Ngauger's 2013 Duff Challenge

[ngauger]

Just spent an hour and a half with the engine.... and it's Working!!!!!!!

There's good news and bad news though

It does not like switches. It hops off the track whenever it goes through the turnout. As long as it's going straight through, it's fine... So it can't go around the layout But it can go back & fourth... in place of the trolley

I was thinking about what I wrote in the list above and I was trying to figure out what the heck was going on... and I finally realized that maybe the pickups themselves were not working correctly. I got out the recently recovered Dremel and polished up all the brass.. the journals that the pickups rest on, the pickups, the wheels etc.... So I really have no idea of which issue was at fault - but now when I put it on the track it GOESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

Problem number 2 The chug chug sound does not work "slow" enough - it's one continuous sound. I located the 2 "trip bars" on the axle and removed 1 of then to slow the sound down, it helped, but not enough....

Then - I cut the 2 red wires that have been dogging me, i still have no idea what they did, but I don't need them for the LED headlights, I'll just run the light wires off of the repaired pickups There was still no voltage through them even though everything is working correctly now

[ezdays]

Woooo Hooooo, good things come to all who wait... or something like that.

Good to hear.

[Tyson Rayles]

[ngauger]

I'm at work - Thinking about how to run the wiring for the lights!!

Even "away from home" I'm still working on the challenge!!

[Sumpter250]

Even "away from home" I'm still working on the challenge!!

When I get to - -- - ........ I done for the day, working on "the Challenge"

[ngauger]

I got the "sides" on!! More detailing next weekend - I hope......

[e-paw]

Look-in good so far.. Are you going to paint or stain the wood that you used on the body?

[ngauger]

I'm planning on using chalks to weather it. The front is already started,it's hard to see with the flash lighting the pics

[ezdays]

Into the home stretch and looking good...

[ngauger]

OK- This is it!!!!! I'm-a Done!! Finished even! First - My inspiration:

   

And - Where I am now....
Brass door handle & step
   

Showing the back with the guard chain and another wooden engine in the background.
   

Visiting the GERN plant...
   

Details of the other side..... as it rides past me.
   

I have not had the chance to buy the LED lights, so I put a single light above the hood for now I'll add lights if funds and time permits, but for now - I'm done with the Duff Challenge!!

Thanks to all who helped along the way with comments and offered thoughts (especially the one where i dumped the "new style " hood for the older looking type)..

[Sumpter250]

NOW !!! FINALLY !!!! we KNOW !!!!!

What "THAT" would look like in 1:20.3"

[ngauger]

NOW !!! FINALLY !!!! we KNOW !!!!!

What "THAT" would look like in 1:20.3"

Ya - BIG!!!!!

[Tyson Rayles]

Throw some boxes and barrels in the back and your good to go !

[Ralph]

Now that's just fun! Cool Mikey!

[ezdays]

Son-of-a-gun, it almost makes ya want ta go to some large scale with lots of details and options you can't get in N. Unfortunately, I don't have room inside, and it's way too hot here outside...

I like it, nice work my friend

And you finished ahead of schedule. Not bad for a government employee.