New Project

Johnny Ripp Mar 9, 2010

  1. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Hello, I won't bore you with a long drawn out explaination of where I've been, suffice to say that I am glad I found my way back.

    Of first note is that the American Freedom Train that I built and shared on this forum, will be featured in Aprils' Railroad Model Craftsman, it also graces the cover. The friend I did the train for wrote the article. Thanks to all who enjoyed my postings of it.

    And now on to some pictures. Building a display diorama for my circus equipment that will allow me to do some more shows this year. All of these are works in progress and for the most part the models are all unlettered as I continue to design the decals. The diorama is of a fictional circus winterquarters for the railcars and wagons. The show is a 35 car railroad circus from the early 50's.

    Enjoy!

    Johnny

    April RMC..

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    A lot of the equipment I'm building is rescued from pieces I have collected over the years from sales, auctions and whatever. Life-Like used to make some models that are good starting points for better wagons. Here are some views of Life-Like equipment that is being redone.

    Dog wagon, with stock model in foreground. Reworked model has 'carnival' style hard rubber tires and see-through cages. Actually, the first 3 vehicles from the right to left, are LL. The Five Graces bandwagon was one of the better wagons produced, but I wanted mine blue.

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    Here are cage wagons also from LL but are being rebuilt and outfitted with better undergear...First pic shows an unaltered cage wagon as they came from LL.

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    More to follow...
     
  2. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Part Deux..

    The scenes are reduced from artwork.

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    Although these wagons aren't for my show, I thought I'd share. These were built using 20' smoothside containers as a starting point. They represent the modern Ringling wagons used today. Lettered for 'American All-Star Circus' a show I once worked for..

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    Part III to follow..
     
  3. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Part 3

    The train I'm building is silver w/ red lettering. Wagons and vehicles are mainly yellow with aluminum undergear and red lettering. Some wagons for the menagerie are different colors as are parade vehicles. As always, the dining dept. wagons are green. A bashed stake driver leads this flat.

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    Here is my version of the Walthers' human cannonball truck, based on the original by Hugo Zachinni.

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    This is a repainted Prieser cage wagon..

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    Elephant prop wagon made from a LL dog wagon..

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    Pt IV next..
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2010
  4. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Part 4

    Truck mounted unifon (air calliope)..

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    Plank wagon..

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    Winterquarters car shops public entrance..

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    Backshop area with cradle for truck work..

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    All for now, but I'll try and add new when I can.

    If you are close enough, the diorama and models will be at the La Crosse and 3 Rivers club show on March 20th and 21st here at the La Crosse convention center..

    Johnny
     
  5. BNbob

    BNbob TrainBoard Member

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    Great job with the circus equipment! Makes me feel like I'm visiting Circus World Museum at Baraboo, WI.
     
  6. MOPMAN

    MOPMAN TrainBoard Member

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    Ah circus trains. Those are some great visuals. It would be nice to see the complete train strung out on a layout.
     
  7. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Bob,

    When finished, it should resemble exactly that, a museum of the circus and the equipment used to move it. Keeps my fire burnin'..

    Johnny
     
  8. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Mopman,

    OK, I'll see what I can do. The railcars are all in the paint shop and I only have about 60 wagons done, but when I get there, I'll post here.

    Johnny
     
  9. Tbone

    Tbone Permanently dispatched

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    I love the circus equipment.Also congrats on the cover with the Freedom Train!!!:thumbs_up::thumbs_up:
     
  10. ak-milw

    ak-milw TrainBoard Member

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    Figures, I will miss the La Crosse show. Spent my extra cash in Madison last month. Maybe catch you next time!!
    Do you live in La Crosse? I am about an hour NE of there in Camp Douglas.
     
  11. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Thomas,

    Thanks much, it's a work in progress, big time. The wagons with canvas all need to have the tie-downs and other details added. I use the pictures I post like a canvas, studying, adding/changing then photograph, post and repeat the process. For me it's fun to watch the transition.

    The Freedom Train is my baby. A number of fellows worked hard to create the appropriate artwork from originals. I used the same photo/study method when building the train. The prototype was an amazing work and the people who made it happen should be in the railroad hall-of-fame(idea?) for the dedication in this project. Original crew members still have annual reunions and events.

    Johnny
     
  12. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    Hello Andy,

    Well, now my appearance at the LaX show is not to be. We have been preparing for a move to the other side of the state near Appleton, and it appears that is going to happen a lot sooner than planned. So we are in super-pack mode. It is a major bummer for me as I like this show and the folks who run it. But I will travel back for it next year.

    BTW, your progress on TWP is fun to watch. I like the in progress shots and following your techniques.

    Johnny
     
  13. ak-milw

    ak-milw TrainBoard Member

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    Well thanks for the compliment Johnny, didn't know you were following along
     
  14. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    I've found I hear a whole lot better with my mouth closed..
     
  15. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    More on Circus Diorama

    Unedited views of diorama progress...

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    Johnny
     
  16. Johnny Ripp

    Johnny Ripp TrainBoard Member

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    And a couple more...

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    Johnny
     
  17. FriscoCharlie

    FriscoCharlie Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Very impressive! Thanks for posting and welcome back.

    Charlie
     

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