They look great, TJ! A major improvement!
Take care,
Matt
Take care,
Matt
Bachmannn log cars
Take two... seems I'm having trouble posting tonight...
After triming our bottle-brush er, bush (a bit redundant, no?) I thought some of the thicker branches might make fair scale logs.
So a quick trip to the LHS (Roy's Trains in Clovis CA) and I picked up two Bachmann log cars, complete with plastic logs. Roy only had two so that's what I got.
Here's one before any paint and still displaying the plastic logs (seven) that come with...
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Some acrylic paint helped a lot but replacing the plastic logs make a world of difference...
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Overall, I'm pleased with this first effort.
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I've enough logs to complete the two cars and possibly a third.
Best,
TJ
After triming our bottle-brush er, bush (a bit redundant, no?) I thought some of the thicker branches might make fair scale logs.
So a quick trip to the LHS (Roy's Trains in Clovis CA) and I picked up two Bachmann log cars, complete with plastic logs. Roy only had two so that's what I got.
Here's one before any paint and still displaying the plastic logs (seven) that come with...
Some acrylic paint helped a lot but replacing the plastic logs make a world of difference...
Overall, I'm pleased with this first effort.
I've enough logs to complete the two cars and possibly a third.
Best,
TJ
3
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Looks very nice, TJ. Hope the bark stays on for a loooooong time. Sure is a big improvement. 
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/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/wow.gif
TJ -
When I "bashed" my B'mann log cars, the first things to go were the plastic logs. I also replaced the stock trucks, with their oversized talgo-mounted couplers, with the Carter Brothers-ish ones from Bachmann's series of "1:20.3 scale" 20-foot cars. (Available from the B'mann parts department.) After adding Ozark link & pin sill-mounted couplers, brake wheels, pawls, and chain; then repainting, this is how they look now.
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The original models have very good wood grain cast into them, but I added end grain to the longitudinal and transverse members (also to the truck bolsters.) This was done by dragging a razor saw blade across them with a twisting motion and accentuating here and there with a #11 X-acto blade.
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Please don't ask me what kind of wood this is, I got them from my friend Noel Crawford who doesn't know either. They aren't supposed to represent any particular tree species, I just like the looks of them. They have a good tight end grain and "scale" bark texture. In any case, they sure don't look like plastic.
![]()
When I "bashed" my B'mann log cars, the first things to go were the plastic logs. I also replaced the stock trucks, with their oversized talgo-mounted couplers, with the Carter Brothers-ish ones from Bachmann's series of "1:20.3 scale" 20-foot cars. (Available from the B'mann parts department.) After adding Ozark link & pin sill-mounted couplers, brake wheels, pawls, and chain; then repainting, this is how they look now.
The original models have very good wood grain cast into them, but I added end grain to the longitudinal and transverse members (also to the truck bolsters.) This was done by dragging a razor saw blade across them with a twisting motion and accentuating here and there with a #11 X-acto blade.
Please don't ask me what kind of wood this is, I got them from my friend Noel Crawford who doesn't know either. They aren't supposed to represent any particular tree species, I just like the looks of them. They have a good tight end grain and "scale" bark texture. In any case, they sure don't look like plastic.
3
I replaced my logs with real logs. I ran wood screws up through the bottom to hold logs together and in place. I use the 1:20.3 rule. Don't look at it any closer than 20.3 feet.
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That is a mighty impressive trestle Richard.
I have a good idea of the work involved: I built a trestle bridge about 3ft. in length and that was quite an effort (for me anyway).
There is nothing to beat real timber logs: those plastic one just look very tacky.
I have used cherry wood, there is always plenty available when pruning trees.
I have a good idea of the work involved: I built a trestle bridge about 3ft. in length and that was quite an effort (for me anyway).
There is nothing to beat real timber logs: those plastic one just look very tacky.
I have used cherry wood, there is always plenty available when pruning trees.
I took Jack's example to heart and re-did the end beams on the main center and cross beams. Used a hobby saw to add some grain to the plastic.
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Not the best close up but you can see the scratched in grain if you look close.
Thanks Jack!
Best,
TJ
Not the best close up but you can see the scratched in grain if you look close.
Thanks Jack!
Best,
TJ
I always thought the Bachmann cars looked too short so I extended mine about 4" each.
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Russ
Russ
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