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The Bullion Express--Boot Hill Express (Reboot 10-4-22)

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  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Monday, May 3, 2021 12:44 PM

Hey Tim. Maybe Mr Haney has some rims for sale. Can you check with him the next time he comes around?  Stick out tongue

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Monday, May 3, 2021 12:32 PM

Bakster
The only issue I see is what to use on them flame shapes. I'd need something bendable, it holds its shape, it's easy to cut, and it is fairly thin. 

It just occurred to me that sheet styrene might work. I think it would fit all those requirements. 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Monday, May 3, 2021 12:21 PM

littletimmy
You should look at some old Mack wheels.Monogram made a few 1926 Mack's and their wheels look " bulletproof!

Hey Tim, those rims look perfect. Way to pull that out of your.... HAT. Just one problem with this. Discontinued kit, high price, and I'd hate to waste a good model for just the rims. Thanks on that. I like them for this project.

 

littletimmy
Also, your smokestack idea has a " steamboat" feel to it. When I built my  Natches steamboat, I went to a beading/ jewelry store and dug around in their findings bins. I found a perfect stack topper that looks exactly like the one in your picture.

Good point about the smokestack and steamboats. That didn't occur to me. What I was thinking about are the contraptions in the Wild Wild West. They seemed to have that sort of thing. I think Loveless had a tank or something with that kind of stack. Btw, loved that show, still do. 

Weird about the jewelry store. I will toss that around. Maybe Michael's will have something. Otherwise, making one shouldnt be that tough. The only issue I see is what to use on them flame shapes. I'd need something bendable, it holds its shape, it's easy to cut, and it is fairly thin. 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Monday, May 3, 2021 12:05 PM

Tanker-Builder

Now;

 You know why most of it wound up as a small acquarium for a Siamese Fighting Fish. He stayed small that way too! No Frame under the thing. Just enough to look that way.

 

Lol. That is a hoot, TB. I guess I didn't get that memo.

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Monday, May 3, 2021 12:04 PM

Gamera

Oh wow!!!

I wouldn't let Clapper near the fusion power plant though unless you want another Chernobyl...

 

Lol. So true. But guess who did come too close? Yes indeed... Bones McGee. Stick out tongue

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Monday, May 3, 2021 11:39 AM

Oh wow!!!

I wouldn't let Clapper near the fusion power plant though unless you want another Chernobyl...

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Monday, May 3, 2021 7:40 AM

Now;

 You know why most of it wound up as a small acquarium for a Siamese Fighting Fish. He stayed small that way too! No Frame under the thing. Just enough to look that way.

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Douglas AZ
Posted by littletimmy on Monday, May 3, 2021 1:38 AM

You should look at some old Mack wheels.Monogram made a few 1926 Mack's and their wheels look " bulletproof!

Also, your smokestack idea has a " steamboat" feel to it. When I built my  Natches steamboat, I went to a beading/ jewelry store and dug around in their findings bins. I found a perfect stack topper that looks exactly like the one in your picture.

 Dont worry about the thumbprint, paint it Rust , and call it "Battle Damage"

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Sunday, May 2, 2021 11:55 PM

PS:  Notice the stovepipe in that image. That is what I plan to do.

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Sunday, May 2, 2021 11:52 PM

CapnMac82
Wow, a bronze & brass (& gold) steampunk auger would be cool. All screw threads and actuator arms instead of hydraulics, too.

Oh man. You may have just talked me into it.

 

CapnMac82
Hmm, just thought about pre-carbon black added natural rubber for tires.  Showing road dust on pale gray rubber could be a task.   But, the effect against brass rims and spokes would be cool.

I was thinking that for the tires, doing something similar to below.

Out goes the rubber tires, in comes ironclad. The rims will be spoked and of simulated wood. The reality of it is that they wouldn't stand up to the torque they would endure, but it's what I have on hand. I have some old style wheels I was going to convert. Unless I can source some iron styled rims, or find a way to fabricate them. Iron would be ideal. But what I have should look good too.

 

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Sunday, May 2, 2021 6:31 PM

Bakster
I had another crazy thought. Since this carriage is designed for mining... maybe I should slap an auger to the front of it. Afterall, that is just the sort of thing Nemo would do! Stick out tongue Just spitballing on that.

Wow, a bronze & brass (& gold) steampunk auger would be cool.

All screw threads and actuator arms instead of hydraulics, too.

If sticking to 19th century steampunk, some excellent opportunities for electrical motors w/o casings--with wound magnet magnet cores poking out and all.  Or, more opportunities for brass Smile

Bent frames are complicated.  Some asymmetry is within steampunk asthretic, ut how much is enough and how much is just less-good modeling.  The Endless dilemma of the Modeler.

Hmm, just thought about pre-carbon black added natural rubber for tires.  Showing road dust on pale gray rubber could be a task.   But, the effect against brass rims and spokes would be cool.

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Sunday, May 2, 2021 9:48 AM

Tanker-Builder
I remember that ridiculous frame twist.

Ha! Good way of putting it. Rediculous is right. It all came back to me too. I remember that as a kid I was so disappointed. The first thing you build is the motor. Your are thinking, cool... that went well. Then wham... out comes the frame. I added the leaf springs and differential but when I considered how bad it looked, I scrapped the idea of building the model. It looked horrid seeing it all twisted. There was no point in moving forward. I was probably 7 or 8 years old and heat bending was not on my radar. But that is the garbage model makers made then, "It's twisted... just ship it."

 

Tanker-Builder
I think it was from too hot on release

I think the same.

 

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Sunday, May 2, 2021 8:12 AM

Ya Know!

 That's funny. After all these years I remember that ridiculous frame twist. I think it was from too hot on release and unstable surface to cool on (more frames).

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Saturday, May 1, 2021 9:37 PM

Btw. I have mentioned the twisted frame. I noticed in at least one of the YouTube builds that their end view of the model looks twisted. Maybe the twisted frame is a common problem with the kit. Maybe that was part of the problem I had building it as a kid? It kind of rings a bell now that I am thinking about it.

Or maybe not. I didn't catch it at first but one guy installed a leaf spring backwards, on the other video the guy inverted the entire differential assembly. Or maybe they did that to compensate for the twisted frame?

Just more food for thought. 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Saturday, May 1, 2021 9:15 PM

CapnMac82
The "fallout" from that one week of absurd spring Winter still crops up.  Was at my retina doc and the vinyl base and all the gluee-down carpet were ripped out of their new-in-December office.  Turns out the sprinkler system froze and left 3-4" of water i nthe entire office.  And, guess what, vinyl base supply is down due to the vinyl plants around Houston still being in clean-up mode after the winter event (which is now being advanced as a  500-year storm event).

It's unreal that that winter event reverberates until today. And in my industry of work it might haunt us for another three months. Or at least, that is what we are being told. We are already into it two months with maybe three months to go. That's just crazy talk.

CapnMac82
Logistics was in a bind even before the couf, and still has not much recovered, so, getting the material, once it's available, will not be swift.

Exactly. If anything, logistics is worse today than it was before. I can tell you some stories and I am sure you can too.

CapnMac82
Which leaves electrical motor.  High-output electrical motors need some way to dissipate heat while in use

You nailed it. This is electrical and with an electrical motor. You also nailed the heat part of it. I was thinking that where the velocity stacks exit the roof, I could make an old world stovepipe vent for heat dissipation.

I had another crazy thought. Since this carriage is designed for mining... maybe I should slap an auger to the front of it. Afterall, that is just the sort of thing Nemo would do! Stick out tongue Just spitballing on that.

CapnMac82
Mind, a person can make things look how they want, too.  Want the reactor to glow in eerie colors--that's cool.  Warp plasma is blue in Star Trek, except for when it's red

Bingo.

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Saturday, May 1, 2021 4:21 PM

Bakster
Apparently, resin is manufactured in Texas

For many of the same reasons glass is made in Minnesota, like as not.

And, the petroleum byproducts and waste material are near the other petrochemical plants.  And, those materials need all kinds of eleaborate storage to maintain pressure, temperature, etc.

The "fallout" from that one week of absurd spring Winter still crops up.  Was at my retina doc and the vinyl base and all the gluee-down carpet were ripped out of their new-in-December office.  Turns out the sprinkler system froze and left 3-4" of water i nthe entire office.  And, guess what, vinyl base supply is down due to the vinyl plants around Houston still being in clean-up mode after the winter event (which is now being advanced as a  500-year storm event).

Logistics was in a bind even before the couf, and still has not much recovered, so, getting the material, once it's available, will not be swift.

A reactor? 

Hmm.  Have you formed a notion on how the power is to be transmitted to the tires?  Steam turbine seems unlikely.  Which leaves electrical motor.  High-output electrical motors need some way to dissipate heat while in use. 

Water or air cooling are traditional.  Both allow for artistic interpretation of color retempering, if a person wanted to.

Mind, a person can make things look how they want, too.  Want the reactor to glow in eerie colors--that's cool.  Warp plasma is blue in Star Trek, except for when it's red.  Smile

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Saturday, May 1, 2021 3:32 PM

PS. Had a lot of problems posting this last update. I was getting the forbidden error message. Pretty frustrating. I had to start a new post cutting and pasting everything  from Word. Things got jumbled doing it that way and I had to edit it once it went through. 

I hope this is not how its gonna be.

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Saturday, May 1, 2021 3:11 PM
5-1-21 Update
 
As mentioned, this engine is more power plant than anything else. It is a Nemo reactor that creates massive power stepped down to a workable voltage. The gizmo on the front of the engine block is the voltage converter. So, this vehicle is electric.  Btw. The power generated by this PP is overkill, but it is what Nemo had laying around. It is one of his first generation PPs.
 
A few things to note:
 
1. I sanded out, "Chrysler Firepower" from the valve covers. It was not fitting for the project to have them.
 
2. I drilled holes into the valve covers where sparkplug wires would go. Instead -- I will install fiber optic cable. My first thought was to illuminate the ports, but as I type this it occurred to me that I could run the cables like sparkplug wires. I will have to think about that one.
 
3. I had to cover the hole meant for the generator/pully assembly on the front of the block. I will probably insert the LED through that hole and the voltage converter assembly will then cover it. 
 
4. I plan to make ports between the valve covers at the top of the block. I will use clear acrylic rod encased within brass tube. The brass tube will dress things up. The ports act as windows into the powerplant. If it goes as planned, it gives access to the changing light within the PP. It should make for a nice effect.
 
5. The frame of the vehicle has a wicked twist. You can sort of see it in the image, top right. I worked it out by carefully heating the piece via candle flame. I have it looking pretty good now.

That's where I am at. 
 
 
The Back Story


The period is mid 1800s and Nemo is at his peak for technological development. Though, Nemo is a wealthy man-- his funds are not unlimited. If Nemo is to realize his dream and shunt mankind's slant for destruction--he needs more funding. Nemo strikes a deal with a US gold prospector. He grubstakes the man and provides him with a horseless carriage to ferry gold bullion through the Boot Hill Mountains. And of course, Nemo designs the contraption with his typical technological flare.

This will be the basis for the Dio. More on that at another time. 

 

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Saturday, May 1, 2021 8:40 AM

Hi Gamera:

        Yeah Me Too! Long before the T.V. show " Tanked" I was trying out different stuff for my own plastic Fabrication facility; We specifically re-did safety windows in Construction and Fairground equipment. Sometimes Lexan or Plexi was cheaper and stronger.

      I was always experimenting with Mundane around the house stuff for Fish. I had one tank that would turn around in a defunct Microwave and Another in a T.V. My all time favorite was a Large tea set with a fish in the pot.Which was double walled so it looked like tea but the fish was in pure water. One fish to a cup too!

      Ma Bell would've killed me. I copied the Phone base for an Aquarium too ! Turn the dial and a treat dropped in the tank. I even had a Kitchen wall at home that held Reef Fish. That was a zinger. With fishes protected from Stove Heat by a thin space betwen aquairum walls with cooled water running through it!

       I only did this for a hobby. I still remember some weird ones too. How about a false Toilet Tank with Pirahna inside it! I never finished it, But during the 1950 AutoRama Show G.M.- or Chrysler, had a completely clear bodied car. That was the seed that grew into the weird stuff I tried in that shop. We even were going to try to build a modern car that way, Mother Nature put a stop to that hobby!

      Funny though, Doing fun stuff like that was always a part of my work environment.When I did Engineering consultant work I had a Briefcase that had an All Plastic Timepiece in the top. It worked after a fashion. It was mainly to show off our Plastic Machining abilities! All in the back rooms of a full Blown real life Auto Body shop!

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Friday, April 30, 2021 4:05 PM

mustang1989
I'm looking forward to seeing some progress on this one bud. Add Quote to your

Hey Joe, that makes two of us. Hoping to have a small update tomorrow.

Thanks for following the build sir. 

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Corpus Christi, Tx
Posted by mustang1989 on Friday, April 30, 2021 6:12 AM

Just now saw this one. I'm looking forward to seeing some progress on this one bud.

                   

 Forum | Modelers Social Club Forum (proboards.com) 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Thursday, April 29, 2021 7:52 PM

CapnMac82

 

 
Bakster
I am painting the power plant brass.

 

I want to remember (been like three decades since the car show) the block is a gold-anodized sort of color, with a bunch of brass and chrome parts.

Like the accessory brackets were chromed, and the attached parts was various shades.

Now, for the life of me, I can't remember if the exhaust header & manifold were chrome or not.  I want to remeber that they wer, with a gorgeous bluing down near the bend.

 

Well that's some serendipity. I hadn't planned to build it like the 1:1 but the block being a gold flavor is not what I would have expected. Interesting.

And as for the pipes, you are hitting on all "cylinders," Capn. This is something I am mulling over. I have not decided if I will have any. The vision of this power plant is that it will be a sort of reactor. Fusion, nuclear, other, it is unclear what type ... but Nemo is a mad scientist, and exaust doesn't seem to fit his line of thinking. Anyhow, that being the case... exhaust pipes are probably not on the docket. Now Capn. If you can guide me how a reactor might need some some sort of venting... maybe I can still encorporate something. Btw. If I had planned to do exhaust pipes, bluing would have been a must! Yes

Cheers!

Oh, PS: The winter weather you guys had weeks back is making my life at work a living h e l l. Apparently, resin is manufactured in Texas and when swaths of Texas lost power, large vats of resin had been ruined. This translates to massive shortages, and massive disruptions in all things plastic to the electronics industry. We are seeing delivery delays of three months or more. I am pulling out what little hair I have left. It not a good time to be in the electronics industry. Add COVID and shipping delays... egads man. 

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Thursday, April 29, 2021 6:10 PM

Bakster
I am painting the power plant brass.

I want to remember (been like three decades since the car show) the block is a gold-anodized sort of color, with a bunch of brass and chrome parts.

Like the accessory brackets were chromed, and the attached parts was various shades.

Now, for the life of me, I can't remember if the exhaust header & manifold were chrome or not.  I want to remeber that they wer, with a gorgeous bluing down near the bend.

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 8:27 PM

Gamera
I think I read one of his diet books - 'The Starvation Diet: Starve Yourself Thin!"

Hehe. Indeed.

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 8:25 PM

Tanker-Builder

Think:

      Now, level off the clear sided Box. Remove the end pieces and replace With Clear plastic to which you re-attach the seat. make sure the box sets level on the frame. Check for watertightness. When proven there are no leaks. Wash gently in Soapy water. When done Rinse in very Hot water. Let drain and dry overnite.

       Next day finish the rest of the model. With one exception. take a short plastic Tube or box, Clear, and support the center of the bottom. ( This also takes the weight off the suspension.) Add treated water and one Siamese Fighting Fish. Yes, There is more room in there than in the little round containers they live in at the pet shop.

      Plus what a unique way to one, Keep your fish from getting to big, and two, a totally super neat enclosure that no one would expect!

 

That's quite the idea, TB. Pretty neat actually. But then my cat will go after it  and well, could be trouble. Beer

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • From: Franklin Wi
Posted by Bakster on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 8:20 PM

Hey Gil, thanks for posting all this. I enjoyed watching your links. Nostalgia for sure, and cool cars! The Red Baron is pretty darn cool for sure.

Back to the bench
Also apologies for never chiming in on how much I enjoyed your Icarus build. Amazingly creative and I really learned a lot.

No worries. Thanks for following and for enjoying it. 

You made a nice contribution to this thread. Thanks for that and I hope to see more from you. 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 10:16 AM

Tanker-Builder

Think:

      Now, level off the clear sided Box. Remove the end pieces and replace With Clear plastic to which you re-attach the seat. make sure the box sets level on the frame. Check for watertightness. When proven there are no leaks. Wash gently in Soapy water. When done Rinse in very Hot water. Let drain and dry overnite.

       Next day finish the rest of the model. With one exception. take a short plastic Tube or box, Clear, and support the center of the bottom. ( This also takes the weight off the suspension.) Add treated water and one Siamese Fighting Fish. Yes, There is more room in there than in the little round containers they live in at the pet shop.

      Plus what a unique way to one, Keep your fish from getting to big, and two, a totally super neat enclosure that no one would expect!

 

An aquarium!?! I love how your think TB although sometimes your brain scares me!

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 10:15 AM

Bakster

Rewind

 

 
Bakster
Let's all give a big hand to, straight from the grave of Boot Hill-- the renowned showman--the illustrious-- the animated-- the leanest character you'll ever find, BONES MCGEE! (Applause here) 

 

 

I think I read one of his diet books - 'The Starvation Diet: Starve Yourself Thin!"

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 9:02 AM

Think:

      Now, level off the clear sided Box. Remove the end pieces and replace With Clear plastic to which you re-attach the seat. make sure the box sets level on the frame. Check for watertightness. When proven there are no leaks. Wash gently in Soapy water. When done Rinse in very Hot water. Let drain and dry overnite.

       Next day finish the rest of the model. With one exception. take a short plastic Tube or box, Clear, and support the center of the bottom. ( This also takes the weight off the suspension.) Add treated water and one Siamese Fighting Fish. Yes, There is more room in there than in the little round containers they live in at the pet shop.

      Plus what a unique way to one, Keep your fish from getting to big, and two, a totally super neat enclosure that no one would expect!

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: North Carolina
Posted by Back to the bench on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 8:28 AM

Bakster, thanks for posting this, I can tell already it's gonna be too cool.

Also apologies for never chiming in on how much I enjoyed your Icarus build. Amazingly creative and I really learned a lot.

Given the number of us that are waxing nostalgic about those cool old car kits I thought folks might enjoy these links.

I have always enjoyed the My Classic Car TV program and have been unabashedly and thoroughly jealous of Dennis Gage getting to travel the country getting payed to look at cool cars. One of my favorites was watching him drive the Red Baron. What a hoot lol.

Red Baron and Firball 500...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzW2WvEfWyU

 

And of course I was deeply dissappointed if I missed an episode of that pinnacle of cerebral entertainment, The Munsters! I did my best to build grandpa's dragster just like the one in the TV show. Dennis also did an episode on the Munsters Cars...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIwejUg_53U

 

I still laugh when I watch the episode that spawned those two cool models.

The great raceBig Smile...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUECVZkNk0Y

Gil

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