Please excuse the title, I was just listening to some tunes 😁 Here's the latest and greatest on several projects that are coming together.
D&RGW K-36: Completed the test model, I think the appearance is good! This one is (sadly) destined to be a garage queen because
although it rolls on the leading and trailing trucks, it is not
powered. That being said, the running gear is "phase 1" towards an
actual working mechanism. It did function (main rod, side rod, and
cross-head) when test-fit, but I ended up putting a dab of glue on the
etched rods to hold them in place. I have some of the TGauge.com micro
rivets, but didn't attempt to rivet them since the drivers aren't set up
for it. Much was learned from the exercise anyway, which will be
applied to
future mechanisms. For example, drivers will be geared together to
ensure synchronization, and will take the aforementioned micro-rivets to
hold the etched
stainless steel rods (the test model's were brass and too fragile). Driver construction will be
an issue--I'd like to get them turned, but I may try to adapt the
T-gauge style of magnetic tires to a 3D printed driver.. Other than
that--the locomotive has etched details such as piping, cab windows
(need to open them next time), handrails (boiler and tender) and I
designed the decals. I used clear decal film for the windows btw, but
forgot to do the doghouse windows before the pics. On the rear view you
can see the etched brass harp-style switch stand. Not positive if these
were used on the D&RGW (I think on the RGS they were..?) I'm still
learning a lot but thought it was an interesting appliance
none-the-less.
Note the "harp" style switch stand on the display. This is an etched brass kit. It's small but easy to assemble (just fold up the sides, and the mast can be press-fit. I painted the masthead/indicator white, then added a scrap of red decal with a bunch of setting solution to get it to settle around the part. It fits nicely with the narrow-gauge style dummy turnout.
D&RGW 40' refrigerated boxcar, aka "long reefer" is being printed right now,
which will be able to house a mechanisim so there's hope of
running (pushing) the K-36 yet.
50 foot tank car: The prototype tank car model was received and assembled and it turned out nicely. This is a very common type, based on the DOT-111 style car. This is available as a kit, along with a set of decals designed for the tank car (the decal set can do several models.)
Class 66: A modeler reached out regarding the Class 66, a UK/EU prototype. This model was one of the earlier ones I had in the CCE Models' lineup, so I did a revision to bring the details up to par. I also included options for modeling it as a dummy with full HTC-R bogies, or just using the HTC-R sideframes to install over sanded down sideframes on a powered mechanism. To top it off, I have a set of decals designed for the model in multiple paint schemes.
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Misc:
- Etched end handrail/ladder sets for the 2-bay and 3-bay ACF hoppers were made, I'm working on the test/proof models currently. Should have them in the next update.
- Concept is down, design work is planned for a powered mechanism/chassis that will be thin enough to power a hood-style US diesel such as the GP40, GP9, RS11, etc.
