Not Just Another Pretty Face

LAST EDITED ON Nov-16-02 AT 04:15 AM (EST)

Definately not......OK, so this is my first attempt at modeling something for MSTS, so it's bound to be full of a bunch of mistakes - so bear with me - just learning as I go. (and what a learning experience it's been!).Anyways........The John WilkesThere are locos, and then there are LOCOS - those that epitomized the heydays of railroading.No two ways about it, the streamlining of steam engines was principally a public relations tactic. Faced my mounting competition from dieselization, a growing trucking & auto industry, and developing airlines.....the railroads needed to attract ridership, and streamlining was there answer.
The goal was to create an image in the public mind of what the railroad execs thought the public wanted; namely; speed, power, service, style, and luxury.Those that succeeded in creating that image became icons of railroading - the John Wilkes succeeded beautifully.
The silhouette, the long, black, macho-like bullet nose (almost phallic in design) just screams speed and power; while, by contrast, the gracefully curving rails assures the rider it will be a smooth, luxurious trip. The John Wilkes had the image - and thus became an icon of Lehigh Valley railroading.INTERESTING NOTE: Despite the fact that Lehigh Valley operated nearly 500 steam engines, not a single one exists in our file library.
Completion of this project would certainly be a worthwhile addition.To bring this project to a respectable state, I could certainly use some helpful input regarding certain resources, photos, links, and such.
Specifically: Needs a proper cab. For now, I am using the Scotsman cab which I modified slightly, just to have "something". From my research, when they streamlined the exterior, they modified the cab as well - and I have no idea of what the thing is supposed to look like. My current cab is strictly fictional.Also, an appropriate consist is badly needed. currently, I took the OE310 carriage and just painted it black (not even bothering to put in any details) just to have something to drag around. The Wilkes typically ran with baggage/express or mail/baggage, 4 coaches, club, diner, and pullman chair car. Haven't been able to locate suitable cars for the era - but from research, pullman Plan 2668 or 3984 might fit the bill.Still have numerous minor adjustments and "tweaking" - but hope to have something presentable in near future.

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RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., jonathanmlewisrgs, Nov-16-02, 04:48 AM, (1) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., Rodman 93, Nov-16-02, 06:40 AM, (2) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., Enforcer231, Nov-16-02, 07:25 AM, (3) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., HawK53, Nov-16-02, 07:37 AM, (4) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., wok3002, Nov-16-02, 07:43 AM, (5) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., novelty, Nov-16-02, 06:32 PM, (6) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., Lone_Gunman_SG, Nov-16-02, 07:13 PM, (7) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., GaryH2, Nov-16-02, 08:18 PM, (8) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., Enforcer231, Nov-16-02, 09:27 PM, (9) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., MikeA, Nov-16-02, 09:41 PM, (10) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., darkfyre, Nov-17-02, 00:15 AM, (11) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., Kree8tiviT, Nov-17-02, 07:03 PM, (14) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., Kree8tiviT, Nov-17-02, 07:13 PM, (15) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., Kree8tiviT, Nov-17-02, 07:16 PM, (16) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., jfroth1, Nov-17-02, 02:27 AM, (12) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., Kree8tiviT, Nov-17-02, 06:59 PM, (13) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., MikeA, Nov-17-02, 07:36 PM, (17) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., xlspecial261, Nov-18-02, 11:15 PM, (18) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., HAC, Nov-18-02, 11:44 PM, (19) HAC, Kree8tiviT, Nov-19-02, 04:32 AM, (20) RE: HAC, ASR_Q301, Nov-19-02, 05:37 AM, (21) RE: Not Just Another Pretty Face......., werner001, Nov-19-02, 09:01 AM, (22)

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Looking Greathttp://groups.msn.com/MSTSNarrowGauge

Jonathan
jonathanmlewis@msn.com

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*JAW HITS GROUND*i haven't been as excited about a steam loco since fozzy's k-36's, i can't wait to get it, keep up the good work man, you've done a fabulous job so far.cheers,Rodman 93

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damn that looks awesome!In 1943 a series of allied experiments were undertaken to render a ship invisible to enemy radar, the results of these tests were never released to the public. The finale of these tests which ultimately caused the cancellation of the project was known as: THE PHILADEPHIA EXPERIMENT.

THE PENN CENTRAL RISES FROM THE DEAD!

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Well, if that is a first attempt..... A star is born IMHOIt is beautiful !!

~Computers aren't intelligent, they only think they are.~

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Are you sure this is your first time modeling? This is awesome! As far as pics of the loco I would suggest the book The Handsomest Trains in the World which is all about the Lehigh Valley passenger service. The only thing that hit me right away about the model was that the tender is a little too low. I am looking forward to the release.
Kevin

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WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is THE BEST looking train (deisel or steam) sinse the Empire State Express!!!!!
You know, you are probibly the best "First Timer" I've ever heard of.Keep up the damn good work,
Novelty.

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LAST EDITED ON Nov-16-02 AT 07:19 PM (EST)

the what? It bears a resemblence to a particular NYC loco...
premium add-ons

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That really looks great!That's a definite d/l when released! GH

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kinda looks like the ese on steroids!In 1943 a series of allied experiments were undertaken to render a ship invisible to enemy radar, the results of these tests were never released to the public. The finale of these tests which ultimately caused the cancellation of the project was known as: THE PHILADEPHIA EXPERIMENT.

THE PENN CENTRAL RISES FROM THE DEAD!

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As you see, you've really turned some heads with this teaser post!Please tell me you aren't brand new to 3D Modeling! This old dog is struggling more with that new trick than anything past--including Photoshop, Sound Forge, and Vegas Video to name only three of several I've conquered in the past.I never much liked the look of those "Torpedo Trains," but after reading your little history lesson it all makes sense. Well, sort of "Madison Avenue Sense" but that's an oxymoron.Nonetheless, I'll watch for it and run it, that's for sure. Excellent creative work, and a good call for data and assistance, too.Cheers!MikeA

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LAST EDITED ON Nov-17-02 AT 00:26 AM (EST)

GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY..
You call that NOT presentable?!!?!Upload the damn thing already!!!! And keep them models coming!!!!(and what is that..A Hudson? I can tell the difference between a Berkshire and a Lt. Mountain, but that's about it for me and steam locos..)------Seriously, if you can produce work of that quality on your first try; you could consider joining NALW or sumthin.. (hint hint )

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>(and what is that..A Hudson? I can tell the difference
>between a Berkshire and a Lt. Mountain, but that's about it
>for me and steam locos..)
>
>------ Pacific K-5B (4-6-2), Baldwin Loco.

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LAST EDITED ON Nov-17-02 AT 07:15 PM (EST)

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>
>Please tell me you aren't brand new to 3D Modeling! This old
>dog is struggling more with that new trick than anything
>past--including Photoshop, Sound Forge, and Vegas Video to
>name only three of several I've conquered in the past. I've modeled a few "objects" before - principally, controls which I used for Cabviews I created. Found it much easier to get the animation on the controls correct that way. But, that was just for the creation of a rendering - a picture - with a 3D look to it. Huge difference from trying to create an in-game 3D model, as I've found out.
>I never much liked the look of those "Torpedo Trains," but
>after reading your little history lesson it all makes sense.
>Well, sort of "Madison Avenue Sense" but that's an oxymoron.
>LOL - can honestly say I once felt the same! At one time felt the streamlining spoiled the rugged good looks of the classic steam engine........but, as you can see, when it is an excellent design, it really can be a thing of beauty as well.

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LAST EDITED ON Nov-17-02 AT 02:38 AM (EST)

That is a BEAUTY!
You've really captured the essence of the Lehigh Valley's pride in serving the distinguished traveler during a competitive time.
Very Classy, and very well done!Edit:
John Roth

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Well, thank you all for your nice comments. Certainly, I take no credit for the train's good looks - the designer was Otto Kuhler - and this merely my rendition/reproduction of his work. But, as always, kind words of encouragement are always appreciated.Referencing my original post, however, the project is now somewhat at a standstill until I can get the resources/research for the aforementioned needed items.My choices: 1. Go with the fictional cabview (and start some serious re-working on that to dress ot up properly)......or wait til I see what I can find that would be more historically acceptable. (I really, really don't want to just "alias" one of the default cabs). 2. Take a similar approach on the consist, by just doing some repaints of anything that I can find that "comes close" to being right. Or, again, await the research and/or build my own carriages.Thus, you can see that I am definately in need of the community's broad-base of knowledge and resources to move forward and do this right - and all input on info will be greatly appreciated.Like most of you, I just want to be able to RUN the darn thing - and ASAP! But, it's just my nature to try to do the thing as decently as my abilites allow.Thanks again,Mark

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With that as an attitude, you are my kind of modeler and I'm sure I speak for others here as you see.That B&W Photo post was awesome! As for finding a cab view, I'll help in the hunt with no promises, of course.Oh, and thanks for seeing the humor in my comments up the thread!Respect,MikeA

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>Well, thank you all for your nice comments. Certainly, I
>take no credit for the train's good looks - the designer was
>Otto Kuhler - and this merely my rendition/reproduction of
>his work. But, as always, kind words of encouragement are
>always appreciated.
>Great looking piece of work.It should be noted that Otto Kuhler was also the designer of the Milwaukee's F7 Baltics.Todd

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That will definitely be on my list to grab once it is released.. Thank you!.. If I can be of assistance, please, email me..Cheers
Harold

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Not sure - but from the "HAC"; if your the guy who did the Bershire cabview - I could certainly use some input as to what the inside of this should look like!Mark

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WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! - thats Your first attempt at modelling?!?!?! - that is FANTASTIC!! - lol - im not really a huge fan of steam - but your model looks brilliant!! - have u modeled anything before hand for something like flight sim?? i have just started modelling too - i was playing around with making some australian stuff - that kinda sucked - so im trying to make a SD70 which i have a HO Scale model of and im copying the dimensions out of MR Mag - any ideas on GMAX how to get the beveled off roof part on the SD70? - i have the back perfect - the front of the locomotive - the nose is kinda not so good :S - the handrails were a quick attempt. Any ideas what i should do to improve my model?? - NO SLAGGING IT OFF - constructive critisism only!! lol - if u look carefully at the radiators - they have flares! - im going to do 2 models - one with and one without flares - i think they look so 70's

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LAST EDITED ON Nov-19-02 AT 09:10 AM (EST)

I'm speechless!!!
As i'm not a locomotive builder i was thinking just the other day if it was possible to repaint the ESE Hudson as a substitute for the John Wilkes Pacific, but now i find this, it's just terrific!
I was working on the northern end of my route during the last weeks and decided to expand it to Jim Thorpe (or Mauch Chunk as it was called in steam times), i can't wait to drive the John Wilkes thru "The Narrows" like in the picture below!
As for the consist: Several of the heavyweight cars in the file library are correct for the John Wilkes, should i give them a try or do you want to make a consist yourself?
I already repainted the RPO, baggage and diner for the (Diesel-)JW in solid cornell red.
I'll load them up today so you don't need to pull those black cars any longer...

--> Visit the Virtual Lehigh Valley <--
www.geocities.com/wmueller28/msts.html

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