Athearn Challenger/UP Excursion Train?

Spookshow Jun 25, 2013

  1. Jim Reising

    Jim Reising In Memoriam

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    Ouch! Ouch! Who'd a thunk it? That's the problem dealing with new materials - ya just never know when up jumps the devil!
     
  2. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Yah, no doubt. But hey, I guess it's my lifelong destiny to be out here doing the recon work for y'all ;-)

    Martyrdom aside, is paint a one-way trip on these FUDites? I can't imagine a stripper much gentler than alcohol...

    Cheers,
    -Mark
     
  3. Xmtrman

    Xmtrman TrainBoard Member

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    So EXPLOSIONS can occur either physically or chemically.

    Wow.

    That's why it's called the "Bleeding Edge" of technology.

    Sorry, Mark!

    Actually, if you look at the Google Earth view of the Cheyenne roundhouse you'll see a bunch of stuff on the radial tracks that looks similar.
     
  4. C855B

    C855B TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah. You guys let me know when you're done making big destructive mistakes so I know when it's safe to start working on mine.

    Mark, that sucks. Who'd've thunk that alcohol was destructive to FUD? We've all tried any number of solvents trying to solve the wax residue problem, but this is the first mention I've heard of plain ol' alcohol doing a major number on it.
     
  5. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    If you match this up with that crunched up locomotive that was on e-bay...along with the crunched caboose that was on E-bay not long ago...you would have a pretty decent train wreck scene. ;-)
     
  6. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    Mark,

    That relay sucks. I would not have believed it if I hadn't of seen it!

    Was the chassis in the shell a the time or is hat still ok.

    Please check uour PMs,

    James
     
  7. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, the chassis got blowed up too:-(

    And "yes, please" to your offer :)

    Cheers,
    -Mark
     
  8. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    No prob,

    I have PM'd you the link for the repair.

    -James
     
  9. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Can anyone recommend a Microscale decal set that's going to have appropriately sized/colored "UNION PACIFIC" decals?

    Thanks!
    -Mark
     
  10. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Visual aid -

    [​IMG]

    The tender body is approximately 3" wide and .75" tall.

    Cheers,
    -Mark
     
  11. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    The N scale 60-109 looks like it might work.
    [​IMG]
     
  12. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, Russel. My main man from down under (teditor) is going to do up a custom decal sheet for these models (including stripes, car numbers, etc). So, I think I'm covered.

    James - you might want to see if you can't somehow robustify the front-right ladder stirrups (if the flat end is the "front"). They were missing on two of the three shells I've received so far (not even in the bag). Maybe just a coincidence, but FYI anyway. I was able to cannibalize the stirrups I need from the "disaster" shell, so I'm good to go. Now I just need to go pick up some more Bestine :)

    Cheers,
    -Mark
     
  13. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hi Mark,

    Do you mean the steps? US-UK translation! If so had that on the very first test print I did of the rebuilt ones and I beefed them up then, but I haven't seen it since, you get all the luck! I will have a look and see what I can do without making it look like Lego blocks. :)

    Will the decals be available to others, if so I can put a link on my blog?

    -James
     
  14. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, the steps :)

    I'm assuming the decals will be available to all comers, but I suppose I should wait until I actually receive them before spewing out any contact info.

    Cheers,
    -Mark
     
  15. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Hey, I finally finished :)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Sorry, I wimped out on doing the handrails for the ladders - just seemed a bit beyond my skills.

    James, the decals are from teditor@bigpond.com. He said that you could go ahead and list his email addy on your Shapeways page for people interested in acquiring a set (he doesn't have a website).

    Cheers,
    -Mark
     
  16. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    Mark,

    They look fantastic!

    Cheers for the decal info.

    -James
     
  17. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    As I predicted right when I started this project, Kato has announced their own version of a UP business/excursion train (for release later this year). Hey, what took you guys so long? lol

    FEF-3 #844
    Post-rebuild water tenders "Joe Jordan" and "Jim Adams"
    Power Car #207
    Budd 10-6 Crew Sleeper #202 "Willie James".
    Museum Car #5779 "Promentory"
    Dome Coach #7001 "Columbine"
    Coach #5473 "Portland Rose"
    Dome Diner #8008 "City of Portland"
    Business Car #119 "Kenefick"

    The 4-8-4, water tenders, power car and business car will be new tooling. Seems like kind of a skimpy train though, doesn't it? Does the UP really run it with so few cars?

    Anyway, if I pick up the set for the new power and business cars, it looks like I'm going to have some redundant cars to sell on eBay. The only question now is if the museum car is going to have the American flag graphics or not. I won't sell mine until I know for sure.

    Cheers,
    -Mark
     
  18. Carl Sowell

    Carl Sowell TrainBoard Supporter

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    Mark,

    According to the KATO newsletter pictures, the museum car has the flag graphics. Way cool and I am an SP guy.

    Mark, your train takes a back seat to no other. Very nice work.

    What I would like to know is what decoder are they going to offer as a factory install? ? Inquiring minds want to know.

    Carl
     
  19. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, Carl. I just got a look at the flyer (and the proposed graphics), and I think I'll hold onto my Council Bluffs baggage car after all (different trucks, different purpose).

    [​IMG]

    Cheers,
    -Mark

    P.S. Dang, my North Platte foobie car sold about 10 seconds after I listed it. Guess I should've asked for more! LOL
     

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