HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: brentk@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Brent Knecht)
Subject: Re: voltages of transformers
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1992 14:17:57 GMT

mdb@csc.liv.ac.uk (Martin Beer) writes:

>Anthony Edward Prattico (pratta@rpi.edu) wrote:

>Rectification means that some of the voltage is lost before it gets
>to the track.  Some voltage is also lost in the controller.
>It is therefore normal to specify a 15-18v transformer, rather than just 12v.

Not quite true.  Transformer ratings are RMS values, but when you rectify
the current, you get a DC voltage approximately equal to the peak AC
voltage.  A transformer rated at 12.6VAC will usually give 17-18 VDC.

>If the lower voltage were used, locomotives would never reach full speed, even
>with the throttle fully open.

>If motors are fed substantially more than 12v for any significant
>length of time the armature coils will soon burn out, and
>they can be very difficult to replace.

This may be true, depending on the motor design and ventilation, but for
many layouts it's not a problem, since a train running at a voltage much
higher than its rating probably won't stay on the track very long :-)

>Some accessories work better at higher voltages.  In the Uk it is quite
>common to feed point switches 24v AC so that they behave more positively.
>A capacitor discharge unit can be included to ensure that they get
>a short, high (about 50v) pulse, and so are very much less likely
>to burn out.

>I hope this helps.

>Martin Beer
>--
>Dr. Martin Beer,
>Department of Computer Science,		Telephone 051-794-3672
>University of Liverpool,		Fax: 051-794-3715
>Chadwick Tower, P.O. Box 147,           EMail mdb@uk.ac.liverpool.compsci
>LIVERPOOL.  L69 3BX. United Kingdom.

- Brent Knecht (brentk@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu)
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
From: mdb@csc.liv.ac.uk (Martin Beer)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Welsh Narrow Gauge
Date: 8 Sep 92 11:29:45 GMT
Organization: Computer Science, Liverpool University
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5

Rob Dean (robdean@access.digex.com) wrote:
> After a recent trip to England, I am considering the possibility of building
> some sort of model railroad with a Welsh narrow gauge theme to it.  Are there 
> any mail order suppliers of kits for engines or rolling stock?  I suppose
> that engines would be conversion kits for N or Z scale running gear (HO/OO
> would be my preferred operating scale.)
> 
> Any help appreciated, presumably from you .uk folks...
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Rob Dean
> robdean@access.digex.com
> rsdean@apgea.army.mil (preferred for email)

There are many suitable kits available for 009 (4mm on ngauge track) in the UK.

Most are regularly advertised in the Railway Modeller.  Peco make special narrow
gauge track with 4mm sleepers and 9mm gauge, which works extremely well.

I do not have information in the office, but can give the addresses
of retailers that specialise in this gauge.

Martin Beer

--
Dr. Martin Beer,
Department of Computer Science,		Telephone 051-794-3672
University of Liverpool,		Fax: 051-794-3715
Chadwick Tower, P.O. Box 147,           EMail mdb@uk.ac.liverpool.compsci
LIVERPOOL.  L69 3BX. United Kingdom.
From: quentin@twent4.uk.sun.com (Quentin Hordle - Sun UK -  Bristol Senior FSE)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: "O" Gauge Buildings
Date: 4 Sep 92 08:20:03 GMT
Reply-To: quentin@twent4.uk.sun.com
Organization: Sun Microsystems
NNTP-Posting-Host: twent4.uk.sun.com

Having recently started out in 7mm narrow gauge, and not being the world's best at building, any form of buildings. I am looking for any possible supplies that supply items for this scale, either in kit or fully built form. Can anybody help.
Thanks
From: SDupa@xview.csuohio.edu (Scott Hewis)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Decal removal
Date: 11 Sep 92 15:12:47 GMT
Distribution: rec.models.
Organization: Cleveland State University - Telecomm

In article <ardie.74.716213539@UIUC> ardie@UIUC (Richard D. McClary) writes:
>From: ardie@UIUC (Richard D. McClary)
>Subject: Decal removal
>Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1992 12:12:19 GMT

>(REC.MODELS. GROUPS OTHER THAN R.M.RAILROAD-
>  Please reply to rec.models.railroad or by e-mail
>  to ardie@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)

>        I have a couple of models with MicroScale decals.  The
>lettering was applied using the MS product in the red-labeled 
>bottle (Hydro-Sol?).  After 2 years, to remove these, can they
>be removed with water, or with the Hydro-Sol(?)?  Or, do I have to
>plan on a lot of scraping, stripping, re-masking, and a new paint
>job?
>        NOTE - no DulCoat or clear paint has been used over the decals.

With having no clear coating on the decals you should be able to remove them
using rubbing alcohol, dio-sol or probably hydro-sol.  Just use some care
when you apply any of the above products so as not to damage the paint.

Scott Hewis
From: ryanm@milton.u.washington.edu (Ryan Mcneilly)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Question on operating procedure...
Date: 5 Sep 92 23:39:52 GMT
Organization: University of Washington, Seattle


I have been stumped as to the answer to the following operating procedure 
question.  The specific section in question is the D&RG branch between Durango 
and Silverton Colorado.  The time frame is 1910 to 1920 with the average 
freight locomotive pulling an average of 16K lbs tractive effort.  Maximum 
grade north bound to Silverton is 2.5% and no positive grade south bound to 
Durango.  The distance between Durango and Silverton is 45 miles.

Here is the question: 
The info that I have states that 2 double-headed freights leave Durango for 
Silverton in a day, how are the helpers handled after arriving at Silverton 
when it is time to return to Durango?

I have a couple of ideas but they don't answer the question well enough.
    1) The first helper remains at Silverton to provide the switch job since 
    there were no real engine facilities to support a locomotive.  The second 
    helper would either return light or become a second section (dividing the 
    returning ore cars into 3 sections) for the return run.  This doesn't 
    explain the switch jobs return movement to Durango.
    
    2) Each helper would return with their respective train to Durango.  
    However this contradicts the idea that it is cheaper to move a locomotive 
    light than as a helper down grade.  This doesn't seem very likely.
    
    3) Both helpers return light to Durango.  This also has a problem, the 
    distance is 45 miles and could cause a problem with scheduling meets amoung 
    the few (4 or 5) sidings along the way with extras and Mixed trains.

Here is some back ground on the situation:
About this time the mines were (actually 1900 to 1905) the mine produced more 
ore than a single train could haul.  Silverton never had anything more than a 
small coaling facility and a water tower more than a mile away.  The sidings 
mandated reasonable train length plus the yard capacity was small.

I am not interested in exact operating procedures for this specific branch 
(would be nice) but rather reasonable general operating procedure.  I hope 
someone out there has an answer tho this question, also hope it is enough 
info.  Please send all replies to my email address and I may do a summary for 
the news group.  Thanks!  --Ryan


==========================================================================
  Ryan McNeilly 

  Internet: ryanm@u.washington.edu
==========================================================================
From: grant@genova.oas.olivetti.com (Grant Grundler)
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Subject: WANTED: carbon mast (2 piece MCS 25)
Keywords: Carbon mast wanted
Date: 8 Sep 92 23:52:54 GMT
Reply-To: grant@genova.oas.olivetti.com (Grant Grundler)
Distribution: ba
Organization: Olivetti Research California

My 130 lb. wife has heard carbon masts are lighter than the usual
7 lb wave mast (which is what she inherited from me - I am 205 lb).
So she wants one (which I can understand).

Does anyone in the peninsula or East Bay have a 2 piece MCS 25
constant curve carbon mast for sale? (should be around 4 pounds weight)
I am willing to pay up to $150 for one in good condition.
At swap meets, I have seen 1 piece masts go for about $110
and 2 peice for $150. (there were good fiberspar masts...)

Best to email me or call me at (408) 366-3583.

thanks
grant
From: kjurena@lonestar.utsa.edu (Keith R. Jurena)
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Subject: Re: Helmet Foam
Date: 7 Sep 92 02:46:08 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Texas at San Antonio

In article <1992Sep3.184702.3851@leland.Stanford.EDU> janusz@leland.Stanford.EDU (Janusz Mrozek) writes:
>I'm a little disturbed to see the suggestions from Bruce Spedding and Ken
>Berger for removing the liner from a helmet so that it fits over a hood.
>
>A good helmet is designed so that all of its pieces work together.  The foam
>serves to absorb impact by compression, and helps to distribute the impact
>force around more of the skull.  I think you will lose much of the helmet's
>effectiveness if you pull out the foam; I don't think the shell can do the
>job by itself.

    The lightweight foam and micro shell helmets gain most of their protective
    properties from the helmet itself which is polystyerene foam.
    Bicycling helmets have minimal padding as the air must circulate to cool
    the head.  The foam lining in my Pro-Tech is 3/8 thick and only in thin
    strips.  Most helmets have removable padding to allow for custom sizing
    and this is done by changing the thickness of the foam.  Replacing
    the stock foam with wetsuit neoprene isn't dangerous as the most likely
    impact would be with mast, boom or board and these arn't immovable
    objects, like the ground or concrete.  The latter is what all bicycle
    helmets are designed to protect against.  Use your helmets with confidence.

>The loss of the foam may be partially offset by the thickness of the hood, but
>I still think a great deal of impact absorptive capability is lost.
>
>I'm not a helmet designer, just someone with some doubts.
>
>Janusz Mrozek
>janusz@leland.stanford.edu
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
From: hue@coney.island.COM (Pond Scum)
Subject: Am I missing it???
Originator: hue@coney
Organization: Island Graphics and Hot Tub Repair of Marin County
Distribution: ca
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1992 00:39:01 GMT


I just called the windtalker on top of the Saint Francis Yacht Club
and it said it was averaging 34mph from the SW.  Am I totally missing
out?


-Jonathan		hue@island.COM
From: beaudoin@Software.Mitel.COM (Richard Beaudoin)
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Subject: How To Unstuck a 2 Piece Mast
Date: 11 Sep 92 13:52:14 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Mitel. Kanata (Ontario). Canada.

Suggestion needed to seperate a 2 piece mast. 

Friend of mine has a 2 piece mast which both pieces got stuck together after
rigging on the beach. We tried tying one end to a post and both of us pulling
all our might on the other end but the thing wouldn't budge. He also tried
using penetrating oil, again, no success. Now I'm hopping someone in the
group may have a suggestion.

Richard
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
From: jouaux@pangea.Stanford.EDU (Francois Jouaux)
Subject: LOST IN THE BAY : NORTH PRISMA
Reply-To: jouaux@pangea.Stanford.EDU (Francois Jouaux)
Organization: Stanford Exploration Project
Distribution: ba
Date: Tue, 8 Sep 92 19:42:09 GMT

		Hi folks !

The title says it all.
Labor day week end was looking very promising.  Patrice and I spent saturday
at Waddell Creek, no big waves, but it was so cool to shred the real sea
for once.
On sunday we were too lazy to go for another hour of driving to reach
the wavesailer's nirvana, so we headed for Coyote Point, as usual. 
It's our familiar sailing spot, so we know it pretty well, after 50 days
or so spent there this year.
The conditions were awesome so we decided to sail a little further than
usual, you know were the water is blue again. We felt concerned about
material failure, but we went there confident in our both brand new sets
of mast base, UJ, extension. I had bought mine the day before, and
Patrice's were 3 days old. 
Then, about 3 miles out, he went flying as his rig separated from the
board, the UJ lower screw broken sharp. Must have been a manufacture
failure but it wasn't the time to think about it.
Paddle ? Yeah, but heading where ? Before we had time to unrig the sail,
we saw a sailing boat getting closer, and we waved to him for help. The
condition were rough and the sailors made a real ballet to reach
Patrice. He was having difficulties to catch the rope they had thrown
him, as they couldn't stop.
I kept clear out of this, frightened.
He eventualy managed to grab it, but had to drop his gear under the
pressure. I sailed to his new 270 sputnik (I know he would have died for
it), but the time I secured it to my board, the rig had disappeared
between the swells. trailing another board, I had limited
maneuvrability, and felt tired, so after a few looks I started to go.
The way back was a pain, this damn board kept capsizing as soon as I
reached planning, throwing me in the air. I slept well that night .
Patrice didn't sleep as good, knowing that his sail was somewhere in the bay.

	SO IF ANYONE HAS SEEN, HEARD OF A NORTH PRISMA 5.5 RIGGED EITHER
DRIFTING IN THE SOUTH BAY WATERS OR LANDED SOMEWHERE BETWEEN DUNBARTON
BRIDGE AND SAN MATEO BRIDGE (ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BAY),

	PLEASE CALL (415) 323 40 33 Home
                    (415) 723 63 48 Work
                     or email me jouaux@pangea.stanford.edu

	
	Needless to say, we spent yesterday in the mud of the East Bay ,
exploring each yard of shore. We covered half of the distance between Dumbarton
and San MAteo Bridge, without anyluck and it's an awfull mess. But a
rigged sail can continue flying after reaching the shore... Anyway, for
an 800 bucks rig, we are motivated !
	
	ANY CLUE ON A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE IS WELLCOME

		Thanks,

			Francois
From: billmar@pyrtech.mis.pyramid.com (William Martinson)
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Subject: Re: Want Info On ASD/Other Composite Boards
Date: 9 Sep 92 15:48:04 GMT
Reply-To: billmar@pyrtech.pyramid.com (William Martinson)
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corp., Mountain View, CA
Originator: daemon@sword.eng.pyramid.com

In article <BuAJv9.5oA@sti.com> westes@sti.com (Will Estes) writes:
>It's getting to the time of year when I start to think of upgrading my
>board.   I have heard from several sources that the new generation of
>composite layer boards by ASD, Mike's Lab, etc. are able to plane at
>much lower windspeeds and to maintain their plane for much longer in
>apparent wind.  Since I spent my share of days this season going through
>lulls and coming off a plane, I am seriously considering getting one of
>these boards.  
>
Stuff deleted
>
>For those who own a recent ASD design, I'm thinking of choosing between
>their 8'8" course-slalom and the 8'8" bump and jump.  Can someone who
>has tried both give me a rundown on one versus the other?
>
If you are concerned about planing through lulls you should consider at
least the ASD 9'1" or the new 9'4" along with a larger sail.  The reason
you drop off a plane is because your board, sail and fin are not
large enough for the prevailing conditions.

Bill Martinson
US-940


Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
From: dahl@matterhorn.ee.umn.edu (peter boardhead dahl)
Subject: Re: Gloves, Suits and Boots?
Organization: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, EE dept.
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1992 19:46:30 GMT

In <1992Sep14.145331.9685@msuinfo.cl.msu.edu> yurkon@rudolf.nscl.msu.edu (John Yurkon) writes:
>Any recommendations on Gloves for cold weather sailing?  I'm currently
>using ThunderHides and they're worse than going bare.   Are there any
>dry gloves that'll work without a dry suit?  I'm also looking for a
>wet-suit or dry-suit.  I've heard that dry suits are bulky, is that
>true?
>I prefer to not go too high tech.  I just need something to survive the
>one or two months before the lake freezes.
>	John

I use cheap-o dish washing gloves ($2). They fit nice and tight and are not
too bulky or restrictive. They aren't thick so they don't roll on your boom
or cause grip problems. Duct tape them to your dry suit for a good seal before 
you get wet. It really works. My friends and I use them until the water 
freezes (middle of November).

BTW: Minnesota cranked end of August and beginning of September for some 
reason. I've had four 4.2 and four 5.0 days in a few weeks span. We usually 
don't get more than a handful of 6.2 days in August.
--
peter dahl@ee.umn.edu
Screamer (9'2"), Gaastra Slalomfoil 6.2, Gaastra PowerSpeed 5.7, 
Gaastra Speedfoil 5.0, Gaastra Slalomfoil 4.2, Gaastra Wavefoil 3.7
From: jmp@phoenix.irv.icl.com (Jim Paugh)
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Subject: Re: right-of-way
Date: 2 Sep 92 00:52:02 GMT
Organization: ICL, Advanced Development Group, Irvine CA

In article <1992Sep1.153245.10188@rigel.econ.uga.edu>, russell@dogwood.botany.uga.edu (Russell Malmberg) writes:
> When I took my first windsurfing lessons, no one mentioned
> sailing right-of-way as a concept.  Perhaps there is just
> too much to learn that first time to also teach this, but
> I took 3 different lessons from 3 different instructors,
> and the concept did not come up.
>    [in my case I'd sailed before and was familiar with
>     many of the standard sailing rules.]
> 
>     Perhaps we should suggest that beginners lessons
>     include at least a hint that rules do exist
>     and that the water is not completely chaotic.

I took my first windsurfing lesson in 1988, by a IWSS certified 
(International WINDSURFER Sailing Schools) instructor.  The course was
comprised of 2 - 4 hour days, with both dry land instruction and on the
water practice.  Right of way rules were covered in this course, and at
the end of the course, the instructor gave certifications to the competent
sailors, that demonstrated required skills (upwind sailing, tacking, 
self rescue).  Out of the 10 people in my class, only 2 of us received 
certifications (the others could then repeat the course for free) and I 
received a certification card in the mail from the IWSS, not unlike a 
certification course for SCUBA diving.  The card was supposed to be used
in rental shops, to show a level of competence to the shop renting the 
equipment.  

I don't know if IWSS program is still in existance, but it was an organized
attempt at standardizing the training of entry level sailors.  I suspect 
this program went with the way of many of the windsurfing shops and schools
during the industry slump of the past few years.  I'm not sure, but I think 
this program was affiliated with WINDSURFER(r), which may also explain what 
happened to it.  

Did anyone else go through a program like this??

If anyone wanted to inquire about the IWSS, the address on my card is:

IWSS HEADQUARTERS
WINDSURFING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
1955 West 190th Street
Torance, CA 90509 

~jmp
From: david@donald.concordia.ca (David Gaudine)
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
Subject: Re: Lifejackets while windsurfing
Date: 11 Sep 92 19:36:25 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: ORGANIZATION!! HERE? You must be kidding

In article <1992Sep4.232351.8391@Cadence.COM> robg@Cadence.COM (Rob Garneau) writes:
>A few people were talking about wearing a PFD in case their board got away
>from them and they were not able to swim fast enough to catch it. Has that
>ever happened to anyone?

The only way that should happen is if the mast pivot fails and the board
takes off leaving the sail behind.  The board can move fast but the
sail can't.
From: toma@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Tom Albertz)
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1992 13:59:26 GMT
Subject: Re: Helmet Foam
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing

In rec.windsurfing, andyh@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu (Andrew J. Huang) writes:

> Most removable foam padding is solely to assure a fit.  The soft
> velcroed stuff does absolutely nothing for impact,............

	How can you say that foam in a helmet does nothing for impact.
	My helmet is a ProSport which is a knockoff of the Protec.
	The foam is that closed cell packing foam which is medium
	stiff.  I'm sure a knock with a mast would be easier to take
	with the foam than with no foam or even neoprene.

	tom.
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
From: costello@eplrx7.es.duPont.com (Tim Costello)
Subject: Re: Want Info On ASD/Other Composite Boards
Organization: DuPont Engineering Physics Laboratory
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1992 17:12:22 GMT

From article <20970055@hpspdla.spd.HP.COM>, by waltm@hpspdla.spd.HP.COM (Walt Menge):
> More to add.  
> ASD also uses heat to cure the layup.  This adds
> significantly to their stiffness and strength.  I have both a 
> 9'1"CS and a 8'8"CS by ASD bought early this year.  The 9'1" is
> great.  With a 6.2 I can sail (plane) in ~12ks.  Just light caps
> need to be visible.  I've also been out on it with a 5.7, 14.5"
> blade fin, in 20-25ks. doing upwind/downwind runs, others were 
> on 4.5sm. and it handled very well.  No way would I go on a reach
> in these conditions, but for cs the combination is great.
> 
> Mike's Lab boards are very, very nice, I think they have the 
> reputation of being the "Best", but it takes forever to get a
> new one and are very expensive.  They are made with pretty much the
> same construction techniques, with differences only in small
> details.  
> 
> Walter Menge             
> USWA - 4M
> ELM = waltm@hppafc27          
> Hewlett Packard               
> 395 Page Mill Rd.             
> Palo Alto, Calif. 94306       
> (415)857-8982                 
>                               

	Being on the "right" coast (yeah, SURE, especially for windsurfing
in the summer time), we don't see too many ASD (I don't think I've ever seen
one) boards around here.  But THE fastest board I've seen this year has been
the 9'2" GEM board.  Wish I could say I've sailed one, :(.  But I've been
passed by them (more like smoked), many times this summer, particularly in
light wind conditions.  And they go up wind like no other board I've seen,
including such things as the borrowed Sputnik I was smoked on most recently.

	There is also an 8'8" product.

	Don't know if these are considered custom boards or not but they're
expensive like they should be anyway.

-- 
Tim Costello
Du Pont Merck Pharmaceutical
costello@eplrx7.es.dupont.com
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
From: gb0wbff@vm.tcs.tulane.edu
Subject: Re: Caberette Winds Trip Quick Report
Organization: Freeman School of Business, Tulane University
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1992 14:07:24 GMT
Nntp-Posting-Host-[nntpd-22007]: boxorain.sob.tulane.edu


>In article <1992Sep12.024744.26230@netlabs.com> gerard@netlabs.com (Gerard
Horan) writes:
>
>I will go back to Caberette. I will stay again at the Palm Beach, (Casa Laguna
>was okay too but the power kept on going out). Next time I will probably bring
>my own equipment. The equipment at Vela was okay but a little worn out. 

I'd agree with this, the Palm Beach has board and sail racks, so you can leave
a couple of sails rigged all the time. My wife and I both sail and since we
travel with one (soon two) small childern we don't sail together.  With Vela we
had to rent two complete sets of equipment, even tho at any given time all we
needed was one.  When we go back we'll stay at the Palm Beach and bring our own
gear.  My only concern is transporting the gear from the airport to Cabarete
with an Grand Prix taxi driver.

Does anyone know what is the best time of year for wind?  I was told mid May to
mid July.  When we went in late Feb. it was 5.5 about half the time, but the
wind didn't come up until after 1 in the afternoon.  In the summer is that the
pattern, wind only in the afternoon?

Rick
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing
From: thall@sequent.com (Trevor Hall)
Subject: Three rigs for sale (humor)
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems Inc.
Distribution: usa
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 92 22:11:46 GMT

Three slightly used, slightly muddy complete rigs for sale.  Let's
see: a North Prisma 5.5, a Neil Pryde 5.5 and a...

Geez guys, what a weekend.  Glad everyone made it back okay.  Thanks
for reminding us that sailing on the Bay isn't like sailing on a
lake.
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing