Good morning!
Here's a little project to start the day:
I don't model anything past 1960 anymore. That leaves some of my equipment without a job. I've managed to sell off most of my modern era rolling stock, but there are still a few pieces laying around... Perfectly good stuff, just not real marketable.
So... here's an FP40H that use to be a Spectrum model years ago:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6795.jpg)
Two screws remove the shell, a little maintenance, and you have a perfectly good power source. It's heavy, by the way, will probably pull more a lot more freight than passenger cars:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6796.jpg)
I really wanted to use a steam era 40 foot box car to hide the mechanism, but too many modification would have been required. I really didn't want to grind on the frame. You never know when you need to put your FP40H back together again.
Here an old Athearn 50' box car that will serve as a good stand in:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6799.jpg)
I had to do a little razor saw work on the shell to get it onto the loco frame:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6798.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6797.jpg)
There's a dead space when the box car shell sits on the loco frame. It acts like a speaker baffle. To get it quiet, I rolled up a paper towel to fill the dead space:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6800.jpg)
Worked great. Hmmmm... room for a decoder if I ever fall to the darkside.
Now All I need is a little paint and a little weathering. The trucks won't be completely unnoticeable, but I will probably have to point it out to most folks when the train is rolling. Here are some shots of the 'almost' complete project:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6802.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6803.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6804.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6805.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6806.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6801.jpg)
A caveat: this idea is not new. For many years modelers have been "kitbashing" :)
their rolling stock and adding power to freight equipment. Just thought I'd share my little project.
Regards,
Jonathan
P.S. It was fun to run a little train with a 'ghost' locomotive in front.
Nice Jonathan.
This might inspire some who have an unpowerd loco that they would like to run ahead of the box car.
Rich
Thanks, Rich.
Now all I need is some 'inspiration' on what kind of believable appliance I can put on the end of a 50' box car, to cover the loco frame's overhang.
I was thinking of a rumble seat for hobos, but that might draw too much attention to a car that's not suppose to distract one's attention from the rest of the train. ;D
When I'm feeling frisky, I'll redecorate the car to look like an M-61 box car, the last new B&O box car before the end of steam. The present car is an M-68. Just need to change the doors and repaint.
Regards,
Jonathan
Looks like quite a lot of grinding would be needed on the "front" of the fame. No doubt have to completely strip the frame. I have done tht with a couple sound installs. Strip out everything and grind away with a 4 inch diameter rotary bench sander I picked up off of ebay for $25.00.
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/Bench%20sander/IMG_1829.jpg)
I remove the guard sometimes depending on what I am sanding down. It use sticky back paper. I use #80 grit for grinding frames.
Other stuff, usually #150 grit
Rich
FWIW, way back in the Jurrasic era an outfit called Lindsey made HO motors and power trucks. Among the items they marketed was the "Ghost". it was their smallest motor mounted on an angle and powering one axle of a standard freight car truck. You needed to cut a hole in car floor, but it would power the box car with no obvious mechanism, hence the name Ghost.
Hmmm... Painted camoflauge and a couple of gun turrets where the holes are on top... ;D
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6796.jpg)
Quote from: ebtnut on September 16, 2011, 11:58:49 AM
FWIW, way back in the Jurrasic era an outfit called Lindsey made HO motors and power trucks. Among the items they marketed was the "Ghost". it was their smallest motor mounted on an angle and powering one axle of a standard freight car truck. You needed to cut a hole in car floor, but it would power the box car with no obvious mechanism, hence the name Ghost.
NWSL sells some nice powered trucks but you would have to add weight. Kind of pricey for converting a boxcar though.
Rich
jonathan, You could have used a steam era 50 foot box. However the pug door is not one.
Jonathan,
Maybe you have another old box laying around and you could cut enough off to cover the frame. I have seen some of your projects and you can sure handle that. If you don't have any I may have one I can send to you.
Jerry
Jerry,
Thanks; as a matter of fact I just found a 50 foot box car: "THE A TEAM" (I can still hear the music in my head).
It will not break my heart to cut a little of the end off to finish this car. I was thinking faking some kind of storage box or mechanical something or other. Jury is still out.
Ram, I just shaved off the plug door and a couple door stops, replaced the stirup steps and found enough decals to do the job. Can finish the box car without a Youngstown door and install it later, when I find an extra one lying around.
Except for the door and some very, very minor details, the steam era M-61 looks just like the diesel era M-68.
Regards,
Jonathan
That was a pretty good idea, as an aside I can hear the A-team music playing in my head, and I enjoy it when people mention Youngstown, it makes you reminisce about when Youngstown was the second largest steel manufacturer in the United States with the headquarters for U.S. Steel, Republic Steel, Youngtown Sheet & Tube and many more. Now well that is a different story.
Thanks ACY
A little primer:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Projects/DSCN6809.jpg)
A little Devil's Red:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Projects/DSCN6812.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Projects/DSCN6814.jpg)
BTW, I don't think anyone really knows what color represents Devil's Red. I think the B&O was having fun with the competition. I misted on some Boyds Red (dark), followed by Guards Red (a little brighter), finally a touch of Bright Red)... all while the paints were wet.
Now just need to find some doors...
Enjoy.
Oh, couldn't bring myself to chop up the A Team car. I'm a sentimental fool.
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Projects/DSCN6815.jpg)
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathon
You might try something like this to cover that cut out area. Not sure if it is large enough but a small air conditioner might make sense.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/229-2308.
Also just can't resist you must be saying what the A team used to say: "I love it when a plan comes together!"
That is just the ticket! Will see if I can get an LHS to order one to avoid the rediculous shipping fees.
Thanks a million!
I pity the fool (sic) who doesn't love trains. ;D
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan,
The A/C unit that NMWTRR posted is the type used on diesel locomotive cabs. They are approximately 5/16" x 1/4" and wouldn't be large enough to cover the end of your boxcar shell. I would suggest something along these lines, though they still might not be quite big enough.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?quick=refrigeration
Well, there is a Timonium Train Show next month. Perhaps I'll find some kind of cover, as well as some Youngstown Doors. There's always plenty of "box of junk for a dollar" vendors. You have given me some good ideas what to look for. Thanks again.
In the meantime the powered box car is ready for service, while waiting for parts:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6816.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6818.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6820.jpg)
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6821.jpg)
I even have a place to park it until needed:
(http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/jsnvogel/Rolling%20Stock/DSCN6822.jpg)
The car will be very handy when I feel the need for a loooooooong train.
Regards,
Jonathan
P.S. I put the Athearn frame under the A-Team shell. Sooooo... it rolls well enough to join my regular fleet. ...talk about a plan coming together :)
Quote from: florynow on September 24, 2011, 04:55:39 PM
Without sounding too ignorant ...... what is the "purpose" of a "powered box car"? I would run a double headed train rather than go to all of the trouble needed to make a powered box car.
PF
It should be obvious, he needed a new challenge.
Also, you can run a dummy loco that cannot be powered easily and maybe has sentimental value and for whatever reason, Can only run one loco. I have seen something like this before over the many years of model railroading.
It could give inspiration to power a B unit and add a small cab to the B unit which a prototype RR did some years ago for moving rolling stock.
Model railroading is suppose to be fun.
I have converted a 0-6-0T into a oil fired cab forward 2-6-0 with Vandy tender. A oil fired 4-4-0 cab forward existed about 1901.
Rich
Quote from: florynow on September 24, 2011, 04:55:39 PM
... what is the "purpose" of a "powered box car"? I would run a double headed train rather than go to all of the trouble needed to make a powered box car.
PF
Sometimes the trains we run do not look right when double headed. In 0n30, I have a layout that includes a helix with an almost 4% grade. It is fun to add a pusher to a freight train to help it up the hill but at shows, I often run it with a shorter passenger train. The passenger train just does not look right when double headed, so I built a powered baggage car, quite similar to Jonathan's powered box car. When it is mu'ed to the little ten wheeler pulling the train, it "look right," at least to me, and will operate unattended for hours at a time with no strain on either powered unit.
After reading Rich's response, I am now thinking about what I could do with a couple of tender powered H0 locomotives sitting in the back of a drawer. An S-scale cab, some wider walkways, some larger appliances and headlight - hmmm. To me, the question "why?" gets the same answer as the more fundamental question "why build a model railroad?"
Jim
The actual "why" for this project is two fold. Yes, I needed a new challenge. I had read about adding hidden power units to trains to increase length. It sounded like something fun to try.
Also, I am preparing for the arrival of my Spectrum EM-1. The prototype of this locomotive weighed over a million pounds and could pull long trains all by itself.
I don't want to overtax the plastic version. I have discovered my GP35 and GP40 mechanisms fit inside the box car shell, along with the Amtrak mechanism. Now I can change the speed of the box car as needed.
But what's really neat is taking my 0-6-0 on the mainline with 30 cars in tow, with the help of the powered box car.
Just my strange ideas of fun.
Regards,
Jonathan
Great job Jonathan, no need to explain. Model Railroading is about tinkering in my book, making something out of nothing, or making a bad runner into a great runner (MDC Shays) Some people like it, some don't, its all about what you want to do. A lot of us like to do all, bench work, track, wiring, scenery, scratch building, loco mods, etc. It helps make you a better, well rounded modeler IMHO.
I will agree with Geared Steam.
"A lot of us like to do all, bench work, track, wiring, scenery, scratch building, loco mods, etc. It helps make you a better, well rounded modeler IMHO."
I for one love a good project, my problem is I start too many at one time.
Jonathan has done a superb job with his projects. Please stop posting them, every time you do I start a new project. Just kidding keep them coming. I will speak for almost everyone they are great.
Jerry
Well, thanks a bunch. I will continue to post projects. I try to attempt them one-at-a-time. Although, sometimes I get stuck trying to finish two at once.
I like to share the projects because I learn so much from all the great wisdom in this group.
I probably won't have much to share until my EM-1's arrive. I've started collecting superdetail parts. I have some plans for tweaking these locos. Plus, I think it would be a good idea if someone posted a few pics on how to remove the shell, perform some simple inspections and maintenance, etc.
For now, I'll enjoy running trains and waiting for my new babies.
Regards,
Jonathan
I've seen many examples of powered boxcars but mainly in N scale where the lighter tractive effort can limit ones train length, but since Bullfrog Snot came around it has replaced the powered boxcar option. I like this for many different reasons, mainly the ability to take a poor operating loco or critter and make it functional by using this method, in addition to adding DCC and/or sound where it wasn't possible.
Quote from: florynow on September 24, 2011, 09:26:49 PM
... I intentionally model the water-level somewhat coastal flat farm land of the South where I was born and still live, so I do forget sometimes about all of the complications of trying to recreate mountains and building non-prototypical helixes and tremendously steep grades ...
PF
I too model the railroading of my youth. And that was mountain railroading, complete with heavy grades and prototypical helical tunnels (usually incorrectly called spiral tunnels.) I grew up on tales of great feats of engineering to build railways in impossible places, and to me, designing and building model railways to reflect this is part of the fun. The last large addition to my H0 layout took a year to design but I managed to fit in a double helix ala the CPR "Spiral Tunnels," a resources branch line with switch backs and 6% grades, and a 5 track hidden yard capable of holding about 80 cars and 10 locomotives all in a space just a little larger than 4' x 8' but with enough room left for scenery to make the whole thing look plausible. That my newest layout in 0n30 is also a mountain layout should be no surprise and as far as building a powered car for it is concerned, I love the tinkering.
That is one of the great things about our hobby - we can pursue the aspects we like and ignore or hire out the rest. I never complain about people hiring out their electronics work - it helps me pay for my own railways. But my first choice is to teach them how to do it themselves, which I do for free. To me that is another great thing about our hobby - sharing rather than competing.
Jim
Jonathan - I have an idea for your next project. How about an HO scale B&O tugboat? Saw one in one of the magazines. Even better - build one of the barges that the railroads used to move freight cars across the waters. Years ago I saw a NYC barge with a silver and blue B&O Sentinel Service box car on it. I had to have one (Sentinel boxcar) when I went into HO.
Just a thought.
Woody,
I have considered that very thing. Not wanting to model water, I built my layout with foothills in mind... no where near a shoreline.
I have read a number of articles on barges and tugboats. Seems they were big business around NY; the SIRT, NYC et al.
A harbor or river's edge now seems like a neat modeling possibility.
Regards,
Jonathan
Back in the days before all the mergers, tugs with Lehigh Valley, NYC, PRR or Erie on the stack was a common sight up here in NY Harbor. Of course there weren't any B&O tugs (at least none that I ever saw.) Many moons ago there were a few articles about the barges in the model railroad press. I used to love to take the Ferry to Staten Island when I was a kid because there were always barges with interesting cars on them. This was before the big merger into (ugh, I hate to write it) Penn Central.
You must not be aware of doing Google searches. Spiral tunnel info below. Have fun reading. Railroad design/construction evolves.
http://tinyurl.com/3p62umv
Rich
flory-
I think there is a third somewhere in the US but the Canadian tunnels are the famous ones because of how early they were built and where they are -- right in the middle of Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies. I've seen them in action (well, it was actually the trains which were in action) and they are very impressive.
These aren't just open-air Tehachapi Loops. It's quite easy to build a curve which crosses itself and a number of railroads have done it. But the Canadian loops are inside of mountains. The engineering and surveying becomes a lot more difficult when you're doing it in solid granite and trying to dig from each end so you line up in the middle. No, sir. These are most definitely not mere loops.
-- D