| |
Happy Holidays to everyone!
For several months I’ve been working on a new train construction book based on
the Santa Fe El Capitan Hi-Level set from 1956. Please check out
Brian Clough’s Santa Fe El
Capitan Hi-Level page and his Banks of the Susquehanna railroad screensaver images.
This design heavily uses elements from the official LEGO(R) Santa Fe Super Chief
sets. And, critical to its design are the gray split-level train baseplates from the Club Car and Road ‘n Rail Hauler.
I’ve tried to build into these hi-level cars a degree of detail on par with the
Super Chief cars: lift-off roof, lift-out upper level seats, spiral stairs,
kitchen stoves, and a dumb-waiter (elavator for the food service).
In some ways I’ve tired of pushing toward another construction book, page-count,
layout, print-publishing. And, in other ways I feel a bit distracted from
simply enjoying this hobby. To this end, I would like to introduce this El
Capitan Hi-Level design immediately and (hopefully) conveniently via this crude
You Can Build it! Hi-Level El Capitan web-page generated by PowerPoint (I’m no
webmaster).
I’m still interested and pursuing getting the El Capitan Hi-Level into a printed
book or distributed as a PDF on CD-Rom. You are welcome to e-mail me your
interest level in such a publication.
I still enjoy throwing up designs to my BrickShelf account, and browsing around
to see, learn, and, in general, simply be in awe of the massive amount of
quality designs from everyone. BrickShelf is easy, but there is a certain
satisfaction to put together a “design package”. Another level of (hopefully)
enhancing this hobby. A product worthy of historical record. Maybe this El
Capitan design is worthy...maybe it isn’t-- That’s for all of you to decide.
I still love building, designing, and, most importantly, sharing ideas with one
another. It’s very inspiring to see individual and club efforts continue to
grow. To this, I thank Steve Barile and Kecia Hansen for fielding my many El
Capitan design iterations; offering excellent criticism, inspiration, and
suggestions. What was once just a kid playing with his LEGO in his bedroom, has
become a global activity. Thanks!
And, thank you for checking out this El Capitan Hi-Level set design, I hope you
enjoy it-- if you should wish to build it and can find the pieces necessary to
build it!
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
James Mathis wrote:
>
<http://www.brickbuilttrains.com/elcapitan/el_capitan_book_v4c_for_web_files/frame.htm
> You Can Build it! Hi-Level El Capitan> web-page generated by PowerPoint
> (I'm no webmaster).
It seems that the software you used makes HTML that only renders correct in
Internet Explorer :(
Both Mozilla and Konquerer (similair to Apple MacOSX Safari) show something
too horrible to look at :( Unreadable fonts and poorly rendered images.
Perhaps next time it might work out better to just export all slides as
JPG's and make an image album?
Really a shame, some of the models are awesome, with very nifty details!
Specially the transition coach with the stairs is wonderful.
--
Jan-Albert van Ree | http://www.vanree.net/brickpiles/
Brick Piles | Santa Fe B-unit
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Jan-Albert van Ree wrote:
| |
James Mathis wrote:
<http://www.brickbuilttrains.com/elcapitan/el_capitan_book_v4c_for_web_files/frame.htm
| |
You Can Build it! Hi-Level El Capitan> web-page generated by PowerPoint
(I’m no webmaster).
|
It seems that the software you used makes HTML that only renders correct in
Internet Explorer :(
|
I’ll spit it up as just a bunch of PNG images over on BrickShelf in several
car-specific folders. Sorry about this PPT IE Explorer issue. I thought it
might offer some nicer navigation tools without me punching out some
hand-written html. Thanks for calling it to my attention.
I would like to add some information regarding a few more details of the car
models: removable luggage-racks on lower level of the “transition coach” and
the “coach” cars; a “power generator” for each car; and an alternative
wheel/truck design for “bufferless trucks”. The real-life Hi-Level cars had
these luggage racks on the lower level so passengers could have access to there
larger suitcases that would not fit in there coach chairs. Apparently, each car
had its own dedicated power generator, as well. I think the bufferless trucks
are appropriate. The standard official LEGO Super Chief car trucks are shown.
Either design should work. I’ve tried them both through a hard “s-curve” of
track.
later,
James
|
|
| |
James Mathis wrote:
> I'll spit it up as just a bunch of PNG images over on BrickShelf in
> several
> car-specific folders. Sorry about this PPT IE Explorer issue. I thought
> it might offer some nicer navigation tools without me punching out some
> hand-written html. Thanks for calling it to my attention.
No problem and thanks for the fast response! If only all site maintainers
would act as graciously ;)
> I would like to add some information regarding a few more details of the
> car
> models: removable luggage-racks on lower level of the "transition coach"
> and the "coach" cars; a "power generator" for each car; and an alternative
> wheel/truck design for "bufferless trucks". The real-life Hi-Level cars
> had these luggage racks on the lower level so passengers could have access
> to there
> larger suitcases that would not fit in there coach chairs. Apparently,
> each car
> had its own dedicated power generator, as well. I think the bufferless
> trucks are appropriate. The standard official LEGO Super Chief car trucks
> are shown.
> Either design should work. I've tried them both through a hard "s-curve"
> of track.
As soon as I've moved I'll have to try building some of these... although
they might get a bit of 7 or 8 wide modding :D
--
Jan-Albert van Ree | http://www.vanree.net/brickpiles/
Brick Piles | Santa Fe B-unit
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
Happy Holidays to everyone!
For several months I’ve been working on a new train construction book based
on the Santa Fe El Capitan Hi-Level set from 1956.
|
SNIP
| |
I’ve tried to build into these hi-level cars a degree of detail on par with
the Super Chief cars: lift-off roof, lift-out upper level seats, spiral
stairs, kitchen stoves, and a dumb-waiter (elavator for the food service).
In some ways I’ve tired of pushing toward another construction book,
page-count, layout, print-publishing. And, in other ways I feel a bit
distracted from simply enjoying this hobby. To this end, I would like to
introduce this El Capitan Hi-Level design immediately and (hopefully)
conveniently via this crude
You Can Build it! Hi-Level El Capitan web-page generated by PowerPoint (I’m
no webmaster).
|
SNIP
| |
And, thank you for checking out this El Capitan Hi-Level set design, I hope
you enjoy it-- if you should wish to build it and can find the pieces
necessary to build it!
later,
James Mathis
|
James,
These look great. I’d love to be able to build the whole consist. I was
curious if you were planning to release the MPD files? I find these come in
handy for trying to figure out what parts I don’t have via Peeron. For example
I would upload a limited set list to Peeron with just the Santa Fe sets that I
own and then I would do Peeron’s “build a MOC with your sets” thing with your
MPD file. It would then tell me immediately what additional parts I need beyond
what I already have in my Santa Fe sets. Not sure if anyone else does it this
way. I used this approach to build your Santa Fe B-Unit. I setup my inventory
to just be two 10020 sets and then I used your MPD to figure out what additional
parts I’d need to make my own “B-Unit Kit” (later obtained via Bricklink
purchases).
Thanks for sharing these creations and the detailed presentation for building
them. If I knew I had the parts I would already be building these as we speak.
They look really cool. I was just thinking that I hadn’t notice you posting any
new MOCs lately. I was hoping your absence meant you were working on another
batch of official sets to be released by TLC. Maybe freight cars for the BNSF
or something. Now I see it was this project which is just as cool but, alas, a
bit harder for me to have for my own.
Curious about the bufferless trucks. Is there a reason that you didn’t go with
them completely? Do you like the ones with the buffers better? Are there
running problems with the bufferless ones? It looks like the cars would have
slightly less space between them which I suspect would look more prototypical
but may have issues in the tight LEGO curves.
Thanks!
Paul D’Urbano
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
Happy Holidays to everyone!
|
SNIP
| |
And, thank you for checking out this El Capitan Hi-Level set design, I hope
you enjoy it-- if you should wish to build it and can find the pieces
necessary to build it!
later,
James Mathis
|
Is there any way to build an equilalent to the split base using plates and maybe
technic (lift arms?). This is a difficult part. You have to buy a club car and
it might not be old gray
Lester
|
|
| |
"lester witter" <witter@erim-int.com> wrote in message
news:I96J2u.ou7@lugnet.com...
[ ... snipped ... ]
>
> Is there any way to build an equilalent to the split base using plates and • maybe
> technic (lift arms?). This is a difficult part. You have to buy a club car • and
> it might not be old gray
>
> Lester
Actually a Club Car would be old grey. The production run ended before the
color change and they are not producing more. So if you can find one (S@H
has been sold out for a while) it will be old grey.
Mike
--
Mike Walsh - mike_walsh at mindspring.com
http://www.ncltc.cc - North Carolina LEGO Train Club
http://www.carolinatrainbuilders.com - Carolina Train Builders
http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=mpw - CTB/Brick Depot
|
|
| |
| |
Curious about the bufferless trucks. Is there a reason that you didn’t go
with them completely? Do you like the ones with the buffers better? Are
there running problems with the bufferless ones? It looks like the cars
would have slightly less space between them which I suspect would look more
prototypical but may have issues in the tight LEGO curves.
Thanks!
Paul D’Urbano
|
SNIPPY
Hi Paul,
I’ve been having some very good results using slack action coupling using
technic 1 x x plates which are used in car axles. By using multiples of them,
you can join the cars so close together that they actually touch- on display at
least. then when running the train, they just loosen up due to the motor pull,
and crumple when you slow down. I’d rather not post pics of this publicly since
the MOC I’ve used them on isn’t complete, but if you (or anyone) would like to
see pics of this to try it on your own, mail me, and I’ll take some.
Samarth
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Paul S. D’Urbano wrote:
| |
These look great. I’d love to be able to build the whole consist. I was
curious if you were planning to release the MPD files? I find these come in
handy for trying to figure out what parts I don’t have via Peeron. For
example I would upload a limited set list to Peeron with just the Santa Fe
sets that I own and then I would do Peeron’s “build a MOC with your sets”
thing with your MPD file. It would then tell me immediately what additional
parts I need beyond what I already have in my Santa Fe sets. Not sure if
anyone else does it this way. I used this approach to build your Santa Fe
B-Unit. I setup my inventory to just be two 10020 sets and then I used your
MPD to figure out what additional parts I’d need to make my own “B-Unit Kit”
(later obtained via Bricklink purchases).
|
Wow! That’s a really good way to approach getting the parts you need. The part
acquisition has always troubled me. I want people to have as easy a time
building the model as possible, and making an MPD file available to assist this
process should be fine. I have some tweaking to do the MPD file that I would
release for this application. Please forgive me that this might take another
day or two.
Again, thanks for sharing how you use the inventory tools to identify the parts
you still need to get.
| |
Thanks for sharing these creations and the detailed presentation for building
them. If I knew I had the parts I would already be building these as we
speak. They look really cool.
|
Thanks.
| |
I was just thinking that I hadn’t notice you
posting any new MOCs lately. I was hoping your absence meant you were
working on another batch of official sets to be released by TLC. Maybe
freight cars for the BNSF or something. Now I see it was this project which
is just as cool but, alas, a bit harder for me to have for my own.
|
No such activity. I sincerely hope that some freight cars are in development,
as well.
| |
Curious about the bufferless trucks. Is there a reason that you didn’t go
with them completely?
|
I stuck with the bufferless trucks to keep the design similarly to the
off-the-shelf official LEGO Santa Fe Super Chief cars. The buffered trucks are
also a straight-forward familiar build using exactly the parts from the Santa Fe
car trucks. The bufferless trucks require one to source those 2x3
“pierced-tonque” plates to hold the magnet/holder. Those may be harder to
find...alas, not as hard to find as the grey split-level train baseplates :-(
| |
Do you like the ones with the buffers better?
|
No.
| |
Are there running problems with the bufferless ones? It looks like the cars
would have slightly less space between them which I suspect would look more
prototypical but may have issues in the tight LEGO curves.
|
Not that I have found.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Lester Witter wrote:
| |
Is there any way to build an equilalent to the split base using plates and
maybe technic (lift arms?). This is a difficult part. You have to buy a club
car and it might not be old gray
|
I tried; but, I never found a way to get a build-up equivalent to have place the
lower level floor to be at the same height as the split-level train baseplate.
Uhm, may I humbly and cautiously suggest...
using black split-level train baseplates and spray-painting them grey. (Oh, man,
I can’t believe I wrote that.) I’ve seriously considered painting some of mine
white. This would be a paint-job of only the exposed profile/sides of the
baseplate; not the top with the studs. The paint is a bonds-to-plastic product
made by Krylon, called “Fusion”. See
this page for colors.
This Krylon Fusion spray-paint comes in spray-cans. I found it at Wal-Mart. I
sprayed White Fusion onto a black 2x4 brick. The resulting white is “whiter”
than “LEGO white”. The spray application does take care: lots of multiple VERY
thin coats. The result of my first-time practice was that one side was a bit
“grainy” while another side was very smooth and slick. I did coat the studs.
This was a mistake, for the paint does add thickness. Subsequent stacking of a
non-fusion part stripped the fusion paint off the stud side-walls.
Well, LEGO changed grey on us...why not change black split-level train
baseplates into grey. We’ve got two greys now, why not add a third ;-) I don’t
know what grey Krylon Fusion looks like compared to any of the LEGO greys-- I
haven’t tried it.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Mike Walsh wrote:
> Actually a Club Car would be old grey. The production run ended before the
> color change and they are not producing more. So if you can find one (S@H
> has been sold out for a while) it will be old grey.
This was a troubling issue during my development of the Hi-Level cars.
The grey colour change and the disappearance of the Club Car gave me months of
pause. I stopped working on the design. I finally decided to pick it back up
and finish it out. I thought it was a decent enough project.
This is one of the reasons I have become hesitant to invest more time toward
printing the book. These cars are grey...grey...grey. So much turmoil
surrounds grey right now, I don't know if these are buildable in any reasonable
assemblage of current sets; meaning, if one tried to find all of the parts new,
could it even be done with a consistent grey?
I wish the Club Car were still available...or at least that one could order only
the grey baseplate from S@H from the train accessories offerings.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Jan-Albert van Ree wrote:
> As soon as I've moved I'll have to try building some of these... although
> they might get a bit of 7 or 8 wide modding :D
Ooh, 7 wide would be cool!
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Samarth Moray wrote:
| |
| |
Curious about the bufferless trucks. Is there a reason that you didn’t go
with them completely? Do you like the ones with the buffers better? Are
there running problems with the bufferless ones? It looks like the cars
would have slightly less space between them which I suspect would look more
prototypical but may have issues in the tight LEGO curves.
Thanks!
Paul D’Urbano
|
SNIPPY
Hi Paul,
I’ve been having some very good results using slack action coupling using
technic 1 x x plates which are used in car axles. By using multiples of them,
you can join the cars so close together that they actually touch- on display
at least. then when running the train, they just loosen up due to the motor
pull, and crumple when you slow down. I’d rather not post pics of this
publicly since the MOC I’ve used them on isn’t complete, but if you (or
anyone) would like to see pics of this to try it on your own, mail me, and
I’ll take some.
Samarth
|
Thanks Samarth. That sounds like a clever idea. I don’t expect to be working
on any custom cars of my own in the near future so no need to snap any sneak
preview pictures on my behalf. I can wait for you to post them publicly. I
look forward to seeing your creation when it’s ready.
Thanks,
Paul
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
Wow! That’s a really good way to approach getting the parts you need. The
part acquisition has always troubled me. I want people to have as easy a
time building the model as possible, and making an MPD file available to
assist this process should be fine. I have some tweaking to do the MPD file
that I would release for this application. Please forgive me that this might
take another day or two.
|
Thanks James. No rush, please take your time. I’ll be up to my ears in
Christmas festivities for the foreseeable future anyway :-) Take as long as you
like.
When you do get around to it (again, no rush!) one thing I found was that I’d
have to modify the MPD file to get the Ldraw part numbers to match the Peeron
part numbers used in the inventories. Typically it would be something like
someone used a “Tile” part in Ldraw whereas the Peeron inventory for my sets
specified “Tile w/ Groove” parts. You’d end up with it saying you’re missing
parts when you really weren’t. There are also a few parts that simply don’t
match between Ldraw and Peeron. The end result was that I would modifify the
MPD to a point that it would work perfect with Peeron but then MLCAD couldn’t
find all the parts if I tried to open it there. (I modify a copy of the MPD
with a text editor, instead of MLCAD, since I’m doing simple search and replace
work). Anyway, my point is you can’t make it perfect but there are a few things
you can do (like using tile w/groove) that will make the MPD more Peeron
compatible.
Thanks and Happy Holidays!
-Paul
|
|
| |
"Paul S. D'Urbano" <durbano@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:I973Au.MDF@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
[ ... snipped ... ]
> When you do get around to it (again, no rush!) one thing I found was that • I'd
> have to modify the MPD file to get the Ldraw part numbers to match the • Peeron
> part numbers used in the inventories. Typically it would be something • like
> someone used a "Tile" part in Ldraw whereas the Peeron inventory for my • sets
> specified "Tile w/ Groove" parts. You'd end up with it saying you're • missing
> parts when you really weren't. There are also a few parts that simply • don't
> match between Ldraw and Peeron. The end result was that I would modifify • the
> MPD to a point that it would work perfect with Peeron but then MLCAD • couldn't
> find all the parts if I tried to open it there. (I modify a copy of the • MPD
> with a text editor, instead of MLCAD, since I'm doing simple search and • replace
> work). Anyway, my point is you can't make it perfect but there are a few • things
> you can do (like using tile w/groove) that will make the MPD more Peeron
> compatible.
>
> Thanks and Happy Holidays!¬
> -Paul
Another option would be to make BrickTrak (http://www.briktrak.com)
inventory files available instead of MPD files. If your MPD files are
anything like mine, they have stuff in them that isn't part of the
inevntory. BrikTrak can accomplish the same thing that Peeron can and can
also tell you which stores have the parts you want.
Mike
--
Mike Walsh - mike_walsh at mindspring.com
http://www.ncltc.cc - North Carolina LEGO Train Club
http://www.carolinatrainbuilders.com - Carolina Train Builders
http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=mpw - CTB/Brick Depot
|
|
| |
A builder can always change the color scheme. The more important thing is
your design, which, as always, is excellent.
"James Mathis" <thakius@nmt.edu> wrote in message
news:I96rsI.xuD@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.trains, Mike Walsh wrote:
>
> > Actually a Club Car would be old grey. The production run ended before
> > the
> > color change and they are not producing more. So if you can find one
> > (S@H
> > has been sold out for a while) it will be old grey.
>
> This was a troubling issue during my development of the Hi-Level cars.
> The grey colour change and the disappearance of the Club Car gave me
> months of
> pause. I stopped working on the design. I finally decided to pick it
> back up
> and finish it out. I thought it was a decent enough project.
>
> This is one of the reasons I have become hesitant to invest more time
> toward
> printing the book. These cars are grey...grey...grey. So much turmoil
> surrounds grey right now, I don't know if these are buildable in any
> reasonable
> assemblage of current sets; meaning, if one tried to find all of the parts
> new,
> could it even be done with a consistent grey?
>
> I wish the Club Car were still available...or at least that one could
> order only
> the grey baseplate from S@H from the train accessories offerings.
>
> later,
>
> James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Tony Kilaras wrote:
> A builder can always change the color scheme. The more important thing is
> your design, which, as always, is excellent.
True but changing the color scheme will make the cars NOT be Santa Fe Cars. I
think a blue would look very nice but then when you pull them with the Grey
Santa Fe Engine it will not look right. =(
-AHui
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
James,
Happy New Year!
Absolutely wonderful models!! Now if I can scrap up some gray train bases...
I’ll get to building them. Meanwhile, parts collection is underway. By the
way, an errata for your book - Page 47 has the listing for the parts inventory
for the sky lounge, as I was collecting parts, noted that you do not show the
curved windows or hinges for these windows in the parts list. I believe there
are too many of the flat clear pieces for the windows. You do show the pieces
on the separate page by page build outs.
regards,
John
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, John Lam wrote:
| |
Absolutely wonderful models!! Now if I can scrap up some gray train bases...
I’ll get to building them. Meanwhile, parts collection is underway. By the
way, an errata for your book - Page 47 has the listing for the parts
inventory for the sky lounge, as I was collecting parts, noted that you do
not show the curved windows or hinges for these windows in the parts list.
|
Thanks for calling this to attention.
A big Thanks to Thomas Rosenberg Andersen, who pointed this out to me earlier in
a private mailing. He noticed that I had pictured the Dining Car part inventory
on the Sky Lounge page. The
Sky Lounge part
inventory should be fixed now. Please note: this text-list part inventory
does not include the parts necessary to build the power generator(s) nor the
bufferless trucks.
Also, I have uploaded a complete 5 car part inventory text list and LDR file. I hope this allows you
to search for part availabilty more easily. The LDR file is all in a jumble, as
it was compiled from a lot of DAT and LDR files from multiple MPD files...took a
while! Is there an easy way to convert/combine several MPD files into a single
LDR?
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Paul S. D’Urbano wrote:
| |
These look great. I’d love to be able to build the whole consist. I was
curious if you were planning to release the MPD files? I find these come in
handy for trying to figure out what parts I don’t have via Peeron. For
example I would upload a limited set list to Peeron with just the Santa Fe
sets that I own and then I would do Peeron’s “build a MOC with your sets”
thing with your MPD file. It would then tell me immediately what additional
parts I need beyond what I already have in my Santa Fe sets.
|
I’ve tried to modify the full 5-car LDR file to match the Peeron set part lists.
Here is updated part
inventory information for the 5-car Hi-Level El Capitan build (once modorated).
Paul: Thanks for explaining how you use Peeron to assess the buildability of a
custom design. I’ve used this technique to try to assemble a list of sets that
allows you to build a 5-car El Capitan set-- one of each car type. Conditions:
- You’ve got to find a source for the gray 6x34 split-level train baseplates
- You need at least quantity one Metroliner Club Car to get the hinged trans-clear observation windows.
- a couple of basic brick substitutions that are not outlined in the El Capitan building instructions: 1) use gray 1x2 or 1x2x2 bricks in place of quantity 7 gray 1x2x2 panels; 2) use gray (PearlLtGray) 1x2 corrugated bricks in place of quantity 12 dkgray corrugated bricks.
Color confusion:
Peeron lists the Santa Fe car 1x2 corrugated bricks as color PearlLtGray. I
don’t know how to get MLCad to define that name as the color. I’ve set this
color to “135” in the LDR file, so that Peeron recognizes its match to the 10022
and 10025 set inventories. However, my version of MLCad lists color “135” as
“unused” and set it to appear transparent. Sorry.
It’s a whopper of a list!
- #10011, assorted blue plates, $5 each, qty 4
- #10145, assorted light grey bricks, $5 each, qty 7
- #8375, Ferrari F1 Pit Set, $30 each, qty 1
- #10064, Grey Plates, $5 each, qty 3
- #10001, Metroliner, $149 each, qty 1
- #10002, Railroad Club Car, $37.50 each, qty 1 (no longer available at S@H)
- #3584, Rapid Return (NBA set), $8 each, qty 1
- #10025, Santa Fe Cars Set I, $35 each, qty 4
- #10022, Santa Fe Cars Set II, $35 each, qty 5
- #10020, Santa Fe Super Chief, $40 each, qty 3
Ouch!
Totals in at $730, 6833 pieces.
Of these 6833 pieces, the 5-car El Capitan only uses 2282 on them. :-(
I still think that most of the parts from the Santa Fe Car sets get used, but
there are a lot of left-over parts from the other sets. Have fun building
something else with the approximately 4000 left over parts ;-)
Well, this is it, so far...
Thanks for checking it out.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
I’ve tried to modify the full 5-car LDR file to match the Peeron set part
lists. Here is updated
part inventory
information for the 5-car Hi-Level El Capitan build (once modorated).
Paul: Thanks for explaining how you use Peeron to assess the buildability of
a custom design. I’ve used this technique to try to assemble a list of sets
that allows you to build a 5-car El Capitan set-- one of each car type.
Conditions:
- You’ve got to find a source for the gray 6x34 split-level train baseplates
- You need at least quantity one Metroliner Club Car to get the hinged trans-clear observation windows.
- a couple of basic brick substitutions that are not outlined in the El Capitan building instructions: 1) use gray 1x2 or 1x2x2 bricks in place of quantity 7 gray 1x2x2 panels; 2) use gray (PearlLtGray) 1x2 corrugated bricks in place of quantity 12 dkgray corrugated bricks.
Color confusion:
Peeron lists the Santa Fe car 1x2 corrugated bricks as color PearlLtGray. I
don’t know how to get MLCad to define that name as the color. I’ve set this
color to “135” in the LDR file, so that Peeron recognizes its match to the
10022 and 10025 set inventories. However, my version of MLCad lists color
“135” as “unused” and set it to appear transparent. Sorry.
It’s a whopper of a list!
- #10011, assorted blue plates, $5 each, qty 4
- #10145, assorted light grey bricks, $5 each, qty 7
- #8375, Ferrari F1 Pit Set, $30 each, qty 1
- #10064, Grey Plates, $5 each, qty 3
- #10001, Metroliner, $149 each, qty 1
- #10002, Railroad Club Car, $37.50 each, qty 1 (no longer available at S@H)
- #3584, Rapid Return (NBA set), $8 each, qty 1
- #10025, Santa Fe Cars Set I, $35 each, qty 4
- #10022, Santa Fe Cars Set II, $35 each, qty 5
- #10020, Santa Fe Super Chief, $40 each, qty 3
Ouch!
Totals in at $730, 6833 pieces.
Of these 6833 pieces, the 5-car El Capitan only uses 2282 on them. :-(
I still think that most of the parts from the Santa Fe Car sets get used, but
there are a lot of left-over parts from the other sets. Have fun building
something else with the approximately 4000 left over parts ;-)
Well, this is it, so far...
Thanks for checking it out.
later,
James Mathis
|
James,
Thanks for putting this together! Hope it wasn’t too much trouble. I find this
Peeron feature to be very powerful. Now to figure out how to get those
split-level train baseplates... not going to be easy...
Thanks Again!
-Paul
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Paul S. D’Urbano wrote:
| |
Thanks for putting this together! Hope it wasn’t too much trouble. I find
this Peeron feature to be very powerful. Now to figure out how to get those
split-level train baseplates... not going to be easy...
|
Yeah, I looked for them on BrickLink yesterday. No gray.
Not very many Club Cars on BrickLink, either. Bummer.
More Part Lists: I’ve posted the part list
TEXT and LDR files for
the individual cars -- look in the individual car folders.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
Uhm, may I humbly and cautiously suggest...
using black split-level train baseplates and spray-painting them grey. (Oh,
man, I can’t believe I wrote that.) I’ve seriously considered painting some
of mine white. This would be a paint-job of only the exposed profile/sides
of the baseplate; not the top with the studs. The paint is a
bonds-to-plastic product made by Krylon, called “Fusion”. See
this page for colors.
This Krylon Fusion spray-paint comes in spray-cans. I found it at Wal-Mart.
I sprayed White Fusion onto a black 2x4 brick. The resulting white is
“whiter” than “LEGO white”. The spray application does take care: lots of
multiple VERY thin coats. The result of my first-time practice was that one
side was a bit “grainy” while another side was very smooth and slick. I did
coat the studs. This was a mistake, for the paint does add thickness.
Subsequent stacking of a non-fusion part stripped the fusion paint off the
stud side-walls.
Well, LEGO changed grey on us...why not change black split-level train
baseplates into grey. We’ve got two greys now, why not add a third ;-) I
don’t know what grey Krylon Fusion looks like compared to any of the LEGO
greys-- I haven’t tried it.
later,
James Mathis
|
James,
I’m in a similar need for split level plates in grey, as I’m woring on a SP 1960
era passenger train. I’m using grey vinyl tape (electrical tape) to cover the
sides of a black version. I used yellow tape on a grey 6x28 plate for a ATSF
engine awhile back, before the BNSF was avalible. And it worked great. Just
avoid fouling the the trucks. I fold the tape under the frame, except where the
trucks might rub.
I figure the that LEGO uses stickers, and this is similar. And alot less
intrusive then paint.
Also be carefull with Fusion paint. If you try and use some colors over red
plastic, the red will bleed up into the paint.
Mat Clayson
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Mathew Clayson wrote:
| |
I’m in a similar need for split level plates in grey, as I’m woring on a SP
1960 era passenger train. I’m using grey vinyl tape (electrical tape) to
cover the sides of a black version. I used yellow tape on a grey 6x28 plate
for a ATSF engine awhile back, before the BNSF was avalible. And it worked
great. Just avoid fouling the the trucks. I fold the tape under the frame,
except where the trucks might rub.
|
That’s a good idea. I’d go for removable tape than permanent paint. I’ll look
into this. Thanks.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
You could also print your own stickers or decals (on white or clear) with just
the “right” gray. SteveB
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Mathew Clayson wrote:
| |
I’m in a similar need for split level plates in grey, as I’m woring on a SP
1960 era passenger train. I’m using grey vinyl tape (electrical tape) to
cover the sides of a black version. I used yellow tape on a grey 6x28 plate
for a ATSF engine awhile back, before the BNSF was avalible. And it worked
great. Just avoid fouling the the trucks. I fold the tape under the frame,
except where the trucks might rub.
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/impact1/TRAINS/GP38/gp38_06.jpg
|
That’s a good idea. I’d go for removable tape than permanent paint. I’ll
look into this. Thanks.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Steven Barile wrote:
| |
You could also print your own stickers or decals (on white or clear) with
just the “right” gray. SteveB
|
True, I should also mention that most sign shops carry a wide selection of vinyl
decal sheet. This stuff is thinner then electrical tape, and has less shinkage.
I’ve also used liner tape. Commonally avalible in 1/8” and 1/4”, which is
extremly close to 1 or 2 plate hight. It’s avalible at most R/C shops and
automotive detailing shops.
Mat
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Mathew Clayson wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Steven Barile wrote:
| |
You could also print your own stickers or decals (on white or clear) with
just the “right” gray. SteveB
|
True, I should also mention that most sign shops carry a wide selection of
vinyl decal sheet. This stuff is thinner then electrical tape, and has less
shinkage. I’ve also used liner tape. Commonally avalible in 1/8” and 1/4”,
which is extremly close to 1 or 2 plate hight. It’s avalible at most R/C
shops and automotive detailing shops.
|
Maybe it’s just me, but I am planning to do mine (if and when, not going to
preannounce anything!) in black. I’m not seeing this color difference as huge
enough to warrant using tape or paint.
It is like those Thornton trucks... build post ... nice work but not LEGO. (I mean,I think the cement mixer is some
part he got somewhere although I’d be happy to be wrong, and there sure seems to
be a lot of tape there)
I’m too purist sometimes, I guess.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Steven Barile wrote:
| |
You could also print your own stickers or decals (on white or clear) with
just the “right” gray. SteveB
|
Of course you have to remember when printing “non-solid” colours (ie pretty much
everything but black) on clear decal sheet that the brick colour will affect the
result. Obvious I know, but I forgot once!
Tim
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
Hi James,
the above link seems to be “down”
Thanks again for a great model, got the split baseplates and I am about to shop
around for the rest in a couple of days. Looking forward to build it, caurse “I
can build it!” :o)
Thomas
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Thomas Andersen wrote:
| |
Thanks again for a great model, got the split baseplates and I am about to
shop around for the rest in a couple of days. Looking forward to build it,
caurse “I can build it!” :o)
|
Sorry, I took that page down.
Please visit the El
Capitan folders my BrickShelf gallery.
Thanks for your interest in building it.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
Happy Holidays to everyone!
For several months I’ve been working on a new train construction book based
on the Santa Fe El Capitan Hi-Level set from 1956. Please check out
<http://www.banksofthesusquehanna.com/MM56ElCap.html Brian Clough’s Santa Fe • SNIP
And, thank you for checking out this El Capitan Hi-Level set design, I hope
you enjoy it-- if you should wish to build it and can find the pieces
necessary to build it!
later,
James Mathis
|
Hi James, great models as always! One of these days I might have the spare
parts to build them...
BTW, would it be possible for you to provide us with more pics of your Union
Pacific Excutive Touring Set (exteriors and interiors)? It’s one of my
favorites among your MOCs. And while your’re at it, maybe you could get those
folks at TLC to release a few more of your sets.
Cheers - Tanvir.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Tanvir Mahtab wrote:
| |
BTW, would it be possible for you to provide us with more pics of your Union
Pacific Excutive Touring Set (exteriors and interiors)? It’s one of my
favorites among your MOCs.
|
Thanks for enjoying this UP set. This is an on-going project I’m working. I’m working toward
instructions and presentation. It may be several weeks before I am ready to
present this fully. Right now only a couple of the cars have any interior
detailing.
| |
And while your’re at it, maybe you could get
those folks at TLC to release a few more of your sets.
|
Nothing like that is going on. Right now, I wish we could simply buy spares of
the light-grey split-level train baseplate...
later,
James Mathis
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Tanvir Mahtab wrote:
| |
BTW, would it be possible for you to provide us with more pics of your Union
Pacific Excutive Touring Set (exteriors and interiors)? It’s one of my
favorites among your MOCs.
|
Thanks for enjoying this
UP set. This is an
on-going project I’m working. I’m working toward instructions and
presentation. It may be several weeks before I am ready to present this
fully. Right now only a couple of the cars have any interior detailing.
| |
And while your’re at it, maybe you could get
those folks at TLC to release a few more of your sets.
|
Nothing like that is going on. Right now, I wish we could simply buy spares
of the light-grey split-level train baseplate...
later,
James Mathis
|
I hadn’t realized you’d added pictures of the loco. I’ll keep an eye out for
more in the future!
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Mathis wrote:
| |
I’m still interested and pursuing getting the El Capitan Hi-Level into a
printed book or distributed as a PDF on CD-Rom. You are welcome to e-mail me
your interest level in such a publication.
|
| |
Maybe this El Capitan design is worthy...maybe it isn’t-- That’s for all of
you to decide.
|
Hi James,
Well, I finaly got to order the last bricks and not to mention the split level
train bases, and now I am getting ready to build the El Capitan.
I would like to hear from you if the is any chance of you getting the PDF file
or CD ready some time. I really would like to build the set from such printed
instructions ond not having to do a lot of “footwork” getting the instructions
printed out from brickshelf.
I am really looking forward to building it
I was thinking that maybe it would make it easier for AFOL´s to find the bricks
they need if there was a list of sets combined with bricks that you need to
build the set, i. e. you would need 3*10022 + 2*10025 plus these bricks. Just an
idea.
Best regards Thomas
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Thomas Andersen wrote:
| |
Hi James,
Well, I finaly got to order the last bricks and not to mention the split
level train bases, and now I am getting ready to build the El Capitan.
|
Hi, Thomas,
Cool.
First, let me apologize for the delay in getting this work assembled and
available. It’s taking longer than I thought, and I have made several artistic
design changes, proofing corrections, and feature content additions.
| |
I would like to hear from you if the is any chance of you getting the PDF
file or CD ready some time. I really would like to build the set from such
printed instructions ond not having to do a lot of “footwork” getting the
instructions printed out from brickshelf.
I am really looking forward to building it
|
Right now I’m still assembling and organizing the CD-Rom contents.
Along with the El Capitan build, I’m also including the file for the 12-inch by
36-inch El Capitan poster, and the book contents for the AT & SF ALCO RS-1
locomotive. Once I finish the CD contents, I have to mail the physical CD to
CafePress. Sorry it is taking so long.
However, I am selling the El Capitan and ALCO RS-1 AT & SF books and the El
Capitan poster privately. You are very welcome to e-mail me directly should you
wish to buy any of the below listed items. I don’t have a price set for the
ALCO book. I’m personally printing the books and posters on my home printers.
Both books have color front and back covers. The El Capitan contents are color,
but the ALCO book contents (interior pages) are black and white grayscale. All
prices are subject to change.
- El Capitan CD-Rom, also including ALCO RS-1 and SF B-Unit: US$15 only from Cafepress, not yet available
- El Capitan book: US$40, print-from-my-home
- El Capitan poster: US$15, print-from-my-home
- ALCO RS-1 book: price not set, print-from-my-home
I realize that the US$40 price-point for the book is pretty high, but the
printing, ink, cutting, and coil-binding costs add-up for one-shot prints.
Plus, it takes me a full day to print the approx. 105-page book. Then I have to
get a day when I can go get the book bound. I live 80-miles from the Kinko’s
store, where I have the pages cut down to 7.5x9.25inches and coil-bound. In the
end, I’m probably not making any money printing the books at all.
Take a look at the El Capitan
book, poster, and preliminary CD-artwork on this work-in-progress webpage.
(Sorry, I still haven’t learned anything new regarding building webpages-- I’d
rather brick-and-CAD-build....) Regarding the CD-Rom disk images shown in black
and white background varieties, the CD from CafePress will have a silver (plain)
background. The two black versus white disks were simply test-prints at home.
| |
I was thinking that maybe it would make it easier for AFOL´s to find the
bricks they need if there was a list of sets combined with bricks that you
need to build the set, i. e. you would need 3*10022 + 2*10025 plus these
bricks. Just an idea.
|
I have tried to do this, and it probably is not the best optimization of sets
and parts. It was a pretty difficult task with a greater than 2,000 piece full
5-car set. If you start from zero bricks and buy everything new, it’s quite
expensive-- in excess of US$700, I think. Check
this message for the sets required
call-out. And, inserted here:
- #10011, assorted blue plates, $5 each, qty 4
- #10145, assorted light grey bricks, $5 each, qty 7
- #8375, Ferrari F1 Pit Set, $30 each, qty 1
- #10064, Grey Plates, $5 each, qty 3
- #10001, Metroliner, $149 each, qty 1
- #10002, Railroad Club Car, $37.50 each, qty 1 (no longer available at S@H)
- #3584, Rapid Return (NBA set), $8 each, qty 1
- #10025, Santa Fe Cars Set I, $35 each, qty 4
- #10022, Santa Fe Cars Set II, $35 each, qty 5
- #10020, Santa Fe Super Chief, $40 each, qty 3
Ouch!
Totals in at $730, 6833 pieces.
Of these 6833 pieces, the 5-car El Capitan only uses 2282 on them. :-(
My sincere thanks for your continued interest in building this Hi-Level El
Capitan set! I hope it builds well and is satisfying in spite of the high cost.
later,
James Mathis
|
|
|
