Stupid Question Thread

[vsmith]

Matt
I posted this Q over at MLS also, one of the guys there pointed out that will Atlas controllers are single pole, newer LGB switches are double pole/reverse polarity or something like that. So its a NO GO for the Atlas's.

OH Well, time for Plan B, that being a manual control rod sticking out the backside of the Micro!!!!

When In Doubt, Low Tech Wins Out...

[Anonymous]

Vic, went out and dug through the box of HO transformers, switches and accesories run of the consant AC "screw" in the back. If you think you can adapt it you could always get a cheap Tyco transformer at a swap meet just for the switch. I myself have never look at the back of a Large scale transformer although I suspect the switches run off constant AC like the HO.

[vsmith]

Thats why I'm asking..are they different? I'v never used powered switches ever, so i wanted to ask the Q.

[Anonymous]

Vic excuse my ignorance, but am I understanding the that LGB switches normally run on DC? And HO runs switches on AC?

[vsmith]

OK guys heres a real Stupid question...

Can an Atlas switch controller be used to operate an LGB switch machine?

Here the set up, I'm trying to finish up older projects, one is a G scale micro-layout with 1 LGB switch. I want to be able to control everything while staying behind the layout and keeping all the operation display visable from the front. However I do not want to buy a $70 LGB controller box thats the size of a small boxcar just to control one switch. If I can get a powerpack with AC attachements to power my Micro, can I install a good'ole Atlas switch controller to operate the bugger. It would be a heck of a lot simpler than the bulky and $$$ LGB controllers.

Thanks for any help. Vic

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bergie

QUOTE: Originally posted by troybetts

That's good then.I'm off to Tennis Weekly Magazine to tell them all about my trains.I'm sure they will be really interested.[:D][:D][:D][:D]

Troy, remember one very important thing regarding humor in written word. You might have the funniest thing to say, but unless you're actually speaking with someone, the message might get taken the wrong way. Trying to relay an off-the-cuf remark via written word is hard. With the lack of voice tone, the reader can misconstue your light-hearted remark for something worse.

Keep that in mind when posting things like this.

Thanks,
Erik

Hey Erik,

Right on!

Of course if every forum would include this smilie type in the lineup, there would be fewer problems.

OTOH it could be too subtle and some people may take it for a "guy with a H-U-G-E toothache" smilie. You just never know.[;)][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

Hi vbslco
Thanks will check it out and see if the local book shop can get me a copy
regards John

[van buren s l]

John
I looked at the Carstens Publications web site and saw the Traction Planbook listed. It's a neat book to have. Kalmbach had a similar book years ago but I suspect it's a bit hard to find.
Bob

[Anonymous]

John, no decent pictures other then what can be found on Web searches.

The yellow board reads " Neighborhood Trolley"

[Anonymous]

Hi vbsltco
Would that be the same book as advertised on carstens web sit at $9.95 US
I should have noted the web address but forgot oh well.
Looks like it might still be avalable.
regards John

[van buren s l]

John
I found a Carstens pubication in a used book store with two good drawings of "toast rack" street cars. The title of the publication is Traction Planbook, published in1975. It's a neat book and has plans of Interurbans,commuter rail cars and electric locomotives as well as a variety of street cars. Maybe you could find a copy by contacting Carstens Publications, the same folks who publish Model Railroad Craftsman.
Bob

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by carpenter matt

John, There is no drawing that I know of[:(] I'll just do the Troy thing and build by eye to make it look right in 1:20. heck it works for his Trams[:D]

Hi Matt
OK sounds like I will have to move to plan "B" have you got any decent pictures of it
you could Email me off forum.
It looks like it is based on something real so where can I get a drawing of a real similar type toast rack Tram between the pictures and the engineering drawing,
it should be possable to build a convincing model trolley that goes well on a scale
layout but is still Rodgers trolley.
Its one for latter but I had better start geting any info I can.
From the small picture on your message have you noticed it only has a cab at one end.
Whats written on the yellow board on the top??
regards John

[TurboOne]

I see the red square on your post AJ. Pick seems to have disappeared. Try again buddy.

Tim

[Anonymous]

John, There is no drawing that I know of[:(] I'll just do the Troy thing and build by eye to make it look right in 1:20. heck it works for his Trams[:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by carpenter matt

Sandy, I already plan to build that one eventually for nostalga sake. I asked a question a year or so back on the scale of the orignal and came up with a good site on the whole Mr. Rodgers trolly thing. That was my favorite parrt of the show growing up! Trolly was the Thomas of his day.

Trolly Rules! And Thomas drools...Only cause he has lips[:D]

Hi Matt
Does that mean a drawing of it was published was published and if so where and when.
regards John

[aljay]

Thanks guys,
Matt and Tim, after fighting with it last night I seem to have done something right, now I needto make it smaller. Aw why bother it works now.

Thanks
AJ

[TurboOne]

AJ, here is the how to from the guy who taught me. Works fantastic. If you get stuck let me know. Sorry I didn't send it email, I thought you had it as I saw your pic in your signature.

http://www.gahannawedding.com/Train%20Photos/PhotoPosting%20on%20CTT/CTTPOSTING.htm

Thanks to Tom Spankybird on the O forum for making it easy.

Tim

[aljay]

I give up.....................for now...........................it must be my web site cuse now this pic works....................................[banghead]

[aljay]

Now my profile photo doesn't work............................[banghead] [banghead] [banghead] [censored] [censored] [censored] [sigh] [sigh] [sigh]

[aljay]

Thanks Matt, Well that didn.t work. I must have done something wrong................?
Its the same url for my profile photo.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by aljay

Stupid question please,
How do you place a pic or graphic on your signature ???? help please..

Thanks

Aljay, first the picture must be on the web somewhere or have space you can upload to. then goto your profile and put the address. You can get the address easily by right clicking on the picture and select properties, when that window pops up highlight the http part through jpg and then right click on it and select copy then go back to your profile and right click on the signiture box I believe and click paste I'm unsure if you need the [img*] [/img*] ( remove asterous) if so type the img thing in and post your address in between them.

If I've totally confused you, let me know.

[aljay]

Stupid question please,
How do you place a pic or graphic on your signature ???? help please..

Thanks

[red p]

QUOTE: Originally posted by carpenter matt

Vic, They are getting closer. The recent Model Railroader has a produst that was review for people like you with limited space, you can put your layout on the ceiling! locos are held on by magnetic pull and they even worked out the ground foam/scenery issue.

well, that adds a new dimension to all those "N" scale layout on a door articles ive seen

[Anonymous]

Vic, They are getting closer. The recent Model Railroader has a produst that was review for people like you with limited space, you can put your layout on the ceiling! locos are held on by magnetic pull and they even worked out the ground foam/scenery issue.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TurboOne

Has anyone ever seen a model of the back to the future train ? Especially the gull wing door. That was cool. I have seen a toy version that didn't ran, and haven't seen it since the movie. Also did they ever make hover boards anywhere, I heard they had the technology, but never made the boards.

Tim

Tim I'm not aware of any anti-gravity technology that could make a hoverboard like in the movie.....at least not outside of Area 51[;)]

[TurboOne]

Has anyone ever seen a model of the back to the future train ? Especially the gull wing door. That was cool. I have seen a toy version that didn't ran, and haven't seen it since the movie. Also did they ever make hover boards anywhere, I heard they had the technology, but never made the boards.

Tim

[Anonymous]

matt
that is the trolly i have , i must send for a motor block to put in , i think the little critter block will work. BEN

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

John the newest GR has TROLLEY plans!!!

I plan to build this trolley as an unpowered passenger car. This was done on several small NG RR lines where they took second hand trolley cars, removed the motors, and used them as cheap passenger cars for short travel service. It looks like it fits nicely into the scale of my layout.

Hi vsmith
Would not take much comparing the old GR drawing with a drawing of just such coaches
as built by Metropolitan Cammel not modified..
The main differances are the verandas they have straight floor ends and end beams not curved as shown on the old GR drawing don't have the new one yet
and railings reminicent of the coaches seen on the western movies.
The rest of the coach looks as per the drawing minus the trolly pole and motor block
You could also put a short window less other than the top lights and end doors frieght body on the car to match the coach again that was done I have the drawing of that variation as well .
That is I think the ideal solution to the passanger needs of the ever shrinking tramway oops! mean railroad [:D]
Or any one else who is looking for something a bit different but still prototypical as well.
regards Jphn

[Anonymous]

Ben, we need pictures![:D] Enquiring minds are interested![:D]

Sandy and others here the original thread posted with links by others.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14145