Scratch Z Scale Opera Centerbeam

[pray59]

I deleated the pics here because I finished the model, so I posted the updates below :D

[ 17. April 2004, 23:39: Message edited by: pray59 ]

[Colonel]

Robert,

that looks excellent are you looking at going into Z scale?

[BoxcabE50]

Was wondering what you've been up to! You've been quiet for a while!

That car is impressive. How did you get some weight into it? Or is it adequate in Z as is?

:D

Boxcab E50

[pray59]

The Z Scale caboose was one I made into a kit last year, just after I made the N Scale NP caboose kit. I also made an NYC 19000 series caboose in Z and N.

The centerbeam is something I got a wild hair for yesterday afternoon, so only 3 hours are invested in that model so far. I will have to glue a couple small lead weights under it still. It needs a few more details, then some decals. I don't know if I will make it a kit or not, I was thinking that I could build them up and trade for some Z Scale locomotives with someone who wants something otherwise unavailable. What do you think? :D

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by pray59:
I don't know if I will make it a kit or not, I was thinking that I could build them up and trade for some Z Scale locomotives with someone who wants something otherwise unavailable. What do you think? :D I'd say that you may have something with that idea.

:D

Boxcab E50

[pray59]

I finished making 2 different models of Thrall Centerbeam cars this
week. First is the BN Opera Window style 60' car, which I made decals
for today:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/robertray/abe.jpg

The other is the 66' Thrall Centerbeam in BN livery after repainting:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/robertray/abf.jpg

Here is the 66' car in it's original NP paint. The NP only had 5
Centerbeam cars, and as you know, being a fan of NP, I had to have
them:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/robertray/abg.jpg

Here is a string of the 3 I made so far:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/robertray/abh.jpg


They are all made of wood, go together reasonably easy, (1 hour, less
paint and decals), and if intrest is there, I will probably make a few kits
available.

graemlins/wink.gif -Robert

[Colonel]

Robert,

These are excellent models, so have you given up on N scale or is this just a side hobby lol.

Is that a module or a new layout?

[pray59]

No, I still model in N Scale predominantly, however I have a roving eye for Z. There are some guys out here that are talking about starting up a Z Scale Modular club, and I figure I can build a nice Z Bend Track module, and participate.

The thing I like about Z Scale, is that the field is wide open. Nothing is available yet, so I figure I can fill a few voids easy enough, and keep my Z roster filled with mostly pacific northwest flavored models.

Worldwide there were 2 prototypes made into US prototype cabooses, I doubled the available choices with my NP and NYC kits :D

Worldwide there are 3 US flat cars available, and 1 is just plain funky. If I make these models into kits, there will be 2 more choices available to Zed's as they like to be called.

The side effect of offering Z Scale models is, you only sell 20 of these and 20 of those, so you have to keep your costs down. I do that by making stuff that I want for myself, and offering some for sale. tongue.gif After all, it's a hobby!

-Robert

[pray59]

Oh, by the way, that's my N Scale layout just used to photo the models on. I photo my HO models on it also! :D

[BoxcabE50]

Robert-

Just curious- Are you also making your own decals? I have doubts that there is a large selection commercially available?

:D

Boxcab E50

[pray59]

Yes, I do my own decals, and artwork. Corel and Alps. I put decals in the kits to match.

[shamoo737]

Robert, did you ever offer the Diamond centerbeam as a kit? They look great.



I finished making 2 different models of Thrall Centerbeam cars this
week. First is the BN Opera Window style 60' car, which I made decals
for today:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/robertray/abe.jpg

The other is the 66' Thrall Centerbeam in BN livery after repainting:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/robertray/abf.jpg

Here is the 66' car in it's original NP paint. The NP only had 5
Centerbeam cars, and as you know, being a fan of NP, I had to have
them:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/robertray/abg.jpg

Here is a string of the 3 I made so far:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/robertray/abh.jpg


They are all made of wood, go together reasonably easy, (1 hour, less
paint and decals), and if intrest is there, I will probably make a few kits
available.

graemlins/wink.gif -Robert

[pray59]

No, I never did do the Diamond Window version. As far as I can tell, that is the first Centerbeam car produced, and the Northern Pacific railroad was the only buyers. There were 5 cars made in 1969, a 66' car, that ended up on the Burlington Northern roster.

Centerbeam cars did not become popular until 1977 when the Opera Window version was released.

Being an early design, and a 66' long car that gave me trouble derailing on end modules, I did not pursue them.

My love for lumber product cars did not dye though, as I recently revived the 73' car project, once I figured out how to make extende lenght truck mounted couplers:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1048/00081.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1048/226.jpg

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1048/417.jpg