Model Train Journal

Thanks, Dave. I didn't think I had the ability to build the Grabowski kit either. I decided to give it a shot since I had the proper equipment, I just did not have the proper experience. But it came out fine. The other two were relatively easy as all that called for was minor detailing and painting/...

Just finished the third Grabowski N5c. Took some photos and now all three are in their temporary display setting. I'll have to keep an eye out for another, maybe give it a later lettering scheme. These are really nice pieces from 1975. https://www.angelfire.com/film/prrpics/Grabn5c45.jpg https://www...

A bit more progress on the third N5c. Model was primed on Friday and panted over the weekend. This morning the decals (champ) were applied. A little solvaset needs applied before going any further. I can concentrate on getting the under frame and trucks painted next. The trucks on this one were the ...

I'm assuming others have seen this recent ebay listing. Seller lists the model as an Icken built K5 4-6-2. Presumably because of the Icken signature on the smoke box. But to me after looking at all the included photos it appears to be a Mi-Loco K5. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if Icken ever ...

Thanks again, guys. Progress has started on my still unfinished Grabowski N5c. Since it was an assembled version not much needs done to this one prior to an eventual paint job. All I'm adding are the cut levers and running a chain to it and the chain for the air hose. All that was done this morning....

Finished the weathering last night. Actually earlier in the day. But when I applied the last and final matte finish to the model the powder weathering all but disappeared. So I had to redo the weathered look and spray only a very light coat of clear matte to seal the powder. This time it didn't eras...

Thanks, Bob. As I mentioned earlier this was my first attempt at a full build of a brass kit. I've been modeling for 40 plus years but nothing this extreme involving this much soldering. I'm used to working with styrene when I built the large scale PRR cabins. I've soldered details and pipes before ...

Decided to go back and make the chain lifts to both the cut levers and air hoses more realistic. Removed the previous levers altogether, formed new ones from phosphorus wire, fabricated the small bar connector and drilled holes to anchor the chain and to slip it on the cutoff lever. Soldered it into...

Well, the basic construction is now complete. Took the underframe and attached the 'Grabowski ' name plate in the center sill area, added some detail to the underside, ie rods, pipes and levers. Then grit blasted it prior to painting. The underside got painted freight car color, the top will get a l...

This update from work done yesterday, last night and earlier today. I first sprayed the interior my mix of buff, it's a medium tan color, to replicate that used inside PRR Cabin Cars. After that was dried I placed blue painters tape on the inside of all door and window openings to avoid over spray g...

Thanks, guys. It's really starting to look what I wanted (hoped) it would. Last night I did the cut levers and lift chains on both ends. I then looked the whole thing over making sure all the soldering was strong and then decided it was time to run it through the blasting booth. Took some additional...

Another marathon work session resulted in the roof attachment and the build up of the end detailing. After a little file work on the end tops the roof sit down in place very well. A few quick hits with the soldering probe anchored it temporarily and then I went back and made more permanent solder se...

More in progress photos of the N5c build. Car body sub assemblies were put together. Was able to use a small block of wood inside the corners to help keep things square while trying to solder the ends to the sides. Luckily the seam done first didn't fall apart when the second seam was soldered. I gu...

Last summer I picked up another Grabowski PRR N5c. This is my third. The first two were factory built versions. This third one is an untouched kit. I debated quite awhile on whether I would try to attempt the build. Ahhhh, what the heck, so I started it. I'm not good at soldering at all. If I mess i...

I have one of the Kohs N5 Cabins (serial number on the bottom, #83 of 250) as well and it too has the cupola windows that slide too easily. Since its only a display piece no need to place a dab of tacky glue on the frame to keep it still. Now if it was a layout runner, probably the glue dab.