Glenn Holland

Eurobricks Vassals
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About Glenn Holland

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    Pennsylvania, United States

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  1. Glenn Holland

    [MOC] Nickel Plate Road S-2 2-8-4 763

    You are correct - motors connected by an axle, each with their own receiver. I have had no issues with mismatched speed or IR signals reaching one receiver but not the other. Both motors are connected to the same color output on each receiver. Works quite well for me. Thank you very much!
  2. Glenn Holland

    Maine Central 470 - "Mascot of Maine"

    Thank you! You do make a compelling argument ;) Thank you very much!
  3. Glenn Holland

    Maine Central 470 - "Mascot of Maine"

    Hi all - just getting back from a weekend convention without easy access to Eurobricks, so I'm now catching up on your wonderful replies. I have an idea for what would turn out to be a large diorama or layout module that would depict a very scenic coastal town... maybe one day I'll build it! Thanks Simon. Thank you! And most definitely. I was at the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show this past weekend and got some video of it running on the joint Lego layout there. I'll have that uploaded to YouTube hopefully soon. Thank you! Thanks!! So glad you like it. One of the fun things about modeling such a variety of prototypes is the new techniques that come with each build. The boiler was inspired directly by my 4-6-0 from 2021 but required extensive changes to accommodate the motorization and gears, but it worked out! The custom rods and valve gear always accentuate any model. The colorful details really help in the case of 470. Glad you like it. The details matter on any model and can make the difference between good and great in my opinion. Thomas, thank you very much. I'd say the overall effect is greater than the sum of its parts: rods and valve gear, intricate details, artwork, etc. combine for a profound effect on the viewer. I have tested this model over turnouts (switches) with no issue at all. These tests consisted of flying through a turnout at full speed and at slower speed with a train behind and I have not had any issues yet, even with the tight clearances on this model. Thank you! The pipework is always a little challenging.. it's impossible to get all of it at once and difficult to know what to omit in some cases. I'm glad it works out on 470. Thank you very much! I only with the ladder did not conceal as much of the road number on the back as it does, but I suppose it's unavoidable at some point. Thanks everyone for their kind words.
  4. "Mascot of Maine" Compared to most of the other locomotives I've published most recently, this one is a bit of an outlier. It's not the hotshot superpower found on the Nickel Plate, it's not wartime power like the Mohawk, and it's not part of the Age of Steam collection. My love for 470 comes from elsewhere. Having been a New England resident for several years and having vacationed in most of those states, I've developed a soft spot for the region, especially the piney woods of Maine. I've also always enjoyed the idea of coastal railroading: a mix of maritime and railroad visuals produce interesting scenes. There's a concept for a layout module I've had for some time that would perfectly represent those thoughts.. Maybe someday I'll build it. I'm also drawn to the Maine Central and 470 specifically due to the preservation and claim to fame of the locomotive; 470 operated the last steam-powered passenger train on June 13, 1954 and is the largest preserved steam locomotive in New England and Maritime Canada. After sitting on display for over six decades, the non-profit New England Steam Corporation acquired the locomotive in 2015 and has since relocated it to a purpose-built structure where volunteers actively work to restore the locomotive to operating condition. Being a naturally good looking locomotive, not to mention the incredibly striking Maine Central "speed lettering" it carried, and being preserved and undergoing restoration wins 470 a spot in my heart. I began my model in early to mid 2021. I know, quite a while ago. Chronologically this locomotive was designed around the time I was building and completing Grey Ridge 26. Work progressed through September 2021, at which point I tested an assembled and functioning model (minus rods and artwork) on some track on my apartment floor. Tests were satisfactory; no major issues found. And then I let the project go for quite a while. In this incomplete state, 470 sat on my shelf until last year. One of the bigger challenges I faced was designing a satisfactory rod and valve gear package for this engine. The cylinder design necessitated some new thinking and part design which is perhaps the main reason why I only completed the model in January 2024. Some of the valve gear components required as many as four iterations until they performed as desired. I guess the take-home point is that I got there. Better late than never, right? I'm using a Power Functions L motor geared at a 1:1 ratio to XL.25 size drivers. Control comes from a Power Functions V2 IR receiver and power is a 7.4v battery from Tenergy - a staple of my newer locomotive designs. XL.25 wheels almost deserve a post in their own right. I initially started designing this engine with the more commonly available XL.5 wheels (right in between XL and XXL wheels). I quickly found that the driver wheelbase and proportions of the model were entirely wrong. So, I bit the bullet and opted to design a unique set of drivers at an intermediate size - essentially 1/2 a plate larger in diameter than an XL driver. This allows for the proper wheelbase dimension and better overall proportion, and the wheel is closer to scale as well. Overall, it's more effort, but worth the result. I'm satisfied with performance, having operated the engine running light on my floor for a couple hours and getting a full hour in a convention setting with a mid-sized train behind it. Even still, my goal from the start of this project has been to operate 470 with a powered baggage/RPO car to enable more prototypically long passenger trains. While it would be nice to have 470 handle an entire train alone, it wasn't practical to go with any alternatives - no more room in the boiler for an extra motor and the tender is too short to use train motor bogies. Compromise was made, but I'm far from unhappy. I've modeled 470 as it looked on its final revenue run on June 13, 1954. I think this is, bar none, the prettiest model I've made in recent memory. My favorite thing about this engine is the way it looks with the Maine Central logo, striping, and accents on the rods and wheels. An incredibly unique look for a star locomotive. All artwork was done by Cale Leiphart with some assistance and references from Richard Glueck. All artwork is decals printed by OKBrickWorks. Thank you all, particularly Mr. Glueck, for your assistance with this project. As always, I'm pleased to bring this one over the goal line. Having been in progress for several years now, it feels great to have this one complete and published for the public. Guess I need to design some passenger cars now. Full photo album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBbRCB Video review: Thanks for reading.
  5. Glenn Holland

    Brick Train Awards 2023

    I received my brick just in time to celebrate before the year ends. Thanks to the coordinators and judges as always, and wishing folks a happy new year.
  6. Glenn Holland

    LEGO #21344 - Orient Express

    The lack of motorization is a disappointment to say the least - I'm willing to eat my words on this issue. This is a more valid complaint than "why does it look so different?" Apparently those that hold the IP rights to the Orient Express name wanted emphasis on the train rather than the locomotive... completely reasonable. This is a licensed set, after all. It is indeed possible to make a locomotive that size which can handle several times more than those cars; I and several others can and have done it. I'm confident the community will find ways to modify to suit. I wonder what specific problems they had in design and testing. Edit: I am confident that when Lego says they tried, they really mean it. I was fortunate to hear Jamie Berard (who designed the Emerald Night) discuss the months of testing they did with that set. If they say it wasn't possible (especially considering the strict guidlines and rules they have for their products), then I am certainly willing to believe them. This is still a set I'd like to get, and I'd like to formally review it when possible. I remain excited.
  7. Glenn Holland

    [MOC] Nickel Plate Road S-2 2-8-4 763

    Vilhelm22 is correct. All rods and valve gear are custom parts which I designed myself. They were printed through Shapeways service using Fine Detail Plastic. I should have mentioned the headlight visor is a similar story. Thank you Vilhelm22 for the compliment, as well! This bump to the front page comes at quite a convenient time. I'm honored to have received the award for "Best Steam Locomotive Model" in both the Americas and Global regions of the 2023 Brick Train Awards. I am surprised, to be honest, as there was some legitimate competition this year by several participants and I did not expect to win. Regardless, I am incredibly thankful. https://www.bricktrainawards.com/winners/brick-train-awards-2023/
  8. Glenn Holland

    LEGO #21344 - Orient Express

    Thanks all who have enjoyed the video. Lot of thoughts, lot of criticism (some fair, I'll give you that). I remain excited for the set and more trains from Lego in the future. Through the magic of your own creativity, you can do exactly that. ;)
  9. Glenn Holland

    LEGO #21344 - Orient Express

    Some thoughts... Firstly, we have to remember that this is a LEGO train set. This has to have widespread appeal, use a certain number of parts, and be consumable for the average parent who has never built a train before, let alone steam. Let's look at the locomotive: At first glance, it seems off. This is reasonable. It's very obvious that the engine in the promo image does not share much resemblance to the original Ideas locomotive. Remember - the original submission was modeled in a way that it could not operate on Lego track. The drivers were not actual train wheels. Lego has departed from the source material with good intentions in this case. The boiler looks a bit fat - it is, but I'm willing to bet that they have opted for a Powered Up motor tucked inside which will power the drivers, as opposed to the ever-common train motor bogie under the tender. This would mean the drivers are quartered and there is legitimate thought and effort that has gone into making this a respectable, operable locomotive. Also, take a look at the rods on this engine - Lego seems to have departed from the Technic Liftarms of the Emerald Night days, and even the Technic axles and connectors of the Disney Train and more recent Hogwarts Express. This is a huge win, assuming the assumptions are correct! Even if it's the same piece being used as the connecting rods as well as the main rods, Lego has produced a new train-specific piece. The tender seems less of an after thought than recent steam models. Of course it will likely be designed to house a battery box for those that want a running engine. Dark blue - this is perhaps the only thing I would change about the engine. Dark green seems to be much more common when someone thinks of a steam engine in front of the OE - Bavarian S 3/6 or perhaps a French 4-6-2 or 4-6-0. I'm wondering if the designer at Lego was inspired by the Bavarian S 3/5... regardless, a dark blue engine is still visually sharp. In all, the engine is adorable. I like it. The cars: TWO cars instead of one! And they're unique. AND appear to be 8 studs wide. More room for detail, and Lego takes advantage of it. The cars both have unique and interesting detail which make them feel like a nice place to be: the tiling in the lavatory, the tables and bar in the dining section... I like what Lego has gone for here. Figs - Looks like we get a solid assortment, including four train crew: engineer/fireman, conductor, porter, (or two porters), barmaid, and the remainder being passengers. Display track - in a similar vein to the Crocodile, Lego seems to offer a display track for those who enjoy displaying their trains. Again, it's almost a definite that Lego has designed this set with motorization in mind. There's plenty off detail I'm probably missing that can only be discovered with the full set in hand. Suffice to say... I'm looking forward to this set, and I have hardly been interested in any Lego set since Titanic. This feels like it will be a definite win for Lego trains. It seems to follow the more recent Lego train mentality of producing a set that can be expanded upon (more passenger cars and other fitting cars, recolor the engine, etc.) and upgradable (motorization, change the engine to a 4-6-2, add details, etc.). IF this is the real set to look forward to, I'll be in line on Day 1 (if I can).
  10. Glenn Holland

    [MOC] Oregon Pacific & Eastern 19 - "Emperor of the North"

    I always enjoy providing the photo of the real thing... adds a lot of context to the model. This photo is already four years old and the engine is much more torn apart. Wow, I didn't notice! I'm honored! Thank you so much! The cars I used in the operating scene are a homage to the train seen behind 19 for a majority of Emperor of the North. The wheels on the flatcar (just behind the tank car) are indeed reddish brown - they are from BrickTracks.
  11. Glenn Holland

    [MOC] Oregon Pacific & Eastern 19 - "Emperor of the North"

    Many thanks!
  12. Glenn Holland

    [MOC] Oregon Pacific & Eastern 19 - "Emperor of the North"

    Thank you! Thankfully I don't have to worry about that, lol I'm certainly glad to hear that, I find it fun to write out the details in a presentable way. Thanks! Thanks very much! Being a much (relatively) smaller engine I'm also glad about the stability. Thanks! I'm trying not to set a precedent for myself, I certainly don't have another locomotive to share soon! Thank you! Glad you like it, thanks! I am blessed to be able to walk up to the real thing and get many photos which most regular visitors are unable to, that's for sure, but most of the reference material for this model came from extensive and thorough research. Very happy you like the model, thank you.
  13. Glenn Holland

    [MOC] Nickel Plate Road S-2 2-8-4 763

    Thank you so much!
  14. Glenn Holland

    [MOC] Nickel Plate Road S-2 2-8-4 763

    Thank you very much! They are certainly magnificent in every way. I'm happy I was able to capture a piece of that. This model is a personal project - no relation to Brick Model Railroader. Thank you so much! I'm glad you think everything works well together. It definitely adds more "wow" factor.
  15. My Favorite Be forewarned, this post will undoubtedly be lengthy. On April 9, 1915, Baldwin Locomotive Works completed serial number 42000, a 90 ton, 2-8-2 mikado locomotive (class 12-34-1/4-E-30) for the Caddo & Choctaw Railroad Company, subsidiary of Caddo River Lumber Company in Arkansas. Originally numbered 4 and named "R. L. Rowan," the engine served the logging industry until 1920 when it was converted to burn oil (instead of coal) and sent to Mexico. Upon arrival at the Compañía de Real del Monte y Pachuca, it was renumbered to 105. 105 operated northeast of Mexico City where silver mining was the main industry. In 1924, 105 was sold to the McCloud River Railroad, which would be home for nearly 30 years. Upon arrival at McCloud, shop forces found bullet holes in the boiler jacket. The rumor formed that the engine served with Pancho Villa during the revolution, however the revolution was over before the engine arrived in the country. The story stuck, and earned the engine the nickname "Pancho." McCloud renumbered the engine to 19 and upgraded the engine over its time there to roughly its current appearance. The 19 was involved in a three-way tender swap before leaving McCloud, and it ended up with the tender from the 18. 19 still uses this tender today, identifiable by a plate with welded letters reading "T-18" affixed to the tender frame. The original tender was scrapped along with the 16. The Yreka Western purchased 19 from McCloud in 1953 (and would later purchase the similar 18). The engines operated between Yreka and Montague where the road interchanged with Southern Pacific. In 1971, Yreka Western owner Willis Kyle purchased 51% of the Oregon Pacific & Eastern in Cottage Grove, Oregon. 19 was leased from Yreka to the OP&E and in 1971 began operating the "Blue Goose" excursion trains over the line using a large variety of passenger equipment. In 1972, "Emperor of the North" was filmed on the railroad, using a mix of OP&E equipment and some purchased specifically for the film. 19 carried the iconic "State of Oregon" herald on the tender, designed for appearance in the film, during this time and into as late as 1974. It was then repainted to use the "Blue Goose" logo used by other Kyle-owned roads. 19 continued to pull Blue Goose trains into the 1980s when Hollywood once again came to the line and parts of the coming-of-age classic "Stand By Me" were filmed. 19 appeared in the movie in the scene where Corey Feldman plays chicken with an oncoming train. In 1987, 19 returned to Yreka and continued to pull Blue Goose trains on this line, and was occasionally used in freight service. 19 stayed in Yreka into the 21st century. It became the subject of several legal battles where some work performed on the engine was never paid for. Eventually, it was auctioned off in a sheriff sale where it was purchased by Jerry Jacobson. 19 is currently in the backshop at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum undergoing its 15-year inspection work for return to operation. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I can't quite remember when exactly I began this model, but it came together digitally in late 2019, and I began ordering parts and assembling the locomotive in early 2020. It's taken a while to complete, mostly due to the refining of several details, not the least of which being the running gear and artwork. The details on this engine are particular, especially given my familiarity with the real one. I modeled 19 to accurately portray the engine as it appeared in Emperor of the North. I'm using a Power Functions L motor driving custom wheels at a 1:1 ratio. It gives the engine a good speed but enough power to pull a realistic number of cars. I'm using a Power Functions I.R. receiver and a 7.4v 700mAh battery due to limited space. I'll write more about every detail on the model in accompanying photos of the model. I say it every time, but this time, I really mean it: I'm incredibly happy to have the model complete. I should call it version one, as I'll undoubtedly build another copy of this model with new techniques in the future - I already have a few ideas. I've learned a lot between the time I started designing this and now, and I'd love to have more than one model of 19 anyway. It may never be as big or technically impressive as some other models I've built, but 19 will always have something the others don't. It is, by far, my favorite steam locomotive. I'd write about why here, but I'm already putting a lot of words under this photo, so I'll invite viewers to see the next photo for why 19 is my favorite. As always, I've shared more photos to my Flickr in this album: And I've uploaded a video to YouTube detailing the model here: *** I have omitted a large chunk of this post for sake of brevity. If anyone would like to know the reasons why 19 is my favorite, I invite you to enjoy this photo and its description: Thank you for reading. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year. Glenn Holland