Newport & Rock Falls: Another Retro Micro-Layout

[DKS]

Minutes later...





Four down, 13 to go.

[DKS]

Next up is the traveling crane. The first thing I did was try to arrange the crane platform and the rails on which it rode (flex track cut into strips) such that it might possibly disguise, or at least detract from, the massive uncoupler solenoid. Not sure how successful I've been, but it at least it all fits together pretty well:

[Doug G.]

Yeah, I can't even see the solenoid. 

Seriously, I have had many of those structures from the beginning. The machine shop, for some reason, has always been one of my favorites. I have always built them without much deviation because I always thought I would regret it later. I did combine two of the houses under construction into one after reading the review in MR where they said the houses actually represented small cottages with their footprint.

I weathered most of them, too.

I am also on the lookout for some of those uncouplers, too. I started converting to MT's so early I never really needed any and I don't really now either. I guess I just want some to see them actually work.

Doug

[OldEastRR]

Somebody blew a howitzer shell through that machine shop window ...

[peteski]

Somebody blew a howitzer shell through that machine shop window ...

But somehow missed the muntins. 

[DKS]

I am also on the lookout for some of those uncouplers, too.

Here you go--the guy has bunches of 'em for all of $5 each--

https://www.ebay.com/itm/N-Scale-Gauge-ATI-minitrains-Remote-Uncoupler-Track-4969-Rapido-Style-NOS/273665826521

I've been tempted to buy them all, repackage them, and resell them for $15 each or something--they go for $20+ new...

 

[peteski]

Here you go--the guy has bunches of 'em for all of $5 each--

https://www.ebay.com/itm/N-Scale-Gauge-ATI-minitrains-Remote-Uncoupler-Track-4969-Rapido-Style-NOS/273665826521

I've been tempted to buy them all, repackage them, and resell them for $15 each or something--they go for $20+ new...

What a find!  Obviously these are made by Minitrix. Is ATI mentioned in your history of N scale?
Does that seller combine shipping charges?  Nothing about it is mentioned in the listing.  If not, then each will cost around $15.

[DKS]

What a find!  Obviously these are made by Minitrix. Is ATI mentioned in your history of N scale?
Does that seller combine shipping charges?  Nothing about it is mentioned in the listing.  If not, then each will cost around $15.

ATI arrived after my cutoff for Birth of N, but it has close associations with Postage Stamp, so you can read all about this enigmatic company here:

http://davidksmith.com/postage-stamp-trains/american_tortoise.htm

Seller does combine shipping. He also accepts offers, so I'm sure a deal could be made for a large lot.

[Doug G.]

I have an American Tortoise Inc. catalog of Minitrix from 1973. It has the uncouplers in it.

Doug

[DKS]

I have an American Tortoise Inc. catalog of Minitrix from 1973. It has the uncouplers in it.

1970 ATI catalog didn't have them yet, even though Postage Stamp did in 1968...

http://davidksmith.com/postage-stamp-trains/1970_trix_catalog.htm

http://davidksmith.com/postage-stamp-trains/1968_catalog_12.htm

[Doug G.]

I made a deal for 5.

Doug

[DKS]

I made a deal for 5.

Good luck!

[Doug G.]

I guess you have to be pretty quick with pulling the train away, huh.

Doug

[DKS]

I guess you have to be pretty quick with pulling the train away, huh.

Not really. Just start with the couplers on the far side of the ramp, energize the uncoupler, then drag the cars through the ramp. It will uncouple as you pull. Or, you can park the cars with the couplers right over the ramp, and do the same. The uncouplers come with "spotting" markers so you can see just were the ramp is.

 

[Doug G.]

Oh, I thought the train had to be stopped right over the correct spot. Some of the Rapido uncouplers were that way. I see now.

Doug