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My name is Don Campbell and I live n Northern Michigan . I have always enjoyed toy trains and had a small layout many years ago. I have had a hobby of building models for several years but never a toy train model. My models are far from perfect but I still enjoy model building . I am trying attaching
the first progress picture of my Chessie GP-40 model s I thought some of you might enjoy following the progress as I build it. It is just a static model.
I have a webpage that shows other models I have built . I am very excited to build my first train model. I will also post video clips of me building in on you-tube under doncampbellmodels . www.doncampbellmodels.com
Don that is absolutely awesome!!
Also love that 657E, I used to run those bad boys!
Geez, and I thought building my goofy little "Cat" lawn tractor was challenge... hoo-boy....
Wow! That's amazing!
With your highly advanced skills, had you considered a 7 1/2" gauge outdoor railroad? This is an example of a similar engine style to yours that runs on tracks...
Thanks for the positive comments, always appreciated. Thanks for the picture of the large train , very nice !!
I just posted the second progress picture showing the first steps in place and some of the front railings bolted in place. Monday I will start the front coupler assembly construction. www.doncampbellmodels.com
First question , I am unsure of how to build the hand brake assembly that fits inside the large slot on the left side of the nose of the hood. Does anyone have a picture of it pulled out to give me a idea of how I can build it ?
I too spent quite a while viewing your photo gallery. Absolutely incredible workmanship. If I were you the one word I would never use to describe your models is "toy". This are some of the finest work I've ever seen in any scale. Show us more anytime.
You are freakin' awesome!!!!!!!! You must have a nice assortment of metal working tools to farbricate all of your models. PLEASE keep us up to date with ALL of your models!!!!
Could you post a link to your 7 1/2 trains? I'd like to see your outdoor railroad.
Thanks,
Greg
(edit)
Found it.
Wow... looks like you had a lot of fun! What a large variety of engines and rolling stock.
I want to lay some 7 1/2 track in the yard and run one of these on it...
First question , I am unsure of how to build the hand brake assembly that fits inside the large slot on the left side of the nose of the hood. Does anyone have a picture of it pulled out to give me a idea of how I can build it ?
Since you mention it is in a "slot", I'll assume that you're building it with a ratcheting style handbrake (lever) as opposed to a wheel type.
Here's a few photos. First two show the handbrake on the back of 1st generation EMD locomotives, so the handbrake is actually at the end of the long hood, but it shows what it looks like "out of the slot" as you requested. The third shows how it is mounted in the nose of the locomotive like you're building. If you need more detail photos of a locomotive like yours, let me know, I have photos of pretty near everything you'd need as I use them for work. I sometimes go out and shoot detail photos of various parts for my engineers training curriculum I teach at work.
Guys, i apologize for the massive photos, I wanted to keep them large so Don could see them well, but don't know how you guys make them thumbnails that you can enlarge, any ideas?
Guys, i apologize for the massive photos, I wanted to keep them large so Don could see them well, but don't know how you guys make them thumbnails that you can enlarge, any ideas?
Thanks again for the kind words, I am always the first to admit my models are far from perfect but I love creating them. This Train model has really got me excited ! Thanks for the brake pics, very helpful. My workshop is very small and my tools are basic. No lathe or milling machines. I just have a good imagination and try to make shapes with my hand tools. I'll post the next progress picture later today , thanks again .www.doncampbellmodels.com
Just posted the third progress picture showing safety railings now on both sides of cab. Also coupler construction , front bumper metal , hoses . www.doncampbellmodels.com
the first progress picture of my Chessie GP-40 model s I thought some of you might enjoy following the progress as I build it. It is just a static model. 
