The "N" Crowd

[Dave Vollmer]

RT,

The Bowser GLa in N scale is indeed based off of a pre-WWI design:

PRR built 30,000 of these between 1904 and 1920.  These hoppers remained in service on the Pennsy until the 1960s.  Bowser offers them in any number of roadnames, many in their WWI-era paint schemes:

http://www.bowser-trains.com/nscale/GLa/GLa.htm

The PRR H21 4-bay hopper is also a pre-WWI design (the H21 was first built in 1911).  However, the N-scale H21a as Bowser offers it is as they were rebuilt in the 1920s to replace the clamshell bays and again in WWII to change the brakewheel arrangement, so even though it's offered in early lettering schemes, it's really only correct for WWII and later.

[cpeterson]

An aside from the above conversation, but I was trying out some new track I was laying and hadn't yet run or broken in a new Atlas Fairbanks Morse H-15-44 Diesel and I can't believe how quiet this engine is.  Several of the GP7s run well but are quite a bit louder, these engines were completely silent, not even gear noise.  Needless to say, I am very impressed with these.

 In addition, its good to see that delux seems to be back to sending out products after the recent change in their buisiness.

[cpeterson]

Hey RT, doesn't Atlas make the Dash 8 in 5 road numbers?

[pcarrell]

The Bowser GLa in N scale is indeed based off of a pre-WWI design:

Those are great little hoppers Dave.  Thanks for posting that!

[R. T. POTEET]

Hey RT, doesn't Atlas make the Dash 8 in 5 road numbers?

Bachmann's 40-8s are CC units; Kato's 44-9s are also CC units; Atlas' -8s are BB units.

Appreciate your interest in this topic. 

[R. T. POTEET]

I brought this same subject up over on the "Prototype Information" section of the forum but I wanted to bring it up here on The "N" Crowd since my motivation is primarily of an N Scale nature.

I have a handful of Bachmann Spectrum forty dash eights.  Altogether they have given me good service although they have been only lightly run over the course of the last few years.  I feel that they will most likely give me at least a few more years of service.

Saying that something has "given good service", however, is not to say that there are not things which I find objectionable.  The units could be cosmetically improved and it is my intention to do extensive superdetailing of my fleet over the course of the next couple of years.  My main criticism of these units is that they are just a little bit on the noisy side - not terribly so, mind you, but I would like to quiet them down just a little bit.

With this in mind I am soliciting comments about the feasibility of modifying these units using, primarily, Kato drive components; replacement of the motor is one thing which would be done but more specifically I would like to replace the Bachmann trucks with those from a Kato forty-four dash nine.  There was, I remember, a conversion article in N Scale about twelve or so years ago using a Kato C30-7; this was fine but it was a make-do article and this is not what I want.

I do not expect that this is going to be just a drop in conversion project; most likely this is going to require some kind of a frame modification. I have the expectation that I will be purchasing a lathe and milling machine in the near future; this will be necessary if I am going to get my N Scale manufacturing business past "Go".  I am not an accomplished machinist; I did, however, learn how to program mainframe computers and I am confidant that I can master the operation of machine tools with a little bit of study and a little bit of effort. 

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe these are the only GE dash eights on the market; they fit in perfectly with my pike's time frame and operating theme.  With five units I can "mix-em and match-em"; I do not want to get involved in a process of cannibalizing in order to keep a diminishing number of units in service.

I will be appreciative of any comments you might offer on the expediency of this proposal? 

It appears that I am quoting myself which leads me to a little maxim humor which floats through the history community; history does not repeat itself but historians are fond of repeating other historians.

Anyway, I checked my responsed to my "Prototype Information" post and got shot out of the saddle so to speak.  I was under the impression that GE had introduced their Hi-Ad truck with the dash forty line; it turns out that GE introduced that truck with the dash forty-four locomotives.  At the time of dash forty production GE was still using the FB3 truck introduced in U28C production in the mid-60s.  This means that the trucks from Kato's U30C/C30-7s would be correct under Bachmann's forty dash eights.  So I guess I can go that way.

[Wdlgln005]

Athearn did release some of the MDC freight cars & Overton & Overland passenger cars. They have a new screw mount truck with knucle coupler & some nifty paint scemes. It appears the hoppers may have been missed? Perhaps Athearn merelt painted what plastic stock they had on hand when removed from the MDC packing. Some items seem to be a 1 or 2 time run?

The 2-8-0's were released in 2 styles of paint schemes (passenger/freight). The 2-6-0 is due in July. Given the delays in the Challenger I hope the schedule holds. Time will tell.  

[nscaler711]

that large loco was a B-mann DD40ax i dropped it...........

darn my clumsy self 

[R. T. POTEET]

that large loco was a B-mann DD40ax i dropped it...........

darn my clumsy self 

Sorry about that podna';the only time I ever dropped a locomotive it rolled down my trouser, caught in the cuff, and came to rest on the toe of my boot.

I hope you did not just lock-stock-and-barrel discard this. Body shells can be used as a spare parts source for doors, roof fans, radiator grills, etc. Even if damage had been incurred by the trucks there are always uses for a motor; I was looking at Walthers' 120 foot turntable in their 2007 catalog today; it would take a little bit of jury rigging but somewhere or another if you wanted to power it you are going to have to come up with a motor from somewhere.

[nscaler711]

i saved as much of it as i could......one problem is is that the shell shattered on impact...........motors i have kept as well as the lighting system trucks broke on impact.......although i had to fix them three times before......the incident

 

1000 posts YEAH

[chaya]

I had an N-scale switching layout that I'm taking apart right now after a move to a new house.  I've planned a new layout with two levels in a space of 6x13'.  The top level will show ATSF from Santa Fe to Socorro, and the Chile Line--bought from the D&RG by New Mexico Central and made into a successful line with a partly new route--from Santa Fe to Tierra Amarilla.  The bottom level will be the Great Northern route from Seattle (or Tacoma) to Wenatchee.  Small trains will exit one level and enter the other on a removable "bridge."  The year is 1969.

In this new little world, the New Mexico Central didn't fail.  Instead, it was a successful railroad that survived into the diesel era.  Also, the ATSF jumped at the chance to acquire GN, NP, and SP&S in the late 60's.  (In the real world, ATSF turned down the opportunity).  So any of this motive power may be found on the layout, not yet painted into a merger scheme.  (The former Chile Line will run only NMC motive power).  I've planned industries for the railroad that really existed and will be copying most of them from photographs.  I've lived in both places, which gives me a handle on scenery, atmosphere, and so on.

Right now I'm just reading and listening and asking lots of questions to help me make my plans and buying things here and there when I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to find them again, like 73-ft turntables.  (Also because if you buy things over a long time it hurts less). 

Right now, my burning question is this:  my Chile Line will have 12" curves.  Will a 2-8-0 work okay on these, or should I stick with something more like a 4-6-0?  The layout will be diesel, but I thought a steam engine for a tourist line with some rickety, old, renovated passenger cars would be nice.  The ATSF line will have 15" min. curves, and the GN will have 18" minimum. 

I'm also trying to figure out if I really want to use C55 track, or if that is just asking for trouble.

Can't get started until we put in a new, better insulated window in the train room, since it's a big one.  (Which I'll promptly cover up with backdrop!)  So no pictures yet.  For now, I'm just working on details, structures, and trees.

This is a great thread.  Love seeing what people are doing.

Cristi

 

[Dave Vollmer]

Cristi,

That sounds like a really neat concept for a layout.  I have a soft spot for narrow gauge, especially the former D&RG Chili Line.

I would use Code 55 simply because it will help convey the lighter construction of a shortline.  Either the Athearn (former MDC) or Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0s should be fine 12" radius curves and Atlas Code 55 track.

We're all anxious to see photos!

[Dave Vollmer]

Speaking of photos, here's one of my favorites:

A K4s leads an express train across Jack's Run in a classic PRR scene.  By the looks of that near-empty coal bunker, the next stop is the coaling wharf at Denholm.

[chaya]

That sounds like a really neat concept for a layout.  I have a soft spot for narrow gauge, especially the former D&RG Chili Line.

I would use Code 55 simply because it will help convey the lighter construction of a shortline.  Either the Athearn (former MDC) or Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0s should be fine 12" radius curves and Atlas Code 55 track.

I can hardly wait to get started.  I've followed the old Chile Line out of Santa Fe on satellite, by car, and partly on foot.  (I even dragged home some little rusted pieces of it).  I've done the same thing with the New Mexico Central.  On my layout the NMC bought the Chile Line from the D&RG and made a new route, so it became successful and was converted to standard gauge.  It will be fun to design logos and colors for the NMC diesels.

Thanks for the info, Dave.  I had no clue that there were Athearn and Bachmann Spectrum N-scale locos out there.  They'll look great on my Chile Line! 

I really do want to use C55 track.  I was worried because I saw people complaining about switches not working or ballast interfering with wheels.

Really nice photo, Dave. 

[Dave Vollmer]

I've followed the Chili Line myself from Santa Fe to Taos Jct.

I'm headed out that way next year.  I'm Air Force and I'm expecting orders to Kirtland AFB next year.

[R. T. POTEET]

chaya, 12 inches in N Scale is an equivalent 22 inches in HO Scale and I have yet to encounter an HO Scale manufacturer whose 2-8-0 steam locomotives would not negotiate 22 inch radius curves.  I am sure that any N Scale manufacturer will design their 2-8-0 steam locomotives to operate on 12 inch radius curves.

As for N Scale Code 55 rail, this appears to be a subject of some interest lately.  The consensus seems to be that Micro Engineering Code 55 is a little bit on the fragile side - something which I personally have not experienced in many years of its use - while the Atlas Code 55 has higher spikes and therefore a lower clearance for flanges.

Switches are the major problem if using Code 55; Micro Engineering has one; Atlas has three.  I make my own but if you really want a variety of switches you will need to look at the switch kits from BK Enterprises, a bit pricey, perhaps, but absolutely beautiful. 

[chaya]

The consensus seems to be that Micro Engineering Code 55 is a little bit on the fragile side - something which I personally have not experienced in many years of its use - while the Atlas Code 55 has higher spikes and therefore a lower clearance for flanges.

Switches are the major problem if using Code 55; Micro Engineering has one; Atlas has three.  I make my own but if you really want a variety of switches you will need to look at the switch kits from BK Enterprises, a bit pricey, perhaps, but absolutely beautiful. 

Wow, making your own in N scale would be an art!  Maybe a little more than I can handle without tutoring.  I was going to use Peco track.  They seem to have flextrack and also a great variety of switches in Code 55--really, everything I could want except for crossovers.  I always used Peco electrofrog switches before (Code 80), along with Atlas flextrack (also 80).   I like them fine.

I know they actually "embed" the rails in the plastic ties.  Not sure how that will work out.

 

[chaya]

I've followed the Chili Line myself from Santa Fe to Taos Jct.

I'm headed out that way next year.  I'm Air Force and I'm expecting orders to Kirtland AFB next year.

  A real Chile Line fan!  Let me know when you arrive.  Once you're here, you'll quickly learn how to spell "chile." 

I'm a hoary old Army veteran myself.

 

[Dave Vollmer]

I've followed the Chili Line myself from Santa Fe to Taos Jct.

I'm headed out that way next year.  I'm Air Force and I'm expecting orders to Kirtland AFB next year.

  A real Chile Line fan!  Let me know when you arrive.  Once you're here, you'll quickly learn how to spell "chile." 

I'm a hoary old Army veteran myself.

No kidding!  As a weather officer I've spent about half my career with the Army, including with JRTC at Fort Polk, 1AD in Bosnia, 17 AVN BDE and EUSA in Korea, and most recently 2ACR in Iraq.

I always enjoyed working with the Army.  I love their sense of history.  In fact, I earned my combat spurs with 2nd Cav in Baghdad.

[cchnguage]

I am working on my dream layout. It is in a building that is 14x28. I have two 30" wide tables along both 28' sides and one end of the building and a 4' wide by 24' long table down the middle. I have been working on this for about 4 years. I am modeling the NS routes in Alabama south of Birmingham. I have just finished laying the last of the track. I modeled the NS yard in Irondale, AL which is outside of Birmingham. I have about 180' of mainline. I am slowly putting in scenery. I am using DCC Digitrax.

[chaya]

A meteorologist, then.  I'm a fisheries biologist (or was, before retiring).   I have no combat spurs!   Thank you for your service, Dave.

When you say you've traced the Chile Line, do you mean all the way from Tomasita's (the old joint D&RGW/NMC depot in Santa Fe) through town and across the Caja del Rio Plateau to Otero Bridge, then through Espanola and up to Taos?  On a map, satellite, historical research, by car, on foot, by bicycle--or mounted bareback upon a burro, the way we all do it here?

It wasn't easy for me.  The NMC was even harder.  Both lines are quickly being buried beneath developments for rich people who want to live in McMansions on designer "ranchos."  They then dress funny and come into town to mingle.

Do you have any older equipment, and did you have any trouble running it on Atlas code 55?  I've been hearing that Peco code 55 allows one to run equipment with wide flanges better than does Atlas.  Have you heard anything similar?  

On the other hand, I already have some Peco 80 switches, and it would be a shame to just dump them.   

I'm also wondering if anyone has tried mating an Atlas code 80 crossover to Peco code 55 flextrack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dave Vollmer]

Yes, I'm a meteorologist.  Working on my PhD in meteorology right now.  The USAF likes its officers to be edu-macated.

My wife and I drove from the depot on Guadalupe Street up through Espanola and Taos on a ski trip to Taos Valley some years ago.  We snooped around the rock-encrusted Embudo depot and were happily surprised to find a few sunbleached ties and the water tank still there.

I did some modeling in HOn3 some years ago, although I did RGS.  I was just out in Santa Fe last August for the AMS 12th Conference on Mountain Meteorology.  We stayed at the La Fonda, where I have since learned there was once a D&RG box headlight as a wall decoration.

Fisheries Biologist...  wow.  Not a vocation I'd typically associate with the Army!

I use Atlas and Peco code 80...  although I've recently been wishing I'd used Atlas 55.  As I'm photographing my layout for magazine spread, the close-ups make the rail height much more obvious.  I have a few older pieces, but the vast majority of my stuff would work just fine on Code 55.  The Micro-Trains cars can easily be fixed with low-profile wheelsets.

Stop by my website in my signature block.  I'm pretty proud of how big the layout looks in photos, even though it's just a 36"-wide door.

[R. T. POTEET]

I'm headed out that way next year.  I'm Air Force and I'm expecting orders to Kirtland AFB next year.

Dave, every time I see you say that you are expecting orders to Al-bum-querque I am reminded that in 1969 I had orders for the Pentagon, papers in hand; I also had an overseas imbalance AFSC which, had I been awake, I would have realized had already kept me from retraining as a Satellite Communications Technician. If the Air Force could not assign me to Manchester, New Hampshire on a controlled tour why should I have expected that they could/would assign me to the Pentagon on a controlled tour.  Anyway, do you know how far Danang, Republic of Vietnam is from Alexandria, Virginia: nine thousand, eight hundred, and forty two miles according to the map at base ops. 

[chaya]

Fisheries biologist AFTER the Army. 

Great website, Dave, and an amazing layout with nice photography.  You're right, it looks huge!   Hard to believe it is on a door, and even harder to believe that you successfully transport your layout from one duty station to the next. 

 

 

[R. T. POTEET]

As long as the subject is on "The Chili Line" are you aware there, chaya, that many years ago - and I do mean MANY years ago - the Colorado Railroad Museum published a book appropriately titled, are you ready for this? "The Chili Line".  This railroad fit into the theme of a novel I was toying with in those days and I picked up a copy at the museum in 1977.

It is about an 80 page staple-bound eight and a half by eleven publication rich in history and profusely illustrated. By a quirk there was one for sale at the silent auction at the national convention in Seattle three years ago.  Apparantly this has been reissued since I bought mine because the covers were with a different tone.  If you thought you might be interested you might check with the museum; they may have republished it and have a copy on hand.

[Dave Vollmer]

I'm headed out that way next year.  I'm Air Force and I'm expecting orders to Kirtland AFB next year.

Dave, every time I see you say that you are expecting orders to Al-bum-querque I am reminded that in 1969 I had orders for the Pentagon, papers in hand; I also had an overseas imbalance AFSC which, had I been awake, I would have realized had already kept me from retraining as a Satellite Communications Technician. If the Air Force could not assign me to Manchester, New Hampshire on a controlled tour why should I have expected that they could/would assign me to the Pentagon on a controlled tour.  Anyway, do you know how far Danang, Republic of Vietnam is from Alexandria, Virginia: nine thousand, eight hundred, and forty two miles according to the map at base ops. 

At two different times in my career I had paper orders in-hand for Barksdale AFB, LA.  Once as a 2Lt and once as a Capt.  I still have yet to have been assigned there!

I know orders are usually fickle.  This time, though, it's the AFRL/ABL SPO at Kirtland is actually sponsoring my PhD.  I'd be somewhat surprised if they cut me loose and ate 3 years of tuition.

[R. T. POTEET]

Dave, Albuquerque has a very active NTRAK club; they bring their modules all over the southwest here for various events.  Arizona is hosting the PSR (Pacific Southwest Region) in Tucson in September and the NTRAK club there is going to set up a layout - the Albuquerque club has, as I understand it, accepted an invitation to participate.  They technically are not part of the PSR but, as I said, they are very active and frequently participate in Arizona events.  If, by chance, you joined we may meet one of these days!

Dave, I never did take the opportunity to thank you for your information on the Bowser hopper cars; it was very informative and I think that that is probably the way I am going to have to go.  If I transition to the fifties from where I model now - the late '80s-early '90s - then this coal dealership will be active and receive hoppers on a regular basis; if, on the other hand, I stay where I am now then the dealership will still be there but the trestle will be gone and the storage hoppers will now be receptacles for tanks holding fossil fuel gasses. 

[chaya]

As long as the subject is on "The Chili Line" are you aware there, chaya, that many years ago - and I do mean MANY years ago - the Colorado Railroad Museum published a book appropriately titled, are you ready for this? "The Chili Line".  This railroad fit into the theme of a novel I was toying with in those days and I picked up a copy at the museum in 1977.

It is about an 80 page staple-bound eight and a half by eleven publication rich in history and profusely illustrated. By a quirk there was one for sale at the silent auction at the national convention in Seattle three years ago.  Apparantly this has been reissued since I bought mine because the covers were with a different tone.  If you thought you might be interested you might check with the museum; they may have republished it and have a copy on hand.

Thanks!  The museum didn't mention it on their website, but I found used copies on Amazon.  Seems kind of pricey for being a 56-page book.  In your opinion, is the book worth paying $23-28 for a used copy?

 

[Dave Vollmer]

I have that book, and yes, it's worth it!

[nscaler711]

Quik ?'s

does any one have a Myspace? if you do contact me here

http://www.myspace.com/nscaler

EDIT: youll have to cut and paste into your browser....link or lack of wont work