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This is a wood kit and as I build it I’m plan on installing some G scale powered trucks (hopefully find some). That way I can have it running around the ceiling in the hobby workshop when I’m working in there. Should be a fun build.
It’ll be an interesting build and I’ll take my time because I have anther winter project going as well (finishing the basement), so I hope you’ll be patient as the build progresses.
A lovely looking model kg.
Certainly a kit not to be rushed.
LOL I guess I better correct myself here as well. On another forum they pointed out the it's not a trolley but a streetcar or cable car. Oops my bad.
It runs on rails so it's all good
LOL I guess I better correct myself here as well. On another forum they pointed out th
e it's not a trolley but a streetcar or cable car. Oops my bad.
It runs on rails so it's all good
If you lived here it would be a tram.
Little more progress, have levers in place and test fitting benches and "cabin" area before painting, windows, inside benches, doors.
Been a pretty straight forward build - wish the picture directions were in English but with the text instructions, it's been a good build.
Working on cable car today since I have a little time today. One thing I will be doing is going back and filling in the tab and slot areas on the parts that show. It’ll look better when finished.
Very nice work. After seeing for first post on this I had to find a video of how the San Francisco system works. After watching this video and seeing how complicated this system is and the cost to maintain it, it's hard to believe they did not choose to use an electrified catenary system for their line.
The only thing I can think of that ruled this out was the grades the cars had to climb and descend. I think they would have had to resort to a ratcheting cog rail system on the grades.
That is looking really nice.
Done for the day benches installed inside, windows in, seams filled and repainted.
Good day modeling
Beautiful kit and you're doing a great job. At one point Chicago had the largest cable car system in the world. It was electrified after just a few years. Not too long ago a forgotten cable spool was discovered by a crew doing street repairs.
Little farther along on this build.
Gluing up main roof. Soak the wood lots of glue and clamps and let dry. We’ll see what sticks and what needs adjustments and then more interior details. Lots of airbrushing coming my way now. Lots of metal parts to paint.
Very nice work. After seeing for first post on this I had to find a video of how the San Francisco system works. After watching this video and seeing how complicated this system is and the cost to maintain it, it's hard to believe they did not choose to use an electrified catenary system for their line.
The only thing I can think of that ruled this out was the grades the cars had to climb and descend. I think they would have had to resort to a ratcheting cog rail system on the grades.
Yes, that's partially correct. Some of the streets in San Francisco are simply too steep for any conventional rail traction; the maximum grade in the system is a whopping 21% (!) on Lombard Street. With a cable system, the car simply grips the cable and gets pulled up the hill. The same applies for braking downhill--fully grip the cable and the car won't move any faster than the speed of the cable.
Also keep in mind that cable cars predate electrical railways. The first cable systems appeared in the mid-1800s. Electrical railways didn't appear until the 1880s, with the first overhead electrification in 1887. San Francisco's first cable railway opened in 1873. The cable was powered by coal-burning steam engines, which lasted until replaced by electric motors in the early 1900s.
I was actually just at the San Francisco Cable Car museum a couple weeks ago. It's a fun, free small museum with historical displays and a gift shop. Perhaps the most cool part is you can look down into the cable alleys with the massive flywheels running the cables.
Roof completed some interior details done. Now more parts need to be painted and then build the trucks.
Been awhile since I posted an update. Trucks installed (non powered for now) and platforms in place, coming along nicely.
Well this is pretty cool, I’ll be following along!
Progress. Now for “railings” not sure what you would call them - vertical rods so you can grab to get on the cable car. Handles?? Metal posts?? Whatever that’s next.
Progress. Now for “railings” not sure what you would call them - vertical rods so you can grab to get on the cable car. Handles?? Metal posts?? Whatever that’s next.
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KG those 'handles' were also used for standing on the running boards hanging on for dear life. Did that in SanFran years ago and it always seemed that I would get on and a pretty girl would be sitting. Hmmm, how did I manage that? Not known if you can still do that or not.
L8r
KG those 'handles' were also used for standing on the running boards hanging on for dear life. Did that in SanFran years ago and it always seemed that I would get on and a pretty girl would be sitting. Hmmm, how did I manage that? Not known if you can still do that or not.
L8r
You’re just lucky I guess
always always pick what side you want to ride on.
Anyway, here’s where I’m at with the build
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