enginear joe Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Started another build. MP15AC. I got busy cutting some plastic before the donor engine arrived. A MTH F7 SFE. Now, I like it so much I can't strip it. Urrggg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Will be a great project to follow! Haha can understand on not wanting to strip it, that F7 looks pretty good doesn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted January 16, 2014 Author Share Posted January 16, 2014 I always have some setbacks. I thought the top of the hood was flat from the drawing I had. When I realized it wasn't flat, I didn't correct the details before I glued the hood together. It bugged me that it looked too high. After re-checking, I cut the sides off and re-glued them back on minus 1/4". Urrggg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAZGRR7315 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Outstanding build, my total interest and you got the start before I have even searched for the drawings! It is strange that no manufacturer built one, since we have no modern switchers; Genset will follow my MP15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry B44 Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 Looking good Joe. Building an engine never goes how you think it would. Figuring out the problems is the fun part! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 got a little farther: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 another one.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 just playing now. Too cold out (-20 wind chill!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 Just making a mock-up of the switcher to see where I'm at on the build. Lot's of details to iron out. There's also a pic of the homemade trucks on a Dash 8. The middle axles are solid and float freely while the ends are firmly attached ball bearing axles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 Project's coming along nicely Joe. Interesting idea with the dummy wheel sets on the diesel, would have never thought of that. Do the wheels spin on the axle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted March 4, 2014 Author Share Posted March 4, 2014 Yes, the outside axles have ball bearings so the wheels only turn. The middle axle is a solid one and the whole thing spins. It's a block of solid oak and the axle sitting in a groove spins surprisingly well. It rolls better than any other piece I have! I bought the engine all torn apart. I did get the power trucks and will put the engine back together someday. The trucks were all machined up to probably fit something else that didn't work out for the builder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Well, I may as well slap a coat of paint on this one too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Rockwell canyon jeff sent me some CSX masks to try. They are simple to use and worked really easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamPower4ever Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Well done, Joe. I wouldn't worry too much about the SD70ACe ... Jens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted November 23, 2014 Author Share Posted November 23, 2014 I stalled on this build for a long time. I wanted to capture the look of the cooling area better. I started with plastic, switched to brass, and then ended up going back to plastic. The brass would have looked better. It was making my eyesight go! I've got bigger things to build! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Posted November 23, 2014 Share Posted November 23, 2014 Looking good! Brass is the way to go but they almost have to be etched...and that's a whole 'nother can of worms to get into! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoungCR Posted November 24, 2014 Share Posted November 24, 2014 Awesome work, one of these is on my build list too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted November 25, 2014 Author Share Posted November 25, 2014 Put some more fresh paint on her. I have to build the pilot area and steps soon. I've been putting it off. Took a pic of the twins together again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted November 25, 2014 Author Share Posted November 25, 2014 I first tested the trucks with a battery and thought the motors stalled easily. Must have been weak batteries. I tried again with a transformer and the motors are strong. I'll have to go inside the trucks again and rewire now. The motors get their power inside the trucks and need to be kept isolated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted December 3, 2014 Author Share Posted December 3, 2014 I have to finish this little guy. I want it running on the RR by summer. It's more like a job and I'm forced to stay with it. So some of the things I'm doing are just attempts to move forward. I can't spend the time and energy to make it perfect. In the end, I'd be happier to say it's earning it's keep on the RR sooner. Life's too short!! So push on I will with the electrical stuff that takes me to the edge's of my patience!! I do like the end results of fully lit engines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 Looking good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Well..... You'll just have to believe me that it's running! Wheels spinning, smoke blowing, sounds good. Just the lights and a few minor details to go! ...like the gas tank, lines, hoses, speaker, etc. etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dash 8 Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 Very nice build DCC or DCS ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 I run all DCS. I borrowed the board out of a converted USA trains engine. I have to get a few more board kits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enginear joe Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 I couldn't help but test her before she's done. I still have a ways to go. She smokes too good! I'll have to set the smoke lower. The number board lights won't shut off?? I tried all the functions and no joy. Maybe the soundset doesn't control them? They are wired correctly. At least they're on. No lights worked at first in conventional. I put her under DCS and all the lights came on. Now they work both ways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.