| The
Annie - Projects
Annie
Projects (the rule of 80) - the
diesel and caboose projects are the first in a series of Ann Arbor
Railroad modeling efforts that will provide the necessary rolling stock
and motive power for my dream layout. I reference the "rule of
80" for two reasons. 1) I am modeling the Ann Arbor in Fall 1980, and
2) my philosophy is that 80% is a good target for realism. I do not want
to obsess with counting rivets or having absolutely everything 100%
perfect. So when I created the Ann Arbor cabooses, I know that the smoke
jack is on the wrong side and that the 3 windows are not exactly where
they need to be - and I may have some of the GP-35's in the wrong paint
scheme for Fall 1980, and my future model of the car ferry Viking might
get a vermilion
band that it might not have received until Fall of 1981(?) - but I like the
way these things look, and they make me happy... and that's the goal of
model railroading!
Projects - caboose
Starting with a Micro-Trains 36' steel caboose, I closed in a window
and removed the standard cupola. Then I created a template for the streamlined cupola out
of standard paper. Using N Scale sheet styrene for car siding, I cut the 5 pieces of the
cupola. Then after mounting these pieces, I used Testor's model putty to fill in the slight
gaps at the joints, then I sanded the cupola smooth at each corner. Paint and lettering
were added and then it was complete -a two evening project. Detailed photos and
description are now posted on the "how-to" page.
Projects - diesel
Here's a quick "how-to" project for turning an undecorated model into
your favorite railroad's star performer: view the RS1
conversion!
NEW
- single chime horns added to RS-1 cab roofs, and original
Atlas horns removed.
Projects - NEW box cars
(hoppers coming soon!)
This is a very simple way to add some
variety to your layout, while employing some very simple modeling
techniques. Check the "how-to" project for
details. click here
2008 Addendum
If you wish to contact me about modeling the Ann Arbor Railroad, send me
an e-mail and I will do my
best to respond promptly. Please understand that I have a pretty
busy schedule, so there are times when it may take a while for a reply,
but if you put AARR or Annie in the subject line, that should help move
you to the top of the list!
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GP-35 unit #388, improved number boards and
"we have the connections" herald - see
how it was done
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