I thought it would be fun to start a thread documenting (and photographing) my progress on this, my very first attempt ever at scratch-building and custom-decorating any model train items. Heck, if I get enough courage, I may even take a stab at weathering...but I'll make that decision when the build project is completed!
But the biggest reason why I want to share this project with all of you is because hanging out on this Forum for the past few years has taught me nearly every technique and idea that will be used in this project, not to mention the tools and products used and where to buy them. Thanks to all of you!
Brief History:
My grandfather was a fireman and engineer on the Jersey Central from the 1940's until his death in 1968. He worked out of the rather significant yard and shop complex in Ashley, PA. There was an Ashley-based service/wreck train that I'm using as my prototype inspiration. I have several color photographs taken in 1954 of the service train in fresh paint...I'm using these as my guide.
The Project:
I intend to build a 7-car wreck/service train that includes a crane, two crane tender/wheel & truck cars, cable car, tool car, modified passenger car for the crew to ride in and a fuel (tank) car.
I began the project this week, and have completed the crane and cable car. Here's a brief description of the build process and some before and after photos of the cars...
1.) Cable Car
This car started out as an AtlasO CNJ single-sheathed boxcar that was lettered for the Jersey City service train. I removed the words "Jersey City" and replaced it with "Ashley"; added the (prototypical) CNJ herald in the upper right, and the words "Cable Car" on the door. I used dry-transfer decals/lettering to do this. I also painted the door handles yellow. The last step was adding a light coat of a clear, flat finish.
Before...
After...
2.) Crane "Hook #4":
This car started out as a very plain-Jane MTH RailKing CNJ crane that was lettered for the Jersey City service train, was numbered "6", and had the late 1960's-early 1970's "Central Railroad Company of New Jersey" herald. I basically had to remove all lettering and numbering from this car. But, the very first thing I did was cut off the huge, non-prototypical MTH smokestack and replace it with one custom-made from a dowel rod.
Dry transfers were then used to add the correct lettering, logo and number "4", which was the number on the hook based out of Ashley. I then painted all safety appliances, handrails and grab irons yellow, and the window frames silver. The last step was adding a light coat of a clear, flat finish.
Before...
After...
I hope you have enjoyed this thread as much as I have enjoyed building these cars. I look forward to completing the remaining 5 cars and will continue to update my progress in this thread. Thanks for looking!
