HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: SDupa@xview.csuohio.edu (Scott Hewis)
Subject: ? ON N-SCALE F40'S, MODEL POWER OR BACHMAN?
Organization: Cleveland State University - Telecomm 
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 18:07:19 GMT

Greetings one and all:

I am looking to purchase, for my son, a F40 and some Amtrak passenger cars 
and would like your opinions on which F40 is better; Bachman's or Model
Power's.

Many thanks in advance,

Scott Hewis
From: wmcfadde@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (William McFadden)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: B&O Historical Society
Keywords: B&O Historical Society
Date: 19 Nov 92 03:35:09 GMT
Organization: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine Athens

Many thanks to all who responded to my question concerning the Baltimore and
Ohio Historical Society. I posted a letter today.

Eric.
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: rys@apelc8.inf.ethz.ch (Michael Rys)
Subject: Re: Marklin
Organization: Dept. Informatik, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, CH
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 14:41:24 GMT

In article <56931@olivea.atc.olivetti.com>, pesce@strobe.ATC.Olivetti.Com (Leo Pesce) writes:
|> In article <Bxnwp7.7vp@undergrad.math.waterloo.edu>, rcsteele@mobius07.math.uwaterloo.ca (Robert C Steele) writes:
|> > 
|> > Hi.  Has anyone had any experience with TRIX trains.  They are a Marklin

|> The following companies make Marklin compatible engines:
|> 
|> 	Fleischmann
|> 	Roco
|> 	Lima (you should see this year production, wow!)
|> 	Liliput (which was bought by Herpa late last year)

And:
        HAG (specialized in Swiss trains)
        Brawa (at least Maerklin's Koef loco is made by Brawa)

Michael
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: urf@icl.se (Urban F)
Subject: Re: Marklin
Organization: None. On USENET I speak only for myself.
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1992 06:32:30 GMT

rcsteele@mobius07.math.uwaterloo.ca (Robert C Steele) writes:

>IF any other Marklin compatibles are known please let me know of them also.

Just as Marklin makes 2-rail DC versions of some of their engines, at least
Roco makes 3-rail AC versions of some of their engines.
--
 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
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: car@access.digex.com (Mr. Blue)
Subject: All about Diesels
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 23:02:08 GMT

I am trying to gain some very basic knowledge about diesel engines so
that I can buy the models with some intelligence. Could someone give me
the basic rundown of the different classes of diesel engines and what they
were used for?

I notice that there seems to be a naming convention of sorts, with "F"
units, "G" units, etc..does this indicate some sort of evolution? For examples
f-7's came  before GP-40's...Does the "f" or "gp" mean anything??
whats the difference between an f3 and an f7, or a gp-18 and a gp-40??

Who made the diesels in the US? (I see a lot with a GE in front of them 
when I see listings in the magazines..is this General Electric? I also see
a lot of SMD or EMD or something like that..what does that stand for?)

Which diesels were used for switching, passenger trains, freight, etc if
there any "rules" of thumb?? 

Any info is greatly appeciated. The answers may be candidates for the FAQ?

Chris
.


Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad,rec.railroad
From: Joe.Russ <Joe.Russ@mixcom.mixcom.com>
Subject: Re: Wanted: HO Shay Locomotive Info
Organization: Milwaukee Internet Xchange BBS, Milwaukee, WI U.S.A.
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 16:06:23 GMT
Keywords: HO, Shay, locomotive

In <1992Nov19.191526.2771@sei.cmu.edu> wmc@sei.cmu.edu (Michael
Caldwell) writes:


>Can anyone provide a source for obtaining an HO Shay locomotive. I am
looking
>for something display quality (no cheap plastic) and preferably not a
kit. 

>Thanks.

>Michael Caldwell
>Resident Affiliate
>Software Engineering Institute
Well, since that pretty we shoots MDC's Shay... try finding some used
brass ones at local swap meets.
 
-- 
Joe.Russ@mixcom.com
WISE Div., NMRA
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: wmc@sei.cmu.edu (Michael Caldwell)
Subject: Wanted: HO Shay Locomotive Info
Keywords: HO, Shay, locomotive
Organization: The Software Engineering Institute
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 19:15:26 GMT


Can anyone provide a source for obtaining an HO Shay locomotive. I am looking
for something display quality (no cheap plastic) and preferably not a kit. 

Thanks.

Michael Caldwell
Resident Affiliate
Software Engineering Institute
From: ed@stauff.UUCP (Edward L. Stauff)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: remote peco switches
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 92 21:27:38 EST
Organization: Minstrelsy & Lutherie

rajacobs@plg.uwaterloo.ca (Rory Jacobs) writes:

> 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).
> The switch machine does work, but just not when the pin is in the
> throw bar since it doesn't exert enough force.

I have 7 electrified Peco switches on my N scale layout.  I made matters
worse by mounting the switch machines about 1/2" away from the switches,
due to insufficient foresight.  I have not encountered the problem you
describe, though I expected to.  The reason might be in the power supply:
I use a capacitative discharge power supply for switch machines, which I built
from plans in "Practical Electronic Projects for Model Railroaders", or
something like that.


=============================================================================
Edward L. Stauff, Nashua NH; ed@stauff.UUCP *or* uunet!mv.com!gozer!stauff!ed
        "Specialization is for insects." -- Lazarus Long
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: bob@b30.ingr.com (Bob Baccus)
Subject: PC Design Software wanted....
Keywords: G Scale, PC Design
Organization: Intergraph
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 19:50:15 GMT

I know that there has been postings in the past about PC
Software for train layouts, but back then I didn't have
permission to build a layout. Now I do. I would like for 
someone to send me the info about PC software that is used
for train layout design. Is one package expecially written
for G Scale? What are the pros/cons about the packages.

Any help would be appreciated.

Since I am going G Scale, I need to know how much track I can
place in the space that I have.

Thanks,

Bob Baccus

  * ***** You Are A Redneck if ****** *   Bob Baccus   (205) 730-3672       *
  *      You can spit ..............  *    b30!bob!bob     or               *
  *  Without opening your mouth.      *     bob@bob.b30.ingr.com            *
From: pesce@strobe.ATC.Olivetti.Com (Leo Pesce)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Bachmann+ F7, Spectrum Pass car quality?
Date: 23 Nov 92 17:48:21 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?  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

At the club I belong to, we have a string of the Bachmann Spectrum
heavyweight passenger cars and they are really nice. They also run
very nice. They are a little heavy to the extent that we have to
run the whole train with two engines. We use the Spectrum K4
(a beautiful engine considering thet it is plastic -- but not as
nice as ROCO steams -- at a reasanable price) and an Atlantic
(this one brass). The train is about 12 cars.

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.

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.

Leo
From: bigfoot@sequent.com (Gregory Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Another double diesel suggestion
Date: 16 Nov 92 20:18:36 GMT
Article-I.D.: sequent.1992Nov16.201836.29541
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.

bill@mathnx.math.byu.edu (Bill Smith) writes:

>A couple of double diesel fans suggested I post this to the net.
>Bachmann makes models of the DD40AX (last and biggest double
>diesel ordered by UP) which have more or less accurate shells,
>but the drive system is really primative.  Proto Power West has
>a project to make a drive chassis for these models.  This project
>is on the back burnner at the moment apparently.  If you would
>like to see this option available, write to Proto Power West, or
>Overland Models, Inc. since they have started doing the same thing.
>Requests like this do have an effect.  I don't have PPW's address
>handy right now, so if you know it, maybe you could post the 
>address for me.

>-Bill

There is a MRR shop called Iron Horse, in Brea, CA. The store owner
does some pretty decent machining work there, and he used to offer
a modified Athearn-type frame that he made for the Bachmann DDA40X
shell. As a vaguely recollect, it was done in much the same way the
Proto-Power West frames were done. I believe he is listed in the back
of some of the MRR mags, so try giving him a call if you are 
interested... -Greg (bigfoot@sequent.com)

>--
>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: pratta@rpi.edu (Anthony Edward Prattico)
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Re: Great Model Railroads '92 seen?
Date: 19 Nov 92 00:40:31 GMT
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

In article <frits.722092810@galaxy> frits@ph.tn.tudelft.nl (Frits Kuijlman) writes:

>   In the latest Model Railroader I saw an add for the latest issue of
>   the annual Great Model Railroader mag. Has somebody already seen it in
>   a bookstore? I can't seem to find it here in holland.
>   Thanks,
>       Frits
>   -- 
>   Frits Kuijlman                      frits @ ph.tn.tudelft.nl
>   Delft University of Technology               The Netherlands

Actually, it's Great Model Railroads '93, and yes I've seen it, and our shop
has sold out of it already.
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: hpoppe@ncar.ucar.edu (Herb Poppe)
Subject: Re: Shape Memory Wire / Turnout Control
Organization: National Center for Atmospheric Research
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 18:27:49 GMT

In article <1992Nov16.061817.9075@borland.com> johnh@borland.com (John 
Haskey) writes:
> About three months ago I ran across a switch-machine in my local hobby 
shop 
> that used "Shape Memory Wire" to control a model railroad turnout.  The 
device
> was made by EJA Microsystems of Thousand Oaks, CA.  They advertise the 
machine
> for use in HO and N scales.  I assume the short throw of the memory wire 
would
> limit its use in larger scales.  The instructions that come with it 
cover one
> side of an 11 by 14 inch sheet of paper.  If anyone wants more info, 
please
> contact me via e-mail or post here....

Please post more information about this switch machine. For example, size, 
cost, current to actuate, time to throw points, address of manufacturer, 
etc.

Thanks.

Herb Poppe                 National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
hpoppe@ncar.ucar.edu       1850 Table Mesa Dr.
(303) 497-1296             Boulder, CO  80303
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: jcj@tellabs.com (jcj)
Subject: Stopping Jerky Motion in N Scale?
Keywords: #$&?|#$! oscillating cars
Organization: We don't need no stinkin' organization
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 14:26:31 GMT

I'm in the process of converting my non-MT N scale rolling stock to 
MT trucks/truck-mounted couplers.  No big deal, but something that's 
driving me nuts is the cars' jerky motion when starting to roll, which I 
assume is caused by the MT coupler springs.  I tried disassembling the 
draft boxes and putting in a dab of grease at the centering spring as
suggested in an old "MR", but that didn't help at all.  I then tried truck
restraining springs but they're a royal pain in the, er, caboose to put in.
Any suggestions?  Thanks.
-- 
		        jcj@tellabs.com
		      Carpe salsa et chips
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: rajacobs@plg.uwaterloo.ca (Rory Jacobs)
Subject: remote peco switches
Summary: I bought the switch machines, but . . .
Organization: University of Waterloo
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 22:13:30 GMT

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).
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!

Thanks in advance
   Rory

---
Rory Jacobs                       rajacobs@plg.uwaterloo.ca 
Department of Computer Science    University of Waterloo, Waterloo Ont.
   >Hi, I'm a .sig virus.  Copy me into your .sig and join the fun!<   
A guy grumbled at his friend,  and then said "Sorry,  I'm in a bad mood
today". The friend asks why, and the guy replies quite matter-of-factly
"Well, I'm in grad school"
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: Joe.Russ <Joe.Russ@mixcom.mixcom.com>
Subject: Re: Command Control receiver sizes and system costs
Organization: Milwaukee Internet Xchange BBS, Milwaukee, WI U.S.A.
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 05:57:08 GMT
Keywords: size, costs, command control


I've operated layouts with both the Dynatrol system and the CTC-80
system. Dynatrol is OK, but in my opinion is begining to fade. It
"was" THE system here in the Milwaukee area for a number of years
(Kalmbach's MR&T had it), and I never saw any real problems with it
aside from expandibility.
 
Within the past few years Keeler's CTC-80 has taken the area by storm.
I know of three layouts in one small Milwaukee suburb which have it
and Kalmbach has gone to it for the new MR&T. I've operated with it on
John Tew's Timber River (recently featured in MR) and have never seen
a problem that wasn't caused by operator error or extremely dirty
track/wheels. As for receivers, John has one installed in a small
two-axle switcher - you can't get a much smaller HO loco than that. :)
 
Anyway, I hope this helps. I know you wanted somewhat more technical
stuff, but all I can give you is my experience operating on them.
-- 
Joe.Russ@mixcom.com
WISE Div., NMRA
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: fwk@cbnewsh.cb.att.com (f.w.kerfoot..iii)
Subject: Re: Info about G Scale
Organization: AT&T
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 15:11:45 GMT

From article <1992Nov19.103752.9977@cavebbs.welly.gen.nz>, by clear@cavebbs.welly.gen.nz (Charlie Lear):
> 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.

Actually, I think that aluminum is chosen for overhead power wires because
it is light weight and relatively inexpensive. The alternative is copper
(not brass), which has better conductivity than aluminum. However, any
of them (aluminum, brass, copper) have sufficiently low bulk resistance
to make that a non-issue for the choice of a material for model train
rail. My impression is that in model train rail, the effective resistance
is dominated by the interconnections between rail sections, feed wires,
etc.

> 
> 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.

As you say, I think that is the largest disadvantage of aluminum rail for
any application requiring electrical conductivity to the wheels with any
significant current flow (e.g. other than signaling).

> 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.

Do the English (or for that matter, New Zealander) live steamers now use
something other than aluminum (in the gauges larger than G)? In the US,
aluminum rail seems to be pervasive, despite the slipperyness. There are
some proponents of steel rail, but I believe that aluminum is much more
common. There was a recent heated discussion of the subject in Live Steam
magazine, but I think it did little but vent some steam (an appropriate
expression for this topic).

Frank Kerfoot
fwk@hogpa.att.com
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: rhyde@kean.ucs.mun.ca
Subject: N-scale MT uncouplers on curves?
Organization: Memorial University. St.John's Nfld, Canada
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 16:19:23 GMT

I have just started to transfer a small N-scale layout plan (my first) 
from paper to plywood sub-roadbed.  My yard lead is curved.  Is it possible 
to install MicroTrain magnetic/electro-magnetic uncouplers on curves?  I do 
not have a local supplier so will have to mail-order the parts.  I would 
like to know the answer before I cut the plywood.

Thanks in advance,
Bob Hyde
From: yves@speedy.dev.cdx.mot.com (Yves Vidal)
Subject: IHB or NYC Caboose colors.
Organization: Motorola Codex, Canton, MA
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 14:11:54 GMT

Hi everybody, 

I just bought an undecorated O scale caboose to go with my 
0-8-0 Indiana Harbor Belt switcher steam engine. I need to know
if IHB owned some cabooses and how they were decorated ?

Is it possible to use a New York Central caboose instead, 
and in this case, how are they painted (color markings) ?

Thanks for any information.
Yves
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
From: yves@speedy.dev.cdx.mot.com (Yves Vidal)
Subject: Re: remote peco switches
Organization: Motorola Codex, Canton, MA
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 18:01:13 GMT

>> 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.

A friend of mine built an entire layout using PECO switches. I can 
tell you that they are very good and very strong. 

As it was mentionned in a previous mail, you must feed them with enough 
voltage and current : 16 Volts under 1 amp should do it, assuming you 
do not activate 10 switches at the same time....

The PECO switch machine is the same in HO or N scale.

The only drawback of these turnouts, are the loud noise generated 
when activated. Maybe, they should be decoupled from the board with
a layer of cork or something else. Try different solutions.

I do believe PECO is one of the best choice for HO, N and O gauge.

Xref: sparky rec.models.railroad:2406 rec.railroad:9130
From: btiffany@pbs.org
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad,rec.railroad
Subject: Re: Pantograph pickup width Swiss 460
Date: 19 Nov 92 11:01:35 EST
Organization: PBS:Public Broadcasting Service, Alexandria, VA

> I've always been impressed with Swiss catenary, because they
> seem to make more consistant use of curved catenary than any
> other place I've been.  That is, when rounding a curve, the
> catenary wire (or top wire, or support wire) is off to one
> side, so that it pulls the running wire to the side at every
> support point.  This keeps the running wire within a few
> (prototype) centimeters of the centerline of the track, so
> narrow pickup shoes should pose no problems.
> 
> By comparison, most catenary I've seen in the US, or France and
> Italy, for that matter, has been strung with the support wire
> directly above the running wire, so that both hang straignt
> from one lineside support pole to the next.  This leads to
> deviations of on the order of 10 to 20 cm from the centerline
> of the track on a curve, and it clearly needs a wider shoe for
> safe running.

I presume you're talking about model RR catenary only, since this is not
true of PRR or NYNH&H electrification.  On the prototype the wire was
(and is) beautifully curved over the track centerline, a real (and no doubt
expensive) work of art.  In Europe catenary tends to go around curves in
short tangents.  In fact, often there is some zigzagging of catenary on
straight track, too.  I believe the reason for this is to minimize wear
on the pantograph contacts by spreading it over a greater area, rather than
having it saw down into the center of the contacts.

-- Bruce Tiffany
Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
Subject: Nickel Silver Track Resistance
From: hansend@physc1.byu.edu
Date: 20 Nov 92 15:04:18 -0700
Distribution: world
Organization: Brigham Young University

In article <1992Nov20.044318.28087@microsoft.com>, hanss@microsoft.com (Hans Spiller) writes:
> In article <63950007@hpscit.sc.hp.com> mcghee@hpscit.sc.hp.com wrote:
>>
>>    METAL          Microhoms per centimeter

This should be Micro ohms - centimeter.  It is the resistivity, and 
these are the expected units for resistivity.  

>>    German silver  33.00    (18% Nickel)
> 
> 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. 3,000 centimeters is about 100 feet.
> I don't think this is a problem, do you?

The resistance of a metal object is calculated, for a wire like piece, 
as 

 		RESISTANCE = RESISTIVITY * LENGTH / CROSS-SECTION.

To correct the above calculation for this, we need to divide the cross-
sectional area of the rail to get the resistance. I don't know the exact
number, but it is probably somewhere in the range of 1/25th to 1/50th of
a square centimeter for HO.  This gives us a distance of about 30 to 60 
centimeters (1 to 2 feet) of track for a resistance of 0.1 ohm,
considering the fact that current travels the length of track twice, up
and back.  With the correct resistance figures, it is easy to see why
standard good practice is to include feeder wires to the track at least
every 10 feet or so which then limits the maximum unbypassed track 
resistance to about 0.2 - 0.3 ohms. 


Doug Hansen   Hansend@physc1.byu.edu





Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad