I have been wanting to make a locomotive bath since Larry (eXact Modellbau) posted a thread about one he made. Cleaning Märklin Locos I decided to use a glass container since he posted an update about oil being absorbed by the plastic container. The hardest part for me was how to attach the track to the glass. The items I am using for this project are as follows: Glass/plastic storage container (Ocean State Job lot) Strip of aluminum flashing Marklin rail stops Marklin wire connecter track section 8590 Two M2 screws (McMaster Carr) Rohukan controller connector(Z Scale Monster) I shaped the aluminum strip to fit inside and shaped the ends to clip around the edge of the glass container. I took many bends, tweeks, and rebounds before I was satisfied it was a good fit. Then I marked spots for the tangs to hold the track section. I drilled holes on the four corners and used a box knife to cut three of the sides. Next I trimmed down the section of track to fit between the curved portions of the glass container. I still need to order an extra connector, and drill holes in the strip for the screws. Scott
Here is new render of the M3 Track switches I didn't like the last bunch because of the throw switch handle didn't look right I have seen some different types, so I added these to the switches here is the render! And I finished painting the first bunch!
Steve the one reason when I have anything with wheels I have designed, I try to make them turn it's much easier to paint from the bottom while turning the wheel! that way they look so much better! but with Shapeways the prints are never the same some get the wax material they use for support inside the moving parts and after they have been sitting a while it's hard to get out! I always use hot tap water on my model as soon as I can!
Just fantastic what you have created! The building and lighted sign are over the top! It’s amazing this is Z scale with all the details you have put in the modeling scene. Your tables with people as well as the palm trees add to the effect of being very realistic. Well done Robert!
I enjoy looking at this model work outstanding in all ways looks so real I almost took an order of two Chicken chalupas and one Big Beef burrito Supreme! so, I can sit outside and look at all the high detailed work and enjoy the wind in the palm trees and lights! well done! first place model in my eyes!
After much procrastination, I've finally added lights to 3 of my Amtrak cars using the ZModell decoders. I was more worried about the Amfleet II cars, although they turned out to be easier than the Viewliners. I could be happier with the electrical pick-ups for the Viewliners (much more flicker than the Amfleets), maybe if they used a slightly thicker brass it would work better. The Amfleets definitely run better now that I've chopped off the extra plastic on the trucks, but I still run into derailing issues when I push them instead of pull. The default brightness is fine, which is good because I can't get them to dim using CV 54, only turn off. I'm currently planning to try my hand at installing the tail lights once I figure out how to get a good bend in the light tubes as a sharp, 90deg bend seems to be more difficult than I expected.
Robert, The Taco Bell is yet another masterpiece. Takes me back to my high-school days when I worked there, although the time frame was post fire pit and exterior tables. You definitely need employee cars parked out back --- 69' Camaro, 65' Mustang, and the managers Volkswagen. Hey on another note regarding backlit signage, I scrolled back looking for the answer, but did not find it. Are you printing with a standard color printer on standard print paper, or are you using something specific? I understand the premise of "overtaping" with packing tape, but just curious of the paper you are using?
I use a Dell color laser printer I got for $79 in 2018 when Dell was getting out of the printer business. Had I known that color lasers would jump to the $600 price range for entry level, I would have bought 3, just like I did when Alps discontinued the MD1000 printer. I still make decals today on my 22 year old used Alps printer. I just use standard everyday printer paper that is good for either inkjet or laser printers. It is 92 brightness though, so not yellowish.
So I am on to something different, a Pacific Northwest fixture in every shopping center out here, is the coffee kiosk. I'm doing Dutch Bros, a very popular outfit in the Boise area. There are 23 Shops and Kiosks here in the Treasure Valley, and 40 total in the state. This is the one around the corner from my house:
I haven’t seen one of these being in Midwest but it does look good. More importantly do they make a good cup of coffee?