Thanks, ebtBob. As the kids
say,    "You Rule!"

Sincerely,  Jonathan

Looking forward to photos!

R,

Jonathan

Thanks, Nigel.

Will be on the lookout for tiny washers... along with all the super detail parts... and thicker glasses!

Regards,

Jonathan

Hotwheels does sell HO scale cars.  You'll find them at all the finer wallyworlds.  They're usually about a buck a piece.  Don't get addicted like I did.

Regular hotwheels and matchboxes are 1/64 scale if memory serves, around S scale as mentioned above.

Regards,

Jonathan

I experimented and used 1/4" pressboard for my subroadbed.  It holds track nails very well... didn't need a hammer.  Just push gently and firmly.  No problems so far.  I may use 3/8" pressboard for my next layout.  Just my two cents.

Regards,

Jonathan

Here's the pics of my progress on the GP-35.  I kept the weathering subtle.  I used a little diluted white glue to keep the stanchions in place before I painted them.  The arch welder light is still on board.  I haven't reached my lighting binge stage, yet.  The whole thing got a quick shot of dullcote.  You can see the tape marks where I masked the windows.  Didn't even know the residue was there until I zoomed in on the pics.  She runs and pulls great.  Will get to the gear polishing in the near future.

Thanks for the free advice.

Regards, Jonathan

All the rolling stock kits I have built required no glue at all.  Just a couple of small tools.  Belay my last.  Had to glue the brakewheel on one of the kits.  Working on a  loco kit (another post), that required some skillful gluing of handrails.

Jonathan

PD,

I thought Bowser quit producing steamer kits a while a go?  All the listings say discontinued or something to that affect.  If I see one at the upcoming train show (counting the days), I will consider grabbing it up.  Are they expensive?

Tylerf,

don't know about repainting.  Don't feel like the small fortune investment in an airbrush system is in my future.  Also, I only buy and model CSX, Amtrak and B&O.  It does sound tempting, though. 

Regards,

Jonathan

I would rather build a kit than buy RTR any day of the week.  The supply is down because most folks want RTR these days.

I have built Athearn, Accurail, MDC Roundhouse and recently, LBF.  Never heard of LBF before. They're out of Oregon.  It was a 52' box car kit that came with metal wheelsets.  It was free rolling without an upgrade!

Haven't tried a laser cut wood kit, yet, but anxious to try one.

Regards,

Jonathan

Don't worry, the 'rambling' was quite relevant.  I also intend to super detail this loco in the future... wiper blades, decals, MU hoses, number boards, etc, the list is endless.  For now I just need to finish the initial project.  Gonna weather it just a bit, so it looks as old as it sounds.  Will post some pics, soon.  Now where is my wife's camera....

Jonathan

Thanks, Jim.

I actually applied tiny drops of conducta-lube to each wheel, and let it run for a while.  That cured the sparks.  If it gets the wheels shiny as well, all the better.

I've read the "pearl drops" solution somewhere before.  Didn't realized it was meant to quiet the gears.  Will ponder that one.  Sounds like a good slow-day project.

Jonathan

Recently, I happened across and old Athearn Loco Kit, #4282, GP35, B&O (of course), with flywheel-drive.  It came with metal railings and stanchions.  Picked it up cheap.

I am presently in the throws of building this model and upgrading as I can.  Have hardwired the trucks (no more brass clip), added Kadee couplers, and assembling and painting the body parts.

A few questions if you don't mind.

1. The engine is more noisy than my newer models. Is this to be expected?  I have cleaned and lubed the trucks.  It's more noisy going forward than reverse.  If it's normal, I can live with it.  It runs smoothly otherwise.

2.  Are the old drive wheels good to run on?  They are obviously the old iron (sintered?) wheels, which sparked at first, but after I cleaned them, they seemed fine.  More concerned about cleanliness and durability than appearance.

3.  Does anybody know how old this kit might be?  It was never opened, and I feel a little lucky to have found a loco kit at all. Can't find a date on anything in the box..

Will post pics when I'm done.  Having fun with it!

Regards,

Jonathan

Well... casters are starting to sound better.  I'm glad to hear some others have done it, and it works.  Now all I need is approval from higher authority.

Wish me luck.

Regards,

Jonathan

My wife is considering letting me move my layout from the garage to the basement family room.  It will be considerably smaller, a 5' X 12'. 

Has anybody ever considered putting their benchwork on wheels?  As I get older the thought of climbing up on my layout sounds less appealing.  The layout will have to go against a wall with a corner.

The advantage of wheels would be allowing me to pull the bench work back when laying track, adding scenery elements, etc.  I'm toying with the idea.  Disadvantage would be all the weight supported by four legs with wheels.  Anybody else ever tried it?

Regards,

Jonathan

Yampa Bob,

If you get a chance to read the board, my prayers are with you.  I can't thank you enough for the wealth of knowledge you have shared with me.   

I know have made model railroading more enjoyable for many others as well.

Hope to hear from you one of these days.

Very sincerely,

Jonathan