(EMD) G scale engine CR (NS) SD80MAC build

Starting to look like a real locomotive, I'm glad you're doing that one, I couldn't spend that much time on one, I'd go stir crazy!

How many hours do you think you have in this one?

GRJ, I don't wish to know how much time it takes.  If I counted, I'd never do it again. 

Same thing with the cost.  It's way more than a new one on the market.

It'll certainly be one of a kind, and you can put your own little "tweaks" in it that a commercial one wouldn't have.  I'm sure it takes a lot of time, especially when you're doing fiddly little things like making vent grates by hand!

Joe your doing great! You are your own worst critic. We all strive for perfection and when we don't achieve it, we get frustrated. Its human nature. Getting up and walking away is the best thing you can do. I too, have failing eyes, and the motor function isn't what it used to be either. Slow and steady will win the race. No need to rush anything. Keep up the great work.

So exciting Joe, it's looking like a MAC, keep it up! =-)

Hmmm, looks better from a distance! 

I slapped a few decals on before I went nuts. I always rip the thin ones.

 I made a mistake and bent the rear decal to help me get the measurement correct for cutting it. When I went to apply it, it tore easily and lost some material. I'll have to touch it up with paint?

I walked away before attempting the nose decals and all the rest.

I was working on the nose decal when I noticed I never made a front cab nose door!

Oops. It's not the first time.

That looks sweet Joe.

Gene Anstine

working on the nose decal....

Sweet...we moved to fla...cant wait to re setup. All my G scale with us as well.

I have so many projects in different stages of their builds. I finally asked, and I'm getting help completing them. This build needs the cooling fans and the dynamic fan for example.

This is where I left off on this build....

I have not put a single hand rail on any of the scratch builds yet! I thought adding steps alone, would be easier. Everything takes more time and talent than I possess right now.

I forgot to update this post with fans from Alanrail.

Request to Build: 1/32 emd SD80mac fans: Thanks everyone ! | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogaugerr.com)

and I finally painted the fuel tank and the rest of the bottom stuff...

I wish it sounded more like this:

When she throttles way up that is.

This engine does sound pretty good with the 2 speakers.

I just wish it had more of that deep turbo sound.

I lost the touch. I glued in the windows and made a mess of it. Oh well.

Well?

getting there......

@Engineer-Joe posted:

Hmmm, looks better from a distance!

I slapped a few decals on before I went nuts. I always rip the thin ones.

I made a mistake and bent the rear decal to help me get the measurement correct for cutting it. When I went to apply it, it tore easily and lost some material. I'll have to touch it up with paint?

I walked away before attempting the nose decals and all the rest.

You know you may not want to touch it up with paint. On the real thing the paint is always missing in the same places. But it does look fantastic! !

@Engineer-Joe posted:

Standing track side watching your NS train go buy at speed, worried me as they have not been doing that well lately. LMAO

On another note, how do you find the gauge one? I was put off with the fact that the steamers had a fixed chassis unlike the LGB where the front drivers can stear and move around for uneven track?

Nice job! Conrail SD80MACs are some of my most favorite engines. There was nothing like them.

https://dandhcoloniemain.blogs...onrail-sd80macs.html

@ThatGuy posted:

Standing track side watching your NS train go buy at speed, worried me as they have not been doing that well lately. LMAO

On another note, how do you find the gauge one? I was put off with the fact that the steamers had a fixed chassis unlike the LGB where the front drivers can stear and move around for uneven track?

My RR is pretty uneven outback. I don't have any derails running forward. I tried to shove a train up a grade to my shed and that was the only derail I had. It is a big grade and the tank cars were very light.

The main steam I have is MTH gauge one. I have several Challengers, and a Triplex. They run and track very well. I also have a small USA trains diecast steam that doesn't get much use.

I am a diesel guy but it seems that everyone who comes here prefers to see the steamers.

@Engineer-Joe posted:

My RR is pretty uneven outback. I don't have any derails running forward. I tried to shove a train up a grade to my shed and that was the only derail I had. It is a big grade and the tank cars were very light.

The main steam I have is MTH gauge one. I have several Challengers, and a Triplex. They run and track very well. I also have a small USA trains diecast steam that doesn't get much use.

I am a diesel guy but it seems that everyone who comes here prefers to see the steamers.

Very interesting.  I run LGB such as the Astor Hudson and I was told the reason all LGB engines and passenger car trucks/drivers pivot are so they can track on uneven roadbeds. I noticed on a USA diesel with a 3-wheel truck the front axle set can steer inside the side truck frame. I noticed in the photo you not using brass rail, how is the conductivity outside versus brass rail? Also, who's switches do you use? I know LGB is becoming very hard to come by and how do you like them.

thanks in advance,

Craig

I don't have any LGB locos.

I have all Aristo stainless track and switches.

I do have some USA diesels and some from Aristo.

Using good wiring and extra power to the rails (Bridgewerks) seems to help me here.