Model Train Journal

Here is an update on the project to fit new pilots to a pair of MTH C40-8s. When I last posted on this (over a year ago :roll:), the new pilots had been successfully printed and the MTH shells modified to accept them. The next step was to attach the pilots to the shell. The assembly process takes tw...

Phil -- As I recall, the B-unit was indeed made by splicing two A-units together. Further, I believe both units have the original all-wheels-powered drive in them. These drives are known to have a high rate of failure, but the units, at least for now, are smooth runners. I will take photos next time...

Thanks for posting this, Rob. I am definitely approach modeling more as an engineer than an artist, but his musings on creativity still resonate. What a rich life indeed.
Jim

Phil Randall recently posted a photo of this Nacionales de Mexico consist in his thread on the Southwest O-Scale show: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zwujc9kl8ejr5jf1bgnip/Title-Page.jpg?rlkey=m8h8m0mj7nayt8opy1c26elos&raw=1 A video of this train in action can be viewed at the link below: https:...

The OPS steeplecab is distinct in several ways. First, it was scratch-built many years ago by a modeler, now unknown, who lived in the Portland area. Second, the prototype was shop-built by the Portland Traction Company (PEPCo). Here is the model and prototype for comparison. Note the photo attribut...

The DFW O-scale club took our portable traction layout to the local TCA meet last weekend. We do this every year, and though it is not generally a scale show, everybody likes to see live-wire action. Here we see (Nortonville) Phil Randall's very nice Lake Shore Electric #111 in a run-by: https://www...

Nice to see that more of these models have surfaced. Dennis, does that single-motor unit run? The carbide-tipped bits have arrived: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6iwj1i5xp94bchg04am46/Bay-State-DL-109-1_60.jpg?rlkey=1652ddnlyi44dpxo72bsq357v&raw=1 I ordered these to bore the sideframes for ball...

I've seen bronze bearing but had no idea they were so hard I did some research on this and discovered, no surprise, that there are many different bronze alloys. Four common ones are: -- Phosphor Bronze, which when cold rolled or drawn makes very stiff spring material with good fatigue resistance. M...

A question came in regarding the source for the pilot counterbore. I bought mine from drillsandcutters.com. It is listed as a pilot hole counterbore, I guess to differentiate it from a counterbore with a fixed pilot. Here is the photo from the listing: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1kqwk9k8np0whcny...

The main purpose of the jig discussed in my last post was to provide a solid base to hold the sideframes while boring out the journals for ball bearings. As a bonus, I was hoping by carefully aligning it on the mill table that the existing journal holes would line up with the x-axis of the mill. Thi...

Jay mentioned the Abilene Flyer in the GP9 Project thread a couple of days ago. This was the name bestowed upon a particular ATSF streamliner spotted recently operating on Dennis Mashburn's layout in Abilene (that would be the Abilene in Texas): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6lgplsd6b0ja1iazgbv9e/A...

I am going to install ball bearings in the journals of the DL-109s in an effort to reduce running friction and thus gear load. I might not be so inclined, but the first unit had gone through at least two axle worm gears before it came to me, so I am hoping that ball bearings will help reduce the fri...

Thanks for all the photos and accompanying narrative, Jay. I always enjoy (and admire) the "solid quailty" of your installations. I know from my own piddling around what an investment in time and material it takes to be able to do that kind of custom work.

Jim

That has to feel good to be able to make almost anything you need for a project Making parts is indeed very satisfying, as you can imagine. The trick for me is to choose projects that line up well with my capabilities in regards to skills and tools. Challenges along the way are always welcome, but ...

For years I resisted acquiring any PRR steam, on the premise that once you start, it can be hard to stop. Nonetheless, fellow O-scaler and good friend Rob Taylor kept telling me I needed to buy his pre-war Scale-Craft K4. Introduced in 1934, this was, as best I can tell, the first O-scale locomotive...