woodenhead Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 1 hour ago, F-UnitMad said: Thus, another "beauty" showed up on Ebay a few days ago, & much to my surprise, my "much lower Best Offer than the Buy it Now" price was accepted. Bargain, needs a respray though, look at the state of it 🤣 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 14 minutes ago, woodenhead said: Bargain, needs a respray though, look at the state of it 🤣 🤣🤣🤣👍👍 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted August 23, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 23, 2023 2 hours ago, F-UnitMad said: Anyone else suffer from this affliction...? Something like this:- I can only deal with two things at once so I’ve simplified it to save suffering . . . 3 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Keith Addenbrooke Posted August 26, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 26, 2023 Came across a SOO logo I’ve not seen before: large white angular SOO on a black italic background with a thin black border. Loco was a (model) SD40. Loco was white with a red front low hood. Just wondered what era it was from? Keith. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted August 26, 2023 Author Share Posted August 26, 2023 1 hour ago, Keith Addenbrooke said: Came across a SOO logo I’ve not seen before: large white angular SOO on a black italic background with a thin black border. Loco was a (model) SD40. Loco was white with a red front low hood. Just wondered what era it was from? Keith. Ah yes, the 'Parallelogram' slanted logo. I've used it on my Soo pick-up truck. Not entirely prototypical, it should be in white on the red door but I didn't have a white decal. The logo was designed in the late '60s & applied to some locos & rolling stock in the early '70s. It was basically a big decal from 3M, the Scotchlite company, but it didn't last - literally!! It wasn't very resilient to either nature or the Soo's wash rack chemicals, so was abandoned by 1981/2-ish. The design was revived in white with the new all-over Candy Apple red scheme for locos in 1989. 6 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 3, 2023 Author Share Posted September 3, 2023 Recently I posted pics of the 3D printed sacks & pallets I got off ebay. I have much bigger jobs I should be doing - engines in bits, half-finished freight cars, scenery, etc, but sometimes it's nice to just do a 'small' job. I decided these sacks would likely be for something like drywall compound for a local Builders Merchants. I painted them an off-white, and drew up some very basic 'labels' to glue on the tops, as the printing was very 'stepped'; filler and/or filing smooth would take forever, but a paper label glued on top has hidden the effect, as has the shrink wrap. The pallets were lightly washed too, & the sack 'stacks' glued on. I then cut long strips of kitchen cling film about the height of the stack, glued one end to one side of the stack, and wrapped the pallet just as they shrink-wrap (which is what it is called in transport/industry, not 'cling film'!!) - the real thing. I also glued some of them in the doorways of one of my Hi-cube boxes. If I've done my sums right a double-stacked load of these pallets would not overload the car in real life. Setting up an 'unloading' cameo was a bit of fun... In other news, at Stafford Guildex on Saturday I collected my pre-ordered Wickhams Trolley from Ellis Clark Trains. It was very much an impulse purchase a few weeks ago, made all the more surprising by the complete & total abscence of alcoholic influence when I clicked the order button!! Being UK 1:43.5 scale it is slightly big for a U.S. 'Speeder', so the jury is out on how it looks with my U.S. stock at the moment.... As I bought a bog-standard 12v DC Trolley, & my U.S. layout is DCC, whether or not it looks ok is a moot point, as it can't actually run on that layout anyway..!! 🙄🙄🤦♂️🤣 7 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Chris116 Posted September 3, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 3, 2023 34 minutes ago, F-UnitMad said: As I bought a bog-standard 12v DC Trolley, & my U.S. layout is DCC, whether or not it looks ok is a moot point, as it can't actually run on that layout anyway..!! 🙄🙄🤦♂️🤣 Sounds like an excellent excuse to build a UK layout! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 (edited) 7 hours ago, Chris116 said: Sounds like an excellent excuse to build a UK layout! I've got two of those. 😉👍 Here's the trolley on one of them, next to my other Stafford acquisitions.... Edited September 4, 2023 by F-UnitMad 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasond Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 Would anyone notice a DCC chip up in the trolley's roof-space? Or in a crate on the trailer? Aaah, projects, projects, ... Jason 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 25 minutes ago, jasond said: Would anyone notice a DCC chip up in the trolley's roof-space? Or in a crate on the trailer? Aaah, projects, projects, ... Jason Considering it's available with DCC + sound factory fitted, they've obviously thought about where to hide the chip already. 😉 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Western Star Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 2 hours ago, F-UnitMad said: Considering it's available with DCC + sound factory fitted, they've obviously thought about where to hide the chip already. 😉 So ring ECT and discuss how to move from a "Who" state to an all singing model. You never know, Ellis might just sell the bits which are to be seen on the display stand.... or offer a decent exchange deal. At least the ECT sound project does not feature seagulls like most sound fitted 37/4s. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brossard Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 I've always admired your US themed layout. I must be careful because this looks so good I could be tempted. It is curious that of all the model shows I've attended over here in the Montreal area and somewhat beyond, I have never seen anything other than that horrid 3 rail stuff. It takes a UK modeller to show how it's done I guess. John 4 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 5 hours ago, brossard said: I've always admired your US themed layout. I must be careful because this looks so good I could be tempted. It is curious that of all the model shows I've attended over here in the Montreal area and somewhat beyond, I have never seen anything other than that horrid 3 rail stuff. It takes a UK modeller to show how it's done I guess. John Thanks for your kind comments John. It does seem that 2-rail O Scale is something of a rare beast in the USA, although it does exist! My layout is nowhere near as realistic as others I've seen, but it's far from complete, of course. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 10 hours ago, Western Star said: So ring ECT and discuss how to move from a "Who" state to an all singing model. You never know, Ellis might just sell the bits which are to be seen on the display stand.... or offer a decent exchange deal. At least the ECT sound project does not feature seagulls like most sound fitted 37/4s. There's something in the paperwork from ECT, which naturally I've only skimmed through very briefly, cautioning about using the DCC version with a DC controller. Something about the motor being coreless, too, so cautioning against older DC controllers too for the basic 12v DC version. The recommended DCC decoder must be pretty tiny! I've no idea where it should go, but as my British stuff is staying 12v DC, I'm in no rush to find out..... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brossard Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 12 minutes ago, F-UnitMad said: Thanks for your kind comments John. It does seem that 2-rail O Scale is something of a rare beast in the USA, although it does exist! My layout is nowhere near as realistic as others I've seen, but it's far from complete, of course. I had a quick look round and found that there are manufacturers who do 2 rail, Atlas and MTH for example. I've no idea of the accuracy or fidelity of these models. Prices seem comparable to British 0 gauge. I decided early on that my 0 gauge layout would be to a "nice" standard. There are better ones for sure. Mine is the only British 0 gauge layout in Quebec as far as I know. John 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 15, 2023 Author Share Posted September 15, 2023 (edited) Back in the dim & distant past, around Jan 1st, possibly this year, I resolved to try and finish projects before I start another one..... Yeah, right. This week yet another madcap project gets under way, inspired by the bad influences of RMweb & the American O Scale in UK Farcebook group. First off, a fourth complete Atlas Plymouth joined my fleet (as opposed to a bits collection like body shells & sideframes I already have)... However, this one is going to be a bit different; tonight's test shows the way things are going.... Missing a wheelset?? Yes, Sir!! It seems it will convert easily enough to an 0-4-0, and of course, will have to be, erm, "adjusted" to suit. 😉👍🥳 Have been scouring t'Interweb for inspiration, & there's some cracking examples out there, real & model. As I named two of my other Plymouths in honour of inspirational modellers, I don't think it's too early, or out of place to say that I shall be naming this one.... Please step forward & take a bow; "Northroader Bob" 🤩🤩🤩 That's as far as I've got for now. Off on holiday for a week tomorow. No I can't take it with me.... 😱🤣 Edited September 15, 2023 by F-UnitMad 2 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Northroader Posted September 16, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 16, 2023 (edited) Aw, shucks, Jordan, I’m touched. And deeply honoured of course. Hope you’re going somewhere nice, that isn’t burnt down, covered in mud, or on strike. Look out for some RMT body shells, Jason’s right out. Have a good one! Edited September 16, 2023 by Northroader 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 On 16/09/2023 at 08:18, Northroader said: Aw, shucks, Jordan, I’m touched. And deeply honoured of course. Hope you’re going somewhere nice, that isn’t burnt down, covered in mud, or on strike. Look out for some RMT body shells, Jason’s right out. Have a good one! Nowhere burnt, muddy or on strike, but wet - definitely!! 🙄😂 So still in the UK, Cornwall to be more precise. Still about as far from any RMT body shells as anyone else, sorry...!! 🤦♂️😁 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 25, 2023 Author Share Posted September 25, 2023 (edited) With very quick shipping across The Pond, my new sets of Kadee 70t trucks arrived today, direct from Kadee & avoiding the attentions of HMCustoms to boot!! 🤫🤣 At nearly $40 a pair they're not cheap, but the roller bearing types DO have rotating bearing caps. 👍 Tonight they have replaced the trucks on my two Atlas Trainman 50ft cars, which possibly because they have to suit 3-railers too, ride a couple of mm too high on Atlas trucks. Here, the CSX car has had the Kadee trucks, which have lowered the car by just the right amount - the SOO car is higher (note the couplers), still on Atlas trucks. After doing both cars, they now ride at the right height. Happy bunny. I have some 100t trucks on order too, but via Ebay as Kadee's website sold out before I got confirmation the caps rotate. They were a few bucks cheaper on Ebay but VAT was then added. Shipping is about the same cost, but could be slower. At least with ebay adding the VAT they should also avoid further charges on arrival in the UK. Meanwhile, Kadee restocked on their website!! Oh well..... 🙄🤦♂️ Edited September 25, 2023 by F-UnitMad 14 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted September 29, 2023 Author Share Posted September 29, 2023 On 15/09/2023 at 21:26, F-UnitMad said: This week yet another madcap project gets under way... Missing a wheelset?? Yes, Sir!! It seems it will convert easily enough to an 0-4-0, and of course, will have to be, erm, "adjusted" to suit. 😉👍🥳 I haven't yet started any actual hacking about yet on this shortening project, but am still at the Theory & Planning Stage. To get a balanced look to the body over such a short 0-4-0 wheelbase, the body is going to be set back on the frame so the back of the cab is nearly level to the rear pilot beam, and the hood will be shortened to just the 3 side panel doors, removing the front 'boxes', and the frame shortened so the front pilot is just proud of the radiator grill, losing the front walkway. This will retain one of the two pick-up retaining clips, and 4 of the 6 screws that hold the keeper plate on underneath. 👍 As well as some cut'n'shut work on the hood & frames, some serious carving will need doing to the metal chassis lump as well, most likely involving 'proper size' tools like an angle grinder 😱🤪😎 I think (hope!!) this work will retain some balance in the weight distribution too. 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted October 1, 2023 Author Share Posted October 1, 2023 (edited) Back in 1980/81 when the Airfix Model Trains mag was on the shelves, almost every other issue seemed to feature the razor saw of Editor Chris Ellis, plunging through the bodywork of some hapless model, either to correct inaccuracies or convert it to something else. Tonight I have "done a Chris Ellis" and taken my razor saw to the bodyshell of what will become "Northroader Bob". "Shortliner Jack" behind for comparison. No turning back now!! ..... Hood shortened by removal of the 'side box' section, with a bit of a back cut to keep the headlight molding intact. I've also started to remove the exhaust stack. The bodyshell is the easy bit, though. The chassis block is stripped down & marked up ready to be attacked sometime soon.... The whole front section is to go, with a cut-out for the headlight, and the front of the large in-cab block, so that the body can sit further back and looked more balanced over the wheels. Edited October 2, 2023 by F-UnitMad 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted October 4, 2023 Author Share Posted October 4, 2023 This afternoon the chassis block met Mr Angle Grinder & Mr Reciprocating Power Saw.... :) A notch has been cut in the front top for the hood headlight. Further work will be needed down below to make space for the front coupler box. Next up will be to shorten the footplate & frames. 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted October 14, 2023 Author Share Posted October 14, 2023 Work continues on Shorty Plymouth "Northroader Bob". The footplate & sideframes are now cut, by keeping the front 'porch' I've been able to keep both original coupler pockets which will help no end later. Here the main components have been treated to some filler. The molded treadplatedetail will be sanded off & I have my eye on some etched replacements. Coming together now... Meanwhile, I can't recall where I saw about Tunnocks caramel Wafers being an ideal load for a Centerbeam Flat. Being poor/a cheapskate, Lidl's Own Brand have had to do. 'Tis the Silly Season 🤣🤣🥳 and Shortside Yard's staff just stand in despair.... 7 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Northroader Posted October 14, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 14, 2023 I was looking at some early tracklaying just now: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=297524898087001 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted October 14, 2023 Author Share Posted October 14, 2023 2 hours ago, Northroader said: I was looking at some early tracklaying just now: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=297524898087001 It worked, didn't it??!! 🤣🤣 Even got the rails sagging under the train weight, which I haven't been able to do, and as for climbing over the fallen tree...!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤦♂️🤦♂️ Was that a Buster Keaton film? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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