Look model owner's blog

ATLAS GP39 with DCC ditchlights

By Lookmodel on September 4, 2010 3:47 PM | No TrackBacks

I installed Lookmodel's DCC decoder on ATLAS GP39.
This is the custom painted engine.

Originally ATLAS GP39 does not have ditch lights (like GP38 on left) so
I installed working ditch lights with nano LEDs (1mmX0.8mm) on a very tiny PCB boards.
Here is a video:

Installing DCC decoder on TOMIX 923 "Docter Yellow"

By Lookmodel on August 10, 2010 3:45 PM | No TrackBacks

I installed Lookmodel's DCC decoder on TOMIX 923 "Docter Yellow".

This is the decoder that I have installed.

On car number 2, I installed a projector for pantograph.
A projector is controlled by DCC decoder.

Thanks for watching!

Building module layout Part 7

By Lookmodel on June 23, 2010 12:00 AM | No TrackBacks

This is the last step.

I used GREEN MAX No.77 power pole.

Thanks for watching!

Building module layout Part 6

By Lookmodel on June 23, 2010 12:00 AM | No TrackBacks

I used following turf (all of them from woodland scenics)

After applying turf, I used dropper and spray so it would stick stronger.

Thanks for watching!

Building module layout Part 5

By Lookmodel on June 23, 2010 12:00 AM | No TrackBacks

Next step is to paint ground.

I used TURNER Grain paint No.10.

After finished painting
Thanks for watching!

Building module layout Part 4

By Lookmodel on June 23, 2010 12:00 AM | No TrackBacks

Next step is ballasting tracks.

I used MORIN Railroad stone No.431.

After ballasting, saturate the ballast with white glue and water mixture.
I used Matte Mediums instead of white glue.
Ratio of Matte medium and water is 1:2.

Thanks for watching!

Building module layout Part 3

By Lookmodel on June 23, 2010 12:00 AM | No TrackBacks

After acrylic paint has dried, I started making hill.

I used styrene foam,Kaminendo (witch means paper clay)
and Woodland Scenics plaster cloth.

First,cut the plaster cloth and dip into the water.
Do not dip in water too long. Too much water cause lumber to bend.

Quickly rift up the plaster cloth and apply on the hill.
Press the plaster cloth with a brush so grain of plaster cloth would disappear.
I used Kaminendo to make grain disappear completely.

Thanks.

Building module layout Part 2

By Lookmodel on June 23, 2010 12:00 AM | No TrackBacks

Before painting tracks,I soldered feeder cables.
I drilled a hole through the plastic part of tracks so cable would hide after ballasting .

I also insulated track for signals.

To paint tracks, I used TAMIYA XF-52 acrylic color.
It took just few minutes to dry.

Thanks for watching!

Building module layout Part 1

By Lookmodel on June 23, 2010 12:00 AM | No TrackBacks

(click to enlarge) (PDF version here)

Thanks.

Installing DCC decoder on USRA 4-8-2 Mountain Locomotive

By Lookmodel on February 15, 2010 2:39 PM | No TrackBacks

I installed Lookmodel's DCC decoder on Spectrum USRA 4-8-2 Mountain Locomotive.

Remove the body shell. Body was glued to the chassis so it was hard to remove.
Next, remove the lighting unit and unsolder the metal part from wire.
Metal part should be preserved because this part would be used later.