Weekend Update 6/30/24

[up1950s]

https://www.propublica.org/article/trains-crossing-blocked-kids-norfolk-southern

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/what-did-railway-surgeons-do

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5982535/Father-DEFENDS-allowing-inquisitive-son-hang-head-edge-railway-platform.html

https://rustywalls.com/products/1965-railroad-safety-council-before-you-throw-railroad-poster-9-x-12-reproduction-metal-print

https://www.lileesystems.com/blog/failsafe-grade-crossing-activation-in-case-of-a-ptc-2-0-wireless-grade-crossing-activation-system-failure/

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Piped-rail-originated-from-web-split-Office-of-Railroad-Safety-2015_fig1_338622864

https://dpsnews.utah.gov/rail-safety-week-stop-trains-cant/

https://www.electricandhybridrail.com/content/in-depth/feature-investigating-fire-safety-measures-on-battery-powered-trains/

https://www.dwilawyerstexas.com/tx-penal-code-28-07-interference-with-railroad-property/

https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/2019-11/FRA%20Rail%20Trespassing%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/fra_net/1576/compilationofstatelaws2009.pdf

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/baltimore-and-ohio-railroad-no-trespassing-metal--4-c-27a47e0b36

[bbussey]

Started working on the next one, a New Haven EP-2. This one is going to take awhile as there will be fewer commercial parts in their standard configuration. The plan is to build the virtual model so that it’s only one pass to construct the actual model. This is one virtual truck. I’m actually enjoying learning how to create motion-based mate links to various components in the assembly and animate them. It’s already allowed me to discover some design errors and correct them.

[PiperguyUMD]

K2 is ready for the paint booth! Kinda like those Sylvan green air compressors 

[peteski]

Wow Bryan!  You're taking scratchbuilding to the next level. No, 5 levels higher! 

I see some Kato components being used, and some designs following what  Kato does.  I think that's excellent, but I'm not a fan of those flexible  pickup cups.  Those are very delicate and easily bent.  However, since only you (not some random model railroader) will be handling it, I quess it is ok.  It's an excellent concept for maximizing electrical pickup.

I'm curious how you will get those  bearing/pickup plates made?

[Lemosteam]

Finished up making tire bumpers for the waterfront where the barges will be moored. I mimicked an online image showing wide planks with tires bolted to them on the seawall. I really like the way they turned out a lot. Tires are 3D printed and the planks are basswood. The tractor tire posts on the corners were a last minute idea I had to use up the stacked printed tires I had left.



This is the east side of the channel:





And the west side which I really like:



I also started working on the fence for the scrapyard. The fence line will begin at the LIRR IS bridge for a short run along the inside track, jump across both tracks using two swing gates, turn right to have a sliding gate for the vehicle entrance, then follow the interchange track to the PRR branch line and on to the end of the layout. These will be installed later after I add the scrapyard ground cover.

Open:


Closed:


Here is the sliding gate at the entrance.

Open:


Closed:


As an afterthought I am excited about the photo ops of trains behind the fence while operating in front. I think this will make for some really cool shots, like a small commuter train passing the scrapyard while some new and empty gons get shuffled around.

[bbussey]

Wow Bryan!  You're taking scratchbuilding to the next level. No, 5 levels higher! 

I see some Kato components being used, and some designs following what  Kato does.  I think that's excellent, but I'm not a fan of those flexible  pickup cups.  Those are very delicate and easily bent.  However, since only you (not some random model railroader) will be handling it, I quess it is ok.  It's an excellent concept for maximizing electrical pickup.

I'm curious how you will get those  bearing/pickup plates made?

The Kato GG-1 motor, flywheel, gears and wheels. Everything else will be scratchbuilt.

I like the copper pickup cup design. It’s needed in this case because the truck frame is rigid, so the two outer driver axles are fixed and the middle driver axle along with the two pilot axles will float. This also allows for all axles to pick up power.

On the copper pickups — etched perimeter with the cups pressed or stamped.  TBD.

[peteski]

The Kato GG-1 motor, flywheel, gears and wheels. Everything else will be scratchbuilt.

I like the copper pickup cup design. It’s needed in this case because the truck frame is rigid, so the two outer driver axles are fixed and the middle driver axle along with the two pilot axles will float. This also allows for all axles to pick up power.

On the copper pickups — etched perimeter with the cups pressed or stamped.  TBD.

Thanks for the explanation. The way I understand that floating (sprung) suspension, at least in Kato's implementation, is that it does not allow for more lateral play (just vertical deflection).  In your example it seems like you would need lateral play for the wheelsets to be able to shift sideways on curves.

[peteski]

Love the N scale tire "bumpers", but shouldn't each tire be tied to the pier with a rope?   
Just kidding John - the entire scene is looking nicer and nicer.

[Mike Madonna]

Started working on the next one, a New Haven EP-2. This one is going to take awhile as there will be fewer commercial parts in their standard configuration. The plan is to build the virtual model so that it’s only one pass to construct the actual model. This is one virtual truck. I’m actually enjoying learning how to create motion-based mate links to various components in the assembly and animate them. It’s already allowed me to discover some design errors and correct them.

Bryan,
This is "cutting edge"....

[Dave V]

Galloping Goose #7 operating as Train 372 crossing Bridge 45-B at Ophir with a 10:30 arrival time per Company Time Table 5. Of course, she’s 20 minutes late today.



As the layout matures I'm gravitating toward operating it more prototypically. Someone's been posting dispatcher train sheets for each day in September 1947 on the Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum, and it turns out the RGS was busier than I thought! This Goose will have to pass Extra 454 West at Placerville.

[Mike Madonna]

K2 is ready for the paint booth! Kinda like those Sylvan green air compressors 

What a wealth of detail! Any tips on bending/attaching the brass wire for the piping (above drivers 1 & 2) coming off the air compressor?

[BCRail_FSJ]

Well, 17 years after getting back into the hobby I finally went DCC.   I acquired the PowerCab 5 years ago but only recently got my first decoder equipped test locomotive which is a Maine Central RS2. 

So far so good.  I even managed a bit of programming on the main without setting fire to anything.

[bbussey]

Thanks for the explanation. The way I understand that floating (sprung) suspension, at least in Kato's implementation, is that it does not allow for more lateral play (just vertical deflection).  In your example it seems like you would need lateral play for the wheelsets to be able to shift sideways on curves.

No, it's for vertical play, to account for track irregularities and grade changes.  The truck full wheelbase is 35'5" so it's comparable to a mid-length steam engine and should be able to handle 18" radius and #8 crossovers.  The gear column is located in the same position in relation to the truck frame as the bolster was on the prototype, so the trucks will pivot prototypically.  And there will be some minor lateral play in the pilot wheels, the same amount as in a Kato GG-1 driver wheel.  In theory, it should track the same as a GG-1 ... and the EP-3 and EP-4.  In theory.

[Dwight in Toronto]

K2 is ready for the paint booth! Kinda like those Sylvan green air compressors 

Where did you source those little brass stand-offs that affix all the ‘pipes’?

[peteski]

No, it's for vertical play, to account for track irregularities and grade changes.  The truck full wheelbase is 35'5" so it's comparable to a mid-length steam engine and should be able to handle 18" radius and #8 crossovers.  The gear column is located in the same position in relation to the truck frame as the bolster was on the prototype, so the trucks will pivot prototypically.  And there will be some minor lateral play in the pilot wheels, the same amount as in a Kato GG-1 driver wheel.  In theory, it should track the same as a GG-1 ... and the EP-3 and EP-4.  In theory.

Yes, the flexible suspension is for vertical track irregularities. As for the lateral play, GG1 has a shorter 3-axle truck and the pilot truck is a separate pivoting unit.  Yours is all single long stiff unit.  Axle cup type of suspension doesn't have much lateral play (by design), while long wheelbase steam loco drivers normally have quite a bit of  lateral play (since they use inside bearings).  Some long wheelbase steam locos actually have different amount of lateral play on the outer axles.  Anyways, this is just all my musings while you're actually building something.  I guess I'm cursed with a mind that sees things differently than most other people.  In the end the proof will be in the finished product.  Actually if this model will not have to negotiate tight curves, I'm sure there will be no problem.