AC&Y - Ohio's Road of Service

[Specter3]

Steve

If you run across that parts listing that would be great info.

Thanks!

Ryan

[bbussey]

The hatches for all the Micro-Trains covered hopper models are available direct.

[nkalanaga]

"Northeast Decals.  Had a devil of a time keeping them together"

I had trouble keeping them together when they were new.  The film was either very fragile, or it had overheated in storage.

[SAH]

Ryan,

The Athearn detail part number is "Detail Set 10119" on the PS2893 3 Bay Covered Hopper diagram.  I did a few searches but came up empty.  Bryan's suggestion to try MicroTrains is a better bet.

Steve

[Specter3]

Thanks Bryan and Steve!

[SAH]

Three new hoppers for stone service on the AC&Y.  Atlas undecs with AC&YHS decals


Those who have a copy of the most recent MRP no doubt noted the AC&Y layout story starting on pg. 30.  Bob Lucas, the owner, sadly passed last June.  He was "Mr. AC&Y" to the fan base.   I spent many pleasant hours with Bob comparing notes, doing research and talking all things AC&Y.  A true Gentleman in every sense of the word. Always willing to share what he knew.  He is missed greatly by the AC&Y faithful.

We spent a lot of time talking Spencer, OH, the opening  spread of the MRP article.  I gave Bob the files I drew of the feed mill closest to the AC&Y tracks so he could build a model for his layout.  A tiny token of thanks for all the info he shared with me.


After seeing what I could do in N scale with the live interchange and all he remarked that "if he were starting over again he'd certainly have to consider switching to N".

And then he would playfully tease me with the nice carbon black cars available in HO, and unavailable in N.  I think he'd like these.

[Chris333]

I read the sidebar that there was a study to go into Youngstown and Canton, but it wouldn't work out. I wonder how the route to Y-town would have been?

[SAH]

I've never seen a proposed route Chris.  Lost to time I suppose.  Given the Erie and B&O already went to Youngstown and the Wheeling served Canton, all from Akron, it's easy to see why they shelved the idea.  Those friendly connection would have become not so friendly.

[Wutter]

And then he would playfully tease me with the nice carbon black cars available in HO, and unavailable in N.  I think he'd like these.

What couplers did you use to replace the originals on the carbon black cars?

[SAH]

Good eye Alvin.  I tried all the common options available and wound up with the coupler salvaged from the MicroTrains truck mounted version.  I had to cut the little nib off both pieces to get it to lie flat.  It couples, uncouples and centers OK but I'm not sure how it will perform in an operating scenario.  Also, I don't like how far the coupler is set off from the body. 

Steve

[SAH]

Ugh.  What a mess.  It doesn't look so bad in the photo but the decal job is awful.  Too thick, peeled at the edges, some silvering, degraded lettering, you name it.  And you're looking at the "good" side.  Ink jet paper from MicroMark, printed with an inexpensive HP, sealed with a light spray (airbrush applied) of flat coat, applied over a glossy surface.  The execution describes my usual procedure which always produced good results.  The decal is the issue I believe.

I read in the recent RMC that you can get single decal sheets printed if you supply the artwork.  Tichey Trains says they will do it.  There is the source in the RMC article too.  I have some other projects that will require custom decals too.  Perhaps that's the route to success.

Despite the poor decal job, is anyone else interested in having a set of the etchings for this conversion?  I've learned a few things that would be corrected in the R2 artwork.  No commitment, just gauging interest.  Send a PM.

Steve

[SAH]

We broke camp in Winchester the last week in June, thus ending my 2 year Eastern adventure.  What that should mean is we're back in Greensboro planning the next round of work on the AC&Y.  But no, it's on the road again, this time in a big way.  Family considerations are taking us back to Ohio.  And SO, down comes the layout once again.  I always said it was never a question of "if" we would move.  Just a matter of when.  I always build with that in mind.


Here's the West end of Brittain with cleats screwed to the fascia to support the boards that will protect the turnout controls.


The world turned on it's side.  On the left is the Spencer module, ready for preparation for yet another ride.  Built in 2000 it has moved four times and survived to run each time


The protection boards are installed and ready for the foam to protect the all important yard ladder.


The foam secured in place and ready for a layer of thin cardboard.


The bottom side was covered with a cardboard tray screwed to the side boards.  Then tape the hell out of it.  I've always moved the modules myself.  This time it will go via commercial mover.  We'll see how good of a packing job I did before long.


All is not lost however.  We'll be moving into a 2 bedroom apartment for a year.  The spare bedroom is designated for the office, railroad and model building shop.  The winters are long and cold in Northern Ohio.  I'll need something to do you know.  That's the story I pitched to my wife anyway.     Spur 4 gets the nod because, well, it fits, there is switching operation aplenty and lots of structures to build (General and Goodyear Tire).  Should be fun.


Now, back to packing boxes.  Wish me luck.

[C855B]

By all means - good luck! You fortunately need a little less luck than most - the skill (and experience) in packing the RR for survival is evident.

[GaryHinshaw]

Good luck indeed. I’m glad to see that this is not the end of the story, just another chapter.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Oh man, sad to lose you in the area, but glad you're onto your next adventure.