This week I applied decals to my models of cable car BCOL 6504 and panel track car BCOL 6510 for the Prince George Auxiliary: I also created some wiring leads for our PGE-BCR Modellers display layout which will enable us to switch back and forth between DC and DCC power quickly and without having to use any tools: The top leads connect the DCC command station to the power supply and to the layout wiring harness; the bottom leads connect the DC power pack to the wiring harness. The spare Powerpoles at left will be connected to the wiring harness. Tim
Finally got back into modeling after a few months of constant running around. This is what happened last night when I was left home alone.... I also have another SD70ACe on the bench that just need to be weathered. I also finished this Rock Island F7A. Cheers, Brian
Brian, you always do such great work. Someday I'd like to at least have one or two of those detailed Locos.
Thanks! I'm moving to Reno next summer, so maybe we can work something out. I'm taking command of the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, CA sometime in late July 2015, but will live in Reno because we'd prefer a bigger school system for my kids than what is offered in the area surrounding the depot. The problem I have is when I put one of these next to one that is not detailed, it is very obvious. Almost a catch 22 once you start... Cheers, Brian
Oh wow I almost bought a place in Reno Last year, but all the copper was stolen out of the place before I could. I was hoping to go up this year for the Reno Christmas Pub Crawl, but we got other plans now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ptfjrJdpPU Anyways I’m planning on retiring next summer and will be looking forward to doing a little traveling. I’ll keep you in mind and if you are still into it at that time we will work something out, but I’m not in a rush.
While sorting through my 1st generation diesel collection I came across an early Kato/Atlas RS-2 I wasn't happy with the shape the shell was in. I also am not really in love with the early LL FA-2s and their mess of wires and truck pick-up that occasionally breaks wires due to the truck movement. The later run of FA-1s by LL was a much superior split frame unit. Got to thinking about using the old Kato chassis under the FA-2 and took a look to see if I could upgrade at least one FA-2 B unit. With just a minimum of some minor grinding of metal in the cab area of the Kato chassis and a little more off the diameter of the air tanks and it slipped right in and the truck spacing is so close as to not be noticeable. Walla one upgraded split frame mechanism for an old LL FA-2. It is a little lighter now but since it is used in a fully powered set of locos there will be no issues. Old FA-2 on the left and newer FA-1 on the right with the donor behind. In this shot you can see the new split frame Kato under the old LL FA-2 and the white strips at each end are some .080 X .080 styrene to attach MT 1015s with one shim to. The couplers came out very close to being the right height when matched up to the FA-1, so close that I will leave them alone. Light boards went into the parts box so I have some replacement boards if I ever need them for another Kato unit.
I finally had some time to work on the layout this week! I finished scratchbuilding these concrete uprights for a rix modern overpass bridge kit. I still need to trim the bridge from both ends. The bridge will be lower than what is mocked up. I'm also waiting on some streetlights to arrive before I can paint and weather.
BN Executive GE P-42's Been away for awhile but here is my latest. Models are Kato P-42's Painted in the BN Executive Scheme. The paint is the BRAND NEW COLOR for 2014 from Tru-Color BN Executive Green TCP-241 and BN Executive Crème TCP-242. Decals are Microscale BNSF 60-695 EMD and GE builder Plates 60-4056 and Testors Gloss Cote. The colors are "spot on" for matching the Executive Color Scheme. Enjoy, Shawn
John, I have a LL FA2/FB2 set painted in SP&S mounted on Atlas RS3 mechanisms. Might try to get more shells so I can have a ABBA set. John
Another week, another wreck... Didn't come out exactly how I planned, so I'll keep experimenting with different techniques to create uneven fading. In the end, I still like it. I also really need to start messing around with Z Scale couplers. Cheers, Brian
...finishing 'up' my Skytop Models builds....! (still have to number the gray baggage car-waiting for decals). I have one more, each, of the NYC outside door express boxcar, and the REX express reefer built to this level....have another outside door express box casting that will be in NYC two-tone gray, and two more ATSF baggage car castings that will be in the gray scheme. ~Bruce
:wideeyes: Bruce, Ditto what George said. Mighty nice. Brian K., Looks just like the ones that came through Barstow, Ca., for a period of time. Nicely weathered with the correct attention to details.
Working on another of the beautiful converted troop sleeper castings from Bill Denton (Skytop Models)... another NYC outside door express boxcar, but this one in the two-tone passenger scheme (a nice splash of color to ATSF nos. 7 & 8). Future gloss coat is the base for the decals...stripes are Microscale 1/64" parallel stripes. ~Bruce
