Thank you for the nice comments guy  It was a labor of love.

lol perhaps Yampa, perhaps....

Some of you may remember a few months ago that I was working on a little 2x4 module/static display of a steam locomotive service terminal. This past weekend was St. Petersburg, Florida H&R Trains 56th annual train show. Various displays of all scales from G to Z were included. Door prizes were awarded, raffles, ribbons to those with the best displays. It was quite an experience (And I was the only person above 15, and younger than 30 who entered, interesting lol. I'm 19). I took up a small space in the corner of a large tent, and watched as people kneeled down and said how much they like it, with the Big Boys and big steam, the scratchbuilt coaling tower, the little people working on some track work. While I didn't win first or second place for my "division", I did win an appreciation award for my first time entering.

I'll be entering next year with an expansion added onto my little world. Now, on to the pictures!

An overview








Now some black and white dramatic shots!

Oh no doubt about the Js being from the BL case. But they should have sat on them for a while, maybe a year or two. I can still get BLIs for like $150 marked down. Then there is Bachmann as an option which is even cheaper.



I doubt the 9000 will be able to run on anything less then a 28. Could it? I'm sure they have a way of getting it down to something even smaller. I remember someone saying they saw it run at a show and it was something that looked like a 24" curve. 18? I wouldn't place money on that bet. I'm just happy I can get one that is going to be available and for less then brass. There are so many companies making things other companies make, K4s and Js and Niagaras, Big Boys and whatnot. Granted I don't care for the triplex MTH made, who realistically could use it? But a 9000 has been overdue in HO for a long time. I just wish MTH would get rid of their DCS system in the HO stuff. I like my standards thank you very much! 


I can't wait to see some video of the 9000 though. 



Next up, I need to buy that spectrum 0-6-0 re-release. Thank you Bachmann!

I believe most of us that wanted a 9000 already know this. Its a shame they are also doing a J, the market already has too many Js.

I can't wait to add it to my collection.

Thank you very much Woody.

I've seen some pictures of the old tinplate Blue Comet, not at all accurate, but it sure looks great.

I'll have pictures as soon as I start gathering the models and materials. Finances are the only block right now. 

I have a Rivarossi Big Boy, maybe I can help. But I've never encountered this problem before.

Since this is a plastic articulated, both sets of drivers should swivel to go around tight curves easily. I would take the model on a flat table surface and swivel the engines by hand, see if they get caught up on anything.

If that doesn't help come to any conclusions, try some bigger curves. Yes, it is suppose to be able to go around as tight as 18" but it doesn't mean it should be run on those. Try a 24" or anything wider if you can. Good luck!

MJC

You know that is the only evidence I've ever seen of an HO Light mountain. I wish I could find one, cause Trainworld never has them. Trainworld rarely has anything in stock it seems.

What constitutes small steam?

I do agree, we need a modern, generic 2-6-0. A spectrum USRA 0-6-0.

BUT bachmann has made plenty of small steam. Hell, even their articulated was a small design.

I say medium steam. We have the USRA Mikes covered through many companies.

We need Pacifics, URSA Light Mountains (Did Bachmann make a light mountain? I find no evidence of one in HO anywhere).

I hate to say it, and I'll probably have to wait until MTH does it, but I want a 4-12-2 in plastic. I don't care if it can't round anything less than a 30" curve but I want it done!
Wishful thinking I guess.

Thanks for the information everyone.

As far as driver sizes go, I'm not so nit-picky. I just plan on having something that someone can look at and say "hey, that looks like the Blue Comet."

As far as details go, I'll be adding many details to give it at least the feel of the Blue Comet. Even if the IHC is the most sparsely detailed model, it gives me a clean base to start. I do want to check out the RH model first though, see how it performs. If it is anything like the Genesis line, I'm sure I'll be pleased. I just wish BLI would release their Pacific, it would be perfect.

I found some pictures of an HO Brass CNJ G3 painted as the BC. The color looks correct, and it gives me an idea of what I'd have to change on the USRA Pacific and what colors.

Then there is pulling power. If the model can pull at least 5 Bachmann Spectrum Heavyweights then perfect. I also want to get a hold of some of those cheap, any road and number, and I'll make a small set of matching passenger cars.

Honestly, even if it isn't greatly accurate I don't mind. A likeness is good enough for me. Some details here and there (the feedwater heater for sure), and a good paint job and I'm happy.

Many thanks for the color chart Yampa. I'll have to have a look around the LHS and see if I can't match some colors.

I was just on RH's site, they are scheduled to release the DC version of their pacific in early July for $149. I'll wait and see how it performs and what the detail level on it is.

I checked out that site for the Whippany Railway, lots of good information on there. The only thing is, what part was painted Packard and what part royal?

I'm looking to start another project by this summer, a model of the CNJ Blue Comet. Seeing how I was born in Jersey, I'd like to model the motive power. Plus, shes quite a looker.

Now, I know she was a G-3 Pacific, but apparently that doesn't exist in a plastic model.

Even a USRA heavy pacific would be more accurate, but it looks like I'm settling for a USRA light pacific, and detail the hell out of it to get something remotely like the real deal.

It appears that BLI isn't coming out with their pacific any longer, guess they didn't get enough preorders. My options are IHC, a Bowser kit, and the upcoming Roundhouse model.

I don't want the Bowser kit, as I don't really have time to put together a kit, I already have an MDC 4-4-2 that is still waiting to be striped and put together.

Not sure what the price is on the RH model is going to be, if it's out by June then I will possibly consider it, depending on the price/detail/features.

That leaves the IHC Pacific. I can get one of the newer versions that is DCC ready for only $99. Granted, it will have to be detailed and repainted, but I'm confident that I can have something that would be at least recognizable. I understand I'll likely have to print out the majority of the decals.

Anyone have any thoughts? Suggestions? I'm building a list of supplies and parts and would love to hear suggestions, especially on paint. I know its a royal blue, but who makes a really nice royal blue?

MJC

Thank you very much! All the Mike needs to be fully accurate is a modified pilot, but I'm saving that for a summer project. I'd like to see your projects when they are finished.

I wish the company that made the sweeny stack in a brass detail part didn't drop off the pace of the earth. If you ever need some detailed explanation on how we managed to get a taper on the styrene cylinder used, let me know and I'll show how we rigged a drill press and used a standard razor blade to get the desired effect.

MJC

Thank you very much Tim. Unfortunately I don't believe this camera does. It's an older model and is fairly basic. I'll see about borrowing a family member's newer camera and try that one. As far as lighting goes, I'll have to add another light. The one lamp is all I have, I'll experiment with that with the next set of pictures.

Santa Fe Buff, not sure what there is to explain. I just made some measurements and cut some cardboard and sheet styrene, then somehow with some superglue, it all came together. It actually leans slightly to the left on it's legs, but it stands solids. I'll send you an email to see if I can better detail how it came together.

And thanks hotrainlover, I tried to make them as similar as possible. The only real givaway is the Revell has thick handrails, and the handrails on the boiler are solid. No way to fix this though, any attempt to give it normal looking handrails would not be an easy task, nor a clean one.

G scale isn't quite a scale. G incorporates anything that runs on the common large scale track. In a sense you are both right.

But the term G Gauge would be more correct.

Well thank you. I just can't seem to get anything decent out of this camera, and it's on the micro setting. hmm...

Well, I'm waiting on the figures to populate the layout with, workers and welders and whatnot to come in the mail. Just thought I'd through up some shots of the Big Boys and other shots.