C&S RPO 11: Linn Moedinger’s Shapeways Print in Sn3 and Hon3

[Todd A Ferguson]

I’ve thought for a long time if a library of parts could be built up it would make a good way for new solid modelers to create something that is simple, useful and shareable.  The key to my thinking is to have this library of parts that could be shared, used in more complex models and perhaps modified and added to to improve the existing model and build upon it.

So, maybe the library consists of two different components.  First complete models that people have done and are will to share with others to use either free or at a very low cost.  Second would be a library of shared model components that can be used as building blocks to making new and more complex models perhaps that end up in the first category.

Let me give an example of my thoughts on this and you can tell me whether I’m on target or crazy.  Take brake gear for example.  I would like to have brake gear components available that I could add to my car underframe model or a complete car body I might be modeling.  Another idea I have had for more modern cars such as coal hoppers or gondolas would be modeled side stakes complete with rivets, etc.  Then these stakes could be added to a properly shaped side to build up a complete car side and ultimately the entire car.  Now naturally one could model the stake themselves and copy duplicates to their appropriate location.  My goal would be to speed up the modeling rather than have people model the same parts over and over and over.

Boxcar doors and ends as well as Master Car Builders common parts would be another possibility in my mind.  For my HO models I have about a half dozen unique cars that I would like to have produced either by my own modeling, or maybe by working with someone like Bill Meredith at Leadville Designs.

Let us know your thoughts and if I’m off base or missing issues I’d love your input.

[Keith Hayes]

RPO 11 has lacked all the safety appliances,  notably the steps. I was hoping Bill's brass etch for Baggage Car 1 would be the ticket,  but of course it is different.

So I fabbed my own, including pairs of twisted stirrups for the corners.

These are fresh from a solder and wash. Next they will get some primer before being installed and then the car will be ready for the AP jury.

[Jim Courtney]

Great work, Keith.

Trust me, those pins are well worth the effort for mounting all that dangling hardware!

[Keith Hayes]

I realized I did not post a final photo of RPO 11 with all the hardware on it. It is hard to make out the stirrups due to their being black parts in the shadows.

I have been doing house keeping on the 8 models to be submitted for my NMRA Rolling Stock AP, of which this car will be one.

Oh, and I hear that a group is having a vigorous discussion about models of the as-built D&RG 5500-series stock cars. Being the models are Sn3 and the cars probably found their way onto the South Park hauling coal and lumber, I think someone should make a post.

[Mike Trent]

Beauty, Keith!! Thanks.

[drgwcs]

Keith Hayes wrote

Jim Courtney suggested some 16" On3 MacLeod Western brake wheels would scale out about right for the RPO (I am partial to the large wheels on the C&S head end cars). I ordered some, and they will work out great.

While visiting Caboose,  I also purchased a Soundcar,  keep-alive and speaker. Now all I am lacking is the needle beam/queenpost bit.

Resurrecting a bit of an old thread here.
I am reworking a Labelle HOn3 RPO to be somewhat of a 13 (although will be a off) does anyone have a suggestion for a brake wheel to use? Since Keith here used an On3 brakewheel for S- I figure that an S one will be about right for HO. San Juan/ Grandt did not have anything, neither did Tichy. Glanced at PBL but no photos. Any suggestions? (also did someone know the prototype diameter?

[Jim Courtney]

Two suggestions, Jim.

Bill Meredith produced the C&S baggage car kits for no. 1 and 2 summer of 2023, in HO, S and O scales. The kits included etched correct 24" end brake wheels in nickel silver and brass. I've purchased extra parts from Bill in the past. There is also an etching set for the baggage door steps and underframe brake rigging.

Contact Bill at: [e-mail]. You might want to contact Bill now, while the Trump Canada tariffs are on pause. Bill's concerned that if the tariffs do come to pass, it may severely limit his business model.

Roy at Ride Trains offered the C&S combine 20 and baggage 4 last year in both HO and S scales. They included cast resin brake wheels with housings that are very nice. I've purchased extras in S scale.

Contact Roy at: [e-mail].  Be sure to put “RIDE TRAINS” in the subject line to avoid being caught by the spam filter.

Good luck, and post photos of the completed RPO when you finish it!!

[drgwcs]

Jim Courtney wrote

Two suggestions, Jim.

Bill Meredith produced the C&S baggage car kits for no. 1 and 2 summer of 2023, in HO, S and O scales. The kits included etched correct 24" end brake wheels in nickel silver and brass. I've purchased extra parts from Bill in the past. There is also an etching set for the baggage door steps and underframe brake rigging.

Contact Bill at: [e-mail]. You might want to contact Bill now, while the Trump Canada tariffs are on pause. Bill's concerned that if the tariffs do come to pass, it may severely limit his business model.

Roy at Ride Trains offered the C&S combine 20 and baggage 4 last year in both HO and S scales. They included cast resin brake wheels with housings that are very nice. I've purchased extras in S scale.

Contact Roy at: [e-mail].  Be sure to put “RIDE TRAINS” in the subject line to avoid being caught by the spam filter.

Good luck, and post photos of the completed RPO when you finish it!!

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Thanks I will check on those. I knew on the Ride Trains that he had done the baggage but assumed that the wheel was printed on one piece with the body. That might be easiest as he does have some interiors I could use. I also had the Grandt Line Sn3 C&S wheel suggested by Keith but that appears to be currently OOP at San Juan.
Thanks so much

[Keith Hayes]

Jim, here are three brake wheels for reference.

The McLeod part measures about 1'-9" in diameter in S scale. The 3/16" Grandt part is about the same in HO. That said,  it is not as lacy as the McLeod part.

I like Jim's advice: reach out to Bill and support him! The part will be spotlight on!!