3 rail Slinky Dog

that is so cool !!!!  I bet kids just love it.  great project Bruce, very imagiinative.

walt

Bruce,

  Nicely done. Thanks for sharing it. 

Tom  

Great idea!  I am sure it’s a real attention getter.

Not that price is everything, but I just checked Amazon and the first 2 that I saw went for $45 and $48 plus postage.  That's a bit of an ouch!

But it's such a neat and fun idea, maybe this is a case where money isn't the end-all-be-all determinant

- walt

That is too cool.  I did COL!  I am sure these can be found at yard sales or Goodwill for a bit less than 45 bucks.

Not that price is everything, but I just checked Amazon and the first 2 that I saw went for $45 and $48 plus postage.  That's a bit of an ouch!

But it's such a neat and fun idea, maybe this is a case where money isn't the end-all-be-all determinant

Whoa, that is steep, I think I paid about half of that. Word has gotten out, Now there is a rush on them... 8-)

If price is a factor, they are a bit less on eBay.

Brilliant!

Peter

Bruce,

That is one of the most imaginative ideas I've seen in a long time. How do we get young people interested in model railroading? Projects like this are a great start.

Well done!

TJ

Very cool idea!

Thanks for posting.

How about if you were to use one of the K-Line speeders or handcars with the Slinky Dog on two of the little flats.

Way too cute!  I think Mitch needs one of them for the Razorback Traction Company!

How about if you were to use one of the K-Line speeders or handcars with the Slinky Dog on two of the little flats.

That would work, but you would have to anchor the feet to the flat somehow. I would lean towards a set of trucks. Most people have a pair laying around anyway. There is some bumping and stress ( although very little )  on the trucks so gluing is important.

Great fun!   Thanks for posting.

Brilliant! Now add Woody, Buzz, and Potato Head, riding in a gondola and you'd have a Toy Story Train.

Bruce,

  I think you may have solved the problem of slack action on real railroads...can't you see one of these full-size cars going around Horseshoe Curve? 

Tom 

That’s awesome! 🐶

Bruce:

Great idea and then sticking in a train with what appeared to James was brilliant. 

Hi Bruce,

I love it!!!!!!  Absolutely brilliant!!!!!!!!  What a wonderful idea!!!!!!   Lionel should purchase the idea from you and add it to their product-line in time for the next Toy Story movie release.

Take care, Joe.

Gives a whole new meaning to "Stretch 'em Out". Made my day. Very clever.   

Joe Rampolla posted:

Hi Bruce,

I love it!!!!!!  Absolutely brilliant!!!!!!!!  What a wonderful idea!!!!!!   Lionel should purchase the idea from you and add it to their product-line in time for the next Toy Story movie release.

Take care, Joe.

 

 

Thanks Joe....  Sad thing is I already tried Lionel. I had Slinky dog at the Novi train show a couple week a go and showed it to one of the Lionel reps who said they liked it. To submit the idea go to the website and use the "contact us"  option.  Well I did and it's been 2 weeks and I've heard nothing. I thought It would be great with a toy story train considering Toy Story 4 is coming out.  Oh well so I figured I'd just post it and let forum members have fun with it. I wasn't looking to make and money off this, just trying share some fun with the hobby...

Thanks to everyone for their comments. If you make one post it here I'd like to see what you have done....

Bruce....

It's tempting to knock one of these out, it's a pretty cool idea.  I'm sure kids would love it!

Stoshu posted:

Thanks Joe....  Sad thing is I already tried Lionel. I had Slinky dog at the Novi train show a couple week a go and showed it to one of the Lionel reps who said they liked it. To submit the idea go to the website and use the "contact us"  option.  Well I did and it's been 2 weeks and I've heard nothing. I thought It would be great with a toy story train considering Toy Story 4 is coming out.  Oh well so I figured I'd just post it and let forum members have fun with it. I wasn't looking to make and money off this, just trying share some fun with the hobby...

Thanks to everyone for their comments. If you make one post it here I'd like to see what you have done....

Bruce....

 

Hi Bruce,

That's really an insult to direct you to their web site.  Remember, these are the same people who brought out that lame Mega Tracks product.   They'll throw some Toy Story graphics on a box car at $89 a pop, that's their plan.   Lionel is in a excellent position to team with Pixar/Disney, and somehow forget they are toy manufacturers.  Well, maybe Bachmann is watching!  It would be so simple to produce; half the project is off-the-shelf, they already have the trucks, so just 2 square pieces of metal, screws, and done!  Just proves they have no vision or creativity.    Even though your idea is in the public domain now, they still could contact you.

Thanks for sharing!!!!

Take care, Joe.

MNCW posted:

Bruce,

  I think you may have solved the problem of slack action on real railroads...can't you see one of these full-size cars going around Horseshoe Curve? 

Tom 

 go big or go home eh Tom.... Though that did spark and idea. Why not make a full-size slinky on on a skeleton Log car. Not one that would stretch but something to put behind say a real gondola. They could pull it from Disney in Florida to California when the movie premiers.  Could you imagine sitting at a crossing gate when at the end of the train here comes a twelve foot high slinky dog ?  If Walt was still alive I bet he consider it....

Bruce..

Neat!

Bruce, I think this is so neat you sucked me in.   Picked this up on eBay.  I'm sure the kids at our shows will love it as well.

John...must admit, when I first saw the video that Bruce posted, I couldn’t resist either! Mine was delivered on Saturday and I was surprised to see that it was actually a “Springer Spaniel” in disguise...😳

Didn’t have any spare trucks...so waiting on those to be delivered now. Hoping that you will share your mounting and assembly techniques as a DIY here. Not sure who will have more fun...kids running this behind Thomas & Friends...or me...🤪

I don't know how you might do it but I keep thinking there should be some way to do a tie-in with the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile .

I'm also guessing that you can't have more than one Slinky Dog due to the weight requirement and relative lack of "pulling" ability/demand placed on the spring -- that is, slinking, weight car, slinky, weight car, etc.  A string of these "hot dogs" would be hilarious.

TRRR

Very neat! I wonder if this could handle a 50 car coal train? 🤔

that is just to cool!!!

I think one slinky dog will be sufficient.  I'm going to see if I can tie it behind the Wienermobile and have the dog chasing the wiener.

Put a smoke unit in the rear end and you'll have a "Slinky Stinky"!!!!! Or a "Stinky Slinky"!!!!Your choice!!!

This thread may lead to an "all sold out" of Slinky Dogs on ebay.

Gunrunner,

You should have your new slinky dog being chased by your weinermobile.

Charlie

Come on Charlie, wieners don't eat dogs, but dogs eat wieners!

Just ordered one used from eBay. It has a good spring/not stretched out. Should be fun

Think this is the 1999 first version.

Now to prep with a old flat car that does nor need the trucks anymore.

Not to diminish your inventiveness, there was a G scale train at Trainfest 5 or 6 years back with a weiner mobile "engine" and slinky cars in tow.  They put a clear cylinder around the spring to keep it from slinkying.  It might have looked better inside the spring or put a clear rod in the middle.  It is a good idea as evidenced by the fact that I remembered it (I don't remember today's lunch).

Brendan

Brendan posted:

Not to diminish your inventiveness, there was a G scale train at Trainfest 5 or 6 years back with a weiner mobile "engine" and slinky cars in tow.  They put a clear cylinder around the spring to keep it from slinkying.  It might have looked better inside the spring or put a clear rod in the middle.  It is a good idea as evidenced by the fact that I remembered it (I don't remember today's lunch).

Brendan

 

Now that is a good idea also. A mom with her pups... although the pups are only 5" high they would fit through a tunnel portal. Mom not so much. But it really looks neat...

TomlinsonRunRR posted:

I'm also guessing that you can't have more than one Slinky Dog due to the weight requirement and relative lack of "pulling" ability/demand placed on the spring -- that is, slinking, weight car, slinky, weight car, etc.  A string of these "hot dogs" would be hilarious.

TRRR

You may have to experiment with what you put behind it. It does require a little weight to make it work right. I've used 1 or 2 sodor cabeese.   Also the plate is 1 1/4" X 2 1/4" here is a quick picture. Hope it helps...

I'm not too successful with adhesives so I ask: I ordered one from Amazon but am wondering what type of adhesive is STRONG enough to stop it from breaking loose of the truck?

as always - thanks

I don't know that I'll be gluing it down, I plan on mechanical mounting.  Of course, another possibility is this power truck from a Williams 44-ton locomotive, it would be a perfect match for the job.  Then the puppy could roll on it's own!

walt rapp posted:

I'm not too successful with adhesives so I ask: I ordered one from Amazon but am wondering what type of adhesive is STRONG enough to stop it from breaking loose of the truck?

as always - thanks

Screws

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I don't know that I'll be gluing it down, I plan on mechanical mounting.  Of course, another possibility is this power truck from a Williams 44-ton locomotive, it would be a perfect match for the job.  Then the puppy could roll on it's own!

Good idea. I have one that I was going to use on a ETS small steeple cab frame and shell. Who know this may be better

walt rapp posted:

I'm not too successful with adhesives so I ask: I ordered one from Amazon but am wondering what type of adhesive is STRONG enough to stop it from breaking loose of the truck?

as always - thanks

 My wife gave me something call E6000. ( sold at Michael's and Amazon ) I'm not sure who makes it though. It  also comes in colors I used black... Mine has been field tested for about 10 months now so I recommend it.

I may not have been clear to John and others, but I think STOSHU got me.  I meant an adhesive to stop the DOG itself from pulling away from the truck.  I've already figured out how to attach a "base" to the trucks I'm using, using screws, so that's not my issue.  Keeping the DOG firmly connected is though.

STOSHU: thanks, I'll look for that.  I've heard of it but never tried it.  Don't know if it's anything like ALENE's, but I've used ALENE's many times on "slippy" surfaces, but not ones that are under pressure like this dog's paws will be.

- walt

Screws I said!

OMG!! That is so cool!! I burst out laughing when I saw it!!! LOl!!!

How about on 2 bump n go frames? With the bumpers tied together and reverse disconnected so each shuts off alternately rather than reversing.

Front moves forward until the stationary rear pulls on its rear bumper shutting off the front, and the pull also pulls the front bumper of the rear, so it moves forward.  When it hits the front car, the rear car shuts off, and the front car's rear bumber is pressed at the same time so it starts moving and the cycle repeats.

Of course you could go with smaller critters and use micro- limit switches.

Hey, how about a Marx plastic covered wagon team pulling an old Gravy Train car and the dog chasing it

  This could get competitive... no dogfights, or airplane battles please .

🎵My dog's faster than your dog, my dog's bigger than yours. My dog's better cause he gets Ken-L Ration, my dog's better than yours. 🎵

(an old Tom Paxton tune & commercial sung by Richard Marx as a kid.... I told ya'll I collected cover tunes )

Learned a lesson about Amazon with this: I went and saw a wide variety of "slinky" dogs with a wide variety in pricing.  Here's the one that I ordered:

I just assumed that the body was a spring - this one is SUPPOSED to be an authentic toy story one just I bought it.  Plus it has the word "slinky" in the title.  Got it yesterday.  UGH!!!!!!!!  Will ship it back.  the body is a plastic, expandable "tube" like a dryer vent plastic outlet tube.  I can expand it by hand but it doesn't retract unless I push it closed.  That's NOT what I call a "slinky" effect.

Now I know why some cost in the $45 to $50 range while there are also cheaper ones.  this is a cheap one.

I'll have to remember to look WAY closer when I look for the one that I want.

- walt

Big Jim posted:

Screws I said!

So are you saying to screw the paws to the plate?

thanks - walt

walt rapp posted:

Learned a lesson about Amazon with this: I went and saw a wide variety of "slinky" dogs with a wide variety in pricing.  Here's the one that I ordered:

I just assumed that the body was a spring - this one is SUPPOSED to be an authentic toy story one just I bought it.  Plus it has the word "slinky" in the title.  Got it yesterday.  UGH!!!!!!!!  Will ship it back.  the body is a plastic, expandable "tube" like a dryer vent plastic outlet tube.  I can expand it by hand but it doesn't retract unless I push it closed.  That's NOT what I call a "slinky" effect.

Now I know why some cost in the $45 to $50 range while there are also cheaper ones.  this is a cheap one.

I'll have to remember to look WAY closer when I look for the one that I want.

- walt

I ordered a used one with a good metal spring. Just wondering if the metal spring will ever sag to short the track out.
Any way I paid $12 for the used one with $4 shipping. Just keep looking:
)

walt rapp posted:

Big Jim posted:

Screws I said!

So are you saying to screw the paws to the plate?

thanks - walt

Sure, why not? Go from underneath up.

Big Jim posted:

walt rapp posted:

Big Jim posted:

Screws I said!

So are you saying to screw the paws to the plate?

thanks - walt

Sure, why not? Go from underneath up.

To keep plastic from cracking if brittle consider heating the screw to set it. Using a stainless steel screw , it should resist sticking and the screw can be removed leaving theads behind.

  This also works pretty well in wet JB weld. 

  A light coating of grease on threads and you can use plain screws, or even machine screws in wet JBW, in essence molding threads.

Once very firm, but not fully cured is usually the best time to make sure the screw can turn and isn't sticking. 

Of course using it or another epoxy to glue it would likey work too.  Using holes it can form a "liquid rivet".

Big Jim posted:

walt rapp posted:

Big Jim posted:

Screws I said!

So are you saying to screw the paws to the plate?

thanks - walt

Sure, why not? Go from underneath up.

Of course, I say this assuming that you know to first drill a proper pilot hole in the plastic to keep it from splitting before driving the screw.

I like it, that is so cool. 

Just a FYI, there are various sizes for this dog. I just got mint from eBay and it is the smaller one like the one on this post. There is a larger size that uses the regular size slinky and this one the dogs heat to ground is about 7 inches, good for standard gauge. The one I got is about 3 inches tall and will be good for O gauge. I will  send some photos later on.

I

I ended up with the big one, I didn't find a smaller one that actually had a slinky spring.

I looked again, apparently the correct one is the Slinky Dog Jr.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I ended up with the big one, I didn't find a smaller one that actually had a slinky spring.

I looked again, apparently the correct one is the Slinky Dog Jr.

You are right John. The picture I uploaded had the lower right corner cut off.. here is a better picture that should help everyone. Sorry for the confusion.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I ended up with the big one, I didn't find a smaller one that actually had a slinky spring.

I looked again, apparently the correct one is the Slinky Dog Jr.

I ended up with the big one also. Too bad, but maybe one of the neighbor kids would like it. It's not worth sending back as the shipping cost is half the total price. Also, since it was MY mistake, there is no reason the seller should suffer.

I ordered the right one, but Roy's right.  The seller did nothing wrong, so I'll just give this one away.

No one has mentioned falling into this problem yet, but another thing to be careful of when ordering.

While I did not order one of these yet (though I am considering it! -Neat project!), I would also mention to be careful if browsing items on-line to not buy the one that is only a key chain.  I am sure that would be too small.

I noted key chains in a package that looks very much like the package for the correct one (probably doesn't say Slinky Dog Junior on it though), though Slinky is facing the other direction.

-Dave

There were a lot of varieties when I looked, once I figured it was the Slinky Dog Jr., I could narrow the search to the proper item.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I ordered the right one, but Roy's right.  The seller did nothing wrong, so I'll just give this one away.

Use the large one for a standard gauge car. Should work? Maybe the small keychain type can be used with N or Ho?

Any STD gauge people need a dog?  I have one.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Any STD gauge people need a dog?  I have one.

sure John, I'll take it... Sending E mail....

Bruce...

You got it.

Thanks for bring up the 'JR' part.  I returned the crappy one that I ordered (it was the right size though) and waited to order a replacement, luckily.  I just went in to Amazon and ordered the Jr one for $29.99 free shipping.

thanks for the seemingly "oh, by the way" comment but one that one really meaningful and helpful.

walt

Go to the first post of this thread, the two pix at the bottom, right click on the pic to the left, click on "open link in new tab". It'll open to a full size pic and you'll be able to see it in the original packaging. 

Stoshu posted:

walt rapp posted:

I'm not too successful with adhesives so I ask: I ordered one from Amazon but am wondering what type of adhesive is STRONG enough to stop it from breaking loose of the truck?

as always - thanks

 My wife gave me something call E6000. ( sold at Michael's and Amazon ) I'm not sure who makes it though. It  also comes in colors I used black... Mine has been field tested for about 10 months now so I recommend it.

did you see the email that I sent to you?

thanks - walt

walt rapp posted:

Stoshu posted:

walt rapp posted:

I'm not too successful with adhesives so I ask: I ordered one from Amazon but am wondering what type of adhesive is STRONG enough to stop it from breaking loose of the truck?

as always - thanks

 My wife gave me something call E6000. ( sold at Michael's and Amazon ) I'm not sure who makes it though. It  also comes in colors I used black... Mine has been field tested for about 10 months now so I recommend it.

did you see the email that I sent to you?

thanks - walt

 Sorry no....

Bruce.....

Folks,

Where do I find the slinky dog jr?  I  Googled it and appears all major retailers have no stock ?

Amazon/Ebay had a few listed but at what I feel a ridiculous price?

Bart

How about $18.98 with $4.99 shipping?  https://www.tintoyarcade.com/s...amp;description=true

The seem to have 17 of them in stock.

John,

Thanks for the info.  Just ordered one!

Bart

When demand exceeds supply, patiece is a virtue and a cost saving.

Charlie

I spent @$29.99 on Amazon with free shipping if it helps anyone to know.

- walt

Found a old motor for my slinky dog, just need traction tires full wave rectifier and cap (on order from China).

Planning to cut out some plastic white styrene sheets (paper pattern shown) for a base to attached the dogs front paws to (using screws) and putting a small box that looks like a present in front of the dog to hold the rectifier and cap.

Should I will put a small green soldier in the front to lead the way?

Also planning to keep the platform solid to the motor and front paws and the rear trucks solid to the rear paws so when it goes around corners it will stretch a bit to make it more noticeable.

RonH posted:

 

Should I will put a small green soldier in the front to lead the way?

 

Sounds like a plan. Was Slinky dog friends with the green solders ?  Since it is powered how about a small gondola with a bunch of army men in it ?

Thanks John just ordered one myself

RonH posted:

Found a old motor for my slinky dog, just need traction tires full wave rectifier and cap (on order from China).

Planning to cut out some plastic white styrene sheets (paper pattern shown) for a base to attached the dogs front paws to (using screws) and putting a small box that looks like a present in front of the dog to hold the rectifier and cap.

Should I will put a small green soldier in the front to lead the way?

Also planning to keep the platform solid to the motor and front paws and the rear trucks solid to the rear paws so when it goes around corners it will stretch a bit to make it more noticeable.

Cool idea. You might consider a single diode to run the motor half wave. That way, it will not run too fast. Especially important with a postwar-type transformer that starts at 6-7 volts.

Can anyone tell me the overall width of the feet when they are placed on the platform that is to be mounted to the truck? I have some unused cheap Menards flatbeds that I was just thinking of cutting up, leaving just enough platform above each truck to place the feet of the dog on and secure them to that platform or portion of the Menards flatbed. Just wondering if that flatbed is wide enough.

Chime in if you can measure one that you have.

Thanks.

mustang posted:

Can anyone tell me the overall width of the feet when they are placed on the platform that is to be mounted to the truck? I have some unused cheap Menards flatbeds that I was just thinking of cutting up, leaving just enough platform above each truck to place the feet of the dog on and secure them to that platform or portion of the Menards flatbed. Just wondering if that flatbed is wide enough.

Chime in if you can measure one that you have.

Thanks.

Took a quick measurement of the front paws. On the widest width it measured 2 3/8 for me

Think about the height as well.  The dog is 4" from the bottom of the feet to the top of his head, add the truck height and you may be clipping tunnel openings.

RonH posted

Took a quick measurement of the front paws. On the widest width it measured 2 3/8 for me

 For those still building one of these, here is a picture of the plate I made. Just standard 18ga sheet metal stock.  2 1/4 X 1 1/4 " Also if you plan to use plastic trucks , you may have to add some weight to get the desired effect....

Did I  buy the right one?? It sure seems big!

- walt

walt rapp posted:

Did I  buy the right one?? It sure seems big!

- walt

 

Looks like the same one that I purchased used on eBay.
The widest part of the feet should be about 2 3/8 inch wide.
Using a motorized truck for the front so it can be self propelled.
I know it looks tall and as gunrunner stated, be careful on any tunnel or overhanging accessories.
Just found a sheet of Plastruct (plastic sheet 0.100 thick) for the a platform for the feet on the trucks.
Marking this up today and will cut out.
I will try to take some pictures of my progress tp post and hope that everyone else will do the same as other approches will bring some new ideas on how to

You have the right one Walt.  Since I can't see fitting the TMCC electronics in, I'll probably live with towing it.

Thanks for confirming.  Funny though: the 1st one that I ordered (and returned - see earlier comments)  was "O" gauge sized so I was expecting a "Jr." one to be likewise.

I cut up 0.4mm plastruc for the base and am now waiting for the adhesive to cure.

- walt

Just a idea.

Working on my slinky dog and want to use screws to hold it to the base.

Took the wheels of the dogs feet by using a xacto knife and sliding off both plastic axles on the wheel, then pulling the wheel of and slicing off a little tab that is also on the bottom of the foot. Going to fill the void up completely with JBWeld. Once this is cured will drill a hole and tap it for a 4-40 or 2-56 screw. Then I will counter sink the plastic base to accept a flat head screw. Should work, just did not want to glue the feet down to the plastic base. Anybody else have any other ideas?

RONH , Where did you find that low vertical profile motor?

What brand and type engine? UnclepeteRR 

UnclePeteRR posted:

RONH , Where did you find that low vertical profile motor?

What brand and type engine? UnclepeteRR 

eBay, K-Line S-2 diesel switcher DC motor. Got it for about $20.

OK,  you guys got me!

De dog is on de way.... soon it will be slinking around our modular layout!

Last summer we visited York to see what it looked like as the York Fair...they had pig races.  Maybe it's time for our York to have some Slinky Dog Races.

If it helps anyone plan, here is my "JR" version showing height.  The trucks are regular MTH Railking ones and the plastic base is .4mm plastic.  I should have put it on track to get a better picture but I didn't think of that at the time and when I did I didn't want to disturb the adhesive as I just applied it and it hadn't cured yet.  I can do it with track after I'm comfortable handling it.

- walt

This is an MTH portal:

Did some work on my Slinky dog (moving along slowly).

As stated before I removed the wheel and a little plastic knob from the bottom of the feet so the foot will sit flat on the platform.
Had a problem as one of the feet were knocked off from the leg and JB Weld to the rescue (the foot is drying now).
Tonight I will fill the 4 square holes in with JB weld and the following day I will drill and tap it for a 2-57 screw.

The platform for the motor is done. This was my second attempt as the first platform was to thick and the c-clip could not fit on.

With the c-clip and the two metal knobs on the motor the plastic is held very secure.

I will post some pictures in a couple of days on the filling in of the holes and drilling/tapping/mounting the front paws to the platform.

Still have to find a boom car that I have (need the boom for something else) for the truck/coupler.

Question:

Would anyone know if Lionels traction tires would fit the K-Line S-2 wheels.
Found the k-line traction tires on line for $7.00 for 14 but the shipping and handling would bring the price to $19 and change.

I'm going to do something similar, but I'd like the platform to be trimmed to the feet.  I'll also probably color it black to blend in.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'm going to do something similar, but I'd like the platform to be trimmed to the feet.  I'll also probably color it black to blend in.

The platform plastic that I used is white.
Going to paint the bottom and sides brown like a cardboard color then I will print out parts of a monopoly board cut it out and glue it to the top. Also as my dogs feet will be screwed down what I was planning to to was to make it look like the dogs feet were tied to the platform by running string (several times) around the platform and feet with a bow on the top. On bottom of the platform where the string is ir will be glued to the bottom sides and cut off in the middle to allow for frame space if needed.

Just trying to duplicate what the toys would do in toy story Toy Story, plus it will be fun!

Here are pictures showing heights on track.

First, on O27 track:

This is an MTH portal.

There's about 1/4" clearance

Here's some images using MTH "roadbed" track:

The dog does NOT clear.  Misses by mayby 1/16" to 1/8"

walt

walt rapp posted:

Here are pictures showing heights on track.

..................................................

The dog does NOT clear.  Misses by mayby 1/16" to 1/8"

walt

1) Nice job!

2) Are the front legs pivotable with respect to the body?  It looks like there are pivot points showing on the rear legs, but it's hard to tell on the front (ruler was in the way a little).  I don't know if that would be a viable solution (would change the direction of the collapsible axis of the spring a bit - which might not be a good idea), but it might be worth a shot as a trial.  1/16 might not need a lot of tilt to make him clear.

-Dave

Dave45681 posted:

walt rapp posted:

Here are pictures showing heights on track.

..................................................

The dog does NOT clear.  Misses by mayby 1/16" to 1/8"

 

walt

1) Nice job!

2) Are the front legs pivotable with respect to the body?  It looks like there are pivot points showing on the rear legs, but it's hard to tell on the front (ruler was in the way a little).  I don't know if that would be a viable solution (would change the direction of the collapsible axis of the spring a bit - which might not be a good idea), but it might be worth a shot as a trial.  1/16 might not need a lot of tilt to make him clear.

-Dave

Hi Dave I also thought about that.

Hard to predict problems.
I m planning to keep the set of feet fixed to the platforms Motorized truck and trailing truck.
Both ways fixed or not fixed could have their own issues.

Cut a slice from his neck to make him shorter?

Hollow neck? Plug it with some 5min JBWeld leave a shallow well in each end; then fill it solid with more JBW. Super glue one spot to hold it while the JBWeld sets .(nice trick for slow set jbw)

Cut, file, sand, grind down the soles/walls of his paws down to nearer flat? They don't need to be that thick with the wheels gone.

I was thinking of trimming the feet, but shortening the next seems like an easy fix.

Some more progress photos on my slinky dog.
Here is a picture after the wheel have been removed and before the JB Weld was applied to fill the voids and to make a nice solid piece to drill and tap for the mounting holes.

Below is a picture after the holes were filled. The way I did this was to mix a lot of the JB Weld up and put it into a zip lock Plastic storage bag in one corner.
Zipped the bag close with the least amount of air in it and used a battery to roll the JB Weld into one corner.
 Once this was done I cut a small piece of bag off at the corner tip and used it like a bakery frosting bag to squeeze the JB Weld precisely into the dogs wheel openings without making a mess
 I then used a single edge razor to wipe the extra off and to make it flat as possible

Next will be the marking of where to drill, then drilling the holes using a No.50 drill and a 2-56 tap.
Good idea: Mark the drill with a piece of tap on how far down you need to drill without going through the other side

The paws are pretty well set in place.  Ditto for the legs.  I didn't try real hard to alter either fearing damage but they sure seemed "stiff" and unmovable.

- walt

Stoshu posted:

 

Now add it to your favorite train. Thomas and friends seem to work the best...

 He needs a little weight behind him for the effect.  Kids and families seem to relay enjoy this a shows.

Bruce....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bruce, do you have any more footage.  I'd like to see it in different situations.  I tested mine using 42" curves with a 36" straight piece on both sides.  Small loop but I wasn't real happy with the spring action.  I like your video because it's on longer straights but I'd like to see more after the curve.

thanks - walt

Walt, put some more weight in his butt, or add a heavier car behind him.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Walt, put some more weight in his butt, or add a heavier car behind him.

I tried various combos.  I think the loop that I set up, 42" semi-cirles with 36" straight connectors, was too small to let the spring action function "well".  It did stretch in the curve but stayed stretched a bit coming out until the car or cars behind it exited the curve as well.  By then it was almost ready to enter the other semi-circle.  Just too small I think.  

But it did prove that it works.

- walt

Sorry Walt no more footage of Slinky. It is shown running on 072 curves. I also believe there may a little dip on the layout module also. I've use 1 or 2 Sodor cabeese , A Christmas caboose and even a disconnect car. So weight and speed are important to get the best results.  I'd try it on a bigger layout also...  Hope to see a video soon....

 Bruce..

Thanks Bruce.

I did a bit more experimenting yesterday.  I created a slightly bigger loop.  42" curves with a 36" straight piece on all 4 sides.  I used my little point and shoot to try to capture results so the images are only 1/2 good and the sound is not great either.   But it's not unwatchable by any means.

The first video - the 1st 35 seconds is probably enough to watch, but after that I experiment with different speeds and other things that may interest you.

https://youtu.be/Hxq6vVnBZBQ

The second video - I have more success in this one.  I got things (the spring action) to work fairly well.

https://youtu.be/RBneAZ6mdyE

- walt

Hi Walt.... Did you use plastic or metal trucks ?  Mine are metal, maybe the extra drag helps also. I looked at the video and just for fun add a little hump in the track. Maybe using some pop cycle sticks. Model powered race cars also use weights, I found some at Menards but should be available at any hobby shop... you are getting close....

 Bruce..

Stoshu posted:

Hi Walt.... Did you use plastic or metal trucks ?  Mine are metal, maybe the extra drag helps also. I looked at the video and just for fun add a little hump in the track. Maybe using some pop cycle sticks. Model powered race cars also use weights, I found some at Menards but should be available at any hobby shop... you are getting close....

 

 Bruce..

 

 

The trucks for the dog are metal (MTH Railking trucks) but the cars' were plastic.

An interesting thing was found out in my testing: if I started moving at too fast of a pace the rear truck would tilt forward and land up with it's coupler too high and it would uncouple from the car behind it.  Need to start slow and progress faster from there.  Small issue for sure - just an observation though.

When I get around to setting up my Christmas layout of which I have 4 very acceptable designs ready, there will be an incline to a plateau but another set of trackage will be flat, so I'll test the dog on both and see which works best.  Hopefully one does!!!!!

- walt

walt rapp posted:

Stoshu posted:

Hi Walt.... Did you use plastic or metal trucks ?  Mine are metal, maybe the extra drag helps also. I looked at the video and just for fun add a little hump in the track. Maybe using some pop cycle sticks. Model powered race cars also use weights, I found some at Menards but should be available at any hobby shop... you are getting close....

 

 Bruce..

 

 

The trucks for the dog are metal (MTH Railking trucks) but the cars' were plastic.

An interesting thing was found out in my testing: if I started moving at too fast of a pace the rear truck would tilt forward and land up with it's coupler too high and it would uncouple from the car behind it.  Need to start slow and progress faster from there.  Small issue for sure - just an observation though.

When I get around to setting up my Christmas layout of which I have 4 very acceptable designs ready, there will be an incline to a plateau but another set of trackage will be flat, so I'll test the dog on both and see which works best.  Hopefully one does!!!!!

- walt

Maybe a little weight on the rear of the dogs but truck mat help.

Experiment with some double back tape/ weights (anything that could be used as a weight).

Slinky Dog at Holiday Nights. Christmas 2018.

thanks for the videos Tom.  Find it interesting in the first one that the spring expanded on STRAIGHT track, as it passes the gate.

- walt

"LOOK! It's the Fire Station, that's the Fire Department......Look at that!!!" 

Big Jim posted:

"LOOK! It's the Fire Station, that's the Fire Department......Look at that!!!" 

Yes, that child's reaction was quite charming! :-)  (I, of course, would have been admiring that Cosy Cone Motel! :-).

Thanks for posting the videos, Tom.  Looks like everyone really enjoyed the trains and you could see the eyes following Mr. Slinky Dog.

Tomlinson Run Railroad

Wandering thru Cracker Barrel gift shop after diner Sunday evening and noticed they have slinky dogs packaged in cardboard boxes, described as 'vintage toy'; I did not open one for inspection but I suspect they are very similar to the ones being described on this post. The price I believe was $19.95. I spotted these at Cracker Barrel off of I-83  exit 4 in Shrewsbury, way up on top shelf, they had 2 of them on shelf' hope this might be useful; when I spotted them I smiled, recalling the videos posted here. Thank you guys for all your entertaining and informative posts. Jeff

I ordered the Jr. version on eBAY... they sent the "vintage one in the cardboard box" instead.  That's the bigger one - might be good for G Gauge!  Returned to eBAY, ordered the JR. version fro Amazon... they shipped the correct "O gauge" one!

jeffrey O'Brien 082418 posted:

Wandering thru Cracker Barrel gift shop after diner Sunday evening and noticed they have slinky dogs packaged in cardboard boxes, described as 'vintage toy'; I did not open one for inspection but I suspect they are very similar to the ones being described on this post. The price I believe was $19.95. I spotted these at Cracker Barrel off of I-83  exit 4 in Shrewsbury, way up on top shelf, they had 2 of them on shelf' hope this might be useful; when I spotted them I smiled, recalling the videos posted here. Thank you guys for all your entertaining and informative posts. Jeff

The first one that I bought off of Amazon was around $19.  I returned it.  There was NO SPRING.  There was, instead, a plastic "expandable" tube of sorts but one has to expand it manually and then it doesn't retract unless you manually push it back together.  I came in the same Toy Story packaging as the 2nd one that I bought (shown in several of my postings in this thread).

- walt

TomlinsonRunRR posted:

Big Jim posted:

"LOOK! It's the Fire Station, that's the Fire Department......Look at that!!!" 

Yes, that child's reaction was quite charming! :-)  (I, of course, would have been admiring that Cosy Cone Motel! :-).

Thanks for posting the videos, Tom.  Looks like everyone really enjoyed the trains and you could see the eyes following Mr. Slinky Dog.

Tomlinson Run Railroad

Big Jim posted:

walt rapp posted:

Big Jim posted:

Screws I said!

So are you saying to screw the paws to the plate?

thanks - walt

Sure, why not? Go from underneath up.

Walt,
Here is mine. I filed the wheels flat and the nub off and shaped the base to the paws. Placed the pup standing on my scanner, then scanned to make a template for were to drill the screw holes for the paws. I measured to mark where the bolster screw should be placed and drilled all out. Then painted the base. I used the screws that were already in the heels of the paws to attach the pup to my homemade base. Then the screw from the truck holds the base to the truck. No glue or filling needed.  All told, it took only a few hours (actual working time) to complete.

That's a really nice, clean job Jim.  Nicer than what I did for sure.  I'm not unhappy with what I did though considering it's only for a part-time seasonal layout and I didn't want to go thru too much fuss.

But yours is so well done it looks like it came that way!!!!!

- walt

I have an update for all of you trying to get the best results. Seems there are 3 versions of Slinky Dog Jr.  ( or in train talk variations ) There is the first one that I posted here that has no string in the body. This one seems to work the best. The second variation Has a black string. It expands but only as far as the string will let it. The 3rd variation has a white string but also a retracting mechanism in the rear the will retract  the string when the motion stops.  I guess you could cut the string if you are unhappy with the results you are getting.

Now for Slinky Dog Part DEU.   One of the members posted a picture of a slinky dog family. I just couldn't resist. So I made one. The mom as I call her is larger. The problem with the larger one is that the center of gravity is relay far forward for  O gauge trucks. So I has to put counter weights on it. The other thing I ran into was with 3 dogs all the weight had shifted to the center dog. It always seems to be stretched out going around curves.  Oh well I'm still happy with it. You can see it in action below. And yes that is a real hot dog. We had a slight derailment and mustard and catsup ended up on moms face. Just part of the fun I guess...

Bruce...

Can someone respond if they have this engine to sell trade or know where to get it? Its the low profile

that I need to motorize the dog. Gunnerrunnerjohn said it was from an old 12.5 inch

William 44 tonner. The oldie Williams I have has the motor mounted vertically so is a

nogo. Specific Williams product name/number would help. Also, did this engine come in

other engine products? Oh, The JB Weld idea someone passed on works great and gives a good ,solid base

to work with.

Appreciatively, Unclepeterr

That makes a great kids attraction with Thomas pulling the 3 slinky dogs, I am surprised it could pull that many.

STOSHU: I don't see a string in mine.  I'm assuming it's "inside" the spring somewhere, right?

- walt

UnclePeteRR posted:

Can someone respond if they have this engine to sell trade or know where to get it? Its the low profile

that I need to motorize the dog. Gunnerrunnerjohn said it was from an old 12.5 inch

William 44 tonner. The oldie Williams I have has the motor mounted vertically so is a

nogo. Specific Williams product name/number would help. Also, did this engine come in

other engine products? Oh, The JB Weld idea someone passed on works great and gives a good ,solid base

to work with.

Appreciatively, Unclepeterr

 

Actually, I said nothing of the sort!  This truck is from the new Williams scale 44-Ton locomotive.

walt rapp posted:

STOSHU: I don't see a string in mine.  I'm assuming it's "inside" the spring somewhere, right?

- walt

 The string is inside the spring to keep it from stretching too far.  If it's not there, you'll have a big problem the first time it gets too much force on the rear, it'll wreck the spring.

In an earlier post I misidentified a new  Williams 44 tonner truck with the old 12.5' one.

I also misquoted Gunrunnerjohn in the process. My sincere apologies to anyone

inconvenienced by this and specifically to Gunrunnerjohn. Unclepeterr 

walt rapp posted:

STOSHU: I don't see a string in mine.  I'm assuming it's "inside" the spring somewhere, right?

- walt

  nope.... you have the "No String" version. That one seems to work the best. Are you still having problems ?

 Bruce...

No apology necessary, I hardly felt it.

GRJohn, cant you use 1 of those powered trucks and stick a mini commander or some small err board in the dogs head just for fun. Would be great to have that run command and if anyone could do it that's you....

Stoshu posted:

walt rapp posted:

STOSHU: I don't see a string in mine.  I'm assuming it's "inside" the spring somewhere, right?

- walt

  nope.... you have the "No String" version. That one seems to work the best. Are you still having problems ?

 Bruce...

 

I was wrong!!!  I got it out last night to look and sure enough, you are right, there is a white string in there.  I just didn't notice it before but it's so obvious when one knows to look for it! 

I'm going to re-read your post - I didn't read it closely at all and I THINK you suggested some things.

Mine works but not nearly as good as the one in your original video.

- walt

E-UNIT-79 posted:

GRJohn, cant you use 1 of those powered trucks and stick a mini commander or some small err board in the dogs head just for fun. Would be great to have that run command and if anyone could do it that's you....

You could, but you'd have to figure a way to get the Mini-Commander inside, that would involve splitting the plastic.  Best place would probably be the front body as the plastic rod going down is probably solid.

No access from the spring side? Or maybe a collar around his neck with the board being his dog tag. Lol

That would be a big ugly dog tag!

I am late to this topic but how to you and what do you use to mount a plate on the top of 2 trucks?

The trucks I have salvaged have the wheels protruding above the base so need to raise the mounting platform to clear the wheels on the trucks when mounting my slingy dog?

Thanks folks,

Bart1 posted:

I am late to this topic but how to you and what do you use to mount a plate on the top of 2 trucks?

 

 

 Yup raise the platform. The first trucks I used did not need a raised platform. The second ones did. I just glued a couple pop sickle sticks to the bottom of the sheet metal I used for the base. If you can , get some couplers with longer couplers on them. Similar to what you see on a passenger car or extended vision caboose.  

Hope this helps.    

Bruce...

( there also may be pictures on previous posts.... )

Thanks Bruce.. does help.

I landed up Dremmeling a small slot where the wheel rims made contact with my base, just wide and deep enough to stop the contact.  not noticeable at all.

- walt

Thanks for the inspiration on the slink dog project everyone that contributed ideas. Having looked at this post a few times I thought I might try it out. Looked around a few stores figured with the new Toy Story movie coming out soon there might be something around; nothing at the Disney store amazing, but found a slink dog like the one on page 2 of this post with the hard plastic middle instead of a spring, cheap enough.

With limited resources with me while running my train display at the Thomas event at our railway museum I went to work trying to figure out how to make this work and get it running quickly for the show.  I had a $1 store plastic colored slinky type toy, cut most of the plastic middle out of the dog, and cut the string inside in half, tied a thick rubber band to either end of the string and wrapped in tape so it would not untie. Cut a small hole at the top of middle of the dog front and back middle ends, then threaded a couple of loops of the spring inside. Punched a hole in the plastic ends that was the middle fake spring, and looped a couple of loops of wire through the hole and around a couple of loops of the slinky spring to keep it in place. Got some wood scrap thin enough to fit between some metal trucks between the wheels, a screw through the middle of the truck from the bottom up into the wood and used a  couple of loops of zip strap around the middle of the truck to keep feet in line. Trimmed the feet so they were flat on the bottom and instant glued them to the wood then wrapped some wire around through the toes and wood to keep the feet in place.  Tried it out on a Thomas train with a car behind; that derailed so I left it with no car behind the slink dog. Kids at the show running the trains approved, works fairly well, looks pretty good, it does not expand and contract as far as the video on page one of this post, but it does expand and contract enough for a good looking moving slinky dog the visitors really notice and like.  Perhaps I will find the true slinky dog with the metal middle and try it out.

We have the Thomas the train ride event at our railway museum; a long weekend 3 days this past weekend and next weekend 2 days with 1000's of people coming through to ride Thomas and lots of activities and displays at our railway park . As shown I have a 12x12 foot display with 10 trains running with the LionChief controllers bolted to control boards mounted on the fence. The kids can control all the trains and press buttons for sounds and other animated stuff like the Lionel Gateman, Cranky the Crane and flying Harold the Helicopter + lots of other animated stuff. It is great having the fence crowded with 20-30 little kids and even teens running the Thomas the Tank engine theme trains. Enjoy the pics click on first photo for a larger view then scan scroll through them. Lets see your Slinky Dog projects, this took me a couple of hours and simple to put together. 

 kj356     You sure put a lot of work into this. Congratulations... But here is the important part...

 Kids at the show running the trains approved

Great job....

I might have something that will work but you will need a E-unit for a DC engine to convert it to AC. This is a DC only engine at present but I would have to sell the whole set which cost me basically $60. 

It's a K-Line The Range Runner set. 

The motor truck is the rear truck. 

Another update for those looking to buy the Slinky Dog Jr. toy.  Walmart is selling these on their website for $7.00.  Free local pickup availability varies by location; otherwise an order total >=$35 gets the free shipping. 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dis...nky-Dog-Jr/433993118

My local WMT has them shelf priced at $8.92.  Store Mgrs. will likely price match their website.

It really is easy to make one, my problem is what John and others ran into, clearance of the head, I run it at the club on tracks with higher clearances than my home layout and on small layouts with no overhead above tracks for the kids. I have Thomas pull it and the slinky action is quite good.

Slinky Dog off to the next Parade (Train Show)

Keystone posted:

Another update for those looking to buy the Slinky Dog Jr. toy.  Walmart is selling these on their website for $7.00.  Free local pickup availability varies by location; otherwise an order total >=$35 gets the free shipping. 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dis...nky-Dog-Jr/433993118

My local WMT has them shelf priced at $8.92.  Store Mgrs. will likely price match their website.

the one that is I saw in the WM near me was REALLY BIG - garden railroad size at least.  It's been a month since I saw it so I can't say that what is shown above is the same but from what I recall it looks like it.

- walt

walt rapp posted:

the one that is I saw in the WM near me was REALLY BIG - garden railroad size at least.  It's been a month since I saw it so I can't say that what is shown above is the same but from what I recall it looks like it.

- walt

I also saw the large and super-sized plush type dogs in the same dedicated “Toy Story 4” aisle section. The Junior size was located on eye level hooks with some other similarly sized characters from the franchise.  When this thread first appeared my local WMT stores did not carry these Jr. sized characters.  New stock might be due to the new #4 release and stocking up for the holiday season. 

Yes, you have to use the JR version unless your trying to simulate a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade type of Slinky Dog, you will know the right size if about as big as your open hand.