can’t believe not started yet. Tomorrow I bring my 3 rail track to work and begin to shape a layout. I’m gonna run short cars on it like the below:
7/8n18 scale beam car, made from two 1:1 spike hole filler wood chunks (used to fill spike holes in ties). Wood is naturally weathered, no treatment done. Made axles from 027 rails, spiked to the beams. Wheels are Lionel fast-angle, needle axle. Rolls smoothly. Ready for couplers and a load. Each beam car takes about 5 minutes to make.
made a couple improvements. Screwed copper plating to the underside and sweat-soldered the 027 (Lionel) rail to the copper. Does 3 things. Mechanically holds the beams together (vice just wood glue); Secures the axle housings (rails) better to the frame; and thirdly, it lets the axles rub against the copper vice the wooden underside (as eventually, might cut a groove?)
I’m sure there will be many more refinements to come such as the couplings, bumper plates and some designing of the topside
Coming along very nicely! If you feel as I did, there’s nothing quite so satisfying as getting that final link connected up so you can run the trains continuously. Wish I had a spot somewhere on my existing layout for one of those Atlas bridges. They have all the detail I want in a bridge.
these are some nice bridges. if you dont mind telling me where did you get them and how much did they cost. i would love to get a couple of them to put on my layout as they would really add a little more excitement.
The black bridge is an Atlas. ( 41 inches long ). It was given to me by a close friend. Looks great.
The metal bridge is a 100 Year Bridge Co., and is going to get spray painted, in the Spring. ( Blueberry Blue, naturally ) and it was less than a hundred dollars. Very strong. 47 1/2 " long.
Also, I am not planning to put in catenaries, at the present. I would love to, but I need to concentrate on scenery for a while.
And last , but not least, ( Frank53 )…After much mental debate and sleepless nights, I tearfully decided to go with Gargraves, instead of my beloved tubular. I had too many bends to make of various radius, and thought it would work better.
Graet work & great photos everyone !! I just got a couple new cars recently, a B&O boxcar & a custom painted Home Depot gondola. Here is a little clip of them in action !! The Geep is one of the early Railsounds engines. Great horn & bell ! Should be able to just click on !
Here is the Polar Express in polar conditions, with a polar bear, during the International Polar Year! Taken yesterday morning.
Alaskans use a heat gun to hunt this species of polar bear!
Here is one for our friends in Canada and across the Big Pond!
The Polar Express crew decided to step outside and cool off a little.
Best regards from the freezer! Kevin T.
PS Get ready– our two week cold snap is suppose to end sometime later this week and I am sure when it does it will be visiting our friends in the Lower 48!
