Looking for info on Fast Clock

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I am trying to locate the articles previously published in Model Railroading on creating a Fast Clock:

Kitbash a mechanical fast clock
Model Railroader, November 1987 page 86
( "DODD, MIKE", FASTCLOCK, SCALETIME, MR )

AND

Build an analog fast clock
Model Railroader, August 1997 page 68
( "DODD, MIKE", FASTCLOCK, MR )

Would anyone happen to have a copy of either or both of these they could email, mail or fax to me?

Or, would anyone have alternative information on how to build or buy a fast clock (stand alone - not part of a digital operating system)?

Thanks,

Jerry McColgan
Austin, Arkansas
[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Hi Jerry, I would have replied to this sooner but the site moves so slow (really true when you are on a dail-up) that I don't answer till I have a slow time.
GML Enterprises
3311 Thomas Road
Oxford, MI. 48371-1442
248-628-4445
I have had one of their fast clocks for about 4 years now and have no problems with it. It's var. ratio from 4-1 to 15-1. Nice looking unit too! I'm 99% sure I have those MR articles but it may be this weekend at the earliest before I can dig them out. Will let you know. Tyson Rayles

[Anonymous]

Hi Tyson,

Thanks for the response. I went ahead and ordered the August 97 issue of MR. I am guessing that it is based on a mechanical/electric clock instead of the new battery/quartz clocks so finding a usable clock might be a problem.

I had contacted GML before but they do not have stand alone Fast Clocks. You have to use their clocks as part of a digital operating syste.

Thanks again,

Jerry

[Sperandeo]

Hello Jerry,

Mike Dodd's fast clock article in the August '97 MR uses a geared stepper clock mechanism from Klockit in Lake Geneva, Wis. (The full address is in the article.) I'm pretty sure these are still available.

good luck with your clock,

Andy

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

[Anonymous]

Hi Andy,

Does that mean it DOES NOT require the complicated (and expensive) electronics?

Thanks,

Jerry

[Sperandeo]

Hi Jerry,

The electronics are necessary to control the speed of the clock – without that, you won't have a fast clock. As for the expense, Mike Dodd's kit prices look very reasonable to me. You may have a different opinion, but if you shop for ready-made fast clocks you might change your mind.

So long,

Andy

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine