I recently got some Walthers Rooftop Details and some Rooftop Details from a eBay seller. I combined the details onto the roofs of some Outland Models buildings and think that they look really good what do you think?
December 31, 2023
Today i created a 3D model of a large HVAC
I couldn't find a N scale version of a large HVAC so I modeled my own. I took inspiration from GTAO V and some of the buildings in that game.
I searched for different elements of the HVAC like the fans and louvers on the unit and the shapes.
I can't post it being on mobile or I would post the screenshot of the HVAC unit. I think it came out very well and I measured it a 1:160 figure.
It came out so well that I sent the model to an online 3D printer. Hopefully, soon after the new year, I will have a physical resin model to use on my incoming locomotive engine house.
Stay tuned.........
December 30, 2023
Today I used a online 3D printer
I've used an online 3D printer for another project in the past that wasn't the best, Today I tried a different online 3D printer. The file I wanted to be printed was for 6 large HVAC units that I found on Thingiverse. I wanted something large but cheap as well and HVAC units sold online weren't really my cup of tea so I found a file online then found a printer and boom the rest is history. Im hoping that they will print like the ones below, They will be installed on the incoming Outlands Models 3 stall engine house along with some Walthers Roof Details and some eBay purchased roof details.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4747070
December 25, 2023
Revisiting a old project GreenMax 2528 Track Maintenance Diesel Locomotive & 3-Freight Cars Kit
I was pretty bored and decided to revisit an old project my GreenMax Track Maintenance Kit. I added the side frames to the carts and I also weathered the cars with an India Ink wash.
December 22, 2023
Can I turn this sheet of brass into a N scale boxcar/gondola?
Well, the project is on hold why you ask, The brass is too thick to work with I tried using a jeweler saw it took too long, I tried my Dremel tool which is too dangerous, I tried a full-size saw with the wrong blade, I tried a mini bolt cutter that's too small. I have access to a full-size bolt cutter that I will bring in my brass sheet and that should work since it's larger we'll see.
December 20, 2023
A few things Ive ordered this week
December 11, 2023
The latest Yellow from Tru-Color
I have lots of hope for this one, I've opened it and it looks better than some of the other yellow paint that Ive purchased.
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!!
This is it, I used the Tru-Color on some bare brass and it looks good I'm sure it'll look better on top of some primer. I may actually decide to have the brass shells professionally painted we will see.
December 03, 2023
December 02, 2023
Kato Industrial Building 23-310 (aka the kit I love to hate)
Kato Industrial Building 23-310 is the kit that I love to hate. I've grown up with Kato buildings for the past 10 years and haven't had much of a problem with them. Lately, I have had an issue assembling Kato buildings, I had a problem with the Engine House and the Industrial building. None of the kits are supposed to need glue to assemble but in both cases, I needed to use PVA glue to keep them from coming apart. Below is the finished product that will make a home on my layout.
November 27, 2023
Close but no cigar I'm still searching for the perfect Safety Yellow.
Just use your imagination that this model is painted in the perfect Safety Yellow detailed with black wheels silver hubcaps and black Outriggers plus the JR Railways logo. But alas this is what I have for now soon it's getting a dunk in the paint remover for another shot when the Badger Modelflex Railbox Yellow shows up.
November 26, 2023
Aru Nine Models builds
I've always liked brass trains but never could afford it fast forward to 2023 I've found Aru Models. Aru Models is a Japanese company that makes etched brass kits and mechanisms in HO and N scale. Ive recently completed Model A1007 & Model 1006. Not to shabby I must admit all that's needed is to stuff a decoder in it then paint and add some acetate for the glass effect.
November 23, 2023
In pursuit of the perfect Safety Yellow.
Im back on the commuter train kick I guess, Kato 10-1703 inbound
November 15, 2023
Today I got a tiny decoder ESU LokPilot 5 Micro
I want something smaller than the Digitrax DZ126T I really didnt think that there was anything smaller boy was I wrong. I got an ESU LokPilot 5 Micro decoder and boy is that thing small, I would say that its half the size of the DZ126T thats ridiculous to me lol. This decoder will be going in the new Aru Model kit because the DZ126T isnt small enough and doesnt have enough features.
November 12, 2023
I was pretty scared to take this project on but yesterday I decided to start working on it.
One tip I can give is to clean the model first so your solder will stick to the metal.
The build in its entirety wasn't bad to assemble even though the instructions were totally in Japanese.
This kit takes a KATO 10-105 chassis for power, I added a DZ126T decoder to this kit.
November 10, 2023
DCC'ing the KATO 11-105 Chassis
Adding the decoder is fairly straight forward.
- Gently remove the tan cover. It holds the motor in and adds weight, note the chunk of metal in it..
- Carefully move the motor out of the way, keeping the drive shaft in constant view. You can't get replacements.
- Pry up the circuit board off the bottom of the chassis.
- Remove the two contacts that feed the motor.
- Solder the Orange and Gray wires to the motor.
- The tabs are tiny, use lots of flux and pre-tin.You may want to leave longer wires so you could later add diodes or resistors to limit power.
- Solder the Red and Black wires (leave more wire here too) to the contact strips and pop them back into the chassis. They most likely fell out when you remover the circuit board and motor contacts.
- If you got a standard decoder with lighting and you want headlights add them now. Otherwise fold the wires up and wrap with tape, you may change your mind later.
- Put the contact strips back into the chassis.
- DO NOT REPLACE THE MOTOR CONTACTS.
- Replace the circuit board
- Place the motor back in place. Tweezers or forceps will help guide the drive shaft back into the cup.
- When the motor is settled, snap the tan cover back on.
- Use tape to attach the extra wires and decoder to the cover.
- TEST!
- Figure out how to slow the loco down.
- Goto 14 until satisfied
- Reassemble the loco.
November 04, 2023
Finally returning home from Kato 3 E235 units
I'm finally getting my E235 end units and motor car returned to me today. They've been with Kato since April 27 2023. Yup almost a year which seems like forever in dog years. I guess I should explain why they were sent to Kato in the first place
I wanted directional lighting in my trains and I run dcc that means I need a decoder. I needed two FL12 decoders and they're pretty easy to install and get working but mine did not work. I went online and asked questions about the installation of the decoders but nothing worked.
I called Kato and explained the situation and they said send in the end cars as well as the motor car I guess so they could be programmed as a group. No biggie I sent them in with the knowledge of the long wait times for repairs even the website says there's a 6-8 month wait.
So Kato USA couldn't fix the problem possibly because they didn't have the right parts because they are Kato USA. Off my trains go to Kato Japan for some undetermined amount of time and returned because Kato Japan couldn't fix my trains either. I'm thinking Kato Japan couldn't fix my trains either come on give me a break.
Personally I don't think my trains left the USA because it doesn't make sense that Kato Japan doesn't have a part for one of their more popular trains. I'm sure the part needed is a common part in their line of trains so it doesn't add up.
I have to say Kato USA & Japan both make great products but their customer service is lacking. If you can fix something without sending to Kato USA do it and don't send it in.
To Kato USA's credit they did replace the circuit boards in the end units
November 01, 2023
Got some used gear from a friend today