Calico Mountain Ore Cars | Calico Mt Pt 13

Posted on January 28, 2023January 28, 2023 by Dave Meek

It’s back to Calico Mountain this week to build a string of rustic On18 ore cars inspired by the Knott’s Berry Farm original! These cars take advantage of some commercially available 3-D printed HOn30 frames, and some laser cut parts of my own design, to model credible recreations of the classic Calico Mine Ride “ore cars.”

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

3-D Printed Car Frames: https://www.shapeways.com/product/JQQCTK6Z2/hon30-mann-s-creek-frames-4?optionId=61798964&li=shops

Grandt Line Hardware: https://www.grandtline.com/products/miscellaneous-hardware/

Micro-Trains Wheels and Couplers: https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=63

Big Thunder Mine Part 2: Ore Bins, Trestles & Retaining Walls

Posted on May 14, 2022 by Dave Meek

Welcome to part 2 of the Big Thunder Mine build! In this episode, I scratch-build some retaining walls, mine cart trestles, and a custom ore bin to serve the On18 Big Thunder & Calico tramway. Then it’s time to dirt things in and add a little weathering.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

Big Thunder Mine Part 1: https://youtu.be/KcTcyTm_c_g

Step by Step: On18 Flatcar

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Dave Meek

Sometimes the best way to explain a project is with a slideshow! Here’s a step-by-step presentation on building a 12′ On18 flatcar from an N scale Bachmann gondola. Feel free to pause, stop, or rewind if you would like to try your hand and building one of your own.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

On18 Bobber Caboose

Posted on April 16, 2022 by Dave Meek

Let’s build a tiny bobber caboose for my On18 Big Thunder & Calico mining tram! On18 uses N scale mechanisms and other components to model this common industrial railway gauge in 1:48, O scale. The results of this scale/gauge mashup can often be rather whimsical and filled with unique character. For this project, I use a readily available Bachmann N scale “shorty” caboose as a starting point for an original design, inspired by the homebuilt logging and mining bobbers of the late 19th century. I demonstrate my methods for a road-worn, weathered paint finish, along with wood construction and car roofing techniques.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave