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Teen Model Railroader Place - February 2009 Locked

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  • Member since
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  • From: Memphis, TN
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Posted by Packers#1 on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 3:39 PM

 I'll be using code 55 for my next layout. the difference from HO though-Atlas makes a great and large line of code 55 products. and if it's anything like all the other Atlas stuff I have, it's a great product.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by Guilford Guy on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 10:30 AM

All the switches would be Code 70, as well as the mainline, but the spurs would be Code 55.

Micro Engineering makes Code 70, and Code 83 #6 Turnouts.

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 9:45 AM

Joe: Are you sure NJT uses concrete ties on turnouts? I thought the general practice was to use concrete ties on regular track but wood ties on bridges and turnouts?

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Posted by ns3010 on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 8:46 AM

For the additions to my layout (station track and staging/ NJT layover yard) I'm going to use either M-E or Atlas flex-track w/ concrete ties (NJT-owned trackage only, wood ties for NS). There are no concrete turnouts, so I'll either trim and paint the wood turnout ties or handlay them (probably the first option).

I ordered the boxcar last night, should be here soon; walthers is usually pretty fast. I'll probably put the coal hopper on ebay soon, put the money towards some new cars (NEED covered hoppers, I'll have them as leasers from some company that I make up, or they will be owned for the bakery) or an airbrush.

In the last 6 months, I've planned to go to 4 train shows and go railfanning twice. None of those things happened. Grrr...

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 6:11 AM

I agree Code 70 and 55 look good, but isn't it a little hard to find a large range of switches in Code 55? In Code 70, you have Peco, which is good quality stuff. And As far as I know M-E doesn't offer too much in the way of switches.

Alex

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Posted by Guilford Guy on Monday, February 16, 2009 9:40 PM

TrainManTy

The S4 should be back in service Wednsday night/Thursday... What kind of track do you need? I have a whole bin of excess Atlas C100 track that you have whatever you like from, it's all sectional track soldered together from my old yard, with no derailment problems or anything, since it's all straights. I'll show you on Wednsday/Thursday...

 

With Luck!

I'm investing in Micro Engineering Code 70 and Code 55... Smaller rail looks much better, and M-E ties look better.

Alex

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Posted by ns3010 on Monday, February 16, 2009 7:06 PM

Since my freight fleet is tiny, I'm getting another boxcar that will be used to ship goods from the bakery. I'm thinking of selling my coal hopper because I only have one and there are absolutely no coal mines in Jersey, so having one is kinda rediculous. I'll eventually need a couple more boxcars, about 5 covered hoppers, and whatever else I feel like running. And a few geeps to pull the cars.

NJT will need some PL42ACs (kits from IMW), F40PH-2CATs (kitbashed from Bachmann F40PHs, already working on one) and GP40PH-2s (kitbashed from probably a GP40, I'd have to figure it out). PL42s would predominate, there would be one or two of the F40s and GPs. I'd also need some cars (CVs mostly, a couple older Comets thrown in [it'd be nice to have a solid CI consist, even if they're gone by the time I get mine] all from IMW.) The one walthers CII I have will soon be a station, and I have a Strasburg car (Roundhouse???) that I'm going to make into a restaraunt.

 

I'm want to go out to Dover tomorrow to do some railfanning, but my mom is kinda freaking out about the idea. She's afraid of what happened last time...

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Posted by Packers#1 on Monday, February 16, 2009 6:51 PM

WCfan

SD40s, mmmmmm, somthing about those flexi-coil trucks...

 

yeah, and also, I can get them in Algoma Central paint (the old Katos)

Man, I wish someone made a U36C in N scale. I don't know how you would scratch build one either. If I could, it'd be in the Clinchfield black paint though.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 16, 2009 6:27 PM

The S4 should be back in service Wednsday night/Thursday... What kind of track do you need? I have a whole bin of excess Atlas C100 track that you have whatever you like from, it's all sectional track soldered together from my old yard, with no derailment problems or anything, since it's all straights. I'll show you on Wednsday/Thursday...

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Posted by WCfan on Monday, February 16, 2009 6:16 PM

SD40s, mmmmmm, somthing about those flexi-coil trucks...

Vincent, Proto 45s and 60s can pull almost anything. I can't wait to see pictures!

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Posted by Packers#1 on Monday, February 16, 2009 5:42 PM

 I'm not sure how many cars I have. I do know I have like 7 engines.

And now I NEED (yes, NEED for my current layout plan) probably 2 SD35s, 1 SD40, and a few older SD units (SD7, 9, 24), as well as about 30 coal hoppers (there are Bowser hoppers for like $9 a piece on a website though). yeah. Odds of that actually happening: 1:1,000,000. More likely, it'll wind up being 30 hoppers and two SD35s.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

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Posted by Guilford Guy on Monday, February 16, 2009 3:05 PM

 I have 5 Active Freight cars, and 3 inactive... One of the inactive cars is getting a patch (hopper), and the other 2 are paint subjects. (The Paint Subject Cars, are older MDC cars with thick molded on detail that I'm going to pass on.

I have an OOS S4 (needs wiring work), and a pair of GP30's also in need of work (As well as BN GP30 getting work, and being shipped to Florida whenever its finished... yeah, sorry, I work slowly). The 2-10-2 was sold for 10$  at Springfield... I have an ABEL Caboose, and NEN 70 Tonner, that are going back to Tyler's layout, and SW9 working a paper mill on the QNE, and an RS3 in the paint booth, and awaiting detail parts. Sometime after the March Show I'll probably buy another pair of RS3s and some more Rolling Stock. I need to build a module for that March Show and put a decoder in the RS3. With luck I'll start benchwork over Spring Break, and will have some money left over to buy TRACK! Yayyy...

Alex

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Monday, February 16, 2009 2:25 PM

Packer
 

Alex, good haul on those cars. Are any of those open autoracks NP or BN by chance?

No. The two I picked up were in CP, one Bi-Level and one Tri-Level. Sorry!

I do have a D&RGW Open Tri-Level though.

--------------------------------------

As for the number of cars I have, I really am afraid to count, because I know it's way too much, but I really can't help it. I am afraid to admit that it's probably between 150-200 cars, and that is the good quality stuff, forget all the cheapo LL and Tyco stuff that was given to me that will only be found chopped up in a large scrap yard on a future layout some day.

Sounds like something to do, count how many darn cars I have!

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 16, 2009 2:23 PM

GG: Like I need any more locos... I've already got two on each train not counting the GP30 B unit! Well, I will once they all get repaired and put back in service...

Alex: That's pretty neat! Expensive, but still...

I have around 40 active freight cars, plus about 20 inactive ones, mostly cheap toy stuff, but there are a few Athearn cars that are missing parts and are OOS because of that plus they're the wrong era. And that's counting the 11 Impacks (two full sets plus three middle cars, except two of the center units aren't operable... One has the mounting pin snapped, so under strain it comes "uncoupled" and drags the car on the ties, and the other is an oddball, the only car painted all red... 

If you counted those cars as single units plus the MOW equipment (without metal wheels and for display only) I'd have over 60 pieces of rolling stock.

 

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Posted by ns3010 on Monday, February 16, 2009 12:30 PM

Packer
I think I have close to 100, but I need to make a list of what I have.

I'm embarrassed to say how many I have...

I finished up the video and uploaded it. You can view it here. The sound is from a MRC Sound Station 312.

On ebay, I found OP manuals for both a GP40PH-2B and a PL42AC. I REALLY want (read: need) those!

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Posted by Packer on Monday, February 16, 2009 10:34 AM

No one I know has that many cars; but that translates to about 200 going up grades. I think I have close to 100, but I need to make a list of what I have. On the prototype it was usually 4-6 engines on the head-end, and about 3 on the tail for helpers. I got that bit from watching some youtube videos of th BN getting big trains (100 cars or more) up hills.

Well I forgot today was a holiday (I'm in school at the moment) so I might not be able to get that foam tape. Maybe I can get some silicone adhesive for the GP35.

I'd like to get an interior (kato has them) and then a small video camera and stick them in the GP35 so I can get videos of what looks like a cab ride. They have camera cars, so it might be possible. If I can get one to fit in the long hood of said GP35, I could get a highliner-F-unit shell and use the athearn interior for them (genesis F-units have high-liner shells), or get a straight DC genesis (get a small decoder and re-locate it to the back) F45 and do the same. That's something that will have to wait though.

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.

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Posted by OzarkBelt on Monday, February 16, 2009 10:16 AM

Hello again

Not much new from me... Hoping to work on some section of my sectional layout as well as spruce up my current layout.

ns3010

Packer

I really want to get a video of my F45 mu'ed to a pair of SD45s and U30C (I should make all of their beacons operate), just because it'd be scchhwwweeeetttt (albiet on the overkill side; don't really need the 400+ car pulling capacity of the set).

400+ cars?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?. Geez... Does anyone even have that many?

 

Only if you are one of those guys who get published in MR with monstrous layouts!

Afraid there is not much new from me...

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot Visit my blog! http://becomingawarriorpoet.blogspot.com

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Posted by ns3010 on Monday, February 16, 2009 10:12 AM

Packer

I really want to get a video of my F45 mu'ed to a pair of SD45s and U30C (I should make all of their beacons operate), just because it'd be scchhwwweeeetttt (albiet on the overkill side; don't really need the 400+ car pulling capacity of the set).

400+ cars?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?. Geez... Does anyone even have that many?

We lost our game 3-2 last night in a shootout, which we never win. I'm pretty sure that we're definately in the playoffs anyway??? We have three more season games before playoffs. Considering that we're only a 2nd year team, we're doin pretty good. Hope we go varsity next year,  but we haven't decided yet.

I'm finishing up a video; I just need to record the sound and add it. Should be on youtube in a couple hours.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by Packer on Sunday, February 15, 2009 10:13 PM

It is an awesome engine. Sounds awesome, looks awesome, and performs awesome (nice and smooth, and pulls like mad[very close to a P2K SD45]). I was suprised when I found out the beacon actually works (want to do that to several other engines). Heck, I might go and get me another one someday.

I really want to get a video of my F45 mu'ed to a pair of SD45s and U30C (I should make all of their beacons operate), just because it'd be scchhwwweeeetttt (albiet on the overkill side; don't really need the 400+ car pulling capacity of the set).

I managed to squeeze in some tinkering with my trio of Gp30s so they are all matched up. QSI decoders don't program very well on the main, so the other 2 just got set to match it. I plan to go to the hardware store tommorow to get some foam tape for my GP35 that will run with the Gp30.

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.

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Posted by WCfan on Sunday, February 15, 2009 9:35 PM

Packer

Good to see Jordan's back, too bad he missed my sound-equipped F45.

I didn't miss them, I just forgot to post about them...they looks awesome! I can't wait untill athearn comes out with there WC F45 (Not FP45) and an ATSF Super Fleet FP45 I can patch.

 

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Posted by Packer on Sunday, February 15, 2009 9:30 PM

Good to see Jordan's back, too bad he missed my sound-equipped F45.

Alex, good haul on those cars. Are any of those open autoracks NP or BN by chance?

I haven't really done much. I got the shells for my C424s the other day. Just a few modifications and it fits. Still have to get the cab, sill, detail parts and make coupler mounting pads.

I'm hoping to bring my good camera to the MR club so I can get some pictures (and maybe a video) of some of my more recent aquisitions.

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.

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:19 PM

Well yesterday I picked up 20 secondhand cars for $170.00. That comes out to $8.50 a car.

They are all really nice cars, Accurail open autoracks, various boxcars, Walthers covered hoppers, and there are 6 Athearn Genesis cars, which the original price tag said sold for $35-$40 each, so it really was a good deal if you ask me. Everything has Kadee couplers and metal wheels.

I'm definately gonna spend some more money on this sale. There are quite a few Accurail covered hoppers that I am interested in. Since they are cheaper than the Genesis stuff, I think I can pick them all up for $120.00 if I can convince him.

Alex

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Posted by WCfan on Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:02 PM

Darn, Tyler! Tongue There we go. I see your going a little heavy on the EMD side Tongue. Nice roster, keep bulking up and you'll have a pretty nice fleet. I also think that Trainline GP9 is ex ATSF...just a hunch, I'm sure some one here thinks the same way...(I won't mention names Tongue)

 

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Posted by Guilford Guy on Sunday, February 15, 2009 7:28 PM

Ty, I have a friend who's selling a GRS GP9m, in case you want to double head them.

 

TrainManTy

Interesting idea, Sawyer. Alex, you might want to take note of that for your 70 tonner...it can't handle even 3 cars on my grade and it cogs like crazy coming down, even by itself.

 

It doesn't matter what is put on the wheel treads, when there isn't enough weight over the trucks to put traction on them...

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 15, 2009 7:03 PM

Jordan: You need a another Tongue in your post!Tongue

The WRS roster is as follows:

  • P2K Ex-PRR GP7
  • P2K Ex-C&O GP7
  • Trainline WRS GP9 (I don't know it's heritage)
  • P2K Ex-IC GP10
  • P2K Ex-ATSF GP30
  • Atlas Ex-UP (now WIN) SDP35
  • Atlas Ex-CSX U23B
  • Atlas Ex-Chessie System U23B

There will also be a GP30 used as a trailing unit, actually a dummy feeding power pickup to a powered unit. And there will be the occasional visitor to the railroad as well.

Interesting idea, Sawyer. Alex, you might want to take note of that for your 70 tonner...it can't handle even 3 cars on my grade and it cogs like crazy coming down, even by itself.

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Posted by ns3010 on Sunday, February 15, 2009 12:47 PM

Tyler: Nice job on the video. I like the lashup.

I've gone to Catholic school my entire life. Let's just say that my town doesn't have the greatest school system... I've heard more than enough stories. And I like my HS. Big enough to feel like school, but not huge. For college, anywhere near the beach and the tracks is fine with me.

Went to the movies on Friday, once again, didn't work out as planned. Friday the 13th was sold out, so  we wanted to see The Uninvited. Sold out. So we decided to chill at the mall. We got bored, so we saw Push. Weird movie.

So far, I've spent almost the entire long weekend on homework... Ugh...

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by Packers#1 on Sunday, February 15, 2009 11:01 AM

TrainManTy

Packers#1
and bullfrog snot

 

And WHAT?? Was that a typo, or what?Laugh

Thanks! 22" radius is definetely pretty big in N scale. I wish I could increase my curve radius, but I can't without rebuilding the benchwork. It provides quite a challenge with long trains though!

 

no, no typo. learned about this on nscale.org. It's (and I'm trying to figure out how to explain it) a do-it-yourself (I guess is a good way to put it) traction tire. apparently it's like a gel or something, and when you put it on your loco's wheels and if you do it right, when it dries, it dramatically increases pulling performance. thinking about it, if I get the Challenger, I might only need to do one set of drivers out of the two sets of 6, IDK. Definitely going to do it to all my locos though, on one set.

here's the thread, it explains it best:

http://www.nscale.org/forum/frameset.html?http://www.nscale.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14448&highlight=bullfrog+snot 

you might want to try it, lol. Wink

and here's the product's site:

 http://www.bullfrogsnot.com/

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Wausau, Wisconsin
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Posted by WCfan on Sunday, February 15, 2009 10:55 AM

Railfan Alex

Hey!

Where's Jordan?

Right here.

I've been pretty busy, with nothing to post so...not much from me. I did though; buy another WC GP40, WC 3007. It needs some work, needs a plow and some of the lift rings broke off, but nothing to major.

The Mad city train show is coming up, so we'll see what I can find there. Hopefully an undec. SD35 so I can paint WC 2500 in her original SOU colors, or an undec. GP30 so I can paint her as WC 703. If anything else I'll try and find a SD9 for my SDM project. If I can't find any of those, I'll just find a SD40-2 for the WIN...Tongue

Tyler I like the angle, and that kodachrome GP30 looks nice. I see the WRS is now going more into EMDs Tongue. What’s your WRS roster as of now? 3 GP7/9s, two GP30s, and two GEs right?

Alex F, I like the weathering, hides up your painting mistakes (everyone makes them, except for Jerry). Tongue But do I see some “dirt” coming off the hand railings? Tongue

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Sunday, February 15, 2009 10:31 AM

Hey!

Where's Jordan?

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 15, 2009 9:36 AM

Packers#1
and bullfrog snot

 

And WHAT?? Was that a typo, or what?Laugh

Thanks! 22" radius is definetely pretty big in N scale. I wish I could increase my curve radius, but I can't without rebuilding the benchwork. It provides quite a challenge with long trains though!

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