|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Nov 28, 2019 19:32:56 GMT -5
A little bit of work done over the last three weeks on this one.
This is the prototype in the state I wish to have it painted and weathered:
First, not showing here are several PM exchanged with Jim (Big Train James) who not only provided to me technical guidance regarding SW1500 radiators and fuel tank, but made it happen so I finally got 3D printed radiators, which perfectly fit into my brass shell. Once painted, and in contrast with the orange body and grille, they shall look very realistic, just like the fan through the louvers.
Caution will be required while soldering the grille over it as they will likely melt under the heated brass. But I have a plan...
Besides, I have rebuilt the fuel tank by adding a hand shaped piece of 3/16" x 1" stainless flat bar, glued with epoxy, then filed and sanded. Did anyone ever noticed that I like to kitbash metal?  It sure adds up more weight, but will also lower the center of gravity for more realistic operation. I have also finished the air tank lines and supports,completed the ditch lights, then plated the condemned windows on cab (not visible in picture below).
Now, since the shell is an Alco Model, the inside of the cab has no details, so I will kitbash an interior as witnessed on a Rapido SW so I can duplicate the instruments. Blackened windows would have been the lazy option, but to this point, having such enhanced details on the front end would have made it a deceiving shortcut at the rear end, since the prototype has clear windows. Gotta make a decent job; I owe it to Jim at least 
More to come soon.
|
|
|
|
Post by sbcarshops on Dec 3, 2019 12:40:45 GMT -5
Wow Fantastic progress and I can definitely see how the realism is gonna look amazing and can't wait to see her all painted up! A true inspiration here... even if I'm clueless at scratch building with metal 🤣
|
|
|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Dec 5, 2019 21:34:47 GMT -5
Wow Fantastic progress and I can definitely see how the realism is gonna look amazing and can't wait to see her all painted up! A true inspiration here... even if I'm clueless at scratch building with metal 🤣 Thanks for the nice comment. It's always a pleasure to share, and see what other guys do. I am feeding this forum mainly because I also appreciate looking at amazing projects here. If my stuff can be inspirational to others, then it's my best wish. Never ask me for permission of taking/sharing my pictures. If it's online, it's everybody's; I'm not a professional.
I'd say metal scratchbuilding makes for the extra scars on your hands Besides, I sometimes like to combine different types of materials as in this project: Die cast metal frame, plastic custom parts and brass body. I like to use plastic in areas where parts cannot be broken. I have reworked much of my boxcars with brass grab iron, door hinges, brake lines, which I melt in the body, then repaint.
This project is currently going slow due to other stuff I am doing along, including weathering and synchronizing my son's X-mas gift: an Atlas AMT Bombardier ALP45 (awesome sound, I bet he'll like it), completing details on a structure on the club layout, replacing wheels on my brass loco fleet by custom insulated ones, kitbashing a CN MOW service truck, and so on... Business as usual 
Might spend more time on QGRY1500 next week though. I have just assembled coupler boxes with the frame/trucks/drivetrain for an alignment check and looks OK.
Stephane
|
|
|
|
Post by sbcarshops on Dec 8, 2019 0:59:41 GMT -5
Wow! Definitely a full plate for sure! Mines mostly occupied by work ha! And trying to relocate my work bench since where it now isnt conducive. Lol 50F isnt a good temperature to paint and glue!
The Mow truck sounds like a neat project! And I'm sure he will love his gift!
|
|
|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Dec 9, 2019 12:47:42 GMT -5
I sure could retire and be busy (hobby-wise) full time  But indeed I don't have much control on work schedule either.
I can only afford a couple hours worth of hobby a week only because I do none TV, nor social media (other than Hobby-related forums). Then online gaming is also out of question. I believe its not so much about what you're preaching to your kids not to do, than what you are showing doing yourself... One's gotta have passions and dreams, whichever that be. And that being said, I am looking forward for some good operation times with my son on the Club's layout during the holidays. I can already guess we'll have a busy AMT consist on a mission. 
I will post pictures of the freelance CN MOW truck along once completed.
Stephane
|
|
|
|
Post by sbcarshops on Jan 4, 2020 0:37:14 GMT -5
Definitely makes sense! The gaming and social media can sure eat up time if unchecked! I definitely need more hobby time for myself for sure. All work and no hobbies is no fun! We just wrapped up the busy season for us (Second to only 4th of July) so things hopefully will simmer a little. Space and money is another story too rofl!
|
|
|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Jan 24, 2020 7:35:59 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by sbcarshops on Jan 31, 2020 3:01:06 GMT -5
I hear that! Looks like my project ADD too! Looking forward to seeing them all!
|
|
|
|
Post by jakeloyst on Feb 8, 2020 15:55:20 GMT -5
where did you get the 3d radiators??
|
|
|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Feb 8, 2020 19:38:24 GMT -5
I've been procrastinating a bit  , and finally completed other type of diesels in the meantime: dieseldetailer.proboards.com/thread/19093/contractor-mow-trucksNow moving forward with this project. I have just assembled all the drivetrain/frame/shell so to validate that the alignment is OK (never mind the goofy temporary assembly for the opposed coupler). I was amazed to see that it was all fine from the first attempt, which was kinda unexpected, and a happy surprise.
The Alco Models shell is not designed for the Ajin frame so this is all about customization. I had to add thick brass plates under the frame in order to level the die cast metal frame, under which I have also glued a solid iron fuel tank. All this, plus the air tanks (from solid brass rod) and with all metal parts added, the good news is that I am now slightly above 300 grams. Not bad for a tiny switcher.
 Frame fit & alignment. by Ironstef70, sur Flickr Since it just passed Quality Control for frame alignment, I can keep going with cab details.
I have replaced all grab iron (Alcos were too bold, and wrong design) by more realistic ones, shaped the cab handrails, relocated the horn with a scrachbuilt support. Also scratchbuilt bell frame, window wipers, cab mirror, sun visor and visor holders. I now need to complete all handrails with accurate ones, which also need to be shortened in order to be to the right size.
To be continued next weekend.
S
|
|
|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Feb 8, 2020 21:01:12 GMT -5
where did you get the 3d radiators?? Through Jim (AKA Big Train James). See earlier in this tread.
It's 3D printed through Shapeways.
S
|
|
|
|
Post by sbcarshops on Feb 11, 2020 17:44:10 GMT -5
Awesome Progress! and the amount of detail and weight in this will definitely be a solid model in both heft and quality |
|
|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Feb 14, 2020 19:58:47 GMT -5
Awesome Progress! and the amount of detail and weight in this will definitely be a solid model in both heft and quality
I hope so. Again, thank you for your interest.
So I have completed the body details and prepared for the paint. I shall do the black this weekend.
The Stanchions job was a success. The picture shows how I have proceeded, first soldering the handrails (.020" brass wire) in place, then shortening the stanchions, and soldering the "heads" back in place.
Next step will be scratchbuilding the cabin floor/consoles/seat.
Stephane
|
|
|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Feb 22, 2020 16:16:13 GMT -5
A little more progress: frame is completed now, with all minor details, and ready to paint.  frame by Ironstef70, sur Flickr For those wondering, the '56 F100 in the background is another project in 1:64 scale. I am getting into detailing Hot Wheels into Rat Rods. S. |
|
|
|
Post by ironstef70 on Mar 12, 2020 18:25:11 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by sbcarshops on Mar 18, 2020 16:20:04 GMT -5
Looks absolutely amazing! Glad to see the progress and the rat rod is gonna be slick tooo!
|
|
It sure adds up more weight, but will also lower the center of gravity for more realistic operation. I have also finished the air tank lines and supports,completed the ditch lights, then plated the condemned windows on cab (not visible in picture below). 
But indeed I don't have much control on work schedule either. 
, and finally completed other type of diesels in the meantime:
