This isn't much of an update really...I just was moving some stuff around on a table and snapped a few pictures. The train cars and the small diesel engine in this photograph above are all scratch built items. The three freight cars in front and the engine are ones that I did quite a while back and the 3 freight cars behind them are ones that I just completed.
All of the cars have a body length of 22 feet and overall length of 24 feet. The height and width are the same as the Bachmann On30 18 ft. shortie cars.
The engine was built on an HO mechanism that I had lying around. I guess I can't really call it a scratch build, it is more of a kit bash. The engine cowling came from that HO diesel. The cab, sand dome, stack and headlight are all Grandt Line pieces. But the hand railings are all mine. Once the engine was painted and weathered, I detailed it with a variety of castings from Berkshire Valley.
I like this shot - it's like I've got a town sitting behind the tracks, but the buildings are just sitting there. These are some ready built structures that I picked up at a local train store and plan to repaint and detail eventually. I have 3 more building kits that will become part of "Main St" when I get around to building my harbor town. The rest of the structure that will actually sit on the waterfront will be scratch built.
Here's another shot of my scratch built caboose. It has a compete interior. Those boxes behind the town contain my Bachmann 18' cars. I have some side dump ore cars, 6 box cars, 4 tank cars and another caboose. Sure would be nice to have something to run them on... you know... like a layout.
I've also been collecting diecast cars for my model railroad. The problem with most diecast cars is that they look pretty toy like. They will need some serious painting, weathering and detailing to improve the appearance. There are three scales that make up what is an acceptable size for O scale transportation - 1/48, 1/43 and 1/50th. Most of what is out there is 1/43 scale and that is what most of my vehicles are. The three scales are close enough that you can use all three, particularly if you plan ahead and use the bigger ones up front and the smaller ones in the background.
I think this is a 1934 Ford pickup. I have three of them and plan to finish them all differently. This particular one is going to be turned into a tow truck to place alongside my gas station.
This bus is going to be converted into a tourist bus. If it doesn't look too hard to do, I may shorten the length of it once I take it apart. I would also like to add a roof with a rack and luggage. Some passengers would be nice as well.
And that is our "update" on my model railroading... thanks for looking - PM
And that is our "update" on my model railroading... thanks for looking - PM