Errata in September, 2004, CTT

[lionelsoni]

I just got my copy and noticed two items that are not quite right.

Ray Plummer on page 35 says that "The only way to open [electromagnetic couplers] is to send a charge of electricity through their coils." Fortunately for those who need to open coupler with a burned-out coil or who don't have a charge of electricity handy, there are a couple of other ways:

One is to grasp the car or locomotive with two hands, one hand over the end opposite the coupler to be opened, and to strike that end against any hard surface, like a tabletop or a wall. With a surprisingly gentle stroke, not nearly enough to damage either the model or the hand, the coupler will pop open.

The other way is simply to poke a small wire past the back of the knuckle casting to pu***he slug back.

Plummer also gets it wrong on page 55, where he describes the connection between the sets of three solder lugs between dual Lionel motors. He says, incorrectly, that "...the outer wires cross over". They don't on any locomotive that I have researched, not F3s, Train Masters, nor GG1s.

[ben10ben]

The banging the car against a table trick is even mentioned in the service manual.

While I do greatly respect Mr. Plummer's knowledge and writings, he probably should take the time to research things like that better.

Also, generally speaking, motors are oriented in directions opposite each other when installed in an engine, which, in effect, is crossing the wires. So, if you cross the wires of a twin motored engine, you are crossing already crossed wires.

[FJ and G]

Good catch on the errata, Bob. Good thing you didn't find any erotica as well.

[Anonymous]

Would not be the wort thing in the world, though. I can see it now...CTT&A

[FJ and G]

Notch,

I don't know if toy train erotica would help or hurt sales. Both perhaps.

[Anonymous]

Remember the threads on OGR decrying the production of "working girl" figures for toy layouts?

Tony

[ben10ben]

A photo shoot of MJT Forum Member HighrailJon's layout might just turn either magazine into that .

[Anonymous]

What's wrong with that?

[Anonymous]

Hans:

Nothing wrong with it, if that's what you're into.

I've got 2 very young kids, so stuff like that is not going on my layout. Other people have different situations. YMMV

Tony