HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: cwatters@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Coyt D Watters)
Subject: Re: Helix in a layout
Summary: Why I want one.
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1992 19:13:26 GMT

Well, since I started this discussion...

I am under a severe space restriction, a helix will allow me to double my 
layout area.  Basically, in the space I have to build my pike, I have
room for 2 2'x4' modules, a 36" turn module, 1 more 2'x4' module, with
"nonstandard" turn around modules (or 2'x4' for point-to-point) at each
end.  If I "stack" another set of modules above the first, installing
lighting, etc. I can sacrifice one end for a helix.  My plan is for
the lower level locos to disappear into a city setting.  After running
up the helix, they would exit from a tunnel in a "mountain" onto the 
upper section.  Thus, my helix can be a cylinder.

Since I am using N scale, I can go very tight if I have to (not that I
WANT to) on the turns.  Using 22" as the maximum radius lets me
fit the helix into the space of a 4x4, which is actually a little bigger
than space allows (have to share the laundry room), but will fit.  I
will be using CBC (computerized block control) and probably CCC (computerized
cab control), so 1 operator can handle 3-4 trains.  CBC and CCC should
allow the helix to handle more than one train (as long as they all go the same
direction - someone posted/emailed that the helix could contain a passing 
track, so bidirectional thru the helix doesn't necessarily mean double
track.) at a time.  Since this pike is going to be small, there will usually
only be one operator.

Or I can always build an elevator about 36" long, put runarounds on both 
levels so the loco can be moved around to the "head" of the train.
I've given this option a lot of thought also....

-Coyt
 



Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: fwk@cbnewsh.cb.att.com (f.w.kerfoot..iii)
Subject: Re: Live Steam Model Railroading
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1992 13:27:24 GMT

From article <1992Oct07.180129.19728@sco.com>, by stanb@benchsco.sco.COM (Stan Banasky):

> 
> I'd also have to recommend Live Steam magazine. They provide a pretty good
> selection of projects including steam launches, standalone engines and
> complete locomotives. They also cover several narrow gauge projects. I know
> back issues covered a Mich-Cal Shay (narrow gauge on 5" track I believe)
> and a flat car mounted steam logging crane (fairly recent).
> 

If you go far enough back, Live Steam has covered quite a range of
locomotive construction articles, including a 2 foot NG prototype
(one of Edaville's locos) in 7 1/4" - 7 1/2" gauge (I don't remember
if it covered both or just one of the two gauges in the drawings),
called Maxi-Lucky 7.  This was a model of impressive size.

A comment about modeling NG prototypes in a large live steam gauge.
The models get very big very quickly, and you will need serious 
machine shop capabilities. A 9" or 10" lathe and a mill/drill,
which is a fine setup for many live steam projects, just won't do.

On a slightly different topic,
what is the consensus of the live steamers on the net about Modeltec
magazine, a competitor to Live Steam? I have subscribed to Live Steam
for a long time, and I didn't pay much attention when Modeltec got
started. More recently, I have heard of what sound like some good
construction articles in Modeltec. Now, with Bill Fitt's death 
(founder of Modeltec, past long time editor of Live Steam), I don't
know what the prognosis is for Modeltec's future. Any guesses?
Is there another person like Fitt in the wings to drive Modeltec?

Frank Kerfoot
fwk@homxc.att.com

Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad,rec.railroad
From: Joe.Russ <Joe.Russ@mixcom.mixcom.com>
Subject: "Tracks Ahead" station listings
Organization: Milwaukee Internet Xchange BBS, Milwaukee, WI U.S.A.
Distribution: usa
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1992 05:22:53 GMT


Some of you asked me a month or so ago when I posted the program
schedule for the first six episodes of the new PBS series "Tracks
Ahead" if I knew what PBS stations would be carrying it. Well, the
November issue of Model Railroad (and I also expect Trains) has a full
listing. It's on page 182 in MR. Hope that answers the questions that
some of you had.
 
BTW, I'll be posting the programming schedule for all 13 episodes in
late October or early November.
   Joe R.
   WISE Div., NMRA
-- 
Joe.Russ@mixcom.com
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: bednarek@picard.med.ge.com (Dennis Bednarek Mfg 4-6971)
Subject: Re: Pulse Power Supplies
Organization: GE Medical Systems, Magnetic Resonance
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 92 06:21:42 GMT


If your at all electronicly knowledgable you can build your
own pulsed supply.  Mine uses a basic 555 timer pair with
pots that control the frequency, and duty cycle.  This pulse
is feed into a power amplifier and works great.  I have found 
that different engins require different frequencies for best
operation so you have to tune the circuit to your needs.

--
---------------------------
| UP TIGHT                 | 
| OUT OF SIGHT             |
| EVERY THING IS ALL RIGHT | 
___________________________

The usual disclaimer of self
 and employer applies to all
 above comments.
#
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: billg@bony1.bony.com (Bill Gripp)
Subject: Re: Comments on Stewart's RS3?
Organization: LA&W RR
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 92 14:32:22 GMT

A few minor corrections...

In article <1992Oct11.042423.5744@gw.wmich.edu> 737ochs@gw.wmich.edu writes:
  
>Atlas makes RS1, RS3, RSD4/5, RS11, RSD12, C424, C425, S2 and S4
>Stewart makes an RS3 (3 different phases).
>Model Die Casting makes an RS3.
>Proto2000(Life Like) makes FA/FB2's
>Athearn has the PA/PB
Model Rectifier had a C420 a few years back.
Tiger Valley Models produces/ed several all metal kits of various Alco.
I don't recall the line, but it may have included the RS27 and RS32/36
in addition to C420, C424, and C425.

The Atlas, MDC, and 1 of the Stewart's are all the same phase (Phase Ia
I beleive).  Stewart has also produced the Phase II and Phase III RS3's.

There are also...
Tyco C430, C630
Model Power (fomerly AHM) RS2
LifeLike C628

but these are of highly questionable quality.  I have heard that good
running C628's can be found, but it is a hit or miss proposition.  I am
hoping that LifeLike will redo the C628 under the Proto2000 line.

From: wbrill@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Warren Brill)
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1992 13:41:57 GMT
Subject: Re: Elevated Railroad...
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad

In rec.models.railroad, david.hoisve@uuserv.cc.utah.edu writes:

> I'm adding a game room to my house, and I think it MIGHT be possible to 
> squeeze in a Model railroad.
> 
> The plan is to install a shelf around the perimeter of the room, roughly 6.5 
> feet off the ground, and install the railroad on the shelf.  The room is 20 
> by 11 feet.
> 
************6-1/2 feet would probably make it hard to see much train action;
those LGB trains are a LOT larger than HO. You are correct in locating the
tracks higher than the usual 30" that makes it look like you're always
riding around above your railroad in a puddle-jumper :-) ******************

> The shelf would feature one track for most of the distance, with turnouts 
> and sidings at each end of the room.
> 

> I've seen a similar layout using LGB trains, but, due to cost, and the 
> apparently incredible variety of cars and accessories, I'm seriously 
> considering HO scale.  Has anyone done anything similar?  Is this generally 
> a good or bad idea?  What about using HO scale?  
> 
> Also -- what is the minimum radius for a 90-degree HO turn?
> 
************It depends on what kind of engines and rolling stock you plan to
use. 18" is typically the minimum radius that most HO modellers would use,
since 1)most longer four-axle diesels, most six-plus-driver steam locomotives,
and virtually all six-axle diesels list 18" as their minimum (absolute)
radius. Full-length passenger cars look pretty funny on 18" curves, though,
and if you want to run 89' Trailer Train TOFCs, you're not going to like what
they look like even on 24" radius. But that's your decision. You could always
put a small "mountain" that just HAPPENNED to be at each corner of the room,
which hides the curves....
***********************************************

> Thanks in advance for any feedback.  
> 
> -- Dave.


 
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
o                                          i---i_________________      o
o    Warren T. Brill, a.k.a.          *----|[|]|  #### #### #### |*    o
o    wbrill@hpxxx.fc.hp.com         i_|___/|___|\________________|_i   o
o    wbrill@hpfcso.fc.hp.com       =++()=()=() `========' ()=()=()++=  o
o                                  =================================== o
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
From: ken@aiai.ed.ac.uk (Ken Johnson)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Scale speed (was N scale loco's)
Date: 9 Oct 92 12:59:29 GMT
Followup-To: rec.models.railroad
Organization: Bugs-R-Us


In N scale you have

   25 miles/hour ~= 3 inches/second
  100 miles/hour ~= 11 inches/second

It never appealed to me to operate to timetable, but one trick I have
read about was to operate at scale speeds, but to use a speeded-up clock
to time movements.  If you speed the clock up by a factor of twelve,
then a journey of twenty feet (about once round my layout) at 25 scale
miles per hour can appear in your working timetable as fifteen minutes
(or, if you're British Rail, forty-five minutes, made up of fifteen
minutes to get there and half an hour to fiddle the punctuality
statistics). 

Your timetabled hourly express service actually runs every five 'real'
minutes; a local service every ten minutes would have to set off every
fifty seconds and might call for two operators! The point is that you
get to operate a timetable which looks like the real thing but you don't
have to sit doing nothing for fifty-eight minutes out of every hour. 

It is fairly easy to speed a clock up by a factor of twelve; you swap
the hands over!

-- Ken Johnson

p.s.  I solved the pantile roof problem.  My local model shop sells
pantile roof plastic card in pieces about 1 ft by 8 in for 1 pound a
sheet.  But it's flat and does not really look the part, so any other
ideas will be welcome. 


-- 
//// Advice to dieters:         ////  Ken Johnson, A I Applications Institute
////   Never eat more than      ////       80 South Bridge, EDINBURGH EH1 1HN
////   you can carry.           ////                 E-mail ken@aiai.ed.ac.uk
////              -- Miss Piggy ////     phone 031-650 2756  fax 031-650 6513
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: how does Athearn paint?
From: hansend@physc1.byu.edu
Date: 14 Oct 92 20:46:12 -0600
Distribution: na,world
Organization: Brigham Young University

In article <BvoCHC.69x@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>, larsenp@mace.cc.purdue.edu (Paul Larsen) writes:
> After painting a few cars which required masking, I found myself wondering
> how Athearn and the other companies are able to paint multiple colors on a
> car and still produce mass quantities.  Do they mask their cars or do they have
> a much quicker system for doing it?  And how do they apply lettering?
> 

I can't say for sure about the others, but I have visited Athearn's 
plant, and what they do is "print" it.  They have a printing block made 
of some soft material which they ink with the proper color and then 
press onto the model.  There is a die designed to fit the model and hold 
it in the same place each time.  They hire someone to sit and place 
shells onto the die, step on a trigger or something for the printing 
machinery to do the job, then they pull out the shell and put another 
one in.

> 
> Paul Larsen
> larsenp@mace.cc.purdue.edu
> 

Doug Hansen  Hansend@physc1.byu.edu
From: db74+@andrew.cmu.edu (Derrick J. Brashear)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Comments on Stewart's RS3?
Date: 11 Oct 92 16:41:33 GMT
Organization: Sophomore, Civil Engineering, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA

I have a single Stewart RS-3 running on my pike. It's about 2 1/2 years
old. All of my experiences with it have been favorable. It runs
excellent. The body goes together very well when you do it according to
the directions. My only complaint is that I had to adapt it slightly to
get the Kadee couplers to operate correctly. I would have more except
that I've been about broke ever since I got it:-)

But all in all it's a great engine. Pulls all the cars that I can put
behind it without getting ridiculous, and it runs right up the steep
grade I had between two levels without a hitch. 

Any other opinions?

-D
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: Ha Quang Le <hqle@daisy.uwaterloo.ca>
Subject: Help: model cars (1/18 scale)
Originator: hqle@daisy.uwaterloo.ca
Organization: University of Waterloo
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1992 00:05:53 GMT



 I am particularly interested in the following model cars (1/18 scale):
    + 1982 Cadillac
    + 1962 Lincoln
    + "A" Model Ford
    + Older Chrysler Cars
    + Older G.M. Cars (Old Pontiac Buick Roadmaster etc)
    + 1963 Chev.
 Please give me information about where, and how I can get these cars
 if you know.
 Thanks a lot.
 Ha Le
From: gregg@pinot.zehntel.com (Gregg Fuhriman)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Weathering Techniques
Date: 12 Oct 92 16:36:19 GMT
Reply-To: gregg@pinot.UUCP (Gregg Fuhriman)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Zehntel, Inc. Walnut Creek, CA

There are many possible techniques and materials.  Some are better suited to
a particular type of rolling stock than others; i.e. techniques that work well
on a steam engine may not work at all on a diesel, etc.  Here are some I've
used, tried, or seen good results:

Pastel chalks:  I use this one a lot.  A good art supply store is a possible
source.  I've found sets of chalks that include assorted gray shades, assorted
earth tones, etc.  I use a VERY stiff brush to scrape chalk off the sticks
into the brush, then work it onto the model.  The nice thing with this method
is that the chalk accumulates around rivets, seams, into corners, etc. just
like real dirt & grime does on the prototype.  Also, if you don't like what
you've done, just wipe it off and try again.  When it looks like what you
want, spray a light coat of dullcote clear to hold the chalk in place.  For
heavy weathering, two or more chalk/dullcote layers may be needed.

Airbrushing:  This method can be useful to create vague streaks, fading,
and the like, especially on relatively smooth surfaces.  One thing about
weathering this way is the paint lands on parts that stand out, like ladders
and grabs, instead of accumulating in the recesses and corners.

India ink:  This can be found at art supply stores too.  The most common
color is black, but there are other colors too.  Dilute the ink with
rubbing alcohol ... the thinner the dilution, the less effect the ink
will have (and more control you will have).  Wash it on using a soft
brush ... the ink accumulates in recesses and corners, and the alcohol
evaporates away.  Do more coats to weather more heavily.  I haven't yet
tried this method, but I thought it might be a way to "color" mesh grills
and screens, so that it looks "dark" where the screen it supposed to be
open, but the raised mesh will stay the same color as it was painted
(I'm thinking of mech. reefer screens, covered hopper walkways, etc.)

The easiest way to get good at weathering is to just experiment and try
different techniques on cheap models.  Don't go out and try thing out on
your prize models if you haven't weathered before or don't know exactly
what effect you're trying for. 

				Good luck and have fun,
						Gregg Fuhriman
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: urf@icl.se (Urban F)
Subject: Re: Helix Calculation
Organization: None. On USENET I speak only for myself.
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 18:15:31 GMT

cwatters@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Coyt D Watters) writes:

>Space restrictions dictate that the radius be MAX 22".

If the radius is 56 cm, a full 360 deg turn will be 351 cm.
Assuming a level separation of 7 cm, the grade will be 2%,
which should not be any problem.
--
 Urban Fredriksson   urf@icl.se  (n.g.u.fredriksson.swe2001@oasis.icl.co.uk)
 Owner of the only Swedish HO engine to be featured on national broadcast
 radio.
Organization: Freshman, CIT general, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1992 15:50:51 -0400 
From: Jason Paul Togyer <jt3y+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: blank decal film

Thank you very much to everyone who wrote with suggestions and
information about blank decal film!  If you hear any stories about a
college freshman being brutally slain for ruining a copy machine, you'll
know it was me! 8)

Thanks again.  I'll let yinz know how it turns out!

--Jason Togyer
     Carnegie Institute of Technology
     Pittsburgh, Penn.

**"The moral of the story is: don't count your boobies before they've hatched."
       --James Thurber
            'THE UNICORN IN THE GARDEN'


Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: billg@bony1.bony.com (Bill Gripp)
Subject: Re: Life-Like GP-18 reviews anyone?
Organization: LA&W RR
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 92 19:06:26 GMT

In article <1992Oct5.040732.24295@walter.cray.com> rl@ferris.cray.com (Randy Lambertus) writes:

> Does anybody know if the low nose versions of the GP-18 will have a 
>NYSW, Susquehanna, paint job? Also have the low noses been made
>available? (Haven't gotten my October MR yet)

From what I understand, among the roads on the next run of GP-18's are

LV - HH w/DB  #302,303
B&M - LH w/DB #1750,1755
NYSW - LH w /DB 

But you'll have to change your sig as follows to follow the models
planned.  =B^]

>*******************************************************************************
>          ________=====____H_=======_H______=====__              ________=====_
>         |_______|[[[[[     \#######/       [[[[[ o|            |_______|[[[[[ 
>    ______| [][] |____  """  S U S Q U E H A N N A||       ______| [][] |____  
>   |o ____| NYSW |__| \___________________________||      |o ____| NYSW |__| \_
> |_| /    |_1804_|   \_|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  ||_|  |_| /    |_1802_|   \_|
>@|_|=|====|======|=o=|=============================|_|@@|_|=|====|======|=o=|==
> |_| [(o)==(o)]  |__________________|   [(o)==(o)] |_|\/|_| [(o)==(o)]  |______
>===============================================================================
>**[]****[]****[]****[]****[]****[]****[]****[]****[]****[]****[]****[]****[]***
>*******************************************************************************


Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad,rec.railroad
From: afsidgb@cidsv07.Berkeley.EDU (Gerard Burridge)
Subject: MODEL: Rail Panorama(Montreal)
Keywords: Club, open house
Reply-To: afsidgb@cid.aes.doe.CA
Organization: Environment Canada
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 92 22:12:26 GMT

The Montreal Railroad Modelers Association is holding its annual
open house, "Rail Panorama", Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25,
from 12N to 6:00PM.

The MMRA runs both HO and N scale roads. The HO is the largest in Canada
(official name Lower Canada Central & Western) and is of a permanent
nature; the N scale is an extensive modular layout adhering to N-trak
standards.

More than an club open house, this annual event is also a model railway
show and flea market. Besides the club roads, modular layouts in
HO, S, and O scales by other groups will also be in operation. There 
will be at least 30 flea market tables offering model items, railway
memorabilia, and souvenirs.
Light refreshment will also be available.

A donation of $3.00(children under 12, $1.00) is requested.

Location:  891 St Paul St WEST, Montreal.
	This is under the CNR viaduct immediately west of University
	St and 4 blocks south of Central Station.
	Adequate parking is available.

For further information:
	514-861-6185     Club phone
        514-656-1649     Mr Claude Belle

(*) Answering machine except Wednesday and Friday, 7:00PM-10:30PM


-- 
 Gerry Burridge                        afsidgb@cid.aes.doe.ca
 Canadian Meteorological Centre        Tel.: 514-421-4646
 2121 North Service Road - #404        Fax.: 514-421-4639
 Dorval, Que.  -  H9P 1J3                             
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: peny@ppc.lpc.ethz.ch (Peter Nyffeler ,x4399)
Subject: Power Supplies?
Reply-To: peny@ppc.lpc.ethz.ch
Organization: ETH-Zuerich, Physical-Chemistry-Lab. - Switzerland
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1992 17:14:11 GMT

I too tired pulsed power supplies for the trains of my soon.
My experience was, that each mashine needs an other pulse repedition frequency.
On the other side the efficency of linear power supplies is rather poor = large
heat sinks. 

My I idea is to use a switch mode power supply as used for DC/DC converters, which 
produces a DC voltage as a function of pulse on/off ratio.

Is there anyone how has allredy got some experience with this kind of power supplies?

Peter Nyffeler


Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad,ba.market.misc
From: gert@prpa.philips.com (Gerrit A. Slavenburg)
Subject: FOR SALE/TRADE : N-scale train stuff
Summary: grocery bag full of rails & 2 xformers $ 25
Keywords: train n-scale
Organization: Philips Research Palo Alto
Distribution: rec
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1992 06:06:58 GMT

I have a grocery bag full of misc. brand/size N-scale rails,
plus 2 power packs. It is old stuff, but undamaged, i.e. if
you clean the rails it should be fine.

Asking $25, goes to first interested local party.
I will consider trade for 3 Atlas remote switches or a
decent state N-scale engine.

content (approx) :
  6 pcs Arhold Rapido curve R=182 mm, 90 degr
  6 pcs 8" straight sections Arhold/Bachmann
  7 pcs Bachman       curve R=8", 45 degr
  7 pcs Lima           curve R=203 mm, 45 degr
 33 pcs Bachmann      curve R=8", 30 degr
 14 pcs misc curved sections
  5 pcs misc straight sections

  1 pc  RHS switch (manual) Trix
 14 pcs misc size pier set

  2 power packs (4 VA) [AHM70105, Bachmann 6600]

pick it up near San Antonio # El Camino after calling
Gert at (415) 941-0300 (eves only please).


Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad