Model Power Blue Coal Depot No.453

 

Just needs a support strut, a 9″ straight rail and a red gondola and it would look exactly as pictured in the box 🙂

 

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Restoration of a support structure for a reservoir.

 

Vintage Turnout Switches

Lindsay Mini-Switch Motor L-1200
With polarity contacts for power-routing turnouts (non-insulated frog).

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TUR-BO Switch Machine
POSITIVE PRESSURE CONTACT

Mantua F7 Pennsylvania Diesel Loco Lubing

This came as a set and from what it looks like has only been run only a few times. It has a center-positioned motor with driveshafts emanating to both trucks giving it an all-wheel drive movement.

 

Athearn F7 Amtrak Diesel Loco Restoration

This came in for lubing and restoration some time ago and since I have documented it with photos, here it is in this blog. The dual brass flywheels really helps in a smoother, stronger and more quiet runs.

Project Ideas for a Micro Layout

Here are some photos I have collated over the net to serve as inspiration for a long overdue micro layout.

I like what the modeller did here, great for a long and shallow point to point layout. I have to find a suitable model that would render some great detail and depth once its cast on diestone (i.e. hydrocal).

Below are some of my favorite paperbacks …

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Atlas Passenger Station Kit #706

Can’t wait to have the time to assemble and weather this kit 🙂

…complete with the assembly instructions …

Tyco Lighted Freight Station

 

 

Here’s  a cool hybrid set that Tyco came out with. Its a merger between an HO train and slot car set. Makes me wan to try if this is possible with separate conventional sets – maybe I have to DIY the intersection between the HO train track and slot car track.

Cow switcher restoration

Southern Pacific Railroad #2061

I personally like how this engine sounds and runs, yes, its noisy but very powerful! The motor is unique in that it is mounted vertically and transmits energy by mens of a worm gear. More details on the resto soon …

 

Life-Like F40PH Diesel Loco

The front lower part of this heavy HO diesel loco is quite unique – it looks like a shovel to make way on heavily snowed areas (just speculating on the design). It has an aqua body and has the “The Rock” roadname on it. Inside the motor unit looks very similar to that of the GP’s and F series’ of Bachmann, and most probably it has the 3-pole motor design.

 

Life-Like Yugoslavia FP-45 Diesel Loco

Here is one of the longer diesels I have measuring at almost 250mm in length and a height of 57mm. It features a powerful and semi-open, can-style DC motor with worm gear drive at both F and R trucks which transmits rotational motion to eight wheels. Dual electric contacts provide trouble-free running, even when crossing faulty track connections.

This particular loco has the Chessie System Railroad logo and color banding emblazoned on the plastic shell. It has an attractive dominantly yellow banding around with a narrower red strip above it and navy blue on the roof.

Each truck has a total of six wheels, four of them being driven by the motor. The motor is located at the center and has universal shafts and “dogbone” that emanates on both sides that connect to the said trucks.

There is a metallic (Pb?) formed weight underneath the motor mount and weighs about 250 grams and measures 80mm x 27mm x 11mm thick. Having this weight at the center helps in distributing equal downward force on the track and makes good traction specially if the loco is pulling a lot of rolling stock.

It has been a while since I last ran the pair I have but as of this writing I had one cleaned in and out, I cleaned the shell with soapy water several time, used absorbent tissue afterwards and used a dozen or so of cotton buds to clean every nook and cranny off dust and minute dirt debris. I gave the steel wheels a minute each under the rotary tool with a copper brush bit to make it clean and shiny again.

As I recall, both locos ran very smoothly and quietly and was able to haul a lot of cars with ease though I only ran it on 18″R and 22″R curves, I guess it can run on 15″R but may be prone to derailment due to the 6-wheel trucks and long body.

Here’s a bit of historical data on the FP-45 prototype as taken from the manual:

“The FP-45 is among the latest additions to US rail lines. With railroads engaged ina struggle for survival with other surface and air transportation, General Motors had to develop an engine which would not only compete with, but beat, the competition.

The FP-45 is a strong contender. Its unique superstructure permitted the development of a multi-purpose unit which could be used efficiently for freight or passenger service. The latest technology was employed to ensure maximum fuel efficiency and long engine life with extended periods between required maintenance. Engine, gears and transmission are designed to show little wear, even after long miles and hard years of service.

The FP-45underwent extensive testing by Santa Fe Railroad engineers in al climatic conditions and with heavy usage on all types of terrain. Test results were so outstanding that Santa Fe ordered 20 units. Many large railroads have since followed suit.”

Just what are those fans for??? – Train parts