That side window could fit a little something extra I suppose.[:D] Or I could make it a double-decker!
If you need any ideas for the Athearn Hustler, I did one of those a while back:
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/173909.aspx [:D]
All detailed and ready for painting![:D]
I used Kadee #711 couplers, since the kit was designed around them. The rear coupler works, but the front one is just there for appearance (the pulley is almost flush behind the pilot). On perfectly clean track with the wheels clean, this thing crawls more smoothly than anything else I’ve ever had![:D]
Now all I need is some good weather so I can give it a nice coat of paint! At this point, my only area for painting is the garage, and it’s been very humid around here lately. More updates to come as I get it finished![:D]
I could make one of those into one of these: http://sbiii.com/jfcageir/ageir40.html
for my cement plant.
I plan on painting my 44 tonner a similar color, on the assumption that was sort of a corporate standard.
–Randy
Darth
That is a work of art!
Please let me pick your brain again. When you paint it, how much disassembly needs to be done? Also, I don’t see any traces of glue on the grab irons. Are they still removable for separate painting?
Thanks
Dave
I’ll be disassembling it almost completely, but since there’s very little of the main frame showing, I’ll leave the motor and those parts in and just brush paint it. The shell, pilots, and sideframes will all be airbrushed.
The grab irons are glued in, but I only used a little bit of super glue for each one to make sure it wouldn’t show.[:D] I’ll touch them up however I may want after the shell’s painted.
Darth,
That thing is really cool. [tup] Is that actually a drive belt, or a rubber band? I’ve never seen a belt that color. I keep a collection of old tape and disk drive belts around for such projects, but finding one the right length can be problem. They can be spliced with CA, but that usually doesn’t hold up.
That’s some very professional wire bending, too.
!(http://www.petervaldivia.com/eso/materials-and-wood/imagen/bender-bend-a bean.jpg)
Drill the grab iron holes all the way through and glue from the inside, when dry, trim the wire flush with the inside wall, (I use the small Xuron flush cutters). If painting grabs a different color from the body, just slip the corner of a piece of paper (I use the small Post-It Notes) under the grab and paint with a brush
For a tight fit, I sometimes file the nub of wire left by the cutter flat to get super flush fit
I use an old #11 X-Acto blade - simply score the wire at the point where it projects through the interior surface, then use the tip of the blade to flex it back and forth a couple of times. It usually breaks-off flush.
Wayne
I really need to finish this and my Wiseman Critter! There haven’t been many perfect days for painting, and the ones that are usually happen when I’ve been working and just want to kick back and relax for the evening. It looks like another hot and humid summer (and an even hotter garage, which is where I paint), but I’ll finish these projects eventually.[:)]
Drill the grab iron holes all the way through and glue from the inside, when dry, trim the wire flush with the inside wall, (I use the small Xuron flush cutters). If painting grabs a different color from the body, just slip the corner of a piece of paper (I use the small Post-It Notes) under the grab and paint with a brush
Darth!
Someone said “patience is a virtue”. I am very virtuous in that regard![swg][(-D][(-D][(-D].
I have a ton of projects which require painting, and like you my “paint shop” is in my garage. Up until recently the garage was so full of junk that there was no space to set up my booth. This spring my son and I filled a 10 yard dumpster so now I can at least see the space. Now I have to get off my duff and do some actual painting!
Like you, I do like to kick back and relax for the evening. Now I have to change the kick from “back” to(moderators please forgive me) “*ss”. [;)][(-D][(-D][(-D]
I look forward to your progress on your Critters!
Regards
Dave
Thanks.[:D] The drive belt is what Athearn currently sells for their old Hi-F drives. They come in bags of a couple dozen for a few dollars, and their flexibility and grip makes them very useful.[:D] They do soak in oil fast though, so you’ve gotta keep the pulleys and surrounding area pretty dry.
The wire bending is actually easier than it looks for this one. It’s so thin that it can be bent without wearing out your thumb, and Grandt Line gives full diagrams in the instructions.[:)]
Did you file a groove into the motor shaft to retain the band, or does it stay in place without one? I’ve found those rubber bands turn to goo within 6 months no matter what you do. I have a ton of those hair bands that I’ve used both as belts and traction tires, and they don’t seem to deteriorate even when exposed to oil. I could send you some, but please specify your color preference. [(-D]
Hi Darth Santa Fe
Ok that doesn’t look very Santa Fe to me[swg] but a very nice job done of that.
Do you know if any one has set them up as a parallel wired semi permanent double header.
That is must run together but can be separated for storage away from layout.
Also how much are the powered kits and where would the best place to order them from be.
Looks like a nice candidate for making a twin set up to me and a brass number & name plate perhaps brick might have to give it a go.
regards John