What been on your workbench lately???

[subwayaz]

I didn't see this thread here and thought it might be nice to look for all of the recent projects.


I'll start it off with a project I finally worked on this weekend.
A Con Cor Bi-Level Autorack.

I put a Curtis upgrade kit on it(Floor board)
MT Trucks and Couplers
Fox Valley Wheel Set
Plano Side door panels( a real lesson here)
The instructions ask you to drill holes for the panel pins which I decided not to do.
One side came out just as I would have wanted the otherside which I decided to cut out the entire panel didn't exactly come out as desired.
See for your self.
Next attempt I will remove just about the entire panel but leave a lip for the pins to go into after drilling.
But lesson learned.

[tjcruiser]

Funny thread title ...

EVERYTHING is on my workbench. In fact, I'm hoping that there is, in fact, still a workbench under that pile, somewhere! It started with me delving into an HO layout back in December, then onto a Cub Scouts "space derby" and "pinewood derby" project with one of my boys, then I got the Lionel bug, ...

I keep thinking I'll clean up the workbench someday soon ... but the projects keep lining up too quickly. Help!!!

TJ

[subwayaz]

Now all that would make for an interesting picture there TJ. Thanks for giving back to the Scouts by the way. Only way our youth has a chance;)
But still be worth a picture

Glen:D

[tjcruiser]

I'll have to find my camera somewhere before I can snap a pic of my workbench. But I fear that's it's buried in the pile of stuff on the workbench! Yikes!

In the interim ... here's a pic of the Shark space derby rocket (propeller thing on a string) that my older boy and I made a few weeks ago. Not too shabby!

[Reckers]

That is gorgeous! You guys did a great job on it!

[Rob Snyder]

My workbench looks like a tornado hit it. I need to clean it and organize all my tools, paint, putty and glue. I think I need a bigger work area:eek:

[shaygetz]

My workbench looks like a tornado hit it. I need to clean it and organize all my tools, paint, putty and glue. I think I need a bigger work area:eek:

Dude...that is sad:thumbsup::laugh: What's the Ronson for, some kind of primitive workbench self-distruct system? ;)

[Reckers]

Nice bridge, down there on the floor....*pointing!*

[Rob Snyder]

The bridge is on a shelf!! My organizing skills suck. The Ronson is for my Zippo, sadly I need to quit smoking but can't.

[shaygetz]

The Ronson is for my Zippo, sadly I need to quit smoking but can't.

Keep trying, it can be done, I used to chuff 2 1/2 packs a day:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Rob Snyder]

Right now the bench is a garage for all of my N scale vehicles that need painted and assembled. Keeps me busy while being laid off. I'm only a pack a day smoker, I don't think I could handle 2 1/2 packs a day.

[shaygetz]

It wasn't at all unusual for me to chuff a pack in 4 hours...thankfully all that was 23 years ago.

[Rob Snyder]

Much better looking now. I spent a little bit cleaning it yesterday. Now I can do some more building.

[Reckers]

Hey, Rob----I quit smoking about 15 years ago. At the time I quit, I was working in a cigarette factory. Loose cigarettes were scattered everywhere, free ones in all break rooms. I was given a free pack going out the door every day, a free carton every other week and two free cartons every Christmas or July 4th. I know it's hard, but if I could quit in that environment, there's hope for you to give it up, too. We want you to be around for a long time---try to dig in and give it up?

[thumsup]

Much better looking now. I spent a little bit cleaning it yesterday. Now I can do some more building.

Hey Rob, Your bench looks like a parking lot. :eek:
Mine looks like your before. :ohwell:
:thumbsup:Joe

[Rob Snyder]

I don't have the bench anymore. A lot of things have happened since I was last on. Hope everyone is good.

[FireAce]

I'm building an N scale coal dumper. Fully motorized. From scratch. I have video on Youtube, but have come a long way since last video. Like everyone's bench, mines pretty full of stuff.

[David-Stockwell]

Well to all that follow my bridge building from Z scale to HO scale, here are a couple of N scale bridges that I have started working on. One is a Steel thru truss with deck girders on each end and the other is the Howe truss basis for a N scale covered bridge. They both have a long way to go yet. but it's a start and they may be interrupted with a HO logging railroad trestle in the future.:)

Cheers, Dave

[style0]

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/54lpjr/IMG_4373.jpghttp://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j465/54lpjr/IMG_4371.jpg

Finally after 14 years I'm building a new layout. Real simple continuos loop layout with one turnout and a removable mountain. Got the track plan and inclines figured out and now I'm onto the mountain. Plan today is to make many many paper wads to flesh out the structure. Then start the search for plaster cloth, my cheesecloth and thinned drywall compound idea is a little hard to work with.

[tjcruiser]

Style,

Neat! With apologies for my saying so, but I thought I was looking at a flopped wedding cake there for a moment!

I like the very compact layout theme. Do you plan to bury the lower trestle track in a tunnel, or will it be exposed?

Have you run a test train with some cars to make sure incline is OK?

Keep us posted!

TJ

[style0]

Style,

Neat! With apologies for my saying so, but I thought I was looking at a flopped wedding cake there for a moment!

I like the very compact layout theme. Do you plan to bury the lower trestle track in a tunnel, or will it be exposed?

Have you run a test train with some cars to make sure incline is OK?

Keep us posted!

TJ
HA! Too funny. The "Mountain/Flopped Cake" is being reworked totally. This is my first try at hard-shelling scenery. It is looking better now.

The small footprint is the main goal of this layout. I'm thinking where the tracks are in the over/under arrangement there will be a scratch built wooden trestle bridge type support system. The layout theme is a late 50's rural setting using a lot of the salvaged buildings from my old (destroyed) coffee table layout.

I've been running it with a crappy Bachman Plymouth engine with a few cars to test it. It does fine, so my Kato and Atlas stuff should work great. There won't be any long train setups with this small layout that's for sure.

Thanks for the interest, I'm having a blast getting back into my trains.

[tjcruiser]

Style,

I like it ... I used a 1950's rural theme on my simple HO layout ... old Chevy's, a little town square, etc.

What's your table top dims?

Are you gonna build the whole thing on 2" of foam or something like that so that you can carve into the base foam a bit for contouring, a little stream, etc.?

Cheers,

TJ

[style0]

Style,

I like it ... I used a 1950's rural theme on my simple HO layout ... old Chevy's, a little town square, etc.

What's your table top dims?

Are you gonna build the whole thing on 2" of foam or something like that so that you can carve into the base foam a bit for contouring, a little stream, etc.?

Cheers,

TJ

The table top will be approx 34" X 34" give or take. Yes, it's going to have a 2" foam base. I might have a lake and stream, depending on how much room my buildings take up.

[David-Stockwell]

Well after being interrupted by a couple of HO bridge orders, I was finally able to finish the N scale truss & deck girder combo bridge.
For any N scale modelers interested, I will be posting it on EBAY this weekend

Cheers, Dave

[Steve441]

Nice - I might bid if I see it - Steve

[David-Stockwell]

Nice - I might bid if I see it - Steve

Hi Steve,

Just listed the bridge on EBAY, in case you would like to participate!:)
Cheers, Dave

[David-Stockwell]

Hi Steve,

Just listed the bridge on EBAY, in case you would like to participate!:)
Cheers, Dave
OOPS, Forgot to tell you where to look for it!!

Check under N scale- track and accessories.

Dave

[gunrunnerjohn]

An actual link to the listing in the For Sale Elsewhere (eBay, other forums etc.) (http://www.modeltrainforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=42) would probably be more useful.

[big ed]

Hey David I searched under N scale- track and accessories and came up with zero items?

Edit,
I found it under N scale bridge.:D

http://cgi.ebay.com/N-scale-Truss-Deck-girder-bridge-/310303703548?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item483f8ac1fc (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?campid=5336709723&customid=MTF&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-53200-19255-0%2F1%3Fcampid%3D5336709723%26amp%3Bcustomid%3DMTF %26amp%3Btoolid%3D10001%26amp%3Bmpre%3Dhttp%253A%2 52F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-53200-19255-0%252F1%253Fcampid%253D5336709723%2526amp%253Bcust omid%253DMTF%2526amp%253Btoolid%253D10001%2526amp% 253Bmpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fcgi.ebay.com %25252FN-scale-Truss-Deck-girder-bridge-%25252F310303703548%25253Fpt%25253DModel_RR_Trains %252526amp%25253Bhash%25253Ditem483f8ac1fc)


the link is working now but sometimes later it won't?:confused::ohwell:

Edit again,
now it is not working?!
all who are interested search N scale bridge.

[David-Stockwell]

Hey David I searched under N scale- track and accessories and came up with zero items?

Edit,
I found it under N scale bridge.:D

http://cgi.ebay.com/N-scale-Truss-Deck-girder-bridge-/310303703548?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item483f8ac1fc (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?campid=5336709723&customid=MTF&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-53200-19255-0%2F1%3Fcampid%3D5336709723%26amp%3Bcustomid%3DMTF %26amp%3Btoolid%3D10001%26amp%3Bmpre%3Dhttp%253A%2 52F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-53200-19255-0%252F1%253Fcampid%253D5336709723%2526amp%253Bcust omid%253DMTF%2526amp%253Btoolid%253D10001%2526amp% 253Bmpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fcgi.ebay.com %25252FN-scale-Truss-Deck-girder-bridge-%25252F310303703548%25253Fpt%25253DModel_RR_Trains %252526amp%25253Bhash%25253Ditem483f8ac1fc)


the link is working now but sometimes later it won't?:confused::ohwell:

Edit again,
now it is not working?!
all who are interested search N scale bridge.

Hi big ed,
I went to the link the way I always do and found it right away.
I go to Toys & hobbies, Model RR, trains, N scale, track and accessories.

The link below goes right to it.
Dave

http://cgi.ebay.com/N-scale-Truss-Deck-girder-bridge-/310303703548?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item483f8ac1fc

[David-Stockwell]

An actual link to the listing in the For Sale Elsewhere (eBay, other forums etc.) (http://www.modeltrainforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=42) would probably be more useful.

Hi gunrunnerjohn,

Okay I put the posting where you suggested. The only reason I put it in the workbench listing is that is where Steve441 said he might be interested:confused::o

Dave :)

[gunrunnerjohn]

No problem, looks like a neat bridge from the pictures. I'm guessing my O-scale stuff would overload it, so I'll probably not bid. :D

[Steve441]

These are tricky Folks - So bloody small - And these are the large details! - Cheers - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Those antennae are out of laser cut wood ?!? Nice! Tiny!

TJ

[NIMT]

Steve, Those are cool, You just let me know when your ready to up grade to a metal antenna for better reception or better yet go satellite!:D:laugh::D

[Steve441]

Yeah TJ - Lazer cut micro plywood - Amazing stuff. And Hey Sean - Thanks for the good words. Satellite Dishes are out however. I am trying to do this thing in the late fifties to mid sixties. Oh I get it - A metal antenna - Ha

[Steve441]

There are 3 Tanks in various stages of construction shown - 19 parts per tank and a few parts are almost microscopic! - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Here's the legs for the Oil Tank (N Gauge) going on - You can just see the gauges, vents etc. attached to little plastic trees. (Still to go on) - maddeningly small - a super little challenge! Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Here they go together.

[NIMT]

I bet your scratching your head saying to yourself " Steve why didn't we go with O scale a least you can see the parts on that without a microscope, and touch the stuff with your hands instead of a pair of this gosh darn tweezers;)" Cheers to the tiny things in life!!:D

[Steve441]

Right On Sean - I broke a micro-drill by kicking the wire for the dremel and moving it. Lost a mini-part when handeling with tweezers - Bing - and its gone! However they are falling together. Instructions call for pipe with a valve running from bottom of tank to building - I will give it a try. I like to use my "Bender" whenever I can. Steve

[Steve441]

I got this one but they are really tough. I can't do anything smaller. We will see how the paint looks - Cheers - Steve

[NIMT]

Those look really neat.:thumbsup: It's amassing how you can take a bunch of parts and turn them into something that looks so real. When I work on really tiny parts I use a shield made out of a simple piece of cardboard to stop the flying parts. It would be even better out of plexiglass for light.

[tjcruiser]

The tiny pipeline into the house is a great "extra detail" touch ... nicely done!

TJ

[gunrunnerjohn]

I did O-scale since I was a kid, and recently dusted off the stuff and started again. I initially acquired some conventional engines until I actually considered the kind of layout I'd like. I jumped over into Lionel TMCC/Legacy, and I'll have a bunch of conventional engines to sell at some point. :)

[Steve441]

These N Scale Chairs by Gold Medal Models should be fun. I will report back - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Good Day - The 1st set of chairs came along OK - Man that's small stuff to work with. I made a wee table with a set of Rocking Chair legs that came with the set (cut down a bit) Lots more to make - Cheers - Steve

[Xnats]

:laugh: I have to know Steve, are you blind yet? :laugh: You were trucking right along, then you started on people, antennas, gas pipes then no regular updates :eek: I was worried your sight was lost forever. Then the chairs :D Glad to see ya back in action :laugh:
The utility poles and chairs are great. Can't wait to see the new line you ordered for the poles. The material you used does seem a little thick. Thinking about it, the poles are in your layout thread - :ohwell: Love the transformer anyway :thumbsup:

[Steve441]

Thanks Stan - Yep - I am trying to stay focused. Ha! The wires are tricky for an old guy like me - I need reading glasses for everything small and am considering getting an "Optivisor" for the really fine stuff. Sure appreciate your enthusiasm Man - I trust your layout is going well - You have a great family too I could see from your pix. Keep up the great spirit Bro! - Thanks - Steve (I Gotta have at least 1 thick wire on those poles - You can barely see it with the naked eye (mine) - Camera enhances those small images I am sure you know! It's Thin Enough Stan! Gimme a break Bro! LOL)

[Xnats]

lol Steve - sir yes sir, I saw nothing, said nothing and heard nothing, sir :D
I have done jack squat since my last update. I'm out of commission until mid April with funds do to the car issue. Well, trains have been running, we excel in that part :thumbsup: :laugh:

[Steve441]

Car Issues - I can dig that - As long as your trains are running there should be no problems. Take it easy Man - Steve

[Steve441]

Thanks for kicking my Ass on the farm Stan - Here is what the contents of the Farm House Kit look like. I shall get going on it now that the bag is open. On another note (speaking of Loco's) I am awaiting the Arnold loco in pic 3 that I got on EBay. Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

I always use my "Right Angle" clamp for perfect 90 degrees and and an easy glue job.

[Stillakid]

Steve, where did you get the "Right Angle" clamp?
Regards,
Jim

[T-Man]

A neat little device.

That gets me thinking. If you have a square bar magnet with a metal angle iron, you wouldn't need screws. Just a thought.

The closest I have is a picture frame angle clamp.

[Steve441]

It's from:

http://www.coffmaneng.com/rightclamp/rc-unique.cfm

Seems pricey at $25. but I have been getting a huge amount of mileage on it since I got it. They have some great tools like this - I also have the "Splicer".

These kits pop together quick with the right tools and CA glue.

[Steve441]

I have decided to get the Barn going too (all parts shown) as I wait for paint to dry etc on one kit I can do something on the other. Hope to not mix up the parts! :laugh: - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Wow - Bummer - First time for me (huge number of kits over my lifetime) - No "Roof Trusses" or "Ridge Pole" in the kit - A whole tree of lazer cut parts not included - :mad: - I shall email American Model Builders Inc. - and see what they have to say. Meanwhile I continue of the Farm House - Steve

[Steve441]

I bought the AMB Inc. Combo Farm set (Barn House and Shacks) - Here is the Sonnys Shacks kit - I just checked the parts - All there. I Emailed AMB re trusses. Hope they have a good customer relations desk and get the missing stuff in the mail! - Steve

[Steve441]

Coming along nicely to this point :D I am freakin' on the number of insanely small "Batons" - 1 for each line on the tarpaper roofs and walls. :eek: Jeeze - That'll take a while - Thankfully they are "Peel 'n Stick" with very good quality - So far so good - Cheers - Steve (I may only use 1 in my farm)

[nsr_civic]

wow those little kits are pretty nice.. i am gonna have to try some..

[Steve441]

Yeah - NSR - They are good value for sure - Also, the company, American Model Builders emailed me right away about some mising parts from my Barn kit and they are sending me the required items so I am quite cheery about the way they treat their people. - More pix to follow - Steve

[Steve441]

Wow - This one is finally coming along after many hours of work. It's a tricky kit to get right! Still more to go but so far so good. I have to get a new Xacto blade to cut the roof material and fit the chimmneys before laying the last piece of roofing and burnishing all down and letting the peel 'n stick stuff cure a bit before green paint on the roof. I will touch up the white posts on the porch too of course. In the last pic you see insanly thin peel n' stick (if you can believe it) batons for the roof. I am gonna try to put 'em on before the paint I guess. These kits by AMB are a challenge and I advise you get a little practice before attempting this one if you are new to this. But then again - Try this one - If you can do it you can do any of these laser kits I should think - Cheers - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Curtains / shades inside the windows? Nice touch!

[Steve441]

Yes - Thanks TJ - These kits come with white tissue on one side of the "glass" that can easily be removed or cut at a height to make shades and be colored so its not hard for the modeler to do. Man - Getting the "Porch" correct was tough for me with that "Lattice" underneath. I did get it however. I have left the underside open on all buildings (except 1) and not attached them so as to access such details and maybe put lights in if wanted later. Steve

[Steve441]

Maddenly slow to get right and tedious to not wreck anything. That's one of the deals with N scale I find - "1 false move and you bust something" - "Look away and its gone" - is another. I will be glad when I finish up these little buildings and get on to some more landscaping on the layout. These kits sure are worth the great look they achieve in the end. Now if I can just finish up the roof! :D - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

You have to bend these 3 little "Roof Caps" on a line in the middle so they fit. They are "Peel 'n Stick" material and very sensitive to handle. Pretty well a one shot deal once they are pressed down a bit. The Bender tool shown has been great in doing that job. It would be darn tricky to do it without it but I bet you might be able to do it. I would not recommend taking the chance however as these kits never come with any extra stuff and they are pricey as you know - and you want to get it right when you finally get to the roof! Cheers - Steve

[Xnats]

Wow, I just love your building skills Steve. I should actually start trying to do some easy kits instead of scanning the internet looking for cheap used ones already built :o Are you using a fast set CA glue or just regular stuff? I was going to pick up a bottle at the LHS yesterday, until I realized they had 5 different types including a max hold.

[Steve441]

Thanks Stan - Sure appreciate your comments Man. I use medium CA glue Stan. Get some pipettes to allow for small amounts (for walls) ands some toothpicks with a wee puddle of glue on waxpaper for the really small stuff. I always try to use an accelerator too as it hardens the bond. I let the CA sit in a pipette for days (held upright in a socket) and it thickens up nicely over time . You want thicker than thinner and the thick stuff is too thick to start with and it only gets thicker. A lot of these parts are peel and stick so its not so hard Man! - I would answer any questions to help if I can - Thanks Again - Steve

[Steve441]

I did not think I could get these but it seems I am - Half done on the Porch roof. That's slow work as there are quite a few. The kit came with batons and instructions for only the porch and mud room roofs to have them (Batons). None for the main roof and like I said the instructions do not call for batons on the big main roof. I would have liked to have those batons and may EMail the company advising them they should add them to their kits. Not the kind of think I can make either - Oh Well - I will do what I can for now and consider it all - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

OK OK - I just read the instructions for the kit and indeed they call for batons on the main roof - Jeeze - It's so typical as with ALL these kits from ALL the different manufacturers (I made a point out of trying them all (manufacturers) - Just barely enough parts to do the job - God help you if you cut something wrong or break a bit or throw anything out or loose it - I shall try to use all bits and scraps of batons to finish the roofs! - Steve

[Steve441]

Hey Stan - I will give you a heads up when I start to sell some stuff - I always sell auction style starting at a penny (on EBay) Over 1700 + feedback 100% since Oct/99 - and I have sold tons of stuff. (as well as buying stuff - people pay with Paypal and I funnel the money into my hobby at the time - 4 years ago - Fast Electric RC Boats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_zNzsPV5bE

Then a year of RC Trucks - See my other UTube videos up at the cottage. Then Scale RC Boats last 2 years where I learned some great modeling skills and got some required tools.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1134435

Now N Scale Trains with Dioramas - I really love it too.
Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

I have decided to work on these $#*@#ing batons all day - (Well - I do have a few other things cooking). They are starting to come along. I take back what I said about not enough batons in the kit. There are plenty if you don't waste any. There may be one or two extra - They are too freaking small to count without a magnifer! In pic 4 you see one has a slight wow at the end - Jeeze - What do you do - It's good enough for me! - These are Great Kits and offer a nice little challenge and satisfaction on completion. Hope I can get the paint right on the roof! Green. I am gonna let the goo on the Peel 'n Stick cure a while before doing so. I have many more "Batons" to install on the 2 Sonnys Shacks I am also working on now. Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

And the 4 Green Edge Batons are on up front and that's all the parts for the front of the House. These are a custom fit as the kit calls for them to be 1 piece but I had to do it in 2 sections per side and all's tight and relativly square as you can see. :D - Steve

[Steve441]

Farm House looks great - Pics not so good - I did get a good shot (pic 4) of one of the shacks I will work on next - There are a beep load of batons for each building here too (1/2 of the shown tree per unit) - These are known as "Sonny's Shacks" - Super little kits I might add - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

I am getting my moneys worth in number of parts in these "Sonnys Shacks" by American Model Builders - Almost 100 little peels n stick Batons in the kit for the 2 shacks - Nice - Too bad my weathering abilities are weak - I am goiing to try to figure out something with them - Steve

[Steve441]

One more building (for now) to fit on my Farm scene.

[Steve441]

The garage was a way cool little kit - Took a while! The shingling was pretty tricky to get right at the top and you can see the detail parts still going on - The little cover for the vents - 1 is on at the front and the one for the back is sitting on the razor blade. Little touch up on the paint and it should be good to go - Also shown is one of Sonnys Shacks with all the batons on. Cheers - Steve

[Xnats]

:thumbsup:
Man that is some small parts. Batons look great and you some reason my hand started shaking looking at the roof of the garage. Your weathering skills look pretty strong on this side of the pictures too.

[Steve441]

Thanks Stan! Yeah Man - Those shingles took me a whole day - each row separate and each separte "cap" part too had to be bent before installation - Super small stuff to glue. Here's the FarmHouse with paint on front porch posts finished and Silver paint going on Roof (not done yet) I am happy with it (The roof will weather up nicely I hope with a bit of the special rust chalk) - Cheers - Steve

[big ed]

I haven't said anything for a while Steve but I have been keeping up on your progress.:D


Great work!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Soon, you, like others will have to start the expansion extensions to your layout.

Like part of my signature.......Never enough room for all the trains.:D

[Steve441]

Thanks Ed - Interesting you should say that. It may well be true as I have been considering it. First - I want to finish this one as best I can with as many details as I think work. That means a lot (more detail) - so such thoughts of expansion are certainly on hold right now. Question: If I just leave an area sort of unfinished where I can do some demo and install a switching track that goes to the new section - will that work? This is all Kato - Thanks - Steve

[raleets]

God bless all you N-scalers who have the eyesight and patience to work with that teenie-tiny stuff :thumbsup: :laugh:.
My eyeballs are crossed from assembling HO buildings, etc., so I can only imagine the joy in working with N. :rolleyes:.
I finished three "track side shanties" in HO yesterday and felt like I had been doing brain surgery :o.
Carry on, oh wayward sons,
Bob

[Steve441]

Great Stuff Bob - Thanks for the comments Man! This thread below is what I hope to do something like in the future - These guys are incedible N Scalers - And great pix in this thread below too (really worth exploring!!) with some of the best tips on modeling in other sections of the furum I have seen on the net - Cheers - Steve (Check the 3rd from the last page in the thread for the electrical and telephone poles and wires work they did!)

http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17503&whichpage=9

[raleets]

Steve441,
OMG! How in the world you guys can work with that stuff is WAY beyond me:confused:, but I sure admire your talents. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Perhaps 30 years ago when the eyes were sharper and the thumbs not so big, right? :laugh:
In any case, it's way, way cool! :appl::appl:
Bob

[big ed]

Thanks Ed - Interesting you should say that. It may well be true as I have been considering it. First - I want to finish this one as best I can with as many details as I think work. That means a lot (more detail) - so such thoughts of expansion are certainly on hold right now. Question: If I just leave an area sort of unfinished where I can do some demo and install a switching track that goes to the new section - will that work? This is all Kato - Thanks - Steve


Throw in a few dead end turnouts now, where you think the add on will be.
Then add on at a later date, just add on to the turnouts.

You must see a spot if you have been thinking about it.:D

[Steve441]

Yes Ed - I know where that turnout will go - I don't want to put it in now! - Jeeze - I know I should have put in in before (I did not anticipate expansion then) or at least now - but I am going to wait (a year or so) and just tear up the little area at the back where the tunout and track (to a new section - like an L) will go. I think I can get away with that with only a minimum of mess and destruction later. I should be able to pull out 2 sections of straight track and fix in a new turnout easily. Does that sound OK to you? - Thanks - Steve

[Steve441]

The Barn has been coming along while waiting for the missing roof trusses - Which arrived today and I am proceeding to finish it off. Paint is a little bright - I shall dust it with some mystical powders! - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Now for the shingles - Gee - You can't even see the roof trusses - I thought the ends might be visible but you can only see them if you are looking up at them! Great for those guys that do interiors and such (with the lift of roofs). Anyways - huge amount of shingle work to be done. Individual rows line up on the scribed marks on the roof - Peel 'n Stick of course and I am glad I have my bender for the top caps. Diamond shaped shingles I hope to paint green - I hope I don't mess up now! Steve

[Steve441]

Still working on the shingles on the Barn - Tricky job to get right as you can't take these off once they are on a bit. No spare parts either so it's a bit nerve wrecking. Beautiful effect for the roof - so its worth it to take my time. Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Getting to the top of the roof - The transition cap between the lower and upper sections was no problem with the use of my "Bender". Six more rows of shingles and then the cap followed by the Cupola. A little careful trimming of the edges of the shingles and it should look great! - Cheers - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Steve,

Those roof shingles look FABULOUS! Laser cut parts make it relatively easy, huh?

TJ

[sstlaure]

Carry on, oh wayward sons,
Bob

Nice Kansas reference! Just listened to that disc the other day.

[raleets]

Wondered if anyone would catch that ;)
Bob

[Steve441]

Here is the completed Barn. I will allow the peel 'n stick stuff to settle and cure a bit before painting the shingles. Still not sure what color. This Farm Combo available from AMB (American Model Builders) which includes Barn, FarmHouse and 2 Shacks was a great deal considering the time required (long - Many Many Hours) to build them and the number of parts and the final outcome - About $80.00 for the combo. More if bought separate. I love a good kit and these are some real nice ones! Lazer Cut and Peel 'n Stick construction make these real nice - See the Farm is all coming together in my build thread "Long Valley Lumber" up now. Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Kansas - Yep - I get it - Great Band! - Steve

[raleets]

Steve,
You must possess the hands and eyes of a neurosurgeon :thumbsup: in order to assemble those tiny kits :).....well done!
I'm almost suffering withdrawal pains now that all the buildings are finished on my HO layout. Putting those kits together, for me, was the best part of the whole deal. Creating trees was a close second.
I'm already brainstorming what buildings will be needed for my "add-on" 4'X8' next winter.
Keep ridin' against the wind,
Bob

[sstlaure]

Great barn...

[Steve441]

Thanks Scott - Hey Bob: I know what you're sayin' Man. I can't do trees to my level of satisfaction - Yet - I am going to give it another try however. You gotta love these kits. The lazer cut parts all fit together with little grooves and tabs. Super tolerence on these parts. Very tight fits - but perfect - so no room for a lot of paint just light spray on the whole sprue of parts and then cut out and apply. Way Fun Guys - I am with you on the Brainstorming for next winters build. The ole lady is already up at the cottage and I gotta get up there soon and I will take some detail kits (I got a huge bunch of unbuilt N scale detail kits) for this and my adjoining L shaped final layout. Thanks Guys - Steve

[Steve441]

This is a nice little detail kit. Hope I can do it justice. Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Cut away the junk and here are the fence parts - I might try to make a Weather Vane for the top of the Barn with some bits of the leftover letters (Make an Arrow to start). Hmmm - We shall see - That typ of detail is important to me and I don't think its available - I may browse the net a bit for such stuff but I sure would like to use up this neat brass stuff on something (pic 2). Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

A little careful bending with the ole "Break" or "Bender" tool and it starts to shape up - I will drill a few "post holes" and paint the fence before anchoring it down with CA glue. I have WoodLand Scenics "Tombstones" in my details drawer and a Preisser scene called "Protestant Funeral" coming in the mail which should look great when all is installed. Cheers - Steve

[raleets]

:appl:Steve,
I will never....repeat, NEVER, be a craftsman on your level. You, sir, are indeed GOOD! :thumbsup::appl:
Can't wait to view more of your expertise.
Bob

[Steve441]

Wow Bob - That's a heck of a complement and I sure do apprecitate it Man! - I am not that great - I find with the right tools - patience - and always look ahead at whats to be done - so that you can ensure that what you are glueing together will work with what is ahead. And Practice. I usually do tests of finishes (paints etc) or whatever (glues) to see if they will work. Steve

[Steve441]

The fence came out pretty good - Nice and square - Flat Black Testors Rattle Can - It fits nice and flat on the layout but I will have to bring the uneven levels up a bit in a couple of places with some Smooth-It so there will be no major gaps under the fence. A few shrubs to conceal a glued joint and it will be great - I have to open the Gates before securing the fence as I am going to have a funeral going on! Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

I've been working on this for many hours - It's an $8. kit so I am delighted - The wires were very hard to bend 3 the same and drill 3 micro-holes (and I mean small) and get the lights to hang the same. Came out rough but OK for me. Cigarette Ad was the way to go for me) - Tweezers holding it upright for pix. Cheers - Steve

[concretepumper]

Nice work Steve. Do the lights work?

[gunrunnerjohn]

Nice work Steve. Do the lights work?

Of course they do! :D

[Steve441]

Saturday Morning so I opened this kit up - now I am doomed to see if I can do it. The glass is optional but I can't see it without glass so I will attempt that as well - I'm trying to funny but humour eludes me when starting these little kits. I will leave that to you guys! I always appreciate your comments! :laugh::laugh: - Wish me luck - I will report back later - Steve

[novice]

Geez, your eyes must be magnifying glasses - I can barely see the edges with that model - it's tiny

[Steve441]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: - I gotta laugh Guys! These things are pretty well impossible unless you work in a German Museum - (We all know Europeans are famous modelers) - The close-ups with camera are way better than my eyes, even with glasses. Paint pretty well impossible too - need a 1 bristle brush. I may try out my liquid mask. I have one more unmade booth to try. You can see how the shelf beside the phone is not alligned with the side brace. Drive you nuts trying to get that right. Anyways - I am giving them the old college try! Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

The 2nd one is better :)- It's going to be situated in a tough neighbourhood so its been vandalized. Only 1 pane of glass and its beat up too. That's one of those standard little pots of paint beside it to give everyone an idea of size. I am going outside to do some gardening!:D - Cheers - Steve

[big ed]

The 2nd one is better :)- It's going to be situated in a tough neighbourhood so its been vandalized. Only 1 pane of glass and its beat up too. That's one of those standard little pots of paint beside it to give everyone an idea of size. I am going outside to do some gardening!:D - Cheers - Steve


Did you use your blood for the red color?:laugh:

That is the first thing I thought of when I saw the picture of the booth along with the razor blade.:D I would cut my finger off!
Don't you have a good hobby razor knife? They are not that expensive.

Looks good, are you going to run a "wire" down to the top?

Did you paint on the coin price on the telephone too?:D

As I have been fooling around a little with my N if I ever start building models like your doing first thing I would have to get is a BIG magnifying glass!

My fingers are too big to even pick up some of the parts. My nephew told me to look in every box and bag with a magnifying glass when he brought them over. I found a lot of small pieces here and there mixed in. Good thing he told me as I might have just thrown them out without even seeing them.:rolleyes::D

[gunrunnerjohn]

How big are the quarters you have to use to make a phone call? :p:p:p

[raleets]

Steve,
You are a hoot! :laugh:
Bob

[tjcruiser]

Steve,

I LOVE the phone booth. Sadly, my kids have absolutely no idea what a "phone booth" is. And they look all confused when they see a phone with an actual number DIAL on it.

Hey ... if you're looking for whimsical, how about a little Superman figure ducking around the corner near the phone booth? Maybe even a geeky looking Clark Kent with glasses coming the other way? ;)

TJ

[Steve441]

You guys crack me up - :laugh: :laugh: Take it easy Men! - Cheers - Steve

[raleets]

TJ,
Wow! I'm with you, man. My kids recall phone booths, but the grandkids have NO clue about them, or vinyl records, 8-tracks, cassettes, pay phones,
rabbit ears on TV's, outside antennas, no microwave, etc., etc., etc.
I'm OLD and the world has changed.
Bob

[Steve441]

Yeah Guys - I was thinkin' my Dad is 91 - a WW 2 Veteran - still alive - Man when he was a kid say in 1928 he was 8 - They had nothin compared to now just Radio I guess. My kid always marvels when I tell her about the old days in TV when we only had 2 channels (Canada) but we did get "Bonanza" in color but nobody had a color TV! LOL!

[tjcruiser]

"Dad, why do you say, 'Roll up the car window" when we just have to push a button???"

"Dad, why do you keep calling the Enter button on my computer a "carriage return" ???"

"Dad, can you tell us again what type of things you used to buy at a Five and Dime store?"

[Steve441]

Now they are available - But Pricey - They want over $20. to ship them to Canada!


http://cgi.ebay.ca/1930s-40s-era-TELEPHONE-Booth-PACK-4-N-BOOTHS-/120718456186?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item1c1b61757a

[shaygetz]

Just got my parts order from Bachmann...including the last 2 coupler boxes...to finish these beasts up. They run great---until they get to my 9 3/4" radius turns...:o:D

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/dd40x2.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/dd40x1.jpg

[raleets]

Steve,
We didn't have a TV in our house until I was in the 11th grade......a black & white 21" Zenith. We thought it was "big time" when we got the plastic jobbie to put over the screen.......blue on top, tan in the middle, and green on the bottom. :thumbsup: Westerns looked pretty good, but Milton Berle's blue hair and green suit was hidious :eek: :D
Oh, damn, now I'm really showing my age :ohwell:
Bob

[gunrunnerjohn]

Got a little "hangover" there Shay? :p:p:p

[Steve441]

Does that mean they can't do the 9 3/4 radius Shay?

Hey Bob - You did not give your age away - I still can't figure it out with that data you gave. I was thinking you were about my age of 56 now. Steve

[raleets]

Steve,
I vaguely recall being 56 :laugh: :laugh:
Bob

[Steve441]

There you go Man - 1955 was a very good year - We are a curious generation - Too young to have been true hippies - but old enough to appreciate groove on the "British Invasion" - You know what I mean - Rock & Roll - Man! They say that Canadians are preoccupied with 3 things Hockey, Beer, and Rock and Roll, Me I am not a great hockey fan but do enjoy the odd highlight. Quit drinkin'! But I still love my old music like you too! Steve

[raleets]

Steve,
If you take a peek at my website you'll understand just how much I love oldies music :thumbsup: :laugh:
www.cruisinwithbobsteel.com
Bob

[shaygetz]

Does that mean they can't do the 9 3/4 radius Shay?
Steve

They can...but without cars and separately...sigh...:D

[gunrunnerjohn]

I think that it's expecting a bit too much for those locomotives to do that kind of radius! :D

[Steve441]

Hmm - All thing must be considered in a track plan - I would like to get some passenger cars. I don't think I will plan for any tight curves at all. I have 9 X 4 foot table - Should be great in N Scale! I am gonna look for broken bundles of hard insulation foam (2" thick by 8X2 feet - with several in package for like $90. but reduced nicely due to damage.) I will check the building stores. I want to have some major changes in elevation for some dramatic effects and that foam stuff looks right for me (you can see I have been studying) - Rock & Roll Bob!!! Way to go Man! Steve

[Steve441]

Here goes this one. Cheers - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Nice corrugated roofing material!

[Steve441]

That corrugated roofing material in nice but tricky to get right. Finally got it however - Still the Dormers to put on along with other great detail parts supplied in this Super kit. This one has a bit of everything in it - The back wall with chimney is made of hydrocal which is cool. Great kit for someone to practice on to get the hang of this stuff! Steve

[tjcruiser]

Why would a Quonsett hut have had a square (rather than half-round) front ??? Seems non-functional to me (in real life use). Just curious ...

TJ

[gunrunnerjohn]

Don't know why TJ, but I've actually see them. I know why they did it with airport hangers, the doors rolled out on the part outside the roof line, but I don't know why a building like this would have it.

[JackC]

There's a bunch of old garages and auto repair shops around here built prior to WWII still standing. After WWII many new places were built using surplus Quonset huts and to give the impression of a "real" building the false front was added on. That was told to me by a old timer who had such a shop.

[tjcruiser]

Interesting ...

"Sure ... I can fix your car, Mister. I run the most honest shop in town. Just drive it in right here to my building with the fake facade ... Leave your wallet on the table, too ..."

Dohhh!

;):D

TJ

[Steve441]

Few more details to go but its almost done - Touch up's on lights and chimney will be brick red I hope - etc. etc. - I will try to age the roof - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Another super clean little building - I have a small army (n scale) of cleaners/painters/roofers/ who live near my layout and keep everything nice! You could also say I need to practice up in my weathering techniques! - Cheers - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Steve,

The Quonsett hut looks great! That corregated roofing material really brings the building to life. Nice work!

TJ

[Steve441]

Thanks TJ - 1 thing I learned on my first layout was that for an old guy like me working on the center area is tough on the back - This time I am going to make individual scenes on warp proof backing so I can just prepare the (planned) area on the loayout and drop on the diorama and finish the edges to match the layout. I am trying to do this old fence for around the JunkYard - Tough going on this old kit - as the holes in the brass castings have to be enlarged with a micro drill - I am having "some fun" trying to get it right. There is one of these kits up on EBay now guys with my high bid - please do not bid as I need it for the reemaining fence around this building - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Man is this tricky - I figure the only way to do this is by finishing under the fence a bit first - The fence material will be installed close to the ground making putting down any grass or such impossible. This is really just a test to see if I can actually do this fence - Many hours so far invested here - Kit calls for supplied super thin fishing line to be installed - 3 barbed wires on the angle of the posts above the fence - Sheesh - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Pic 1 above shows the little indents on the angled out part on the top of each fence post - I gotta say the brass castings are nice (if only the little holes where the top rail were a tad larger so it would fit - tricky to get 'em in). I am not sure if I can do it Men! - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Ohhh ... I get it ...

When I saw your earlier photo with the fence posts all attached together (as shipped), I couldn't figure out what they were. Now I see them separated and performing as intended. Very nice detailing. That chain link looks great in such fine/accurate scale.

Cheers,

TJ

[Steve441]

My new idea for ease of future sale of these items is to do each "scene" as a diorama on a thin board. They can be fitted into a layout and "finished in around the edges" easily and then removed easily - keeping all the value of the work - for an EBay auction - I am an old EBay guy (since '99) with 100% + feedback on over 1500 auctions. I have sold hundreds of items too.

This fence is turning out nicely. The building is just sitting on the little 6 by 6 inch board to give you an idea. I have painted the brass fence material - still gotta do the gates and posts etc.

I need the kit up on auction on EBay now guys - so please don't bid on it - Thanks - Steve

[Steve441]

This fence is going in looking beat up already. Still a few posts left in the kit to finish across the front.

[big ed]

Nice.......:thumbsup:


When your done with the fence you can paint each individual piece of scrap in the piles you have.

Use a very small brush.:D:thumbsup:

I thought this fence was up already?
Am I thinking of another fence?:confused:

I remember commenting on the gate being too small.

[tjcruiser]

Steve ... We're not gonna let you sell off your layout in pieces just yet! :eek: Hold on there, bud ...

[Steve441]

No Way Man - I love these little babies (n scale buildings) - Just some thoughts for the far future. Makes working on them worthwhile if I believe I can get some good coin for them easily.

That's it for the 1st kit of Chainlink Fence - It's 14 inches long with the gates. That's 3/4 inch apart posts (10 scale feet). If I don't get the one on EBay I shall complete the fence with the fence that came with the JunkYard building. It's pretty cool and it only figures a junk yard would have a couple of different old fences surrounding it. Cheers - Steve - The daughter wants me to get started on the new Tattoo Parlour - Geeze - You should see the ink on her! Seriously. And only 22! :eek:

[Steve441]

Hey Ed - Do I have to paint them individually Man! - Holy Cow! - There has to be an easier way out of that problem - But I believe you are right - I started them the other day - I hope they are up to your standard - LOL - Thanks Man! - Steve (with my 000 brush)

[tjcruiser]

Steve,

You may already have this in the works, but I'm thinking the junk yard (with fence) needs a big ol' mean junkyard dog. Maybe a bulldog with a spiked collar, or something along those lines. Tied up on a chain to his mangy looking dog house. With the name "Spike" or "Axle" on a board nailed to the roof peak.

And some kids with a baseball bat staring through the fence, wondering how they're gonna get their baseball back ...

(Haven't I seen that in a movie before ???)

TJ

[big ed]

Hey Ed - Do I have to paint them individually Man! - Holy Cow! - There has to be an easier way out of that problem - But I believe you are right - I started them the other day - I hope they are up to your standard - LOL - Thanks Man! - Steve (with my 000 brush)


I have piles of junk like that too.

For O it is a little easier to paint then the N.

Looking at mine that is the only way I see to do it.
Maybe an air brush?:confused:

Do you know of a different way?

I like the fence.:thumbsup:

[Steve441]

Great ideas TJ - I like 'em both! Thanks - Steve

You got it right Ed - individual pieces of junk each with a different color - I like brush work - I don't have an Airbrush - will post a pic of how they are coming soon - Steve

[Steve441]

Here's the junk piles and other stuff for the Junk Yard I am workin' on - Several more colors to go before I call the junk piles (these are all alloy parts) finished. Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Just about finished the details from the JunkYard kit - What about the pile of scrap I got as a separate detail part also shown ?? - sort of rust colored mass of metal parts. This was sold as pre-painted - but it does not look so hot to me. Does anybody else have some of this stuff?? Is it OK as is??

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Monroe-Models-N-9104-Scrap-Yard-Junk-Pile-Set-1-L-p/mon-9104.htm

Thanks - Steve

[raleets]

Hey, Steve,
I like TJ's idea about a vicious wachdog in the junkyard. "Sebastian" is a good name too. :laugh:
And, don't forget a couple of empty wine bottles here and there. :D
Bob

[Steve441]

Indeed Bob - Wine bottles are a must! Meanwhile I am starting this cool bridge. It's an in depth kit with tons of parts to cut - pulled out the "Chopper". This one is another NScale Architect kit. Way Nice! Plus I got it on EBay for like half price and Low shipping too. The 4 little completed sections are just the start of the bottom columns so I am having a ton of fun with this sweet purchase - Cheers - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Steve,

That viaduct bridge looks like a fun build. Do you have a spot planned for it on the layout?

TJ

[Steve441]

It will go on a future layout TJ - My first one does not have ANY water so that's no good - Canada has an insane amount of water everywhere.

This kit has hundreds of parts to give it that 3D look - I am hoping to get a good paint job on it - Gotta use a little filler in a few spots too. - Cheers - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Latex painters caulk to fill any small seams/voids? Wipe excess wiped off with moist finger, q-tips, etc.

Maybe add a very fine sand to the paint for textured concrete look?

TJ

[Steve441]

I use polyfilla instafil - very quick - I am gonna try some textured spray paint. Very fine textured grey sort of looks like what I want on my test. Really hard to cover the grain - Way too much work to use sanding sealer so I have opted for pre-textured paint - Pix later - Steve

[Steve441]

The bridge needs its deck installed and some more paint but it sure did come along - For the $18. this baby cost I sure had fun - I would definately recommend this kit. Not easy (instructions leave a lot to be desired I thought) and very time consuming - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

I would try this again if I could - At least its straight and the deck is level !! It took many hours of painstaking hours just to get it like this! Its fine with me! - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Here's the pix - Great Kit! Turned out a bit rough as finishing is not my strong point. I am happy with it however because I made it ( I admit its from a kit - but there was at least 25 to 30 hours put in and that is not including paint drying time of course. Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Try Again?

[tjcruiser]

Steve,

The bridge looks GREAT. I'm really glad that you used a textured paint ... really highlights the cement construction look.

You're gonna have fun working that geometry into the topography of some future layout. I'll bet the wheels are already turning in your head!

Excellent work!

(Just make sure that none of your "professional girls" start hanging out underneath the bridge span!)

TJ

[Steve441]

Thanks TJ - Here's a nifty little kit I am just starting that includes Tattoo signs as well as the Hardware signs - These hydrocal kits are a challenge to get right I believe - I spent the day getting suitable frames built so that the windows and door are sitting about correct - Keep you posted - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Steve,

Is the kit SUPPOSED to have wood frames around the cast windows, or did you find that that was necessary to get the windows to fit in a poor quality hydrocal part???

Just curious,

TJ

[Steve441]

Yes TJ - It was necessary to add the frames I thought - The 2 front windows had to be glued together and they did not fit right at all with out the frames. Same with the door. The rest of the openings are OK. I super glued it together - Patched the seams a tiny bit with spackle and sealed the plaster with 2 light coats of flat white. Now to get some color on this little baby - Small Footprint is 2 and a half inches by 1 and a quarter wide. Cheers - Steve

[tjcruiser]

Steve's improv handiwork: Yeah!!!!

Hydrocal kit quality and tolerance: Boooo!!!!!

(Though the tiny size of the structure does put those comments into context and perspective.)

[Xnats]

Dang Steve you just keep cranking these buildings out, I guess Spring has not sprung in your parts yet:laugh: While I got time to post, Nice job on the bridge, that will bring a cool sight on your new layout:thumbsup:

[Steve441]

Thanks Guys - Yep - It seems I like to build these kits better than work on my layout but I want to get them done while enjoying my present set-up. I am looking forward to starting a new layout alright! Next time will be better and if I am happier with the overall look of the new layout - THEN I will take the necessary time to get the details right. For example I have a lot of vegetation (underbrush, bushes etc) work to do on my "Mill Layout" (Like Big ED advised - He is quite right - Thanks Ed) but may not do it. I will wait for the super detailing for the next time when my layout looks better (With Some Water!)


Here's some progress on the Tattoo Parlour - Still lots to get done on this kit - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

I had to get started on this little gem for the Tattoo Parlour - Man there are some small lazer cut presicion fit parts here - Very fragile stuff - Hope it will be more robust once complete - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

I like lots of signs :D - I will use a Sharpie marker to do the edges before decoupaging them on using Gorilla Glue - I will make a Drainpipe or 2 to cover a couple of seams as well. Gotta finish up the building a bit before installing the fragile Fire Escape (shown) - Cheers - Steve

[raleets]

Steve,
Do you create your own signs? If so, how do you get white (or light) lettering onto a dark background?
Bob

[Artieiii]

Nice tattoo parlor.....excellent work!
-Art

[haphall]

Steve-the build looks fine. Randy who runs DowntownDeco has been very quick to reply whenever I've had questions. He's a member on several forums and has gone through several builds in detail on them. You can reach him through his web site at www.downtowndeco.com . All his stuff is guaranteed and he wants his customers to have successful results. Might be worth a try. I assume you're not the first to come up against this problem.

[Steve441]

Thanks Art -

Bob - These signs were in the kit - 1st 100 buyers get the Tattoo Parlour signs they say - after that its just a Hardware Store - Frankly - I rely on the stuff in the kits - I am not much of a scratch builder. I did get a "Signs" package made by Bar Mills.

Steve

[Steve441]

Steve-the build looks fine. Randy who runs DowntownDeco has been very quick to reply whenever I've had questions. He's a member on several forums and has gone through several builds in detail on them. You can reach him through his web site at www.downtowndeco.com . All his stuff is guaranteed and he wants his customers to have successful results. Might be worth a try. I assume you're not the first to come up against this problem.

Thanks Man - I will check that out - Steve

[raleets]

Steve,
Thanks. I've created several "custom" signs for my layout with my PC, but am limited to "dark print on light paper". Wish I knew how to put white (light) letters on dark paper.
Anyone out there have the answer?
Bob

[Fifer]

I am nearing the finish of my ATSF Boom Tender. Next will be modifying the crane.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN1843.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN1844.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN1845.jpg

Mike

[gunrunnerjohn]

That looks great, must be a very high level of "crappy". :D

[T-Man]

Steve,
Thanks. I've created several "custom" signs for my layout with my PC, but am limited to "dark print on light paper". Wish I knew how to put white (light) letters on dark paper.
Anyone out there have the answer?
Bob

All you do is print a dark background and change the font color to white.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10300&d=1306707963 3/27/09

The original thread. (http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=1495)

[Fifer]

That looks great, must be a very high level of "crappy". :D

Thanks John .

Mike

[Fifer]

Here is the progress so far on the ATSF Crane to go with the tender Photo's.
I know it is not perfect but close, for me, is good.
I used some old acrylics I had on it and it just would not dry so I put Polly Scale on top and that totally hosed it up so I had to drag out the media blaster and blast all the paint off and start over with Polly Scale yellow.
I will let it dry till tomorrow and paint the blue. Boom is also painted.



http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN1860.jpg

Mike

[choo choo]

That looks great, must be a very high level of "crappy". :D

Yeah... if that's "crappy"...

...then my work is downright "s****y"! :laugh:

Greg

[Fifer]

Yeah... if that's "crappy"...

...then my work is downright "s****y"! :laugh:

Greg

Thanks Greg , I am hoping to get some more done on it tomorrow.
Mike

[Steve441]

Hi Everyone - I am still here - I have been practising (I need it) on the junk yard - Got some detals in and the fence done - I did the tiny lunch wagon with a guy inside serving customers which you can hardly see. Cheers - Steve

[big ed]

Looks good Steve.:thumbsup:

I see you painted some of the junk?

You need a forklift in there now?
Or an old small crane maybe?
Maybe an old boom truck?

[tjcruiser]

Steve,

Excellent touches of realism in the junkyard. I like the haphazard placement of pallets, odds-n-ends, etc. And "Spike the dog!

Great work,

TJ

[Fifer]

Hi Everyone - I am still here - I have been practising (I need it) on the junk yard - Got some detals in and the fence done - I did the tiny lunch wagon with a guy inside serving customers which you can hardly see. Cheers - Steve

Steve , that looks fabulous !!!!
I love it!!

Mike

[Steve441]

Yes Ed - I tried to get the junk to look better withh some paint - An old Boom Truck would be just right - I am going to look into one of those - Thanks - Steve

[Steve441]

Hey Ed - I looked through my kits and found this nice little Fork Lift I shall attempt to paint and build. Thanks again for the great advice - I will keep an eye out for the elusive Boom Truck in N Scale (retired) - Gotta head up to the lake for a few days but its nice to know I have a project on the go - Very little flash on this nicely detailed kit - Cheers - Steve

[mnnscaleguy]

Here's a-couple projects I'm working on.

Car Shop. 3 inches wide x 6 inches long x 2.5 inches high. This is for my Roundhouse / RR HQ Complex. It's at a ruff cut stage. The material is wood. I'm waiting to find the right doors and windows before making the final trims.

Oil Tanks. I like being a bit creative and recycle / reusing things. These are a start to my Tank Farm. The larger item in back is an empty disk holder. The taller one is an empty food seasoning container. The forward 3 are tops to spray paint cans. I think that after I get ladders & railings on them, they should work pretty well.

[gunrunnerjohn]

They'll look great, and they're readily available and very cheap. You are starting to sound like T-Man here. :D

[mnnscaleguy]

Thanks gunrunner. Yes... cheap / inexpensive indeed. Think I might try to finish off a-couple of the tanks today.

Steve441: I love all your builds ! I find you junk yard very inspiring.

[Steve441]

Thanks for the kind words guys - I am back from the cottage and will get some time to work on stuff - Keep you posted - Steve

Hey mnnscaleguy - Your scratch work inspires me to try to do my own dog-house instead of sucking for the kit - Thanks Man! - Steve

http://cgi.ebay.ca/N-Scale-Dog-House-Kit-2-pack-laser-cut-wood-GCLaser-/390147724308?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item5ad69dd414

[T-Man]

I like the CD holder, if you find a lid a lttle larger,flip it upside down and use it as a spill dam. :thumbsup:

That forklift looks awful small.:eek:

This picture shows the coiffure dam for a group of tanks, I have seen them singley too. The picture was hard to find. Gee.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10561&stc=1&d=1308580968

[T-Man]

Well sort of with Mnnscaleguy's idea. I added a coffee can cover.


http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10562&stc=1&d=1308586594

[sstlaure]

I've been working on a number of Walther's grain series kits

933-3022 ADM Grain elevator
933-2935 Surge Bin (1)
933-2936 Conveyor Leg (1)
933-2937 Wet/Dry storage bins (2)

I'm going to put them together into a 18"x48" diorama that will eventually be a part of my new layout. I figured if I can't build the whole thing yet I can at least do some pieces.

Unfortunately my camera got stolen so no pics until I can borrow the wife's.

[Steve441]

Sounds Great Scott - We look forward to the pics. I like the idea of doing a diorama and working it into a layout - Its hard on the back to get the all the details in a scene at parts of a layout that are out of reach. I am going to do the same - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

It's almost done - A bit crappy - My first try at a real india ink/alcohol - Just bought some this afteroon. Good enough for me for now however. Its gonna go in in the Junk Yard so its gotta be beat-up looking. I want to practice doing some "water" - I got a 32 ounce jugs of EnviroTex and a pot of "Gloss Medium" - I will try both out to see how I can do it - Cheers - Steve

[big ed]

I think it looks nice and grimy.:D:thumbsup:

Now tell me you scratch built it?

[tjcruiser]

Holy <bleep>, Steve ... that thing looks like it's driven through the La Brea Tar Pits! I like! I've seen quite a few unloved forklifts that end up looking like that. Good work!

TJ

[Steve441]

Thanks Guys - I guess it is OK if you guys give your seal of approval - It is made from a kit Big Ed - "Alloy Forms N Scale 7000 Lb Champ Forklift" - Here's a few more pix of the almost complete JunkYard - Cheers - Steve (Hey - I just noticed the chair behind the Lunch Wagon has fallen over - Will fix)

[big ed]

All it needs are some pigeon on the roof.:D

You can model some out of modeling clay.:thumbsup:

[tjcruiser]

The guys at the South Shore Model RR Club (MA) did a great job with seagulls (and seagull poop!) on one of their building roofs ... adds a great (albeit dirty) sense of realism:

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4945&d=1287896026

TJ

[Steve441]

You guys are 100% right - The building is way too clean - I will get around to it - It's not glued down. Meanwhile - I have started my first ever "water" (You sure can tell I am new to this stuff). This was paint on foam carved out with a cut off wheel of a dremel and then Envirotex poured on. Gotta get my artistic skills honed up for this. I will keep practicing with mini amounts of the goo until I get the colors right (Deep Black/green for the deep areas and feathering out to a shore color (whatever that is) Hmm - Any advice is totally welcome Folks! Thanks & Cheers - Steve

[makarick123]

Box cars , a hopper, gondola , and a few tankers all being weathered.

Here is one I finished yesterday

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/SANY0425-1.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/SANY0426-1.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/SANY0411-1.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/SANY0424-1.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/SANY0427.jpg

Here are some I also finished recently.

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/SANY0241-1.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/SANY0238-1.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/SANY0278.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/conrailsold.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/N%20Scale%20Freight%20car%20weathering/000CSX2.jpg

ebay ID. makarick123

[Steve441]

Sweet Job Man!! You have that process down pat! Steve

[makarick123]

http://www.all-model-railroading.co.uk/amr/index.htm

I want to share this with you because like some of you when we started in this hobby there was no internet. There were books and magazines.
I ran across this link above thanks to someone that posted on another site that I belong to.
The link was a collection of some of the work of Paul Templar, and some of his articles.

He was a mentor of mine , I took the knowledge and practiced on my older layouts and alot of his methods that I learned still hold up to todays world of the modern version of modeling "buy a kit for anything" I am a DIY person and build an occasional kit yes, but I like doing things the old fashioned way , from scratch.
ebay ID. makarick123
So here is a template I made from the link above under "Making trestles"
all credit for the trestle jig go to the late Paul Templar and AMR.

Here are a few bents I have been working on.

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0291.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0292.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0293.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0312.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0372.jpg


http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0382-1.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0373-1.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0378.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0381.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0445.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0447.jpg

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad125/mrmartyman7/KLM%20Enterprise/SANY0442.jpg

I used ordinary hard wood 1/8" dowels for the timbers and cut the verticles
from leftover materials and even cut some popsicle sticks to finish when I ran out of pre cut.

[makarick123]

thanks Steve I'm new here but not to the hobby. Just trying to expand my horizons.

[Fifer]

I am nearing the finish of my ATSF Boom Tender. Next will be modifying the crane.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN1843.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN1844.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN1845.jpg

Mike


I finaly finished the ATSF Crane boom tender.
It was a lot of work but I am happy with the results. Not the same # as pictured but OK with me.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN1844.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN2033.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN2034.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN2035.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN2036.jpg

Mike

[tjcruiser]

Nice work, guys!

Mac -- excellent proportions / detailing on the truss work.

Fifer -- the little details like tie-down wire and coiled cable really bring things to life.

Cheers,

TJ

[Fifer]

Nice work, guys!

Mac -- excellent proportions / detailing on the truss work.

Fifer -- the little details like tie-down wire and coiled cable really bring things to life.

Cheers,

TJ

Thanks TJ , Now to finish the Crane..

Mike

[Fifer]

I have been on structure frenzy as it has been way too hot to be outside.

The tower is a Kato kit and the houses are all Laser Art. I have to highly recommend the Laser Art kits. They go together easy and have a lot of detail. The Kato tower was just stucco’d and the roof was modified as well as interior painted and people installed to try and Americanize it.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN2054.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN2055.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/NEW%20ACTRR/DSCN2056.jpg

Thanks , Mike

[Steve441]

Back on page 18 of this thread I posted the build pix of the DowntownDeco Tattoo Shop - Here is is - finished for now - Cheers - Steve

[haphall]

Nice build Steve. How was it working with the cast walls in N? I didn't even know that series was available in N. Came out good.

[Fifer]

Back on page 18 of this thread I posted the build pix of the DowntownDeco Tattoo Shop - Here is is - finished for now - Cheers - Steve

Very Nice Steve , never thought of a tattoo parlor.

Mike

[big ed]

Nice Steve.:thumbsup:

Now, how are you going to add tats to the people standing outside the shop?:laugh:

[Fifer]

Nice Steve.:thumbsup:

Now, how are you going to add tats to the people standing outside the shop?:laugh:

Ed , I would have told you they are there, you didn't see them ????

:eek:

[shaygetz]

Won these in a drawing on another forum...nice models though putting them together w/o instructions provided by the manufacturers was interesting to say the least...

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3724.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3723.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3722.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3720.jpg

[gunrunnerjohn]

What's that contraption supposed to lift? ;)

[shaygetz]

Its a container lift truck...it grabs them from the top and stacks them about the inter-modal yard (http://www.google.com/search?q=container+lift+truck&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1440&bih=767&uss=1)....

[Fifer]

Won these in a drawing on another forum...nice models though putting them together w/o instructions provided by the manufacturers was interesting to say the least...

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3724.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3723.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3722.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3720.jpg

Hey Shay , The cement truck doen't do much for me but the container lift is way cool. Do you go that modern??
Thanks , Mike

[shaygetz]

My modeling is as eclectic as one can get. While I do try to be careful in my photographs, you will find on my layouts an interesting mix from about 1860 to the present. My hobby leans more towards the model trains themselves vs. modeling real trains. In the end, I just enjoy the models...new and old.

At 1:150 scale, the cement truck wouldn't do in your store either....

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff514/3shaygetz/IMG_3725.jpg

It always amazes me when a company forks over $150k to tool a model that does not fit a popular modeling scale.

[Fifer]

Well , I finally got this project nearly completed. I need a rear light and firecracker antenna, but here it is. I had to cheat on the SF logo and it is to large but I have to live with it and I made the Amarillo decal for the boom.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/DSCN2064.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/DSCN2065.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/DSCN2066.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/DSCN2067.jpg

Thanks , Mike

[David-Stockwell]

Hi All,

It's been a few months since I posted anything.:ohwell:
Bridge selling has been slow so I decided to build up an inventory for later and then post 3 or 4 bridges on EBAY all at once:) The 1st one (timber deck bridge) is finished, the 2nd one (steel deck girder and trestle bridge) still needs 2 more trestles added and abutments. Ran out of channels, I beams, etc.:mad: The 3rd bridge I just threw in for the hell of it. It's a custom bridge order.:)

Cheers Dave,:)

[gc53dfgc]

I see making metal bridges hasn't got the best of you has it?

[gunrunnerjohn]

Its a container lift truck...it grabs them from the top and stacks them about the inter-modal yard (http://www.google.com/search?q=container+lift+truck&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1440&bih=767&uss=1)....Neat, it looks kinda' small to pick up containers, I guess the looks are deceiving. ;)

[shaygetz]

Mike...David...excellent work, the both of you...:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[shaygetz]

Neat, it looks kinda' small to pick up containers, I guess the looks are deceiving. ;)

Never thought I'd go inter-modal on my layout...greed for containers, get thee behind me...

[gunrunnerjohn]

Good thing you don't need O-scale stuff, I'd never get any. :D

At some point I might try to do something with containers, I have my hands full just trying to assemble the materials to get the ceiling track up! ;)

[lears2005]

Man shaygets I dont know how you do it. You can take anything any one gives you and turn it in to a work of art. I dont know how you find it all.

[Fifer]

Man shaygets I dont know how you do it. You can take anything any one gives you and turn it in to a work of art. I dont know how you find it all.

Ditto !!!!

[shaygetz]

Well...if you've noticed my avatar, I find the "Pain or oil of cloves" bit works pretty good in making deals....:rolleyes::D:thumbsup:

[David-Stockwell]

I see making metal bridges hasn't got the best of you has it?

Hi Dave,

Yeah I'm still trying my hand at them:) only time will tell whether or not they are nice enough :thumbsdown::thumbsup:for people to buy them. I've got one more design in the back of my mind to do, then I'll sit back and wait and see what happens.:):rolleyes::eek::thumbsup::thumbsdown::D

Cheers, Dave

[Steve441]

I must get these built before pouring the water - I got 'em at the LHS. I think I shall make 2 at half the width. Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

Gotta finish of the 3 docks I will use with some legs (pillers - posts - whatever) and also am making sure all is straight and in correct position with the piers for the Highway bridge - Cheers - Steve

[Fifer]

Here is this weeks project. I got this Revell Model which has been released in many forms,and is N Scale. I will use it on the new layout at the docks as A small freighter.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/DSCN2236.jpg


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e338/mfifer/DSCN2237.jpg


Mike

[tjcruiser]

Hey Mike,

Nice looking freighter. I can almost see the rust oozing off of the bulwarks already! Have fun with the build and weathering!

Did you cut the hull away below the waterline (for a float scene), or did the model have the lower hull as a removable piece? Just curious.

TJ

[big ed]

Hey Mike,

Nice looking freighter. I can almost see the rust oozing off of the bulwarks already! Have fun with the build and weathering!

Did you cut the hull away below the waterline (for a float scene), or did the model have the lower hull as a removable piece? Just curious.

TJ


Freighter?:rolleyes:
That a fish trawler.
A Russian spy vessel!:D

Does it give you all the parts to make it a fisher?

I like the low in the water look, looks like it has a full pay load on it.

Nice Mike.:thumbsup:
What colors are you painting it?

[Fifer]

Hey Mike,

Nice looking freighter. I can almost see the rust oozing off of the bulwarks already! Have fun with the build and weathering!

Did you cut the hull away below the waterline (for a float scene), or did the model have the lower hull as a removable piece? Just curious.

TJ

Thanks TJ , It was full hull and I cut it off on the table saw then sanded it smooth.
Thanks , Mike

[Fifer]

Freighter?:rolleyes:
That a fish trawler.
A Russian spy vessel!:D

Does it give you all the parts to make it a fisher?

I like the low in the water look, looks like it has a full pay load on it.

Nice Mike.:thumbsup:
What colors are you painting it?

Thanks , Not sure of colors but considering Black hull and wood decks with grey cabins and some red accents.

Mike

[big ed]

Thanks , Not sure of colors but considering Black hull and wood decks with grey cabins and some red accents.

Mike


With the crappy work you do I am sure it will look great!:D:thumbsup:

Does that come with all the rigging for making it a fishing vessel? (Trawler?):confused:

[Fifer]

With the crappy work you do I am sure it will look great!:D:thumbsup:

Does that come with all the rigging for making it a fishing vessel? (Trawler?):confused:

Thanks ED , yes there is all kinds of parts and railings to be installed yet.
Thanks , Mike

[Steve441]

Looking forward to seeing it Mike - Steve

[Steve441]

I am continuing this while I wait for my "water" to cure. Not done yet but you get the idea - The roof is a cast solid piece. Trying out my weathering technics which need practice - Cheers - Steve

[Steve441]

The Muddy River Boat Rental kit is quite nice with all the details they supply (shown - primed) - I will add the ones in the scan too but perhaps not the "Speedboats" - They - or more probably just one - will go elsewhere on the river. That (Speedboat) will be a test of my painting ability (which is only fair but improving). Cheers - Steve