Just replaced the cracked axles two days ago on my Proto2000 FA and FB locos and installed decoders along with Kadee couplers. Currently working on two projects. Kadee coupler and decoder install in a Proto2000 SD7 and tsunami, sound, leds, kadee coupler install on a Atheran RTR GP38-2.
Well it's not exactly "on" my workbench but I have been installing shelves and car card boxes around the layout to start CC&WB operations. I just finished painting these shelves then I will label the boxes.
Nothing picture worthy, but on Friday evening I replaced all the factory yellow LEDs in my Kato Dash 9s (six units and from the first run in 1998), to bright white LEDs. Quick, easy, and made a tremendous difference. I'd been putting it off for five years, and I have no idea why. I had the whole project done in a little over an hour. Now I have to cut the light tube. It's also makes up the window on the front door, and turned them into headlights too! LOL!
Very nice! And very true! I've added more to my ATSF unit too. Flash, any tips on how to remove the shell? I have new LEDs for mine, as the front one is perpetually stuck in Rule 17 (it's never been bright), and I couldn't figure out how to get it off without breaking something.
Best thing to do is go to the Atlas website. The instructions are there under "General" I believe. But, there are three tabs on each side that you have to squeeze simultaneously to remove the shell. Too much for me. I remove two of the three tab pairs to make it much easier. The most important part is that the body will not come off without coupler removal, so the tabs are sort of irrelevant.
Thanks Flash. I took the couplers off last weekend, and started tugging. When it wouldn't come off easily I pulled out the old blow up diagram out, but it wasn't much help. Had no idea about that Atlas link. Back to the workbench! :thumbs_up:
Currently on my bench is a Alco Models brass C430 getting new NWSL gears and drive shafts, then off to the paint booth. Next in line is my new PFM N&W A class steamer for tuneup and lighting install. Mikie
More progress on my C44-9Ws Here, the handrails are test fitted to on the units. The unit in the foreground represents the late version of the Dash 9s so I used the front and rear handrails and stanchions from an Athearn RTR AC4400CW. The trucks were upgraded. Here is a front view of the early Dash 9 loco. The handrails are from an Athearn RTR unit. The chassis is by Kato, with speaker compartment. I will have to change out the trucks on this unit because they belong to the late version of the Dash 9s.
I finished labeling the car card boxes a couple of days ago Today I decided to add a couple of pieces of rolling stock to the layout. I had this Mesquite Railway System custom car (Roundhouse) for a while so I decided to assemble and decal it. Since I am hosting the club in August, I figured it would be nice to have it on the layout for a op session. This is a 25th anniversary car. I also found a undecorated TOFC flat so I assembled it and painted it for the older Trailer Train scheme (boxcar red instead of yellow). It's dry to the touch but I can still smell paint fumes so I will wait until tomorrow to start decaling it. Since it's a holiday, I'll probably take the rest of the afternoon off.
I now have a Walthers Classic Kit Golden West Boxcar kit to assemble and 2 used Walthers Well cars that need a little TLC before they can be run.
Fresh off my workbench last weekend is this kitbashed/partially scratchbuilt transfer caboose, created from a few parts of an old Athearn BB off-set cupola caboose and a lot of "stuff" out of the scrapbox. Still needs a few finishing details, like markerlight lenses. NYW&B
Currently, I've started some painting-decaling-weathering-projects that have been postponed for some time. Mainly there's a bunch of Kato SD40's and SD45's which I want to repaint as Conrail patches. The first one was SD40 #6338, an ex-PC SD40:
Great looking layout. Wolfgang (page 11) Question: How did you fasten the tracks at the transitions between the modules. I'm always interested in other peoples solutions.
I just picked up 3 SD60Ms that will be painted up into Agawam Southern Railway. The ASR's wide cab units will be painted like the Milwaukee Road E7s as delivered. This was a gray, orange, and black scheme. Should look pretty sweet! I've also got 2 Milwaukee Road GP30s in progress. 3 SD7/9s waiting on deck.