Large Scale Central

My really big rail truck

Modeling
#1

This is my first endeavor into 7/8 (1:13.7) scale. My first 7/8n2 project is a freelance rail work truck. It is mostly scratch built with the exception of the front hood and trucks. The frame is plastruct I beams and rectangular/square stock. The front truck is an AristoClassic arch bar truck. I used part of a LGB boxcar under frame and bolster to mount it on.The rear power is from a Bachmann 45 tonner. I removed the counterweights and side rods are replaced them with journal boxes from Bachmann shay side frames.

The front hood is also from the 45 tonner. Its been shortened, lowered and widened at the rear. The grill was replaced with mesh one. New doors with louvers were added to the sides. The hood will be used for battery pack storage.

Big Mike (at 6’ 3") is being modified to run the truck.

I have the cab mostly done and ready for painting. I also fabricated a few controls and gauge panel.

That’s all for now. -Brian

#2

nice work brian wish i was that ingenious!!!

#3

That looks really neat Brian. Looking forward to seeing it complete.

#4

Awesome! See those giant 45 tonners were good for something :smiley:

#5

A bit more progress. Initial painting is on. I fitted in the cab controls and seat. I built a bed from cedar timbers and weathered it a bit of india ink and alcohol. I’m thinking of mounting a bell on the front corner. What do you guys think?

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/altterrain/_forumfiles/RTconstr8.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/altterrain/_forumfiles/RTconstr9.jpg)

-Brian

#6

Looks VERY cool. I like the look… maybe a single front wheel instead of a truck?

#7

One quick question-how did you remove the side rods and weights from the power truck? Maybe 2 questions-after the rods and weights are removed can they be put back on?
Thanks, your conversion looks great.
Dave

#8
Bob McCown said:
Looks VERY cool. I like the look.... maybe a single front wheel instead of a truck?
Sure Bob, just a few major revisions as I get close to completion! Actually, I thought about various axle combinations and decided I would use a full truck up front for added stability since its pretty long (16").
Dave Ottney said:
One quick question-how did you remove the side rods and weights from the power truck? Maybe 2 questions-after the rods and weights are removed can they be put back on? Thanks, your conversion looks great. Dave
Dave,

The side rods and counterweights come off pretty easily. They are held by a single screw. Getting to that screw is the tricky part. Its hidden under the plastic center cap/hub. Its difficult to pry out. I was not going to be reusing them so I just jammed a small flat bladed screwdriver through the hub (near the center of it) and popped it off. The counterweights also act as a bushing which I replaced with a bit of brass tubing. Yes, you can just take them on and off once you get to the screw.

-Brian

#9

Major progress has been made with my project. Big Mike got his final make over, including shortening his lower legs, severing his attached arm and rotating it, pinning his other arm and a paint job. Looks pretty good for a $2 ebay find. Before and after pics -

The electronic speed controller was put together ($10 kit from quickar electronics). It receives power from a 11.1v 2.2Ah Li Ion pack. An on/off switch was installed in the smoke stack for easy access. I will also install an ITT diesel helper sound card with an oval speaker behind the grill.

Most of the final detailing has been done including a fuel tank (a glide floss canister with two tops), windshield and trim, rivets on the cab, door hinges and handles, a step and grab iron, and a horn. Left to do - weathering and accessorizing.

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/7-8n2%20projects/RTconstr10.jpg)

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/7-8n2%20projects/RTconstr11.jpg)

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/7-8n2%20projects/RTconstr12.jpg)

-Brian

#10
brian donovan said:
Big Mike got his final make over, including shortening his lower legs, severing his attached arm and rotating it, pinning his other arm and a paint job.
Big Mike's brothers want to know where you live!
#11

More and more betterer!!!

#12

The rail work truck has been completed and properly grunged. I just need to install the sound card and speaker (on order) and stick on a coupler pocket on the back (also ordered). It will tow behind a modified Hartland tip car for ballast. The bed is loaded up with ties and tools for track repair -

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/7-8n2%20projects/RTtools.jpg)

and Big Mike and Max are ready to go to work -

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/7-8n2%20projects/RTrightfront.jpg)

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/7-8n2%20projects/RTbackright.jpg)

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/7-8n2%20projects/RTleft.jpg)

-Brian

#13

Nice! It really has some great character. Like the dog, too!

#14

VERY Nice, Brian. I like those louvers - how did you do them?

#15

Thanks Bruce and Bob.

Bruce,

The louvers were done by gluing on sections of styrene (Evergreen) quarter round. These were 0.060 and they have smaller sizes.

-Brian