Skip to main content

"HONGZ" stands for HO scale, N scale, G scale, and Z scale.

Post your non-O scale stuff here!

Samparfitt, I haven’t posted on your thread for a long time, and to be honest, I thought your pictures were on the post, “What did you do on your layout today”, but, it’s right here on the HONGZ forum, and Wow, I Really like your layout. The beautiful passenger trains, the smoking steamers, the scenery, it’s fantastic and thank you for posting your progress and work projects. Very Interesting. Your track work, long straightaways, trestles to die for,  wide radius curves, a fun to watch model railroad. Keep up the great work. Happy new year. Happy Railroading. (Are you a Seattle Sea Hawks fan). 

Leapinlarry,

Thanks for the kind words. Always a pleasure to share with other railroaders.

==================

NMRA MCR DIV 7 monthly meeting.    

Awards for last year.

Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 01Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 02Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 03Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 04Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 05Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 06Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 07Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 08

Always a good attendance.

Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 09

Monthly raffle.

Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 10

Frank's stuff for sale.  I picked up a nice Walthers Pullman heavy weight passenger car. 

Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 11

The Div 7's store.

Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 12

Monthly contest entries. 

Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 13

The presentation for this month.

Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 14

Div 7's library of DVD's to borrow.

Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 15

Bill's impressive 3-rail layout (he's on the right).

Bill's 3-rail layout 01Bill's 3-rail layout 02Bill's 3-rail layout 03Bill's 3-rail layout 04

Jim from OGR.

Bill's 3-rail layout 05Bill's 3-rail layout 06

He has thousands of people.

Bill's 3-rail layout 07

He makes his skyscrapers by kit bashing or from scratch.

Bill's 3-rail layout 08

His workshop.

Bill's 3-rail layout 09Bill's 3-rail layout 10Bill's 3-rail layout 11Bill's 3-rail layout 12

Very detailed interiors.

Bill's 3-rail layout 13Bill's 3-rail layout 14

Matt's contemporary layout: Jersey area.

Matt's layout 01Matt's layout 02Matt's layout 03Matt's layout 04Matt's layout 05Matt's layout 06Matt's layout 07Matt's layout 08Matt's layout 09Matt's layout 10

Attachments

Images (39)
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 01
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 02
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 03
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 04
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 05
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 06
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 07
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 08
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 09
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 10
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 11
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 12
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 13
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 14
  • Div 7 Jan 2020 meeting 15
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 01
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 02
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 03
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 04
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 05
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 06
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 07
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 08
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 09
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 10
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 11
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 12
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 13
  • Bill's 3-rail layout 14
  • Matt's layout 01
  • Matt's layout 02
  • Matt's layout 03
  • Matt's layout 04
  • Matt's layout 05
  • Matt's layout 06
  • Matt's layout 07
  • Matt's layout 08
  • Matt's layout 09
  • Matt's layout 10
Last edited by samparfitt

New LCC logic added to detect when upper interchange/staging 3-track loops are occupied.

Joe and I added logic to detect when and how many of the 3 track loops are occupied and send the info to a signal mast along the track leading to the staging yard.

The signal is SM101 with explanation in red in picture below indicating conditions.

In this case: red for all loops occupied.

signals RR-cirkits CB 78

Yellow when one loop is available for entry.  Any combination works for all conditions. 

signals RR-cirkits CB 79

Flashing yellow when two loops are available for entry.

signals RR-cirkits CB 80

Green when all 3 loops are available for entry.

signals RR-cirkits CB 81

Here's the logic.   We learned something new in that parenthesis can be used to define your logic after all the variables are defined.  In this case we needed a variable for each loop being occupied and unoccupied and then set up the logic to light the respective signal light for each condition. 

signals RR-cirkits CB 82

Logic for all 4 situations. 

signals RR-cirkits CB 83

The 'virtual' signal is set up on the monitor: I now have to set up the physical one leading into the staging loops.

signals RR-cirkits CB 84

Will be able to tap into the left side of this LCC signal board. 

We enjoyed setting this up as it was very rewarding once we got it working. 

signals RR-cirkits CB 85

Attachments

Images (8)
  • signals RR-cirkits CB 78
  • signals RR-cirkits CB 79
  • signals RR-cirkits CB 80
  • signals RR-cirkits CB 81
  • signals RR-cirkits CB 82
  • signals RR-cirkits CB 83
  • signals RR-cirkits CB 84
  • signals RR-cirkits CB 85
Last edited by samparfitt

Thanks, Mark.

=====

More testing before the ops session, tonight.

NP A-5 4-8-4 (Oriental Limited) and passenger cars.

GNRR10177

Just this one engine was derailing under Glacier (snow scene).  Can't get to it (been that way for 40 years) so I used some small tin snips and cut a U shape into the scenery and pulled it back to gain access to the track.

GNRR10178

Widen and beveled outside edge a bit to fix this one engine derailment. 

GNRR10179

Tested PRR GG1's (Bachmann) and passenger cars.

GNRR10180

About twice the train shorted: not sure why as no derailments and I moved each car laterally to see if any intermittent shorts but none.  Not sure if, momentarily, exceeding max amps.  Just hit the reset for the CB and all's good!  Two powered engines and 14 lighted cars (8 are brass so heavy load).   With the brass cars having metal trucks and wheels, sometimes it sounds like a car derailed but nada. 

GNRR10181GNRR10182

D&RGW L-131 2-8-8-2 (PFM United) and BLI lighted zephyr passenger cars.  

GNRR10183GNRR10184

Just noticed that when backing up a train past a red signal, it changes back to green so able to proceed forward again, as normal clear.

GNRR10185

Ran train over 850' of track and one spot, the lead truck came off going with the points.  No problem when engine went against the points.  Again, points were a little lower than stock rail so beveled the inside edge of the stock rail.   Also, gauge was a little wide.  Another spot where everything else works great passing this area but one engine and in only one direction!

GNRR10186

Glad I made most trees removable as it was a lot easier fixing this turnout with the trees removed!

GNRR10187

Attachments

Images (11)
  • GNRR10177
  • GNRR10178
  • GNRR10179
  • GNRR10180
  • GNRR10181
  • GNRR10182
  • GNRR10183
  • GNRR10184
  • GNRR10185
  • GNRR10186
  • GNRR10187

GNRW ops session pictures.

Pizza arrived at 6:45 so, after full stomachs, we then 'ran trains'.

Main line was pretty busy.

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 01GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 02

First timer Rex seem to enjoy running a NYC and a N&W passenger train.   At one time, I looked over at the schematic on the monitor and I think every district was in red (ie, occupied).   Some engineers had to wait awhile for the mainline ahead of him to clear but they made the 'run' under the 12 hour rule!

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 03GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 04

Bob running a D&GRW Zephyr passenger train. 

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 05

"YES, I'm pretty sure the train is in there!"

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 06

Jack with a UP 2 tone challenger passenger train.  Joe had the SP AC-5 passenger train.

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 07

Zephyr train taking on water.

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 08

John had a GN R-2 2-8-8-2 pulling a 43 car freight drag. 

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 09

Times like these, I'm glad I made generous width isles!

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 10

Jack and the UP passenger train.

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 11

Rex arriving at the passenger yard.

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 12

John's freight drag taking on water: I love the BLI functioning water towers!  Four of them on the mainline.

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 13

Freight drag arriving at Seattle on inbound freight yard track while Jor's PRR passenger train departing on passenger track.

I was impressed by all the engineers obeying all signals when they were red: good thing, don't need any 'cornfield meets'!  The LCC signalling system sure saves me a lot of work on directing traffic.

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 14GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 15GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 16GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 17

Later, we talked trains and solved world problems (mostly trains though)!  The new 20 amp power station and 4 boosters seem to work very well.  Most left around midnight.  I get half my fun with the post ops discussion session!

The GNRW mission statement was accomplished: 

Hauling nothing, nowhere, on time, everyday and there were no fatalities except for, maybe, all the pizza, beverage and junk food that evaporated!
 

GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 18

Attachments

Images (18)
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 01
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 02
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 03
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 04
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 05
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 06
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 07
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 08
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 09
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 10
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 11
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 12
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 13
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 14
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 15
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 16
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 17
  • GNRW ops session 2020, Jan 18, 18
Last edited by samparfitt

Morning Sam, Its been awhile since my last comment, been busy with the house. 

I still think you have one of the most amazing layouts I have ever seen! I am glad that you all had a great time last night and that everything ran smooth! 
Your signaling system is way about my ability, but it sure looks cool and I am glad that it all worked out great and that the guys fallowed the signals!

I hope the rest of your weekend it a fun one as well!

Mike,

Thanks for the kind words.  Couldn't have gotten the software side done for the signalling system without my friend's help.   Initially, I always figured I'd could install a simple signalling system ie: green, next block clear; red, next block occupied and then clear after a few minutes.  The present LCC signalling system operates like a full size railroad: green, next block clear; red, next block occupied; yellow, 2nd block occupied; flashing yellow, 3rd block occupied.  Plus, it's multi-directional for the single track and the passing tracks and responds to how the turnouts are thrown and all signals and train locations are shown on the monitor's track schematic.

turnout interchange 01

Attachments

Images (1)
  • turnout interchange 01
Last edited by samparfitt

A few fixes from last night:

The NYC Niagara's drivers locked up, last night, and I thought one driver went 'out of quarter' but, this morning, found that it was just a side rod screw that came loose: easy fix.

GNRR10188

Derailment of one light wood kit but noticed that I was hoping to be able to use the old trucks but the wheel sets have no fillet next to the flange so these tend to derail under large loads (ie, lots of cars behind it). 

GNRR10189

One turnout in the Seattle's engine yard would only stay in the middle of the rails.

GNRR10190

Had to re-solder the linkage.  Surprising: would think a 40 year 'young' layout with only 100 turnouts wouldn't get these problems!  40 years in modeling is probably like dog years, ie 280 years!    This being my 4th large layout, most of the wood has been used on each layout, dating back to around 1959.   First layout at my parent's basement, 2nd and 3rd in Cleveland and my present, after a 'company' transfer, 4th layout started in 1979.  My next move is '6 feet under'. 

GNRR10191

Attachments

Images (4)
  • GNRR10188
  • GNRR10189
  • GNRR10190
  • GNRR10191
Last edited by samparfitt

Never Assume (twice)!

The SP AC-5 4-8-8-2 used to haul the 18 passenger cars but I had to remove 4 of them to make the grade.  Initially, I assumed the track had oil on it and needed cleaning. Turns out the cars developed a lot of drag.  

GNRR10192

The trucks pass the electric to the lights via metal journals and, after several runs on the layout, they needed oiling.  Normally, I never lube axles as they usually stay friction free. These are the SP unit passenger cars by  BLI.  I checked the enclosed packaging and no suggestions on needing oil. 

GNRR10193

2nd assumption: new circuit boards are more reliable than 40 year old contact switches!  I spent about an hour trying to 'make' the old contact switches for my turnouts that send a signal to the LCC boards but found out the circuit board had a defect for one lead.  Only way I found it was swapping two of the input wires to the circuit board and the problem stayed with the respective circuit board's input.

GNRR10194

After each power up, the power cat-5 cable has to be disconnected and reconnected to the LCC tower board to initiate proper operation.  If not done, the signals don't respond.  There is a yellow LED that flashes indicating a problem.  The CAT-5 cable runs about 150' to connect all LCC boards so the distance may be a factor.  I have an additional power source that I can add to break up the total run.   It's no big hassle to do for each startup of the system but something I always need to remember to do. 

GNRR10195

Testing the SP AC-5 and passenger train. 

GNRR10196

Some rail adjustment needed to prevent front drivers from lifting at this one spot. 

GNRR10197

Long reach to spike rail ends so the lead truck doesn't pick it.   Some white foam helps protect my knees and hands. 

GNRR10198

Stock rail a little too wide for lead trucks.

GNRR10199

Attachments

Images (8)
  • GNRR10192
  • GNRR10193
  • GNRR10194
  • GNRR10195
  • GNRR10196
  • GNRR10197
  • GNRR10198
  • GNRR10199
Last edited by samparfitt

Got the engine from H@ll out on the mainline. 

Interesting, this web site doesn't like to use of H@ll so it asterisks it out.

First test though was the NYC Niagara: needed testing after side rod screw came out.

GNRR10200GNRR10201

Got the MTH Erie triplex 2-8-8-8-2. The engine from H@ll as it found about 10 out of gauge track on the mainline during it's last run.  With 24 drivers and narrow tread width, this engine finds any minor track deviations. 

Going East (up grade), it ran well except one spot where the two rail ends were slightly misaligned.   

GNRR10202GNRR10203GNRR10204GNRR10205

Going West (down grade) there were two locations (passing sidings) that needed fixing.  Initially, on the first location, I thought it was at the turnout but the turnout only shorted the engine due to the previous curve having too wide of a gauge and derailing the trailing set of drivers.  The tender drivers are not powered but roll freely behind the engine.   The second location the gauge was, again, too wide.  All other engines and rolling stock transverses these areas with no problems. 

 

GNRR10206

I've done this with some other contemporary made steam engines where the frame is narrower than on brass steam so there is a lot of 'side play' slop to negotiate sharp curves.  Some kadee washers were put on the leading and trailing axles to reduce the side play and, hopefully, keep the engine's drivers from going down the track at an oblique angle.   That'll be the next test!  A pie shape is cut in the washer so insertion of the washer on the axle is done without dismantling the engine. 

GNRR10207

Attachments

Images (8)
  • GNRR10200
  • GNRR10201
  • GNRR10202
  • GNRR10203
  • GNRR10204
  • GNRR10205
  • GNRR10206
  • GNRR10207
Last edited by samparfitt

More engine and rolling stock testing.

With the track working well, each engine and cars needs additional testing.

Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4 by Overland models and Walther's Hiawatha passenger cars.  This engine had some issues, previously, so it was tested again.

Video:  TCS 1517 decoder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw4HUzwe2Ks

 

GNRR10211GNRR10212GNRR10213GNRR10214

The lead trucks were derailing, once in awhile.  Previously, I had change the front truck mount from a straight screw with a spring to this movable bar connected from the truck to the driver retaining plate.  One additional mod was needed by putting a Z bend in the bar to keep the back of the truck from interfering with the bar.  

The lead truck on the tender came off on one curve.  Being under a mountain, I left the track alone and removed the tension spring that is normally on the truck bolster screw.  This seemed to fix the problem as the spring was very rigid and the truck didn't have much vertical or horizontal movement with the spring.  

GNRR10215

One passenger car had a 'drooping' coupler so a thin piece of plastic stock (grey) was added to the retaining plate to raise the coupler. 

GNRR10216

All seems to be running well, now, with this engine and cars.

GNRR10217GNRR10218

Attachments

Images (8)
  • GNRR10211
  • GNRR10212
  • GNRR10213
  • GNRR10214
  • GNRR10215
  • GNRR10216
  • GNRR10217
  • GNRR10218
Last edited by samparfitt

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6.

After testing the Erie Triplex, I thought I'd test another sensitive engine.  With the extreme length of the engine with all the wheels plus the tender is very long having two 8-wheel trucks, this engine can, also, try one's patience!  This engine was made by Gem models and was factory painted in 1965 which is pretty unusual since about the only people painting engines back then was Tenshodo.  It's very well detailed, including raised pen striping, cab detail and fully functional sprung tender trucks.   The original owner never ran it and it sat in the box for 52 years.  I can see why he didn't run it as it must take at least a 32" radius, if not more.  It's just not the engine but also the size of the tender. 

PRR only made one of these and, I believe, they only ran on the flat lands of western Ohio and was suppose to do 100 MPH for passenger service.

Video: 

will post after uploading is complete.

The engine ran fine going East (up grade) with only the lead truck coming off once.

GNRR10219GNRR10220GNRR10221GNRR10222

Must be a company truck as it's always at the station!

GNRR10223GNRR10224GNRR10225

Heading West (down grade), the tender's trailing truck picked two turnouts. 

GNRR10226GNRR10227

When I first got it, I installed a TCS 1517 decoder with all the lights, ie: headlight (engine, tender), marker lights (engine, tender), four running board lights over each piston valve gear, cab light and fire box glow. 

GNRR10228GNRR10229GNRR10230

With fully working 8 wheel tender trucks, one would think they would operate better than just brass side cast trucks but the functional trucks tend to have some wheels not touch the rails.  

GNRR10231

As a 'backup' I bought some cast 8 wheel trucks and painted them.  I'll have to try testing them on the tender and see if derailments are reduced.  Another possible problem that I just noticed  is the tender has skirting so the trucks are limited on how far they can pivot. I'm hoping my minimum 48" radius exceeds the trucks needed pivot points. 

GNRR10232

Attachments

Images (14)
  • GNRR10219
  • GNRR10220
  • GNRR10221
  • GNRR10222
  • GNRR10223
  • GNRR10224
  • GNRR10225
  • GNRR10226
  • GNRR10227
  • GNRR10228
  • GNRR10229
  • GNRR10230
  • GNRR10231
  • GNRR10232
Last edited by samparfitt

Sam, Great work and wonderful shots of your amazing layout! Sounds like you have a new track testing engine! LOL Sure is a sharp looking engine!

Thanks for sharing the BNSF video. Was a pleasure to watch with my morning coffee!

Keep up the great work keeping that 40 year old layout running smooth!

Thanks, Mike.

GRFD59, 

Glad I could help.  I like to post work items as it may help others from making the same mistakes I make plus it's a good reference for me when, 2 years 'down the road', I forgot how I did something!

==============

Tested the UP 8500 turbine.

Videos: Pulling vintage metal Athearn and Varney freight cars.

At Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayPmZUfgpB0

At Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5ggJhJoTdg

At Chumstick Canyon trestle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonGVvsANa0

This is by scaletrains.  A truly impressive engine. Tons of detail.  The three unit set has a decoder in each unit: yes, even one in the tender just for the tender light (there are no decoder wires between units).  The first unit has the diesel engine noise and is used for moving around the yard.  The second unit has the turbine.  It is loud, just like the full size engine.  And it operates like the full size: if you don't start up the turbine and try to pull a train, it will not move due to not enough power with just using the diesel engine in the first unit. 

UP 8500 HP turbine 19

Functioning doors with interior detail.  Very nice ladder work.

UP 8500 HP turbine 20

Interior.  Nicely detailed trucks.

UP 8500 HP turbine 21

Working fan blades.  See through walk way.

UP 8500 HP turbine 22

Three color marker lights (clear, green, red), lighted headlight and number boards.  Ladder way is lighted over the trucks.

UP 8500 HP turbine 23

Fine see through screen.

UP 8500 HP turbine 24

Amazing what they can do for details.

UP 8500 HP turbine 25

Operating doors.  Interior cab detail.

UP 8500 HP turbine 26

Lighted walkway and a ton of hoses between units. 

UP 8500 HP turbine 27

Contacts on bottom detects when going through turnouts so the decoder makes the respective noises for that.

UP 8500 HP turbine 28

Plenty of weight.  The units easily pull the 45 cars and would, probably, handle 100 cars, upgrade!

UP 8500 HP turbine 29

Attachments

Images (11)
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 19
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 20
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 21
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 22
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 23
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 24
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 25
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 26
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 27
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 28
  • UP 8500 HP turbine 29
Last edited by samparfitt

New delivery.

A box of 100 intermountain 33" metal wheel sets.

A spare LCC signal board (just in case).

NYC 2-8-2 H-10B by PFM, United.

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 01

Made in 1981 (getting close to the end of PFM import days).  Back in the 60's and 70's I remember always looking on the back cover of MR to see what PFM was producing.  PFM owned the back cover of MR for decades.  They produced a lot of nice, good running engines, especially the Tenshodo imports.  They could be noisy but tracked well and gave reliable performance.   I've re-geared and added can motors to most of mine. 

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 02

The previous owner ran this engine but no visible wear on wheels.  This engine has a can motor.

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 03

Nicely detailed backhead.

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 04

The previous owner did a nice job of painting this engine.  This engine bristles with piping which is why I bought it.  All the great detail caught my attention.  I wasn't expecting to get it as my bid was low as it was less than half of what brasstrains sells it for and less than the suggested retail price when it was made in 1981.  There were several paint nicks but easy to fix with scalecoat loco black as it dries a dull color and matches the original paint, perfectly.  No headlights, etc and just DC.  

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 05

Love all that piping and the nice, crisp castings. 

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 06

Trailing truck has a booster. 

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 07NYC H-10B 2-8-2 08

All the turret piping added.

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 09NYC H-10B 2-8-2 10NYC H-10B 2-8-2 11NYC H-10B 2-8-2 12

This rounds out my NYC collection.  Right to left: Hudson, 2-8-2. Niagara, Mohawk (L-3A and L-3B).  These are what I consider NYC's iconic steam engines. 

NYC H-10B 2-8-2 13NYC H-10B 2-8-2 14

Attachments

Images (14)
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 01
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 02
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 03
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 04
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 05
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 06
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 07
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 08
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 09
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 10
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 11
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 12
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 13
  • NYC H-10B 2-8-2 14
Last edited by samparfitt

Thanks, Mike,

Been messing with engines since the 70's.  Not sure what you mean for OZ?

Mark,

The good ol' days.

=============

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 final mods made.

Had four mods made which, after they were made, ran the engine a total of 850' and it ran well.  (Almost 3 football fields).

Mod 1: replaced tender trucks.

Originals.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 68

The originals (top) are sprung plus the center functioning mechanism makes the trucks wider and they were hitting the skirting on the tender.  The bottom trucks are cast, non functioning. Two different shoulder bolts were also needed.  The original trucks were put in plastic bags and put in the original engine box.

Mod 2:

The front truck derailed once on a previous test so I added two brass washers to raise the tender so the trucks won't hit the skirting, which solved the one derail.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 69

Mod 3:  Relocate decoder wires from tender to engine.  This was the first time I've routed the wires from under the tender and it was a mistake as they interfere with the lead truck.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 70

Had to cut all eight decoder wires and route them through a new hole drilled in the front of the tender.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 71

All wires re-soldered. 

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 72

Finished.  Hole is just below the tender deck, which is where I should have, originally, put it.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 73

MOD 4: Lead engine truck would, occasionally, derail.  Normally, the screw guide is in the center of the truck but this truck is at the back so the front of the truck doesn't get as much downward pressure so it would derail a couple times.   A 1/2 oz lead weight was added to the front and this seems to have resolved the problem.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 74

Another alternative is to make a drawbar from the driver retaining plate to the truck. This is what I, normally, like but we'll leave it as is, for now. 

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 75

TA DA: 850' of good running.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 76

This engine also has sprung lead and trailing trucks. 

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 77

Attachments

Images (10)
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 68
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 69
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 70
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 71
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 72
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 73
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 74
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 75
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 76
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 77
Last edited by samparfitt

Videos of UP 8500 turbine pulling 75 vintage metal Athearn, Varney and wood Silver Streak, Ambroid freight cars. 

I was wrong, the turbine couldn't handle 100 cars upgrade.  I'm guessing 60 would be OK.  Heading East (up hill), I had to 'double up' to get the train over the first hill.  After that no problem.

At Tye: Metal wheels over turnout sounds good. (videos and pictures always reveal errors that one doesn't always notice in 'real life': already fixed that one building roof and cupola!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t55dmF5mTQI

At Chumstick Canyon trestle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...amp;feature=youtu.be

At Marias Pass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba2IpQL2Hes

At Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7lLaM506do

 

Last edited by samparfitt

UP 4-12-2 testing.  

Videos:

At Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW5zfVS9k9o

At Tumwater Canyon trestle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paNAMe7E4AE

Another engine with a 12 coupled set of drivers that can 'test' your track work.

The drivers were derailing at a couple spots so I replaced the geared, flange driver with the provided 'blind' driver.  Quick and easy change: remove driver retaining plate, side rod screws and gear box cover. 

UP 4-12-2 Key 71

I noticed the spring was 'working' its way past the engine's lead truck so a washer was added to keep the spring on the upper side of the truck and provide good downward pressure on the tracks. 

UP 4-12-2 Key 72

The tender front truck came off at one spot.  Noticed the decoder wires were getting pinched between the tender and cab so a new, longer draw bar was inserted. Not a scale distance between the tender and engine but functional. 

UP 4-12-2 Key 73

The engine is by key and was painted 4 years ago with all the LED lighting and decoder (TCS 1517) added.

Nicely detailed engine:

Front smoke box opens. 

UP 4-12-2 Key 74

See through walk boards. 

UP 4-12-2 Key 75

Nice cab detail.  Cab came off so I could paint the interior, green.

UP 4-12-2 Key 76

Second driver back has rotating cam to operate the center, third piston rod which these engines had. 

UP 4-12-2 Key 78

Air tank nomenclature. 

UP 4-12-2 Key 77

Testing engine. Also, had a few track adjustments but all seems to run well, now.

UP 4-12-2 Key 66UP 4-12-2 Key 67UP 4-12-2 Key 68UP 4-12-2 Key 69UP 4-12-2 Key 70

Attachments

Images (13)
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 66
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 67
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 68
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 69
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 70
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 71
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 72
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 73
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 74
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 75
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 76
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 77
  • UP 4-12-2 Key 78
Last edited by samparfitt

PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 and ACL passenger cars.

This is by Alco models with lights and TCS 1517 decoder installed.  

Running the train and it started to short.  After checking that it wasn't the cars, check engine and tender and found one wheel came loose from its insulation on the tender truck.  Some CA fixed it. 

PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 45

This engine has about the same tender as the PRR S-1: long, skirted and 8 wheel trucks.  The front truck would, occasionally, derail.  Added a metal washer to raise the tender over the truck and removed the bolster spring for more vertical and horizontal movement (seems to have fixed it). 

PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 46

 

PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 47PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 48PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 49

Attachments

Images (5)
  • PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 45
  • PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 46
  • PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 47
  • PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 48
  • PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 alco 49

I made the mistake of ASSUMING again

I was running the GN Q-1 2-10-2 and the headlight was not lighting. 

tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 02

First went through all my function keys to insure they were on.  Next, figured it was the 401 LED so I replaced it....only the same results.  Next, I figured it's got to be the white wire as all other LED's are working off the same base blue wire.  Used the voltmeter to check the white wire: good.  Must be in the tender.  Took that apart and disconnected the wire harness to the decoder to check the white wire: also good.   Turns out the decoder's headlight circuitry is bad.   To double check, I connected another engine's tender to the Q-1 engine and the headlight worked.   All engines have the same sequence wiring (at least for the ones I install and not counting factory installed decoders) so cross checking is possible. 

tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 03

Pulled up decoderpro and highlighted the Q-1 and re-wrote the saved data back into the engine which took about 30 seconds.

tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 04

My GN P-2 4-8-2 also  had the headlight plus the running board lights not working.  Again, after checking all functions and using another tender, the circuit board, again, was defective.  TCS has a free lifetime warranty so I'll go out to their web site and fill out the paper work and send the decoders to them.  They usually get them fixed within a couple weeks.  The last thing I suspected was the decoder since sound and all other functions were working.

tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 05tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 06

Attachments

Images (5)
  • tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 02
  • tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 03
  • tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 04
  • tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 05
  • tcs 1517's WOW steam with KA 06
Last edited by samparfitt

The life of a 'hogger' on the GNRW:

Engine number 2006, an N-3 2-8-8-0 all topped off with oil and water.

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 18

GN N-3 backing down the ready track to pick up his train.

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 19

GN N-3 leaving Seattle's freight yard.  Tower man gives him the high ball.

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 20

GN N-3 arriving at Skykomish ready to get his electric helper through the 8 mile long Cascade tunnel. 

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 21

GNRW Y-1 electric coming out of the 'shed'.

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 22

GN Y-1 coupled onto the train and ready to pull the train through the tunnel. 

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 23GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 24

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 27

Video of GN Y-1 and N-3 freight drag coming out of Cascade tunnel at Tye.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnoNTNpYM8A

Cascade entrance at Tye:

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 28

===========

Farther down the line, the N-3 arrives at a town that has a virtual endless amount of water to top off the tenders!

 

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 25

Attachments

Images (11)
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 18
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 19
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 20
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 21
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 22
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 23
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 24
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 25
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 26
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 27
  • GN N-3 2-8-8-0 Tenshodo 28
Last edited by samparfitt

Reorganization:

Since I like running my vintage old cars I moved all my vintage metal Athearn, Varney and wood Silver Streak, Ambroid cars that were in the St. Paul yard to the Seattle freight yard.

The vintage cars takes up about 3.5 tracks. 

GNRR10236

One 'string' is on the 'road' but there are about 130 vintage cars available for trains. 

GNRR10237GNRR10238

The St Paul freight yard gets all the 70's and 80's (also my age bracket!) Athearn, Train Miniature, etc cars. 

GNRR10239

Don't remember who made this but it weighs a ton.

GNRR10240

Something different: aluminum foil covered.

GNRR10241

Some exceptions:

Have several contemporary made cars that are really nicely detailed. 

GNRR10242

...and any 'gons' or 'flats' with loads.

GNRR10243

...and last, the TM 'state of Maine' potato cars.  Remember back in the 70's when these came out, I had to go to every hobby shop in Cleveland to get a nice string of them as each hobby shop only had one or two of them. 

 

GNRR10244

The Athearn, etc cars of the 70's/80's also have some nice graphics.

Ribbed side box.

GNRR10245

MP car.

GNRR10246

Attachments

Images (12)
  • GNRR10235
  • GNRR10236
  • GNRR10237
  • GNRR10238
  • GNRR10239
  • GNRR10240
  • GNRR10241
  • GNRR10242
  • GNRR10243
  • GNRR10244
  • GNRR10245
  • GNRR10246
Last edited by samparfitt
samparfitt posted:
mike g. posted:

WOW Sam, You sure know your way around engines! I sure like how you take care of them like they were your kids! LOL

Question, I have the same scale and how to you convert or set it up for OZ?

You can just push the right 'mode' button and it changes from ounces to grams.

Thanks Sam, I thought there might be a way to change the decimal point?

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×