Well, I am gathering parts, materials and referances for my next project. I wanted to share the idea with ya'll and show a quick, first draft drawing to illustrate my idea.
An M1 turret mounted upon a modern armored railcar. Odd? Yes. Practical? No. Typical Murphy? TOTALLY!!!

Here's the first look at a first draft of the concept.


Now, before you react, the drawing is only the basic idea of what I'm shooting for. A better drawing with actual line drawings of the turret are on the way and the body of the railcar will be a little differant.
The railcar will be self propelled with an M1 engine.

I got the idea from a Russian Armored Railcar with 3 turrets



Now, c'mon guys, ain't dat jus da coolest!

Wish me talent!
Cuhail

Who's to say it's not practical??? Shortage of Qualified Turbine Mechanics... and a shortage of parts....... Need is the mother of Invention!!!!!

Looks like something that would fit into the Resident Evil universe...

Got a spot for an Umbrella Corporation logo?

Gunnie

Interesting idea Murph.....
looks like a planning stage for T2K-2006........ :-)

Thanks guys!

Matt: Oh yeah!
Gunnie: RE isn't this imaginative AND someone elses idea, but...
Grumps: T2K06 will come just in time to showcase this little (HA!) gem.

He he he!

Cuhail

This is the perfect project for the T2K Campaign. If you don't finish it in time for this year you can always complete it for next year.

WOW!!!!!!
---and I'm supposed to be the "weirdy" scratch-builder---------puts my "Diggies" right in the shade :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Go for it pardner.......
aye
BARV
(GOSMG)

Needs anti-personel turrets! :-) :-)

Looks great! Maybe we should work something in for T2K:2006. Anyone up for "Super Secret Monsters"?

If you all are for me sticking on as the Admin, you can boot me if you want, I have a good idea of what to do for next year.

I had the same idea a few days back!!

I'd seen a WW2 german train with 2 Panzer turrets and I would love to swap them out for a couple of M1 turrets – it would be soooo cool

I think you have a great idea, i will be looking for future posts on this build.

Thanks guys, I will keep ya'll posted on progress.
Just so ya know, I did do this once before with an N Scale (1/160) attempt. I only have one picture of it though. If you look at the back (behind) of my scratchbuilt 4X4 frame, you will see it.



The base railcar was a depressed-center flatcar (for those who know what that is) and pretty much just built-up plastic stock and wrapped it up with plastic card stock and putty to smooth it out.
I am not going to do that this time as it will be 1/35 and obviously larger so I will be doing an interior.
The turret was scratched from square stock, sheet and a small aluminum tube for a barrel.
It hasn't been finished yet and someday it will have friends that look just like it.
The new 1/35th one I'm doing will be fairly similar to the small one (1/160).

Just an update,
Cuhail

I've got one for this already!!

I love this!

Jim

I still have to whip up a "By the Book" entry before I worry about this Railcar. I have a bunch more stock and material to collect before I can do too much. I have only the front wheelset ("Trucks" in railroad lingo) and I will be picking up the rear trucks this week. I am waiting for the M1 kit I bought online, so I will have a turret. I need to buy an engine too...although, I could probably whip up a diesel if I can't find a very affordable turbine engine like in a M1 tank.
What's VERY cool is (and I totally admit I'm kinda cheating here) the gauge scale for the track and trucks is 1/29 (G scale) and that means that it is brass rail, and the rear trucks are wired to take a current through the metal wheels. --I can wire the WHOLE car with WORKING LIGHTS!!! Headlights, taillights, interior worklights in multiple colors. I am so psyched up about this build.

T2K Oh Six...bring it on!

Cuhail

Alright! I am really starting to like what I'm coming up with here. I have thought about this project for a long time now, and this design is starting to take real shape.
Well, first let's look at the picture.
Voila!


I don't know where to start. The driver's cabin is there up front and the entrance / loading hatch is the larger, double doors toward center. The engine is at the rear, the same as the tank version. There will be couplers at both ends for push-pull operations, towing or being towed.
There will be a crew cabin to sustain 4 soldiers with eating, sleeping and bathroom areas.

So, here we go. I will probably be laying out and building the undercarriage this coming weekend, so keep an eye open for my build thread.

Cuhail

What scale is this bad boy gonna be in????

The scale will be "floating" a little because I wanted modern trucks and wheels that aren't modeled in 1/35. So, the track scale, trucks and wheelsets will be 1/29 scale or G-Scale.
The rest will be in 1/35th

Cuhail

Ya got me wanting to build one of them now.....LOL

Not much in the way of trucks unless it's G or O......


Hmmmm O might work..... Armor....hmmmmmm

lol :-) :-) :-) :-)

I've thought of doing it in a few scales- HO, O, N, G and S scales
I will probably do a few of each

Cuhail

I'm bringing home the rear trucks this weekend and I'm starting the undercarriage too.
My buddy FINALLY moved out of my basement, so it's back to serious work in the hobby room!

Woo Hoo! :-)

Cuhail

Ya know, I should give you guys a link to check out other armored trains throughout history.
[http://www.tdg.nu/articles/historical%20articles/Armoured%20Trains/Soviet%20Armored%20Trains.htm]Russian Armored Trains[/url]

My little contribution to the site.
Cuhail