Polar Express project

Cool project, ……I built a full set for my buddy Chris a few years back, ….we went way over the top,….we started with a stock TMCC NKP Berk, and some Southern Heavyweights…….😁

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

Cool project, ……I built a full set for my buddy Chris a few years back, ….we went way over the top,….we started with a stock TMCC NKP Berk, and some Southern Heavyweights…….😁

Pat

Lets just say I might have a project up my sleeve.

@Sid's Trains posted:

Lets just say I might have a project up my sleeve.

Sid, …is that pilot 3D printed?…..

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

Sid, …is that pilot 3D printed?…..

Pat

Haha you would think so, but I actually modified a Lionel one to fit on an MTH Berk.

@Sid's Trains posted:

Haha you would think so, but I actually modified a Lionel one to fit on an MTH Berk.

You were lucky to get one from Lionel, …..I believe these are NLA?…..I need to look, ….as it’s one of my most popular custom jobs, …..but alas, the pilot has been the big hold up,….

Pat

I'm in some good company then.  I'm using this headlight fixture from PSC.

Only the "hood"  section will be exposed.

@harmonyards posted:

You were lucky to get one from Lionel, …..I believe these are NLA?…..I need to look, ….as it’s one of my most popular custom jobs, …..but alas, the pilot has been the big hold up,….

Pat

Oh they are completely sold out. I bought the last golden one and just stripped it down to bare brass.

@Sid's Trains posted:

Oh they are completely sold out. I bought the last golden one and just stripped it down to bare brass.

Well, all is not lost, ….I’ll be figuring a way to make these ….I’ve been eyeballing late 19th century long pilots on PSC …..ain’t like the rest of the engine is much of a challenge anyways……might as well make something  with at least a difficulty level of 3 ….😁

Pat

Getting closer...

Not perfect but for now, it's the best I can do. 

I think I am going to remove the 1225 numbering from the cab.

Done! 

I’m seeing a new custom builder emerging in our midst …….very nice work, ….if anybody needs Larry’s personal info, hit me up!….😄😄😄

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

I’m seeing a new custom builder emerging in our midst …….very nice work, ….if anybody needs Larry’s personal info, hit me up!….😄😄😄

Pat

Thanks for the laugh this morning, Pat!  I needed that.  What did Dirty Harry say?  - every man must know his limitations.

Larry, congratulations on a great update project.  It looks more in keeping with the movie locomotive now.  If possible, it would be great to see a video of it in motion.  Thanks for sharing!

I got front row seating as Larry sent me pics of his progress, bouncing ideas off each other’s heads,…..amazing craftsmanship here!…,and with that, a builder is born!….welcome to the club Larry, ….you’ll never leave a locomotive stock after the bug bites you!…..stock is for sissies!!…..😁

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

I got front row seating as Larry sent me pics of his progress, bouncing ideas off each other’s heads,…..amazing craftsmanship here!…,and with that, a builder is born!….welcome to the club Larry, ….you’ll never leave a locomotive stock after the bug bites you!…..stock is for sissies!!…..😁

Pat

Enjoy our chats, Pat.  And MANY thanks on the MG questions, too!  By reducing the idle, the run-on is all but gone.

@rjsmithindy posted:

Larry, congratulations on a great update project.  It looks more in keeping with the movie locomotive now.  If possible, it would be great to see a video of it in motion.  Thanks for sharing!

Thank, Rob.  I'll be setting it up around the Christmas tree next Saturday.  I'll post a quick video.

@harmonyards - what do I use to remove just the cab numbers?

@Larry Mullen posted:

Enjoy our chats, Pat.  And MANY thanks on the MG questions, too!  By reducing the idle, the run-on is all but gone.

Good, but we want it all gone, ….no?….take just a taste of base ignition timing out of it,….that should knock out the rest of the dieseling out of it,…😉..verify your base before you move the dizzy ….

Pat

Just sent up the trains today...it's a quick one, but you'll get the idea.  Still have not been able to remove the cab numbers.  I've tried 91% rubbing alcohol and lacquer thinner to no avail.  Might have to sand and repaint to hopefully match as close as possible.

Thanks for watching and thanks for the positive/encouraging comments along the way.

That looks fantastic Larry!  Thanks for sharing a video.  

Well here is my movie "accurate" PE so far. By no means perfect, but something I have put together in a month alongside a friend of mine. MTH PS1 Berk, Lionel pilot, and some custom cosmetics. Whistle relocated, feed water heater removed, and a more flush mounted headlight. It is getting legacy and whistle steam and should be done in time for me to film it this Wednesday.

@Sid's Trains posted:

Well here is my movie "accurate" PE so far. By no means perfect, but something I have put together in a month alongside a friend of mine. MTH PS1 Berk, Lionel pilot, and some custom cosmetics. Whistle relocated, feed water heater removed, and a more flush mounted headlight. It is getting legacy and whistle steam and should be done in time for me to film it this Wednesday.

Nice work!  I thought long and hard about removing the feedwater but decided not to.  How did you remove the cab lettering?  Mine would not budge with lacquer thinner or rubbing alcohol.  I think I'll sand it down and try to match the black sheen as best as I can.  Did you use an airbrush to paint it?

@Larry Mullen posted:

Nice work!  I thought long and hard about removing the feedwater but decided not to.  How did you remove the cab lettering?  Mine would not budge with lacquer thinner or rubbing alcohol.  I think I'll sand it down and try to match the black sheen as best as I can.  Did you use an airbrush to paint it?

Well this was an MTH berk so it was painted like an NKP berk. So the entire shell was sand blasted and then sprayed with a simple black and matte clear. It was done very quickly so the texture is a bit course, but that doesn't bother me. The paint was shot with a spray gun. I plan to make another one at some point using 3D printed parts.

Here are some more photos of the engine now.

Looks great, Sid.