NEW, SHORT TERM, PAINT PROJECT

Have I ever said that I am an SP guy and particularly fond of their Black Widow paint scheme. Well, I can't sit still so here is my next "workbench" project. Two SD-40's and one wide vision caboose. I left a hint as to color scheme ! !



For sure the SD-40's will get normal black widow but following is an image of a caboose that strikes my fancy....


I know, I'm nuts but all these keep me out of the bars, although I might be missing something there but alas, at 81, I quit fighting loong time ago.

Be well,
Carl

 

Your railroad, your rules. Nothing wrong with black widow anything...

 

Black next, hand painting small details, decals, flat finish and it will be complete ...........


I forgot to include battery pack, switch, batteries and lights.

Be well,
Carl

 

A good gloss coat next, then decals, lights, and finally a flat coat.

 

Test shot. I think it will work.



Be well,
Carl

 

Looking good! There's nothing quite as classy as a Black Widow!

 

Well I started this project as a short term paint project, so here is a shot of the caboose. I need to re-do the decal on the top of cupola.......



I just can't do simple jobs, so I decided to put lights on. I have some marker lamps due in soon so I have added a battery box for 2-LR44 batts that totals 3 volts, so I will not need resistors. Also want to add step lights to each corner using fiber optics.

Chassis with battery box & switch...


My DIY fiber optic lights. The blue tape is to keep them apart for picture. I hav an LED mounted in a tube that will sit down on the glued fibers, I used Crystal Clear to hold fibers together................


I forgot to mention that the switch will be activated from the smoke stack being pressed down. I have added a guide inside the caboose that the pin will slide in.

Thanks for looking, be well,
Carl

PS: I should have called this my heritage caboose !

 

Ready to place person in window and then attach cupola, re-install glazing, end pieces, and finally the trucks. I need to clean out some paint build up on cupola and shell parts so that cupola will sit down properly. . . . . .


Last post I mentioned trying to add step lights, so here is an image mocked up underneath the chassis just "to see". I used .75mm fibers for this test and I find it will work. However, I have some .50mm fiber due in bt Friday and I will probably use them . . . . . .


Here is the simple light projector. . . . .


Stay tuned, be well,
Carl

 

Dang, this is cool! Can't wait to see the SD40's!

 

I thought this would be a short project but like always I have stretched it out. Will finish next week, so here are 2 images for update . . . . . .

Here is the cab with cupola back on, window glazing back inside. The yellow headed pin is to mark my on/off switch access, will not be in the cab all the time .....


Here is the chassis with batt box and switch . . . .


I have received the markers, see above, and I may have to put a 1K resistor to tone them down. I should have my fibers in on Monday, so I can add step lights.

Be well, enjoy the weekend,
Carl

 

Very nice can't wait to see the finished product. I need some of those tweezers. What are they called, if you don't mind me asking?

 

i2t,

Google Kadee 1020 coupler tweezer !

 

Here is my completed Fantasy heritage caboose :



Here it is with my latest ( 2-3 years ago ) fantasy paint job :



Now that the 'boose is complete it is time to turn my efforts to the Black Widow SD-45's.
BTW, I am happy with my effort.

Thanks for looking, be well,
Carl

 

Great thread. You have given me an idea for lighting my cabooses so I can see them further away. Thanks!

 

Steve,

thank you for the nice comment, much appreciated. I can see, in your case, where lights would be a benefit. Here is a "night time" image I made and you can see how the 0.5mm fibers project light at the steps and that is with one small LED illuminating them. As info there is one LED in the 'boose that illuminates both markers and the 4 fibers for the steps, 3 V power without any resistor. This image makes the light look too bright but I have since "dull coated" the car and that toned down the brightness nicely :



As info, here is another recent lighting project that has the same power supply set up in the cab. It too looks better after dull coating :


Thanks for your input to the hobby and to TB, be well,
Carl

 

Carl, your caboose lighting projects are super cool! Love how both turned out. Would love to try some lighting like that but just not in my skill set.

 

Carl,
You are most welcome.

Pic of 'Tiger Set'​

reminded me

I intend to make a transfer 'boose since the GandG is a short line tween Here and There​

Made me think of

Work train with spot light​

Made me think of

Spot light on flat car. Doesn't every main line train need one?​

PS: A hobbiest turn 3D printer makes a 'Jackalope' in HO scale:
https://www.miniprints.com/product/jackalope/
I have recieved 4 of their figures including: Bison, Headless Horseman, Texas Longhons and Bears. They also have 'work crews'.
I am very pleased and have put more of their on my Christmas List. They come unpainted.

 

Don't try to pump me full of sand. I have seen your layout and all the excellent work you have done. You have the skill set for doing whatever you want!

Thanks for the link Steve, I have sent him an e-mail