I know that MTH said they will produce a smaller steamer and I'll be happy to see it. Other forums have constant posts about the whims of each guy's wants. So, if MTH would produce a bigger steamer down the road, can we discuss what would be the best?
I personally always liked larger steam. Really just a diesel guy, but who doesn't like the big brutes that were created to advance train movements. I would hope for a MTH Allegheny myself. I see that 3rd rail has a big SP AC9 on their order page for O scale. That's a big brute that I'd consider buying. Ray posted about a big Y6 that may get restored. That would be another cool engine to see come from MTH.
look at the cars with the 77' length I guess? The have different numbers than MTH chose though. I see where you're getting the length from and agree that the MTH must have the wrong numbers. Maybe if you swapped out the number decals to the 77' you could live with that????
I think they are close enough for me. Maybe they will release longer models down the road. I doubt it by the way they withdrew from G scale releases for a time. Have you looked at the new car press releases from Accucraft? they list at 30" (=80')
Hmmm, looks like maybe they just chose the wrong numbers? I'd have to research the others that are closer to the length. I hadn't seen that page before. The lengths look all over the place. That chart would be better if it had year built, and more model info.
I think they are a model of older cars like C&O's etc, that were built back in the 50's roughly? I don't know their proper length but the MTH look close. I have the Amtrak versions that would have been repaints from the older RRs. I found a AMT #5263 that looks just like one of MTHs.
It's the SFe historical society where they list SFe consists and the names you mention. Maybe you could make a list of the equipment you desire from that?
I looked at that too, along with chicken grit that some use in the south. I like Grant's RR look, that he posted a picture of. My local landscape supplies just have large crusher run that is a mix of large, small, and various stone dust. I was looking for something like 1/8 or smaller. I went to the quarry and they said it was called crusher fines here. They won't deliver and no one stocks it.
So, I took some metal screen and sifted the crusher run to just get the small stuff. It would have been easier to buy or rent a trailer for the crushed granite or crusher fines!!
Yes, it's of CSX # 4843. They are posted on www.rrpicturearchives.net
I guess I'll wait for safety. I did not use a primer. I think I should have. I didn't want too thick of paint to hide too much. Most of the shell got sanded, but not all of it. It will be a lesson I'm sure.
I sprayed this with rattle cans. I have two airbrushes and bout model paint for this. I was told it wouldn't hold up well outside so I switched brands.
There's no way to gain experience this fast on things I've never done. So even with a ton of people watching, I struggle through the mistakes. I got the time to fix it, and the practice now to make another one!
anybody know how long I should wait until I can mask off the freshly painted areas?
I should have painted the blue first. I heard that it's tougher to cover the dark paint with lighter colors so I painted the light ones first. I probably should have just masked off the areas to keep the dark paint off?
I have some health problems and other excuses that prevent me from working on this continually. I know you guys watch the build and I've had to put it aside several times now. I also thought that MTH was releasing a SD70ACe of their own. Seeing the builds here has pulled me back into the scratch build. I will try and complete the shell at least, so I can add paint. I now wish I had made more than one. I'll be lucky to finish anything! Thank you all for the helpful comments.
I have had better conversations with people from other countries?
If you want passive mode, you connect the "to track" to the track, or the outputs of the TIU and then to the track. Ray's site should cover this. I'm not sure how he powers his TIU?
I just have the "to track" outputs connected to two TIU channels with 10 amp inline fuses on both channels input. I have small 1 amp walwarts powering the TIUs on the indoor layouts.
I wonder if I could use the other output down the road for signal lighting? I would like to have track signals. I also might use old extra outdoor lighting powerpacks with a bridge rectifier for building lights, switches, and signals. Too early for me to plan this far ahead.
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I forgot to clear the vent decals. The tape took them off in a millisecond!
Some first time runs
in General Discussion
Posted
Looks great Jim!
I'm just getting my track down so I've got some catching up to do. Very inspiring.