Weekend Update 9/30/18

[DKS]

Excellent question! 

The prototype "railing" was actually made of lengths of pipe. To access the locos, my understanding from a friend that worked in the shop, was that the appropriate pipe was slid out between its stanchions and inserted into the unused holes at the top of adjacent stanchions...hence the weird rectangular block atop each stanchion....

Suggestion: for a bit of added interest to your otherwise outstanding model, why not simulate this by removing a couple of sections of railing, relocating them to adjacent areas per prototypical practice?

[mu26aeh]

Needs black rimmed glasses 😁

[mark dance]

Suggestion: for a bit of added interest to your otherwise outstanding model, why not simulate this by removing a couple of sections of railing, relocating them to adjacent areas per prototypical practice?

That was my original idea DKS, and I have the appropriate length music wire cut and painted so still may do it, but:
- the stair/railing assemblies are very straight, strong and stiff right now
- I worry cutting them and gluing in non-contiguous railing might significantly weaken them
- they may also lose their straightness and, while the prototype photo shows that they were *not* perfectly straight, to my eye modelling this type of prototypical imperfection can appear to be just imperfect modelling...like leaning telegraph poles and trees

Anyway I may revisit this decision once I am further along...lots more still to do!

thx for the feedback

md

[Santa Fe Guy]

Mark, this engine facility you are constructing is sensational.
Great work.
Rod.

[nscalbitz]

Suggestion: for a bit of added interest to your otherwise outstanding model, why not simulate this by removing a couple of sections of railing, relocating them to adjacent areas per prototypical practice?

  but only when in presence of a 'unit to hand'.
Otherwise the safety device becomes a hazard, no..?
  d

[up1950s]

I didn't do much model railroading this weekend, but my other hobby is tomahawk / axe throwing. I've been throwing at a log round for the last couple of years, but it finally rotted-out beyond usability. So, I spent today building a new A-frame and target. The boards used for the target are easily replaced when needed. The "bullseye" is drawn based on American Axe Throwing League specs. It's fun, and I find it surprisingly relaxing. As a bonus, I never have any quarrels with my neighbors. 


(Attachment Link)

Looks like you took four throws to get the bulls eye . but the group is nice and tight . 

[CNR5529]

Our monster consist from the Toronto train show... oh and the one derailed truck ended up re-railing itself on a switch so we didn't have to stop the train.

[Philip H]

While i finish space prep and layout design for the BRS 3.0, I got out the Baton Rouge Yard module (nee Elkins, WV) and hooked it up.  Since I didn't want my NCE components permanently attached, but want them contained to keep them safe, I invested $2.99 at Walmart:



You can see where I've marked the top to cut the panel opening. There will also be a powerswitching module added that will support a programming track.  More pictures when I get home Thursday.

[DKS]

While i finish space prep and layout design for the BRS 3.0, I got out the Baton Rouge Yard module (nee Elkins, WV) and hooked it up.  Since I didn't want my NCE components permanently attached, but want them contained to keep them safe, I invested $2.99 at Walmart...

If any of the contents generate heat, be sure to provide some ventilation.

[Philip H]

If any of the contents generate heat, be sure to provide some ventilation.

NCE claims the heat generating parts of the Power Cab are in the paddle.  That said I am planning to cut vent panels in the side just because.  Film when I have it.

[peteski]

NCE claims the heat generating parts of the Power Cab are in the paddle.  That said I am planning to cut vent panels in the side just because.  Film when I have it.

Yup, since the throttle, command station, and the booster (with its power transistors and a heat-sink) are housed in the handheld unit, that's where the heat is generated.  The fascia panel is passive component (well sans the LED, its current limiting resistor and what appears like a surge protector), so there is a negligible amount of heat being generated (by the resistor). This type of resistor/LED circuit is the same as used for locomotive headlights inside tightly packed loco shells.  No need to worry about heat dissipation in your setup.

[bnsfdash8]

A bit late, but I've been working on the 3D model of NS' new SD70ACC cab. I still have a lot to draw up, but I think I'm on the right track.

[VonRyan]

The Ntrak Roadshow was once again at the Greater Toronto Train Show (formerly Brampton Train Show). A number of showed up over the weekend, including a surprise visit from @VonRyan, who was helping out with the large HO Freemo layout. It was great meeting you, and next time you come up north, make sure to bring some N scale rollingstock with you eh?

It was great meeting you as well!
The surprise might not have been intentional, but my taking full advantage of the favorable exchange rate sure was.
I'm planning on attending again next year, so I'll be sure to bring some Normal sized trains with me.


And for those who might be curious, I did do some running on the HO Free-Mo layout.
I brought with me an ancient Soviet HO set of an 0-8-0 "Ov" class locomotive and two coaches, which despite it's age and the questionable quality of the loco's mechanical workings, it performed fairly well. Only thing I did to it was remove two choke coils and install a DZ126T.

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[chicken45]

It was great meeting you as well!
The surprise might not have been intentional, but my taking full advantage of the favorable exchange rate sure was.
I'm planning on attending again next year, so I'll be sure to bring some Normal sized trains with me.


And for those who might be curious, I did do some running on the HO Free-Mo layout.
I brought with me an ancient Soviet HO set of an 0-8-0 "Ov" class locomotive and two coaches, which despite it's age and the questionable quality of the loco's mechanical workings, it performed fairly well. Only thing I did to it was remove two choke coils and install a DZ126T.

(Attachment Link)

I don't think I mentioned this to anyone, but I REALLY got a kick out of seeing this kind of stuff you were running in Altoona. It was refreshing, to say the least!

[VonRyan]

I don't think I mentioned this to anyone, but I REALLY got a kick out of seeing this kind of stuff you were running in Altoona. It was refreshing, to say the least!

I do my best to keep things interesting 
English and Soviet railways have always captivated me, among others. Foreign trains don't often get modeled in the US, so I try to break the mold a give folks a taste of how things are done in other parts of the world.