Category Archives: N Scale Ships

New Bridge/Dock for ATSF Barges in N and Z

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A new bridge/dock for the ATSF barges features a positionable bridge, a bridge lift mechanism, and correctly spaced channels for mounting rails. Builders can leave off the pieces that form the channels and use sectional track on the plain decks, although extensive trimming of ties will be necessary to match the prototype’s spacing, in which the center rails are closely adjacent to the rails for the outer tracks.5616NewDockPortFront

Here a barge painted for the Burlington railroad is at the dock. With careful trimming, a slight press-fit between the barge and the bridge can be achieved.

5608Barge&NewDock

Here’s a slightly closer look at how the barge and dock, with rails installed, match.

5610Barge&NewDockCloser

The bridge/dock is 180 mm (7″) long; with the integral docking wings, it is 215 mm (8.5″) long.

The kit, without rails, is $69. A built-up without rails is $169. Installation of rails for both barge and dock is $125. Installation on the barge alone is $100. The rails on the dock can not be installed separately.

New 180′ Coastal Freighter/Tanker/Container Ship

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Small Ships that Serve Worldwide

5297SmallFreighterHelicon

These small ships serve thousands of small harbors all around the world. This model is based on the dimensions of a small freighter based in Juneau, Alaska. It is 180 scale feet (54 m) long, with a beam of 28 feet (8.5 m). The model is thus 13.5 inches (343 mm) long and 2.2 inches (54 mm) wide. Height to the top of the navigation bridge, minus antennae, is 2.8 inches (72 mm).

5286SmallFreighterPortStern

The three hatches can be modeled open and stacked, or closed. There are two main hydraulic cargo cranes, plus a forward long-reach post and boom. Custom photo-etched brass railings and stairways, custom-made windlass and rear winch, lifeboat, davits, anchors, bitts and other small parts fill out the kit. The gunwhales are raised just as on the prototype.

5289SmFreighterStBd

This is an easy kit to build. Kit prices is US $99.00 plus shipping. A basic built-up model is $450 plus shipping; a superdetailed built-up model is $650.