Quick update.
Batteries are ordered and should be here by the end of the month. I’ve started working on lighting and wiring. So far, ditch lights are installed front and rear. Need to get the frame detail finished off and then paint them so I can add the step and ground lights.
Shane
Holy Cow Shane
Can you share your updated roster with us ?
Hey Sean,
I hope to have these complete by April 1st. ( The fifth anniversary of my retirement already (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif)), and then I’ll do that.
This will give me six custom CN units.
Shane
Batteries arrived yesterday. I got the basic wiring complete today, and tested out the new RailPro system. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-sealed.gif)
Not only do they look fantastic …they sound incredible as well …What’s next Shane ?
Thanks Sean.
My goal is still to have these complete by April 1st., and then I’d like to just relax this summer and run trains. I picked up two used GP38-2’s which were heavily weathered. I’m going to patch them for Helm Leasing ( HLCX ) and they’ll be the work train power this year. The SD40Qrm and SD40-2w will team up for Road Switcher duties.
I’m really looking forward to testing out the RailPro system in the backyard.
Next winter, I think I need some yard power. I’ve had a GP9 in pieces on my desk for ten years, so maybe it’s time to do something with it. I have a second in storage so I’m planning a “Doug and the Slug” set. ( GP9rm/slug )
I also have a parts bin which is growing, and I’m toying with the idea of an Illinois Central standard cab SD70.
I just picked up four poorly painted Bethgons which I need to strip and I’d like to rebuild them as Trinity coal gondolas.
Shane
Your fleet is looking real good . I’m hoping to do a RailPro install in a GP-30 sometime this year . I’m interested in the step lights too . They add a lot of realism at night. Are you going to use micro LED’s for the step lights ? Have you heard the fast spitter sound available on RailPro’s website , are you gonna add that ?
Thanks Mike,
Yes , the steps will be SMD 0805 Warm White. That’s the same as what I used on the SD60f. The ground lights are 2mm light house. I drill holes in the frame and insert them from above hiding under the cab. I cover the tops with black hockey tape to block out any light up top, and to hold them in place.
Yes, I have heard it. Maybe the second locomotive needs it just to be different. 
I’m really impressed with the sound library so far.
Shane
PS- I get the SMD’s prewired from HDA Modelworx. ( https://hdamodelworx.com/SMD-Lighting_c_31.html ) I believe Chris recommended them to me.
I’m working on a 3D print design for step and ground lights using 0805 SMD. And I’m going for prewired as well. Way to small for me!
Craig, mine for the most part are in locations which are not visible. If I ever add them to the caboose, they will be on the sides, so I’d have to be a little more creative.
5737 is together. I still need to modify the conductor’s side hand rail, and paint a few small details. 5682 is waiting for some toggle switches before I can put on the body. I also got the correct locomotive file downloaded and installed.
Shane
Funny Roosta …
I can just hear it idling…
One nice thing about these is they have a center which is removable making it easy to install your controls up top.
Wow!!!
Those look great Shane ! You work soo fast , i’ve been building another centerbeam car and it’s been going very slowly and you built not one but two loco’s. Great job again .Love the lighting too !
He’s in in the grove … Making them while he remembers how he made them … (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Fine work even …
reminds me of marty cozaad:
"is it real?
or 1/29th?"
Thanks Guys. I’m glad you think they turned out okay.
Sean asked for an updated roster photo of my custom fleet, so here you go.
