What is your Covid-19 project:
I am in the process of converting my MTH Bump-n-Go “Center City Trolley” to the Duluth Street Railroad Co car #78.
The Duluth (MN) Street Railroad Company was incorporated in 1881 and work began on tracks along Superior Street from Eighth Avenue West to Third Avenue East in September 1882. Small trolley cars or “dinkies” pulled by mules began service on July 6, 1883. The ride cost a nickel. The company was later expanded, electrified and operated until 1966. The MTH two axle trolley closely resembles the early electrified trollies of the DSRRCo.
My project required a basic color makeover with some added signage and minor detailing. It did require me to disassemble the trolley for painting. I’m impressed with the tooling as there is only one way the parts fit back together. There is definitely a front and a back to this trolley and you can’t change the orientation of the parts. This was very helpful. I have decal sheets, thanks to a previous project, so I am able to printing appropriate sign boards and make decals for numbers and color striping.
The Minnesota Streetcar Museum currently operates DSRRCo #78 which serves as my target.
Shortly into the project, I decided I needed to add passenger to the interior. I constructed a floor using a 1.0mm polystyrene sheet from evergreen scale models. To provide proper clearance, I added a strip of 1.5mm square styrene to raise the floor above the motor. Added seats and angled the backs 5 degrees. Purchased a 24 - package of 1:50 scale painted seated figures from Evemodel. Actually after I added some facial detail, they are quite acceptable for interior passengers and they are relatively cheap!. Had to trim and cut the them down a bit to make them fit. I give credit to John Rowlen (OGR Forum member) for this detail inspiration.
I coated the exterior with Rust-Oleum 2x Ultra cover gloss Sun Yellow! Will give to model a matte finish after decals have been added.
Today I cut out the window center bar to more closely represent the windows on #78. Missed that detail earlier in the project. I also cut new window glazing to install later.
I masked and painted the roof, bumpers and entrance doors. Next step will be to add the decal striping, and car numbers.
It appears that I will have several more months of this Covid-stay-at-home to complete this project. Darn!!!!
Cheers to all and please wash your hands, wear your masks, and socially distance when out and about! We have to beat this pandemic. I begin my 81st trip around the sun in three months, so I’m counting on everyone out there to do their part to keep me safe! Thanks for your help, Dave
PS: I am looking for a motorman figure to operate this trolley. Any suggestions?
Photos to date: