Second Coal Car Print

The second printed coal car (actually, technically the third but who’s counting?) came off the printer in two parts over the past 24 hours. I’m still getting some sagging at the ends but this version is one I think I can work with. The key outstanding modification will be a reversal of the door closing […]

Cheers, Dick

Surprisingly, particularly since I used to organize one, I’m not generally excited by model train shows. Because my railway interests are so esoteric, there is rarely anything to buy. So, I usually take a quick spin around to see what’s there, and talk to some old friends. I watch the tail-chasing modular layouts for a […]

Enough with the Coal Car Brakes

After at least four iterations, I’m getting pretty slick at drawing brake brackets, levers and rods. Along the way, I’ve reviewed countless drawings for brake gear and learned so much about the KC brake system, some other memories must have had to pop out the other side. I’ve finally arrived at a version with which […]

Coal Car Control Quandary Continues

At Friday’s modelling night, I collared Rob Kirkham for a discussion about the coal car brakes. He is a bit of a kindred spirit in that he models a time before the transition era, and he’s a bit of a stickler for details. I shared my concern that the outboard position of the brake cylinder […]