I'm currently working on a second On30 Stock car. The concept of these "Dinosaur Stock Cars" are based on real (smaller) cars used by the Sumpter Valley Railway; after ranchers complained about cattle having to bow their heads in the low-height narrow-gauge cars, the SVRy added cupolas to the top! Since these are for my own freelanced John Day Valley Railway, I'm sizing the cars up to a slightly longer length. In the future I'll probably add better doors, but at least the ones I have slide. The first car got its nickname because, next to a standard Bachmann stock car, it looks massive! Moreso before I knocked it down about a scale foot or so. This second car will not have a cupola, just to show the difference between a "standard" car and a modified one. Progress! by SVRailroader posted Oct 9, 2017 at 8:39 PM
I’m getting closer to finishing this Showcase Miniatures Nn3 16 ton Shay kit. It still needs some detail painting and light weathering. I scratchbuilt the cab roof and supports to replicate an open air version that I saw in a prototype photo.
I like it Jim! Does Nn3 run on Z scale track? I could see some link and pin action on that outfit. Not too many folks modeling link and pin I bet. I have a link (not hyperlink) from the old RR action into Telluride "To Hell You Ride" CO.
Thanks, Tom. Yes, it runs on Z scale track. I just bought 20’ of Atlas code 55 flex. I don’t think my eyes could take link and pin coupling. I might explore the possibility though.
Just finished this Nn3 30’ flat car kit tonight. I added the sideboards to make it into a makeshift gondola.
Shays normally have the boiler offset to the fireman's side, to make space for the vertical cylinders.
And also to balance the loco. If you have ever seen a Shay without cylinders, you will easily see it has tipped to the foreman's side. Once those are again bolted on, it sits level.
I finally finished my Nn3 Climax kit tonight. I waited about 3 months for the motor because it was on backorder. This was a fun kit to build.
Yes, I’m pleased and surprised by the detail level on these tiny castings. They almost look like HO scale at a quick glance. Very quick.
Saweet Jim. Certainly looks the part. Does the motor have flywheels too? I cant imagine that it does.
