Scratchbuilding a PRR 'FM' 40' flat in HO brass

[jbvb]

Thanks, Philip, Jerry and Rick.

PRR 473078's scores were: Construction 32 of 40 possible, Detail 18 of 20, Conformity 21 of 25, Finish & Lettering: 18 of 25, Scratch Building 13 of 15.

[deemery]

Thanks, Philip, Jerry and Rick.

PRR 473078's scores were: Construction 32 of 40 possible, Detail 18 of 20, Conformity 21 of 25, Finish & Lettering: 18 of 25, Scratch Building 13 of 15.

Did you agree with the scoring (and criticisms)?   Consistency of judging has always been a big problem in Achievement Program.

dave

[jbvb]

PRR 473078's scores were: Construction 32 of 40 possible, Detail 18 of 20, Conformity 21 of 25, Finish & Lettering: 18 of 25, Scratch Building 13 of 15.

Did you agree with the scoring (and criticisms)?  Consistency of judging has always been a big problem in Achievement Program.

dave

With one exception, which I could have avoided:  The Conformity judges saw arch-bar trucks in my prototype photos, but didn't catch that my 6-50 re-weigh date was after arch-bars were banned from interchange (30-Jun-1949). Could have either found a later picture or noted it under Conformity.

My Finish score was the lowest percentage. Not sure I could have done a better job with decals over decal rivets and around all the stake pockets.  I certainly could have weathered it better.

[jbvb]

While visiting Strasburg, I stopped by the RR Museum of Pennsylvania. When I learned they had PRR "FM" flat #478567, I got out a model photo. I was kindly offered an escort to photograph it (too near the new roundhouse construction site for public access). It's presently carrying parts of a pillar crane, but RRMPA have it because it was twice used to move the John Bull (built 1831 for the Camden & Amboy, presently at the Smithsonian).



A monument to pressed steel and rivets, it's had a hard 112+ years but is still supporting quite a few tons without complaint.



I was tickled to find it still had the old Carmer cut levers I modeled. Both the trucks and air brake hose are right for my era. They do plan to restore it eventually, but there are many more glamorous items ahead of it in the queue:

[Rick]

James, that was great that you were allowed a close look.
Those pictures will help with your build.