Stop the Presses

 More like stop the model making.

Overnight it was pointed out to me that the domes on the winecar look out of proportion to the prototype photo.

And I realized that the individual was right.
The model domes are far too large.
I had been sent dimensions that are now clearly incorrect.
I had been told the domes were 48" in diameter, but I now believe that they are closer to 40".
An object lesson in tunnel vision. We were so excited to have figured out the underframe along with finding a feature in Solidworks that allowed us to make the dome collars in 5 minutes, that we didn't see what was right in front of our faces.

So it's a couple of steps back and try again
If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!

Things to look forward to in 2024

 2023 has been a good year.
The arrangement with Modelu has worked out very well, lots of people enjoying what are the finest figures on the market these days. We had a couple of minor glitches with the ordering process between myself and Modelu, but we've figured that all out now. I am astonished that some websites really don't like certain web-browsers. Add it to the list of things I don't understand.

We have a number of projects that we're working on which should be ready sometime in the coming year

Helium tank car

We've been working for a couple of years now on this, refining the etchings and the 3D printed pattern parts. It's now nearing the finish line.
The kit will consist of cast resin components, along with photoetched overlays and detail parts, and laser cut running boards. It will also include 3D printed 100 ton trucks. Some modeling skills will be required to build this model, but if we've done it right it will not be overwhelming.

Reading 50' stretched boxcars
These are a curious but seriously cool project. In the mid 60s, the Reading took their ACF built 40' boxcars and cut them apart and made them into 50' cars. They added 3 diagonal roof panels into the middle of the ACF proprietary roof, as well as side sill reinforcements and a couple of door sizes.

We're looking at 2-3 variants to offer of this car. One thing we're going to try, is to take a page from the military modeling world and create a paint mask for the Reading banner, rather than give the modeler and large awkward decal to wrestle with.

NYC lot 858

The only 40' cars built for the NYC that used the distinctive Despatch Shops roof and ends.
Inspired by an article Seth Lakin, we've created a one piece resin body casting for this kit and it will include all the usual etched details that you've come to expect from Yarmouth Model Works.
National Scale Car is working up the decals for us

Northern Pacific 90000 reefer

Working with Aaron Gjermundson, we're creating a all new one piece body kit for this wood sheathed reefer.
Along with resin body parts there will be the usual etched details and custom decals for this model

CNR wood sheathed reefer
Along the same lines of the NP reefer, we are working on a new one piece body for this car
Black decals will be part of this offering 

And the one I'm really excited about
GATC 6 compartment wine tankcar
With the help of Frank Hodina( who provided the type 30 bolster) and Ryan Mendell( machining genius) we are close to be ready to release this kit
A must have for anyone modeling traffic from California
We will be offering this kit with 3-4 different decal options

So lots going on, as well as other projects in the wings.
So my thanks to all who have supported me over the years.
We'll keep working on creating high quality resin kits for a few years yet to come
Enjoy your holidays and have a great 2024

Wow, just Wow

 The custom painter we're using over in the UK, just sent me these photos of the work he's been doing for me, for customers who requested painted figures.

To say I'm pleased is an understatement

He even did plaid shirts!
Can't wait to see these in person

Couple of new things from Yarmouth Model Works

 Continuing in the vein of supplying modelers with what is becoming hard to find these days, we have 2 new basic body shells for those kitbashing projects

https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/Products/B12PD

 https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/Products/B12PS

 Now available on the website for $25.00 each plus postage

Well that's a bit of an Ooooppps

 

The launch of the Modelu figures has been very successful, particularly with the Test Track article in the latest Railroad Model Craftsman.
However, this morning, I discovered a rather serious booboo on the website.
The figure prices listed, show the British Pound value in USD.
So I will be spending a few hours fixing that error.
Not sure how that one got by us, but there you have it.

And we're live!

 The website for Modelu figures is now live and taking orders
https://ymw-modelu.com/

The site is not fully complete and there are items to be added. 
That will be tasks for the coming weeks
I will have a large selection of figures at the St Louis RPM next weekend as well.
See you there

New items in time for the St Louis RPM

 It's been both frustrating and exciting in the YMW shops.

For reasons I won't go into, the website for the Modelu figures has been delayed many months. At this time I still don't know when the website will be active.
However I will have a selection of Modelu figures available for sale at the St Louis RPM at the end of this month.

In the good news department, we have 5 new kits that will be released at the St Louis RPM.
The first 3 were originally Sunshine Models kits that have been reworked. Made into one piece bodies and have had custom photoetch details created along with new running boards and all new decal artwork from National Scale Car.

YMW-137 SP B-50-12A

YMW-138 NYC 40' steel rebuild

YMW-139 NYC 1 1/2 door raised roof rebuild

And 2 all new resin kits. One piece resin cast bodies, custom etchings , TMW trucks and all new decal artwork from National Scale Car

YMW-140 Great Northern 50' rebuild single door

YMW-141 Great Northern 50' rebuild double door

Each kit will retail for $65.00 USD and will be available through the website shortly after the RPM

And as a wee bit of a teaser
Here's a shot of a project we've been working away on slowly for a couple of years now;

A helium tank car kit.
This has been a tricky project trying to get the details just right.
At this time we're looking at multimedia kit, pressure cast resin components, photoetch side sheets, laser cut running boards and 3D printed trucks.
No firm release date as yet, too many variables in the various supply chains, but I'm hoping early next year.

See you in St Louis!

Big news!

 I'm thrilled to announce that Yarmouth Model Works will be the first "stockist" in North America to stock the Modelu line of figures
https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/

Initially I will be only stocking the North American figures, mostly in HO, but some O scale as well.
Everything in the product line can be ordered though

These are simply the nicest figures available today, which is why I decided to import them.
It will take a few weeks for the website to up and running, as well as for initial inventory to arrive from the UK.
Bookmark YMW-Modelu.com and checkin in a few weeks.

Let's talk about paint

 As many of you know, I'm a big user of Scalecoat paint. Sadly, Minuteman Models, has closed his doors over the winter. So there ends that supply line. I have heard that someone is looking at purchasing the product line and rereleasing the paint into the market. Only time will tell if that comes to fruition.

I still have a large inventory of Scalecoat paint for my own uses, but I feel that I have to now look to alternative paints to recommend for use on future model kit releases. Not much point in suggesting something that maybe hard or impossible to source.

Fortunately, there are many options, and I'm going to list my favorites, but first lets quickly review what I won't use, knowing that your results may vary;
TruColor. Never, ever, ever again. I had a HUGE paint fail on a large number of cars I did for a client many years ago. This paint will not adhere properly to resin. Nuff said
Tamiya. I like Tamiya for scenery and structures, but I don't trust it on resin.
Most other acrylics. Most acrylics don't bond well to resin and early generations are tricky to work with.

Now to the paints I'm having good success with

AK Interactive Gen 3

These are the first acrylics I've worked with that didn't leave me swearing half way through the paint job. And the best part is, there's a great selection of red/browns. The consistency is constant from colour to colour.

AK RealColor

This is an Acrylic Lacquer. (The nuance is lost on me too) This is lovely paint to work worth. It handles very much like Floquil or Scalecoat. I make a point of thinning this with the brand name thinner. Saves a lot of potential grief

Mr Color

My new favorite paint. This stuff is a delight to work with. When combined with Mr Color leveling thinner, delightful results occur. And it is opaque, which can not be said for many acrylics these days. Some creativity maybe required to achieve some of the red/browns we desire, but it is well worth the effort.

All three of these paints dry relatively quickly. So no more waiting a week or more for Scalecoat to fully cure.
These paint lines can be found through hobby shops that cater more to the plastic modeler, but a trip into that realm is worth the effort just to see all the delightful tools and finishing products that are available.

It is well worth exploring these alternatives. There are alternatives to our old tried and true products, and you may discover some techniques.
Enjoy

The resin elves have been busy

 Here it is
After many years of delay
The Soo Line 36' stock car

From a fabulous set of patterns by Aaron Gjermundson.
Pressure cast resin, injection molded sill steps, custom decals from Black Cat, custom etchings, laser cut running board, Tahoe Model Works Andrews truck frames and a tiny 3D printed brake staff support.

The kit will be on the website sometime next week, $60.00 USD plus postage.

Another Successful Binbrook RPM!

 It's February, which means 2 critical things,
Winter is almost over
And it's time for the Binbrook RPM!
My friend (Hunter Hughson) celebrates his birthday by hosting a group of like minded modelers to his home for a day of trains, food, laughter and comradeship. And if you don't have to drive home that day, Bourbon sours!
This year was the first since the Covid changed our lives, which only made it even more special. Along with the usual suspects, we had people in from Atlantic Canada, Quebec City, and one stalwart pal all the way from North Dakota. So good to see our friends.
The icing on the cake was the next day the distant travelers made their way to St Thomas and we put the layout through it's paces.
My guests all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of operating the Clovis branch. I enjoyed watching the layout do what it was created to do.
Entertain my friends and guests for a few hours.
It's been a very trying year health wise, and certain issues persist, but watching 4 people so thoroughly derive pleasure from my layout lifted my spirits and allowed me to forget, briefly, about my trials.
Thanks guys for making the drive, and Hunter, we'll do it again next year.
This time with Ted and Aaron! And of course the man who designed the layout, Trevor.

New kits from Yarmouth Model Works, now ready for sale!

 The ongoing vagaries of supply chain issues delayed this release, but here we are;

New kits from Yarmouth Model Works.
We acquired the patterns and rights from Gene Fusco for the X79 boxcar and the G47 gondola. These HO scale kits are now available on our website
https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-134-1

https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-134-2

https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-135-1

https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-135-2

https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-135-3

https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-135-4