Okay, I'm starting with the CNJ XM because it requires more modifications. I sanded and scrapped all the details off one end to see how it might turn out. With the exception of a few slips, I'm pretty happy. The details I removed are not on the XM. I modified an Xacto blade on the grinder to fit in the areas between the ladder rungs and brake shaft. Next I will do the other end, and then move to the roof. Scott
Here is what is currently on my workbench. The locomotive works base, the camel back, a bulk carrier being modified into a ARA flat car, and the XM boxcar. Regarding the XM boxcar, I modified the ladder, still need to cut back the top. Sanded down the eaves and roof to look more like the XM.
Joe, No, I am not that clever. That is the base for my Pleasant Valley Locomotive Works(in progress). It will be static, for display, photographs, and storage. Scott
Scott, I am looking for Marklin US rolling stock, especially ATSF in 60s/70s era. DM me if you have any available for sale - does not need to be ATSF as I can modify. -Tiest Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
We have lots of war memorials here in western Pennsylvania. Even the smallest villages have a stele or statue, a cannon or a tank. Are any of you including these in your layouts? Here is the one I'm working on:
My latest project is designing a new shell for a Marklin Chassis I have that had no shell! 4-6-0 Christmas train and a 0-6-0 which I haven't got printed yet!
I bought 3 of the Marklin 81438 ICRR Illinois Diamond Special sets years ago, because they came with the black drivers, but the locomotive is the same as the Christmas Train loco. I wanted to get shells made for them that look like the NP Mogul, and I would make the tenders myself. The NP 4-6-0 is a bit different than the Illinois Central ten wheeler in the placement of the domes, bell, headlight, and cab. I figured I could grind off those items and make cast resin ones, but 3D printed would be better. If you are interested Walter, I would be willing to draw up the brass etched parts and find someone to etch them, or etch them myself. Now that I am retired and have a few months till camping season, I can do that stuff. If you would be willing to draw up a cab and boiler-smokebox of smooth brass, and draw up separate detail set of domes, bell, smokebox mounted headlights as well as top mounted headlights, steam generator, air pumps, and smoke stack that can be printed in resin and placed per prototype, it would be cheaper and less prone to manufacturing damage than all brass. Also it could be easily sanded smooth, before all the details added. We could make the resin parts sprue set to fit several different railroad prototypes and you could put them up on your Shapeways site, and I could deal with making decals and the etched metal parts. It would be a joint Trainboard Member project. We used to do lots of projects like that in the past.
I made a bit more progress on my project. It might be recognizable now, but I have always liked this kit, it's just that it was never available in Z. It is available in N, HO, S, and O. I like it, so I make it!
Enjoyed this laser-cut barn kit and used colored pencils to provide a bit of weathering. I'm beginning to see the value of making things look 'used' from all the fine examples on this sight.