While the kits were a trial to assemble, I'm very pleased with the end results.
The cars were weathered with artist oils. A medium I prefer for the kind of effects I was going for.
Onto other things.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Newfie Reefers
I just finished these 2 S scale 8 hatch reefers. They are numbered for CNRs Newfoundland Railway, a 42" narrow gauge system that traversed the island way back when.
They show clear signs of heavy service and little TLC. Just they way they looked in the photos I was supplied with.
While the kits were a trial to assemble, I'm very pleased with the end results.
The cars were weathered with artist oils. A medium I prefer for the kind of effects I was going for.
Onto other things.
While the kits were a trial to assemble, I'm very pleased with the end results.
The cars were weathered with artist oils. A medium I prefer for the kind of effects I was going for.
Onto other things.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Sea Trials II
Today was the culmination of 6 years of work. In 2008 I started building my HO scale version of the Cayuga Sub as was used by both the CNR and the Wabash in Southwestern Ontario. Today we ran the Timetable with a few revisions.
For the most part it was a success.
Red Ball #82 (eastbound) meets extra # 1163 (westbound) at Simcoe. The extra has taken the siding.
Working with the timetable that Trevor Marshall and I had modified from the prototype, the other operators today, Chris Abbott, Brian Dickey and John Mellow, moved 9 through freights and the daily mixed to Jarvis and back.
I as the dispatcher have a few things to learn and the operators need a little more familiarity with the layout and the processes to have things move as smoothly as they should.
I realized that I need train register books at each end of the layout, as well as a proper trainsheet for the dispatcher. Saves confusion and errors.
I need to focus now on getting functioning train order boards up at all required locations. A need that became very apparent very quickly.
We also need to amend some of the times on the timetable. Some trains spent too much time waiting, when they could have been moving. Can't make money with idle trains!
Mixed #355 clears the main for #402
Some track glitches arose, as well as some cranky freight cars. We find and fix these by running more often. All in all I'm very pleased with the how the day went. All this time and trouble has not been in vain.
My heart felt thanks goes out to all of my friends here in Ontario who have helped this layout come to life. I'm really sorry that Rich isn't with us anymore to have seen it come together. And a shout out to some the people who provided so much inspiration over the years, Bill Darnaby, Tony Koester, Andy Sperandeo, Marty McGuirk, Chet French, and many others. Couldn't have done it without all of you.
Onward!
For the most part it was a success.
Working with the timetable that Trevor Marshall and I had modified from the prototype, the other operators today, Chris Abbott, Brian Dickey and John Mellow, moved 9 through freights and the daily mixed to Jarvis and back.
I as the dispatcher have a few things to learn and the operators need a little more familiarity with the layout and the processes to have things move as smoothly as they should.
I realized that I need train register books at each end of the layout, as well as a proper trainsheet for the dispatcher. Saves confusion and errors.
I need to focus now on getting functioning train order boards up at all required locations. A need that became very apparent very quickly.
We also need to amend some of the times on the timetable. Some trains spent too much time waiting, when they could have been moving. Can't make money with idle trains!
Some track glitches arose, as well as some cranky freight cars. We find and fix these by running more often. All in all I'm very pleased with the how the day went. All this time and trouble has not been in vain.
My heart felt thanks goes out to all of my friends here in Ontario who have helped this layout come to life. I'm really sorry that Rich isn't with us anymore to have seen it come together. And a shout out to some the people who provided so much inspiration over the years, Bill Darnaby, Tony Koester, Andy Sperandeo, Marty McGuirk, Chet French, and many others. Couldn't have done it without all of you.
Onward!
Friday, March 21, 2014
More new parts from Yarmouth Model Works
The etching elves have been busy this winter, putting the casting elves to shame. Almost.
And in that department, as of today, I have only 2 back orders for kits that I can not yet fill. I'm waiting for a restock now of decals. Thanks to all who have been waiting for your patience.
How many of your RTR or plastic kits are missing stirrups because the plastic stirrups have failed due to handling misadventures? Yarmouth Model Works can now help you with that problem.
We have created metal etched stirrups for what we consider to be some of the more popular freight cars out there. While all of these are designed for specific manufacturers and their cars, a little creativity and thought on your part and many other applications can be found.
YMW-200 Intermountain R-40-23 reefer
YMW-201 IMWX/Red Caboose/Intermountain 40' steel boxcars
YMW-202 Intermountain Type 27 tankcar
YMW-203 Proto200 Type 21 tankcar
YMW-204 Red Caboose Type103W tankcar
YMW-205 Intermountain R-40-10 reefer/Amarillo Railroad Museum ART steel reefers
These are not yet up on the website but will be in a few days, the web gods willing.
We have another 10 or so more stirrups coming in the next few months as well as the steel running boards discussed previously. And other goodies in the offing. Stay tuned!
And in that department, as of today, I have only 2 back orders for kits that I can not yet fill. I'm waiting for a restock now of decals. Thanks to all who have been waiting for your patience.
How many of your RTR or plastic kits are missing stirrups because the plastic stirrups have failed due to handling misadventures? Yarmouth Model Works can now help you with that problem.
We have created metal etched stirrups for what we consider to be some of the more popular freight cars out there. While all of these are designed for specific manufacturers and their cars, a little creativity and thought on your part and many other applications can be found.
These are not yet up on the website but will be in a few days, the web gods willing.
We have another 10 or so more stirrups coming in the next few months as well as the steel running boards discussed previously. And other goodies in the offing. Stay tuned!
A better mouse trap
Etching folding tool actually, but you'll get the point shortly.
My old Mission Models Etch-Mate is in the bin.
The plastic fold assist tools broke again at the edge. Third set of these in 3 years. Enough!
Mission Models appears to be out of business, so a search was done looking for a replacement tool.
Good ole Goggle to the rescue.
I found these guys, thesmallshop.com . They market a number of folding tools and other delightful things for modelers. After some consideration I selected the 4" work station, SMS003 Photo Etch Bending Tool 4" Mk IV RTH Hold & Fold
There was a little delay in shipping, since they were currently making more of these tools when I called, but I now have the tool and I'm very pleased.
Carefully machined from anodized aircraft grade aluminum, this tool shows careful and clever design and execution. The clamp head can be rotated 180 degrees if need be, and for long thin folded pieces, the head and the base are the same dimension, which means you can fold against the outside edges.
This is perfect for folding my etched ladder stiles.
I would urge anyone who plans to do any etching folding to consider purchasing this American made tool. This kind of quality is becoming a rare thing these days.
My old Mission Models Etch-Mate is in the bin.
Mission Models appears to be out of business, so a search was done looking for a replacement tool.
Good ole Goggle to the rescue.
I found these guys, thesmallshop.com . They market a number of folding tools and other delightful things for modelers. After some consideration I selected the 4" work station, SMS003 Photo Etch Bending Tool 4" Mk IV RTH Hold & Fold
There was a little delay in shipping, since they were currently making more of these tools when I called, but I now have the tool and I'm very pleased.
I would urge anyone who plans to do any etching folding to consider purchasing this American made tool. This kind of quality is becoming a rare thing these days.
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