Not being able to build a layout because the basement isn't finished yet and it's a big job. That's what is eating at me for about a half a year now.
As my British wife says, just "soldier on".
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I am working on a Lonestar flatbed trailer; it came with a donation to Boothaby Railway Village. First time with this brand. A well made kit in a class simlar in difficulty to Jordan kits. A lot of fine detail parts, easily broken. I had to change what I had planned a couple of times because parts broke.
Also, I have not been able to find a suitable tractor for it. Walthers has discontinued Alloy Forms and CMW does not have any undecorated tractor truclks in the catalog now. Guess I will have to order somethng from Sylvan Scale. More delays....
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
On one of my sidings I have a frieght house, I don't like that frieght house. Unfortunately I just can't justify doing something different with it right now so it sits, a bland, shoddy, plastic reminder that I should have gone with a different kit.
Just an N scale guy in an HO scale world.
Reading Railroad in a small space.
I have been digging through all my storage containers, and still-in-box kits, because I KNOW I have two Walthers 74' TOFC's, the kits in the white a stripped narrow box.
I'm coming to the stark realization, I might have sold them along with some Conrail semi trailers.
Another thing is decals! I'm trying to get some spine cars finished, and I have 5 yet to be decaled. I struggle with decals! Once I get started, I'm good, it's just getting started.......I keep doing other things!
It's just so stressfull being a model railroader!, why would anyone do this?
Mike.
My You Tube
deleted
SeeYou190 "Is anything driving you crazy right now?".
"Is anything driving you crazy right now?".
I don't need to drive...it's within walking distance. I've had this Korber roundhouse for perhaps 40 years, but started building it about four years ago....
It's not high on my list of things to do, but a few days ago, I decided to re-visit that stalled project. While it's going well-enough, I'm also going through Evergreen strip styrene at an alarming rate (over $130.00 worth last week). I hope that the additional stuff that I ordered at that time comes in soon, or the project will soon stall again.
My plan (perhaps more a hope than a plan) is that it will have a one-piece removeable roof. While the structure will be at eye-level on the upper level of the layout, I don't plan to add much in the way of interior detail and will definitely not add lighting, but I do want the interior to be readily accessible.
Here's where construction is at, as of about 5 minutes ago...While the cost is manageable, the time which this project is consuming is driving me crazy...I'm generally a slow worker anyways, but this one seems especially slow.
Wayne
Keep it up Wayne, I'll stick with my decals, you stick with your roundhouse!
And I only hope that this does NOT turn into another philosophical "whats wrong with this hobby" thread!
I'm sure that's NOT what the OP had in mind when he started it. It always seem to come from the same places.
Hey, but I did get started on my decals, and I did find one of the missing TOFC's, so life is great!
My painted and decaled Athearn 50' reefer shell has been sitting on my file cabinet for months. I went looking for the other parts to put it all together and I can find the box, the weight, frame, bolster, trucks, couplers and brake detail, but there is a big cylinder (air?) that sits under the door that is MIA
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Yes. .... Technology drives me crazy....... .nuff said.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
riogrande5761 Not being able to build a layout because the basement isn't finished yet and it's a big job. That's what is eating at me for about a half a year now. As my British wife says, just "soldier on".
Change it to almost 5 years. Oh and first I have to "unfinish" the basement, and I'm right there.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
When researching Burlington Northern almost half the stuff is BNSF. BNSF wasn't formed in the late 1980s.
I'm planning on getting just books on the BN skipping the internet, altogether on the subject.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
We can have this...
this...
and this...
but we can't have this...
WHY????
Dave
Just be glad you don't have to press "2" for English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_ALEdDUB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqFS1GZL4s
http://s73.photobucket.com/user/steemtrayn/media/MovingcoalontheDCM.mp4.html?sort=3&o=27
Five years? No thankyou. Thankfully wife is a hard worker and is helping to push progress along. She got distracted last couple weeks re-tiling the new shower floor which the contractor botched. She is pretty handy. I am going through a lot of mud on the corner areas which there are a lot of, what with those four boxed in ceiling beams.
The only thing bothering me at the moment is not having the correct silver to paint side frames for my UP 1943! The original trucks were binding, so I ordered a new pair and they only had black, so now my 1943 looks very Unprototypical, but it will have to wait.
SeeYou190What is eating at you right now?
Heartland Division CB&Q Yes. .... Technology drives me crazy....... .nuff said.
Well, I love technology i.e. LEDs, cube speakers, wi-fi connected throttles.
BUT when it decides to go wonky it can cause an Excedrin Moment
Presently, I have a Broadway Limited Heavy Pacific that I recently bought from their Refurb Outlet. Now, I'm well aware of the QC problems that many of their Paragon3 decoders have had. I've had to deal with a few of those already.
SO, this Pacific. Excellent running locomotive. I'm planning to add an Elesco FWH and make it into an ERIE K5. I test ran it on address 3 with no issues.
Then, I programmed the decoder address to the road number 2925 and made a few other minor changes to sound levels, momentum and such, using JMRI and a Sprogg II.
Then I place the engine on the layout and call up 2925 and nothing happens. . I tried address 3 also but no-go.
So, back to the programming track and JMRI. Using the "Identify" button I get "Address 1610 found, no such roster entry". Huh?
Now, I enter the CVs for 2925 individually: 17=203, 18=109, 29=34. Read them back and all is good.
Back to the layout, no go! Enter 1610 into the throttle and the engine runs, but backward and in 14 step mode.
A real head scratcher! If I program any other address, 2924 or 2926 or simply 25 everything works fine.
Why does this happen? I haven't contacted BLI just yet. I could renumber the locomotive... but again, WHY?
Just one of those goofy, frustrating "digital glitches"? I can live with the engine programmed as "25". Down the road, I'll probably switch to an ESU decoder, anyway.
Cheers! Ed
What's it read back for CV29, a value that would be 14 steps, reverse, or is it reading the 34 you actually set it to? Sounds like it's missing or flipping some bits.
rrinker riogrande5761 Not being able to build a layout because the basement isn't finished yet and it's a big job. That's what is eating at me for about a half a year now. As my British wife says, just "soldier on". Change it to almost 5 years. Oh and first I have to "unfinish" the basement, and I'm right there. --Randy
What do you mean unfinish it? Do you have to rip out drywall?
We are making good progress. The frustration is it's a bit like "a watched pot never boils" - the pot does boil but sometimes perception is it takes a lot longer than we would like and we get impatient.
Aug - Oct 2018: Electrical, plumbing and pre-rough inspection stuff was completed while other working was being done on the house and taking precident.
Nov: Permit to finish acquired.
Early Dec: started drywalling:
Early Jan: most walls drywalled:
Those beams and vents boxed in on the ceiling (seen in 2nd photo) are all drywalled now as well and all metal corners installed - some of them mudded.
Instead of drywalling ceiling, installing suspended (drop) ceiling to keep access to wiring and plumbing easier. Plan to install 2x2 troffer lights.
steemtrayn We can have this...WHY????
We can have this...WHY????
This drives me crazy, one of the brass manufactureres even went as far as to make one of these in N scale but no one has ever done a Reading T-1. I would pay good money for that just to have a Ramble on my layout.
rrinker What's it read back for CV29, a value that would be 14 steps, reverse, or is it reading the 34 you actually set it to? Sounds like it's missing or flipping some bits. --Randy
I'll write down the exact details and post it in a separate thread instead of tying up this one, Randy. In the next day or so I'll get to it.
Thanks, Ed
Don't close on the new house until February 14th. Have plans drawn for the new layout but itching to start construction. Plan to box in a back corner of the garage to cut down on dust and that I am able to climate control.
doctorwaynea few days ago, I decided to re-visit that stalled project. While it's going well-enough, I'm also going through Evergreen strip styrene at an alarming rate (over $130.00 worth last week). I hope that the additional stuff that I ordered at that time comes in soon, or the project will soon stall again.
Gasp! That's .... that's ... that's a lot of styrene! But bless you Dr Wayne for helping keep the good folks at Evergreen in business.
Dave Nelson
PS the punster in me can't help note that if you are going to "stall" on a project, what better project for stalls than a roundhouse?
eaglescout Don't close on the new house until February 14th. Have plans drawn for the new layout but itching to start construction. Plan to box in a back corner of the garage to cut down on dust and that I am able to climate control.
Sounds like a good plan to prepare the room for the layout before building. No basement? How big is the layout area going to be?
I knew I would have at least a year after closing before I could start on my layout. Looks like it's going to be around 18 months but the house was neglected and bank owned when we bought it and we knew there was going to be a lot of money and time invested from the git-go.
riogrande5761 rrinker riogrande5761 Not being able to build a layout because the basement isn't finished yet and it's a big job. That's what is eating at me for about a half a year now. As my British wife says, just "soldier on". Change it to almost 5 years. Oh and first I have to "unfinish" the basement, and I'm right there. --Randy What do you mean unfinish it? Do you have to rip out drywall? We are making good progress. The frustration is it's a bit like "a watched pot never boils" - the pot does boil but sometimes perception is it takes a lot longer than we would like and we get impatient. Aug - Oct 2018: Electrical, plumbing and pre-rough inspection stuff was completed while other working was being done on the house and taking precident. Nov: Permit to finish acquired. Early Dec: started drywalling: Early Jan: most walls drywalled: Those beams and vents boxed in on the ceiling (seen in 2nd photo) are all drywalled now as well and all metal corners installed - some of them mudded. Instead of drywalling ceiling, installing suspended (drop) ceiling to keep access to wiring and plumbing easier. Plan to install 2x2 troffer lights.
Well, it's currently finished into 4 areas, the laundry area is still bare cinderblock, but the other 3 rooms each have a different pattern of paneling, nailed right to some 2x3s, no insulation, no proper header and footer. And the floor is carpeted with a disgustingly dirty carpet that has to come out, and there is a drop ceiling but the tiles look like they are ancient, or at least very dingy and stained. SO it all has to come out, so I can put up proper walls and do it right. i WISH it was completely unfinished, that would have been much easier to deal with. Oh and in one section there is a really crappy bar. Liek REALLY bad, not worth doing anything but taking a sledge and some crowbars to. After I remove the plumbing to the sink - inlets only, there is no drain! It just runs out on the floor (or I guess the put a bucket there).
What's driving me crazy right now? I've been opening up manufacturer's original boxes containing HO RTR or built kits of rolling stock, safely stored, only to find broken detail parts, couplers off, etc. Looks like I have my work cut out for me and I hope that I have enough glue to get it all back into place on the models!
Russ
Modeling the early '50s Erie in Paterson, NJ. Here's the link to my railroad postcard collection: https://railroadpostcards.blogspot.com/
Yeah. Coming home every night waiting for my track and it's not there
TF
Well,I retired 6 years ago with grand visions of a large version of the Western Maryland Thomas Subdivision. One thing led to another and I finally got a new building constructed, wired, heated, ACed and finished last May. It's 14x16 rather than the planned 20x30 but I can live with that.
What's driving me nuts is the pace I'm making on the layout. I have the benchwork up and all the cork down and sanded. My work bench is done and the paint booth awaits a new blower. It seems every time I start working something gets in the way. Allergies, bad back, family obligations and a ton of other things. Seems like every time I make plans to get out there something comes up! Just can't win! But it still beats the daily grind of the airline and aircraft!
oldline1
Well, if I was going to let something drive me crazy, like Wayne said, it would be a short walk.
But, I'm pretty calm and pragmatc most of the time.
I would like to get started on the actual layout construction, but work is really busy, and the track plan is not quite done - hope to finish that up real soon. I'm expecting to be able to begin benchwork in the spring.
My new to me basement is unfinished, well it has painted block walls and a painted floor......
I do plan to install some sort of ceiling system, like a drop ceiling but different....more on that later. I would never install drywall on a basement ceiling of house I plan to live in - it is an invitation for repairs that require cutting holes in it........
And I will not be framing any walls, or installing any drywall. What would that accomplish other than subtract nearly a foot from the length and width of the space?
The layout will be around virtually all the walls, and I will install backdrop material on furring strips, or directly on the block walls from the benchwork up.
No need for insulation down there, the whole basement is below grade, it is comfortably warm in winter, and cool in summer just the way it is.
Ready to get started as soon as time allows......
Sheldon
Great! It looks like a nice clean and dry area.
I did the furring strip, only from the layout up, not all the way down, insulated between the strips, because the top two courses of block are above grade. From there down it's poured concrete. I figured the extra little bit of insulation wouldn't hurt, than I drywalled it, and finished it, and painted the back drop on that.
I only WISH I would've done the ceiling.
I was right smack in the middle of installing my small roundhouse when I had to stop for a vacation trip to China. I left it just a bit further along than this:
Two weeks left before I get home to continue work.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
TIME, the lack thereof!
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Track fiddlerYeah. Coming home every night waiting for my track and it's not there
Um, don't you have a tracking number for your track?
Nearly all shippers provide them these days. Hope it arrives today!
Cheers, Ed
What's driving me crazy is that my signaling system all of a sudden started showing wierd signals aspects (green over green, green over yellow). Founnd out it's actually an issue with my digitrax command station. Apparently I have somehow overload the buffer in it. It's also having a hard time consisting for some reason. Since its 22 years old now I'm not sure a trip back to digitrax is going to help. I was able setup a temporary stand alone loconet minus the command station and everything worked perfectly. Now I need to decide if I want to separate the block detection and signaling from the actual train control DCC and have two isolated loconet connections or upgrade to a new command station.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Renegade1cSince its 22 years old now I'm not sure a trip back to digitrax is going to help.
Have you looked into firmware upgrades, Renegade? I was having trouble getting my Duplex throttles and UR92s to play nice then I sat down and went through the firmware upgrade procedure one night and that solved a whole lot of problems.
http://www.digitrax.com/downloads/
or
https://www.dccguy.com/?p=4398
I don't know if this will help you with your exact problem but it might be worth looking into.
Good Luck, Ed
Not real nuts, but enough to get me going on it. A caboose shortage. The track is all in and working, I've been enjoying running trains. There is room for 6 trains in staging. Only 3 cabeese on the layout, and 4 box shaker kits in storage. So today, (Wed) I got 'em out, glazed the windows, put Kadees and metal wheels on them and got 'em on the rails.
Dr Wayne: Those Korber Roundhouses leave a lot to be desired, don't they? I framed mine up with tight grained wood cut on a table saw. Expanded to 6 stalls, it's not complete, but is in use on the layout. My roof is removable in 2 sections; the front section and the larger rear section. Dan
Silverliner266 steemtrayn We can have this...WHY???? This drives me crazy, one of the brass manufactureres even went as far as to make one of these in N scale but no one has ever done a Reading T-1. I would pay good money for that just to have a Ramble on my layout.
You'll probably gey your T1 before I get my BP20.
Last basement progress photo's was from about a month ago, here are current:
Trying to find good running D&H locomotives for less than $60!?
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
HarrisonTrying to find good running D&H locomotives for less than $60!?
There are a couple on Ebay right now, Athearn, Atlas.
For trains or in general? If trains, getting each piece of track wired with feeders. I hate wiring! At least I have a process for doing it that makes sense to me.
mbinsewi Harrison Trying to find good running D&H locomotives for less than $60!? There are a couple on Ebay right now, Athearn, Atlas. Mike.
Harrison Trying to find good running D&H locomotives for less than $60!?
Did I mention that I am looking for 4-axle, 1970's and 80's locos?
Did I mention that I am looking for 4-axle, 1970's and 80's locos? Maybe I am to picky.
Harrison Did I mention that I am looking for 4-axle, 1970's and 80's locos? Maybe I am to picky.
Should be plenty of 4-axle loco's for that time frame on Ebay. A few examples that come to mind:
Atlas GP38 GP40
Proto 2000 GP7/GP9/GP30/GP38
Athearn blue box and RTR GP35, GP40-2
Athearn Genesis GP40-2, GP9
I'm not up on GE loco's but some can offer makers of 4-axle versons of them.
I just looked again,
1- Athearn PA, which I guess is too "old" I think they 40's and 50's
1- Bachmann GP38-2 with DCC, I have a couple of these, they run great for the money.
1- Athearn SD45, also good runners, and good DCC conversion candidates.
All painted and lettered for the D & H, and all under $60.
Gilbert Grape
Not knowing what I don't know. At least when I find out what I don't know it is easily fixed.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
steemtrayn We can have this... this... and this... but we can't have this... WHY????
rrebell steemtrayn We can have this... this... a but we can't have this... You aren't going to like this but just saw one a week or so ago. Looked at it because I admired the work but didn't need it
steemtrayn We can have this... this... a but we can't have this...
a
You aren't going to like this but just saw one a week or so ago. Looked at it because I admired the work but didn't need it
Brass, right? I have an A-B-A set, factory painted from Oriental, but I'm waiting for someone to mass produce them in plastic. The excuses I get don't make sense to me, when those other limited interest units are being made. (Which, by the way, is a good thing.)
Too bad Canadian National never owned a Baldwin RF-16, because Rapido would have already made us a beautiful model.
.
STRATTON AND GILLETTE management desperately want an A/B set of these locomotives, so I hope if they ever do get made, an undecorated DC set is an option.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190Too bad Canadian National never owned a Baldwin RF-16, because Rapido would have already made us a beautiful model....
You're probably right about that, Kevin.
How bad were the ones from Model Power? I had several of their FA/FB units, and while they weren't as accurate as later offerings (especially those from Rapido), they didn't look all that bad to me. They were also excellent runners, with a huge can motor that could handle a lot of extra weight, making them excellent pullers.
I still have four of these, all-powered, despite no longer modelling the diesel era, and another 4 or 5, also all powered, in various factory paint schemes and undecorated, too, stored in boxes...
I modified these two into an FPA-4/FPB-4 set, and regret selling them, even though I have no use for them....
If the contours of the nose weren't correct or the shape of the windshield was wrong, it never bothered me. They were great runners and fantastic pullers, too. The Model Power Sharks used the same drivetrain and motor, and some of my FAs, if I recall correctly, had the same underframe as was used in the Sharks, narrowed at the front end.
With some wire grabs and a few other details, I'd guess that you could come up with a decent representation...better, in my opinion, than not having one at all.
I changed the body panels to better match the real FPA-FPB-4s, along with the fuel tanks...
Lack of time, lack of money, lack of vision. I have a room 11 x 23 and have it drawn out on paper in a 2 foot grid. Thinking of only using 11 x 15 as layout space. The more I read, the worse I get. Now I am thinking double deck with a helix.
Maybe I ought to just start something and go with the flow.
Robert H. Shilling II
Lack of spell check in what should be quality forums.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
What drives me crazy ?????
Trying to find Jordan vehicles, now that Jordan no longer exists.
Rust...... It's a good thing !
Yes..... trying to get my layout off the dining room glass table into its permanent position so my wife can breathe a little again. I have to work Saturday but I'll start on it Saturday Night
Trying to remove 40+ year old paint from an old dummy FA2 (Model Power/Roco, I think) that is being converted to a camera car for my club. The previous owner gifted me with boxes of old HO equipment. This particular piece was custom painted in New Haven colors, but will be repainted in club colors...if I can get the old paint off!
Robert Beaty
The Laughing Hippie
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The CF-7...a waste of a perfectly good F-unit!
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the
end of your tunnel, Was just a freight train coming
your way. -Metallica, No Leaf Clover
Arjay1969 This particular piece was custom painted in New Haven colors, but will be repainted in club colors...if I can get the old paint off!
After hearing good things about Superclean I have tried it:
https://superclean.com/products/
Works perfectly for me, both on brass or plastic for paint removal. When I'm done, I strain it and keep the used stuff, in a separate bottle, for next time, replenishing with new as needed.
Try it, you'll like it.
I use the Super Clean, I get it in the gallon jug, but, one thing that drove me crazy, some factory paint on Athearn locos refused to budge. Took a few days!
On some, the paint fell of in big pieces, go figure!
I'm going to try the Dr.Wayne suggestion of methyl hydrate. Local hardware store doesn't have it.
mbinsewiI'm going to try the Dr.Wayne suggestion of methyl hydrate. Local hardware store doesn't have it.
You guys have gas line antifreeze in Wisconsin? That used to be 90 to 100% Methanol. Same = same.
https://www.splashwash.com/products/antifreeze/gas-line-methanol
https://www.splashwash.com/application/files/8615/4820/2948/SPLASH_Gas_Line_Antifreeze_All_Sizes_11-30-18_1.pdf
Try a little and see if it works on your paint.
This stuff is mostly (75%) methanol, too:
https://www.rei.com/product/837419/crown-fuel-alcohol-stove-fuel
So, methyl hydrate and methanol are the same?
mike.
EDIT: I just looked it up. OK, Dah!
A case of the modeling doldrums aggravated by adjusting to a new blood pressure med. In the meantime seeing the facinating work being accomplished by the modelers on this forum is a big help in brewing up some wind to again fill my sails.
Thanks and regards, Peter
Yes!! My MRC Prodigy Advance squared DCC system quit working!!! My guess is that it's either where the power supply plugs into the base unit or it's the plug that plugs into the wall as one of the prongs broke off and I glued it back in. I think it is where the power supply plugs into the back of the command unit. I took it apart, but I don't see anything that's obviously loose or has come unattached. I hate the thought of buying a new system$$$
Really? I've never heard of anyone glueing a broken prong, spade, whatever you want to call it, that plugs into the wall receptical, back on.
I think that's your problem.
Check your other thread on this, you can buy just the wall wart power supply from MRC.
Good Morning all,
I'm a fairly long time member, who hasn't done anything with trains for a few years now; so I have visited the boards quite a few times awhile back, but had never posted.
I am getting all of my HO and Lionel stuff out, and am going to try doing scenery and buildings etc for the first time, and this is what's driving me nuts right now.
I remember as a boy my HO scale cars and engines ( not that I ever had more than maybe two Xmas boxed sets worth at any one time) but they all coupled together fine ( most of the time) and just worked and all of the couplers I remember were the same little black ones that weren't the style that I see now with the long curvy bull horn hanging down off of them.
Now I have about 10 engines and probably 45 cars and hardly anything will couple up to anything else. I have alot of the older black style that I remember, along with a bunch of really tiny looking brown couplers, and one car has a funky red coupler that I hadn't seen before. Quite a few of my cars and engine couplers are the brown coupler with the curved bull horn ( kind of looks like an air hose) looking piece hanging down off of them.Most of the cars are E Bay finds, that for the most part aren't real new but they aren't ancient either. The cars and engines with this style will barely couple to any other cars or engines at all.
My question is, is there a semi universal coupler that I could replace most of these with to get the majority of the cars to couple ? I have been looking on my own and trying to research it, but as with many Google searches the complete answer is elusive and many times confusing. What was the most prevalent coupler on rolling stock, say 15 or 20 years ago ? I did find that many say the Kadee # 5 is a pretty universal coupler that should work in many applications. I really want to try going to knuckle couplers if possible.I usually had good luck with them, and the above mentioned brown ones seem to not be working well at all together, or with others. I really must admit that I am confused with all of the options. Maybe the ones I remember as a boy ( I am 54 now) were the horn hook style ?
I do understand that I will be in for some added or removed shims, changing of some coupler boxes, swapping out parts and such like that to make some of them line up.
I hope I was not too confusing fellas, I understand that despite trying to find out what I can on the types of couplers, has left me more mixed up than ever, and my descriptions of what type I think each is may be wrong...
I appreciate any and all suggestions from you guys, and am excited to get a string of cars and engines together and get rolling so I can go build some scenery
ty1220 My question is, is there a semi universal coupler that I could replace most of these with to get the majority of the cars to couple ? I have been looking on my own and trying to research it, but as with many Google searches the complete answer is elusive and many times confusing. What was the most prevalent coupler on rolling stock, say 15 or 20 years ago ? I did find that many say the Kadee # 5 is a pretty universal coupler that should work in many applications. I really want to try going to knuckle couplers if possible.I usually had good luck with them, and the above mentioned brown ones seem to not be working well at all together, or with others. I really must admit that I am confused with all of the options. Maybe the ones I remember as a boy ( I am 54 now) were the horn hook style ?
Yes, go with #5 Kadee couplers. They are far more reliable than the horn-hook style. It depends on the car about how much trouble you'll face in replacing them.
What I'm currently fighting is ensuring the trackwork is suiable to shift gears to painting scenery. Spending months on testing the track is competely opposite to how I did the 1st layout. I now see why everyone is suggesting waiting because it's far easier and cheaper altering track without scenery.
The older couplers are either "Horn Hook" or "NMRA X2F" style. These were universal for ready to run HO equipment for about fourty years.
The other couplers styles you are encountering are likely either "Kadee Clones" or Kadee Compatible" styles. There are many.
I would suggest you convert all your couplers to "Standard Head Kadees", of which the good old #5 is included. I use all Kadee couplers on everything I have.
Kadee also makes a "Scale Head" coupler, which is less forgiving on grades and coupling alignment. I will sacrifice some scale authenticity for better reliability, so I do not use them.
The Kadee website will help you out a lot. Please do not get driven too crazy!
First it may benefit you more to start a new tread with your questions there. This is a thread from a few months ago with nothing to do with your problem, so it’s makes little sense to have it here.
As for your question, the black ones are horn hook (aslo called NMRA) couplers. They are the old standard and haven’t been widely uses on stuff since like 20 years ago. These are pretty much in compatible with other stuff.
The other couplers would mostly fall under the knuckle coupler variety. There are many differen types, it seams each manufacturer makes their own. The brown ones you mention sound like Athearn’s McHenry couplers. They are okay, but not as good as Kadees.
This brings us to Kadees. These are close to the standard coupler brand, but as they are patented, few manufacturers make ready to roll stuff with KDs, only higher end stuff and then only sometimes.
Kadees come in many types. The number 5 is the standard version, and uses a separate center spring. Number 148 are the same head but use “wiskers” instead of a separate centering spring. Number 158s are the same as 148s but use a smaller “scale” size coupler head.
McHenrys are okay, and similar to KD 158s, but plastic, and also work okay. Walter “Proto Max” couplers are simlar to KD 5s (had to tell the difference) and are also okay. Accurail‘s Accumate couplers are really bad, and less compatible with Kadees and others, and also come on Atlas stuff. I HATE those and change them VERY quickly!
I hope that’s helpful. You said you also have Lionel stuff, but I know little about those and not will most people on this forum. Go to the Classic Toy Trains forum for that stuff.
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
steemtrayn rrebell steemtrayn We can have this... this... a but we can't have this... You aren't going to like this but just saw one a week or so ago. Looked at it because I admired the work but didn't need it Brass, right? I have an A-B-A set, factory painted from Oriental, but I'm waiting for someone to mass produce them in plastic. The excuses I get don't make sense to me, when those other limited interest units are being made. (Which, by the way, is a good thing.) The EP-5 and steam turbine have one thing in their favor the BP-20 does not. They were made in S and O gauge tinplate and powered many, many trainsets each Christmas. Few outside of the Jersey shore south of South Amboy even knew of the Baldwins. Fortunately, we are seeing more and more obscure prototypes being produced so, Pennsy modelers need to make their wishes known. Look at the number of New Haven models that have been recently emptied our wallets!
Well, while I'm still within walking distance of crazy, I thought it only proper to let everyone know that the roundhouse at Mount Forest is pretty-well finished, and is operational, despite the lack of ground cover...
ty1220 My question is, is there a semi universal coupler that I could replace most of these with to get the majority of the cars to couple ? I have been looking on my own and trying to research it, but as with many Google searches the complete answer is elusive and many times confusing. What was the most prevalent coupler on rolling stock, say 15 or 20 years ago ? I did find that many say the Kadee # 5 is a pretty universal coupler that should work in many applications. I really want to try going to knuckle couplers if possible.I usually had good luck with them, and the above mentioned brown ones seem to not be working well at all together, or with others.
If you'll contact me via PM ("Conversations"), I may be able to offer some help.
maxman SeeYou190 What is eating at you right now? Gilbert Grape
SeeYou190 What is eating at you right now?
Gary
Is anything driving you crazy right now?
Yes, the weather. It's been raining here for 7 weeks.
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale
I want to thank everyone who replied to my coupler questions. That was helpful and I also looked around quite a bit more and did find a couple of helpful articles that I hadn't seen before, and some better pictures that more clearly showed the different coupler styles. After years of 20/20 vision, mine has plummeted in recent years as far as seeing small print and pics and I am struggling now with pics of little stuff like that.
I understand that this might not have been the most relevant thread for my topic, but it is and has been driving me nuts.
Thanks again all for the help
Yes, crooked/stupid Ebay sellers who send me the incorrect (much less expensive) item in place of the item they photographed and described verbally in the item description. Then when I complain they ask me to provide photos to "prove" they sent wrong item. Then they ignore my response! I want my money back.
If dealer takes care of me, I won't post their name on here. We'll see.
John
doctorwayne I thought it only proper to let everyone know that the roundhouse at Mount Forest is pretty-well finished, and is operational, despite the lack of ground cover...
Excellent Wayne! Your project is kind of hiding in this thread. Time to bring it out !
What's bugging me is work. I am here in Baton Rouge to do work for a specific customer. But I keep getting pulled out to work on other things. Eventually this customer is goign to get mad, plus if I don't get everythign done here, I will probably have to come back. SO that's extremely annoying.
And Mel, what do you mean the internal pullups in an Arduino don't work? I use them all the time when prototyping so I don't have to shove a raft of resistors in my breadboard. My actual circuits use external pullups because software faults happen, but for testing, they do the job.
mbinsewi...Excellent Wayne! Your project is kind of hiding in this thread. Time to bring it out !...
Thanks for the kind words, Mike. If anybody's interested (or just needs to kill some time), they can see the whole thing HERE.
If they have nothin' buggin' them now, it just might be annoying enough to do the trick...
ty1220 I want to thank everyone who replied to my coupler questions.
I've sent you a PM regarding couplers, ty1220.
EDIT: If you want to read it, go to your profile, near the top right of the screen, and click on "Messages".
SeeYou190For about four weeks I have had a boxcar roof on my workbench. It is fully assembled with a nice roofwalk and seperate corner grabs, and it is painted in a nice glavanized finish. The problem is, I cannot find the boxcar that goes with it!
I just located the boxcar that the roof goes with that inspired this thread. I put the boxcar on a tray and set it on top the cabinets in the kitchen.
I am thrilled this thread has gone on for three months and three pages without getting too far off of track.
Nope..... I'm somewhat crazy already so nothing can drive me crazy when I'm already there
Folks who place periods in their subject lines...
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
tstage Folks who place periods in their subject lines...
Tom, the . at the end of a sentence is a period, while these....are simply dots, indicating a pause or a shift in content. I use them all the time when I'm including photos interspersed between blocks of text, but certainly wasn't trying to drive you crazy.I also use them when I include a quote, to indicate that I've edited it to just the portion which I wish to address.
Yes! My back is driving me nuts again! The small progress that I had two weeks ago after the IMS treatment has been replaced by severe spasms when I try to move around, and now I can't lay down without using pain killers.
To say that I am bugged right now would be a huge understatement.
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
doctorwayneTom, the . at the end of a sentence is a period, while these....are simply dots, indicating a pause or a shift in content.
I ocassionally use the ellipsis ... pause.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipsis
Lately, though, I have had a preference for the old printer's "em-dash" by holding the Alt key and entering 0151— or 0150 for an en dash, on the numeric keypad.
Once you get used to the convention — the em-dash can dress up a run-on sentence nicely. The en-dash makes a nice looking "minus" sign for electrical convention, too.
Now, about those ampersands that mess up the HTML protocol (here and Flickr are two places I see the problem often occur) can get annoying, too.
doctorwayne tstage Folks who place periods in their subject lines... Tom, the . at the end of a sentence is a period, while these....are simply dots, indicating a pause or a shift in content. I use them all the time when I'm including photos interspersed between blocks of text, but certainly wasn't trying to drive you crazy.I also use them when I include a quote, to indicate that I've edited it to just the portion which I wish to address. Wayne
Wayne,
Not in the text field; in the subject title field - e.g. like the heading of a newspaper article or name of a book. A title is a title; it should not have a period at the end. A question mark or exclamation point? - Yes. A period? - No.
But...small potatos in the whole sceme of things.
gmpullman Now, about those ampersands that mess up the HTML protocol (here and Flickr are two places I see the problem often occur) can get annoying, too. Cheers, Ed
Totally agree, Ed. And if quotation marks are in the subject title and the OP goes back and edits it, it really makes a mess of the title. I try to fix them if I find them on the forum.
Tom
tstageA title is a title; it should not have a period at the end.
I agree, Tom. The title is not considered a complete sentence.
I have noticed a precedent, though. Many signs I have seen in photos from the late 1800s to maybe 1920s seem to have many superfluous periods painted on them. I wonder how that practice came about?
hon30critter Yes! My back is driving me nuts again! The small progress that I had two weeks ago after the IMS treatment has been replaced by severe spasms when I try to move around, and now I can't lay down without using pain killers. To say that I am bugged right now would be a huge understatement. Dave
Ah, Dave - I feel for you. I had severe back spasms 30 years ago and it was VERY humbling. I literally had to crawl to the bathroom. And just getting out of bed was a 5-min. ordeal.
tstage Wayne, Not in the text field; in the subject title field - e.g. like the heading of a newspaper article or name of a book. A title is a title; it should not have a period at the end. A question mark or exclamation point? - Yes. A period? - No....
Ah, yes, I understand now, and agree completely.
After I had written my original reply, the thought occurred to me that I often use the dots as the "pregnant pause", just before delivering a photo.
Yes!
Our computer printer ran out of colored ink.
The ink cartridge cost more than the price of a new printer.
York1 John
NHTX steemtrayn rrebell steemtrayn We can have this... this... a but we can't have this... You aren't going to like this but just saw one a week or so ago. Looked at it because I admired the work but didn't need it Brass, right? I have an A-B-A set, factory painted from Oriental, but I'm waiting for someone to mass produce them in plastic. The excuses I get don't make sense to me, when those other limited interest units are being made. (Which, by the way, is a good thing.)
steemtrayn rrebell steemtrayn We can have this... this... a but we can't have this... You aren't going to like this but just saw one a week or so ago. Looked at it because I admired the work but didn't need it Brass, right? I have an A-B-A set, factory painted from Oriental, but I'm waiting for someone to mass produce them in plastic. The excuses I get don't make sense to me, when those other limited interest units are being made. (Which, by the way, is a good thing.)
The problem here includes the fact that we DID have BP-20s, via the Miracle Castings shells, and for all these years no one has re-offered them or something like them. Which is really all that is required for many of us enthusiasts who can't spring for a fleet of Oriental masterpieces at thousands a set...
(I bought an Alco Models set with great enthusiasm when they came out in the '70s and had to use the then-cutting-edge-in-MR Clouser epoxy casting methods to make another shell for the A-B-A set ... problem is that by the time you get through the drive replacement, chassis weighting and everything else needed you have eliminated any collector v and done much of the work even a crude but accurately-dimensioned shell and frame set would entail ...
Speaking of stuff I’d like in plastic, when can we get a decent Alco C415, some good railroads used those! What about a GE P30CH? Loads of 70s modelers would buy those!
I have been waiting for a de-skirted HO scale PRR S1 for years, I have heard from various sources that BLI want to make it but there is no update since Dec 2018. I have one pro painted full-skirted version by HO NJ Custom Brass (1981 run) though.
Pre-ordered the Loewy PRR K4s by BLI, but the project is stalling.
If everything goes back on the right track, I am gonna get a full-skirted PRR Q1 for my Raymond Loewy collection (I have a de-skirted version of it)
Still waiting for any manufacturer to make a plastic version of the 1939 PRR Trail Blazer or the Broadway Limited. I don't wanna pay $7000 for something looks as good as plastic.
I want to custom make a huge display case with lights inside it but it is on hold due to many...... many reasons.
Jones 3D Modeling Club https://www.youtube.com/Jones3DModelingClub
Hello All,
I use a lot of rattle can paints. I do have two airbrushes but for some applications I prefer the cost, ease of use and coverage that rattle cans provide.
For Santa Fe yellow I found a passable match- -Valspar Flat Caramel Honey (86009) that was available at Lowe's.
I just finished my last can of this color on a Gunderson well car scratch build.
Needing to replenish my stock I searched the Lowe's website.
Shock of all shocks this color is no longer manufactured by Velspar!
The frustration of finding a color and then having it discontinued!!!
After an internet search I found what might be a replacement match from Krylon. I will need to do a paint match test to determine how close this "new" color matches.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Hope this helps.
Post Script: Yes, I know I am reviving an older thread but frustration has no statute of limitations!HTH
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Waiting for some Home Shows or Train Shows to pop up so I can run my trains on the Club's "Module Layout", as well as walk around and look at vendor stands. Orange County Modular Railroaders has hit a slow point where less than two/three shows have happened this year. The club normally does nine/ten shows a year, but I pick the ones close to home. Our club cancelled two shows because the parking fares were simply too high.
Although I realize most Moduar Clubs have run into this from time to time, I'm hoping 2020 will be better. The reduction of shows started in 2016 and countiued this year. Both 2017 and 2018 were slow years.
Maybe clubs in other parts of the country are having better luck.
I just bought a new walthers sperry inspection loco and the thing won't move. The motor runs and the wheels move but it self won't move. Everything is free and moving on the rear trucks. This now means a complete teardown to figure out what is going on with this thing. Not something I wanted to do because I originally had plans to repaint the thing as a home road paint scheme but talked myself out of it. Now I figure since it will be apart why not. Like I need another paint project. I already have 4 alco's torn down in various stages of repainting.
alco's forever!!!!! Majoring in HO scale Minorig in O scale:)
rs2mikeI just bought a new walthers sperry inspection loco and the thing won't move.
Hi, Mike
Is it one of the "re-engineered" Sperry cars or one of the originals?
The original release is belt drive and the later release are geared directly.
SRS_123b by Edmund, on Flickr
This shows the older belt drive above and the gear drive below.
Good luck getting inside at least the one I tried to pry open was nearly impossible when I decided to put a decoder in. I gave up and bought a later model that was much easier to open.
Take a look here for some good pics of the belt. It is just an O ring and is easy to change.
https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/sperry-rail-car/wow101-diesel
You can have my old one if you need parts, send me a PM.
I just found out Skycraft parts in Orlando is moving from the same location they have occupied for my entire life.
This news is driving me crazy.
I been going crazy over to make a point to point or make it a loop with a lift out. I buildt my Ethanol plant in the corner of the 12 by 22 ft room and it would not allow a loop. So after a week of going nuts I decided to move the Ethanol plant and have a Layout where one could go all way around. But 2 weeks of work on the Plant was wasted' but I feel so much better that now I can run trains constant all way around. Plus now I like my new spot for the Ethanol plant better. I love point to point but having the ability to run trains around the room will make for better action. All my kids and grandkids will like that. I can get another NCE controller and 2 can play easier now. Thanks less crazy now.
Bigjim7But 2 weeks of work on the Plant was wasted'...
After seeing your photos and looking at all the responses you got to your questions about this build I would not say it was a waste of time.
Think of it as a construction delay due to relocation!
Yes. I got a parking ticket last week in downtown Minneapolis. I shouldn't have got the darn parking ticket. I don't go downtown hardly ever at all. I was still in my morning haze when I got there and I looked at the number in front of my truck and paid the pay box. The number I payed for was for the space in front of my truck.
A parking ticket is no longer 10-12 $15 it's 45. I don't have time to go downtown and see a hearing officer and show him the receipt that I paid. I'd probably get another parking ticket while I'm down there waiting for my number to come up to see the hearing officer.
I'm just going to pay the ticket but the fact of the matter is driving me crazy. It just ain't right, I paid.
Track fiddlerYes. I got a parking ticket last week in downtown Minneapolis. I shouldn't have got the damn parking ticket. I don't go downtown hardly ever at all
That's why I avoid going into cities like the plague. I get burned enough that it's once bitten, twice shy.
My favorite YouTuber (Photonicinduction) says hes gonna upload soon (which he hasen't for 2 years), for about two weeks now, And I cant find parts to a couple of TYCO power torque motors.
These have been eating at my head for almost a year now.
I hear you Rio loud and clear. I'm not going downtown anymore. I can't deal with the frustration.
Actually the customer I worked for that day tipped me 40 bucks over and above my invoice. If I look at it that way, my parking ticket only cost me $5. ..........?...?
Heck with that! I would have rather taken the extra 40 and bought a jug
Back to train related - since this a train forum...
What is driving me crazy is now for almost 2 years I haven't been able to work on a layout. Summer 2017 I tore down my last layout, moved to a fixer upper house in Nov 2017. There were some rehab projects on the main floor and master bath that ate up all of 2018 and did not want to build a layout in an unfinished basement. End of December basement finishing started in ernest (although some preliminary stuff had been done previous fall, such as outlet wiring and bathroom rough-in plumbing). Still a couple 2-3 months out from the basement being finished. So yeah, it seems to be a watched pot never boils syndrome. Add to that, the guy who does our plumbing and electrical had his mother in law pass away last week and that's delayed things a bit more. Hope to have the ceiling mostly done in the next couple weeks. Onward and upward.
gmpullman tstage A title is a title; it should not have a period at the end. I agree, Tom. The title is not considered a complete sentence. I have noticed a precedent, though. Many signs I have seen in photos from the late 1800s to maybe 1920s seem to have many superfluous periods painted on them. I wonder how that practice came about? Cheers, Ed
tstage A title is a title; it should not have a period at the end.
I think they counted even what we'd call a fragment as an actual sentence and felt it needed a period. It goes back way further than the late 1800s too.
https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=NKlx0PmyA3cC&dat=17970923&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
The newspaper's title(!) is neatly equipped with a period in 1797.
This one dates to 1788 and has a mix of periods and commas after headlines and titles https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=IEpB_1CIIT4C&dat=17380828&printsec=frontpage&hl=en The site calls it a 1738 edition, but I suspect it is unlikely that George Washington would appear in their nameplate as an adult when he was six years old. A keen eye may note that he is referred to as "Geo. Washington Esq" as he was not yet President Washington.
This 1759 newspaper from Scotland https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=sJRvXmEhuqoC&dat=17591008&printsec=frontpage&hl=en also has periods in places we'd consider incorrect.
Big Four. Period!
Big_Four-2 by Edmund, on Flickr
Regards, Ed
riogrande5761What is driving me crazy is now for almost 2 years I haven't been able to work on a layout. Summer 2017 I tore down my last layout,
I am in the same situation. I ripped out the "spare bedroom" layout and purged my projects two years ago. I still do not have a lyout room.
To help and provide therapy, I built a "section" of a layout that will not ever be used for anything, but it sure helped my mental stability.
I just found out the Golden Spike Train Show was last weekend in Tampa, and I missed it.
That is going to drive me crazy for a few months.
Sorry Ed. Been busy with yard work and have not been on here lately. I unfortunately have not gotten the chance to open it up yet. All I know is it is in the grey and red box. What time I have had has been spent finishing up a painting project on an rs11. Hopefully this week i will get a chance to peekmat it some more.
mike
SeeYou190I just found out Skycraft parts in Orlando is moving from the same location they have occupied for my entire life.
This was a bit of an over-reaction on my part.
I went to Skycraft Parts yesterday and found out the move will not take place for about a year, and they intend to keep the retail store open after the move.
They also intend to keep all the items in stock they have had since the beginning.
Skycraft Parts is on several "Tem Places you MUST visit in Florida that are not theme parks or beaches" lists. It is something to see if you ever get a chance.
This is all very good news for me.
Yup
I was just out at my friend Erv's today. He knows Judy and I have Mondays off together. He said come out tomorrow and have Judy play Captain & Drive the Mastercraft all over the lake.
Sounds like a plan to me. I know better. Judy doesn't even own a car and I drive her everywhere she goes.
I don't think this one's going to fly but I'm going to work on it in a few minutes here..........
I will try anything just to give that 55 year old woman a little more confidence. It is really what she needs.
I was very surprised. She is like a little excited kid and can't wait for tomorrow. This is such good news for me. Erv and I can just sit in the back of the boat and show boat around all day.
Something a few minutes ago was driving me crazy. I can't believe it ironed out
What bugs me is the fact that Atlas doesn't sell their trash flats and matching containers together. You rarely, if ever, see the cars without containers.
It's still raining.
steemtrayn What bugs me is the fact that Atlas doesn't sell their trash flats and matching containers together. You rarely, if ever, see the cars without containers.
It's the same with double stack cars too, sold without containers.
Same with TOFC flat cars, sold without trailers.
Same with open auto racks, sold without auto's.
What bugs me is unrealistic expectations.
..
What bugs me is MR forums runs this place like a giant "coffee clutch" rather than keeps all the chatter that is often only tenuously related to trains or not related into single topic like the topic dedicated to formerly alive forum members.
None of it bugs me, because I don't have unrealistic expectations of manufacturers or of people in general............
riogrande5761What bugs me is MR forums runs this place like a giant "coffee clutch" rather than keeps all the chatter that is often only tenuously related to trains or not related into single topic like the topic dedicated to formerly alive forum members.
There is a self proving argument.
ATLANTIC CENTRALNone of it bugs me, because I don't have unrealistic expectations of manufacturers or of people in general............
That must be a peaceful way to live. My expectations of other people, and manufacturers, always let me down.
Since the mid/late 90’s I have been a lone wolf builder/operator, except for the past few years since my brother-in-law has joined me for electronic projects. For the past few years my layout has been completed in regard to track/track power/DCC/ballast/basic land forms. Since then I have been stymied with starting finish scenery. Just can’t get the nerve to start. I guess I have no creative imagination or foresight Or confidence. This is what is driving me crazy!
Yeah.
I work part-time and that's too much with all the other crap life throws at me in-between.
There never seems to be enough time to do everything that I want to do but I fit it in edgewise.
I would like to do everything that I want to do everyday and fit my work along with the harsh realities of life in-between.
To completely reverse things is what I would wish to accomplish.
So there you have it..... That is what's driving me crazy right now
piranha eating my toes
maxmanpiranha eating my toes
Best cuticle removal therapy out there. Very expensive at the spas in my area!
—Ed
I can't find my Black and Decker "MOUSE" detail sander.
I know it must be around here somewhere, and I am refusing to go buy a new one. I just can't find it.
It has a a designated home, but it is not there.
I can't get my stolen tool trailer back. They apprehended the guy that stole my tool trailer about 5 weeks ago and I've called the police department in Maple Grove and the police department in Bloomington Minnesota and no one gets back to me.
It feels like I have less rights than the crook.
Track fiddler I've called the police department in Maple Grove and the police department in Bloomington Minnesota and no one gets back to me.
That would drive me crazy. Sorry for the situation you are in.
BROADWAY LIMITED IMPORTS, PARAGON 3, stock #5752
BLW BF16A PRR #2011A
Not finding anything which represents steel cable and looks taut - cinder conveyor, concrete coal tower - they need cable, can't find anything. I bought braided fishing line - nope, no better than ordinary cotton thread. Tried stiffening thread with white glue, no success. Might try very thin wire next or maybe CA on thread, gotta be something out there. In the meantime -
jcopilot Not finding anything which represents steel cable and looks taut - cinder conveyor, concrete coal tower - they need cable, can't find anything. I bought braided fishing line - nope, no better than ordinary cotton thread. Tried stiffening thread with white glue, no success. Might try very thin wire next or maybe CA on thread, gotta be something out there. In the meantime -
Berksire Junction E Z LINE $$$$$ (thin .010'', rust color) or check fabric shop less $.
There is a subject just posted here on '' Wires'' for model utlity poles.
I can sent you 24'' more or less, some thin .010 green, black or heavier black in the mail and you can see what you think. Sorry I have no rust color.
Very thin wire (like a hair)? What about magnet wire. I've got lots of that, I can send also.
24", .010, black - Berkshire Jct EZ Line? Didn't look at the 'wires' thread, but electrical/telephone wires are supposed to sag, so I'm not so sure.
Now, magnet wire, hmm. That would be stiff, just gotta be careful about maintaining a straight line. Yeah, send me some magnet wire, please. Do you have my address?
jcopilot 24", .010, black - Berkshire Jct EZ Line? Didn't look at the 'wires' thread, but electrical/telephone wires are supposed to sag, so I'm not so sure. Now, magnet wire, hmm. That would be stiff, just gotta be careful about maintaining a straight line. Yeah, send me some magnet wire, please. Do you have my address?
I do. It will go out tomorrow... wait today is tomorrow. So it will go out today. I got to get some sleep.
Coming your way you will find 6 coils of copper wire taped to cardboard, listed as #1 though #6, about 8' long each. If you have trouble (kinks, knots) let me know what # you may want more of. This may not work either,but if it's worth doing, it's worth doing twice anyway.
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
NVSRRTCS has a 32 gauge wire for decoders. It is stranded. If you strip the insulation off and twist it. You can get a nice fine taught cable
It helps if you keep a 1/2'' of insulation at one end of the wire, lets call this the (A) end, the end you are not slideing the insulation off of. Then as you slide/strip off the insulation at the other end, lets call this the (B) end, the last 1/2'' piece of insulation to be removed off the now bare wire (B) end, STOP, keep this piece on the bare (B) end and use this and the other piece at the (A) end and twist in opposite direction to twist the bare wire in the twisted tight direction.
In the short version, just keep only a 1/2'' of insulation on both ends of the wire and twist the wire up tight.
Just like when you strip the insulation off of a wire to make a solder joint, don't remove the insulation the whole way, leave just a tiny bit of insulation still attached to the wire end and twist, now pull it off, nice twisted wire end ready for solder.
Thanks for asking! What is eating me is it blows my mind at the time it takes for Atlas to make N scale code 55 track, especially the curved turnouts. Saw a few lefts on eBay, another rant, but have been waiting forever for rights. Waited forever to get #5s to come back in stock recently and now they must be taking a row boat west across the Pacific to place their order. When ready they must come back to the US in a small box in a row boat with one oar. Have been out of the hobby for 25 plus years and was ready to dive back in full speed and the supply and scarcity of items is frustrating. May not be the case with HO but sure is with N scale.
Driving me crazy..... Yes.
I finally got a letter from the police. I can pick up my stolen tool trailer now.
I'm going to go get it tomorrow. Can hardly wait. That's what I have been doing... . Waiting.
I understand I am going to have to pay an impound fee to get my trailer back.
How rich is this
Track fiddlerI understand I am going to have to pay an impound fee to get my trailer back.
I am amazed at howmuch of the system seems to punish the victim.
I truly hope you don't let this ruin too much of your moods. I feel for you.
Thanks Kevin.
I will get this back.
A year ago my associate I do mainly most of my subcontracting for got his tool trailer stolen.
They offered the criminal a reduced sentence that he does 7 months jail time instead of 5 to 7 years in prison and pays Court restitution to the amount of $4,500 in installment payments over so many years paid to my associate.
My associate agreed to that. I will not.
Skip on the money. I will let this creep that stole my trailer rot in prison.
I don't want his money paid back to me in installments. He can go install himself right in prison where he belongs.
That makes no sense at all, and I wish you could argue that in court. You have to pay the police to get back something that was stolen from you? What a stupid system.
Track fiddler Thanks Kevin. I will get it back. A year ago my associate I do mainly most of my subcontracting for got his tool trailer stolen. They offered the criminal a reduced sentence that he does 7 months jail time instead of 5 to 7 years in prison and pays Court restitution to the amount of $4,500 in installment payments over so many years paid to my associate. My associate agreed to that. I will not. Piss on the money. I will let this bastard that stole my trailer rot in prison. I don't want his money paid back to me in installments. He can go install himself right in prison where he belongs. TF
I will get it back.
Piss on the money. I will let this bastard that stole my trailer rot in prison.
Time to start working in better neighborhoods....
We have only had tools stolen one time in 25 years, got most of them back, got small restitution checks for years.
Impound fee? That is just wrong.
SeeYou190 Track fiddler I understand I am going to have to pay an impound fee to get my trailer back. . I am amazed at howmuch of the system seems to punish the victim. . I truly hope you don't let this ruin too much of your moods. I feel for you. . -Kevin .
Track fiddler I understand I am going to have to pay an impound fee to get my trailer back.
Obviously you have not had many dealings with the courts? Or the police?
Now, I am a law abiding person, with no criminal history, who lives in the rural suburbs, but I can tell you some stories about things I experienced or saw first hand in public, and in court rooms, and involving judges, civil cases, criminal cases, and police encounters that will have you shaking your head.
I was raised by a volunteer fire fighter who taught me the highest respect for police, judges, lawyers, fire fighters, etc, but these days........he would be disappointed at the behavior I have seen, and in some cases subjected to.
OK, lets get back to things about Model Railroading that drive you crazy.
I do not want my thread locked if we drift into forbidden ground.
Thanks.
SeeYou190 OK, lets get back to things about Model Railroading that drive you crazy. . I do not want my thread locked if we drift into forbidden ground. . Thanks. . -Kevin .
Agreed, that's why I did not tell any of the stories.......
Waiting to hear if Rapido is going to make the D10 steamers or not. That's driving me crazy, alright.
Streamlined steam, oh, what a dream!!
Whatever happened to our other hyper active poster?
Sorry I got kind of last night Kevin. Perhaps letting go of a little steam in the Dinner would have been a better choice. I didn't mean to derail your thread
What's driving me crazy lately is those little N gauge track connectors. Some of them are tough enough to get on the rail let alone gouging one into my finger...... Ouch! There has to be a better way.
Double poster. TF is warranted as a double poster.
Really..... out of all of you fine modelers, none of you can tell me of a better way
You're Sadding me here.
Oh, all right , all right. When doing the N museum retrack I punched multiple holes in my hand and got tired of it. I ended up (this was with Peco 55 N scale) taking a piece of scrap rail and pulled one rail off. I pushed a rail joiner on one end of the bare rail past the end of the rail (about half the length of said joiner) and soldered it in place. I then took a piece of dowel and bored a hole in it to take the rail behind the joiner and epoxied the dowel to the rail. Once the new joiner is started on the rail/handle you can push it home and use pliers to pull the joiner off the tool. Fiddly but effective and I stopped puncturing my hands.
For HO I just use a needle nose plier to grip the end of the joiner and have at it.
Hope that helps.
What's driving me crazy right now? Every time someone makes their first post, people feel the need to tell them their posts are moderated? If the post shows up for the first or second time, the moderators are doing their job. Why does everyone feel they need to belittle a person? I find it very condescending and insulting. The forums have moderators. Let them tell the new posters.
Moderators, care to chime in?
nealknows What's driving me crazy right now? Every time someone makes their first post, people feel the need to tell them their posts are moderated? If the post shows up for the first or second time, the moderators are doing their job. Why does everyone feel they need to belittle a person? I find it very condescending and insulting. The forums have moderators. Let them tell the new posters. Moderators, care to chime in?
The Mods have other jobs at MR, and I know when I was new I didn't know why my posts didn't show up at first, so I appreciated the explanation.
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Right now my benchwork and track are driving me crazy, because the benchwork is terribly constructed, and you therefore know about the track...
Ideally there should be an automated message informing the new member of the status and posts being moderated for a while etc. That way all the wannbe moderators can get back to posting whimsical topics that are only tenuously related to trains.
nealknowsEvery time someone makes their first post, people feel the need to tell them their posts are moderated?
When I joined the forum there was no message letting me know my first posts were delayed, and no welcome message from the moderators.
Somebody put that explanation into one of the responses, and it helped.
I have a feeling a lot of new posters do not see their initial post show up, don't hear anything from the moderators, and never show up again. Maybe these welcomes and explanations help.
nealknows I find it very condescending and insulting.
I don't find it condescending and insulting.
I just find it annoying. If a first post has shown up, it seems obvious to me that the moderating process has already taken place.
The wires from every track joint going to the bus line are driving me crazy Kevin.
Repainting the body an Athearn BB caboose for EJ&E. Testors orange keeps going on bumpy or uneven.
It's currently in a vat of stripper getting ready for second try.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.
Driving me crazy and nuts, is the lack of progress on my Layout due to all the DIY.com required on this rotten house - she wanted - we bought. Finally this a.m. I got some long-side bits of timber, screwed & glued to the underside of two of my Baseboards, before it was, "Hey Snorky - clean out the car". Bumper-stop!
"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".
Having to ''Log in'' each time I open this Forum when I still ''CHECK'' the box to ''Keep me logged in'' and I never ''Logged out''.
I see the little image has changed, looks like a bus coming at you. I guess it is to be a commuter railcar.
Edit Four hours later. Wait it may be working ok now.
10/11/19 0956 hours. Yep, the little ''Sign in'' man must be back on the job, all is OK at this time.
When I saw the title of this thread, I thought yeah......My Wife!!!
Just kidding guys. What's driving me crazy is my unrealistic modeling expectations. I am getting to the point where I have come to realize that all the givens that I want to accomplish with my prototype is just not realistic. The druthers have taken over!
Seriously thinking of modeling something different.Something less complicated for a first true layout.
Ed
Semi newbie HO scale modeler coming from the O scale world
mrrdadWhat's driving me crazy is my unrealistic modeling expectations
I went through something like that with super-detailed locomotives a few years ago.
I would spend hours and hours making a perfect model of a locomotive, then when I needed to service or repair the locomotive, I would break off some of the detail parts.
I have since become a fan of lesser detailed locmotives, and have concentrated detailed modeling on my freight car fleet which should require less handling.
It was frustrating.
BRASSTRAINS.COM just started their annual winter sale. All three of the items in my watch list went 20%-30% off, and they sold before I even found out about the sale.
Stupid job, taking up all my time.
SeeYou190 BRASSTRAINS.COM just started their annual winter sale. All three of the items in my watch list went 20%-30% off, and they sold before I even found out about the sale. . Stupid job, taking up all my time. . -Kevin .
I took a quick look at the sale, but they did not have the locos I am interested in. Well they had one, but I did not like its condition.....a B&O B18 ten wheeler.
The other brass loco I would buy at the right price is a WESTERN MARYLAND Pacific.
None of them to be had right now.
mrrdad When I saw the title of this thread, I thought yeah......My Wife!!! Just kidding guys. What's driving me crazy is my unrealistic modeling expectations. I am getting to the point where I have come to realize that all the givens that I want to accomplish with my prototype is just not realistic. The druthers have taken over! Seriously thinking of modeling something different.Something less complicated for a first true layout. Ed
If its your first layout, go with the KISS method and keep it simple. Learn from it, then you can do a better layout with all your wishes on the second layout.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Whats driving me crazy right now. Well I'm looking out the window and see about 10 inches on snow! And its not stopping. Looks like a lot of people are being affected by this winter/thanksgiving storm.
Train related, I hate wiring. I'd rather be balasting track then wiring up stuff. LOL
What's driving me crazy right now, is I,ve been chasing gremlins through a recently remotored 4-6-0 since yesterday. It started with a loose wire, and went down hill from there. It ran fine a week ago, and when I put it on the track yesterday the headlight started flickering and the loco started to buck down the track. It's still dismantled at the time of this post.
Updated: I think I've purged the gremlins at last.
What´s driving me crazy right now? Not being able to do any model railroading! There is a move to even more confined quarters ahead of us and I doubt I will have any space for something which could be called a layout with a great amount of goodwill! I am in the process of selling most of my trains, but will keep only those few items which are very, very dear to me, even if they end up in a display case!
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Yes it's just too darn quiet in the house after my daughter left from her visit here.
For about the past six weeks my life has been just chuck-full of family family family. A visit in North Dakota, a visit in Wisconsin, a visit in Faribault and a visit just a while ago.
I knew my daughter was coming today and had prepared for it. She is artsy and crafty just like me and we have enjoyed these Metal Earth models and like assembling them together. They have a difficulty rating printed on the box and I got a real tough one for today. The Black Pearl pirate ship
We got a lot done on this model in the four hours we had together and I was surprised because at first it seemed almost impossible.
We will finish it on her next visit.
I know this thread is about model railroading and this is where it fits.
We decided we're going to start this kit together on our next visit because there are two identical railroad water towers in the kit.
I'm looking forward to this craft day because we will have identical models and will put them together simultaneously.
What's driving me crazy is the older I get the more important family is to me and at the same token the older I get the less frequent I have it.
Now that the kids are raised and they pretty much have a life of their own. The times together are a lot less frequent than they used to be.
I miss having it all the time like it's been for a short while lately. That's what's driving me crazy right now.
1. I am a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles...
2. The continual "start building the layout - oops we may be moving, stop - well that went nowhere, start building again cycle that I've been in for two years
3. Did I say I was an Eagles fan?
Tinplate Toddler What´s driving me crazy right now? Not being able to do any model railroading! There is a move to even more confined quarters ahead of us and I doubt I will have any space for something which could be called a layout with a great amount of goodwill! I am in the process of selling most of my trains, but will keep only those few items which are very, very dear to me, even if they end up in a display case!
I'm glad you're keeping the things that are dear to you to display.
Maybe Z scale Ulrich. I know it's an extreme downgrade especially at our age with our eyesight and everything.
My brother and I were looking at the Z scale stuff at Scale Model Supply in St Paul yesterday.
We were both commenting on how much of a layout you could do in such a very small spot like a coffee table. Even though it would be a lot tougher, a challenge is a good thing and the scale would be a lot more forgiving.
Sometimes the price you have to pay to continue what you love to do is worth the hours of enjoyment it provides.
To much boredom is way worse than a tougher struggle and the sense of achievement that goes with it.
My local hobby shop, METRO TRAINS, has been sold.
The new owner is VICTORY MODELS. They added "and trains" to their name. I really hope they keep the trains with a strong presence in the store.
Track fiddlerMaybe Z scale Ulrich. I know it's an extreme downgrade especially at our age with our eyesight and everything. My brother and I were looking at the Z scale stuff at Scale Model Supply in St Paul yesterday. We were both commenting on how much of a layout you could do in such a very small spot like a coffee table. Even though it would be a lot tougher, a challenge is a good thing and the scale would be a lot more forgiving.
3 years ago, I started a "desk top" Z scale layout, but found it to difficult to handle. It was the year I was diagnosed with Parkinson´s disease. I had to give up on, and I sold the layout.
Billwiz 1. I am a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles... 3. Did I say I was an Eagles fan?