NEW PRODUCTS: New Products to Stoke Your Interest

TWIN STAR MODELS Is in the process of releasing several new items in 2022.

First up is a very useful detail for diesel modelers.   It is a spark arrestor used on a number of railroads.  The parts are etched in nickle silver and are easy to assemble.  The final price is not set at this moment.  Ross Dando has a new website coming online shortly.

The production samples are shown installed on a Red Caboose GP-9 hatch and a P&D F-unit fan panel.

Ross Dando is pictured at a recent RPM in Cocoa Beach.  The modern freight cars are new to TSM.  These cars were previously offered by Bill Yancey.  Ross decided to upgrade the kits a one-piece body rather than the previous flat kits.  These kits will be on the new website shortly.

The gondola underframe is all about adding the detail parts contained in the kit.

Ross tried a little modification removing the blank panel where the door goes and some dunnage left over from the last load or two.

Twin Star Cars has a number of detail parts for steam era freight cars as well as some very nice brass castings for diesels.  Down the road you might just see a few steam era freight car kits.

SOUTHERN CAR & FOUNDRY is preparing a couple new car kits in the works.  First up is urethane tank car kit.  The prototype is an 8,000 gallon three compartment tank car.  The prototype was built by Standard Tank Car Company (STC).  STC was acquired by General American Tank Car around 1930. The tank was rebuilt converting it into three compartments with the addition of two small domes and internal bulkheads.

SC&F is preparing a kit composed of urethane castings and etched details like the sill sets.  The rivets on the tank body are dome shaped like the prototype.  Tank car rivets are different from the normal rivet used in othe types of freight cars.  Jon Cagle invented a technique for creating rivet strips like what Archer sells but made from perfectly formed urethane rivets not ink dots on decal film.

The preproduction model shows off the unique STC bolster.  SC&F produced an HO model of this car which is shown below.  Protocraft offers the decal set for this car.

Several other tank cars are planned based upon STC designs.  In addition, SC&F has a couple new boxcars in the pipeline.  The cars are based on the 1923 ARA design with wood sheathing and exterior posts.  A steel sheathed version was represented by an earlier kit of the Sand Springs boxcar.  Jon is talking about doing about doing the Columbus and Greevile and the Missouri Pacific.  These cars differ in door designs.  Jim Zwernemann did the pattern work on this boxcar series and they are excellent.

It is wonderful to Jon turning his incredible talent to producing superior 1/48 freight car kits.

Small Scale Ruler

I found this six inch architectural ruler eBay.  I have been using my short ruler all the time.  Take a look you might find it useful.

That’s all for now.

Gene

 

 

MODELING: And New Stuff

I have been working on a new build project of a Pullman Standard PS-1 boxcar.  It isn’t quite ready so I thought that I need to share some new things with you.

PROTOCRAFT

Norm Buckhart has received all of his 50′ boxcars from Boo Rim.  The last shipment arrived just before he left on vacation.

 

The new cars a beautiful as with all of the models produced by Protocraft and Boo Rim.  They are fully reseached and designed using the skills of Ed Hawkins and Jimmy Booth to produce the finest 1/48 scale model of freight cars.

In addition, there are a couple new trucks that were produced for the cars and available separately.

The first truck is a Commonwealth BX express design with a 5’6″ wheelbase.  It was commonly used on freight cars used in express and mail service.

The second truck released is the Allied Full Cushion design.  This truck was used on WWII troop sleepers and also express cars.   It has a 5’6″ wheelbase and is available in five-foot gauge and Proto48.

Here are two examples of the new 50′ automobile cars that are in stock.  The photos show two version of the wood sheathed automobile cars once owned by the D&RGW.

TWIN STAR CARS

Ross Dando is getting ready to launch his new website with lots of interesting items featured.  A sample of his new offering are etched spikes that are scale 1/48.

Here are some images of the new spikes.

I look forward to getting my hands on these soon.

LEE TURNER MODEL WORK

Lee was kind enough to share some his work done a while back.  He worked his magic on two Sunset GP-9s that were imported earlier this year.

He also sent a couple shots of details he has created for a heavyweight passenger car that is under construction.   Lee is crafting some interesting pieces for his own personal car.

Thiws vintage radio is complete with a lighted dial and knobs.  Very cool!

The waiter serving up a cold beer is a perfect touch.  He “kit bashed” the figure.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Gene

 

NEW PRODUCTS: New Releases from Right-O’-Way

Jay Criswell is likely one of the most productive manufacturer working in 1/48 scale these.  He is a key supplier to many aspects of our hobby.

UPDATED CHOOCH BRASS TRUCKS FROM RIGHT-O’-WAY

First of all, a posting by David Woodhead on FaceBook caught my eye.  He purchased a pair of wood beam archbar trucks from Right-O’-Way and added wood brake beams.  The truck is of a very old design but suprisingly lasted in service into the 1970s on cabooses.  The truck was originally developed by Mike O’Connell at Chooch Enterprises.  I believe the pattern was done by the late Oscar Neubert in the 1970s.  Chooch sold it in a delux version which was extremely challenging to assemble and get it to track (my own experience).  Jay has invested time and money in the old Chooch trucks bringing them back to life with improvements.

As you can see, the truck is a set of brass castings with Protocraft steel wheels.  This is the Nova version which is very simple to assemble.   The sideframe has a button cast on the back that fits in a slot in the bolster.  This is similar except for the fact that the bolster is all new based upon a 3D design by Terry Van Winkle.  The truck is now held in-place by two small screws that hold the cover plate to the bolster capturing the button.

David Woodhead set up a simple fixture to attach the brake beam using .020″ phos bronze wire.  He soldered the wires to the coverplate and bent the wire to go around the axle.  The brake beams were drilled out to accept these support wires.  This is a technique that has been used by narrow gauge modelers since the early days.  It is much easier than suspending the beams from the car body as on the prototype.

Here is David’s truck assembled and painted ready for operation.

The Soo caboose shows the road’s use of wood beam trucks well into the 1970s.

NEW P48 BOLSTER CONVERSION 

Right-O’-Way came up with a very useful part to convert Intermountain and Athearn trucks to Proto48 using a brass bolster and wheelsets with the proper axle length.  It allows you to quickly reuse your Intermountain and Athearn trucks for P48 operation.

Here is the bolster installed in an Intermountain truck along with P48 NWSL custom wheels.

Jay ordered a custom run of new wheels, axles and insulators.  The latest owners are producing very finely machined products.  Look at the smoothness of the wheels shown below.

The new axles were cut to fit the Intermountain sideframes.

The new bolsters sell for $8.00 per pair plus shipping.  With the new wheels the package sells for $30.   Right-O’-Way also has new P48 wheelsets available for $22.00 (4 axles).

Right-O’-Way will be supplying new cast frogs in O and P48 based upon 3D CAD work by Rick Leach and printed by Terry Van Winkle.   Jay should be announcing the release soon.

NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

I have started to build or more properly rebuild a Lionel PS-1 boxcar.  So stay tuned.

Gene

NEW PRODUCTS: New Kit Producer in 1/48

Yarmouth Model Works has launched a new kit in 1/4″ scale.  They have released a urethane kit for a Pennsylvania Railroad X31f automobile car.   The prototype is a 40′ double door car modified by the railroad to raise the roof allowing cars or Jeeps to be stacked at an angle.

The kit is composed of an one piece body casting, with the iconic roof having been rendered in 3D.  You willl find laser-cut running boards, etched ladders along sill steps and other key details.  The brake equipment is from San Juan Model Company (former San Juan Car Comany) injection molded plastic.
Custom decals were produced by National Scale Car for this project.   National is now the producer of Speedwitch HO decal line.  The decals appear to be nicely done.

The link below will take you to the Yarmouth website.

http://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/OScaleKits/Index

Future kits are possible if Yarmouth is successful with this launch.

The kit retails for $165.00 plus postage
Currently there are only 46 kits available

 

After a long delay, the Protocraft 50′ automobile cars are starting to arrive from Boo Rim.  COVID-induced labor shortages and shipping capacity has been frustrated Protocraft and their customers.  The model shown about is a Denver& Rio Grande Western composite 50′ car based upon an ARA design.  Like all of Protocraft’s products a great deal of research and effort has gone into producing an accurate rendering the prototype.

Till next time,

Gene

NEW STUFF: New Tool for my Bench and a Signal Bungalow is

Ross Dando showed me a picture of a tool maker vise that looked really useful.   I did a little searching and found the vise available from several sources such as Amazon.   They range from two inches up to six inches.  I purchased a  two inch remanufactured vise from Amazon.   The tool maker vise is different compared to my old Unimat vise.

The topside looks similar to a conventional vise.  The allen wrench tightens  the jaws over a limited range.  There is a mechanism on the underside that allows you to make large changes in jaw location.  A toggle engages a series of notches that the right jaw is moved to the closest notch.  You can tighten the jaws with great precision and power.  It is easy to flatten brass wire or hold a part firmly for fabrication work.

This vise a useful tool.  I really like it.  Thank you Ross.

Here is my old and trusty Unimat vise.  I purchased  an Unimat lathe in 1968 which came with this old vise.  Time to retire this old friend.

The Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association (NPRHA) commissioned a small company to produce a nifty signal bungalow that appeared along the railroad lines.  The prototype is based upon a General Railway Signal design that held relays and other electrical devices to support the railroad’s signal system.   The NPRHA developed the structure in HO and O (1/48).

  The picture shows the components that create the bungalow.  All are resin cast from 3D printed designs.  The building consist of a one-piece body, roof, concrete footings and two vents.  I just received the little kit and haven’t had a chance to finish it.  The picture below shows the bungalow near the baggage car.

They will be available shortly throught the society’s website. The expected price will be $22 for a pair of these nifty buildings.   I will let you know when they are available.  General Railway Signal products were used by a number of major railroads so the bungalow has many applications.

 

Thats all for this post.

Gene

 

NEW PRODUCTS: A Few New Things

Summer 2021 is the beginning to return to normalicy.   One sign was the O Scale National Convention that was held in Denver this past week.  An interesting note is that the San Juan standard gauge styrene boxcars are coming back to the market after a long time.

Right O’Way has developed a new joiner bars that are easier to use than the older style joiners which were cast as a pair with a spacer.  I have never liked this style but used them on my layouts.

The joiners are soldered to the rail for one side of the joint.  The new bars seem to fit the rail better.

The mating rail slides into the soldered joiners.

Jay Criswell is in the process of adding this new piece of jewelry to his website.

Here is an useful product for preserving CA and the container.  The caps are actually made from the silicon and used for powder coating metail. The silicon material will not stick or bond to CA.  It is perfect for use as a cap for the CA containers.  I have been using the caps for a while and they seal the spout tightly and keep it from hardening.  James Booth provided me the information on these silicon caps.  James suggested buying them on Amazon.  I did buy them on Amazon and were less than $8 for a lifetime supply.

Ammo has released a new range of colors in acrylic.  The Dry Brush paint is a thick and smooth finish.  I tried a sample application on a piece stripwood.  Dry brushing works best with a short and stiff bristle brush.  LIghtly dip the brush in the paint and wipe off excess on a paper towel.   Brush lightly onto the surface.  The effect is interesting but I must admit that more work is needed on my part.  You can find the paint in dealers who cater the armor and airplane modelers.

Protocraft is expecting to receive the first shipment of their new 50′ automobile boxcars.  There were some quality problems on the initial samples.  Norm Buckhart returned them for correcting problems.  Anyone who is familiar with the brass importing game, will understand that it is a normal process.  Currently the production models are on their way to the US.  Norm kept a few of the models and had them finished.  The C&O car is shown on Norm’s railroad.

Hope that information is useful to followers of this blog.

Gene

NEW PRODUCTS: Resin Boxcar and 3D Printed Details

A surprise from a tradition HO producer of quality resin kits.   Yarmouth Model Works has posted a picture of a new project in 1/48.  It is a Pennsylvania X31f automobile car.  In the early 1940s the railroad rebuilt older X31a boxcars into a group of 690 automobile carriers (81200-81889).  The turtleback raised roof section allowed for the use of auto racks to increase the number of autos carried.   I have read that this group was also used to carry Jeep vehicles during WWII.

The model was developed using 3D design tools and printed on a high end machine.  I suspect the production cars will be resin cast. It will likely available with detail hardware such as ladders, brake equipment, sill steps running boards and an AB brake system.

The above prototype picture shows chain tubes  extending below the underframe.  The cars were equipped with a 2D-F12 truck like the one Protocraft has imported.   The photo shows the National B-1 used on these cars.  Protocraft imported these as well.

The prototype cars lasted for a long time with 680 still on the roster in 1963 and a significant drop in 1968 to 12.    The posting mention that the kit is targeted for fall release.

NEW 3D PARTS PROPOSED BY SMMW

Smoky Mountain Model Works has proposed a series of 3D printed details in 1/48.  Jim King circulated a list of possible details ranging from AB brake sets, new hand brake systems, ladders, and a bunch of other parts.  SMMW is using a new printing resin in their Form3 SLA machine that produces parts that are much more durable than tradition printed resins.

Here is an extract from an email sent by Smoky Mountain Model Works:

Below is a list of items I’m considering adding to my O scale freight car details line.  If you want something specific, just email me off-list with your suggestions and I’ll add them to the list.  No guarantee it/they will be made because market demand and available info (drawings/photos) drive new products.  All of these will start out as S scale items, then be upscaled and tweaked for O.

Keep in mind that these are highly detailed, printed parts in clear resin.  Detail is equal to injection molded parts but the material is more brittle so applications need to be scrutinized.  These are not “miracle” parts that survive rough handling.  The trade-off to availability of parts that otherwise would not be produced is greater brittleness which should not be an issue for most modelers.  Many suppliers have retired or the companies sold over the past decade, making their parts increasingly difficult to find and pricey if found.  3D printing addresses this and allows for new designs that cannot be justified using traditional manufacturing methods.

The ladder shown above is for S scale.  Jim has proposed a ladder design with .016″ rungs and .021″ wide stiles.  That would make them very close to scale.  Part of the discussion has been about making replacement parts for the old Intermountain freight ladders and bracketed grab irons.

Stirrup steps will not be produced … they are FAR too brittle to survive.  Flat wire, injection molded parts and brass castings are still the best options.

These brake wheel/housing designs come from the 1953 and 1961 CBCs; the Universal dates to 1940s AAR flat cars:

Superior brake wheel/housing

Ajax AB brake wheel/housing

Champion/Peacock brake wheel/housing

Klasing brake wheel/housing

Universal brake wheel + ratchet mechanism for flat cars

AB “complete” brake set (Apex platform, reservoir, cylinder, triple valve, at least 3 lengths of levers, phosphor bronze wire, chain, clevises, retainer valve, bell crank).  Everything you need to detail 1 car, regardless of car’s length.

Apex brake platform (grid) with angular supports (sold separately from AB set)

Retainer valve (sold separately from AB set)

Bell crank (set of 10 or so; sold separately from AB set)

“Grid pattern” roofwalks/end platforms (Ajax and Morton are main ones) for 40’ and 50’ cars

Draft gear (coupler) box and lid with screws to fit Kadee 740 (no drilling of box required)

Boxcar doors (not sure of designs yet … tell me what you want)

This is an exciting development which can add a range of details to our scale.   This is an important development since the previous line of Chooch Ultra Scale II plastic is not on the market with uncertainty on its return.  The former San Juan standard gauge parts are also currently unavailable so their AB brake system leaves a huge hole in model building.   The parts are critical for kit makers too.   The lack of details may cause kit makers to think twice about offering anything new.

RIGHT O’WAY

Jay Criswell is developing a new version of joiner bars that may be more appealing to many.  A nickel silver that can be soldered directly to the rail to capture the adjacent rail.

You only need to solder the joint bars to one side of the connection.  This will allow expansion and contraction of rail on your layout.   Jay will be offering the castings in Code 148, Code 125 and smaller rail heights.

The new parts should be available shortly.  Contact Jay for availability and pricing.

I have some new material from Lee Turner.  I thought I would share a view.   More material will be posted shortly.

Thank you for taking a look.

Gene

NEW PRODUCTS: Urethane Kits in 1/48

 A new offering from Southern Car & Foundry.

Jon Cagle has released his latest kit for the American Railway Association Standard Boxcar of 1932.   These cars were built in large numbers and owned by a large variety of railroads.  It seems that each railroad opted for different appliances like door designs, hand brake types, roof and even ends. This particular version has Square Corner 4/4 Dreadnaught Ends and a Murphy Panel Roof.  Road names associated with this version are the MP, MEC, Clinchfield, Central of Georgia, Western Maryland ( one lot was built with square corner ends ), and the Union Pacific, which had 1.

The kit comprises  the typical components you expect from SC&F;  one piece body/roof combination and one piece floor castings. Etched ladder stiles, stirrup steps, etc., laser cut templates and jigs, laser cut running boards, and the usual injection plastic brake and door hardware from Ultra Scale and San Juan Car Co.  Seven pages of written instructions with over 40 images of the  kit build are also included.

Price of this new kit is $165.00 plus 13.50 shipping, lower US 48.  Southern Car & Foundry will ship world wide as well, contact them for details.  Jon will be updating the website this coming week, but if you want to place an order asap, you can contact Jon thru jscagle@msn.com  and we can arrange an electronic invoice as well.

www.southerncarandfoundry.com

Decals are available from Protocraft  

Jon has a couple new kits in the works that will  be announced when they are available for sale.

PACIFIC NORTWEST MINIATURES

Pacific Northwest Miniatures is a new supplier of high quality printed resin parts and kits in 1/48.  They have a wonderful selection of Model T Ford parts and a wide range of details for doing interiors of building.   I have borrowed several pictures from their website to illustrate the range of products being offered.

The Model T chassis is very complete.  They sell a fixture to hold parts in-place during assembly.  That is a fantastic idea to help models.  The vehicles come with headlight that are hollow so they can be illuminated with LEDs is so choose.

Here are some of their neat details to complete a scene or building interior.

You can review their product line by clicking on the link below.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PNWMiniatures?fbclid=IwAR1uDFlzZAqIrWxkimF_ma-DEtoxHll4GCuS84R4BZkduZUOhxEpihcoCzI

Hope that the information is useful.

Gene

NEW PRODUCTS: New Hand Brake Sets and Switch Kits

 

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MODEL WORKS PRINTED DETAILS

You probably noticed that detail parts are sometimes harder to find these days.  Changes in ownership and other circumstances have contributed to this scarcity.  Jim King, owner of Smoky Mountain Model Works has decided to take a new approach to the traditional methods for manufacturing detail parts.  Manufacturers have been using white metal, plastic, brass and even resin to make the parts.  Their methods are expensive to tool and produce quantities.  Jim King’s approach is  to use 3D design and a high resolution Form3 SLA printer to make production parts.  His first releases are three different hand brake sets for house cars (box, stock and reefers)  Jim is a first rate designer and has produced some very nice kits in S and O using a combination of printed parts that were molded in resin.  For detail parts he has decided to go straight to a clear printed resin.

Here photos of two of the three sets.

As you can see the quality is equal to injection molded styrene parts.  The price for each of the hand brake package is $15 which includes three complete hand brake sets.

You will be amazed at the number of models out there with the wrong hand brake.  Spend some time researching your equipment and you will see the need is there to improve the accuracy of your models.

RIGHT O’WAY SWITCH KITS COMING

Jau Criswell is going to try out a new kit to build switches intially in P48 and hopefully in O Standard.  The concept is to offer various options for the kit ranging from the assembled rail with lost wax frogs, points and guardrails to a “Full Monty” with tie plates, pre-cut ties and neat plexiglass jig to hold the ties in-place while spiking the rail.  Development is still going on so the options are still fluid.  Once the kit is ready for prime time it will be announced on social media and other outlets.

This likely to be the configuration of the “delux”  version of the Right O’Way #6 switch kit

This is a very useful product for those who are building layouts and need P48 switches.

Gene

NEW PRODUCTS: ‘This the Season for Modeling

It is the end of October and modeling building may be on your horizon.  I have a few new items to temp you with.  We only have a few suppliers in our scale these days so we need to support them by purchasing their wares.

 

GLACIER PARK MODELS

Glacier Park offers a few really nice kits for 1/4″ scale modelers.  Their original Southern Pacific G-50-23 composite gondola has been joined by two new adaptations.  The first is the G-50-22 all steel gondola and the G-50-23 extended height G-50-23 gondola.   All three kits offer an entertaining build that will result in an exquisite scale model of real prototype cars.

G-50-23

EXTENDED HEIGHT G-50-23

G-50-22

The much needed all-steel drop bottom gondola kit is now available.

This version is equipped with the Miner hand brake system.  The other cars come with the Klasing style hand brake.  This version of the kit is similar to many modern general service cars used by other railroads.

 

The price for the kits is $99.95 each and $14.95 shipping. An optional precision cut lead weight set is $9.95.  The weight is designed to fit in the centersill.  Trucks, couplers and decals are not included but can be purchased from Protocraft.

Glacier Park can be contacted via email rocky@glacierparkmodels.com

TWIN STAR CARS

Ross Dando has a few more of his exquisite flat car kits available.  Don’t delay as they will go quickly.

This is a superb kit with an incredible amount of detail top and bottom.  Hope that Ross does another kit one day.

SOUTHERN CAR & FOUNDRY

Jon Cagle has recently moved into his new building in Sanford, FL.  His building provides space for Jon’s business and several leased spaces.  He is in the process of getting back into the Southern Car & Foundry resin car kit business.  Jon has been casting for a number of suppliers in the hobby for their kit line.    His first offereing is an absolutely super kit for a 1932 ARA boxcar just about ready for release.  It will feature a one-piece body with a seperate floor.  High quality resin, etched metail parts, wood running boards and the usual details needed to outfit the brake system and such.

The kit isn’t quite ready so don’t start bugging Jon quite yet.  He (we) will announce when it will be available to order.

Well as Bugs Bunny once said:

Gene