Not exactly trains again, but tonight I put Windows 10 back onto my laptop so I could create videos again. I have a bit of footage saved up for the various projects I have done lately but I could not get good software for video editing on Linux. I know about DaVinci Resolve, which was one of the reasons I went to Linux, but the free version will not use my cameras codec (H265), which is one of the most common codecs and I am lacking the $300 to buy said full version. So back to WIN10 and VSDC.
You could install WSL2, and one of several different Linux distros, to run linux apps "remote displayed" to the Win10 desktop, all on the same computer.
I was running WINE but the VSDC didn’t like it as the program didn’t have direct access to the hardware for processing the videos. It took over 30 minutes to process a 3 minute vid of my 20th Century limited, and what came out looked like a webcam vid. I just ended up uploading the unedited and uncut video straight off my camera. I will remake it with the introduction later. Now that it runs Windows it will have the needed hardware access.
I've been experimenting with reed switches and the position inside the track bed to make sure they pick up the loco's passing over without snagging on the couplings. I've also discovered that CA glue seems to eat the glass....
I have been working on a T&NO GS1 steam locomotive. I shaved of the cast on details and added etched brass on the end as well as installed a Bradley backup light. This is an old Bachmann "Oil Tender" that is a pretty close model for the Southern Pacific 160-C tenders that were delivered with these locomotives. I am using a Con Cor/Kato S2 Northern for the locomotive. The GS1s that went to the Pacific Lines all had the tenders replaced with 220-R types but the four on the T&NO retained their 160-Cs until they were scrapped a few years after they were reassigned to California in the mid 1950s. Due to Texas laws, the T&NO added dog houses to provide shelter for the brakeman when the locomotives were used in freight service. These were removed and plated over when the engines went to California. The dog houses were sunk down into the water tanks reducing the capacity by over 100 gallons.
Having recently picked up a couple of the Micro-Trains DODX flat car sets I have started working the assembly of some of the vehicles that came with the sets. Got some paints on order for these and some 3D printed vehicles to complement the ones in the sets.
Very nice Russell, very well done. Here is my version. I did not add "P" tube but can do so later. I just can't seem to get all my roundtuits completed so I can get back to work on the boiler. Be well, Carl
I've got a dozen of these Micro-Trains HUMVEE models and wanted some variety so came up with a couple of kit bashes to resemble some I've seen in photos and videos. Now just waiting for paint to arrive.
Some neat mods there Brad! I saw you picked up some other 3d printed military vehicles too. Looking forward to seeing how they turn out. May order a couple from that place as well.
Spent over an hour excavating the workbench top. Spent 3 hours covering plants and pool pumps for the sleet and freeze coming today (!). Then started on a new flatcar load: The clear plastic things will be painted industrial yellow and with some strategic holes and NBW castings should take on the look of overhead crane parts. I hope. The flatcar is an old 50' Atlas that I redecked in laser cut wood (sadly I don't remember which vendor) and weathered with an india ink wash. Still need trucks, a side mount brake wheel couplers and decals for it.
This just came in the mail from Canada. One of the briggs works gp20eco. It’s going to have to wait its turn. (Just couldn’t wait to see what she we’ll look like
The first 0f 3 GHQ kits I acquired late last year (2 bulldozers and a road grader) has hit the work bench. I fear that I may have to replenish my glue supply in order to finish the first one. Of course, they will get built to a point and then have to sit and wait for painting weather.
Continuing work on my small fleet of 1980's / 1990's military vehicles for use as loads on the Micro-Trains DoD flat cars. They have all been painted now, some in Olive Drab Green and some in the desert tan color. Still got more to do on these but just for fun set them on some flat cars in the staging yard for some photos. First photo is my 2 door pickup kit bash of a Micro-Trains HUMVEE and a PnP Models 3D printed model of an HEMMT truck. This next photo is a stock Micro-Trains HUMVEE, a PnP Models HUMVEE ambulance, and also one of their APC's. For the tracked vehicles I am using a light gray color for the treads and then the entire tread area is given a detail wash. Later the upper part of the vehicle will get a lighter detail wash similar to what was given to the HUMVEE in this photo. This last photo has a pair of PnP Models M2 Bradley IFV's still on their sticks. There is quite a bit of detail on these and I am interested in how the light wash on the turret and body will make that look but that will be a job for tomorrow.
