I was contemplating getting a few RS3s myself. Glad to hear the Athearn ones work well. (the Atlas/Kato ones would have to be re-painted, the BN green on all of those units was wrong)
Railfan Alex: When you do get that Alco 251, could you get a video clip of it? I'm needing one for my trio of C424s. As of now, I'm leaning towards getting a QSI revolution A. (Atlas light board) for the 251 with a leslie 3-chime.
Vincent
Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....
2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.
Ty! What the heck?!? Hope you are ok, and get out of there soon!
Packer, I will definately get you some video. You and I need the V16, but there are a few clips on Youtube of the V12.
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=VMOqtgCpCE8
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=jyP4YVvJefw&feature=related
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=guP00rrhdkU&feature=related
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=MeAvXZw3Ju0&feature=related
The last one might be a V16, it's hard to tell.
One of the railfans and modelers around here told me I don't need a sound decoder for my C424, because they didn't make any noise! Well I guess he is right to a certain point, all the videos of C424's I could find were pretty darn quiet. But I don't really care, I want sound!
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EDIT!!This video really shows what C424's sound like, I'll have to put this one on mp3/video player to show him what C424's are made of!
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=8-6zoKJ9KHU
Alex
Tyler, sorry to hear. Hope you'll be out soon.
I got some hills done on my layout. One is cut and in place and just needs final shaping. The other is much larger. I've measured for it and will cut the pieces tonight.
I have a HUGE decision to face. I may have to put off on my F40 because of something else. I was pointed in the direction of an ALP-44 on ebay. It's been out of production for 10 years and they are extremely hard to find. Its only like $60 and its RTR. Right now I'm leaning towards the ALP-44, so the F40 will have to wait till I get more money.
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
Tyler, that sucks. I almost had to go to the ER today (might have broke my wrist), but it's fine now.
Well, on the modeling front, still haven't done anything to my layout that's new.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Another LHS about a half hour away has ALP-44's in the cabinet. He has one of each roadnumber, and every road. Not a single one sold. No NEC modelers around here!
Tyler: Hope you get out of the Hospital soon, being there for extended periods tends to make one insane. (I know from experience and I do not want to go back, ever)
Alex: I'm fairly sure C424s aren't quiet. I know some people who have a bunch of RSD15s. Those things are fairly loud, and IRL they used the same prime mover (V-16 251)
You should have waited before buying the Tsunami... Someone just posted one for sale on Ho Yard Sale for 80$... Shame Shame!
I saw that one, it's for an ALCO with a 244. IIRC, that's for stuff like PAs, FAs, RS3s, etc.
Well, I finally got out, although I'm still in a lot of pain and aren't fully cured yet. I've been diagnosed with a strained muscle in my neck, commonly known as whiplash... I guess I should start from the beginning, as I really have nothing else to do today stuck here in bed typing with one hand...
When I woke up on Saturday, I found that I couldn't turn my head to the right without it hurting. I dismissed it thinking that I slept on it funny, and got up to take a shower. Soon after, it started to hurt looking straight ahead. I realized this was not good and went downstairs, having to walk sideways with my head turned all the way to the left.
I sat down and tried to relax, like my parents said would help. It helped, but I didn't have any head support, and any movement was excruciatingly painful. I moved to another chair that had head support, but the pain kept getting worse just sitting still. Finally, my dad decided to bring me to the hospital. I didn't think I could make it all the way to the car (any tiny movement was agony, more painful than anything I could imagine) so we called the ambulance. They arrived, lifted me onto a stretcher, and brought me to the hospital.
I arrived around noon at the hospital. The doctors said it was either a strained muscle or a swollen lymph nerve. The first is incredibly painful (I can testify for that!) and rather common (although not usually this severe) and can be treated at home, and the second is rare but dangerous.
Finally, after 3 1/2 hours of laying in the hospital bed in the same position (plus an hour and a half at home before) they brought me to get a CAT scan. Another hour went by with no results, and finally I flagged down a passing nurse and asked if I could eat something, as I was starving after not eaten anythng all day. I had two burnt slices of pizza, a really bad muffin, and a bag of pretzels, typical cafeteria food... They actually tasted really good to me though, having gone 18 hours without anything to eat.
Finally, the results came in around 6:00, and it was a strained muscle. They discharged me (it sure felt good to stand up!) and said that I still had a lot of healing left. I have to lay still for a few days and apply alternating warm and cold compresses to my neck. It still hurts to look to the right, and I can't have my head unsupported for over 5 minutes without it hurting like crazy. I still haven't eaten breakfast yet, although I'm starting to get a little better right now (been laying here for almost an hour typing this message with one hand) so hopefully I can soon. It's going to be a long week...
Glad to see you back Tyler. I think Brent had somthing like that once too. I'll need to ask him.
Well my hood doors came in, so I may start working on my SDL again. I also bought a WC bocar kit. another one to add to my collection .
My Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/JR7582 My Flickr Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wcfan/
Ouch...Arm Chair Modeling! Heh, sit in an armchair and scratchbuild rolling stock.
I've been to the hospital twice... Once when I was 7 and was dehydrated, and one when I was 10, and struck by a car, but was 99.9% uninjured. I rolled up the car, smashed in the window, got up in a daze, woke up on the side of the road, and was like "oh snap!" and then my gym teacher walked over, for he had been driving the car. I had on 5 layers that day, so I only ended up with a little scrape that didn't really break the skin, and wasn't bleeding. The morale of the story is, if your going to get hit by a car, wear many layers of clothes.
Tyler, good to see you're out of the Hospital. How'd you manage to strain your neck?
Alex, did you look both ways?
People didn't shovel their sidewalks, so I couldn't walk to the crossing guard without walking in the street. There was a big line of cars, and a lady in a jeep waved me across, so I ran out, and then my friend was like "Alex!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ouch ouch ouch ouch!!
I understand a little bit how it feels, because it happened to me twice, mind you probably not as bad as you.
The first time was in grade 4, it was lunchtime and the football field was really REALLY icy after the tempurature went above zero, and then froze everything again. So pretty much everyone was having an awesome time skating around on their boots, you know, the average kid stuff. So at one point, a guy in my class took a run at the ice, and well he fell, and slid all the way over to me, and hit my legs from behind. So I went down pretty quick, landing on my head. I just kinda was staying there, I didn't move, because it hurt. So the stupid lunch monitors didn't take any chances and called 911. They figured I broke my neck because they misunderstood "I don't want to move my head" with "I can't move my head." I'm not really too surprised now that I think back apon it, it was pretty crazy at the time. So my mom and the ambulance showed up at about the same time. My mom was freaking out, if you can imagine driving for 20 minutes knowing only your kid was hurt and the ambulance was on the way. So the ambulance showed up, and drove right onto the field, and when we were leaving, we didn't actually go anywhere for like 5 minutes. They had to go to the school and get some sand, cause the ambulance got stuck. That's pretty much it. At the hospital it was still hurting, but they did some tests and some scans and said I was ok, just pulled a bunch of muscles, and a light concussion. I did have a sore neck and a really bad headache for close to a week. The worst part, I went to school the next day...
The second one really isn't too exciting. I was biking to a friends house, and I heard a car behind me, so I turned my head, and did a funny move. Well it was hurting real bad, so I stopped for a few minutes, and well pretty much the same thing as you Ty, it got worse and worse. I got back on my bike and it got worse, I was looking to the left, and down. It was impossible to bike anymore. So I walked my bike to my friends house, and they called my parents. Went home, and sat it out. Had a few Advils. That was it. That was sore for a few days.
Well that's enough, I'm sure you won't read it anyways!
Oh yea, forgot about the C424.
Well I wouldn't have bought that decoder, would have came to the same exact price I paid for it with the shipping, the canadian dollar, the taxes, and the border fees. Probably might have been more. 80 bucks US is now 95 Canadian, + tax it comes out to the same thing. I paid 124 bucks with tax, so without tax and in US dollars that's 90. If I paid shipping on the other one, it would be the same deal as mine.
As for the C424 noise, that railfan guy talks a lot, but he said it was because of the fan or something, it was running at the same frequency level as the prime mover, which made it quiet, and if I get the sound decoder it's gonna sound like a C630m and not a C424... Whatever, doesn't make too much sense, and I want sound anyways!
Tyler, good to see you're back.
Worst thing that ever happened to me was what I think was a concussion. It was our first hockey game, and we were winning. I got the puck and started skating down the ice. All of a sudden, this 10,000 foot tall kid comes up behind me and rams me head first into the boards. Everyone says I got up right away, but I defeantely blacked out for a second and I didn't feel good. The next day, I went to school and could not focus at all. I was sore for a couple days, but nothing big.
Back to MRRing. I think I can place the bid for the ALP-44, so maybe I'll get lucky.
Well tyler, I've never had what you have, but I do know how painful something can be (from a small scratch in an annoying spot to a fractured elbow). Hope ya get to feeling better soon. My sister had a broken collarbone a little while back, then she got a throwing up virus while her collarbone was still broke, needless to say, she and my mom didn't have a very fun few days. I actual can tolarate a bunch of pain though.
Well, in terms of modeling, I'm either going to get woprking on a few structure kits or do most of the scenery for a house on my layout. Probably structure kits now, b/c I need a few vehicles for the house (specifically, Atlas 1990s F-150 and a 57 Bel-Air or another classic from Classic metal works. Classic car=zero weathering (just got washed after being driven from the garage (maybe 50 yards away, at most) to the house, while the truck will look very muddy, like someone was working in a field or w/e w/ it). I'll probably do my multi-purpose building kit (Pikestuff, will be the station/yard office/light repair shop) and my DPM trackside transfer (town co-op turned fireworks factory). After that, I'll probably need to take another break from progress.
Well I am stuck on this idea I have...
I would like to build a small, small switching layout in my room, but that is not the issue. I know it would be small, and that it would be only one large paper mill industry, and would be big on detail, just to show off really. Not a running layout.
The issue is if I should build a modular switching layout with a friend (yes he is a model railroader and railfan). I just don't know, it's a bigger commitment, and then the bigger problem comes in. Neither of us have the space to actually host the layout in our houses, but I think we would both be able to store the modules if need be. The idea would be to have something no bigger than 15x15 feet. Still a really good size to work with. No plans yet, but I think that is the biggest floor size I would like to build. Of course adding on later is an option.
The idea with this layout would be to display it at a couple of model railroad shows, and basicly promote the hobby, while having fun. I don't think we would really want to have a running loop type of layout, because we both already belong to a model railroad club with two 100 foot mainlines. I think switching would be the focus, with maybe a hidden loop, or reverse loops?
Any ideas guys? Opinions? I really would like to hear from everyone. I know it's pretty general, but please give it some thought anyways. Perhaps you can lead me towards something else, or a better idea.
Ty, you'll have plenty of time to think, so get busy!
So I finally got around to ordering my paints and shell today. Those will be here in time for Springfield, and until then I really need to work on my module. I need to get the foam and plywood glued in. Then I need to wire up my bridge, and all the track. I need to lay the track. I need to make sure everything is working. And then I get to scenic. I don't actually think I'll have it scenicked for Springfield, just operating. Still, its a lot of work, and a lot of soldering.
Heh heh, yes I do...
How about a small switching layout in your room with the paper mill, that is modular and can be combined with your friend's layout at shows? At home, you can operate on it as a switching layout, and it will be fully contained with staging tracks (the mainline) and at shows you can still use it for switching, but you can hook it up to the other modules to use it for continuous running and display purposes. A small, switching layout really lends itself to modular use, because it probably will have pretty generic ends (unless you're modeling a stub-end industry or a carfloat or something).
I would cast my vote for continuous running. This can be accomplished with cheap bare-wood return loops, maybe with plywood over the top so you can store unused equipment. These won't be part of the layout at home, but since you said you both would have room to store modules, these loops can just be stored for shows.
How many trains do you want to be able to run at a time by themselves? If you want more than one train, a dogbone loop (I'm assuming this isn't a circle) is necessary rather than a loop-to-loop plan is a necessity. In a show atmosphere, you will want to be able to just let a train "orbit" without needed direct control by an operator. You'll be talking to somebody (as always happens at shows) and then BANG! Your trains will collide head-on. Modern model equipment's details won't stand up to collisions like the molded on details of the past. In other words, "They don't build 'em like they used to!"
If it's just one train, you could get away with loop to loop, a single track mainline, and no passing sidings for the industries. You'll want an auto-reverser for this, and something to throw the switch after the train passes over it.
If two or more trains, passing sidings will work wonders for the industries. Say you're switching an industry on the mainline, clearing it for the other train as it passes. Then a visitor asks you a question. While you're explaining how you kitbashed ABC Paper Co., you stop your train. You fail to clear the mainline for the other train, and then you get rear-ended. A passing siding to work on when switching would've prevented that!
I realize that three tracks (main 1, main 2, and passing siding) is a lot to fit on most model railroads, but if you use backdrop structures for the paper company, you should be able to fit those tracks easily.
You might even discard switching at the shows. At home, you can switch all you like, but at the shows, those tracks are just for show most of the time. Sure, maybe your friend will stop his train on one of the loops to break for lunch, so then you can switch for a while, but most of the time, trying to switch at shows is hard to do without ignorting your visitors (they won't ask questions if you look busy) and/or causing wrecks. I'd just let the trains run at shows and save the switching for at home. Plus, after a couple hours at a show, you're bound to get bored of running trains and wish you'd set up the layout so the trains could just run on autopilot.
Just my
The Hub Division is lacking(IMHO), in the fact that most people just want to run circles. I can't really run a turn from the yard out to the staging yard and work back. Someone broke the switches and circuits to the staging yard so that plan is further screwed up, but the way its scheduled, you have people on the inner and outer mains who go wheeeee in circles, and you sign up for one or the other. I'd like to see if we could add a local freight job to the schedule. I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people.
Guilford GuyI think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people.
I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people.
You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need!
TrainManTyGuilford GuyI think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people. You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need!
Exactly!
Thank you Ty! Exactly what I was looking for, just ideas to think about. It might be obvious what to do for some, but I guess when you have so many ideas for a project, you just don't know where to go with them... Thanks again!
Alex- At our club, we have two mainline runs, so you have 1 in each direction. There are a good amount of industries, it's just that members park their trains on sidings during running nights, so it blocks access to the industries. About half are off the mainlines, but then again you don't really want to start flagging other trains to stop so you can switch an industry while you leave your train on the main, preform run around moves, etc... If I actually took the time to switch cars at a normal speed and enjoyed taking the time to couple at a safe speed, actually stop short of a switch to throw it etc, I would have about 20 angry members saying they had to constantly stop for Alex and Jules' switching scenarios! (Jules is the other teen member who I plan on building the layout with, who also really enjoys switching)
We do have an operating session once every 1-2 months, but it isn't really that great. In my own opinion, everything is oversimplified so the older members don't have to hurt themselves thinking. Heck, it's amazing there are run around moves in the scenarios, because when it is time to preform one, at least a few of the older members can't figure out if the switch points are thrown properly. Get some eyewear people!
So I'm trying to say I don't like club operations too much. "Switching" involves running laps around the layout at 150 mph and stopping to switch only 1 industry at a time, once in a blue moon.
Enough said...
A modular switching layout? I had though (and planned, 2 seperate sections based on my existing freight roster) about that idea for a while. I'd have to agree with double tracking and having a passing siding as to not clog traffic.
Idea 1: A loads in, loads-out coal mine and powerplant. I'm pretty sure ya'll know how that works. I'm trying to figure out a to run empties from the powerplant to the coal mine, but loads-in, loads out-works okay if one doesn't mind the empty stage.
Idea 2: A brewery, grain facility, and yard/interchange track. These would have to be seperate seperate modules, preferably placed on opposite ends of the layout, for the illusion of distance. This one would be handled by several trains, since hoppers, reffers, and boxcars are all used and can come from all sorts of places. I had this idea planned for the 4x8 I had, but I didn't have reffers, so maybe a feed mill would be more approriate for that.
Guilford Guy TrainManTy Guilford Guy I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people. You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need! Exactly!
TrainManTy Guilford Guy I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people. You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need!
Guilford Guy I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people.
But that's the fun of it! ...
Alex, I think you should do a switching layout with two reverse loops. I think switching for the entire show would get a little tiring...IMHO.
Which brings up another point (I'm sure Alex F is going to kill him self is I bring this up again), but now that the computer is up in my room, I'm going to have more room for my layout.
I can't decide weather to do a main line layout, or something more along the lines of a branch line. I'm more swaying towards the branch line, but the problem is that I have a lot of SD45s (And wanting to get a FP45 and a F45 doesn't help either!). Not many where used often on branch lines.
If I opted for the main line I would need two Helixes, but I only have room for one.
So Alex and I kind of talked about the idea of a well maintained branch line that has a junction with a higher traffic main. I was also thinking of running daily rock trains to a quarry at the other end of the layout that could use the larger power. A local would handle the CNW interchange, numerous pulp wood spurs, and the few industries at the terminating point of the layout.
What do you guys think I should do?
Jordan, I'll get to your question in a little bit, trying to finish my midterm science essay.
But just to clarify, by "modular" I really mean "portable." Sorry if that confused anyone. Bad French-English translation on my part.
This layout probably will not connect to my layout, or club layout, because club is in another era, and they have really strict module standards, and my layout is in a tight space anyways. No place to connect part of this layout to my planned layout. My room layout will be literally built over a desk, crammed between a wall, a door and closet and a bed against a window. Not really any room for anything else. Not to mention, two of the walls in my room are like a chalet, where the roof is really pointy, so two of the walls are all slanted inward. So no layout against those two walls, the other has a window, so that leaves only the 7-8 feet of wall above a shelf and desk.
Ok, finished that stupid essay... Five pages isn't that bad to write, it's just when it's a very boring subject, it's hard to complete!
Jordan, I'm liking your idea. It is completely possible and plausible. I mean look at CSX today, and their rock trains that used to run pretty often. I think it was on TRP someone said that UP had their big six axle power going into a quarry located on the WSOR. I mean I don't see why not. It is completely possible. Another example would be the RJ Corman Railroad and their large SD40T-2's. They wind there way through the Kentucky mountains, and it sure is a nice site to see. If your branch is well maintained, there are no problems. And it's not like you are climbing mountains, you're in Wisconsin! You have no excuses to follow that idea. It's not like WC's trackage was top notch 60 mph track anyways, or was it?
BTW excellent video on what the the RJ Corman is like when there is no derailments to clean up, and no QJ attracting huge crowds. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=QhRY0zsfywA&feature=channel_page
And yes, I would think that pulpwood would be a pretty big industry there. Also something fun is having big switching problems at the end of the layout, with lots of industry, so you get to bring the cars across the entire layout.
Anything else you want opinions on?
Packer, I am assuming those ideas were for your layout, right? If not, I wouldn't be able to model a coal plant in Northern Quebec. There are quite a few mines, but definately not coal.
WCfan Guilford Guy TrainManTy Guilford Guy I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people. You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need! Exactly! But that's the fun of it! ... Alex, I think you should do a switching layout with two reverse loops. I think switching for the entire show would get a little tiring...IMHO. Which brings up another point (I'm sure Alex F is going to kill him self is I bring this up again), but now that the computer is up in my room, I'm going to have more room for my layout. I can't decide weather to do a main line layout, or something more along the lines of a branch line. I'm more swaying towards the branch line, but the problem is that I have a lot of SD45s (And wanting to get a FP45 and a F45 doesn't help either!). Not many where used often on branch lines. If I opted for the main line I would need two Helixes, but I only have room for one. So Alex and I kind of talked about the idea of a well maintained branch line that has a junction with a higher traffic main. I was also thinking of running daily rock trains to a quarry at the other end of the layout that could use the larger power. A local would handle the CNW interchange, numerous pulp wood spurs, and the few industries at the terminating point of the layout. What do you guys think I should do?
I'm seeing more people getting into this free-mo nonsense. is this the new HO scale version of N-trak? I agree, don't build something you can only use every once in a while, it won't satisfy you.
As for swtiching for an entire show, as long as there is a ryhme or reason, and its off the mainline, Why not? At my club's shows, i love switching the industrial areas after running my mainline trains. It keeps me occupied and entertaining guests without making me burn my brains out, i can relax. So it really just depends on what kind of operator you are!
*****
Anyways, AS far as your layout goes, i'm sure you don't need two helixes. Have you considered double tracking the first helix? I'd like to see your plan, and the space you have. as long as you have enough room for return loop, you can get your mainline to go back onto your helix, and have them seperate in a convenient way.
I have two Ideas, first the easy one, then the hard one (which isn't so much hard as it requires some work).
1). Many railroads would have a branch or something that can serve as an alternate route in case the mainline is too congested or some incident forces traffic to be diverged. It is only logical that you can make an excuse for your branchline to be the "detour". Just give yourself some sort of hidden staging for the through trains that pass by every once in a while, and you're set.
2.) I personally dislike helixes. they take up to much space for almost nothing in the way of a layout, other than giving the train some extra "distance. What i would do is combine them, but loose the helixes. i'd make your bottom deck a mainline operation, and you can focus more on the scenery there. If you can hide half of this deck, just make it staging for through trains. then, have a "tunnel" that goes to your branch, but have a track elevator (these can be easily constructed and can hold a reasonable train done right), and then just make your upper deck the branchline where you do the switching. It would give you so much extra space, assuming you've got enough room, but if you have room for a helix, then you have room to do the suggestions i have provided.
Also, i'm assuming its no accident that your reporting marks equal "Win". thats awesome. good luck!
Modeling Conrail, Amtrak and NJ DOT under the wires in New Jersey, July 1979.