Monson Module Construction Progress

 

I am pleased with the layout of the buildings and track when compared to a photo of the prototype. The photo is from Two Feet to the Quarries, Robert C Jones, Evergreen Press, 1998 page 101. Tom Hoermann deserves all the credit because he drew the track plan shown below and I am building the foot long module from it that includes the depot, engine house, car house and wood shed. I used his track plan to fit all the buildings onto a four foot long module.

 

 

Keep in mind that I am compressing a distance of about 515 feet into scale 350 feet. Also note that all of the buildings are full scale. Because I am conforming to HOn30 module standards, the track is straight where it is curved on the prototype.

 

I will be using the following kits:

Hodgdon Company Monson Station

Stevens Creek Wood Shed

Stevens Creek Car House with Tool Shed

 

I will scratch-build the engine house using BEST slate shingles.  

 

Below is an overhead shot of the track marked on the blue foam of the module.

What's on My Work Bench

 I recently picked up the Minitrains Porter 0-6-0 HOn30 locomotive at Rider's Hobbies in Flint, Michigan. They carry Minitrains so it's worth a stop for that alone.

I added couplers. The front coupler is stationary and from an older MDC N scale truck.

Porter builder's plates from an old Flying Zoo set and a bell were added. The structure on the rear was enclosed to form a coal bunker. Coal will be added after paint and decals.

The number plate is from a Chivers kit where several are supplied.

Modifications to Minitrains HOn30 Passenger Cars

Here are some pictures of Bob Peterson's modifications to Minitrains passenger cars. He converted one to an RPO? He replaced the roof on his baggage car with a simple curved roof. Some of the Maine 2 footers had roofs like this. Other shots are truck conversion options.
Thanks to Bob for sharing his ideas!

These were taken at the 2019 Midwest Narrow Gauge show.

More GLHOn30 Module Photos from the 2019 Midwest Narrow Gauge Show

Here are some pictures of Phil's train running on Jeff's East Dirigo end module of the GLHOn30 Module Group.

Phil scratch-built the gondolas and put Blackstone HOn3 trucks under them. These can easily be narrowed to HOn30 by sliding the wheel toward the center on the axles.

Phil also scratch-built the center cab loco.

I believe the caboose is a Funaro & Camerlengo resin kit.

GLHOn30 Module Photos from the 2019 Midwest Narrow Gauge Show in Boardman, Ohio

I haven't been able to attend this show since 2011 so I really enjoyed it. It was great to see old faces again and catch up. It was also great to see excellent modeling, both narrow and standard gauge. Click on this link (http://www.portlandlocomotiveworks.com/) to see pictures of the show. I would recommend it if you can attend. Gary Kohler and the Portland Locomotive works staff do a great job.

Here are some pictures I took of the Gliebe's Landing module that was part of the Great Lakes HOn30 Module Group that was on display at the show.

Congratulations to Phil, the creator of this module, on winning best in show in the steam locomotive category at this year's show for his HOn30 Shay locomotive. I wish I had taken a picture.

Midwest Narrow Gauge Show 2019

After a multi-year hiatus I attended the show again. It was a blast and I enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, learning new modeling techniques, seeing the contest models and getting some inspiration. Congratulations to Phil Gliebe on winning best in show in the steam locomotive category with his HOn30 Shay locomotive!

Truss Rods

Truss rods from fishing line with Grandt turn buckles on a reefer.

Truss Rods

Truss rods on Chivers box car with Grandt turn buckles.

Box Car Progress

Brake hoses used on the Marsh Creek box car. I got them from my local Walthers dealer.

Box Car Progress

Here's a picture of the brake hose. It is rubber so it won't cause derailments or interfere with the coupler.

Box Car Progress

All under body details are now complete. Just have to add the brake staff and wheel and the painting can start. Brake hoses have been added though they might not be visible because they are black.

Box Car Progress

Box car with stirrups and an additional grab iron at the non ladder end. It seemed strange to have a stirrup at the end with no grab iron. How is a brakeman to use a stirrup without a grab iron? The needle beams were also moved closed to the center because the truss rods would interfere with the truck swing. This kit was designed for use with Marsh Creek 3D printed trucks which are likely shorter than the ones I am using. The added bonus is that it justifies the split brake cylinder and reservoir configuration because the combined cylinder and reservoir are now too long to fit between the beams.

Box Car Progress

As a reference for brake cylinder and reservoir locations I used the photo on page 94 of Linwood Moody's book The Maine Two Footers. This photo shows the aftermath of the wreck of engine No. 24 on the Madrid Village bridge and a bottom view of 2 pulpwood cars along with brake details. Because I am building this model only for viewing with the car on the track I won't include all brake details.

New Box Car

Details added such as grab irons, brake cylinders, queen posts and nut-bolt-washers castings. Because I model Maine 2 foot narrow gauge I supplemented the kits details with brake details and queen posts to match those prototypes.

Box Car Progress

Box car with roof, load and roof walk supports added.

New Box Car

A shot of details included in the kit and the drawing from the instructions. The preformed grab irons are nice. I don't like bending my own.  

New Box Car Progress

Doors and door tracks added. Roof will be glued on after the cargo is added. The roof was sprayed with cheap primer to hide the wood grain and simulate the smooth surface of a metal roof.

Marsh Creek Link

Here is the URL for Marsh Creek Miniatures, who produces the box car kit I am building. This is their 20 foot box car kit.

http://www.marshcreekmini.com/

The kit comes less trucks, couplers and decals.I used the Microtrains 1023 couplers.

The trucks are Model Railroad General Store Gilpin HOn30 trucks with NWSL wheels. They are smaller than the Grandt HOn30 trucks, but longer than the N scale Microtrains arch bar trucks.

One More Photo

Top View showing the interior. The floor was stained with a wash of Van Dyke brown acrylic paintm

Another Photo

Side shot. The smudges are rubber cement that will be removed after painting to simulate peeling paint.