HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Info about G Scale
From: clear@cavebbs.welly.gen.nz (Charlie Lear)
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 92 10:37:52 GMT
Organization: The Cave MegaBBS, Public Access Usenet, Wellington, NZ

In article <63950007@hpscit.sc.hp.com> mcghee@hpscit.sc.hp.com (Glenn McGhee) writes:
>  According to the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, aluminum is a much 
>better conductor than brass.  Brass has an resistance of 7.00 microhoms

Which is why aluminium is the metal of choice for high-voltage overhead
transmission wires.

Aluminium for model rails (especially in the larger gauges) has severe 
drawbacks - the surface layer of aluminium oxide is a poor conductor, and 
the reactivity of aluminium means you can never eliminate it entirely.

In addition, the surface oxide seems to absorb oil and dirt really well,
leading to slipping and poor pulling power with metal-tyred wheels.

Live steamers in England thought aluminium rail was a great idea in the '70s,
but soon found that traction dropped to almost zero when the rails were
even slightly damp with dew or rain.

(Steps back to wait for assorted G-gaugers to chime in saying they have never
had a single problem with aluminium track)

-- 
Charlie "The Bear" Lear | clear@cavebbs.welly.gen.nz | Kawasaki 750GT DoD#0221
Databits Computer Co / Shareware Distribution NZ        Ph/Fax  +64 4 564-5307 
PO Box 2009, Wellington, New Zealand        The Cave MegaBBS +64 4 5642269 V32
From: czl30@duts.ccc.amdahl.com (Chris Lee)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Bachmann+ F7, Spectrum Pass car quality?
Date: 23 Nov 92 20:03:49 GMT
Reply-To: czl30@DUTS.ccc.amdahl.com (Chris Lee)
Organization: Amdahl Corporation, Sunnyvale CA

In article <57064@olivea.atc.olivetti.com> pesce@strobe.ATC.Olivetti.Com (Leo Pesce) writes:

.....stuff deleted to save net.bandwidth....

>As for the F7, I have never seen one in action. Consider this though:
>I have the F40PH Spectrum and even though I am very happy with it, 
>even though it is very heavy (the whole inside is made of metal)
>the engine is very slippery. I think that Bachmann uses some kind 
>of different plating for the wheels than lets say Northwest Shoreline
>wheel sets. A GP40-2 Athearn with this wheel set outpulls the F40PH
>by about two cars (my Amtrak train consists of 3 Whalters Amtrak cars,
>2 baggages by Concor and Athearn, and one or two Material Handling Car
>by Concor). The GP40-2 does not weight as much as the F40PH.

Have you considered the Stewart Hobbies F series? They are actually made
by Kato and will pull anything. I have a pair of F3s, but they also make
F7s. They are more expensive either the Athearns or Bachmanns but (IMNSHO)
are worth it. A stall was selling them at the train show in Roseville the
other week for $50 for an A-unit. I paid $70-something at a local hobby
shop.

I fell in love with Stewart Hobby's paint job on the F3's - the chicken
wire looks great. But I might have a long wait for WP F3Bs to make an ABB
set for the California Zephyr! The cover of "Western Pacific Diesel Years"
shows a mixed F7/F3 A-B-A so I might just get away with that.

>
>I speculate that Bachmann F7 uses the same type of wheels as the F40PH
>and being a cheeper engine, the drive is not as good (but close) to the
>Spectrum one. For the money though it should be a nice engine. I am 
>considering to buy a few (GN abba set). This brings me to a question:
>
>Has anybody modified the coupling distance of these F7s engines? The 
>present distance is awful. Thank you in advance.

Kadee make a coupling (#450) that gives scale distance between the Stewart
Hobbies F's. It looks great.

>
>Leo

Chris Lee
From: bill@mathnx.math.byu.edu (Bill Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: motors, motors, motors
Date: 18 Nov 1992 18:40:37 GMT
Organization: Brigham Young University
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: mathnx.math.byu.edu

My sysadmin has some IBM 360K floppy drives laying around and they
have two motors in them- a stepper and what appears to be just a 
DC can motor, possibly of ironless rotor design.  Has anyone got
info about these  DC  motors, what type, specs (stall torque, speed, 
max voltage, etc.) and any other information?

-Bill

--
Professor William V. Smith
Phone: 1-801-378-2061 Fax: 1 801 378 2800
email: smithw@hamblin.math.byu.edu  or  uunet!hamblin.math.byu.edu!smithw
NeXTmail: bill@mathnx.math.byu.edu
SMail: Math Dept. -- 314 TMCB; BYU; Provo, UT 84602 (USA)
From: js@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jon Sawyer)
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 18:24:21 GMT
Subject: Re: Questions about turntables
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Loveland, CO
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad

In rec.models.railroad, I wrote:

>   Also, at what angles are roundhouse stalls typically arranged?  As the
>   space I have for my roundhouse is rather limited, I'd like to minimize
>   the distance between the TT and the roundhouse, at the expense of
>   increasing the angle between stalls.  Are there kits available that
>   allow me to do this?  Or is there a "standard" roundhouse stall angle?

I'd like to clarify this a bit.  I'm interested in specific
information on roundhouse kits regarding the angle between stalls and
the radius from the center of the turntable to the front wall of the
roundhouse.  These quantities are related; the larger one gets, the
smaller the other, in general.

I am looking for a kit that tends toward the "small radius, large
angle" end of the spectrum.  I have looked at various kits in a local
hobby store; they do not print this information on the box.  The sales
people didn't know, either.
From: yhshowie@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Howard Wharton)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: BUFFALO, NY TRAIN SHOW
Date: 16 Nov 92 01:17:00 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41


  The Western New York Railway Historical Society will hold its 11th
Annual Buffalo Train & Toy Show on Saturday, November 21st & Sunday,
November 22nd,1992 at the Main Exhibit Hall of the Buffalo & Erie
County Convention Center located at Franklin & Genessee Streets in
downtown Buffalo,NY. Hours both days are from 10 Am - 5 PM.
Admission is: Adults-$3.00/Children under 12-$1.50
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: paul.ribeiro@rose.com (paul ribeiro)
Subject: Bruce Chubb, UCI
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 16:47:49 GMT
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)


Date Entered: 11-21-92 11:43

Has anyone here done any programming for Bruce Chubb's
Universal Computer Interface? I just got the book and
am interested in what may have already been written
for use on ibm compatables.
thanks,
/Paul
---
   RoseReader 1.70 R001193: He who laughs last is probably your boss.
   RM 2.00 : RoseNet<=>Usenet Gateway : Rose Media 416-733-2285
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 09:38:53 EST
From: <GRW104@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Bachmann+ F7, Spectrum Pass car quality?

Does anyone have experience with or opinions of the
Bachmann Plus F7's, and/or the Bachmann Spectrum
heavyweight passenger cars?  How do the F7's compare
with Athearn (slightly cheaper) and Stewart (more expensive)?
I'd appreciate hearing from you.  Thanks.

G. Weaver
Penn State University
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: smb@ulysses.att.com (Steven Bellovin)
Subject: Re: Computer Layout Programs
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 12:10:14 GMT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories

In article <45460018@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM>, js@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jon Sawyer) writes:
> If I'm not mistaken, the latest catalog from Abracadata had a matrix
> of their products versus various platforms, and at the intersection of
> "Design Your Own Railroad" and Macintosh were the words "Coming soon".
> Give them a call at (800) 451-4871.

I asked a computer dealer about this at a train show last Sunday.
The leaflet said ``September'' for the Mac version, but the dealer
told me that it had slipped till February.
From: 737ochs@gw.wmich.edu
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: dual motor DD40's
Date: 17 Nov 92 05:29:55 EST
Distribution: world
Organization: Western Michigan University

In article <1992Nov16.105412.205@physc1.byu.edu>, hansend@physc1.byu.edu writes:
>>> the model has two motors, connected with a rod that goes past the "open"
>>> section in the body. this seems to be to keep the motors (each of which
>>> power one of the D trucks) sync'd, which keeps the wheels spinning at the
>>> same rate. when i take this off, they seem to spin that way anyway (slipping
>>> seems nonexistant). is there a good reasoin to leave this rod there, or can
>>> i take it off and not expect problems? what problems will i get if they do
>>> go at differnet speeds? why is this different frmo having two smaller locos
>>> that are not connected?
>> 
>> Well, all I can say is try it. It won't hurt unless you notice them not running
>> well together, you can always turn off the electricity. As I recall, mine has
>> a universla joint I think, on the rod that connects the 2 motors. I've thought
>> of doing that too, and closing up the inside of the hole to make it look
>> more like the prototype
>> good luck
>> 
> 
> This is rather interesting.  I have two Athearn DD40's from the mid 80's 
> when they were last produced.  Both of mine have two motors, and NO 
> connection between the two motors.  I have never had any problem with 
> them running out of synch or anything.  I would think that a big 
> universal connecting the two motors passing through the gap between the 
> engines would look rather toylike and silly.  I am surprised that the 
> model was ever produced this way.

It's actually not a big universal like the normal universals. It has the
ball and sockets on the end, but is a thin rod between them to connect
the 2 motors. It isn't too noticible on mine.

Fred
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad,rec.railroad
From: pierson@gimp77.enet.dec.com (dave pierson)
Subject: Re: Pantograph pickup width Swiss 460
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: 22 NOV 92 10:51:46    

In article <1992Nov21.061505.1282@bony1.bony.com>, billg@bony1.bony.com (Bill
Gripp) writes, in part:

>I was always impressed by the appearance of the NYNH&H cat.  They had
>two cat's supporting each conductor which swung down and in to the bottom
>then up and out again.  The series of triangles resulting from the 2 cat
>to conductor and the cat to cat support bars was a sight to behold.

	This was used only on the original section from Woodlawn to Stamford.
	In fact, it turned out not to work well, almost killing the
	electrification.  It was too rigid, causing excess wear.  (it had been
	intentionally designed as rigid, since it was felt that lighter
	construction would not be "up to" the requirements of main line
	traction.  (NYNH&H RR was the first HV AV electrification in the USA
	and one of the first in the world, so a bit of learning curve is to be
	expected.)

	After 6 months or so of "pure hell", they resolved the problem in part
	by flexibly clipping a contact wire under the existing contact wire,
	which gave enough flex to make it work.  This is being replaced now, as
	we speak, or the replacement may be complete.  As a side note, one of
	the dealers at the Gaithersburg show had 3 foot section of the narrow
	portion for sale....

	North/East of Stamford a variety of patterns were tried, all still
	heavier than what was to follow in the general evolution.  The Danbury
	branch marked one of their initial uses if the inclined catenary.  This
	is, in fact, fairly economical, as it is simpler, getting its curve
	following from balancing of the tensions, instead of (added) pulloffs.
	(pulloffs were still required on the tightest curves...).
	
thanks
dave pierson			|the facts, as accurately as i can manage,
Digital Equipment Corporation	|the opinions, my own.
40 Old Bolton Rd		|I am the NRA.
Stow, Mass	
01775				pierson@empror.enet.dec.com
"He has read everything, and, to his credit, written nothing."  A J Raffles
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: andre@king.slc.mentorg.com (Andre' Hut)
Subject: Re: rec.models.railroad Fortnightly FAQ
Organization: /net/king/usr1/andre/.organization
	<1992Nov17.171050.7322@ulysses.att.com>
Date: 17 Nov 92 17:40:41

In article <1992Nov17.171050.7322@ulysses.att.com> smb@ulysses.att.com (Steven Bellovin) writes:
   >In article <rec-models-rail_721942081@tahiti.cs.brown.edu>, rjm@cs.brown.edu (Ralph Johnson Marshall) writes:
   >> 	The stuff above will make the minimum starter set, for about
   >> 	$100, depending on the engine and cars purchased.  If you want
   >> 	to go for something slightly more advanced consider adding
   >> 	some of the following items:
   >> 
   >> 	- 2 or so Atlas #4 unpowered turnouts (track switches), about
   >> 	  $8 each.  Get both left and right handed. 

   >I'm not sure I agree with this.  For starter layouts, their snap switches
   >might be a better idea; they match the 18" curvature of the sectional
   >track, which makes life easier if you're not using flex track.  Also,
   >if you get unpowered turnouts, especially Atlas, I'd recommend a ground
   >throw or *something* to provide extra spring pressure.

#4 turnouts *are* the ones that match 18" track.  By unpowered, he
means the ones that are manual.  It's the same Atlas switch machine
without the solenoid.

   >> 	- Some building kits.  The Atlas passenger station kit is a
   >> 	  classic kit which is well manufactured and can be built into
   >> 	  a nice looking kit with a little time.  Probably not too
   >> 	  good for a young child since it has lots of parts.  Kits run
   >> 	  $5-15 for simpler ones, much more in some cases.

   >Include some Testor's liquid glue (also not great around young children;
   >for that matter, it give me a headache sometimes) and an X-Acto knife.

Use the Testor's that comes in the cube-like bottle.  The thick stuff in the
tube is worthless.
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------
My opinions are solely my own, and do not necessarily reflect those
of my employer.

Andre' Hut       andre@slc.mentorg.com  or  utah-cs!caeco!andre
Mentor Graphics, Suite 300, 5295 South 300 West, Murray, Utah 84107
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: rjm@cs.brown.edu (Ralph Marshall)
Subject: Re: Bachmann+ F7, Spectrum Pass car quality?
Organization: Brown University Department of Computer Science
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 17:44:03 GMT

In article <92326.093853GRW104@psuvm.psu.edu> <GRW104@psuvm.psu.edu> writes:
>Does anyone have experience with or opinions of the
>Bachmann Plus F7's, and/or the Bachmann Spectrum
>heavyweight passenger cars? 

I don't have the F7s but I did get one of the Spectrum PRR coaches.
The quality of the model is very nice (although it's been argued that
the paint is too faded...) but I've had a hell of a time getting it to
run well.  The problem on mine seems to be two-fold: the mechanism for
swiveling the coupler causes the coupler to hang far too low, and the
sides of the trucks just barely clear the tops of the rails, causing
all sorts of trouble.  The second problem may or may not be due to
poor trackwork on my part, but I don't have anything like these
troubles with any other equipment.  I also can't see how to remove the
trucks and replace them with something else.  If I could get it to run
well I'd stock up on a whole train full, but as it is I'm looking
about for alternatives.

Ralph Marshall
rjm@cs.brown.edu


From: js@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jon Sawyer)
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 17:46:35 GMT
Subject: Uses for foaming sealer?
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Loveland, CO
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad


I was walking through the hardware store the other day and saw a
product that *must* have some good use in model railroading.  :)

The product is aerosol foam, intended for filling gaps around the
house to stop drafts and to insulate.  You can squirt the foam into
any irregularly shaped space and the foam will fill the void, then
harden.  You can cut or carve the foam with a knife after it hardens.

I'd like to hear if anyone has used this product.  How "stiff" was the
foam when it came out of the can?  Could you make a free standing
mound of the stuff, or is it pretty "soupy"?

It strikes me that this might be a quick and easy way to build a
foundation for mountains.  Squirt a pile of the stuff on a corner of
your layout, let it harden, do some rough shaping with a knife or a
Surform, then cover with Sculptamold (or whatever).

Potential advantages:  less mess than carving bead board; no framing
members needed as with hardshell techniques, thus less weight (a plus
for portable or modular layouts), ...?

Possible problems:  you'd have to make a cover for your tunnel tracks
to keep the stuff away from the right-of-way; leaks in that tunnel
when squirting could cause a messy "cave-in" that might be hard to
reach/fix; ...?

Comments?
From: wmcfadde@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (William McFadden)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: B&O Historical Society
Date: 17 Nov 92 13:39:41 GMT
Organization: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens

Can someone provide me with information on how to contact the B&O Historical
Society, if such a thing exists?

Thanks,
Eric McFadden
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: yves@speedy.dev.cdx.mot.com (Yves Vidal)
Subject: N gauge auction... in MASS
Organization: Motorola Codex, Canton, MA
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 14:14:07 GMT
Followup-To: e-mail or group

A N gauge auction is supposed to take place in the Boston area. 
Has anybody heard of it ?

Thanks for any info.
Yves 
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: johnh@borland.com (John Haskey)
Subject: Re: Info about G Scale
Originator: johnh@genghis.borland.com
Keywords: G Scale, Bachman
Organization: Borland International
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1992 23:39:44 GMT

IMNSHO Bachman track should be avoided like the plague.  If you don't want
to spend big bucks on LGB track, check out the REA track.  REA makes very
decent track and is usually cheaper than LGB.  The Bachman track will do
nothing but disappoint you.

On the other hand, the Bachman Loco's and rolling stock are a very economical
way to get into G-scale railroading.  Their loco's are noisier than their LGB
counterparts but consider this: a Bachman 4-6-0 can be had for as little as
$80 mail-order and it comes with lights, smoke, & sound.  A similiar LGB loco
will cost over $500.  Granted, the LGB loco will probably last a lifetime but
for someone getting started the Bachman loco represents a good value.  Make
sure you avoid the Bachman battery powered remote controlled loco's though.
I have friends who have been less than thrilled with them.  Bachman's rolling
stock is serviceable out of the box and, as others have mentioned, can be 
vastly improved by replacing the trucks and couplers.  Their kits have great
potential for kitbashing, etc.

I personally own both Bachman and LGB and don't regret purchasing either
brand.  If you're rich and have disposable income, by all means go out and
get that LGB starter set, a few hundred feet of LGB track, and lots of cars
and loco's.  On the other hand you could start with a loop of REA track, a
MRC throttle, and a Bachman train and be well on your way as well.  I think
the hobby shop owner would probably help you a bit more if you came in 
looking at this kind of a purchase...  Just my opinion...

								---john.

-- 
---------
johnh@genghis.borland.com
My opinions are my own but I'll gladly share them with you!
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Does anyone hane info on Mar Toys Trains???
From: kent@brandonu.ca (Dorian Kent)
Date: 21 Nov 92 18:33:16 CST
Organization: Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Hi.
My name is Dorian Kent. Just recently I purchased two O scale trains at a
second-hand shop. On the bottem of all the cars it says they were made by
Mar Toys. Could anyone out there tell me anything about the Mar Toy company,
like when they were in existence, what types of trains they made, etc...
Any information will be gratiously appricated.

Thanks in advance.

Dorian Kent


 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dorian Kent							kent@brandonu.ca

		  If at first you don't succeed...
		    Well so much for skydiving!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: ardie@UIUC (R.D. McClary)
Subject: Re: Does anyone hane info on Mar Toys Trains???
Organization: Department of Plant Pathology
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 13:23:51 GMT

In article <1992Nov21.183316.2815@brandonu.ca> kent@brandonu.ca (Dorian Kent) writes:
>Subject: Does anyone hane info on Mar Toys Trains???
>From: kent@brandonu.ca (Dorian Kent)
>Date: 21 Nov 92 18:33:16 CST
>Hi.
>My name is Dorian Kent. Just recently I purchased two O scale trains at a
>second-hand shop. On the bottem of all the cars it says they were made by
>Mar Toys. Could anyone out there tell me anything about the Mar Toy company,
>like when they were in existence, what types of trains they made, etc...
>Any information will be gratiously appricated.
>

     More than likely, they were made by Marx toy company.  Their logo had  
the letters "MAR" over a large letter X, and the whole thing was 
circumscribed.  Although Louis Marx goes back at least to the '30's, your 
trains were probably post-war (1946-~1959).  However, if the stock is 
lithographed tin rather than plastic, they may be from the '30's.  Greenburg 
Publishers has a few books concerning Marx.  Classic Toy Trains also has an 
occasional article on them.

Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: pratta@rpi.edu (Anthony Edward Prattico)
Subject: Re: Uses for foaming sealer?
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 02:23:43 GMT

In article <45460022@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM> js@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jon Sawyer) writes:

>   I was walking through the hardware store the other day and saw a
>   product that *must* have some good use in model railroading.  :)
>
>   The product is aerosol foam, intended for filling gaps around the
>   house to stop drafts and to insulate.  You can squirt the foam into
>   any irregularly shaped space and the foam will fill the void, then
>   harden.  You can cut or carve the foam with a knife after it hardens.
 

Didn't Model Railroader use this for their Z scale layout a few years back?
Not the big layout, but a little (2x3 ft or so) one.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony Prattico          pratta@rpi.edu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All opinions belong to me and me alone.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: urf@icl.se (Urban F)
Subject: Re: Shape Memory Wire / Turnout Control
Organization: None. On USENET I speak only for myself.
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 10:40:21 GMT

johnh@borland.com (John Haskey) writes:

>  I assume the short throw of the memory wire would
>limit its use in larger scales.  

I don't think so. They are pretty strong, so with the right devices
you should be able to use it for any scale.
--
 Urban Fredriksson   urf@icl.se  (n.g.u.fredriksson.swe2001@oasis.icl.co.uk)
 "Failure requires effort. That's why some people never fail." -Bengt Anderberg
From: ebe+@pitt.edu (Elmer Beachley)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Command Control receiver sizes and system costs
Keywords: size, costs, command control
Date: 23 Nov 92 04:22:53 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh


Fraser:

WRT command control, I think the smallest receivers by far are from Lenz.
The smallest one is suitable for Z gauge and certainly fits with no
problems in HO.  You might want to subscribe to the mailing list
nmra@linus.mitre.org which is currently developing standards for CC.

Elmer Beachley etb@cs.pitt.edu
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad