Continuing on with the building to the west of the Caliente, CA Post office; Here's the mostly completed structure sitting in place on the layout: And a lower angle shot: Would have been further along but have house guests - I should be able to show the finished area next week.
The scratched Caliente, CA Post Office and adjoining place area is now about 95% complete - I have a few more things to add and some tweaking to be done, but for the most part we can call it complete. This shot is from the Post Office side: Here's a center closeup: And a shot from the west also showing the distant Post Office: Finally a head on shot of both structures: This has been a really enjoyable summer project, and I've used new materials and techniques. We never stop learning. Hope you enjoyed the journey.
Excellent modeling, from the photo of the two structures, the new building complements the USPS Office. Wonderful scratchbuilding!
The two buildings are completely unique and getting them right took some time. And having Google Maps' Street View was most helpful, not to mention the overhead view. Thanks for the comment, Cliff!
Had my middle daughter look at them yesterday - she can spot something "off" in a heartbeat - she asked to see the pictures I used to guide me (taken from Google Maps and Google Street view, and she was impressed. That's the best praise for which I could hope!
Added some power poles to the scene - makes a world of difference: Another view. Wire is next, along with entry conduit. Also spent some time degreasing my GP60 fleet. What a mess. They run much better now.
Yes Eugen. Other than the dysfunctional ditch lights, that's the only issue with the FVM GP60 locos. The grease is just piled in there. Had to completely disassemble, clean (I used a small ultrasonic cleaner with Goo Gone) then reassemble and lightly oil. Oddly, even with all the grease, two of the five units were squealing (as in lack of lubrication).
I picked up two, new FVM SD70ACe's this week and was a bit sad to see the same dim (but not as bad as the GP60M) ditch lights. I am waiting for decoders for them so I have not popped the shells but I'll check them for grease in the meantime. Meanwhile, my Kato SD70ACe on the next track had nice, bright ditch lights. Jim, I know you had said you were eliminating your Kato's for FVM's (unless my memory is failing). The one thing that bothers me about the FVM units (and I have plenty of them just not any SD70ACe's until now) is the higher distance between the rails and the bottom of the fuel tank. I may have to do something about that because looking at them from the side (where I can see the nice factory-painted steps, handrails, etc (thanks, FVM)) really bothers me. I guess I could follow the old Groucho Marx physician's advice: "Doctor, it hurts when I do ... " "Well, don't do that."
That's disappointing news about the ditch lights - I'd seen an earlier report that they were super...Push comes to shove, I'll do to them what I did to the GP60s - separate LEDs. The dimension you mention has never bothered me - Rule 1, I guess...
Jim, I was wrong about the ditch lights. I must have a one that needs a bit of adjustment. My other two new FVM SD70ACe's have nice, bright ditchlights. I might shim the slightly higher fuel tanks on the FVM units. Or just stand a little taller when I run them...
Ha, David! I can, unfortunately, because I am more track level. I need to just get more of a typical N-scale bird's-eye view.
