your portal to more fun in scale model railroading
your portal to more fun in scale model railroading
Note: This is not a 'How To', but a display of a completed 'Scratchbuilt Project' showing what can be done with some materials and time. It does not have to have been judged for AP Points.
I have participated in modeling contests at both the Divisional and Regional levels and have found this to be very rewarding as it has made me a better modeler.
In 1998, I felt that I was ready for the modeling contests at the National Convention in St. Paul. One of the last kits I bought, in the 50's, was a Hobbytown of Boston (HoB) RS-2. As my entry, it had to be changed, and with all of the super-detailing parts on the market anything was possible.
Using only the HoB frame and step castings, I cut the long hood off a Cary S-2; built an RS-1 cab from brass sheet metal; and added a Tiger Models' short hood. The distinctive oval fuel tank, exhaust and battery box were milled from brass plate as was the fan vent. Side louvers were cut from an Atlas RS-1. Bent all those small wire details - grabs, railing, coupler cut bars, hood lifting-rings, etc. A little paint here, a decal there, and the RS-1 was finished with less than one week to show time.
On Thursday afternoon I went up to the Convention Contest Room. When I arrived, the judges were 2 engines away from the RS-1. This group of judges were doing CONSTRUCTION, maximum 40 points, and they were now at the RS-1. The RS-1 earned 35 for con-struction, and this made a 95 total score. The RS-1 earned 2nd place!!!!!!!
The RS-1 earned the 1999
AP KIT BASHING AWARD FOR LOCOMOTIVES, and the little engine that could wasn't finished. It also received the: KATO, PRECISION MODEL AWARD
Contests and clinics have made me a better modeler. Tips given to me in the CID have not been forgotten. We sometimes gripe about the dues we send to the NMRA, but it can bring us together to share advice and encouragement.
Frank Hermanek
If you wish to submit a photo for consideration, send the photo (no larger than 800x600 please) to TJ Klevar along with a description of how you built it, techniques you used, and any special tips you wish pass along.