|
|
 Posted - October 29 2011 : 5:45:05 PM
|
Here is my version of the "Infant Train Master". Ray did the original version. I could only find this photo of Ray's original
I started this kitbash with a Bachmann H16-44 shell. I wanted to make a center cab-type critter but ended up with the cab off center anyway. Here is how mangled the shell got:
 
The hand rails are bent brass wire that run through Athearn stantions.
Unlike Ray, I did not have a spare Tyco-type chassis to use. So I made the frame by cutting the front part of an Athearn CC U-boat chassis. This gave me the bolster so I could mount an Athearn TM truck. Since the truck did not need to pivot, I could mount the motor perfectly in line with the worm shaft. The motor is actually glued to both the frame and the rear of the truck. Since there is no shifting in alignment the motor and worm shafts are conected by brass tubing.
The shell has been in the NMN paint shop today. The decaling will take awhile longer since they must be applied one letter at a time. Hope to have it all finished and more photos posted in a week or so.
Edited by - Hypoponera on October 29 2011 5:55:17 PM
|
Country:  USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 29 2011 : 6:01:41 PM
|
That thing is awesome Buddy!
You need a closer fitting power truck to really do it justice though! 
-Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
|
Country:  Canada ~
Posts: 4200 ~
Member Since: January 08 2006 ~
Last Visit: November 09 2021
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 29 2011 : 6:10:21 PM
|
I was thinking of filling the open space in front of the truck with a small fuel tank. Since the truck doesn't need to turn I don't have to worry so much about spacing.
I didn't have a truck unit that would fit any better. Besides, I wanted to keep it as "FMish" as possible.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 29 2011 : 6:19:40 PM
|
That is just too cool...
|
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 29 2011 : 6:36:01 PM
|
Critters are Betters! 
-Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 4200 ~
Member Since: January 08 2006 ~
Last Visit: November 09 2021
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 29 2011 : 6:51:54 PM
|
Really interesting shell work and that mechanism is ingenious!
What kind of red is that it'intense?
I enjoyed the pics!
Alco Fan
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 2496 ~
Member Since: August 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: September 17 2024
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 29 2011 : 7:33:25 PM
|
Very Nice! Good Work!
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1102 ~
Member Since: July 28 2011 ~
Last Visit: July 01 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 29 2011 : 11:59:51 PM
|
Thanks for the comments! I am always open to advice/suggetions.
The red is my standard NMN red. It is "signal red" enamal by Floquil and applied with an airbrush. I am not sure why it looks different though. Maybe I diluted it to a slightly different consistency this time around?
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 30 2011 : 01:24:13 AM
|
| You've got me looking at an old Hustler shell and an old power truck now...
|
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 30 2011 : 04:08:11 AM
|
Yeah you are in desperate need Shay, of another Juice Jack!
-Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 4200 ~
Member Since: January 08 2006 ~
Last Visit: November 09 2021
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 30 2011 : 11:17:50 PM
|
The shell looks great! Same with the paint job I agree with Gareth about the truck though. I think it would look a lot better with the fuel tank you were talking about...just something to fill in the gaps (For the record, I couldn't make anything half that nice...that's just my opinion  )
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 3415 ~
Member Since: September 22 2006 ~
Last Visit: June 11 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - October 30 2011 : 11:22:51 PM
|
Relax Dacheez, I have hardly any scratch building skills either. I can make a cerain boxcar out of parts, but that is it.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1102 ~
Member Since: July 28 2011 ~
Last Visit: July 01 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 01 2011 : 5:24:37 PM
|
Hypop: Question for ya. What tools do use when modifying shells like this?
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 3415 ~
Member Since: September 22 2006 ~
Last Visit: June 11 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 01 2011 : 7:11:21 PM
|
Hey Cheez,
I used an old Atlas razor saw to do most of the cutting on the shell. I used a small Exacto knife saw blade in a couple really tight spots. I did not use a dremel since I tend to melt rather then cut plastic with it! I then trued up the edges with a large mill file.
I used Squadron white putty to fill gaps and seam lines. The first few photos still has all the putty unsanded and visible. I had a ton of places that needed to be filled!
All in all, I did not use many tools at all. And nothing "hi-tech" or powered.
And your opinions DO count! I had not thought about filling that open space. So suggestions to do so showed me something I had not even noticed.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 01 2011 : 7:46:35 PM
|
I Tried making a Roadrailer out of a boxcar, It sort of Worked
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1102 ~
Member Since: July 28 2011 ~
Last Visit: July 01 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 01 2011 : 9:51:38 PM
|
Just a suggestion, Hypo Why don't you put on grills over the fans & paint them black or gray & make the fans turn too
Edited by - microbusss on November 01 2011 9:54:34 PM
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 14908 ~
Member Since: February 23 2009 ~
Last Visit: June 21 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 01 2011 : 9:55:42 PM
|
Put black paint near the smoke stacks! It looks like soot and oil!
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1102 ~
Member Since: July 28 2011 ~
Last Visit: July 01 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 01 2011 : 11:14:19 PM
|
quote:Just a suggestion, Hypo Why don't you put on grills over the fans & paint them black or gray & make the fans turn too
Originally posted by microbusss - November 01 2011 : 9:51:38 PM
|
Good suggestion! but I beat you to it. I have the screen and just need to cut it down to fit. The screen is already colored black and has fairly large openings. So the silver blades should show just fine.
Turning fans? Hmm.... Life Like did do that once.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 01 2011 : 11:38:08 PM
|
quote:Put black paint near the smoke stacks! It looks like soot and oil!
Originally posted by CNVIATyco - November 01 2011 : 9:55:42 PM
|
Weathering is planned. But not expected to be done any time soon. The amount and type of weathering will depend on what I end up using this critter for.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 02 2011 : 4:06:35 PM
|
Would a baby loco like this work IRL? 
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 14908 ~
Member Since: February 23 2009 ~
Last Visit: June 21 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 02 2011 : 5:39:46 PM
|
Thanks for the info! None of the hobby shops up here seem to carry anything Xacto. All the knives/saws are made by a company called Excel. I bought one called a "Pull Out Saw Blade". It looks like pictures I've seen of razor saws and it seems to work quite well on shells. Is the Atlas razor saw you used different than the saw used for cutting flextrack?
I've got a custom engine project in mind and I'm starting to get tools/parts together. Keep posting stuff like this...it helps quite a bit to see what others are doing 
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 3415 ~
Member Since: September 22 2006 ~
Last Visit: June 11 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 02 2011 : 6:06:31 PM
|
quote:Would a baby loco like this work IRL?
Originally posted by microbusss - November 02 2011 : 4:06:35 PM
|
Doubtful. I would think it to be far too unbalanced and lite weight even for industrial use. The version Ray made might have found use as an industrial unit with it's much longer wheel base. Mine would most likely tip or pop a wheelee!
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 02 2011 : 6:13:15 PM
|
quote:
Yes, my atlas razor saw is sold as a track cutting saw as well. Works well on track, plastic, resin, white metal, and such. As long as the saw blade you can get is very thin and hardend, you should do fine. I never place too much value in name brands anymore.
I am always happy to post about kitbashes! Not being much of a Tyco collector does limit my interest in many parts of this forum. What is the project you have in mind?
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 02 2011 : 7:59:04 PM
|
I'm not so much worried about name brand, more just that I'm buying the right thing
The project I was thinking of would probably be based off an F-7. The main mod I had in mind would be cutting off the cab and replacing it with a glass dome. The nose would be changed a little, the trucks hidden under some "side skirts" I guess you could call them, and I think a pantograph would look nice. It would just be like a fantasy electric...something they might have built in the 50's to look futuristic I do have some sketches...maybe I'll upload them and make a mock-up with a spare shell
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 3415 ~
Member Since: September 22 2006 ~
Last Visit: June 11 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 02 2011 : 8:16:31 PM
|
DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT! Totally Awesome!
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1102 ~
Member Since: July 28 2011 ~
Last Visit: July 01 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 03 2011 : 12:41:45 AM
|
Nice work I like it.
quote:Would a baby loco like this work IRL?
Originally posted by microbusss - November 02 2011 : 4:06:35 PM
|
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/milw/milw-x3800agh.jpg
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/cr/cr-shpgoa-eza.jpg
http://ohiorr.railfan.net/images/crmule.jpg
Ray
Edited by - Ray Marinaccio on November 03 2011 12:44:19 AM
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1285 ~
Member Since: December 14 2005 ~
Last Visit: May 16 2019
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 03 2011 : 07:06:29 AM
|
So How many cars can this Bad Boy Pull?
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1102 ~
Member Since: July 28 2011 ~
Last Visit: July 01 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 03 2011 : 2:43:16 PM
|
Cool idea, Hypo. It looks like you used the trusty FK-130 to power it. What size brass tubing did you use for the sleeve coupling?
Cool pictures, Ray. I really like the CR mule on the Alco truck.
The Tyco Depot
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 3927 ~
Member Since: June 20 2007 ~
Last Visit: November 19 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 03 2011 : 4:02:46 PM
|
quote:
Thanks Ray!
Is that a C-Liner truck? I think I have a spare one of those....
What is the point in the "mules"? Are they like mini-slugs?
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 03 2011 : 4:08:01 PM
|
quote:Cool idea, Hypo. It looks like you used the trusty FK-130 to power it. What size brass tubing did you use for the sleeve coupling?
Cool pictures, Ray. I really like the CR mule on the Alco truck.
Originally posted by NickelPlate759Â -Â November 03 2011Â :Â 2:43:16 PM
|
Thanks Nelson! Yep. That is my last FK-130. I used 2mm ID brass tubing. I very slowly drilled out the end that mounted to the Athearn worm shaft. I then used a dab of silicone sealent inside the tube... just in case. I got lucky and everything lined up and was straight on the first try!
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 03 2011 : 7:05:28 PM
|
I have to congradulate you for a job well done. But Can we see it when the gap has been closed?
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 1102 ~
Member Since: July 28 2011 ~
Last Visit: July 01 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 03 2011 : 10:01:10 PM
|
Body Fill.
What I use I put some plastic shavings down on a metal plate and add some CA glue in and mix well. The plastic melts and you can use it as body fill works great for me. Try it.
Ken
FIDDLEHEAD RAILWAY CO.
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 468 ~
Member Since: January 17 2010 ~
Last Visit: February 29 2012
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 04 2011 : 12:51:05 PM
|
ok I want one now
Also need to do this to the Toontown Trolley I got that is a wind-up
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 14908 ~
Member Since: February 23 2009 ~
Last Visit: June 21 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 04 2011 : 8:24:47 PM
|
quote:
Thanks Ray!
Is that a C-Liner truck? I think I have a spare one of those....
Originally posted by Hypoponera - November 03 2011 : 4:02:46 PM
|
I was thinking the same thing. The revised Mehano C-Liner truck is quite accurate, if that's the one you have.
quote:Body Fill.
What I use I put some plastic shavings down on a metal plate and add some CA glue in and mix well. The plastic melts and you can use it as body fill works great for me. Try it.
Ken
Originally posted by Ken - November 03 2011 : 10:01:10 PM
|
I've never tried mixing plastic shavings and CA. I use it with baking soda, which is incredibly strong and good for internal repairs or in places where putty wouldn't be strong enough, like filling in this chipped cab roof.
Once the CA and baking soda were built up enough, I used a Dremel with a steel cutter to shape it.
The Tyco Depot
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 3927 ~
Member Since: June 20 2007 ~
Last Visit: November 19 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 05 2011 : 12:42:32 AM
|
quote: quote:
Thanks Ray!
Is that a C-Liner truck? I think I have a spare one of those....
Originally posted by Hypoponera - November 03 2011 : 4:02:46 PM
|
I was thinking the same thing. The revised Mehano C-Liner truck is quite accurate, if that's the one you have.
Originally posted by NickelPlate759Â -Â November 04 2011Â :Â 8:24:47 PM
|
That's what I had in mind. I have several of the revised C-liner trucks as well as 1 pair of side frames from Smokey Valley for the Athearn B truck. I think the Athearn would be easier to mount onto a frame though.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 05 2011 : 10:04:51 PM
|
You could cut off the C-Liner sideframes and use them on an Athearn B truck assuming the wheel spacing is close enough.
To do the CR mules properly, you'd need a NWSL Stanton drives.
The Tyco Depot
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 3927 ~
Member Since: June 20 2007 ~
Last Visit: November 19 2015
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 05 2011 : 10:49:27 PM
|
I read in a old magazine and the AHM S-2 body and upper frame and putting it on a SW-7 frame. So much work to do that!I always thought Alco S-units used standard AAR trucks.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 3147 ~
Member Since: May 07 2007 ~
Last Visit: June 10 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 07 2011 : 4:14:40 PM
|
Thanks to suggestions by Romcat, I had to add some safty stripes. So a quick masking job and a blast with the neutral gray paint resulted in this:
Sorry for the blurry images! Now I need to do some touch up painting.
Edited by - Hypoponera on November 07 2011 4:20:15 PM
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 07 2011 : 4:53:39 PM
|
Hooah!
Now based on that paint scheme clearly a Switcher! Long Hodd being Red and all....
-Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 4200 ~
Member Since: January 08 2006 ~
Last Visit: November 09 2021
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 07 2011 : 5:25:13 PM
|
Certainly changes the look of the little critter! Just need to touch up paint tonight. Tomorrow I will gloss coat and hopefully I will decal and flat coat Wen or Thurs. I will need to stare at it for a while to figure out how to mark it. There isn't any space for the road name to be spelled out. Maybe just large letter initials?
Also may have figured out how to fill that space at the front. I found some old loco weights that may fit with minimal work and are nicely rounded on the bottom.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - November 07 2011 : 5:28:23 PM
|
"Jerry Cans"!!! to fill the space!? I mean the gaps at the ends!
Long Range non-conformal non-fastpacks! configuration!!!
-Gareth
"A is A"
-Aristotle
Law of Identification
Edited by - romcat on November 07 2011 5:49:16 PM
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 4200 ~
Member Since: January 08 2006 ~
Last Visit: November 09 2021
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - January 17 2012 : 2:40:36 PM
|
Sorry for the delay! I had planned on having this project finished before Christmas. However, family emergences pushed all modeling projects to the back burner. Fortunately I had a week between drives to Tucson and got this project done.
I still have to come up with a good fuel tank to fill that gap under the front pilot. I gave some thought to Romcat's suggestion, but could only find a spare set for an old F-4. The SEA scheme kinda clashes with the NMN red though.
Here is a broadside view. Shows that gap quite nicely don't you think?
A close-up of the screen cover over the fans. It doesn't look great up close but looks good at arm's length.
Here are a couple poor shots of the ends.
Here is the kitbashed critter with a full sized Bachmann H16-44. This should give you some idea of how much of the original was cut out.
I think this critter will look good sitting next to the old round house. I found it won't pull more then a couple small cars. There just isn't enough room inside for adding ballast. And the balance is terrible!!
Now, where did I put that C630 project I started?
Edited by - Hypoponera on January 17 2012 3:01:58 PM
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 715 ~
Member Since: May 03 2006 ~
Last Visit: March 03 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - March 28 2012 : 06:37:43 AM
|
That turned out a VERY WELL proportioned "Critter"!
NICE WORK!
Need a TYCO frame for the center cab, I think I can help you out!
~John
Many have tried to, and failed, ya just can't repair stupid...
Do NOT try to Idiot-Proof anything!!!! God, will simply create a better......IDIOT!
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 2911 ~
Member Since: March 26 2012 ~
Last Visit: January 14 2014
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - March 28 2012 : 07:49:25 AM
|
hi Hypoponera,nice looking critter,love it,keep seeing people here with rs2/3 wrecks,i think this cropped photo sort of shows what i mean ken
|
Country:  United Kingdom ~
Posts: 8294 ~
Member Since: September 28 2006 ~
Last Visit: October 20 2021
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - March 28 2012 : 09:20:19 AM
|
I use a Zona Tools hand saw with 24 TPI.
It is sturdier than the Xacto saws that insert into their plastic handle.
Siouxlake Ron
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 510 ~
Member Since: September 21 2011 ~
Last Visit: December 21 2014
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
Home
Forums
Events Calendar
Forum Admins & Mods
Register
