Model Train Journal

I've bought many uncompleted projects over the years. As have I, but I'm clearing several of these out of the shop, off the shelves, etc. so I can focus in on those projects that I know I can complete reasonably. I can use the funds to finance the supplies to finish many before the supply dries up ...

up148 wrote:If by dirtbad you mean unfinished, damaged or ??? then I have several. I actually know what you mean but don't have much to add.

Have to wonder just how many unfinished, disassembled, not reassembled, or damaged locos are sitting in basements all over the country,

healey36 wrote:Looking terrific, Rufus. Nice color selection!

Thanks! There's a bit of an homage to Witches of Eastwick there,

Yeah, that is an interesting car for sure. I remember seeing lots of the H&P kits at shows even decades ago, but that load is amazing. Subtle weathering just makes it come alive. The detail and clean castings make it look like it would spin and function. Nice! The H&P kits don't get a lot o...

Tired molds are a big problem when it comes to sculpting detail. It's tough to get a good wash application if there's not much detail in the casting. Even some of the Arttista casts suffer from lack of facial and clothing detail. The guys over at Rusty Rail are printing some nice figures... There a...

By the way, my dentist buddy has a scanner that is accurate enough that he no longer has to stick that giant tray of wax in one's mouth to get an accurate tooth shape. I have no doubt that it could scan a casting with the same accuracy. The question is only cost, and the availability of a metal 3D ...

This is coming along nicely..... https://photos.smugmug.com/Passenger-Cars/2026-Round-Roof-Baggage/i-QPpH4zz/0/Ndrcfjxw7GZxgrqPgwnnLZ3zz5Sn6fcHMgrG8TTpX/X2/Round%20Roof%20Baggage%208a-X2.jpg Should be done in a week or 3 weather permitting.....and a decision regarding lettering, etc.

In the meantime, here's a Huff 'n' Puff flat car kit that Sarge tossed at me a while back with a load added....these can be dressed up to be pretty decent cars! https://photos.smugmug.com/Freight-Cars/Flat-Cars/2026-Flat-Cars/Huff-n-Puff-Flat-wLoad/i-7PbVx9G/0/MxdNfDgFqjRfpr3KJ4KVhP2GgKHRFb93fF8GhX4...

Those Blomberg trucks are works of art. I have a brass switcher that I need to rebuild/repower resting on the back on my bench that has those trucks under it. Someday soon I will have to dive into that project if only to clear off that part of my bench, Yes, slow around here - Martin and I are carr...

bob turner wrote:Nothing. It would be worthless to me.
As it is, with no shortage of really nice bronze GG1s around here, a good JLC body with pantographs - I would give a hundred bucks.
I think I can afford to wait.

The pantographs might be worth something,

I just asked Apple AI - they list the Max AC-8 as a good model. I happen to know that the Max AC-8 is an inferior model, unlike the AC-4 and the 4-10-2, for example. I have a Max SP MT-4, and consider it high quality. If the M1 is similar, I might go for it. The Apple AI lists the Max AC-8 as a goo...

Another hobbyist bought a JLC GG1 on eBay, and upon unpacking the truck side frames disintegrated. OGR post. I see these things - only out of the box for photos - $750. Is that what they are worth with crumbled side frames? If you can sell it for that much, it was worth it to the buyer, :wink: :win...

Clever bit of fun there.

Sadly, today's modelers want to know when someone will import one for them...which sucks the fun right out of the hobby.

I think 60" is O Scale's rock bottom minimum. You can get a 72" Pacific around that, and maybe 70 foot passenger cars. If you choose to define with those boundary conditions and limitations, then maybe yes. Fortunately for many, there is much in O scale that falls within much smaller limi...

Nobody has opinions on that M1? I guess it is not a bargain, since it is on its second stint as a "buy it now". The "right Person" just has not seen it yet. Many are going to be put off by that missing smokebox front and pilot. Not all have the wherewithal to respond to even the...