AlfaZagato

Unrelated, but I think that is the first time I've seen a Barclay next to anything else I can scale.   I didn't realize it was so small.

There's a method from the car modelers.  You replace the to-be damaged panels with double layers of foil.  Nothing crumples like metal.   Have to use foil, though.  Photoetch tends to be too rigid and thick at this scale.

In re internal planking, if the wagon is to be loaded, maybe only scribe the top plank or two?

Didn't these tend to bulge at the base?  Looks good so far.

As long as you're clear in your listing, don't worry about it.

I'm perfectly OK if we see an increase, even a doubling in price, if we're getting a match truck.  Especially if it's Midland-style.

That is the first I have ever heard against soldering rail joints.   I have been universally recommended to do so before.

On 02/03/2024 at 08:36, Oldddudders said:

This is an engineering prototype being test-run by invitation on a layout at an exhibition. We should not extrapolate anything significant about performance of the final product from such an ad-hoc piece of filming. 

Or we bring attention to it now when its still an engineering prototype, so as to find possible issues while they're still easier to correct.

Also, that's beyond an engineering prototype if I'm reading correctly.  Its a deco sample. 

Was anyone else seeing some hesitation during the video?  I thought I saw some approaching the first bridge.

Could seek a bow pen, as well.   Can be had for not a lot of money.

I have a stash of old lead sinkers that have sufficed for what little ballasting I need.

Thank you.   I had been able to get a Roco Minitrains set for not much locally for some bulk.

I was able to straighten out the kink.   I also think I fixed the wire solder.    I've taped it and not photographed it, so you'll have to take my word on it.

Second layout test.

Yes, I've had multiple people on other sites point that out.  I'll have to correct it when I next can.

I finished laying the track.   Real coarse job. I did solder the track joints...okayish?

Thankfully the wiring is dead simple.   Just a loop, with a second feed just in case;

And it all works!  As shown here.

A note on my soldering;

I suck at soldering;

It apparently works...

Last night I started tracklaying.   I have no idea what I'm really doing.

First step was pre-drilling the Peco track for nails, as per the suggestion of a friend of mine.   Easy job with a power drill, though I would have preferred a drill press.   I dived right in to laying the track, of course making mistakes.  Below is where I got before I had to quit for the night;

Just a little more to close the loop.   Not shown in this view is the odd little tap-punch-thing I pulled out of my late father's tools to drive nails the last little bit.  I was having a time with these stupid little nails!  Had to pull and replace half of them.  There's still a couple that aren't great, but I don't think I could pull without ruining the track.  

I know  I could do better.   This is my first time with flex track, and I'm going for a rather tight radius at 9".   I've also forgotten about such things as removing the end ties to allow for fishplates, and pre-bending the rail.   A Farish bogie-bolster ran though the track fine so far, though.   I hope that's a good sign.  If I can close the loop tonight, I'll take a try with a loco.

The next evening, I took to establishing guides for my radii.   I have been working to try and build this layout quickly for multiple reasons.   

• I know if I dawdle or step away, I may not step back; the micro listed in my signature has not been touched in close to a year. 
• I also wanted to have the layout at least running for a show third weekend of March.

Given my desire for speed, and a lack of available trackguides in the area, I attempted to plot the 9" radii otherwise.   Not having a trammel, nor a large enough caliper, I rigged up some string with a pencil and a nail.   I wasn't able to lay the cleanest job, but it seemed to work. 

Next night I was able to screw the top down.  Another day, I had a chance to stop at a hardware store.  Got lucky, as I was able to get a half-pint of middle brown for 50¢.  That evening, I had the underside coated;

Left that to dry for the evening.  In the morning, before leaving for work, I had the top coated as well;

I was out that evening, so work continued the next day.

Work continued apace.  A decent day (dry and 38F) allowed me to get out to the backyard to cut ply for the top.   I had some relatively straight 1/4" ply in my shed.   A bit overkill, but on-hand.  A few minutes with a square, tape measure and circular saw gave me this;

Shown here on the frame.  Also showing here the bow I had in the frame.  Worked out to maybe a 1/4" at worst.   

Finally starting a topic, as this is starting to look like a layout.

I had an idea a couple of months ago.   I had found a canvas print in a bin, and really took a look at it.   The frame the print was mounted to was actually pretty rigid.   I figured that the frame would make a good base for a layout.   I wasn't able to grab that frame, though. 

Later, I was able to grab a cheap print from a thrift shop for $3.    This frame measured 20" by 24", a bit small for a layout.  So, the print stayed intact for some months while I decided what to do with it.

About two weeks ago, I decided to dive in with some material I already had, including Peco OO9 'crazy' track.  Loose, unwritten plan was a simple loop, running out of and into a hill.   Also planned for a small, not-quite abandoned halt.

First step was stripping the print and confirming the dimensions on the frame.   I was left with this;

Sadly, the frame began to bow after removing the canvas.  Not by much, just enough to go out of square.   I'll explain further soon.

Aww, no pics of LMS black...

In re the 3D printed vans, I personally think a lot of makes are misusing 3D printings benefits.   I'd wager there'd be at least some reduction of cost if some of these cottage builders or shops produced with resin, and only printed prototypes.

(Sorry for the drift.  Seemed like a suitable time to pose.  Great pics as usual!)

I'd imagine it would come down to axle diameter.   Could definitely fit spacers on axles to prevent excessive sideplay.

What trips me up over your Dogfish is the body color not being far off your rust.   May help to pose one or two on your layout for a different lighting.  Workbench ambiance isn't always the best for judging finish.