One big category I hoped to do more on this summer was getting decals on some models. Things ended up backing up a bit, but several models have been completed recently. Including these hoppers.

The Schorr hopper

This model came out really well! All there is to say.

The TYCO hoppers

Among my many quirky projects is I have a group of models I run that are underscale for OO, but overscale for HO. I’ve done a whole series of models previously that are based on two covered hopper models I obtained that had been build by Bill Johann. They are TYCO conversions, and are large enough to look/feel “right” with full size OO models.

But there is another type of TYCO covered hopper. It is a bit smaller, but I decided to try to see what they would look like, with now the K4 decals to use.

And this is what I got. They are on the trucks that Bill Johann converted to OO use, I had a number on hand.

I’d say the model is somewhat successful, but only looks good with the other underscale models. I do like the big OO decals, they really look great.

Quick comparison

The main thing is you can tell that this version of the TYCO car is a bit smaller than OO. The type that Bill Johann had converted, they come out better.

But still, nice to have these two models for variety, and they run great on the layout.

BONUS: Those shelves in the distance.

In the first two photos you can see the shelves in the distance. I’ve been reorganizing things, the shelves now have locomotives, some favorite passenger equipment, and some favorite cabooses. The freight cars are all organized into boxes separately. Has been a good project to work it all over.