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

Post your non-O scale stuff here!

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 final assembly.

Imported by Custom Brass in 1978.

Video: yard test:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saW6oIFo7_4

An engine that I painted last Spring.

Installed a Tenshodo silent slant drive gear, 2 motors (1 can was bad), TCS 1517 decoder, LED's in head lights (engine/tender), marker lights, running board lights, cab light and fire box glow.

It took me a day to get the 'drive train' to work properly.

The first can motor (from last Spring) drew too much amperage so my new can motors that I install in all my engines was used.

The white plastic universal attached to the motor wasn't 'balanced' with those two screws so I used some rubber tubing.

Clear caulk secured the motor to the frame.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 134

I didn't like that 'angle' between the 'high' box and the universal to the left.

I had to file some metal off the front of the 'high' gear box as the frame was in front of it so the gear box would be aligned with the universal.

The caulk was cut and re-caulked to have all 'shafts' in the same 'line'.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 135

BEFORE:

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 06

AFTER:

Front view.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 136

Fireman's view.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 137

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 138

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 139

Removable cab roof.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 140

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 141

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 142

Highly detailed cab.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 143

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 144

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 145

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 146

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 147

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 148

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 149

Engineer's side view.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 150



N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 151

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 152

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 153

Other N&W engines on the roster.

Right to left:

Y-3 2-8-8-2 by Custom Brass.

Y-6B 2-8-8-2 imported by BLI in 2021.  Cast metal boiler/tender with smoke.

J 4-8-4 imported by MTH in 2017. Cast metal boiler/tender with smoke.

     This engine 'powers' the 10 car passenger train by MTH.

J 4-8-4 imported by Sunset in 1983.  I was lucky to have a set of decals for this engine since they are difficult to locate.



N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 154

2 auxiliary water cars; one by NWSL and the other by BLI (lighted).

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 155

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 156N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 157

Class A 2-6-6-4 imported by PFM (United) in 1962.  Installed can motor, TCS 1517 decoder and LED's headlights, marker lights, running board lights, cab light and fire box glow. Also installed a 'back head'.

MMM: need to clean off the 'leaves' as it was 'sitting' under one of my trees!

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 158

And last the Jawn Henry imported by Alco models in 1982.

A Loksound decoder with turbine sounds was installed.

N&W only made one and it only lasted a few years.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 159

The old gear set.

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 160

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

Next is the SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 final assembly.  The last engine that needs assembly that was painted last Spring.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 79

Attachments

Images (29)
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 134
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 135
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 136
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 137
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 138
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 139
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 140
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 141
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 142
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 143
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 144
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 145
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 146
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 147
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 148
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 149
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 150
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 151
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 152
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 153
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 154
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 155
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 156
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 157
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 158
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 159
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 160
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 79
  • N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 custom brass 06
Last edited by samparfitt

NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting and layout visits.



NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting 01

Good attendance with 'zoom' crew in the back for those that 'attend remotely'!

NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting 02

Presentation given by Patrick Stanley on Donner's pass and his layout.

NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting 03

A few books I purchased: $10 each for 2 and $5 each for 2

NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting 04

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

Bob's PRR layout.

Bob Bartizek 2023 01Bob Bartizek 2023 02Bob Bartizek 2023 03Bob Bartizek 2023 04

Behind the door are 2 staging yards.

Bob Bartizek 2023 05

Staging yard remote cameras.

Bob Bartizek 2023 06Bob Bartizek 2023 07Bob Bartizek 2023 08Bob Bartizek 2023 09Bob Bartizek 2023 10Bob Bartizek 2023 11Bob Bartizek 2023 12Bob Bartizek 2023 13Bob Bartizek 2023 14Bob Bartizek 2023 15Bob Bartizek 2023 16Bob Bartizek 2023 17Bob Bartizek 2023 18Bob Bartizek 2023 19Bob Bartizek 2023 20Bob Bartizek 2023 21Bob Bartizek 2023 22Bob Bartizek 2023 23Bob Bartizek 2023 24Bob Bartizek 2023 25

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

Mike's layout.



Mike Rottenberger 2023 01Mike Rottenberger 2023 02Mike Rottenberger 2023 03Mike Rottenberger 2023 04Mike Rottenberger 2023 05Mike Rottenberger 2023 06

Bob's SF layout.

Bob Chapman 2023 01Bob Chapman 2023 02Bob Chapman 2023 03Bob Chapman 2023 04Bob Chapman 2023 05Bob Chapman 2023 06Bob Chapman 2023 07Bob Chapman 2023 08Bob Chapman 2023 09Bob Chapman 2023 10Bob Chapman 2023 11Bob Chapman 2023 12Bob Chapman 2023 13Bob Chapman 2023 14Bob Chapman 2023 15Bob Chapman 2023 16Bob Chapman 2023 17Bob Chapman 2023 18

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Images (53)
  • NMRA MCR DIV 7 meeting 01
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  • Bob Bartizek 2023 01
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  • Mike Rottenberger 2023 01
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  • Bob Chapman 2023 01
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Last edited by samparfitt

Thanks, Mark.

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

Ross Club meeting (first of the new year).

videos;

Virginian EL-2B electrics imported by Custom Brass models in 1980.

First 'road test'.

For the 'road test' we limited the number of cars to around 20 but, with its weight, the set of electrics can, probably, handle a 35-45 car train.

Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF1yJ8kfGms

Departing Cascade tunnel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B-cXOTp07Y

NP A-3 4-8-4.

Departing Seattle's freight yard:

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

Departing Tumwater canyon trestle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjMhpRT5eAI

Ross club 2023 Jan 10 01

NP A-3 4-8-4 at Seattle's turntable.

Ross club 2023 Jan 10 02

Bob getting his 'train'.

Ross club 2023 Jan 10 03

Virginian EL-2B electrics at Tye.

Ross club 2023 Jan 10 04

Willmar.

Ross club 2023 Jan 10 05

NP A-3 (BLI brass hybrid in 2022) at Willmar.

Ross club 2023 Jan 10 06

Tye.

Ross club 2023 Jan 10 07

GN C-1 0-8-0 switcher at Seattle's freight yard.

Ross club 2023 Jan 10 08

Attachments

Images (8)
  • Ross club 2023 Jan 10 01
  • Ross club 2023 Jan 10 02
  • Ross club 2023 Jan 10 03
  • Ross club 2023 Jan 10 04
  • Ross club 2023 Jan 10 05
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  • Ross club 2023 Jan 10 07
  • Ross club 2023 Jan 10 08
Last edited by samparfitt

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 final assembly (many times!).

Imported by Westside Models in 1980.

This model is what they call their 'Craftsman series' in that it is 'super detailed'.

Video: yard test.

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

I had a lot of problems getting the running gear to function smoothly.

I made a lot of mistakes that create the problems.

The drivers are 'equalized' so they operate as the prototype.  I had trouble with all drivers making contact with rail and, after, many hours, found that my internal wires were pushing on one of the gear boxes not allowing vertical movement.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 73

The motor didn't seem 'strong enough' so I drilled and tapped for my 'usual' replacement motors.

Bad idea of drilling/tapping as I tried not to get any metal 'shavings' inside the motor, 'they did' and bound up the motor.

I resorted to my usual method of using clear caulk to secure the motor.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 74

Original and replacement motor.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 75

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 76

Since the 'drilled' motor was 'toast' I disassembled it for inspection and found that the white plastic on the back of the motor is not needed and gives me about an extra 1/4 inch of space in the boiler area.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 77

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 78

The two 'wire sets' had to be connected to the opposite two 'wire sets' on the engine, looked 'too busy' so I rewired the engine and tender.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 79

Original tender wires.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 80

Had to remove two lead weights and tested all the LED's to insure they were, still, working.

I connected the marker lights and running board lights to the head light wire to reduce the number of wires.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 81

Before:

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 03

After.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 82

Fireman's side views.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 83

The entire cab is removable so the interior could be painted plus 'windows' added.

They did do a superb job of 'detailing' this engine.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 84

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 85

My 'running board' lights are not working; I must of shorted one of the wires

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 86

The back deck created problems on routing the wires.

The deck is soldered to the piston assembly so I couldn't run the wires under the deck due to low clearance.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 87

I had to run the wires under the tender deck as I didn't want to butcher all that nice detail.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 88

Love those 'whale back' tenders.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 88A

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 89

Top views.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 90

The deck wires are still 'busy' even with reducing the number of wires.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 90A

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 91

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 92

Engineer's side views.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 93

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 94

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 95

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 96

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 97

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 98

It took me awhile to notice that the pilot was, occasionally, touching the rails which caused the engine to hesitate and, after the paint wore off, cause shorts.

There's an adjustable screw on the rear set of drivers that allowed me to raise the pilot.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 99

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 99A



There are lots of pipes that could have 'flexible' hoses connected to the back articulated drivers but, presently, I have enough to get the engine operating reliably.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 100

More pipes on the engine and tender side where flexible hoses could be attached.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 101

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 102

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 103

The engine came with an extra tender booster truck.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 104

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 105

Put the 'brake rigging' on both driver sets and they were rubbing against the drivers.

They have elongated screw holes so some adjustment should fix that!

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 106

The pipes on the engine and tender where flexible hoses could be attached.

SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 107

Attachments

Images (39)
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 73
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 74
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 75
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 76
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 77
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 78
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 79
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  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 88A
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  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 90A
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 91
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  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 03
  • SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 Westside 99A
Last edited by samparfitt

Thanks, Mark.

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

New delivery.

North Shore Electroliner.

Imported by Con-Cor in 2009. Just acquired and it already has a Digitrax decoder. Very nice model. Interior with lights. Headlight changes from white to red on each end. One unit powered with traction tires.

Video, yard test:

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



North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 01

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 02

Front truck only powered.  Has traction tires and no problem pulling a 3 car train.

All plastic.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 03

Some oil on the gears.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 04

Center cars.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 05

Last car.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 06

Care needed to insert the 10-pin connectors.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 07

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 08

Front end.

Nice: the white headlight changes to red when reversed; same for the 'other end'.

Just noticed an engineer is provided.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 09

Nicely painted.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 11

Interior with lights.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 12

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 13

2nd car.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 14

3rd car.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 15

Last car same as the front except not powered.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 16

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 17

No pantographs, just trolley poles.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 18

Already had a Digitrax decoder so I only 'read it' via the 'programming track' and saved the data.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 19

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 20

The PRR Aero train is, also, by Con-Cor.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 21

As is the Burlington Zephyr.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 22

The UP M-10000 is brass but I would rather have the Con-Cor version.

UP M-10,000 4 car set FP AHM 13

Attachments

Images (23)
  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 01
  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 02
  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 03
  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 04
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  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 21
  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 22
  • UP M-10,000 4 car set FP AHM 13

Thanks, Sam. I have zero experience with brass engines. I do find that SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 inspiring. Makes me want to chase after building my own somehow.

Is the helper on the tender necessary? Never seen anything like that either.

I also wanted to ask you, since you have a large layout running some big trains, how often do you have derailments? Are there any spots on your layout where you can't reach the tracks?

The booster was used to help start 'heavy' trains since steam has 'low power' output when starting.

Railroads didn't find them that 'helpful' and too much of a maintenance headache.

Mainline is 400' long, with passing sidings,  two 400 car yards at each end, minimum radius of 48" and 1500' of track.

All track is hand laid on wooden ties and 100 hand made turnouts.

I can lay the rail so no two joints are 'across from each other' so derailments are minimal.

Any derailments are, usually, do to the cars not being properly checked by me.

Running 20-45 freight car and 10-17 passenger car trains puts a lot of stress on the cars 'up front' so track has to be in excellent condition.

I can reach all track but it is difficult in a few places and I could never adjust the rail in those places.

Fortunately, after 44 years, I've been lucky that the track has remained stable in those spots.

Adjustments to track is, rarely, needed.

The last time I adjusted track was for some engines that had 'more scale' width drivers that were narrow so some 'gauge adjustment' was needed and that was several years ago.

Last edited by samparfitt

Road tests: PRR Aero Train and North Shore Electroliner.

========

PRR Aero Train:

Videos:

Departing Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08rPxA1WQXc

Departing Tye:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAI21_v4M-g

Departing Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PwFBr5czNg

I bought a TCS diesel decoder as I assumed there was no decoder in the engine since it ran on DC when I tested it: WRONG.

It already has a Digitrax DH163.  No sound.

The frame is all cast metal and is heavy.

PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 17

decoder.

PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 18

crew.

PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 19

'drive train'.

PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 20

Just noticed that the white lights are on in 'forward' and...

PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 21

Red when in reverse.

PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 22

PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 23

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

North Shore Electroliner.

Videos:

Departing Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I0SvN3fJeM

Departing Tye:

Engine hesitates for a 'second' as there is no 'keep alive' and I didn't have the back two cars connected 'correctly' so no additional electrical 'pickup'.

'Top speed' on this train is really fast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4PGnQqq-QA

Departing Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2ztwhdKClI



North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 23

Had to 'store' the trains on one of the 'incoming' tracks.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 24

No room in the passenger yard but, if I remove two idle steam engines, the Electroliner would 'fit' on one track.

North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 25

Attachments

Images (10)
  • PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 17
  • PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 18
  • PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 19
  • PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 20
  • PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 21
  • PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 22
  • PRR Aero train plus 3 car add on 23
  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 23
  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 24
  • North Shore Electroliner Con-Cor 25
Last edited by samparfitt

Mark.  The Electroliner was made in 1941 which is close enough to when I model in 1938!

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

UP 4-8-2 #7002 streamlined and SP GS-4 4-8-4 prep for LED's and decoders.

=========

UP 4-8-2 #7002.

Imported and factory painted by Balboa models in 1971.

A little unusual for factory paint in 1971 but they did a really nice job on painting it.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 07

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 19

A huge lead weight.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 20

Open frame motor replaced with a can motor.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 21

A piece of brass rod inserted in the rubber coupling to prevent any 'twisting/binding'.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 22

LED's installed in headlight and running board lights.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 23

Tender drilled for a speaker.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 24

Rectangular hole made for 8-pin connector.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 25

Difficult to match the factory color but it's in an inconspicuous spot.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 26

Drilled out the marker lights but the hole going into the boiler is in the 'upper casing' and the boiler has no access to the 'upper casing'.  After working on the SP GS-4, I re-evaluated the situation and think I can drill an angled hole from the 'upper casing' into the boiler since there is space between the marker light and the 'upper casing'.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 27

Let all the glue 'cook'.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 28

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

SP GS-4 4-8-4 in 'Daylight' colors.

Imported and factory painted by Westside models in 1980.



SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 05

'Old school' electronics!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 06

Headlight assembly lights removed.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 07

Plenty of lead weight!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 08

Can motor installed.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 09

Marker lights drilled.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 10

Painted the interiors and glued LED's.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 11

Had to use some soft foam to keep the LED's 'centered'.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 12

Running board lights.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 13

Tender trucks secured from the top of the tender frame.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 14

Used a 'sprung' center punch to locate the speaker holes and to guide the drill bit.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 15

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 16

Bottom of tender needs a rectangular hole for the 8-pin connector.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 17

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 18

Tender marker lights drilled, painted and LED's glued in 'place'.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 19

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SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 21

Everything left to 'cook'.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 22

I think the previous owner tried to paint trim on the door!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 23

We tend to make our engines too perfect anyway as they had a lot of 'rough spots'.

Same with my RC warbird airplanes.

Go to the Wright Paterson air museum and you'll see all kinds of 'wrinkles' on the surfaces and we paint our 'invasion stripes' perfectly; I have a picture of the 'invasion stripes' being painted with a mop.  They had thousands of planes to paint for 'D' day and they sure wasn't going to mask and spray paint them.  The pilots were more interested in the engine getting them 'home' verses a nice paint job!

A lot of parts were 'cast' and they 'looked it'!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 24

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Images (31)
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 07
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 19
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Last edited by samparfitt

Mark. I'm 'drawn' to brightly colored motive power.

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

SP GS-4 4-8-4 factory painted in 'daylight' colors.  Decoder install, final assembly and 'yard test'.

Got 'one thing' done this morning.

video:

I tried a speaker that I purchased at a train show a few years ago.

It is very 'quiet' but, considering the distance we are from the engine, it is more scale.

A very quiet 'drive mechanism'.

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

8-pin connector made and all parts assembled for the tender.

Yellow wire for the headlight and brown for the marker lights.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 25

A different speaker was used.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 26

Rectangular slot makes it easy to push the 8-pin connector into the tender so only the 2 sets of 'heat shrink' wires are visible.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 27

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 28

9-pin connecto ( female side) made along with 4-pin connector for the boiler.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 29

Programming track.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 30

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 30A

Throttle mode on the programming track.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 31

Boiler.

Heat shrink tubing over the marker light wires and taped to the top of the boiler.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 32

Extra wire for future PM and, again, heat shrink tubing over the wires and taped to the top of the boiler.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 33

Running board LED wires, headlights and marker lights routed and 'bundled' to the back of the boiler.

Tested all lights via 'signal checker' at each 'step' to insure I didn't 'hose anything up'!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 34

The 2 heavy lead weights added back to the boiler.  Glad I had extra wire for the headlights as I needed access to the front to move the running board wires while inserted the front lead weight.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 35

Plenty of room for the motor and 4-pin connector.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 36

Ready for assembly.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 37

Motor wires taped.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 38

Front view.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 39

Fireman's side view.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 40

Running board lights.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 41

Fire box glow.

I didn't add any back head or cab light as it is a 'closed' cab so difficult to see 'inside'.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 42

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 43

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 44

Top views.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 45

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 46

Engineer's side view.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 47

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 48

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 49

A schematic sheet showing all wires, what they are for and what Functions control the LED's are inserted in each engine box.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 50

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Last edited by samparfitt

UP 4-8-2 #7002 decoder install and Hamilton, Ohio Railroad station 2nd move.

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

UP 4-8-2 #7002 Streamlined decoder install and final assembly.

Imported by Balboa models in 1971. Installed can motor, TCS 1517 decoder, LED's headlight, marker lights, running board lights, cab light, fire box glow.

I, believe, UP only had one of these 'paint schemes'.

Video: 'yard test':

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

Decoder install:

Tender:

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 51

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 52

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 53

Programming track.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 54

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 55

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 56

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 57

The fire box LED bypasses the decoder so it is 'lighted' when there is track power.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 58

Boiler.

LED wires with 'heat shrink' tubing.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 59

Headlight and two running board lights.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 60

Wires routed under the lead weight mounts.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 61

Back of the boiler.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 62

Not often the wires, easily, route out the back of the engine!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 63

Some rubber tubing to secure the draw bar to the tender 'pin'.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 64

One more 'done'!

DUH: The headlight wouldn't come on; checked the engine side, 'good', tender side 'good'; the engine was in reverse!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 65

Very nice factory paint job.  I would have a difficult time replicating it!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 66

Running board lights.

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Cab back head detail.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 69A

8-pin connector easily hid in the tender so only the 2 sets of wires 'show'.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 70

Unusual 'back' of the tender; looks more like it should be the 'front' of the tender!

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 71

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Unusual 'cover' on the back of the cab roof which rotates forward or backwards.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 73

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Engineer's side view.

SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 76

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SP GS-4 4-8-4 westside 78

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

My command station went 'blank'.

Normally, I can hit 'power' and then 'Y' to bring the 'power' back on but nada.

I had to resort to my 'back up' power station.

Digitrax command station 01

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

Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move.

Joe and I went for the 'show'.

This is the longer of the two station buildings.

The other part was moved last month.

Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 01

Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 02

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Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 04

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Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 09

The building that was moved last month.

Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 10

Joe got interviewed by Channel 9.

He did a great job.

Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 11

4 trains passed while we were there.  Two went North, one on the 'Y' East and one to the 'Y' West.

Must of been a 100 cars on this train.

Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 12

Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 13

Hamilton has a lot of nice old buildings.

Hamilton, Ohio railroad station move 14

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  • Digitrax command station 01
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Last edited by samparfitt

@samparfitt, all I can say, I love seeing all of your pictures, your layout, your friends in the hobby and the picture of Bob Bartezek, PRR Railroader, and his cool layout in a post or so above. I’ve been to Bobs layout several times and he’s friends with Bill Bramlage whom also has a beautiful layout, Tower City…. Now, your UP 7002 Steamer is gorgeous and I wish Lionel would offer that locomotive in Legacy command, I’d buy one. It reminds me of the Crusader style steamer, the colors are beautiful. Keep up the great work, I check in all the time, I just don’t say much. This time, I’m blown away at all of the beautiful pictures…. Happy Railroading Everyone

Mark,  I wish I would have 'videoed' Joe but "didn't think of it" at the time!

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

Ross club meeting.

videos:

UP Big Boy departing Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0L2puMRqnY

GN R-2 2-8-8-2 departing Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7uVj0jIIw0

GN W-1 electric at Skykomish.

GNRW Jan 17, 2023 01

GN R-2 2-8-8-2 with Jerry at the 'controls'.

GNRW Jan 17, 2023 02

GN R-2 at Marias pass. (engine's in focus!)

GNRW Jan 17, 2023 03

Mark with the UP Big Boy east of Waverly.

GNRW Jan 17, 2023 04

Chumstick canyon trestle.

GNRW Jan 17, 2023 05

TV store with functional 'black and white' TV's.

GNRW Jan 17, 2023 06

Joe doing his 'thing'.

GNRW Jan 17, 2023 07

Entrance to Seattle's freight yard.

GNRW Jan 17, 2023 08

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GN W-1 electric PM from last night.

One set of 'drivers' stopped working.

I must of not secured one of the screws  tightly the last time I installed a decoder and it 'worked itself loose' resulting in the universal getting damaged.

GN W-1 custom brass 33

Replaced it with some rubber tubing.

GN W-1 custom brass 34

Test ran it on my sharpest curve to insure all's 'good'.

GN W-1 custom brass 35

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Images (3)
  • GN W-1 custom brass 33
  • GN W-1 custom brass 34
  • GN W-1 custom brass 35

More conifers 'planted'.

The 44 year old 'golden rod' trees removed.

GNRW layout 2023 08

Nice that conifers grow quickly!

I put a couple of my 18" conifers directly behind the trestle.

GNRW layout 2023 09

One end of the layout 'done'.

GNRW layout 2023 10

Carpenter's glue in a small plastic cup.

Once in awhile I had to drill a hole for the wire trunk.

The 'hill side' can be pretty steep so the bottom of the trunk has to be bent about 70-80 degrees.

GNRW layout 2023 11

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Last edited by samparfitt

GNRW operating session.

Our usual pizza before operating.

Videos: (lots of them; ran a lot of trains).

PRR Aerotrain and SF 4-6-4 Blue Goose:

Aerotrain imported by Con-Cor in 2008 and SF blue goose brass hybrid imported by BLI in 2022 (with smoke).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e3MCGAuZlk

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 freight drag departing Whitefish:

Y-3 imported by Custom Brass models in 1978.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ1-bgyiSQA

SF Blue Goose 4-6-4 departing Whitefish:

Impressive that a 4-6-4 can pull a 15 car passenger train!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_NJG5EHNW0

GN R-2 2-8-8-2 freight drag at Skykomish:

R-2 imported by Tenshodo in 1972.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh_2IIs-z0Q

C&O H-8 2-6-6-6 freight drag departing Whitefish:

Imported by MTH in 2015 (cast metal boiler/tender with smoke).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnKQMy0LsfQ

GN R-2 2-8-8-2 freight drag at Marias Pass:

All vintage metal Athearn/Varney and Silver Streak/Ambroid wood freight cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW6QkaKrMvA

PRR Aerotrain departing Whitefish and GN R-2 departing Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5tLO0lyjYs

C&O H-8 2-6-6-6 at Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoPUjkWX3I4

CNJ 4-6-4T departing Whitefish:

Imported by PFM (United) in 1969.

'Chuffing' needs to be adjusted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ym0fPBiExA

UP 4-12-2 freight drag at Marias Pass.

Imported by BLI in 2022 (brass hybrid with smoke).

Train had to stop for 'water'.

Longest train of the 'night' with 43 cars.

Can hear the 'third cylinder' chuff as the engine 'passes'.

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

C&NW U-4 4-6-4 at Marias pass:

Imported by Nickel Plate products in 1975.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Vp80vI_lo

GN R-2 at Skykomish and C&NW 4-6-4 departing Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWIcSO8npvM

A lot of engines got their first 'road test'.

Jason with the C&O H-8 2-6-6-6.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 01

N&W Y-3 2-8-8-2 at Tye.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 02

CNJ 4-6-4T departing Seattle.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 03

John with the PRR Aerotrain.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 04

CNJ 4-6-4T at Havre.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 05

Dave with the N&W Y-3.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 06

Hillyard.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 07

Bob operating the SF Blue Goose 4-6-4.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 08

Waverly.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 09

Dave.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 10

Paul brought his diesel that he upgraded with LED's.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 11

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 12

Glacier.  Ben and Dave.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 13

Paul with a GN R-2 2-8-8-2 at Seattle.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 14

Jason operating the C&O H-8.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 15

The H-8 in the 'hole' waiting for East bound traffic.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 16

SF Blue Goose at Whitefish.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 17

Joe was busy: I think every block had a train!

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 18

Tye.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 19

Dave's N&W Y-3 at Skykomish.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 20

Jason with the C&O H-8.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 21

Meet at Skykomish.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 22

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Paul and John.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 24

Jason and Paul.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 25

Havre.

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Willmar.

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Tye.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 30

Seattle's freight yard.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 31

Chumstick canyon trestle.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 32

Skykomish.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 33

CNJ 4-6-4T at Chumstick canyon trestle.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 34

GN R-2 at Willmar.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 35

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GN R-2 at Whitefish.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 38

UP 4-12-2 at Skykomish.



GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 39

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'State of Maine reefers' on Chumstick canyon trestle.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 41

St. Paul's roundhouse.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 42

Seattle's roundhouse.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 43

Paul 'switching' with his diesel.

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 44

A picture of me acting like I know what I'm doing!

GNRW OPS Jan 21 2023 45

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Last edited by samparfitt

Post PM after the GNRW ops session;

====

Video:

Increased the UP 4-8-2 #7002 streamline engine pulling power from about 10 cars to about 30 cars.

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

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

Put some canopy glue on the 4-6-4T marker lights and headlights to reduce their 'glare'.

GNRW layout 2023 12

Also, some canopy glue on the insulated side of the drivers.

GNRW layout 2023 12A

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

Did the same on the driver's insulated side with canopy glue on the C&NW 4-6-4.

GNRW layout 2023 12B

GNRW layout 2023 12C

===========

One of the switch machines wasn't working but, now, it is!

Maybe a software 'glitch'.

GNRW layout 2023 13

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

An engine's lead trucks and a few cars derailed at this location.

Had to used the 'top side' creeper to 'get to it'.

After aligning the rail, I 'spiked' it.

With winter comes low humidity so the wood shrinks and can misalign the rail.

Can't complain if only one spot on 1500' of track!

The big glob of solder is on the 'back side' so not visible from the isle, especially since it's over 5' high.

GNRW layout 2023 14

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

Easier to just run the PRR Aerotrain 'back wards' on the layout than rearrange all the cars!

GNRW layout 2023 15

==========

Still waiting for Digitrax warranty department to inform me on sending my new command station 240 for them to repair.

My '210' is a 'back up'.

GNRW layout 2023 16

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

UP 4-8-2 #7002 streamlined engine.

This engine could barely pull itself so I added lead weight; a lot of lead weight!

Put some canopy glue on the insulated side drivers and that got it 'up' to about 10 cars.

The lead was added:

One square 'chunk' added in front of the original lead weight.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 29

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 30

Added one long 1/16" thick lead weight over the original lead weight plus a couple small pieces on each side.

Two more layers of 1/16" thick lead weight was added, next.   Holes needed for clearance of the front screw securing the frame to the boiler.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 31

Another 'chunk' taped to the back of the original lead weight.

I used to glue all the lead 'in place' but tape seems to work well plus it can be, easily, removed for any future PM.

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 32

And, lastly, two more 'chunks' added in front of the 'back head'.

Unbelievable how heavy the engine, now, 'is'!

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 33

Had momentary shorts on the 48" curves which was caused by the tender's insulated wheels touching the sides of the truck.

Some Kadee insulated washers seem to have 'cured it'!

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 34

Much better!

UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 35

Attachments

Images (15)
  • GNRW layout 2023 12
  • GNRW layout 2023 12A
  • GNRW layout 2023 12B
  • GNRW layout 2023 12C
  • GNRW layout 2023 13
  • GNRW layout 2023 14
  • GNRW layout 2023 15
  • GNRW layout 2023 16
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 29
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 30
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 31
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 32
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 33
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 34
  • UP 4-8-2 streamlined #7002 35
Last edited by samparfitt

'Railfanning';

Videos:

Some videos from 'angles' not normally 'seen'.

===========

SF E-1 A-B passenger train Hillyard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRdR-20RhV8

===========

UP 4-12-2:

Waverly:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvOw_oB9F8Q

Tye:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtNW04Y-n88

Willmar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU40WO8nAek

Glacier (winter scene):

Realistic 'wheel' noises.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt4bmOYgPdI

Whitefish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGG2exTh6E4

Seattle's freight yard entrance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syFZqbgG0OY

Chumstick canyon trestle:

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



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

UP 4-8-2 #7002 streamlined;

Tye:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjCz62zqhjs

Whitefish:

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

Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoEFljw8d_8

Waverly:

GNRW layout 2023 17

GNRW layout 2023 18

What Waverly 'looks like' under the 'mountain'!

GNRW layout 2023 19

GNRW layout 2023 20

GNRW layout 2023 21

Chumstick canyon trestle.

GNRW layout 2023 21A

Seattle's yard 'throat'.

GNRW layout 2023 22

STATS:

Engines with decoders:

71 TCS decoders: I've installed 71 along with LED's, can motors, painting, etc.

10 MTH engines with decoders installed by the manufacturer.

34 BLI engines with decoders installed by the manufacturer.

2 Sunset engines with decoders installed by the manufacturer.

GNRW layout 2023 23

Attachments

Images (8)
  • GNRW layout 2023 17
  • GNRW layout 2023 18
  • GNRW layout 2023 19
  • GNRW layout 2023 20
  • GNRW layout 2023 21
  • GNRW layout 2023 21A
  • GNRW layout 2023 22
  • GNRW layout 2023 23
Last edited by samparfitt

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

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