I am hoping to assmble my depressed flatcar over the weekend. Once it is finished how would I secure the transformer load onto the model?
Paul: I've got a locomotive on one of the flat deck heavy dutys, which I secured with carpenter's yellow glue to blocking I built. Then I used ACC to attach tie down "chains" made from braided cross-stitch floss painted grimy black. Looks kind of like chain, and no problem getting it under tension.
I'll see what I can do over the next few days. I've got a picture posted to Alan's website (under the customer photos link) but I don't remember if it really shows the details.
Can you use chains as from ship modeling? Or are they too big. Ship modelers have a lot of nice detail stuff for N scale.
Yesterday I assembled the flat car as per Alan's instructions. It went together easily although you do need to lay the model flat when glueing to ensure the car is level. Today I'm hoping to use some old Atlas trucks just to try it out, I have ordered MT 1036's but they have not arrived. If all seems fine I will paint sometime this week. I should be able to post some pics tonight.
Paul, I think with heavy transformers etc they just weld straps,angle or RHS straight to the deck of flat & either bolt or weld these braces (straps angle RHS) to the load.
Thanks Jason we will have to see the best way of mounting the transformer. Today I assembled the the depressed flat car although I did encounter a problem. These first two pics show the first stage of assembly Looking at the second photograph you will see a slight gap on the join of the curved section to the Straight panel, although I had tried to get a neat fit this was the best I achieved. When I installed the trucks the actual depressed section sat on the rails. I decided to try and pull apart these sections and re join them unfortunately the glue had bonded and while trying to seperate the pieces I fractured off both the tabs. I then filed and reglued but instead of having a lap joint I could only butt joint the pieces. Being a trained improvisor I cut a Pepsi can and used the aluminium to strengthen the joint (see pic below) I then was able to assemble the unit with the depressed flat car section now sitting approx 3 mm above rail. I also assembled the transformer which was very easy and looks effective The flatcar looks excellent and seems to travel smoothly on my test track ( 1 length of peco track on my desk at work) lol. I am hoping to mount some couplers and paint the model next week before my friend Jason comes over to help me decal the unit.
I will be painting both the depressed flatcar and transformer today so hope to post some pics later in the day.
Hey Alan just wondering what would that size transformer weigh? Paul,thats looking really cool,I've got to paint mine so we can decal both at same time.
I just went downstairs and reassembled the flatcar for Alan . I'm really pleased with the results and it runs excellent. I will have to modify some of the scenery due to the overhang especially where I have sharp curves but the flatcar runs so well. Here are the pics of the flat car on its inauguaral run around the layout.
Looks good Paul Yeah they do roll well, don't they. Just tell any railroad staff not to stand too close to the inside of a curve when it is coming past
Here is the finished product, Jason came ver today and decaled the flatcar for me. Jason also brought his along for a run on the layout.
What a good loking pair of cars better get those transformers tied down though, before the FRA sidetracks them!
I know it's not a 12 axle,but it comes close, Still got to touch up here & there,paint tie down rod's,brake wheel etc Thought it better to just drill & tap the load to ease removal,mainly so I can purchase some more of Alan's different loads at a later date.
