N Scale Nostalgia: Arnold Universal Structure Kit

I was fortunate to get an un-built version of this old kit from Arnold.  What I like so much about this kit is how ahead of its time it was (and is!)!

The above and below photos show the various pieces that come with the kit.  Essentially the system revolves around the clear plastic boxes,and the various fascia you would glue to these 'boxes'.

The included instruction sheet provides some ideas of what a finished model could look like:

On the reverse side is a more detailed breakdown of various combinations.

The below scans from the 1968 (really!?  That long ago!?) Arnold catalog and illustrates the different options of the 0679 Universal Building Kit.  Note that the copy in the catalog acknowledges that it took nine (9!) kits to make the model shown on the page below!

While the below page from the same catalog isn't specifically about the 0679 Universal Kit, it does show the very 'modular' thinking at Arnold at the time.  Some interesting models were clearly created from similar components as the 'Universal Kit'.   Not sure of the architectural style that these would fit into....I think we all can definitely recognize the style as that proto-futuristic mod-style from the '50's and '60's (which I find quite interesting in retrospect!)

The bottom line?  What a cool idea!  Greenmax has certainly been the only modern attempt at something 'modular' that can be customized by each builder (I'm ignoring the transition era brick DPM modulars on purpose),  which is too bad since I think modern/retro-modern architecture really lends itself to this modular component style.  I for one would be happy to see the 'new' Arnold (under Hornby ownership) release these kits again!

Viaduct and Roadway Bridge

I've been focusing my scenery efforts on specific areas of the layout.  The purpose is to try out some new techniques in a smaller area so its not too overwhelming!

These photos show the work I've been doing on an area that extends from the edge of the city along the backdrop to a road bridge that crosses over two of the lines and then meanders off to other regions of the layout.

The photo above obviously shows the rough start, while below you see the beginnings of the stone viaduct that I began to create out of sintra:

The stone viaduct section of the bridge, now with its walls, connects to a more modern structure to cross over the 'main line' to get to the edge of the city (None of my cities / neighborhoods have names...something I'm realizing could be useful!):

 "Sculpt-a-mold" is applied below, and the contours of the hill begin to take form:

After the plaster, the fun part!  Adding the greenery!  You will notice the viaduct now has a 'stone face'.  I didn't save the packaging, but I believe this was Noch 57218 "HO Cobblestone Streets".  The texture is actually pretty nice and looks pretty good.  I also like the fact that the material is self-adhesive!

Lights are added to the bridge, signals were also added to the siding under the modern section of the bridge.

Locomotive Roster: G2000; Mehano 55546

 

Here's a locomotive that has been one of the nicest surprises I've ever had in terms of train acquisitions!  This is the G2000 Locomotive from Mehano...technically Mehano Prestige (as it says on the box).

The locomotive comes in a somewhat large variety of liveries...primarily all from modern private railway firms on the Continent.  There's something about black that I like on a locomotive, so went for this MRCE version.

 

So many nice things about this locomotive....the details, the running qualities (quiet, smooth, etc...) excellent use of white SMD LED's for the lights.   Overall this thing just oozes quality.  From what I understand, that's quite a difference for Mehano, who has historically had a reputation of lower quality product.  Not in this case!

Removing the shell to install the decoder was a bit trickier than most locomotives.   The cab ends need to be removed first, and then the rest of the shell can be pulled out of the slots that hold the engine cover shell onto the chassis.  This was a very anxiety producing experience!   The fragile handrails along the sides are also in the way of you getting a good grip on the shell to press in on the bottom of the shell where the slots are.  May be a good thing to remove the handrails (which also hold the detailed walkway pieces on) before attempting to remove.

 

Once removed, the NEM 651 socket is very obviously right on top.  Fortunately, one of the standard plugs without a harness can be used (I was a bit concerned that there wouldn't be enough room and would require a work-around, but no such problem).   I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the decoder was able to be read right after installation.  After so many annoying Minitrix NEM 651 decoder issues (that is, the poor contact the Minitrix sockets have with most NEM 651 decoders - requiring careful modification of the decoder or soldering), its nice to see a design that really is plug and play!

Again, the detail on this model is just superb.  The close up below shows the diamond plate pattern on the walkway and the excellent printing of all the lettering.

And of course, a 'drama' shot.....

Another close up of the cab/front:

Bottom line? Excellent job, and a decent price!  Whatever demons Mehano may have once had with quality in the past, this model clearly illustrates a radical change for the better!  Its so convinced me that I will now be looking specifically for other Mehano models in the future!