the same frets as the handrails I had some PRR signal gantries etched. A little delicate to assemble but they look excellent. These are designed for the Princeton Jct. module planned for later this year.
There is also now a standard cab C40-8 available as well, although the etched handrails are not an exact match due to the large AC and battery boxes on the conductor's side of the 8W.
Sharonville Engine Facility Project: Slow but steady progress has been made on the Engine House, which is getting weathering and interior details. Engine shop details can be an exercise in futility, since there is so much "junk" ie tools, supplies, parts, etc. that are in these facilities. I could literally spend a year just adding details. So far I've made a boiler, air compressor, wheel lathe, and various parts and tanks, as well as interior wiring and piping, table, shelves, inspection gantrys, and a bench (painted NYC jade green). This is all "protolanced" as I have never seen an interior photo of this facility. I'm just guessing what they may have had laying around and the configuration. I also made 55 gallon drums-both lone and in groups on pallets, fuel oil (or kerosene) tanks, and scale wheelsets which will be added. (note, these detail parts are available as 3D printed items from CCE).
The yard and turntable pit area are also progressing, with about half the track being laid. Track is CCE scale roadbed which has prototype tie size and spacing and CCE dummy #10 turnouts (permanently lined straight with 3D printed diverging rails). All of this takes Code 40 rail in slots so it's closer to prototype rail height.
The turntable pit and engine house will be added soon as they integrate the rail. My technique for installing the track is to first pre-paint the roadbed--you can use primer since it will be painted again later--it's just hard to work with when it's clear. Next, slide the rails onto the roadbed/ties and test fit/trim. Then when it seems right, spread a very thin layer of Amy's Tacky Glue and use the T-pins to hold in alignment. You have some time to adjust the track with this glue. It will all be painted rail brown after dried, then the ballast can be applied.
Adventures in Narrow Gauge: Another modeler had contacted me to make some narrow gauge trucks (the arch bar trucks mentioned in the previous post). This expanded into making a piece of rolling stock for the railroad, the Gilpin Tramway or Gilpin Railroad. This has now expanded into my designing a Zn2 Shay locomotive (in the CAD stage) and doing serious research into Maine 2-footers like the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes RR...THIS has expanded into discussion of ZZn3-- 1/300 scale 3-foot gauge using T-scale track, which would be the likes of the Durango & Silverton. or D&RGW.so I'm sure tempted. Lesson here: NARROW GAUGE IS A MODEL RAILROAD RABBIT HOLE! Be warned! Anyway, here's a picture of the first iteration (since revised a little) of the main ore car type used by the Gilpin Tramway:
I hope everyone's doing well and as always if you have any questions please feel free to contact me at ccetrains@gmail.com
-- Jesse
