The Rail Grinding Train Thread

[sd75i]

   Where do I purchase this set at?   That is a must have for any layout!  That is a SUPERB job!  Show it to Atlas and maybe they'll buy the rights!  Again That is Awesome!

[ljudice]

   Where do I purchase this set at?   That is a must have for any layout!  That is a SUPERB job!  Show it to Atlas and maybe they'll buy the rights!  Again That is Awesome!

+++ yes!

[fcnrwy23]

Work continues on the 2nd Power Car for the RGT..

A right-side view of the finished model, before priming..



And the left-side view of the finished model, before priming..



Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

August 18, 2016

I am nearing completion of the 2nd Power Car for the RGT.    Just need to finish the painting and one piece of decaling, than I can "dullcote" this puppy...



On the Power front:   I have looked into the "Keep-Alive" system.   It appears one must add the KA, to an existing DCC board.   You hard-wire it to the board, just at a point where the voltage is changed from DCC track power to DC internal power.  The Capacitors keep the voltage, long enough for the power to be picked up again.  It has a tendency of confusing your DCC system, should you try to "program" the unit on a "programming track". ???

On the Sound front:   I have purchased (ordered) a Digitrax DCC PR3 programmer.   I guess I can change the sound files by, installing a "sound project file".  Than, go back and change individual sound files, in this main file to my liking.  We will see how that works.


Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

Sorry no photos today... 

Just an update.  I ran the whole train on the FCN a few times.   The 2nd "Power Car" has helped with the operations.
I ordered an Digitrax sound decoder for one of the Power Cars to start with.
I went with the "locomotive" placement of the sound decoder for two reasons.
1) to make for an easier 1st installation.  2) to see how the sound works. (for possible future installations of sound decoders in FCN engines...)

My Digitrax PR3 (decoder programmer) came last week..  So, hopefully by the end of next weekend, I can complete the "shock and awe".....


Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

October 16. 2016

Tweeking of the train continues.    I got the chance last Friday Night to run the RGT on  Jim Kelly's Tehachapi Loop layout.  (sorry NO video)
Even with the 2nd unit, the train made it up only half-way.  Oh well.    NO helper engines were available....

I did get some good ideas on improvements.   I than ordered Saturday morning, some sheet Lead for use as added weight.   I Weighted my power cars, both top out at 2.7 ounces each. With the 2 square inches (3.5" x .625") of lead, that should give me another .8 ounces or more?.  That's gotta help a little bit 

On the sound front:    I finally got the Digitrax sound board (SDN144A0) and their PR3 unit.   I assembled a "Test" unit, out of a spare 57' reefer. (same units used for the Grinder cars.)
I tinkered with the soundboard, with the speaker attached to the underside of the Reefer's roof.  The sound was pretty good.  I drill some holes on the top of the shell. but, I will have to do some more testing.
I have NOT hooked-up the PR3 just yet.  That's probably a project for next weekend.



Jerry G

[fcnrwy23]

October 30, 2016

In a project, improvements are made from time to time.  My RG Train is no exception.
In trying to improve the performance of the train, (running).  I have decided to change-out the earlier design of using the Roundhouse 57' Mech Reefer cars for the Grinder cars, to one that will take care of my "drag" issues.  OR at least 1/2 of them..
     The solution came, While I was running the train on the RTA, last Thursday night.  I got to talking about my "electrical issues" with the group that was present.  Ralph (the layout's builder) has most of the newest toys, and in the process of the discussion.  We noticed that ALL of the KATO equipment on his' layout, were equipped with electrical contact strips, even the Coal cars.   As the discussion went on.  The gears in my head started to turn. 
When I got home, I checked my parts inventory.   Lucky for me, I had a pair of KATO Smooth-side passenger car, baggage cars.  I did some figuring on the possibilities on Friday night.  And by noon yesterday, I have done the major body mods, for their conversions.


New Grinder Car...



Underside of NEW Cars....

I still need to add exterior details, but with the Kato electrical pickups "built-in".  Half my problem of Drag Issues is solved.    I have also changed the design of the Skirting on the bottom of these cars.
When the idea for these cars was first thought of.  The prototypes were still using protective skirting made from "rubber-like" material.  Since, then (about 8 years now) this design has changed to one more "Eco-friendly".  Meaning they now have "Vacuum / Air filter-like" systems to cut-down on the "air-pollution" they cause.     So, the Skirting will be replaced with metal covers.  In most of the photos I have viewed, these appear to be made out of some "galvanized" metal ??.   Still working on that!!

Sound -    I have built a test unit, and have changed the whole file project, that came with the board.  I downloaded another file.  But, will still need to tinker with this some more.  I am hoping to get some help from the Manufactures (sound boards) at Trainfest.

And, I will still need to do something with the Control Cars on the train...

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

November 6th, 2016

The NEW versions of the Grinder Cars have been completed.   The train DOES run smoother now, that I have reduced the "Drag" issue by 1/2.
There was some engineering done to add the steps at the end of these Baggage cars, but still retain their "kato" construction.  Meaning = Easier to maintain.

I did do a design change to the car's roofs'.  To try to make them more non-passenger in appearance, although the trucks are a sure give away, to their origins.
By using two strips of styrene, quarter-round and straight stock, each.  I flatted-out the roof line.  I had used this same technique some years ago, out of need.  When I converted a Kato Passenger OPs car to a Dome/Ops car. (Kato never made a Dome/Ops car in their "Smooth-Side" passenger car offerings.)  I wanted to save the "donor" Dome car, so I constructed a new roof.   It has been commented that that roof line, looks a lot like early Milwaukee Road passenger cars..



I have in the process also, upgraded the shielding for the grinder mechanism to a more modern type.  Which is now the norm in collecting more of the dust (pollution) created during the operation of this type trains.  If there is enough clearance under these new shields,  I would like to add some of the original skirting material.

On the Sound front - I have installed the board (SDN144A0) in a third Baggage car, to test the electrical side, which turned out fine.    Problem now, is that I had deleted the original sound file on the board. (came with a GP38 & C420 sound files.)  I installed some other sound files from the Digitrax website, but now some of the functions, (horn, compressor ) don't work.  I had some help yesterday, and installed the JMRI program on my computer.  That program lets you change just about everything, all at one time.   I will look into correcting things, after Trainfest...

As this project winds down.     I have had a chance to reflect on all the twists and turns, this project has been through.   A number of the original ideas, that I had thought of incorporating into the design, didn't make it in the end...  Which usually for me, is how it goes.  But, it has increased my knowledge base.  Which, I can and will use on future projects.

Jerry G.

GGX - Group G Engineering

[sd75i]

  I think you did a great job with this project and can't wait to see what you do next!!  Keep the Grrrreat projects coming!

[fcnrwy23]

November 12, 2016

The RGT was operated for the first time, on the MNSE's portable show layout today!!  At Trainfest!!

IT ran a few circuits without incident until a small wheel derailment and driver's inattentiveness (me being distracted, I was getting my 15 milliseconds of fame).  Lead to a major crash.       



News Chopper view....

Good Thing, there where NO Injuries! 

Seriously,  The damage was minimal, and Running the train did provide me with some more useful test data.
I do plan on replacing the "Control Cars", using Kato Passenger Baggage cars as the cores.  The only challenge will be to configure the "Front End" of the cars, to match the look of the present cars.

At  the Show, I also ran the Ballast Cleaner train.  It ran flawlessly 

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

November 14, 2016

Saturday, as news of the RGT and BCTs got around Trainfest.  An old friend stopped by to say Hi and check them out.  At the end of his visit, He mentioned that HE may have a solution to some of my operating problems.
Sunday, He stops by early in the AM, and brings along a half dozen Kato (Japanese Commuter) cars.  He explains what he had in mind for solving my "Drag" issues, and I without a 2nd thought, scoop them up.

Now to Today,
6AM Milwaukee-time.  I begin examining these cars. Three hours and a lot of cutting/fitting and sawing/fitting later,  I have MY last major problem on the RGT, solved.! 
These cars are Kato's version of Japanese Inter-City commuter cars.  They have the two-piece (or halves) of a plastic frame.   The upper half, has ALL the interior details and the lower half has ALL of the Underpinning details.  Between these halves are two (2) bronze/brass contact strips for Electrical pickup and a single "metal" weight.  The design of the Trucks, has the wheels rolling in (friction-free) pockets, cast into bronze/brass wheel wipers.  = Less Drag! 
      To make this work.  Required me to remove a center section from each half, to shorten them to the get the right, "Wheel-base'".  I then had to shorten them, again at each end to fit the profile of the "metal" frame that they had replaced. So, the frame would fit the interior dimensions of the Control Cars.
To repair the "seam" that was created.   I used .080 styrene stock to gap the bottom seam and then used the cars' "weight" after it had been cut down to size..

What I got, was a Car that rolls quite free, and still has a reasonable electrical connection.   For the heck of it, I weighted the completed car and than the remaining, un-modified car.  The older designed car, made from a Roundhouse 57 foot Mech. Reefer, topped out at 2.2 oz.  The new design comes in at 1.3 oz., much lighter.  Which I hope isn't too light.

After the 2nd car was converted, I hurried the train downstairs to the FCN for some test runs. The results?   

The train ran, very smooth and was not stressed at all.   I tested it to run with only a single, Power Car and the result was the same.  It ran SO WELL that I have decided to return the train's configuration, back to the original, Seven cars.

I disassembled the trucks and gave them a shot coat of Primer.   Tomorrow, I will give them a new coat of "Engine Black" and let that cure a day or two.   After that, a final coat of Dullcote and final assembly.  The RGT should be back together by this coming weekend..

Update  November 15, 2016

Tonight, I operated the RGT on the MNSE Club layout.   It RAN Flawlessly!! 

Mission Accomplished!!!   




The Rail Grinding Train in it's First Configuration... (June 2009)



And now "The Rail Grinding Train", in it's Final Configuration...  (November 2016)


I would like to give a "Shout Out" to all of you for the help and encouragement... Thanks!

 
Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

Update June 26th, 2017

After many years and hundreds of hours (maybe  ). 
The dream of a model of a Rail Grinding Train was realized.

Last Saturday Night in Pittsburgh, the RGT got it's fifteen seconds of fame..
1st Place in the "Rolling Stock Non-Revenue" competition, at the NSE convention.   Wooo Hooo !!!

I had the train, mounted on a strip of Kato track, powered by NEC DCC.  All the special effects, were working!! 
I do not have any personal photos of the display, since my camera has some issues during the previous three days, of rail-fanning (Cresson, Gallitzin and Horseshoe Curve), before getting to the Convention.

An nice way to cap a project!



Jerry G.

P.S. When I get a chance, I still want to get the "SOUND" to work!

[peteski]

Congratulations Jerry - it was great to see your train in-person! Well done!

[fcnrwy23]

Congratulations Jerry - it was great to see your train in-person! Well done!

Thank You!

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

This is the plaque from the NSE Convention, held in Pittsburgh last month.  (June 21-25, 2017)

The one that I got at the final banquet, had a typo. (Kansas City).  Which was mentioned, before the awards where given out...




Still this is WAY COOL... and Better than the $50, that I spent on the raffle.  (AND, I DIDN'T WIN A THING!!  )


Again, Thanks to Everyone, for All Your Help!! 

Jerry G.