Large Scale Central

Gondola and Idler Flat

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

D&RGW gondola and idler flat frames in 1:24. I’m working on 4 frames which will be 1 gondola, 1 pipe gondola and 2 idler flats. The first photo is of frames starting with the end sills, centersills, and sidesills. Frame components are 1/4 by 3/8" basswood. All pieces are notched with a router for easier assembly. I also notched out the coupler location.

End view of gondola frame. This will be a 1500 series high side car. Overall frame dimensions are 16" by 4".

End view of the idler flat frame. I’m modeling the D&RGW 6700 series cars cut down from box and stock cars. Overall dimensions are 15" by 4".

Next 2 photos are the frames with the decking applied. Decking is 1/16 by 1/4" basswood. First photo also includes needlebeam pieces which are 1/8 by 3/8" basswood. These pieces are notched as well. I use Tightbond wood glue for all assembly work.

I gang cut all materials divided up into whatever projects I’m working on and also cut notches and drill holes in the same manner. What I didn’t do with these was drill holes for grab irons and such which I will correct that oversight on my next group of cars. I did drill holes in the endsills for the trussrods. More later. Have a good one. Bill

#2

Looking good so far.

I’ll be sure to check back on this one. Should be a nice group of cars.

#3

Here’s a jig I built for drilling holes thru the gondola stakes and sides. It consist of two pieces, base and top.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/Gonjig2.jpg)

Base with sideboards in place and top with stakes.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/Gonjig1.jpg)

Here is an end view of the base showing the sideboards in place and a notched piece of 1/16" by 1/4" stock used as a stop. The stake guides of the top piece fits in the notches to line everything up. When I start on another side the stop will be placed on the other side of the sideboards so that I end up with left and right hand sides due to the stake locations not being equal.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/Gonjig3.jpg)

Here is a set of Precision Scale trucks that I bought for the cars. Brass kit with nicklesilver wheels and axles.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/precisionscaletrucks1.JPG)

Truck sideframe in vice jig to hold while cutting. Wood piece at lower right is not attached to jig.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/sideframe2.jpg)

4 sideframes with sprue removed ready for grinding and filing clean

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/sideframe3.jpg)

Here are 2 truck bolsters. Rear bolster has flash ground off ready for filing.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/bolster1.jpg)

Have a good one. Bill

#4

Bill, that is going to look very nice when completed. I look forward to the final reveal. Do you make kits?

#5

Thanks,Steve. I hadn’t thought about making kits. I do have a fairly good stock of materials. I can build 8 more frames and have stock to do sides and ends for about 6 gondolas.
I either have or have access to all the equipment (saws, router, drill press, grinder,etc). I just need to prioritize steps and improve some skills as nothing I do is perfect and everything I would do would be 1:24 as it’s easier for me to work with.

P.S.: About your signature at the bottom of your posts. I do know how to pronounce those names and I haven’t been to Washington.Yet. :slight_smile:

Have a good one.

Bill

#6

6am saturday and I’m out at my friends shop working on the cars. I’ve been here since 10pm last night.Had a nap at about 1am.

Last weekend I added intermediate sills to the 4 frames and began working on the weights for these cars.Last night and this morning I added the needlebeams and am ready to do more work on the weights which will fit between the center sills and between the body bolsters.

I’ll have to take and post photos later as the dummy (me,of course)forgot to bring the camera.

Have a good one.

Bill

#7

Added intermediate sills, needlebeams, and steel weights to frames.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/carframes7.jpg)

All 4 frames are at the same stage of construction.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/carframes8.jpg)

Next I’ll work on the gondola sides and ends and the trucks while I wait to get queen posts and trussrods. Have a good one. Bill

#8

Hello all. It’s been a while since I posted any progress. I have recently built 3 sets of side and end pieces for gondolas and have 4 more frames for Box/stock/idler flat cars and 4 more gondola frames. Wood flooring will be next for those frames. I’m thinking about selling these as kits in both 1/24 and 1/20-3 scales. Have a good one. Bill

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/Gondola2.jpg)

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/wlburge/_forumfiles/Gondola3.jpg)

#9

Yesterday I cut pieces for 1:20.3 scale cars. I had enough material to do 3 gondola frames and 3 Idler flat/Box car frames. I’ll have photos as soon as the frames are assembled.

Have a good one.

Bill