Current Projects

[hillyard999]

Matt,
I'm no expert, but I think it would look better if there was less gap.
Plus, you may have problems uncoupling if the plow extends too far beyond the pilot.

[jim currie]

in the real world the plows are verry close to the rail top but we as modelers we have to make some changes for reliability on tracking so if you like the look as is nail it.
Jim

[Charlie B]

Matt, here is the FRA ruling on pilot height

§ 229.123 Pilots, snowplows, end plates.

(a) Each lead locomotive shall be equipped with a pilot, snowplow, or end plate that extends across both rails. The minimum clearance above the rail of the pilot, snowplow or end plate shall be 3 inches. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the maximum clearance shall be 6 inches. When the locomotive is equipped with a combination of the equipment listed in this paragraph, each extending across both rails, only the lowest piece of that equipment must satisfy clearance requirements of this section.


b) To provide clearance for passing over retarders, locomotives utilized in hump yard or switching service at hump yard locations may have pilot, snowplow, or end plate maximum height of 9 inches.
(1) Each locomotive equipped with a pilot, snowplow, or end plate with clearance above 6 inches shall be prominently stenciled at each end of the locomotive with the words “9-inch Maximum End Plate Height, Yard or Trail Service Only.”
(2) When operated in switching service in a leading position, locomotives with a pilot, snowplow, or end plate clearance above 6 inches shall be limited to 10 miles per hour over grade crossings.
(3) Train crews shall be notified in writing of the restrictions on the locomotive, by label or stencil in the cab, or by written operating instruction given to the crew and maintained in the cab of the locomotive.
(4) Pilot, snowplow, or end plate clearance above 6 inches shall be noted in the remarks section of Form FRA 6180-49a.
(5) Locomotives with a pilot, snowplow, or end plate clearance above 6 inches shall not be placed in the lead position when being moved under section § 229.9.


Charlie

[TMo]

For the units that I added plows to, I ended up getting some longer length couplers from Kadee to accommodate the extra stuff on the front of the locomotive.   I do agree with Jim, to deal with typical track transitions, you'll probably end up with a plow that sits just a little lower than the bottom surface of the pilot which is not prototypical but smart in avoiding future crackups.  

Here's a shot of an Athearn unit with a factory installed plow (minus coupler at the moment).

   

[LiveSteamer]

Thank you everyone. I did manage to get it figured out and I think it looks good where I have it. Now I just have to get the rear plow ground down, painted, and then glued on. After that is done then its time to continue my search for the front grab irons that I've seem to misplace. 

   

   

   

[hillyard999]

Looks good!

[LiveSteamer]

Looks good!

Thank you. I did get the rear plow on and now. One more thing to do and it will be ready and this engine along with the GP30 will be under the Christmas tree this year. I have been working slowly on the MT-4 Slug but haven't made much progress as this week has been a busy one for me and my family. I'm hoping things slow down this winter so I can get more projects done. I've also found my passenger equipment and I am already planning to do something with them, maybe update them to make an OCS train, not sure yet.

[LiveSteamer]

Small update to the MT-4 Slug. Progress is going at a nice pace on this and I am very happy with how it is turning out. The gaps you see will be filled in and I'm hoping to hide them the best that I can. Some more sanding needs done and pieces cut out to get it closer to being done. I am definitely having fun with the kitbash and it is pushing me to do more scratch building and kitbashing.

   

[TMo]

We're having fun following along! Keep up the good work!

[LiveSteamer]

We're having fun following along!  Keep up the good work!

Thank You. It definitely is a learning experience for me.

[jim currie]

starting to look like something. the thing I use to fill gaps is automotive lacquer filler comes in white, black and red.
Jim

[LiveSteamer]

starting to look like something. the thing I use to fill gaps is automotive lacquer filler comes in white, black and red.
Jim

That is different. Shocking enough using the joint compound is actually working and I didn't think it would work but it was worth a try and I'm happy with the results. I will keep the automotive lacquer filler in mind.

[LiveSteamer]

Small update from the workbench. I did get a little more done on the slug. I did put working on this off for a little bit as my fiance had some major dental surgery last week. Now that she is feeling better, it is time to get back to work on this and finish it up. I also have a former Pennsy N5C that I am currently painting and will be numbered and lettered for Conrail. Pictures of that small project will be posted in the near future.

   

   

[jim currie]

looks like it will be slugging it out soon.
Jim

[LiveSteamer]

looks like it will be slugging it out soon.
Jim

Hopefully here soon it will be Jim.