The tunnel is finally complete.



Tom

I was an avid follower of Gary S and his Houston-based shelf layout, but it doesn't seem that he posts anymore on here, since at least 2014. Anyone know what's up? Would love to see how his progress on the layout is coming.

Al

I picked up 2 boxcars from eBay, I'm going to assume they're both by Atlas (one came with no box but look very similar). I bought them not knowing both have operating doors so I decided I needed to do some sort of detail to show it off. I think I'll need to paint the inside walls grey and give them some weathering, at least the empty one if not both. They'll both be in paper roll service, so one will be loaded and one will be empty. I used American Model Builders wood decking for both floors. For the loaded car I used a set of Walthers paper rolls and might try to squeeze in another set so no matter the angle it looks full. I'm curious about what type of debris and left over junk would be found in an empty paper service boxcar. I know sometimes wood and air bags can be used for spacing and to protect the paper rolls but what would I use to simulate that? I was thinking maybe cling wrap for the air bags?



Here's an inside look of some debris but not sure it's left overs from paper service.

I haven't started one of these in years.....I think

Here's something in B&W:

Many Bachmann H0 coupler pockets provide not sufficient space for Kadee couplers to swing freely.

The standard solutions are a) replace the coupler pocket with a standard Kadee pocket or b) mill the Kadee coupler down to fit into the smaller Bachmann pocket.
There is an easier way if you put a simple washer on top of the pin pushing the lid of the pocket a tad up to make room for the coupler.
I am using the M1,6 washers from Fohrmann part # 650316.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.fohrmann.com/de/unterlegscheiben-aus-messing-din-433-fuer-modellbau.html?number=650316">https://www.fohrmann.com/de/unterlegsch ... ber=650316</a><!-- m -->

The required dimensions are
In-Ø: 1,70 mm - out-Ø: 3,50 mm - size: 0,30 mm
In-Ø: 0,07" - out-Ø: 0,1.35" - size: 0,012"

The inner diameter must fit the screw, the outer diameter must fit "inside" the Kadee coupler and the size must lift the pocket lid sufficient.
You might hunt down your local sources. M1.6 washers are fine if you have a source with metric washers but have an eye on the external diameter to fit into the Kadee coupler hole.

Watch a hard working Alco and its crew go about their work in a snow storm.. If you have earphones use 'em and crank the volume and enjoy pure Alco sounds. There's two interesting scenes.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_kiT4BteJI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_kiT4BteJI</a><!-- m -->

Well, my wife and I were en route to Ottawa to pick our son up from Cadets Training Camp. The railway museum at Smiths Falls, Ont. was practically on the way so we stopped there for a visit. Really enjoyed it, nice collection and lots of history.

Pleased to hear that they occasionally offer rides behind their vintage diesel and in their restored cabooses (vans). Will have to plan a return visit on one of their special events.

Have other folks here visited this location? Interested to compare notes.

Cheers, Rob