SWSM Backwoods Work Train

[stan.b.shields]

Going through a packed up box of kits that have been in storage for 20 years I found a couple of individual kits from this fabulous train. I read the instructions (how about that!)...Brett mentions there are color photos of these models in the July 1999 NG&SLG. I went through my collection and, of course, I don't have this issue:-(
Anybody have this issue? I'll happily buy the back issue but would like to know if the photos are worth having before I do, anybody know?
Stan

[bparrish]

Stan...

Here is the shots in three sections from the ad in the July 99 issue.  I suppose Bob Brown holds the copy stuff on this but if he wants to come and get me, great, he can tie me up in his office for as long as he wants to.

see ya
Bob

[stan.b.shields]

Wow, thanks very much for posting these Bob, you're a gentleman and a scholar!
Stan

[stan.b.shields]

I'm trying Brett's chalk and alcohol technique for the first time. It's a challenge. I don't think I'm using the right brush.
I must be using too much chalk because it's obscuring the details like the wood grain on the platform...

[stan.b.shields]

I think I may get better results painting the platform and using the chalk/alcohol on the tank?

[stan.b.shields]

this is after spraying the first layer of chalks with fixative, looks worse before it gets better...

[stan.b.shields]

added the smaller hose, still working on the chalks...

[bparrish]

Stan...

This is starting to get cool....

Thanx
Bob

[stan.b.shields]

Thanx Bob, I'm learning how to use the chalks/alcohol for the first time, it's a process :-)
This little project is an experiment. It's tricky blending the colors of chalk, getting the washes the right consistency...

[stan.b.shields]

added more detail, now on to the truck. I ordered up a Kadee HOn3 with the real springs, wish me luck :-)

[bparrish]

Stan...

The Kadee trucks come unassembled.  It is quite a balancing act to put these together and they offer a jig to load up the springs.  I would submit that it is near impossible without the jig.

I have one so if you want me to assemble them let me know.

After you have done a bunch of them it is not too tough.  There is a little side to side sliding motion necessary that the instructions (yes I did read the instructions on this one  ! ! ! ) don't tell you about.

Let me know.
see  ya
Bob

[stan.b.shields]

RutRoh. I shoulda checked in first, I assumed I could do it without the jig (you know, jigs are for wimps:-).
Maybe I'll use a different brand of truck for this little tank. I don't plan on needing more than one or two HOn3 trucks so the jig will get very little use, bad ROI.
Any suggestions for good looking HOn3 truck/wheelsets?

Here's a flat car I made to transport the little tank car on: This was an MDC Roundhouse 26Ft car that I shortened to 20Ft, added the wooden deck, grab irons and steps. Sorry for bad photo. I might install a couple of rails for the tank car to sit on while being transported...Most of my layout is standard gauge so the tank car will be more visible if it's a flat car load...

[bparrish]

Stan...

If you are only doing a few trucks or pairs, do send them to me for assembly.  Kadee s are the best as they are sprung and track well with very light (flats) cars.

There are a lot of rigid frames out there but Kadee does run consistently well.

I don't charge out my time.......... this is a hobby and I try not to forget that.  Look at ebay for an example of people who have lost sight of that.

We'll be in it for the postage and I can turn them around in a day or two. They will be fine in a 6 x 8 padded envelope or some size like that.

E-mail me on the side for an address.

see ya
Bob

[stan.b.shields]

So at the turn of the century in the Rockies or the Sierra, if the railroad needed to transport the 3ft gauge water car from the Backwoods work train on a standard gauge flatcar, how would they have secured it? Chains?, ropes? timbers for wheel chocks?
Remove the truck and/or wheel sets?

[stan.b.shields]

Finished the car. My railroad has very limited narrow gauge trackage so the Backwoods Water car has to be transported on the standard gauge to get where it's needed. The flatcar is an MDC kit that I shortened and added the wooden deck.
This was my first experience with chalks/alcohol washes, I'm still learning but I really like the results, the textures add a whole 'other dimension to the work, very cool. The CellPhone pics don't do it justice, it looks much better "in person" :-)