HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad

EMD Diesels
SW_ Switchers, four-axle "hood unit" [means non-streamlined]
E_  Passenger, six-axle "cab unit" [means streamlined]
F_  Freight/Passenger, four-axle "cab unit" [body part of structure]
GP_ General Purpose, four-axle "hood unit" [body NOT structural] 
SD_ Special Duty, six-axle "hood unit" for rough track not allowing high
    axle loading
GE Diesels
U_-B "Universal", four-axle "hood unit" [GE never into streamlining per se] 
U_-C Same as above, but six-axle
B_-X Four-axle, last digit is last of model year introduced
C_-X Same as above, but six-axle
Alco Diesels
FA_ Freight, four-axle "cab unit" [often called prettiest cab unit ever]
PA_ As above, but with steam boiler for passenger trains
S_  Switchers, four-axle "hood unit"
RS_ Road switcher, general purpose "hood" [probably prettiest gen.purp.]
Century_ BIG "hood units" some four, some six-axle
Baldwin Diesels
S_  Switchers
Don't know model number of "Shark Nose" Cab unit
Fairbanks-Morse Diesels
H-X-_ Switchers (40s-50s, used opposed-piston engine from submarine)
Train Master BIG "hood unit"

Lots of smaller makers have come and gone, and this is by no means full list,
just some types to start from.

 
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: pesce@strobe.ATC.Olivetti.Com (Leo Pesce)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Athearn 6-axle locos - minimum radius
Date: 19 Nov 92 20:07:49 GMT

In article <92323.213357GRW104@psuvm.psu.edu>, GRW104@psuvm.psu.edu writes:
> I'd appreciate any help on this question:
> 
> What's the minimum operating track radius for Athearn's
> 6-axle diesels with body-mounted couplers (e.g., FM
> Trainmaster, SD's)?  Even if they run on, say, 18 inch
> radius curves, is coupler overhang a problem?
> 
> Thanks in advance
> 
> G. Weaver

In my younger days, I had a 4x8 table with an oval using 18" curves. At that 
time I had only Athears engines, FP45, SD9, SD45, and SDP45. I also had GSs 
and Fs units, and a lonely SD24 from Atlas. Needless to say I run mostly the
Geeps and Fs units than the others. Basically SDs tend to jump the curve
because it does not have enough swing. This happened occasionally (with my
SD9 all the time), but enough. I then increased to 20" with curves from
Tru-Scale and I had no jumping anymore. 

Does it mean that 20" is the real minimum radius? No, because each engine
may differ somewhat on the truck swing. But the majority should. Mine do.

Leo

Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: billg@bony1.bony.com (Bill Gripp)
Subject: Re: Suggestion to Rail Power Products : DDA35 shell
Organization: LA&W RR
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 92 16:00:05 GMT

In article <SMITHW.92Nov12091413@sofya.hamblin.math.byu.edu> smithw@hamblin.math.byu.edu (Dr. William V. Smith) writes:
>Ok, as someone suggested, why don't you ask them about a
>DD35 shell (this was the original "B" (cabless) version).
>This would make a great addition to available motive power
>and is not in plastic anywhere.  

Personally, I'd prefer a C855, U50 (either), or a Turbine.

   .______________________..______________________________________
   |                      ||   .____________________________.  |_|\--.
   |    UNION  PACIFIC    ||   |       UNION  PACIFIC       |        |
   |______________________||___|============================|_____.  |
  @|[o][o]=[o]  [o]=[o][o]  [o]=[o] [o]=[o]|______|[o]=[o] [o]=[o]|__|O
============================================================================
From: eddie@railnet.nshore.ORG (Eddie Van Huffel)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Computer Layout Programs
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 92 21:06:24 EST
Organization: Railnet BBS +1 216 786 0476

franco@bbn.com (Frank A. Lonigro) writes:

> Hi:
> 	It seems that all of these packages are made for IBM's and compatibles.
> Has anyone heard of these companies making a version for the Apple Macintosh?
> I have something I got about 4 years ago for the Mac called "MacInooga
> Choo Choo".  It's cute, but not good enough for serious layout design.
> 
> Thanks,
> -franco


Abracadata, who markets the track designer originally developed the 
software for the Mac.  You might write to them and ask them for more 
information.

--
eddie@railnet.nshore.ORG (Eddie Van Huffel)
Railnet BBS +1 216 786 0476
From: romeo@niagara.Tymnet.COM (Michael Stimac)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: remote peco switches
Date: 19 Nov 92 19:09:46 GMT
Organization: BT North America (Tymnet)

In article <Bxxn2I.Gz7@math.uwaterloo.ca> rajacobs@plg.uwaterloo.ca (Rory Jacobs) writes:
>Hi,
>
>I recently purchased some N scale #6 Peco (electrofrog) switches, and
>the switch machines.  Eagerly I awaited there arrival in the mail, and
>today I received them.
>
>So I hooked up the switch machine to the turnout, and the switch
>machine doesn't have enough force to over come the spring to turn
>the points (?)  (ie.  to switch the direction of the turnover).

One possibility is that you are not driving the motors (machines)
with sufficient electrical power (voltage). Read all the specs
that come with the machines, esp regarding voltage of the power
source. 

If you match that OK, and it still doesn't work, try a higher
voltage anyway. If you only apply the power for short bursts
you probably won't damage the machines. Check into a model
railroad electrical project book if you want to build a
"snap action power supply" with real muscle. Such supplies
give a high voltage surge which lasts a short time and will
throw the most wimpy machines with authority.

Of course, it's possible that you have a switch with an
unnaturally stiff spring - you'd have to experiment with using
various of the switches to see if that's the case.

Michael Stimac
-- 
Michael Stimac
(415) 355-8889
romeo@tymnet.com
These opinions are not necessarily anyone's but my own.
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: karayan@rigelrigel.cc.bellcore.com (karayannopoulos,george)
Subject: Re: Marklin
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 92 18:59:54 GMT

In article <d2fred.722118045@dtek.chalmers.se> d2fred@dtek.chalmers.se (Fredrik Br{utigam) writes:
>
>                                 When it comes to quality, Trix is just
>as good as -- or even better than -- any other German make. (Excellent,
>that is.) It is also worth mentioning that Trix also produce a lot of
>2-rail models. 
>
>Fredrik Br{utigam  d2fred@dtek.chalmers.se

How would you compare Trix to AUSTRIAN makes?  In particular ROCO?
I've seen Trix engines in their catalog and they look rather
toy-ish.  Details appear out of scale, etc.  Roco on the other
hand makes much better looking models (IMHO), for much less money.
Any thoughts?

___________________________________________________________________
George Karayannopoulos              N2OWO
karayan@cc.bellcore.com              Bellcore, Red Bank, NJ
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are mine and not my employer's.
From: d2fred@dtek.chalmers.se (Fredrik Br{utigam)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Marklin
Date: 18 Nov 92 20:20:45 GMT
Organization: Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg Sweden

> Hi.  Has anyone had any experience with TRIX trains.  They are a Marklin
> compatible german manufactured train. 

If I'm correctly informed, the two systems are not really compatible,
since Marklin use AC for their engines whereas Trix run on DC. They
both use 3-rail tracks, however. When it comes to quality, Trix is just
as good as -- or even better than -- any other German make. (Excellent,
that is.) It is also worth mentioning that Trix also produce a lot of
2-rail models. 

> rob

	/Fredrik
--
Fredrik Br{utigam  d2fred@dtek.chalmers.se
Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg, Sweden - Suede
                *** She's waiting for Prince Charming to arrive.
                        I'm waiting for her to pick up the frog. ***
From: nijhuis@isg.llnl.gov (Jan A. Nijhuis)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: The Best N-Scale Mail Order
Date: 17 Nov 92 17:18:02 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Lawrence Laboratory  Livermore, CA

>Article 2360 of rec.models.railroad:
>Subject: Re: The Best N-Scale Mail Order
>Originator: johnh@genghis.borland.com

>The Freight Yard, Huntington Beach, CA

The Freight Yard is on Euclid Avenue, quite near Disneyland in Anaheim, CA
Martin Cohen is the owner, and ran the place out of his garage for quite a
while, they only moved to Euclid Ave a few months ago.

If you ever go to the Great Western Train Shows around California you will
most likely see several tables loaded with goodies from The Freight Yard.
On the other side of the table it is quite likely that you will see either
father or son.

Also in that area, though not a Mail Order Place, is Arnies' Trains,
Westminster, CA -- Quite a nice place to shop for All Scales.


Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: egdorf@zaphod.lanl.gov (Skip Egdorf)
Subject: Re: HOn3 Turnout Supplier and Rolling Stock...
Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 16:11:42 GMT

In article <1992Nov6.191504.14104@u.washington.edu> ryanm@stein.u.washington.edu (Ryan Mcneilly) writes:

   I am looking for a supplier of quality HOn3 turnouts with #4 and #5 frogs.
   I would also like to see #6 curved turnouts.

Lambert/Shinohara makes the most-available line of HOn3 track. However, I would
recommend that you try making your own. A vice, a small file, some rail nippers
and a soldering gun are all you need. You will be surprized at how easy it is
once you get going. I build my own turnouts and use Railcraft flex track for the
straight parts, all in code 55.

                                                   I am also looking for brass
   HOn3 steam locomotives and other rolling stack.  Specifically I want a
   nice C&S 2-6-0.  Any supplier info or favorites would be appreciated greatly. 
   Thanks.  --Ryan

Try to find a Lambert (I don't own stock, really!) C&S 2-6-0 from the mid 70s.
Replace the open motor with a NWSL 1225 can motor. It drops right in. Price
for these seems to be going around $350 - $375. They are a generic #6 - #9

The later Key 2-6-0s are very accurate and run well but are currently in the $700
range.

The early PFM C&S #22 is quite dated, and has a tender drive. You can rebuild
with a can motor at a fair bit of work.

The only real turkey to stay away from is the Key C&S #22 from about 1979. It's
drivers developed shorts in their insulation.

					Skip Egdorf
					hwe@lanl.gov
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: Prime Mover Software Development <U93_PTUPACZE@VAXC.STEVENS-TECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Athearn container dates
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT
Organization: Indiana University
Mime-Version: 1.0
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 05:05:42 GMT
X-Vms-To: IN%"rec.models.railroad@silver.ucs.indiana.edu"

Here's an update: Our local hobby shop just got in the Athearn CSX/CSL 48' 
containers and the Matson 40' containers.

The CSX/CSL pair are both white with silver trim, blue "CSX" or "CSL" 
intermodal lettering. The CSX one also has "insulated" on it.

The Matson pair both have Matson written 90 degrees from vertical in a 
stylized font (yes, they're different from the Walthers one!). One container 
is white with blue lettering, while the other is dark red with white 
lettering.

Hope this helps!

    - Paul Tupaczewski
      Stevens Tech
      Hoboken, NJ
      u93_ptupacze@vaxa.stevens-tech.edu

Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: fraserf@bmerh9a4 (Fraser Fulford)
Subject: Command Control receiver sizes and system costs
Summary: Question on Command Control
Keywords: size, costs, command control
Reply-To: fraserf@bnr.ca
Organization: Bell-Northern Research
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 92 17:37:07 GMT

I am thinking about getting a command control system and would like some
more information.  At the moment I've heard of a number of systems;

 - Keller OnBoard 
 - Keller OnBoard Digital (?)
 - Marklin
 - Lenz
 - CTC (16, 16e, 32, 80, PMP-112)
 - Dynatrol

I am leaning towards the Onboard system, primarily because it gives me
the capability to add sound in the future.  I have information from
Keller that is almost two years old.

I am concerned about the size of the receivers, especially since I am
looking into putting them into small HO diesels (no tenders here folks).
I have heard Keller is coming out with a Digital version.  Does anyone
have details on this?  (price, receiver size, etc.)

The ads in Model Railroader show a picture of really small receivers for
the Marklin system (though who really believes ads?  :-).  

I would really like to know the dimensions of the Marklin receivers and
the Lenz receivers as I believe they are the only two systems that give
me the small size I am looking for (unless OnBoards new Digital could be
smaller?).

And what about standards, I've tried to follow this newsgroup on the
progression of the standards but the news seems to have trickled to a halt.
Which system are the new proposed standards going to be compatible with?  I
believe LENZ is one, but will it also be compatible with any other systems?

Please post or email, I will summarize if requested.

--
..fraser                           Fraser.Fulford@bnr.ca
                                    OR     fraserf@bnr.ca

These are _my_ views and are not necessarily the views of BNR.

MAGIC SMOKE n. A notional substance trapped inside IC packages that
   enables them to function. Its existence is demonstrated by what
   happens when a chip burns up -- the magic smoke gets let out, so
   it doesn't work any more. See SMOKE TEST.
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: pierson@ggone.enet.dec.com (Dave Pierson)
Subject: Re: Info about G Scale
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 18:07:04 GMT

In article <1992Nov20.044318.28087@microsoft.com>, hanss@microsoft.com
(Hans Spiller) writes, in part:

>I'm pretty sure that "German Silver" is another name for what we're
>calling "Nickel Silver".  This number suggests that you need to have
>feeders every, oh, 3,000 centimeters or so if you want to keep your
>losses due to resistance in the rails down to .1 ohm or less, I suspect
>you'd have a hard time detecting 1.0 ohm's effect on train performance,
>even with high tech instrumentation. 
	I can attest to this.  I recently wired up an "automatic reversing rig"
	for the club layout.  I put in _2_ ohms (somewhat randomly chosen), so
	arranged as to slow the train before reversing (more for appearance
	than anything else.  (if anyone made the Boomers Show, in Bedford, NH
	that was it...)

	The affect of two ohms was invisible.  Obviously, this is dependent
	on the engine.  The train in question was Thomas the Tank (or his
	relative, Duck) and two coaches.  Drew about 300ma at 8V, if memory
	serves.

	(Now later in the day, when we had 5 engines (including pushers) on the
	main, with a 70 odd car train, I'd not have liked to try 2 ohms.   8)>>)

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@msd26.enet.dec.com
"He has read everything, and, to his credit, written nothing."  A J Raffles
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Questions about turntables
From: macman+@pitt.edu (Dennis H Lippert)
Date: 21 Nov 92 18:38:14 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh

In article <45460019@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM> js@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jon Sawyer) writes:
>I saw a Model Masterpieces turntable kit for a 100' steel turntable
>for about $50.  Any specific comments on this kit?

I *think* I built one of these for someone a few years back... I didn't like 
it, but then again, I had no experience in any such project before. It has
a plaster pit, plastic turntable, metal railings and details... overall it's
far from a simple project.  It took me about a month of "playing with it" to
get it finished. Basically, unless you need the long table, the Helgan/ConCor
is *much* easier.... you can also find old [insert unknown manufacturer's name
here] turntables at flea markets.   They have an aluminum pit, plastic bridge
and are 18" diameter... close to 120 feet.

>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 angle depends on many variables... the number of stalls needed, the length
of tracks possible, the size of roundhouse building (aka overall diameter)
which will fit, etc.  Some turntables have "wall to wall" tracks at the pit...
the rails for adjoining tracks are actually touching each other.

Hope it helps!
-Den
-- 
===============================================================================
Dennis Lippert   -   macman+@pitt.edu or macman@vm2.cis.pitt.edu
The "Mac Maniac" operator at the Hillman Research Lab - Univ. of Pittsburgh
"All comments are mine, you'd look like a fool if *you* used them"
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: Prime Mover Software Development <U93_PTUPACZE@VAXC.STEVENS-TECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Diesel classifications
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT
Organization: Indiana University
Mime-Version: 1.0
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1992 00:41:51 GMT
X-Vms-To: IN%"rec.models.railroad@silver.ucs.indiana.edu"

>FT was for FourTeen hundred horsepower.
>The original E, the EA was for EighTeen hundred.

Not to be nitpicky, but the FT originally stood for "Freight - Thirteen 
hundred fifty horsepower." A friend of mine works for EMD in LaGrange, and 
showed me original design specs with "Freight - Thirteen..." on 'em.

The E, though, DID stand for "Eighteen hundred."


   - Paul Tupaczewski
     Stevens Tech
     Hoboken, NJ
     u93_ptupacze@vaxa.stevens-tech.edu
From: wes@uf.msc.edu (Wes Barris)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Maximum Grade for Straight, Downhill-only, Hidden Track Section
Date: 23 Nov 92 19:06:32 GMT
Reply-To: wes@msc.edu
Organization: AHPCRC, Minnesota Supercomputer Center

In article <1992Nov23.131141.15570@dxcern.cern.ch>, matheys@online.cern.ch (Jean-Pol Matheys) writes:
|> 
|> Dear Net,
|> 
|> I have seen in many places recommandations on the maximum grade one should use
|> in a decent layout (numbers cluster around 2.5 % if I'm not mistaken). This is
|> fine in most situations (especially for visible, uphill slopes).
|> 
|> My case is a little different:  I have a straight section of track, which will
|> be used downhill only and which will be hidden (under a small hill). In such a
|> case, what would be the maximum grade I could use ? How about 8 % ?
|> 
|> If it makes any difference: I model in H0 scale, and I use Marklin's 3-rail AC
|> system.

I have an HO layout.  My steepest grade is about 4.5%.  I have found that
different engines behave differently going down this hill.  Athearn engines
tend to speed up dramatically when going down this hill, Bowser engines
lurch forward then slow down, then lurch...  My Rivarossi engines speed up
just a little.  I have a Tenshado steam engines that remains at constant
speed no matter what.

If you have a long train (I don't know how long your decent will be) you
will find that when the engine(s) reach the bottom of your hill, that the
front cars may be pushed off the track by the force of the rest of the
train coming down the hill.

Your mileage may vary.
-- 
                                       o O O O O o o o o o o o o . . . . . . .
 __________    ___           ___      __                _
/_______|--`--|_ _|--=-==---|_ _|--,_|__|_             |-+-------`____________,
| ||_| /        -  |        / - \  |      || ________  |                      |
|_|___/------------|----__---------|------|||__|__|__| |Southern Pacific Lines|
|_|____________/-------{__}---------------{__}_______|=|_________     ________|
/_(o)=(o) ( )( )( )( ) [__]  ( )( )( )( ) [__]--(o)     (o)(o)(o)-----(o)(o)(o)
===============================================================================
Wes Barris                                                   PH: (612) 626-8090
Minnesota Supercomputer Center                               Email: wes@msc.edu
From: js@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Jon Sawyer)
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 18:48:03 GMT
Subject: Re: Computer Layout Programs
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Loveland, CO
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad

In rec.models.railroad, franco@bbn.com (Frank A. Lonigro) writes:

> It seems that all of these packages are made for IBM's and
> compatibles.  Has anyone heard of these companies making a version for
> the Apple Macintosh?

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.
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: jsm@shade.Princeton.EDU (John Scott McCauley Jr.)
Subject: Re: remote peco switches
Originator: news@nimaster
Organization: Princeton University
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 18:34:23 GMT

In article <Bxxn2I.Gz7@math.uwaterloo.ca> rajacobs@plg.uwaterloo.ca (Rory Jacobs) writes:
>So I hooked up the switch machine to the turnout, and the switch
>machine doesn't have enough force to over come the spring to turn
>the points (?)  (ie.  to switch the direction of the turnover).
>The switch machine does work, but just not when the pin is in the
>throw bar since it doesn't exert enough force.
>
>Any Suggestions?  Should I return the switch machines?  Should
>I return the switches?  Any help greatly appreciated!

I've used the N scale Peco stuff. It sounds like your power pack isn't
putting out enough juice to fire them. Consider a Capacitor Discharge
unit. Also, the switches tend to loosen up with use somewhat.

Beware if you are using the above-table mount! The switch and the mount
*both* have springs. I usually remove one of the springs (as someone from
the Red Caboose told me).

	Scott

P.S. The Peco HO switch machine and the N switch machine are one in the same.
Pretty clever!