The CWR (Continuous Welded Rail) Train Thread

[fcnrwy23]

The CWR Train Thread

March 31, 2018

Progressing...

After, the first test runs, I have decided to add a few more pieces of sheet weights to the CWR's Handling Cars.    With this additional weight, the cars now weight-in at around, 1.7 - 1.8 ounces each.
   I have also, manufactured a set of "Drawbars" as the trains' new coupler connection.  This style of Drawbar, I have made before for a friend's ore train car set.  In that situation, the cars were drawn into sets of four (4) units each.  My version will be eight ( 8 ) cars or the whole train.  The bars are made from styrene strip stock, .030 x .125 (1/8) x .5".  Two, .0625" (1/16") holes are than drilled into each end.
   In the install, I replace the MT coupler, (top and bottom) and spring.  The hole in the bar is for the "centering" pin located in the coupler pocket.

Handling Cars with weights and styrene Drawbars.


I plan on getting the cars, prime-painted this weekend and will have to decide on the final color before next weekend...

Jerry G.

[nscaler711]

Have you thought about using the MTL Link and Pin couplers for your draw bars?
I'm using a set for the Walthers well cars and it does just fine, not to mention the cars themselves are kinda heavy. 

[fcnrwy23]

Have you thought about using the MTL Link and Pin couplers for your draw bars?
I'm using a set for the Walthers well cars and it does just fine, not to mention the cars themselves are kinda heavy.

I actually have never heard of them.. 

I have been using the "Styrene" ones for years..


Jerry G.

[nscaler711]

https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/micro-trains-n-00102060-2006-civil-war-era-link-and-pin-style-couplers-2-pair-partially-assembled/

That's what they look like, and I believe the can clip into regular mtl coupler boxes as well but I'm not positive on that...

[fcnrwy23]

The CWR Train Thread

April 29, 2018

I have not had the time to work on the train, since I am finishing up my house upgrades and doing work for others, (decoder installing , etc.).

I did paint the train about two and half weeks ago. And then, "Gloss-Coated" the cars (for Decals) last weekend.
I am still undecided on the reporting marks for this train, though "CWRX" is still probably a good bet..

I Thought I would show my progress thus far...

The Entire train set in "Industrial Green"..


(Since I was replacing and painting ALL of the Interior window casements. I decided the Work Bench TOP, need some freshing up with a new coat of white paint!)

A close up of the RAPU car...


I have NOT glued anything together yet, from the lessons learned from previous projects.
I do plan on assembling the train to do some test runs.  That way I can get all of the bugs out of the cars, Before, I add the element of the rails to the equation...

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

Jerry,
Been following this build and have a couple of thoughts.
Second you are thinking of having your bunks printed again. What if you were to have them done in metal? I know if would cost more but it would add weight.
Keep up the good work Jerry!!

Jon

Sorry, I have been busy with non-modeling things.  So, I missed your reply...

I don't know.  I will have see what type of metal, Shapeways is offering for use.   Right now, I will stay the course and see what happens.  I realistically don't expect the FUD material to take too much abuse.  Meaning a lot of running.  So, guide replacements are definitely a possibility...

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

The Continuous Welded Rail Train Thread

May 13th, 2018

I have made a little more progress on the train.   The RAPU, Guide and RAUN Cars are done, and the Handling Cars will be getting a 2nd coat of Glosscote.  This will aid with the application of the custom decals, because of the decal problems I have had with the three, fore mentioned cars.  I am getting a "frosty" background on the decals, so I may end up, redoing them.


On the Rail front...
I have NEW Plan on tackling the "Friction" problem.   I plan-on, filing down the lower section of each gap in the Guide Rows.  This is a lot easier and greatly reduces the risk of me, breaking off any of the "Top" guides.


The main plan is to still, assemble the train and do some test runs to get any of the "Car-related" bugs out of the way.

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

The Continuous Welded Rail Train Thread

June 16th, 2018

I have again made more progress on the CWR.  This time by assembling the train and making a few "Test Runs".  The Eight "Handing Cars" as a group, weigh-in at 15 ounces.
Trying to get the train, down to the layout (Basement) was a challenge.  I tried to find a tray or the like to transport it.  But, I ended up just picking it up, very slowly and holding it like a "Snake" and taking a very slow walk down the stairs.   I made it!! 

The Re-railing of the train proved to be easier, than I had anticipated.  Though with the added weight in each car, they seem to "right" themselves pretty well.

Below, is a youtube video of the CWR running on the FCN, passing the location known as "The Farm".

The consist make a few trips around the layout, without any hitches!   
Than, I decided to move the train, back upstairs for some tweaking.   I planned on swapping out the Microtrain #1035 trucks, that are located at each-end of the Handling Car consist with #1037s, for a little better clearance.   I just had released the bottom end of the consist, when (I can only surmise) the "Weight" of the caused the "king pin" on the second car, to let go... 



I gathered up the wreckage, and moved what was left, up stairs to the workbench for appraisal of the damage. 



I lucked out! with the damage only being:
(1) broken truck, sideframe came right off.
(1) broken drawbar
(1) Rack, top half snapped off.  This will require a complete replacement 

Oh well,
I will repair the damage and do the upgrades and then try running the train again.  After that I will starting adding Ribbon Rail, one piece at a time....


Jerry G.

[kschmidt626]

No wonder we haven't seen you in a month.  Hopefully the repairs will go quickly.  Good Luck with the CWR train. 

Keith

[fcnrwy23]

No wonder we haven't seen you in a month.  Hopefully the repairs will go quickly.  Good Luck with the CWR train. 

Keith

Ya   


Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

The Continuous Welded Rail Train Thread

July 01st, 2018

Well, I made more progress on the CWR.  I repaired the "wreck" damage and got the train back on the rails again.


The Entire, Continuous Welded Rail train...

This time after I assembled the train, I also started to add the "Rails".  Having "filed" the openings on the Racks for more clearance. Made the installation of the rails, pretty easy.
First, I added only three sticks and had the train do a few circuits on the FCN layout.  Things worked.
Than, I added another stick, ran it again a few times, good!
Added one more, and the issues started..
Added a "sixth" rail.  and NO GO.   Well, at least on track that is 11" radius or less..




The six rails, are throwing the "end cars" off the rails.  And it is still TOO tight for the middle of the cars in the train to flex.
So, I will have to find a shipping container, since I will NOT be moving this thing without some support.  And try running it on Ralph A's, RTA with it's more generous track radius.

As far as the modeling goes.. This version of the CWR is done.  And I don't know if I will expend anymore time on this.  IF this version does not work, as planned.
It will still make a good, "Static Display"!   
I knew, this was going to be a long shot from the start, and on paper it seemed to be feasible. 

The next version, (if there is one) will have to be done with a different approach...


Jerry G.

[Larry46]

Jerry

Just a idea. Try try putting the rail in HOT water. Think of it as a raw noodle. See if it softens up
just like the noodle does. Worth a try.

Larry

[fcnrwy23]

Jerry

Just a idea. Try try putting the rail in HOT water. Think of it as a raw noodle. See if it softens up
just like the noodle does. Worth a try.

Larry

Larry that was a thought...

Yes I did try exactly that with a small 14 inch section.   After cooling it actually got stiffer. 

Jerry G.

[Mike C]

Ya gotta hate when it gets stiffer....

[fcnrwy23]

The Continuous Welded Rail Train Thread

July 8th, 2018

I ran the train last Thursday at Ralph's layout.  The train still had issue on 22" radius track, with the last and first cars, being forced off the rails. 
I removed two rails from the top row (leaving 4 rails) and it operated far better.  Next  Thursday, I hope to have a container made for the train.
I will take along my camera for some video on its operation.

Jerry G.