A thread in another forum trying to identify this car caught my interest and I filed away the following for a “to do” project.
A link to the original photo.

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The direct link to the answer....

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......and following the crumbs.......

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/misc-frt/cisx500alb.jpg">http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/misc-frt/cisx500alb.jpg</a><!-- m -->

The link to Tom Daspits very informative site which includes the section on Large Flat Cars.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.garlic.com/~tomd/">http://www.garlic.com/~tomd/</a><!-- m -->

So with the above sources along with the help of another modeller who came up with further information from the January 1942 O.R.E.R, I decided the following was enough to try a build.
“Breaking all records for size, this monster well car 90 ft long over the coupler pulling faces, has a load capacity of over 250 tons. Designed for use in carrying ingot molds between two Carnegie-Illinois plants, it is fitted for regular interchange movements. To carry this enormous load safely and economically, the two six wheeled trucks under each of the auxiliary bodies are provided with U.S.S Wrought Steel Wheels, 36 in. in diameter.
Pertinent Facts. Total weight of the car is 313,900 lb, of which 107,920 lb is in the four trucks, 49,000 lbs in the two auxiliary bodies, and 156,980 lbs in the well body proper. Payload capacity, at a rail load limit of 70,000 lbs, per axle, is 526,100 lbs. The total rail load is 840,000 lbs.
The well-platform is made up of seven long H-Beams, jigs assembled and are welded longitudinally. Each H-Beam in turn is made up in 5 sections- the central platform piece, two reverse curve transition pieces and two end pieces which terminate at the main bolster......”
Outside length 87'6"
Width @ eaves or top of sides or platform 9'8"
Extreme width 9'8"
Capacity 526100 lb.
Flat car, Depressed, steel, Note A: Car No. 500: height from rail to top of depressed platform 2 ft. 8-3/4 inch, to top of car body 6 ft. 9-1/2 inches; length of depressed center 18 .”
Armed with the above information I first sourced some affordable and more importantly available Buckeye trucks, Athearn ATH90407 and quickly knocked up a test car see if my requirements for overall heights, correct coupler height, and ability to run through my 15 inch radius test track.

   

As the trucks ticked all the boxes I then proceeded with an accurate (?) HO scale drawing.

   

One of my self imposed limits was that I used only hand tools that I would expect most modellers to have.

   

Thanks for looking, Cheers, the Bear.

I'm always surprised how very generic rail-related structures are almost impossible to find on the market. Looks at manufacturers catalog and you won't find a decent-sized gantry crane. None. Too small, Europeand design or the large ones on traveling on beam structure. Look for the ubiquitous model, there's nothing.



So I resorted to kitbash one using parts from a Walthers conveyor kit. I could have entirely scratchbuilt it to be 100% accurate, but I didn't want to go that route. I want a decent representation of Harlem Station gantry crane, not a prize-winning model. Everything came from the junk box, including Bachmann plastic wheel sets (yes, they do have a purpose in life other than be discarded!).



I also followed an old article in Model Railroader about a similar structure which made my life easier interpreting the picture of the prototype. I'll be honest though... I made what I could to create a believeable mechanism but did go as far as the article. It has the look, but upon closer inspection, the illusion will fall apart if you know how cranes work!



After two days of intense work, I've been able to build the structure. The last thing to be done is the crane motor and hook... and some painting of course.



I'll also have to had two rails on the layout for the crane. I'm not yet decided how I'll do it, but it will probably be some code 100 scraps of flextrack.

Matt

Happy Fathers Day. I'm sure there must be at least one of you on this forum besides myself.

I'm looking for a Proto1000 C-liner 'b' shell and handrails. Roadname doesn't matter. Preferably one that has 3 cooling fans in the roof and no dynamic brake.
Thanks

Streetcar weekend! I visited a streetcar model club here in Dresden, Germany and took some pictures. Enjoy!

















All scenes are built after real locations here in my home city and they are built in the present existing appearance. Not one of buildings is simplified and often old and new buildings are standing side by side as they are seen on the layout. All streetcar models are built or modified after prototypes which did run in here in Dresden in years 1920 to present time.
The last two pictures show models of the most loved historic streetcar of Dresden, the so-calleg "big pike" (the fish) because its narrow front for better running through curves. It was a high speed streetcar with 50 mph, built in 1929-31 and were planned for use on a suburban line, however the lines were never built. Two of thes streetcars exist yet, one in running condition and will be used for specific events of Dresden streetcar museum. A picture yet of this prototype streetcar which runs from time to time.

So I have a Proto 2000 gp38-2 fitted with a LokSound decoder and an Intermountain sd40-2 with factory LokSound. I was messing around trying to put them into a consist, not only could I not figure out how to do it but now they won't respond to the throttle. The gp38 responds to everything but movement and sd40 is basically the same way except the headlight flashes twice when turned on and when the horn is pressed. I've tried to reprogram both of them and nothing is happening, any thoughts?

Yea I can just hear you guys jumping up and down shouting...NO GO AWAY!!! . But I think I am back. Time will tell.

Hello everybody,

I am looking for further information about the BNSF's Gold Bar turn (seems to be some kinda local), in Washington, US.

Can anybody tell me the route of the turn? Where does it start? Which track does it pass?

I found some videos while researching, but it´s hard for me to find out more as English is not my mother language.

The area is a nice theme for a small home layout, I think.

Hope to hear from you guys.

2009


2015