Model Train Journal

Bob,
Yes, that’s correct, different models from above. The Fetters Challenger is being modified with a late cast steel pilot, wide pump shield, & large sand dome.

Is the SLC hobby shop in business still? Name? I’m going to be in SLC next month and would enjoy seeing the models, if possible.

Thanks,

Aaron

It was a very long time ago. "Douglas" sticks in my mind; not sure.

86TA355SR wrote:

up148 wrote:Nice locos Aaron. That 2-10-2 looks familiar and is a very nice model. Did you add the coal boards?

Butch,

No, I bought it that way from a fellow UP fan you know. Builder is unknown. The tender water extension is a little out of scale, I will correct later. Overall, I’m quite pleased & it’s one of my favorite models.

Several more UP TTTs are awaiting construction but I want to finish an FEF-1 and a Fetter Challenger first.

Aaron

Yep, that's where I saw it. You take some great pictures Aaron. What camera are you using?

Butch

Bob,

Thanks, I’ll look for it.

Butch,

I use a cheap Cannon “sure shot” with the flash turned off-camera is at least 10 years old. My photo “booth” is a corner of my shop, top of a tool chest. Sometimes simple is best. I do have really good lights in my shop, that helps.

I’ll try to get a few more pictures of other stuff after my next work trip.

Aaron

bob turner wrote:It was a very long time ago. "Douglas" sticks in my mind; not sure.

If it’s still there, I couldn’t find it, even asked at the SLC business bureau during the search. Just a follow up.

I use a cheap Cannon “sure shot” with the flash turned off-camera is at least 10 years old. My photo “booth” is a corner of my shop, top of a tool chest. Sometimes simple is best. I do have really good lights in my shop, that helps.

Aaron, those are great photos and I have to agree with you comment "simple is best" as the results prove it in this case.

Butch

This fits in since we're talking UP 9000's. I recently sent my KOH's 9000 to Gary Schrader to have the factory Dallee DCC system replaced with Soundtraxx Tsunami 2, some damage repaired, weathering and of course all the wheels and drivers required re-gauging, which has become a calling card for most if not all KOH's models. It came out very well and here are some photos for the finished model.

Beautiful work, the weathering makes the details pop too. I had not heard Koh's products had gauge issues, given their premium price and extended order lead-times one would assume that gauging accuracy would be a no-brainer for them.
Interresting.

Yes, one would think so, but I've heard of this problem with KOH's models for decades and Gary informed me every KOH's loco he's worked on required re-gauging the drivers and/or all wheels. They are magnificently detailed models, with many state-of-the-art features, but no model by any importer is without issues. I feel the more models GK builds/imports the better they are, but I can't say for sure.

If you look at my 9000, the sander valves are HO scale, not O scale, and the sander shroud is incorrect and too small as well, but that issue can cost $1000's to correct, so I chose to ignore it. If this was an unpainted model or possibly an unpainted Sunset I would have addressed the problem, but not on a factory painted model as beautiful as this one.

I totally agree on weathering as it just breathes life into a models and is the icing on the cake IMHO.

Really nice model, and spectacular photography. Thanks!

.

I've never had anyone explain it to me that way, but it's possible. But,"one hears many things, which among them is the truth is uncertain" (love that line). I've forgotten more than I care to admit, so I could have know that at one time.

Very nice shots, guys, and wow, some very detailed models you have there too.

Rufus and all, my Kohs engines are all out of NMRA standards.The key is that they are all gauged more precisely to 0 scale track, meaning there is less slop and searching back and forth in the wheels. I wouldn't want the gauge changed on mine at all. A UP 9000 is a different animal. There is no way it will get around 0 scale curves without a lot of slop.

bob turner wrote:Really nice model, and spectacular photography. Thanks!

Thanks Bob, Gary's photos and layout so I can't take any credit.

Chris Rock wrote:Very nice shots, guys, and wow, some very detailed models you have there too.

Rufus and all, my Kohs engines are all out of NMRA standards.The key is that they are all gauged more precisely to 0 scale track, meaning there is less slop and searching back and forth in the wheels. I wouldn't want the gauge changed on mine at all. A UP 9000 is a different animal. There is no way it will get around 0 scale curves without a lot of slop.

True, after Gary gauged it correctly, it wouldn't go around anything smaller than a 90" radius, not sure what it did before. Problem is there's not enough lateral movement in the drivers and none are blind, as is an option with the 3rd Rail model. But, I've already purchased some test stand rollers from Micro Mark and I'll build a custom stand to run it in place. I have no layout (yet) and even if I did, it won't have 90" radius curves.