That thing needs more power!

 I'm off the modules for a few days. Last couple of weekends have been busy so no time. When I pulled everything out of my boxes, I realized I had zip for HOn30 power. So, time to rectify that oversite. 

Building out a pair of boxcab locos on Bachmann MDT chassis. I have a few of these chassis layout around, so I'll probably do a few other locos. Since I don't have a need for bigger power yet, I figured I'd get the yard oxen built first. (Oxen are always pair together. These guys are Frick and Frack.) 

Stryene is a main material. The grey parts are Cannon & Co details. I need some more of them for other parts of the build. The units will be drawbared and electrically tied together with DCC and lights. I don't think I'll do sound. That's still up in the air. 

More to come! 

Well..

 

So I got six modules built. They are the curves for a show layout. Basically they are 9x16 inch boxes, made from 1/4 pine boards and some 1/4 ply. Nothing fancy or expensive. They have leveling feet on them so I can adjust for bad table tops or what have you. 

Next step is roadbed and track. Started working on that last night. 

First turnout I've made in over 15 years. It's ugly but it'll do. I need two rights and a wye. After that we should be good. 

Update...

 Cleaning up more stuff for future use. Dug out power units to see what I had.. 

The tank in the background is an old Stewart kit I found at a local show. 

Also, I've started building modules for a portable HOn30 layout. The goal is to be under a 30" width, which is standard for show tables. This is a table top layout, kinda like TTrak. Main modules are 9" x 16", the middle, smaller ones are 9" x 13". I plan to connect them with magnets and use Tamiya small connectors for power and lighting. 

The next question is hand laying track and switches or using Peco HOn30 track. I'm on the fence but we'll see. 

More to come...

Little things...

Decided to rearrange my shop today. I needed a bigger work area. So in the process of cleaning, I can across these little beasts....

HOn30 gondolas kitbashed from Bachmann N scale cars.

I guess I'm gonna have to figure out a railroad to run them on...

Dock and crane

A base of Pollyscale and Apple Barrel paints. Weathering done with Vallejo and Ammo of Mig washes. Weathering has changed alot over the years..

Crane and something new..

Work continues (in fits and spurts) on the Fallberg depot.

I built the crane for the dock. It's a nice little model that will need some detail. The undercoat is Mineral Brown, then a coat of Ammo Chipping solution and then Medium Yellow. The Chipping solution allows you to flake off the paint with a wet paint brush after it has had a chance to dry. I've got the base of it done, just not photographed. I'm going to apply rust and some other washes to it next.

I also got a new toy. I've been considering a fine airbrush for some time and have been looking at alot of the major brands. Iwata, Badger and others were considered. But for the last 30+ years, I've used Paasche airbrushes with no complaints. Parts are easy to get, they are made here in the USA and I've sprayed all sorts of paints with them.

I have had a H model external mix model for all of those 30+ years. I'm on my second one (the first died a horrible death) and it'll spray anything. I bought the Millennium when they released it for acrylics. It too is a work horse. Easy to get a fine spray with.

My new brush is a Talon. Made to do very fine lines. It came with three spray head/needles (0.25, 0.33 and 0.66mm) and a fan cap for wider spray. Best part is there was no need to swap airhoses or buy adapters. And for $100, well worth it. I'm getting used to it but it is very nice!

Okay, enough yaking. I'm gonna go get a couple of washes on the crane before bedtime.