[Norton]

John, I assume the speed is much less than a Dremel, no? Otherwise it would just burn up drill bits.
My Makita drill actually did well, and I could change bits in seconds. All holes started with an undersize 66 drill to get as close as posible to location, then enlarged.
This is a one time project just to see what is possible, I have no interest in doing another one. Problem is I keep thinking of more stuff to do on it.

Pete

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Pete, it has five speeds, the first step or two is slower than a Dremel, but it's the speed I normally use for most things. It's still probably 1500-2000 RPM on the first step, but it's perfect to save me from having to twirl that pin vise for minutes at a time and develop hand cramps! I haven't cooked any bit yet, and I've drilled quite a few holes with it. For plastic or brass it cuts them like butter, a little slower on diecast and even slower on steel. For diecast or steel, I use some oil to cool the bit, I don't bother on brass as it cuts so fast I'm not there long anyway.

 

[86TA355SR]

….

 

[86TA355SR]

…

 

[Big Ed]

Roll onnnnnn, Big Mama, I like the way you move............
Nice.

 

[Norton]

Finishing up my Williams 773 project. Just about ready for paint. Added lagging clamps and a coupler lift bar. The front is another Vision Hudson part. The 773 and Vision Hudson share the same DNA having evolved from the pre war scale Hudson. I likely won’t use that front though as I would have to replace the incorrect headlight and renumber it. I want to keep the Williams 5207 cab number. I would only gain working class lights. Maybe in the future as I can always swap it in.

Pete

 

[86TA355SR]

Very nice Pete. Reminds me of the “pilot model” but it‘s much better with the detail parts you added.

Is this the model you repowered?

 

[Norton]

Thank you. Yeah, that motor swap started this whole thing. I keep referring to the pre war 700E and how close it is to the modern copies. There is a nice one on ebay now bringing big bucks. Had I seen that when I started this engine I might have tried to copy that. Too late now as this one has already had number of the original less detailed items replaced and metal carved away like the whistle, bell, and dynamo.

Pete

 

[86TA355SR]

…

 

[Norton]

Weathering looking great. Good timing as I plan to weather the Hudson though likely in service so not quite as severe.

Pete

 

[86TA355SR]

Thanks Pete.

I prefer the light weathered look as well, many ”over“ do it IMO. Look forward to your finished model.

 

[86TA355SR]

Image removed

 

[Krieglok]

The engine looks great! Photography, especially with flash, can give a harsh tone to pictures. Your pics look fine though.

Tom

 

[Krieglok]

Finished up the second run of PRR 40’ cars for GRJ. The whole process held up by delayed deliveries of finishing products...

Tom

 

[86TA355SR]

Tom,

Beautiful job. AND you kept your sanity after all those repetitive tasks! 😀

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Tom,

Beautiful job. AND you kept your sanity after all those repetitive tasks! 😀

His sanity may be in jeopardy, I'm boxing up more of them to paint!

 

[Norton]

If this keeps up Tom might want to consider getting one of those paint jet printers. Put the shell in a jig and press a button.

Pete

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I'm surprised some custom painters don't have some really automated tools like that.

 

[Norton]

Got the 773 repainted. Still a few details to attend to like matching the sheen on the tender and steamchest but the big stuff is behind me. At some point I will weather it but I want to get to some other projects waiting in the wings.

Pete

 

[Krieglok]

The Hudson looks great. I like the NYC font on the tender.

Tom