Want an HO scale model of the first locomotive to go into scheduled service in the U.S.? I've got a kit of the Best Friend on my 3DPtrain shop: 3dptrain.com/products/igm...

Henry Ford's replica Rocket, built in 1929 by Robert Stephenson & Co. It has not been operated since Henry Ford's death. I took these photos while visiting the museum to do research on the DeWitt Clinton and its replica.

Just a fun coincidence, I have two photos of the same locomotive, a P&R Q1b 2-6-4T, taken several years apart. The locomotives operated commuter trains from roughly 1903 until the line was electrified in the 1930s.

Some details of the "Liverpool" built by Bury for the Petersburg RR of Virginia. This, supposed to be the first Bury type imported to the US, has a history that's become rather muddled up by 19th century story tellers. This contemporary report from 1833 gives us some useful information though.

This is where I post from.

Wondering if there would be any interest in O scale models of early locomotives. I've considered making purely static models in O scale, which would allow for more accurate dimensions and a lot more detail when modeling tiny 1830s prototypes.

I don't know if Hyce is on bluesky, but somebody should share this with him. youtu.be/yB7_HQGgVzc?...

Blenkinsop locomotive animation, now looped for your enjoyment.

Test print arrived. The coach body turned out beautifully. The chassis however needs some tweaks before it'll be ready for sale.

Should have my hands on the first print in a week or so. Will test and paint it and post the results when I get it.

Adam Savage recently posted a video about using vintage oil cans. Which raised in my mind, a very interesting question: when did oil cans with a flexible bottom for "pumping" the oil first appear? Near as I can find, this patent from 1846. The internal spring was an unnecessary complication though.

youtu.be/0UJphvHIjFk?... If you know, you know.

This drawing, labeled "DeWitt Clinton" has been something of a mystery. It has been published many times, but it varies in many respects from what we know of the actual loco, and my research indicates it almost certainly a concept for the locomotive that went unused.

Some ads for the Oldsmobile Railroad Inspection Car.

Great video. Keep your eyes open for a surprise appearance by Ward Kimball www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1TE...

You may not like it, but this is what peak performance looks like. This is the ideal locomotive form.

First prints of new products. Customization for your Bachmann 4-2-0. Now available on my 3DPtrain shop. 3dptrain.com/pages/vendor...

Have a vintage model railroad weathering video from the 1980s, hosted by Allen Keller and featuring the late, great Malcolm Furlow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpb4... 🚂 (lol'ing at the thumbnail for this video)

No posts from bluechecks (they are without exception insufferable). No posts from people you don't follow. No trending tab. In other words, just bluesky before it all went downhill in 2024. There are reasons why everybody was happier with the site then.

comics should be in black and white

on display in Clovis, New Mexico, this 0-6-0 from 1906. Would make a pretty good model if any manufacturer were interested in making a switcher. A bit outside my era tho.

love seeing all the footage of the Locomotion replica in action

1899 steam tram returned to running condition. What a wonderful machine. www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL_m...

This was a fun mini project. Resuscitating a 1950s Varney Docksider. No super detailing on this one, just the basic kit. Maybe someday I'll do a proper re-motoring and add lettering.

I promised this a long time ago but I finally got around to updating my #3Dprinted #Clockwork Beattie well tank. I just need to finish the tutorial video, and the update will be ready for my #Cults3D page. #Modelrailway #3Ddesign

Want an HO scale model of the first locomotive to go into scheduled service in the U.S.? I've got a kit of the Best Friend on my 3DPtrain shop: 3dptrain.com/products/igm...

Reminder, that if you want an HO scale model of the first 4-2-0 built, the Experiment of the Mohawk & Hudson, you can get a 3D printed kit on my shop here: 3dptrain.com/products/183...

Also, a reminder that the Bachmann model is a representation of the replica, and differs in various ways from what the original 1831 locomotive would have looked like. I've made as accurate a model as possible of the original using contemporary drawings and descriptions.

I've also just sent Bachmann a suggestion for releasing the model with the replica's 1893 paint scheme: green locomotive frame, tender, and brown coaches. This color scheme is accurately depicted in Edward Lamson Henry's painting, and would be a correct representation of the replica as built.

Reminder, that if you want an HO scale model of the first 4-2-0 built, the Experiment of the Mohawk & Hudson, you can get a 3D printed kit on my shop here: 3dptrain.com/products/183...

Just been to the National Railway Museum in a country with no railways - Just £1 entry tho! 👀🚂🇵🇾 #Paraguay #NonstopEurotrip

My 1837 Norris stack for the Bachmann 4-2-0 is now available on 3DPtrain: 3dptrain.com/products/183... This stack will bring the Bachmann "Lafayette" more in line with its appearance in contemporary illustrations.

@supcat.bsky.social watched this and thought you'd be interested: youtu.be/Vc-9VvBNcyM?...

@hoonofthe.day youtu.be/h1U6eOVI_e4?...

If you've got a Bachmann Norris 4-2-0, I've got some interesting parts coming up soon. The correct stack for the Lafayette (as depicted in an 1837 Norris pamphlet). A hinged stack for going under low bridges (used on the Philadelphia & Columbia IIRC) and an early headlamp as used on the P&R.

Brainlet of the week

well the future looks bright for us amirite

A little more work done.

Project update: Got my first print of the Denver Tramway conduit car from 3DPtrain. Roof did warp very slightly, so I've submitted new files with a strengthening rib along the inside of the roof. This will make it more rigid and locate the roof in the car body. Also, kadees on the John Bull coaches.

I ordered a new coreless motor Tenshodo power truck, so will be revising my model of the Thomas James locomotive to fit (I only had the ancient "spud" version to work with when I made this). Hope to have it on 3DPtrain within a month or so.

All my international package are now in the U.S. which is a huge relief.

I used to have a collection of 78 RPM records (until my mom gave it away without asking me) which included this great little piece. And on the opposite side... youtu.be/J5zbvyJXfu8?...

Temporary suspension of shipments to the USA

WE HAVE TO STOP The United States adopted an executive order that changes customs procedures for goods shipped to the US. Starting August 29, items previously exempt from duties under the $800 de minimis threshold will now be subject to customs duties...

Here’s an exclusive first look at my HOn30 Mason Bogie “Calla Lily”. I just finished her tonight, so I don’t have any fancy outdoor shots yet.

My string of boxcars grows.

I think I'm going to completely redo this 1833 Camden & Amboy coach. I've learned a lot about modeling since I made these and I can make a better model now.

I cannot talk about 19th century architecture without somebody getting really mad and telling me something like "ALL buildings in the 19th century were festooned with infinite ornamentation, and simplicity is the devil and you're evil and stupid if you disagree!"

Forgot to post this on the 16th. Here's Adam Hall's letter to John B. Jervis on the subject of modifying the DeWitt Clinton's boiler (ie. adding a steam dome). The letter also contains Hall's thoughts about the drawings of the "Robert Fulton" sent to Jervis by Robert Stephenson.

These old Bachmann C&A coaches are going to get a repaint and Kadee couplers.