Fall 2024: Change Happens

Sorry for the long delay since the last post..but I've been busy!  Since my last post I have relocated across the country to a beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain cabin near a lake, thus creating a lot of work between the housing transactions and logistics of moving.  I'm sure you understand modeling was set aside (literally) while I've been doing this.  But now (late October) I'm pretty well settled in and am getting my hobby work going again. 

Complicating matters vis-a-vis modeling, my new location doesn't have a great deal of space for a layout or workshop.  It does have space (more on that later) but it's at a premium.  Good thing I like to model in small scales!  But I won't have the size workshop area I used to--so 3D printing and painting will be more complicated or non-existent for a while.  I haven't given up on 3D printing or airbrushing, but it will just be more difficult and at least in the short term I'll be sticking to brush and rattle can paints, and no printing (maybe Amazon Day will have a deal on a Mini 8K too good to pass up..)  So in the meantime I'm not modeling in T or ZZ scale (nor producing any new models in those scales for a while.)

Modeling in Z Scale

I'm also going to be adding a new scale to my repertoire: Z scale (1:220).  Given that I can't 3D print for a while, and frankly given that the T-scale track situation isn't getting better, I decided to try my hand modeling in a scale that at least has a good selection of RTR models and good looking North American style track, with turnouts that function properly.  

But what to model?  With the ex-SP Roseville Sub. and Donner Pass not far away, you'd be thinking a mountain mainline theme would be appealing?  On the contrary:  I'm planning on modeling a little slice of Ohio out here in the west.  Do I miss Ohio?  Maybe a little. 

Some of my overall requirements:
--6' x 6' space for layout, along the walls.
--Z scale to maximize use of space.
--Modular shelf construction that can be dis-assembled and moved relatively easily.
--Use readily available commercial track.
--Modest design/track plan.
--DC power with blocks.
--RTR rolling stock with minimal extra detailing, painting & weathering needed.

As for the prototype:  I'm a fan of motive power and variety of rolling stock, so I'd like an engine facility and yard;  I also would like some switching to keep me busy, but nothing too complicated;  I like recreating prototype scenes.  And I am a fan of Conrail, the B&O, and the modern day I&O regional. 

After some time mulling this over, an area of Cincinnati came to mind as an almost perfect fit: Norwood, OH.  Specifically the junction between the ex-B&O Midland Subdivision (formerly Ohio Division mainline between Parkersburg and Cincy), and the lead to McCullough Yard (former PRR CL&N).  This was at one time a crossing, but that was removed when the Norwood GM plant was shuttered in the late 80s.  I could realistically include anything from B&O and PRR to PC, Conrail, N&W/NS (who had trackage rights over the Midland before NS acquired the old Big 4 from Sharonville to St. Bernard), CSX and of course the I&O under a variety of owners up to G&W.   The industry and scenery along the line has changed a bit over time but a lot has remained the same.  There are some nifty old structures that crowd the yard lead through East Norwood.  I've railfanned around there for many years and have tons of photos as well, and have fond memories of the area.

View looking at McCullough Yard from Highland Ave.

 The idea is to include a selectively compressed stretch of the Midland Sub, generally from Bond Hill to Oakley, the junction to the PRR/I&O at East Norwood, the lead to McCullough Yard and the locomotive facility.

Elements:
--McCullough Yard (with Inglenook-style switching)
--B&O GK Tower-East Norwood Jct.
--I&O locomotive facility w locomotive shop
--Cohen Scrap (need to research old business there)
--GM autorack lead
--Zumbeil Packaging

View looking at the former location of GK Tower and McCullough Yard Lead on left.

 I'll try to use existing structure kits (for example the loco shop will be the HTT loco shed or the new Archistories engine house).  I'll probably use ScaleScenes card buildings for Cohen and Zumbeil.  But GK Tower will need to be 3D printed (or scratch built) which I'll design and build.  I'll also need some B&O CPLs for East Norwood.. probably also 3D printed.
 
Operations will include switching Norwood Yard; Local traffic for Cohen, Zumbeil;  Interchange with B&O/CSX (which later is I&O to Queensgate).  The engine shop will have some activities as well, there's a sand tower that should get a covered hopper, and locos can be shuttled from service to ready tracks.

Here's the initial track plan.  Let me know any comments or suggestions--!  I look forward to "breaking ground" soon and sharing updates here. - Jesse

Spring '24 Update

It's been a while since I posted to the blog and several projects have been completed (and started) since the last update.  This one has quite a few pics, hopefully that helps make up for the delay.

Stockists Update (aka where to buy CCE Models):

Last fall I agreed to send CCE brand kits and parts to two retailers:  TGauge.com (with worldwide distribution) and Fusion Scale Hobbies in the USA.  It's taken a while but they both have a few items in stock currently.  I admit to being somewhat lax about supplying them with more.  I get involved with development a new model and test prints, and don't really dwell on production.  I'm going to try get better at that in 2024!  

If you have some specific models you'd like, please email me and I'll get a batch done.  I'm currently working on some M scale.. errr.. ZZ scale items for someone who emailed me.  And for that matter, if you have a new model or decal request I might be able to help out with that as well.

Rolling Stock Roundup:

I've been quite busy working on T-scale rolling stock this spring. 

After getting good results with the revised open hoppers, I expanded to doing more fine details like handrails and pipes--and a pantograph-- on models that I would've previously attempted with etched brass or steel.  I have handrails down to less than 0.20mm diameter in places, but up to around 0.23mm when more strength is called for.  The pantograph pick ups on the E-33 below are thinner than that!   Success depends on designing for strength, and properly placing the supports and using small contact points (down to 0.19mm) in places--but not all.  My normal support contact area is usually 0.23mm diameter.  Another tip is to let the model air dry after washing for 24 hours or so, then trim the smallest supports away with a sharp X-acto blade.  The other key to success is the 80-20 blend of Phrozen Aqua 8K/Onyx Impact Plus (see my previous blog post).

I did a brand-new locomotive: the GE EL-C (also known as the E-33 on Penn Central/Conrail).  This arose from my work on the N&W Train Master, which sparked my interest in the Virginian Railway.  I went down the rabbit hole and now we have the EL-C and a Virginian prototype 80-ton hopper car as well in the line up.

Above is a test model (notice the failed handrail).  Below is the final model as a Conrail E-33.

Here's a new 60' modern tank car (really a much-revised re-do of my old design that used etch for the railings/platforms).  This is 100% 3D printed in resin and capable of withstanding handling (gently). 

Here's the ACF 4750 cu ft covered hopper (PRR-Conrail H-45) from the last blog decorated with decals.  This model will be at stockists soon.

 Here's a Train Master done in Southern Railway decor.

The Demise of M-Scale!

But don't worry, I'm still modeling in 1:300 scale..  I simply learned that this scale has already been named "ZZ" scale.  Apparently a Japanese company has made some models in this scale previously, so I guess I've been doing ZZn3 for the WP&Y, EBT, D&RGW and D&SNG models.  I'll update any model kits/decals as I get to them.  Speaking of which, I made this EBT caboose.  Note: I'm aware that the number is wrong and I've since corrected it to 27.  The real question is did they have the roofwalks painted in Oxide Red or was it black?

 

WP&Y Layout Update:

I'm about 98% done!  There needs to be a little detailing done and maybe a figure or two added.  I kinda want an old GMC Suburban to park in the lot at Fraser.  There is a really pesky track continuity issue that has arisen at the turnout but I'll get that squared away.  Some of the lessons learned on this layout are that this T-gauge Flexi-track can be unforgiving and it does expand and contract.  Any future track will be securely glued with construction cement to the roadbed (not wood glue as I did this time) and will  have multiple feeders.  I have 3 on this but should've added more..  The new track feeder attachment from TGauge.com will definitely come in handy for this.

 

Bridge 7B

 

 

Morning at Fraser, BC.

Well, that's it for now, so until next time happy modeling! 

- Jesse