What's up?

It's been quite awhile since I posted. I thought it time for an update on things and what I'm working on at present. I was part of a layoff in November so my circumstances have changed quite dramatically in a short amount of time. One benefit, if one could call it that, is that I have had a little more time for train-related things.

The first area where I have focused is to complete the artwork for some test etchings to serve as validations for several ideas I have had percolating for years. While they are broad in scope, they fall into a few areas, including highly accurate scale renditions of ladders, with treads (rungs) that match the prototype right down to the "dumbbell" shape, several styles of sill steps, side sill support sections, brake adjusters, and other various details, some highly specific, such as details for an F&C F29 flat car, including sill steps, load brackets, and brake beams. My interests with the etchings are two-fold: to increase realism and fidelity to detail and in certain instances to provide long-term durability (think things like ladders, steps, etc.) The first batch of test etchings should arrive early in 2023 and will allow me to complete several projects that have languished, in some cases for years. More on those below. Some of these etchings may become products similar to the excellent offerings from Yarmouth.

Another area I am exploring is 3D printing. I recently completed a refresher course in Rhino to reacquaint myself. It is a solid modeling tool used in many industries, including jewelry design, architecture, and set design, among others. I have used it on and off for years and am now even more committed because I made another investment to complement Rhino: a Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K 3D printer that has the highest resolution of consumer 3D printers (although that accolade likely has a shelf life similar to milk!) I expect it to afford me a means to easily create parts for scratchbuilding and kitbashing projects with some having carryover to possible resin offerings.

I am at work on Volume Six in the PRM series that will again focus on some interesting modeling subjects, some of which have been referenced in previous blog posts. Models in the queue include:

• Straight side sill support box cars, including NP 40' and 50' prototypes and GAEX 'DF' box cars, including their Duryea underframes
• PFE R-30-4, R-40-4, and R-40-8 prototypes and models
• Rutland flat car kitbash
• GATC postwar 7,000 gallon acid tank car kitbash
• CNW 40' PS-1 auto car modeling
• Rebuilt FGEX refrigerator car
• other subjects, space permitting

I have a number of projects that are close to the finish line. The test etchings should allow me to complete several over the next few months including the following:

• CGW 1937 AAR box car (Naperville gift parts set from a few years back)
• NH 1937 AAR box car (started only about 15+ years ago)
• PRR F29 depressed center flat car (referenced above)
• McKeesport Connecting Railroad gondola (shortly, I will post the last installment to update the work to the finished model shown above)
• Santa Fe Bx-34 Modified 1937 AAR box car with 3D printed and etched metal parts

I will be attending Prototype Rails for the first time in three years. I have committed to presenting about PFE reefers, including the fleet at January, 1953 as well as many interesting details for modeling considerations that are easily lost in the scope of PFE's massive fleet. For those unable to attend, the clinic file will be shared here after the event.