For 'some reason' I'm now getting 'notices' on my thread as well as others.
This has been 'non working' for several months.
"HONGZ" stands for HO scale, N scale, G scale, and Z scale.
Post your non-O scale stuff here!
@samparfitt posted:For 'some reason' I'm now getting 'notices' on my thread as well as others.
This has been 'non working' for several months.
Yep… my notifications just returned after a couple of months absence. I never realized how much I looked forward to all the daily notes - makes keeping up with everyone’s progress so much more fun (not to mention easier)!!!
It looks like the club has found a good temporary home.
I have been getting notices all along.
Signal detection PM.
Last time the Ross club was operating, one of the 'blocks' was not working when a train was in the block.
Testing.
Coil for detection.
The 'POT' had to be adjusted to detect the caboose.
All better.
Attachments
Images (4)
Ross club meeting and new ceiling lights.
After only 43 years one of the fluorescent lights ceased to 'come on'.
I have several 8' lights that I got free from a 'strip mall' being re-modeled.
There were too many wires going to other 8' lights so I just remove the bulb and the valence.
Couldn't have done this without my 'top side' creeper.
Several years ago when I installed a new 200 amp 'box', I routed an extra 'line' to the basement so I turned off that CB.
Last year Menards had LED shop lights on sale for 15 bucks so I bought several.
Routed a new 'wire' from the basement junction box to a new outlet in the ceiling.
Checked to make sure it was wired 'correctly'.
Replaced the 8' with just a 4' as the LED is pretty bright plus it 'keys' on Hillyard with the station and water tower.
Interesting how the color varies depending on the type of lights.
Although it looks bright at the Seattle's roundhouse, it is dark due to another defected light.
Some cardboard to protect the 'motive power'; just 'in case'!
Another LED light installed.
Ross post meeting pictures.
Nick and Mark brought their own 'motive power'.
Nate enjoyed running the UP 8500 3 unit turbine (scaletrains) with 43 freight cars!
Nick in the 'hole' waiting for a green light!
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Images (11)
Looks great as always
Bruce Chrbb! There is a name out of the past. Thank you for the link to the video.
GNRW OPS session.
The only thing that started well was having pizza and beverage.
After that, the PC 'locked up' and had to re IPL it.
Then Decoderpro was not communicating with the signaling system software.
Fortunately Joe was able to diagnose the problem quickly.....
The LCC Buffer-USB was bad.
Fortunately, I have 'spares' for all the LCC signaling system.
While the 'system' was 'down' we went to the old manual control board where we didn't have signals but, at least, I could 'throw' all the turnouts and had to give 'orders' of where each train had to stop at which station; not fun.
Old control board from 43 years ago.
All the toggles for each block is switched to DCC and nothing had to be changed for 'train' control but, fortunately, all remote control of the turnouts via the dispatcher's panel go through the momentary toggles on the control board so turnouts could be thrown the 'old fashion' way!
This was our first LCC failure.
Dispatching 'board' back to normal.
It's amazing how 'spoiled' one gets with a monitor that tells you where each train is, high lighted in red, what each signal is 'showing', throw each turnout, knowing the dispatcher, usually, needs no verbal communication with the engineer and be able to control the whole mainline while sitting in a chair!
Bob ran the N&W Jawn Henry (Alco models, 1982) freight drag.
We have a new member. Jason from Hamilton, Ohio. He operated the GN N-3 2-8-8-0 (Tenshodo, 1973) freight drag.
Upper level; GN N-3 freight drag.
Middle level: UP big boy (Key model, 1983) pulling 105 ore cars.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM_QTA73_X4
I haven't seen a train this long on the layout since the 80's.
GN N-3 taking water at Wilmar.
Jawn Henry entering Seattle's freight yard.
Ben manifested the 105 ore car train.
GN N-3 at Tumwater canyon trestle.
UP Big Boy at Waverly.
The ore train was about 33' long so the engineer could wave to the conductor on the upper interchange loop.
8' diameter return loop.
Marias pass: D&RGW L-131 2-8-8-2 (PFM model, 1977) Zephyr passenger (BLI cars) train passing the UP Big Boy ore train.
Video: D&RGW L-131 at Chumstick canyon trestle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIKlgAaXY3c
Bob with D&RGW L-131 passenger train at Hillyard water tower.
There were 12 ore cars left on the 'dock'.
Ben using a GN C-1 0-8-0 to 'switch' the ore dock.
Max capacity.
D&RGW L-131 East of Wilmar.
The Big Boy just fits on the Walthers turn table.
D&RGW L-131 at Hillyard.
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Images (21)
Operating with a group of friends has to be the best!
NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting pictures.
Rich Mahaney presented all 3 clinics, entitled
"Quick Industries For Your Model Railroad",
"Great Northern Railway from Skykomish, WA to Shelby, MT",
"1950’s Reefer Car Layout Ops on Model Railroads".
Meeting at Horsepower farm:
Food was provided during the 'breaks'.
We were greeted by 2 friendly dogs.
Excellent presentations by Rich.
Some very nice cars at the meeting location!
Plus some 'auto' art!
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Images (7)
BLI PRR P5A box cab electric; new decoder and motor install.
This engine would 'short' when placed on the track.
After disconnecting all the wires to the decoder, one at a time; hot/ground last, the 'short' did not occur.
I figured the decoder was bad, contacted BLI and they said to just send in the decoder for replacement.
They sent me a new decoder and motor which was free since it was under warranty.
Several years ago I had a bad decoder and they replaced it and the motor: must be SOP.
Motor has it's own mount so easy to replace with just 2 screws.
Soldered the wires onto the new motor insuring same orientation of the colored wires.
The motor already has a universal joint on the end so no need for any installs.
A metal plate with 2 screws needed to be removed to install the universal shaft between the motor and gear housing.
Just 2 screws secures the decoder to the engine frame.
I wrote a schematic to insure all connectors 'go' where they are 'suppose to go'!
All connected except the wires for the 'head lights'.
I put the engine on the track and, immediately, got a 'short'.
Took about 30 minutes to diagnose that one ground wire was touching the frame and causing the 'short'.
The bottom wire in the picture had to be rotated counter clockwise so it wasn't touching the frame.
The wires are under the same cover plate that was removed for the universal shaft.
All better!
Got 4 of these engines to pull long trains.
After the engine was operating properly, I just downloaded the existing info on Decoderpro back into the decoder.
I'm questioning whether my diagnostics was correct a few weeks ago and the decoder may not have been defective and, by chance, the 'frame short' occurred while I was testing the decoder but 'moved' after I disconnected the decoder.
I lost the pilot on one of my BLI diesels and BLI was kind enough to send me a new one.
There are two rectangular slots that secure the pilot to the engine and I needed to used an X-acto knife to clean out some 'flashing'.
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Images (10)
Sam, it sounds like BLI really stands behind their products. Looking good.
Mark,
I've been impressed with their product, especially the brass hybrids plus I like the smoke and the smoking whistles.
I've got 26 of their engines (so far)!
It took me 40 years to paint my other engines and it's a lot easier buying them FP with decoders!
Yes it is better factory painted, and decoders as well. It seems to me, you are good at both tasks, but why do it if you can get an engine with both already done
Ross club meeting pictures.
Nate brought his newly acquired diesel.
Mark brought some nicely detailed flat cars with loads for his diesels.
Important discussions!
Gerry operated the NP Z-8 4-6-6-4.
video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQx-bK4gqyM
Nick's 'first time on my layout' diesel.
Marias pass.
My camera never did take good 'action shots'!
Meet at Waverly.
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Images (9)
Four new deliveries from Stout auction:
GN O-1 2-8-2 by Sunset models imported in 1978.
UP 4-10-2 by PSC imported in 1997.
GN L-1 2-6-6-2 by Tenshodo in 1978.
Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 imported by Custom Brass in 1964 (but I think more like 1974).
One big box.
Four smaller boxes.
==================
GN O-1 2-8-2 by Sunset.
I had no desire to buy an O-1 but, when I saw the 'paint job' on the engine, I couldn't resist, assuming it would go at a reasonable price: I thought $280 (counting 'premium' and shipping) was a very good price!
Whoever painted this engine did an outstanding job.
The painter did all the 'fine detail'. Decaling all the number boards (which is a lot of work applying that small nomenclature) and putting in 'jewels' in the marker lights.
Painted the cylinder jackets green and all piping painted black.
Left side.
Domes painted black. Green on the air pumps.
Oxide red roof.
All 'plumbing' painted black. Black band at the front of the Belpaire fire box.
Nice fine definition between black domes and green boiler. Same with smoke box silver.
Right side.
Maybe some test running.
Not bad for a 47 year old engine!
================
UP 4-10-2 by PSC imported in 1997. Factory painted.
Initially, I had not interest in this engine until I started researching it and found it has a 'ton' of detail.
An extra blind driver included.
No coupler mounted and appears to be an engine that has been in the box for 25 years!
Nice piping detail on the tender.
The tire width is more scale.
I remember the first time I has an engine with scale width tires; I had 3 or 4 places where the engine fell between the rails and I had to do some 're spiking'!
This engine has a functional Greasley valve so it needs a cam on one of the drivers to 'power' it.
Greasley valves are needed on 3 cylinder engines.
The label says I have number 9 of 32 made.
Nice cab detail. Even has the gauge 'needles'.
The smoke box cover is suppose to open but I need to check that out, later.
Left side:
Working Greasley valve.
Lots of piping.
Windows have 'glass' plus they move.
The trailing truck is sprung.
Has a deck plate.
The tender trucks have 'safety' chains.
Front and back headlights work.
Functional tender hatches.
Functioning cab roof hatches.
Lag boiler 'stays'.
Functioning sand dome hatches with chains.
Bell and whistle lanyards.
See through walk boards.
Right side.
Builder plates.
=====================
GN L-1 2-6-6-2 made by Tenshodo in 1978. Factory painted.
Been wanting one of these for awhile but, since 'they say' only 60 were imported and no other importer made them, they are kind of scarce and, usually, more than I wanted to pay for it.
Most Tenshodo foam deteriorates after decades so, I'm guessing, this foam has been replaced.
Another engine with no coupler and, maybe, some test running.
Tenshodo started to 'label' their engines around 1973.
It says 600 but I, understand, only about 60 were made or imported.
Cab detail. Deck plate is in the UP position.
Tendshodo started using a 'split' drawbar around 1973 to make it easy to connect the tender to the engine.
Left view.
GN was the 2nd railroad to have this wheel arrangement, after the B&O.
Smoke diverter in the UP position.
In the DOWN position.
Right side.
When testing the engine on the track, the motor ran but no movement; found this in the box, easy fix.
The old black rubber tubing tends to deteriorate after 47 years.
===================
Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 camelback by Custom brass imported in 1964 but I think more like 1974.
Brasstrains online as well as their book says it was made in 1964 which I dispute.
I've been trying to buy one of these for a few years; A camelback articulated, a 'no brainer'!
Only 120 of these engines were made so they don't appear for sale very often.
Another engine with no coupler that has sat in a box for many decades.
Why I think this engine was made in the 70's and not the 60's.
'They' didn't put detail like that on the bottom of tenders in the 60's.
PFM didn't bring out their sound system until 1972 and this engine has a sound cam on one of the drivers.
Hex head screws weren't used until the 70's.
Before that just 'straight line' screw heads were used.
Also, can motors were not used until the 70's.
Left side.
Piping to the front cylinders.
Very detailed piping.
Builders plates also being applied in the 70's.
Right side.
This kind of 'detailing' is in the 70's.
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Images (92)
NOTE: see the next post as this one has been corrupted and will be deleted, tomorrow.
==================================
Four new deliveries from Stout auction:
GN O-1 2-8-2 by Sunset models imported in 1978.
UP 4-10-2 by PSC imported in 1997.
GN L-1 2-6-6-2 by Tenshodo in 1978.
Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 imported by Custom Brass in 1964 (but I think more like 1974).
One big box.
Four smaller boxes.
==================
GN O-1 2-8-2 by Sunset.
I had no desire to buy an O-1 but, when I saw the 'paint job' on the engine, I couldn't resist, assuming it would go at a reasonable price: I thought $280 (counting 'premium' and shipping) was a very good price!
Whoever painted this engine did an outstanding job.
The painter did all the 'fine detail'. Decaling all the number boards (which is a lot of work applying that small nomenclature) and putting in 'jewels' in the marker lights.
Painted the cylinder jackets green and all piping painted black.
Left side.
Domes painted black. Green on the air pumps.
Oxide red roof.
All 'plumbing' painted black. Black band at the front of the Belpaire fire box.
Nice fine definition between black domes and green boiler. Same with smoke box silver.
Right side.
Maybe some test running.
Not bad for a 47 year old engine!
================
UP 4-10-2 by PSC imported in 1997. Factory painted.
Initially, I had no interest in this engine until I started researching it and found it has a 'ton' of detail.
An extra blind driver included.
No coupler mounted and appears to be an engine that has been in the box for 25 years!
Nice piping detail on the tender.
The tire width is more scale.
I remember the first time I has an engine with scale width tires; I had 3 or 4 places where the engine fell between the rails and I had to do some 're spiking'!
This engine has a functional Greasley valve so it needs a cam on one of the drivers to 'power' it.
Greasley valves are needed on 3 cylinder engines.
The label says I have number 9 of 32 made.
Nice cab detail. Even has the gauge 'needles'.
The smoke box cover is suppose to open but I need to check that out, later.
Left side:
Working Greasley valve.
Lots of piping.
Windows have 'glass' plus they move.
The trailing truck is sprung.
Has a deck plate.
The tender trucks have 'safety' chains.
Front and back headlights work.
Functional tender hatches.
Functioning cab roof hatches.
Lag boiler 'stays'.
Functioning sand dome hatches with chains.
Bell and whistle lanyards.
See through walk boards.
Right side.
Builder plates.
=====================
GN L-1 2-6-6-2 made by Tenshodo in 1978. Factory painted.
Been wanting one of these for awhile but, since 'they say' only 60 were imported and no other importer made them, they are kind of scarce and, usually, more than I wanted to pay for it.
Most Tenshodo foam deteriorates after decades so, I'm guessing, this foam has been replaced.
Another engine with no coupler and, maybe, some test running.
Tenshodo started to 'label' their engines around 1973.
It says 600 but I, understand, only about 60 were made or imported.
Cab detail. Deck plate is in the UP position.
Tendshodo started using a 'split' drawbar around 1973 to make it easy to connect the tender to the engine.
Left view.
GN was the 2nd railroad to have this wheel arrangement, after the B&O.
Smoke diverter in the UP position.
In the DOWN position.
Right side.
When testing the engine on the track, the motor ran but no movement; found this in the box, easy fix.
The old black rubber tubing tends to deteriorate after 47 years.
===================
Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 camelback by Custom brass imported in 1964 but I think more like 1974.
Brasstrains online as well as their book says it was made in 1964 which I dispute.
I emailed Brasstrains with the discrepancies but they never responded.
I've been trying to buy one of these for a few years; A camelback articulated, a 'no brainer'!
Only 120 of these engines were made so they don't appear for sale very often.
Another engine with no coupler that has sat in a box for many decades.
Why I think this engine was made in the 70's and not the 60's.
'They' didn't put detail like that on the bottom of tenders in the 60's.
PFM didn't bring out their sound system until 1972 and this engine has a sound cam on one of the drivers.
Hex head screws weren't used until the 70's.
Before that just 'straight line' screw heads were used.
Also, can motors were not used until the 70's.
Left side.
Piping to the front cylinders.
Very detailed piping.
Builders plates also being applied in the 70's.
Right side.
This kind of 'detailing' is in the 70's.
Most castings were pretty crude in the 60's.
I've reloaded all the pictures as someone said they are not appearing.
I think the system 'hickcupped' as, normally, there are small pictures grouped at the bottom of the thread and they do not appear.
============================
I've reloaded all the comments with new pictures: hopefully this is working properly!
Four new deliveries from Stout auction:
GN O-1 2-8-2 by Sunset models imported in 1978.
UP 4-10-2 by PSC imported in 1997.
GN L-1 2-6-6-2 by Tenshodo in 1978.
Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 imported by Custom Brass in 1964 (but I think more like 1974).
One big box.
Four smaller boxes.
==================
GN O-1 2-8-2 by Sunset.
I had no desire to buy an O-1 but, when I saw the 'paint job' on the engine, I couldn't resist, assuming it would go at a reasonable price: I thought $280 (counting 'premium' and shipping) was a very good price!
Whoever painted this engine did an outstanding job.
The painter did all the 'fine detail'. Decaling all the number boards (which is a lot of work applying that small nomenclature) and putting in 'jewels' in the marker lights.
Painted the cylinder jackets green and all piping painted black.
Left side.
Domes painted black. Green on the air pumps.
Oxide red roof.
All 'plumbing' painted black. Black band at the front of the Belpaire fire box.
Nice fine definition between black domes and green boiler. Same with smoke box silver.
Right side
Maybe some test running.
Not bad for a 47 year old engine!
================
UP 4-10-2 by PSC imported in 1997. Factory painted.
Initially, I had no interest in this engine until I started researching it and found it has a 'ton' of detail.
An extra blind driver included.
No coupler mounted and appears to be an engine that has been in the box for 25 years!
Nice piping detail on the tender.
The tire width is more scale.
I remember the first time I had an engine with scale width tires; I had 3 or 4 places where the engine fell between the rails and I had to do some 're spiking'!
This engine has a functional Greasley valve so it needs a cam on one of the drivers to 'power' it.
Greasley valves are needed on 3 cylinder engines.
The label says I have number 9 of 32 made.
Nice cab detail. Even has the gauge 'needles'.
The smoke box cover is suppose to open but I need to check that out, later.
Left side:
Working Greasley valve.
Lots of piping.
Windows have 'glass' plus they move.
The trailing truck is sprung.
Has a deck plate.
The tender trucks have 'safety' chains.
Front and back headlights work.
Functional tender hatches.
Functioning cab roof hatches.
Lag boiler 'stays'.
Functioning sand dome hatches with chains.
Bell and whistle lanyards.
See through walk boards.
Right side.
Builder plates.
=====================
GN L-1 2-6-6-2 made by Tenshodo in 1978. Factory painted.
Been wanting one of these for awhile but, since 'they say' only 60 were imported and no other importer made them, they are kind of scarce and, usually, more than I wanted to pay for it.
Most Tenshodo foam deteriorates after decades so, I'm guessing, this foam has been replaced.
Another engine with no coupler and, maybe, some test running.
Tenshodo started to 'label' their engines around 1973.
It says 600 but I, understand, only about 60 were made or imported.
Cab detail. Deck plate is in the UP position.
Tendshodo started using a 'split' drawbar around 1973 to make it easy to connect the tender to the engine.
Left view.
GN was the 2nd railroad to have this wheel arrangement, after the B&O.
Smoke diverter in the UP position.
In the DOWN position.
Right side.
When testing the engine on the track, the motor ran but no movement; found this in the box, easy fix.
The old black rubber tubing tends to deteriorate after 47 years.
===================
Erie L-1 0-8-8-0 camelback by Custom brass imported in 1964 but I think more like 1974.
Brasstrains online as well as their book says it was made in 1964 which I dispute.
I emailed Brasstrains with the discrepancies but they never responded.
I've been trying to buy one of these for a few years; A camelback articulated, a 'no brainer'!
Only 120 of these engines were made so they don't appear for sale very often.
NOTE: been notified this engine was made in 1984 (makes sense).
Another engine with no coupler that has sat in a box for many decades.
Why I think this engine was made in the 70's and not the 60's.
'They' didn't put detail like that on the bottom of tenders in the 60's.
PFM didn't bring out their sound system until 1972 and this engine has a sound cam on one of the drivers.
Hex head screws weren't used until the 70's.
Before that just 'straight line' screw heads were used.
Also, can motors were not used until the 70's.
Left side.
Piping to the front cylinders.
Very detailed piping.
Builders plates also being applied in the 70's.
Right side.
This kind of 'detailing' is in the 70's.
Most castings were pretty crude in the 60's.
Attachments
Images (92)
They are all beautiful!
Another video of the WM 1309:
PM new engines:
GN L-1 2-6-6-2:
All engines 'DC' tested.
Video:
The 'squeaking' noise in the videos is the 'swivel' chair (and not me)!
And contrary to some 'belief': no, not all brass engines are 'gear grinders'!
These engines can, easily, be converted to 'DCC' as all are quiet and have can motors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqk_d_hnOgE
Only one main pivot screw to remove the front set of drivers and 4 screws to remove the back set of drivers.
This engine has the Tenshodo 'quiet slant drive'.
Both old black tubing replaced with clear tubing.
================
GN O-1 2-8-2.
Oiled the moving surfaces.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DiKiF2tuqo
==================
UP 4-10-2.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq6FnjqvfvE
==============
Erie 0-8-8-0.
No oil on this engine since I'll be painting it.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULUf8LxE7sU
Attachments
Images (6)
Franklin, Indiana Train show pictures.
About 100 mile trip.
We went on Sunday.
A good week end: Flying RC planes on Saturday and trains on Sunday!
4 buildings.
Building 1.
Lots of layouts.
HO
N guuge.
S gauge.
N gauge.
Nice building kits.
Building 2.
Catenary.
First time I've seen one of these.
O gauge.
Very popular among 2 rail O gaugers in the 70's (year, not age!).
Still can buy dyed sawdust!
More 'old' stuff.
Something new.
Dave from Middletown, Ohio.
Building 3.
N gauge.
Good use for an old TV!
3 rail.
N gauge.
Building 4.
G gauge.
WW II theme.
Transylvania.
Vintage radios and star trek.
Booty.
Just what I need; more cars!
Couldn't 'pass these up'. All wood or metal and very well done.
I think one person made the bulk of these and his craftsmanship shows.
I greatly enjoy owning a car knowing that someone spent a great deal of time, care and pride in building.
The bulk of these cars were manufactured in the 50's/60's.
Athearn all metal flats.
Real wood deck.
2nd flat.
Very early 'working' couplers.
Athearn instructions.
1953.
Just plastic but had to get this car to add to my 12 present SOM cars.
All wood with metal details. Probably Silver Streak.
Wood.
I bought so many cars, the seller 'threw' this one in free but I gave him 2 bucks, anyway.
Just plastic but needed another UP caboose since, sometimes, a couple UP trains are 'running' on the layout.
Had to get these 'metal' culverts as something that I don't have and makes good 'flat loads'!
First 4 cars in boxes.
Silver Streak are wood with metal details.
Under body detail.
MOW car.
2nd set of cars in boxes.
All metal.
The bulk of the cars have sprung trucks.
Next set of 4 cars in boxes.
A lot of work to build this car.
Several cars have Central Valley trucks.
A lot of work to drill all those holes accurately for the 'hand holds'.
He went 'over board' on under body detail!
Something different.
Many hours to build this.
Next set of cars in boxes.
I believe these are all wood.
1st GN box.
Love those outside braced cars.
2nd car.
Next cars in boxes (repurposed).
Very nicely done GN caboose by Silver Streak.
I'll take this over my brass 'cabeese', 'any day'!
Different and heavy!
MOW cars.
Last set of cars in boxes (also repurposed).
3 heavily weathered 'gons'. Plastic but nicely done.
Another fine Silver Streak GN caboose.
I don't need any more GN 'cabeese' but they were too nicely done to 'pass up'!
A couple ballast cars. All metal and heavy.
Hatches open.
Another finely detailed 'under body'.
Note when the person built it.
A nice 'string' of cars. Will need some PM.
Can't beat 2 bucks!
Americana.
Franklin, Indiana.
Poor picture of a caboose.
Nice railroad station.
Great county court house.
Main street.
Don't see too many 'flat roofed' houses in the mid west!
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Images (114)
New deliveries.
Stuff.
I plan on having 3-D printing of some of the ore dock parts for my 12' ore dock but I was able to buy another Walthers ore dock kit for only 106 bucks counting delivery.
Now I have 3.
Ordered more spare parts for my LCC signaling system.
Glad I'm getting spare parts: The LCC tower is back ordered as a part is no longer available so they had to redesign part of it. Need to 'hoard' for critical items such as my spare Walthers turntable for my presently used turntables at Seattle and St. Paul!
Some Erie decals for the 0-8-8-0 camelback engine and C&NW 4-6-4 that I have to paint.
2 'cabeese'.
A spare UP and a NH cabeese.
UP
In case more than one UP engine is on the 'road' at once.
NH
A caboose for one BLI brass hybrid NH 4-6-4 and 2 Rapido NW electrics.
The Rapido electrics are really nice with remote operating pantographs.
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Images (9)
PM the new freight cars:
The ballast cars needed Accurail trucks and intermountain wheel sets.
A few needed coupler height adjustments using Kadee fiber washers.
Several coupler hoses needed adjustment.
The SOM car had pizza size cutter flanges so the trucks and wheels were replaced.
I rarely worry about the car's weight as most cars seldom derail 'running' 20-35 cars freight trains.
The SOM car now resides with the other SOM cars.
The other SOM cars were made by TM (train miniatures) back in the 70's.
Not sure who made this latest purchase but not as nice as the TM cars.
The 2 flat cars required new couplers as the old ones were not Kadee's.
Had to use coupler types that Kadee no longer makes.
Surprised the coupler 'pocket' used a tapped screw hole as a lot of these are a 'rivet' type.
Usual truck replacement.
The old trucks needed to be replaced as too much 'drag'.
The old trucks had a white insert for the screw so I had to enlarge the Accurail truck by 'hand drilling' the center with a 3/16" bit.
The screw needs to sit 'proud' else the screw will protrude through the flat car's deck.
Had to make some stakes.
5/8" long and flattened one end with needle nose pliers to fit the stake pockets.
All the cars need to be 'road tested'.
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'Road test' the newly acquired vintage metal Athearn/Varney and wood Silver Streak/Ambroid freight cars.
Will do more 'road testing' later as only went 450' East. Will need to head West plus 'redo' the trip again to insure all's 'good'.
Videos:
Tye:
I like the 'sound' that the metal wheels make 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrZYFRUGWls
Hillyard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdEy7SEubiE
Several cars needed additional PM.
These two 'boxes' derailed twice so the plastic wheel sets were replaced with Intermountain brass wheel sets (no derailments 'so far)'.
The 'reefer' was 'wobbling' so tightened the truck screws.
Had one of the insulated wheel sets 'back wards' and 'shorted' due to an all metal body.
These 5 extremely light cars came off in the tunnel on a 48" curve on grade.
Added old wheel trucks as 'loads' and all seems 'good'.
Derailed once so, not RP-25 wheels so replaced trucks and wheel sets.
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ROSS club meeting post operating pictures.
Videos:
UP E-1 A-B-B (BLI) passenger train departing Whitefish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah_SNmJPqUQ
B&O F A-B (owned by Nick) freight drag departing Whitefish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DN-Wutox8w
Joe showing Nick the 'ropes'.
Meeting's over: let's run trains!
Mark, Paul and Gerry.
UP E-1 A-B-B passenger train bypassing Seattle's freight yard.
Paul 'finished up' road testing the new vintage freight cars.
Whitefish.
SF E-1 A-B (BLI) with newly purchased vintage freight cars.
Chumstick canyon trestle.
GN W-1 electric meet at Marias pass.
UP E-1's at Skykomish.
UP E-1's at Marias pass.
Nick brought his F unit A-B set.
Seattle's freight yard.
Meet at Skykomish.
Nick's B&O set at Hillyard.
GN W-1 electric freight drag.
Chumstick canyon trestle.
Another meet at Havre.
Hillyard.
GN W-1 electric at Seattle's freight yard.
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PM the Digitrax system.
Lately, the wireless throttles have been 'dropping' communications with the command station so I bought one of their new improved UR93 duplex radio transceivers. It is suppose to have twice the range of the older version UR92.
I, also, bought 50' of loconet cable.
I replaced the old UR92 (bottom in picture) with the new UR93 so the new UR93 would be in the center of the room.
The other 4 are in each corner of the basement.
I connected the 50' loconet wire to one of the 'boosters' and ran it to the center of Seattle's freight yard and installed the old UR92 in the ceiling.
The center LED 'lights' whenever 'communication' is lost with the command station.
Hopefully, this 'fixes it'!
I tested a train and all works well but there needs to be several 'bodies' and trains running at 'once' to give it a 'good test'.
I, understand, 'bodies' can block the signal.
Ran the UP passenger train for a test as the cars had to be 'reversed' anyway from last week.
One of the couplers needed adjusting.
I bought a new Cannon camera and tested it on 'moving trains' as the old Cannon camera was giving me blurry pictures.
The old camera's lens had a lot of scratches on it so that may have exasperated (wow, spelled it correctly!) the problem.
'Still' shot.
'Yard throat' to Seattle.
ditto.
A unit blurry but better than what the old camera did.
Probably, best to get the engine to be 'crawling' during a 'photo shot' but 'conditions' aren't perfect when taking pictures of engineers while they are 'running' trains.
Skykomish.
Distance from subject seems to 'help'.
Hillyard.
Havre.
Tumwater canyon trestle.
Chumstick canyon trestle.
'Still' shots.
The 'rock' is in focus!
Hillyard.
better!
Marias pass.
Still shot.
Tye.
Skykomish.
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Ross club pictures.
The wireless throttles seemed to work well tonight.
Most of the members brought their own engines to 'run'.
Nate moves faster than the trains, or me!
His diesel at Waverly.
Nick's diesel at Skykomish.
Gerry's diesel at Seattle.
NH EP-5 electric by Rapido.
Marias pass.
Mark used the NH EP-5 to pull his nice collection of flats with loads.
Marias pass.
West of Waverly.
The first 'FRED' ever on my layout!
Owned by Gerry.
Seattle.
Erie Triplex 2-8-8-8-2 (MTH) at Marias pass.
Mark's 'flat car loads'.
Erie triplex at Seattle's turntable (Walthers).
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Looks like those ‘foreign road’ engines did quite well on the layout!
NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting layout visit pictures.
Mike Tylick presentation was on scratch building 2 cars.
Here's a picture of the 'glazing putty' that he uses that a few people inquired about:
Layout visits:
Bob Adams N&W N gauge.
An 'Island type' layout so all sides are accessible.
His original layout that he 'expanded'.
Grandson's layout.
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Scott Pennell's layout Northeastern railroads in HO gauge.
Staging.
'Printer' made.
Helix.
Lots of very nicely done buildings.
and cars.
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Looks like a great time! Those are really nice layouts!!
Ross Club meeting.
Only 3 members 'showed up' but they had a good time.
Mark brought his 'flat loads' and used my BLI UP 2-tone challenger 4-6-6-4 for 'motive power'.
Engine has smoking whistle as well as smoking 'stack'.
Skykomish.
Nick brought 2 diesels.
Tye.
Chumstick canyon trestle.
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New delivery.
D&RGW M-75 4-8-2 factory painted by Tenshodo and made in 1975.
Test run with new can motor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RISUhSxd-j8
One of the few engines 'left' than I was 'looking for'.
As mentioned previously the foam inserts deteriorate after 10 years, or so, so the previous owner removed it.
It appears this engine has never been run and 'sat' in the box for 47 years.
The engine has the 'quiet' 48/1 gear box.
no coupler ever added.
'Open frame' motor and no 'back head' but I 'remedied' that!
Nicely detailed engine.
I've always liked the Tenshodo engines. Everything is well soldered and, rarely, is anything loose due to a solder 'break' and they run well.
Left side.
Hex bolts.
MMM: have to clean up that 'excess' foam!
Right side.
Open frame replaced with can motor.
The old black tubing was cracked and, also, needed replacing.
Silicone used to secure the can motor to the frame.
Cut a new foam insert.
Much better.
Brass 'back head' added that is made by PSC.
Easier to caulk the 'back head' versus trying to solder a painted engine.
Loose foam particles removed.
Used the 2nd hole in the 'draw bar' for a 'near scale' distance between engine and tender.
Not too many railroads used the 'dog house'.
Only have 4 D&RGW engines.
Right to left:
M-75 4-8-2.
L-105 4-6-6-4 imported by Key in 1984 factory painted green boiler.
L-131 2-8-8-2: Imported by PFM in 1977; new can motor, painted, LED's and TCS 1517 decoder install.
M-68 4-8-4 imported by Key in 1977.
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LCC Signaling 'back up' circuit boards (CB) arrived.
Have 2 of each CB needed for my signaling system.
Should anything fail I'll be able to replace it, easily.
They were able to fix my LCC Buffer-USB by replacing the IC5.
With these 'cottage' industries, if you see something for sale that you like or may use; better buy it because it may not be there next year!
I had to wait a few weeks for one CB as a part wasn't available, they had to use a different part and then new programming.
I love my DCC and LCC system as 'electronics' makes operating so much easier but the one negative; parts on a CB, when out of stock, are no longer made leaving the CB useless.
The other main 'backup' is my spare Walthers 130' turntable.
'10 years down the road' I want to be able to 'fix stuff' when it 'breaks'!
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GNRW OPS session.
Videos:
UP Veranda Turbine 'reefer' train departing Whitefish:
GN W-1 electric on the siding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VThl0MZzO0
Milwaukee Bi-polar electric passenger train departing Whitefish:
This is the 3rd 'motive power' as the previous 2 engines lost 'steam': an ACL 4-8-4 and a PRR T-1 4-4-4-4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPP7anJo87o
3 trains in one video:
GN W-1 imported by Custom Brass in 1976. D&RGW L-131 2-8-8-2 imported by PFM (United) in 1977. UP 8500 turbine imported by Scaletrains in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OfTamsCSJo
St. Paul's freight yard videos:
UP 8500 turbine entering St. Paul's yard (part 1):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiugu91p2JY
part 2: Used telephoto so a little 'shaky' and not very long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dS2PRjeBYo
Joe's new SP PA A-B-A set from Rapido:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sYFZIxFIgA
Usual pizza before operating.
We closed with orange 'cream sicles'.
New SP PA's by Rapido.
SP passenger train at Tye operated by Bill.
Havre.
Paul doing the 'dispatching'.
Roxanne fixed my 2 'entry' rugs that have needed some 'work' for the last 40 years!
Roxanne's grand child Nate operating the GN W-1 electric departing Seattle.
Ben 'set up' a 44 car 'reefer' train out of St. Paul.
GN W-1 at Havre.
'Reefer' train at Hillyard.
Paul was kept 'busy'.
B&O passenger train at Marias pass while D&RGW L-131 2-8-8-2 passenger train was at Willmar.
Ben getting the larger UP 8500 turbine to pull the 44 car 'reefer' train 'up hill' as the the UP Veranda turbine was used to pull the train 'down hill'.
West of St. Paul. D&RGW L-131 (PFM imported in 1977).
John ran the D&RGW.
Tye: 'reefer' train passing the D&RGW passenger train.
Marias pass.
B&O passenger train at St. Paul. E-6's by BLI.
Waverly.
West of St. Paul.
St. Paul yard.
Incoming tracks.
Bill 'switching' Seattle's freight yard.
Nate operating the UP 2-tone grey challenger 4-6-6-4. BLI model with smoking whistle as well as 'stack'.
ACL 4-8-4 passenger train. After 'steaming' problems, the PRR T-1 was used and lastly a Milwaukee bi-polar electric!
Tye. UP challenger and B&O passenger train.
Seattle's freight yard.
Tye
Passenger track bypassing Seattle's freight yard.
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Darke County, Ohio train show.
3 levels; top, 'split' middle and lower.
top:
Train board for sale.
Powered by a 'hand driven' generator.
Some nice O gauge turnouts.
Still selling dyed sawdust!
Usually, don't see much 'brass' for sale.
Split middle level.
Large buildings being sold for only in the 15-25 dollar range.
Narrow as well as standard gauge.
Lower level.
Bought a few items.
More 'flat car' loads.
Nice lumber loads.
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I had to look up where Darke County is, since I live across the state line into Pennsylvania. Northwest of Dayton! That is quite an impressive show for a small town/rural area! Thank you for the photographs as always!
Mark,
The city is located within 'reasonable driving distance from several cities so they get a 'good crowd'.
It was only 75 miles for me.
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New deliveries.
Nice when the mailman brings 5 packages
More 'flat car' loads.
6 PSC 'back heads' for steam engines.
Lots of wire for decoders.
Since I make my own connectors, more of those.
I need 8 pins and these are small enough that all 8 pins take up less than a 1/2" width space.
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UP big boy 4-8-8-4 by BLI imported in 2019.
I was going to buy the recently release version but I found this engine on ebay for 52% less than the latest version so a 'no brainer'. About the only difference is this engine doesn't have 'keep alive' and I only recall one engine that stops 'once in awhile' do to no 'keep alive' on my layout.
The original owner said he had it 'out of the box' for 5 minutes to 'test run' it.
I wanted to purchase this engine since it smokes, whistle smokes, marker lights and number boards are lighted and boiler and tender are cast metal.
Video: test run in yard.
Note smoke when the whistle is 'blown'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dddLdOGxPaw
With the 'box' but still very heavy!
Tender view.
4 sets of traction tires.
Had to turn the 'smoke unit' on.
A good 'smoker'.
Lighted number boards and marker lights along with the headlight plus number boards on the side of the headlight.
Nicely detailed.
Nice 'touch' putting the latest 'pressure test date' on the air cylinders.
Lighted and detailed cab with crew.
Deck plate is a little higher than the tender deck.
Functioning 'back up' light and marker lights.
Nice rivet detail.
This engine joins 3 other big boy engines.
Right to left:
BLI's .
Key model made in 1983. Purchased this engine first. Has been painted, lighted and TCS 1517 decoder installed.
Tenshodo's model made in 1981. 2nd one purchased. Different version with 'cooling coils' next to the front hand rails.
The 4th is by Key made in 1987 and was factory painted with lots of functioning parts, which is why I purchased it.
Functioning parts as sand hatches, turret hatches and tender hatches.
Have to tape the functioning parts to they don't get damaged while installing LED's and a decoder.
Started this project last Winter and 'spring' arrived.
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