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Post by dazed on Apr 19, 2024 13:11:09 GMT -5
It's pretty common to adapt shelves for other uses. I actually bought an HO shelf for my Z stuff. That allowed me to stack two rows for each HO row. The advantage is it was much wider than the N version. Yes, a Z version that was similarly wide and had narrower height rows would be epic, but here we are. This was before I finished putting in the backdrop for the sky on the second level, but you get the idea. I will probably just buy more of these going forward, as they are fairly inexpensive. (sfdisplay.com $116.47 USD Shipped in 2018...EDIT: They've jumped up to $149.99 USD Shipped now.) FYI, this display shelf is a little more than 1/3 of the width of Mike's Showcase Express setup, and allows two more rows in the "doubled-up" configuration. If you bought three, side by side, you would have space for two extra 55ft freight cars, and the aforementioned two additional rows, for about 1/3 1/2 the price. Granted, there is a little customization needed with that, and the SE display looks *way* cooler.
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Post by dazed on Apr 19, 2024 9:03:43 GMT -5
From Mike, "they work fine for Z scale too, and you can fit track on the base or just nudge everything against the lip on the shelf. "
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Post by dazed on Apr 19, 2024 8:15:44 GMT -5
The N/Z case is one and the same. The case Mike Skibbe has is the N case.
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 23:12:35 GMT -5
Right. So, I use a precision flat head screwdriver and steam - yes, steam. I utilize steam in the same way I use it to straighten out Scenic Express SuperTrees, direct application. Holding the car at both the A-end and B-end, place the roof a few inches from the steam being discharged - this will help soften the factory adhesive and allow you to slowly pry up the roof, working from the outside ends first, then towards the 2 center roof support posts. I also recommend adding a single wrap of Super 88 vinyl electrical tape around the shaft of the screwdriver to help protect the car body and roof, as this is being used a leverage. I have done over 10+ autoracks this way and haven't broken one yet. Can you give us a rough idea of how long this takes for the glue to soften? I attempted it tonight with the second half of my broken roof and never was able to make much headway. And I had the benefit of the steam going directly into the inside since half of my roof is gone. Do you just use steam from boiling water or do you have like a clothes steamer you use?
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 21:42:38 GMT -5
You are kind. Also, know that … Laying N scale track alongside Z scale track—I never ever thought of until I visited a certain someone’s Facebook page. I’ve thought of mixing road names. I’ve thought of mixing eras. But I’ve never thought of mixing scales in the same space. Very cool. Good job. You lost me there.... Are you talking about my test track? Yes I had a piece of foam I used for testing, started out when I was in N and inherited some old school Atlas track from somewhere and needed something to test locos for my N sell-off after I decided to go 100% Z. And that was about the time Atlas Z flex came out too I think so I figured it would be useful to lay some to test as well. So it was never intended as some "innovation" or forced perspective or anything like that, if that is what you were inferring. Here's the video for the spectators... www.facebook.com/mockind/videos/303984740522904
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 21:06:24 GMT -5
I’m mostly just busting your chops.
Just not sure we need “areWeThereYet areWeThereYet areWeThereYet….”
I’m guilty of it, but after 5 years of waiting, not 5 days. 😉
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 19:57:38 GMT -5
The other thing is, probably can get a roof 3D printed so it's less of an issue if it happens. Or maybe AZL World Headquarters has some lying around. Nope. Sorry. Don’t have spare roof pieces. Thank you! I was half-kidding but I appreciate your reply. Rob Albritton Hans Riddervold (AZL) Any plans for more auto racks at some point?
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 19:55:32 GMT -5
I'm curious, Edward. Why do you want to remove the roof of the autorack? I can answer this one. First, to make it easier to weather the roof, which often has wildly different weathering effects compared to the rest of the car. Second, to repaint the car entirely. There are dozens upon dozens of schemes that AZL has not done. Other possibilities: Add an EOT circuit?
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 19:10:38 GMT -5
Well, which one is it? Are you reading the room, or are you not trying to be like everyone else?
And really, if you were a literalist you would have waited three more days, no?
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 18:49:32 GMT -5
Interesting and Awesome! Wish I'd waited I guess....lol.
I wondered about using the TSC's. Great stuff...thanks for sharing!
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 14:52:39 GMT -5
Obviously, the new danger is damaging the etched panel when it comes off, so be careful. Mine just fell off so I'm not sure how that process is. Wide flat tools for sure.
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 14:43:44 GMT -5
Well, duh...
I think I have an idea...
1. Pull off the side panel. 2. Cut (drill?) out a hole where the posts are, big enough for a zona saw blade. 3. Saw/cut the post. 4. The hole will be covered by the etched panel.
Sound reasonable?
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 13:33:51 GMT -5
The week has still two more days to go............ Very true. Or, just don't be literalist and simply "read the room" like everyone else.
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 12:49:07 GMT -5
So thinking about the roof removal... -I've read people talking about trying to cleanly separate items affixed with CA (if that's even what this is) and one suggestion that often comes up is to put the item in the freezer and that will often cause the CA joint to pop apart. -[Deleted second idea...doesn't seem feasible after all, and I think I found a good solution, see below.]
Well, I can't seem to come up with a good idea. Hopefully someone else has figured it out?
The other thing is, probably can get a roof 3D printed so it's less of an issue if it happens. Or maybe AZL World Headquarters has some lying around.
I was hoping the roofs would come off, too...for weathering and/or repainting purposes.
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Post by dazed on Apr 18, 2024 11:51:30 GMT -5
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