The D&RGW in 1/300

speedbird Jan 27, 2021

  1. speedbird

    speedbird TrainBoard Member

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    I thought it was time to share some photos of the 1/300 scale D&RGW equipment I’ve been working on. What you’re seeing here is completely operational and made its first run on the test track January 26, 2021. I started this project seriously about a month ago, but I’d been considering it for the past year. This scale, 1/300 is just about 50% the size of N scale. You can see the Nn3 car I’ve placed in the photos for scale, and the schilling is the size of a US quarter.
    Almost all of what you see is completely built from scratch. There are some 3D printed elements like the trucks and locomotive frame, and some custom photo-etch work like the caboose ends and some of the ladders. However the rest was built by me. The boxcars, caboose , and reefers are made from wood (yes real wood), styrene, and brass. The locomotive is styrene stainless steel, and brass. The models are designed to operate on T scale track and uses T scale power mechanisms. Power comes from the reefer cars, where the T scale mechanisms are located. I built two for operational reliability.
    Those familiar with the D&RGW will be familiar with Otowi Bridge, and while I’ve built the whole bridge I’m just showing the main span at this point. It was easier to photograph. I had made up a set of plans for the bridge a while back, which was a painstaking process, and I’ve modeled this bridge in full in both Nn3 and 1/300.
    I have plans to start the layout very soon. I haven’t quite decided how I want to proceed yet, but obviously it will depict the Chili Line north of Santa Fe NM
    I primarily model the D&RGW in Nn3, which is another craftsman-oriented space. I’ve been threatening a larger Nn3 layout but with the specter of an impending move, I can’t start just yet. I’m sure some of you are familiar with my small Nn3 layout though. So with this 1/300 project I’ll be able to build quite a bit while remaining portable.
    I’d like to thank Jesse Svoboda over at CCE Models for producing the trucks, locomotive frame, photo etch, and decals. Most of these items are also available to purchase from him as we speak. Additionally the models are finished with ScaleColors paint. ScaleColors airbrushes like a dream, highly recommended!
    Soon I hope to have some photos of the layout taking shape.
    Thanks for looking.
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  2. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    That's some real supreme work right there. I think the weathering really highlights the small details. Sometimes they get lost in the black without some lighter weathering. Are the siderods on the locomotive functional?
     
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  3. speedbird

    speedbird TrainBoard Member

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    Hey Thanks!

    Since I plan to operate this so I had to compromise there on the side rods, so it’s all there but fixed. I did build a prototype of working rods and valve gear from stainless steel, but It needed to be geared and powered across the axels in order to run correctly. I had a lot of experience building this sort of thing with my Nn3 steam locomotives. The prototype ended up working fine, however it wasn’t as free rolling as it would have needed to be given the weight. I added more weight but then the two motors couldn’t push it. It was a catch 22 in a sense. The mock-up of the rods and valve gear took 2 days to build too. It was a successful failure.
     
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  4. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Super interesting! I have never seen this scale before. The craftsmanship on 480 is intense.
     
  5. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    How does 1/300 scale work? Was that 'reverse engineered' from the T scale track gauge? I think your description of a 'craftsman scale' is spot on. How do you plan on getting structures or vehicles? I'm assuming that will be all scratchbuilt too, maybe 3D printed. Are you using a personal printer for your 3D parts, or outsourcing to someone like Shapeways?
     
  6. speedbird

    speedbird TrainBoard Member

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    So I had the trucks 3D printed, that was for the durability of operation. Otherwise I would have built those myself too.

    I’m probably going to hand lay the track with code 40 steel rail, and the vehicles and structures will all be built from scratch in wood and brass. I’m not against 3D printing, I just don’t get any enjoyment out of it. I prefer traditional ways.
     
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  7. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Oh, my-that's some beautiful work right there!!

    (y)(y)(y)
     
  8. Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett TrainBoard Member

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    @speedbird, that's excellent job !!! Really like what you have done and looking forward to see your layout.

    On your avatar the initials are the same as mine.

    Joe
     
  9. speedbird

    speedbird TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks guys!
     
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  10. speedbird

    speedbird TrainBoard Member

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    Not much progress on the layout sadly. I’ve been on other projects. Thanks for the messages though!
     
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  11. ddechamp71

    ddechamp71 TrainBoard Member

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    No mean to do what AZL does with their Z scale steamers ? Ie drivers run with a cardan shaft from a motor located in tender (or in a matching boxcar, in your case) ?

    Outstanding work nevertheless ! :D

    Dom
     
  12. speedbird

    speedbird TrainBoard Member

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    You’re sorta back to the weight vs torque issue there. Everything has to be so heavy to overcome the torque, that it starts to circle the drain, but maybe in the other direction so to speak. I’m happy with where I am this, it just needs a layout to operate on!
     
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