Randy wanted some pics of my 1:20 idler. Following his instructions on how to post pics, I’ll give it a try. This 1:20.s SG riding on NG trucks.
Here is the idler between a 40’ 1:20 SG Box car and a 1:20 NG boxcar.
Thanks John, That’s very cool. Your models are all so nicely finished. Now if I understand correctly the prototype actually rode on standard gauge trucks? Did that mean that the idler flat always had to be turned the proper way? Neat concept I hadn’t seen before. Thanks for sharing.
Randy some of those idle cars had 2 narrow gauge coupler pockets on each end, some didn’t. But if all the narrow gauge track is on the same side, and the idle car doesn’t leave the yard, then it should always be facing the proper way.
Yeah David, I had thought that a third coupler could be easily added allowing the car to run either direction. I do know that the EBT’s standard gauge switchers that had both standard and narrow gauge couplers in Mount Union almost always faced West so the couplers would be lined up right.
I lined up the dual couplers on the model with the SG coupler centered as if the idler was on dual gauge track and riding on SG trucks. The NG coupler is centered on 3’ NG track. Looking a pics of the prototype, I might have built it wrong. But I was mostly “freelancing” the build anyway, so it is fine with me.
I originally wanted to build a diorama with dual gauge track, using SG and NG 1:20.3 track, but it was tabled for other projects. Maybe it could be a project this winter.
Beautiful work, John. Very inspiring. I missed the prior post from Randy, but glad I caught this one!
The idler car is very realistic, what materials did you use to build it?
I’ve considered building something in 1:20.3 standard gauge for a while now.
I’ve been fascinated with the photos of standard gauge and narrow gauge cars at a freight transfer dock. The whole drama and effort of hand shoveling material from one gondola to another, or the crew with hand trucks moving crates from one boxcar to another creates a very vivid scene.
Seeing your fine models may be just the push I need to build something this winter.
John R.
John, The basic frame is basswood and the decking is basswood. The hardware is a mixture of Ozarks Miniatures and Phil’s Narrow Guage. I used brass strips for the side boards and end gussets. Built mostly from parts out of my junk boxes. It’s riding on cast metal Andrews trucks with Sierra wheel sets.
That transfer scene you mention was the idea for my diorama, with a covered loading dock between the cars.
Thanks for the construction information John. It’s a very good looking car.
Do you have any closer photos of your standard gauge boxcar you could post?
Sometime in January I will have time to start a new project. I’m thinking that a standard gauge boxcar would fit the bill.
I like the steam-diesel transition era (fits in with my narrow gauge as well) so I was thinking a 1937 AAR boxcar would be just right. Just now thinking off the top of my head, those Dreadnought ends might pose a big modeling challenge! (maybe I’ll chicken out and buy a flatcar kit from Cumberland).
I hope you build that diorama, I look forward to seeing it.
John R.