WPMA-19's conductor confers with Absecon Mills plant foreman on how todays cars are to be spotted.

Bruce

   

After working on my layout for 15 years, I'm thinking a tearing it down and starting over. I've started to realize the track plan's  limitations and I think I can do better.
First a few pictures on the current layout.

   

Okay...I need some help here.

I've searched, read, and looked up but I haven't found anything really that comprehensive if you will.

What I need is a start to finish guide or assistance on painting an undecorated Steam locomotive.  

Questions like: 

Do I need to disassemble it? I'd rather not if I don't have to because a decoder is installed and I don't want to take it apart again.  The whole engine needed to be re-wired...I get anxiety just thinking about it...

What can I use to mask the windows? Would ordinary green painters tape suffice or do I need to use some of the fancy Tamiya stuff?

Do I need to primer it?  I'm thinking a black primer might be better then a grey or maybe not?

Most importantly...what flippin colours do I use?  I think I have one of the last unopened bottles of TLT CPR Steam Engine Grey which would seem to do the trick in my eyes.

Despite my recent efforts building and weathering my freight inventory this particular project gets me stressed.  Mostly because I don't want the hassle of messing it up and then have start it over.

I have the appropriate decals too...

For comparison I have an engine that I bought painted and weathered on consignment at a LHS which is the look I'd like to achieve with this project.

   

6931 is waiting for a decoder install before she is put back into revenue service.  But this is the look I am after.

...and here is 6928.  Waiting for her railroad name and numbers.  I picked her up from a club member years ago for a steal at 75 bucks.  A deal I could not pass up.

   

Anyways...sorry for the long winded post.  The idea of doing this particular project gives me seriously cold feet.

Thanks guys.

WPMA-29 switching cars at Absegami Plastics.

Bruce

   

Looking for recommendations (size, rating and source) for an Atlas HO Master/Silver series diesel locos forward and reverse bulb.  I'm looking for direct one for one replacement of the grain of wheat style lights.   NOT looking to switch led at this time.  Here is a picture of the current one barely glowing (below)

Thanks

Yeah, just testing to make sure my "new" computer can do what it's supposed to do. I say, "new" because it was new about six months ago when I bough it, just waiting for this day when I actually put it to work. So by today's standards, it has to be obsolete by now.

If I say, "Ignore this post", I know what usually happens, so I'm not going to say that and I'll bet that no one responds.

Just have about 1,253 more settings to change before things appear normal.

My contribution for this week  ...

Caught up with WPMA-40 as they stopped for lunch in Whiskey Point.

Bruce

   

This is not trains but a diorama that will go on a friend's layout.  The birds are from Miniprints.ca

   

I am actually building a Juneco Wood Kit of a CNR Wood Caboose for a friend of mine.  This being the very first wood kit I am building, I am not sure how to finish it. Basically two questions?

1- What kind of primer should I use?

2- The kit came with Dry Transfer letters.  Is it possible to use regular decals instead on wood surfaces or should I stick to the Dry Transfers?

Thank you.