Grain Belt Models Corrugated Pipe Load

CB&Q Collection, Newberry Library, University of Chicago

I have been meaning to complete this post since last winter. I have finally managed to get it completed. For years, I have been noodling that with the state of 3D printing technology, you could make a highly realistic corrugated pipe load. Well, I didn't do it, but Grain Belt Models has. They have released HO scale corrugated pipe in a variety of sizes. They are a great candidate for a load, as well as culvert pipes to be integrated into scenes.

FSA-OWI Collection, Library of Congress

They are offered in packs of several pipes (number dependent upon diameter,) in rigid clear plastic containers (I'd prefer something biodegradable). They are printed in a silvery-grey color that is not entirely unlike galvanized, corrugated pipe, but I will paint mine before adding to a car as a load. My target is a more shiny, bluish-sliver color like that of new galvanized metal.

If there is one nit, the thickness of the pipe is out of scale. However, that is necessary to preserve some strength. It's not grossly oversized and the benefits of actually having these pipes outweighs the slightly out of scale thickness.

They are available at the Iowa Scaled Engineering website. There are several sizes from which to choose. The ones I purchased were $5.00 for a 4-pack and I purchased 6 packs to make a load with 24 pipes.

I consolidated three packs (12 pipes) into one container, as shown here

2019 Mid-Atlantic RPM Photos

I attended the Mid-Atlantic RPM meet this past weekend in Linthicum, Maryland (close to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport). The recent history of this event has been a little unsettled as it had been hosted south of DC, in Fredericksburg, VA, with modest attendance figures. Under the guidance of Bernie Kempinski, in 2018 the meet moved to its current location. It offered a solid lineup of clinics and display space. This year, attendance grew considerably and the clinic lineup almost doubled. Things are looking strong heading into 2020. I snapped a few photos of things that caught my eye, although this is a sample only!

Richard Shulby displayed this fascinating PFE R-40-23 with complete interior, including floor boards, crates, and ice in the bunkers.

This SP&S gondola (Intermountain) and CP flat (Proto 2000) were part of a display on the Oregon Coast Railroad.

Kevin Olson brought this in-progress RF&P Berkshire, based on a re-detailed Bachmann model.

Pete La Guardia displayed this beautiful NYC tug.

Fritz Dahlin had several excellent vehicles on display, including a Pure Oil GMC truck (CMW body, chassis, and rear wheels with Matchbox cab, and Athearn front wheels) and an IH Emeryville tractor (Sylvan Scale with Microscale decals).

Jim Dufour had several structures featured in his inspiring clinic on the B&M's Cheshire Branch, including this USRA box car, repurposed as a freight house at State Line, New Hampshire, circa 1947.

Tom Devenny modeled an Erie gon using a Mantua model, following an article from RMC.

Clinic file from MARPM (as well as St. Louis RPM)

Yes, I know, it's been a looooonnnngggg time since I have posted anything. I aim to rectify that over the coming weeks. First up is the link to the presentation files from this past weekend's MARPM event as well as the St. Louis RPM in July. Both files may be accessed via this link.

The recent presentation, from MARPM, is a modestly expanded and revised version of my clinic on creating decal artwork (like that shown above.)

The second and older one is the clinic from St. Louis for this year's project car. The focus of the clinic is/was alternate center rivet, U-section/hat section steel box and auto cars.