Covid Project #2 update:
My current project is modeling two cars now owned by the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and operated on the North Shore Scenic R, Duluth, Minnesota.
A few months ago, I purchased a Kline Southern heavyweight observation car and a Lionel Pullman combined to help start this project. I’m currently detailing and converting the observation car to the “Northland,” a former DM&IRR business car.
The Northland has required some extensive modifications. The beauty of 3-rail is that I believe that most of us are not rivet counters so we have more latitude when it comes to a pure prototypical restoration - we operate on 3-rails - proof enough! With that said, the window configuration is not perfect, but I did need to modify the roof contour. I cut, shaped and epoxied a piece of basswood to fill-in the right side of the clearstory roof on the car. After using sparkling compound, several coats of poly, and lots of find sanding, I believe I have accomplished my goal. I cut some narrow strips from note card stock to serve as seam bands. The roof is currently in primer awaiting an enamel black matte finish. The rest is in a green primer awaiting delivery of Pullman green finish coat. I will custom print appropriate decals as I was able to purchase and add the correct font to my computer.
I am modifying the “Northland” as a business car, not per original plan, but wanted to include the solarium, which is ending up a bit more prototypical. I’m also in the process of adding two state rooms, formal dinning area and kitchen. It’s a work in process but wanted to share some progress. I also added the red tail-end marker light to the roof.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas, received stockings full of trins and are now looking forward to a much better New Year!
Cheers, Dave
Picture progress of Northland as of 12/28/20:
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