tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38661832128197146652024-02-07T04:14:52.569-06:00West Texas Joe RamblingsWTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-80545940830615932852020-03-30T16:17:00.002-05:002020-03-30T16:17:36.229-05:00Hunkerin' down<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, like much of the world, we're trying to "sequester in place" and, when out on "essential" errands, maintaining "social distance" with others. Tomorrow may be a bit of a different story.</div>
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The pantry is becoming somewhat depleted. So, we plan (you know how planning goes) to get up before sunrise and drive to the near Walmart. They have "seniors-only" hour from 6 a.m. until store opening at 7 a.m. We've never tried that before. And, I have trouble going to sleep, usually after 1 a.m. It'll be interesting.</div>
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On a more cheerful note, I've got the PICAXE micro-controller + L298 h-bridge wired on a breadboard, and have done preliminary power application to it. So far, so good.</div>
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Now, I need to make a good, solid bench supply for +5v. The h-bridge board has a +5v regulator on it, so it can source a little, more than enough to run the PICAXE and IR detector boards. But, ...</div>
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There's always a "but." The high voltage input (up to 15v or so) that feeds the regulator is also needing to be variable, down to 0v, to control the train speed in my application. So, I need a separate 5v feed to power things such as the micro, the IR boards and the control logic on the h-bridge board. So, I'll make that (no problem, I have all the parts) (I hope). It'll need to be small so it can be built under a train module with the micro.</div>
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Since the tracks involved cross multiple modules, it'll need a five-wire interface: two for track power and three for the IR sensor cards. I haven't decided on exactly where to mount the electronics, but that's a minor item at this point. </div>
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Otherwise, the isolation party roars on with the wife, the dog, and me. yippee.</div>
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After waiting for the seemingly endless winter to end, now it's wait for the end of spring and the virus. Hopefully. 2020 is turning into almost a lost year. With three grandkids ~50 miles and a new one in Florida, having to stay home is punishment.</div>
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Time to turn back to the work bench. Everyone keep safe and healthy!</div>
WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-14636476737664127062020-03-02T23:53:00.001-06:002020-03-02T23:53:52.242-06:00Only God can make a tree . . . As I clean the two modules for show, I'm needing to do a little maintenance, scenery-wise. One thing I often did in the past while working in a module was not only clean and repair, but also add a couple new details to it.<br />
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Same story now, with the Poco Loco grain elevator. Not much, but I've added two trees and two vehicles. I think a few figures would help, too. Here's the module, after today's work:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUyZq7qQ9X2VVPTv6RRzNHbrmHhBY8vYZtlmwCMt6mHRhpelRfbICpy8mjzqbZP6hlMpUdzfKMqo4MM8bxMtAl6k7FXckVD9hyphenhyphenyDEK_h3AHe_zErz0X7euQl4H8rWxvDnFAWW5ChjpYk/s1600/Poco+Loco+-+front-s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUyZq7qQ9X2VVPTv6RRzNHbrmHhBY8vYZtlmwCMt6mHRhpelRfbICpy8mjzqbZP6hlMpUdzfKMqo4MM8bxMtAl6k7FXckVD9hyphenhyphenyDEK_h3AHe_zErz0X7euQl4H8rWxvDnFAWW5ChjpYk/s400/Poco+Loco+-+front-s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The tree at the corner of the office and the (dead?) one at the end of the silos are the additions. They are old models, inherited from the estate of a long time railroad buddy. Thanks, Jim.<br />
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In addition, there's a yellow delivery truck at the warehouse door. I definitely need a couple of people there. And, maybe, in front by the cars, too.<br />
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Looking around back, the red semi has been there from the start, but I added another, the blue one. Moving a lot of grain in and out of here, they are. <br />
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I got the blue truck a bit further around behind than I first intended, but it's glued down and not moving. It can be seen from the front at the right angles, so it's good.<br />
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I have toyed with making "where's Waldo" lists for my modules. The idea has been to print a composite list for each show, based on the modules being shown. I'm thinking that the question sheet would not indicate which module to look for the target. It's something to do in my spare time. Yeah, right. The half-hidden semi would be a good item, as is the worker on top of the elevator (not visible in the photos, but he's there.)<br />
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As for the second module, the Twin Towers (see my last post,) it will be worked on tomorrow. A few new trees (I glued up a dozen or so late this afternoon) and some figures will dress them up pretty well. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7WJjmatDSm3_3NNFcvY38U7XSlMCqnswDTFxW7OmuWCTQHw7PKcN5EWUXJPHLewy7WvPgxB6H_A6cogn_fUwDus1febySjr7Z5GUlumTU-g3c6lYnia5jZlFProNgx16T8Xjnt5XRng/s1600/Trees-2-s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7WJjmatDSm3_3NNFcvY38U7XSlMCqnswDTFxW7OmuWCTQHw7PKcN5EWUXJPHLewy7WvPgxB6H_A6cogn_fUwDus1febySjr7Z5GUlumTU-g3c6lYnia5jZlFProNgx16T8Xjnt5XRng/s320/Trees-2-s.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Both modules will get a pole and flag. I'm using the flag kit from Osborn Models out of Canada. I have the US and Canada flag sets. Probably won't be using the Canadian ones, yet.<br />
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So, not a lot, but progress.WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-74850698253988189642020-02-26T22:12:00.000-06:002020-02-26T22:12:38.757-06:00Out of the fire, into the - - - deep fryer?I did something totally different tonight. Well, kind of different.<br />
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Periodically, I cook a meal when the wife is busy with other things - laundry, etc.<br />
Lately, I've been using a small deep fryer to cook chicken wings and trimmings. Usually cut up new potatoes.<br />
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Tonight I wanted to try something different, so the main event was shrimp. I've never tried shrimp before. It went well, IMHO. The hardest part was finding raw shrimp in the store.<br />
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So, it was a successful variation on an intermittent theme.<br />
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Back to the hobby side. There's a one-day train show coming soon. The call for modules went out to the membership, and I volunteered to take a single or a double module. The show coordinator will decide what he needs.<br />
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I've pulled a couple modules that haven't seen a show in some time. The first module is the double named "Poco Loco Grain Elevator." It has a single siding for loading grain in a weather protected place. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispwtk_Hiqoi-UMrYIbSSsRYOP1b-WMl7F26UKbHNofhZYZ_OpUP3wzggmnHe6kxqVUy0QEcVYbSVC3lOTYzP3bz7Q81l_OFURBxHh-QHf9hgqEqeL58Zux7p_B7YOGYa6cqasF48ia9w/s1600/Poco+Loco+Grain+Elevator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1024" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispwtk_Hiqoi-UMrYIbSSsRYOP1b-WMl7F26UKbHNofhZYZ_OpUP3wzggmnHe6kxqVUy0QEcVYbSVC3lOTYzP3bz7Q81l_OFURBxHh-QHf9hgqEqeL58Zux7p_B7YOGYa6cqasF48ia9w/s320/Poco+Loco+Grain+Elevator.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The single is "TriStar Apartments." I made it with a raised level to place the apartments above the track level, for visual interest. I like the change away from the "plywood plains" look is beneficial. <br />
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The towers are a pair of kits, stacked. So, the two towers are the results of bashing four kits together. I really like the look the extra height gives to a module. I've thought of extending them another section (five floors) but the kit isn't available anymore. Oh, well.<br />
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I recently bought a kit of three flags and poles. This is one of three places I intend to use them. The second is an existing module, and the third is one that's in the early stage of construction. Details later, hopefully not too much.WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-28677209739930885862020-02-01T15:56:00.001-06:002020-02-01T15:56:57.013-06:00A Small Project . . . ?For a while, I've had a desire to build a true micro layout. By definition on the carendt.com site, as stated by the late Carl Arendt, a micro is one will no more than approximately four sq. ft. surface area <u>that does something</u>. Scale is immaterial. In fact, he did a nice Gn15 on one square foot. If you've never seen it, look the Squarefoot Estate Railway up sometime. See: http://www.carendt.com/articles/the-squarefoot-estate-railway/<br />
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I've been slowly working on various TTrak-N modules that I've shown here.<br />
I don't consider most TTrak modules (especially mine) as
micros. They are dioramas, considered individually, since they can't DO
any action such as switching, continuous running, whatever. Even a
passing siding, or a short stub would qualify, but just being a scene from a
larger loop doesn't make it.<br />
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The two 3' modules will qualify, but I still wanted to do something smaller. So, off to the side, there's been sitting a small, 310mm long TTrak module, just waiting to tell me what to do with it. I've finally heard it, and here's where it's going.<br />
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It's approximately 310mm x 350mm. I decided to build it up, and have the main lines tunnel straight through, nothing fancy. However, the area ABOVE the tracks (still 310mm x 350mm) is now a new surface to use. Here's where the micro is being built. Using the full space, it's possible to put a small loop of rack on it. A micro layout, it is. Piggy-backed on a TTrak module, it is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUOfNVw2EfWkwpmXHoW5v2f3GZOUpcW6RHO_hxvRguvxbPgEoOqodTjVh4GzCUAHrhPYQFgLYgn1OSrLOm-5NjGr4fo0iGVXm1uNEB52eqFaMyfvAkMGWh5Y6l0snkfiVfThjS42THuo/s1600/Tunnel-Tram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUOfNVw2EfWkwpmXHoW5v2f3GZOUpcW6RHO_hxvRguvxbPgEoOqodTjVh4GzCUAHrhPYQFgLYgn1OSrLOm-5NjGr4fo0iGVXm1uNEB52eqFaMyfvAkMGWh5Y6l0snkfiVfThjS42THuo/s320/Tunnel-Tram.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
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I intend it to be a light rain loop, with a rural scene on one side and a town scene on the other, something like this:</div>
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The left side is a very rural area, with several small shantys and one small house. The right is a store/station/whatever for the town scene. This is approximate, as it depends on the structures available to populate it with.<br />
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The curves are 4" radius Tomix C103(mm) track. Here's the mockup:<br />
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The structures are just for scale. They are dedicated to be used elsewhere, but they do give a sense of size. The tram is a Kato product. I also have a Kato pocket steeple-cab loco and some Bandai Shorty containers on flat cars and tank cars for a small freight train. Shoot, I could run a Kato pocket passenger train. They all will handle the tight curves. Options, options.<br />
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The track will be all Tomix fine Track, not the tram street track in the photos. This I had on hand, and the proper track is en route "even as we speak." So to speak, that is.<br />
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I'm wavering between plaster rock castings on the walls, or just scoring the foam and painting it to look like stone cliffs. The top will lift off for TTrak main line maintenance.<br />
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All tunnels have pairs of WS plaster portals for them. The two on the micro divider are different styles:<br />
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I don't know exactly how they will be arranged. I have one of each style on this side, but it could be both of the same style on the one side. Only the future knows, and it's not telling. Yet.<br />
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To power the loop, I'm going to place the power pack and speed controller on the main module. A hidden speed control will be used. As for power source, well, a wall-wart could be used. But, another option comes to mind.<br />
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When used in a layout, at home or at a club show, the outer main is DCC powered. I think I can steal a little (very little required) from the DCC line and process it into the DC needed for the loop. Voila, no external power connections needed. Usually. I'm thinking.<br />
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So, it's back to the garage to work on this, and the larger layout as well. That's me, just one project at a time, NOT!<br />
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<br />WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-48336758742564363052020-01-27T16:54:00.001-06:002020-02-01T14:45:29.990-06:00A Long, Sad MonthJanuary has been a tough month. Cindy's mother passed at 90, and while it had been expected for a while, it still was a bit difficult for all the family.<br />
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We made the trip to west Texas for her services, and to participate in some of the usual family business over the next day or so. It was a time of sadness, but of good cooperation among the six surviving siblings.<br />
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The truck showed 1018 miles, Tuesday - Friday. Recovering from that has been a challenge, especially with the colder, wetter weather of late.<br />
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Note: COS - total change of subject here: ;-)<br />
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Today it's been warm (?) enough to spend some afternoon tome in the garage, working on trains. In the past, I made three hot-wire foam cutters. A friend in the train group in Lubbock named them the "Foaminators." It stuck. But they didn't. I don't know if I sold them, gave them away, or they are just MIA from the move. They are gone. So, I'm making a new set, pretty much like the old ones.<br />
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As I am starting the scenery on the home layout, one thing I want is a little "vertical" scenery, trying to minimize the "plywood plains" look so common in TTrak modules. Here's where I got to today:<br />
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The tool is made from 1" PVC pipe. Power wiring, routed through the pipe (I forgot to do this the first time), is low-voltage wire for outdoor wiring. It's a good size, giving a low resistance feed to the cutting wire. My cutting wire is 22ga nichrome resistance wire, similar to that in toasters, etc. Brass hardware is used at the connection points. Personally, I like to have six to eight feet of lead from the bottom of the handle to the power source, with 10 feet not out of reason.<br />
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After marking the lines for the cut, it's time to crank it up. Having an adjustable power source is imperative. I ran this cut at about 1A current. Voltage, I don't know. It's low, but not important. It's the current through the cutting wire, heating it up, that does the work. By the way, be sure you have plenty of ventilation. I was working at the open garage door.<br />
<br />
Here's the trench for the mainline tracks. I'll be shaping the foam edges to form a sloping cut for scenery. Now that it's rough cut, shaping is easy-peasy. I may even layer it tall enough to cap it, forming a small tunnel. Kids (of all ages) at train shows seem to love tunnels. That would give more hillside for small houses, forested areas, and . . . 😉<br />
<br />
The small inner loop (for a trolley) will stay at this elevation. It will have to slope down to a crossing (just off frame) but that's no problem, either.<br />
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<br />
It's easy to shape with Surform or similar wood tools. In fact, I've even clamped the Foaminator in a small work table (a "Work-Mate" or similar) and guided the foam around it. There are no magic techniques here, just play with it. Be sure you have plenty of ventilation. A warm day in the back yard is perfect.<br />
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<br />
Don't throw away your cuttings. They are useful for building hills. Stay tuned for further developments.<br />
<br />
Rain, and 15º to 20º F colder for the middle of the week, so it'll be the weekend before I can get out there again. I'm soooo ready for spring!WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-18214190435465647902020-01-09T17:22:00.001-06:002020-01-09T17:22:59.330-06:00Barn diving<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr">
Well, I spent today diving into the
remote corners (not the remotest, yet!) of my barn. In the process,
I've rearranged a bit, placing related items (N, On30, etc.) together.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr">
At
the very end, in the deepest, hardest to reach place (which I'm <u>sure </u>
I've searched before) I struck treasure! There were a number of items
that I was sure were lost forever in the moves we've made the past 3 1/2 years..</div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr">
But,
miracles of miracles, they showed up! I fully believe the Law of
Selective Gravitation has been at work here. You know, when you lose
track of something (generally by dropping it and it bounces away) it's
because it time warped to the future. That's why you can't find it now, but may find it
sometime later, or not.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr">
At
any rate, you're aware of the home TTrak layout I've been puttering
(sputtering?) on for a while now is to feature a tram line through the
town. It's been frustrating since the target trams were gone. Guess
what - "They're baaack!!!" They are the Kato Hirshoma-Hanover trams:</div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr">
<img alt="Picture 1 of 2" class="vi-image-gallery__image vi-image-gallery__image--absolute-center" data-src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zNoAAOSwudBdJ-qf/s-l1600.jpg" height="209" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zNoAAOSwudBdJ-qf/s-l1600.jpg" style="max-height: 682px;" width="640" /></div>
<img alt="Inline image" class="yahoo-inline-image" data-id="<cc27c05b-9ccd-0aeb-9a1d-e980e93c3f91@yahoo.com>" draggable="false" src="blob:https://mail.yahoo.com/dd764baa-266a-40c2-b8ec-fdb00323c030" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%;" title="Inline image" /><br /><div>
<br /></div>
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It's
good they turned up, I sure couldn't afford them now. Especially the
two I have. I feel encouraged to forge ahead, garage temperature
permitting.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The
other main item I found was a stash of Tomix N Fine Track. No big deal
of itself, except that in the pile were two turnouts I've been aching
to build into modules. They are right-hand and left-hand curved
turnouts: </div>
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<img alt="Inline image" class="yahoo-inline-image" data-id="<15937fa7-6abc-621b-fa2f-3960cef09793@yahoo.com>" draggable="false" src="blob:https://mail.yahoo.com/96133dc0-86d8-44b4-a727-2dab4bfb7044" style="max-width: 800px;" title="Inline image" /><img alt="Inline image" class="yahoo-inline-image" data-id="<3f1caf17-86b5-e613-bb59-14a72daae94e@yahoo.com>" draggable="false" src="blob:https://mail.yahoo.com/1849fdaa-4ea4-4a1a-a054-a3a5d97c8d3a" style="max-width: 800px;" title="Inline image" /><br /><div>
<img alt="Picture 1 of 1" class="vi-image-gallery__image vi-image-gallery__image--absolute-center" data-src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/auMAAOSwVkBeFq9f/s-l1600.jpg" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/auMAAOSwVkBeFq9f/s-l1600.jpg" style="max-height: 882px;" /><img alt="Stock photo" class="vi-image-gallery__image vi-image-gallery__image--absolute-center" data-src="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDE0NA==/z/rcQAAOSwpORdTH6r/$_32.JPG" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDE0NA==/z/rcQAAOSwpORdTH6r/$_32.JPG" style="max-height: 682px;" /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr">
For
TTrak, they are nearly perfect, being 317/280mm in radii. And, a
standard curved piece (just happen to have some ;);) ) completes the 90º
corner. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr">
There were some other goodies found that I feared were lost, as well, but these are the crown jewels of the day. Yea!!!</div>
WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-19629763452956699142020-01-07T22:00:00.001-06:002020-01-07T22:00:56.489-06:00Mending FencesNo train work, physically, today. But whilst on another task, I put in a bit of thought on the trolley loop on the layout. I have an idea that, if I can make it work, will save real estate for structures. <br />
<br />
First, on to 'real' real estate. We share a wood fence with a neighbor on one side. Good people, great neighbors. Recently, they bought a small travel trailer, and decided to park it in their side yard, behind the fence. We have no problem with that. They did.<br />
<br />
They have a small steel barn on a slab back there (as do I, but that's not important.) The trailer wouldn't fit, too long. So, the decision was to pull the fence forward far enough to contain the trailer. With no HOA (Yea!!!) and a very permissive city, they set out to move the fence line.<br />
<br />
Before starting, they did talk with us about it, and were concerned with how the uneven fence line between the houses would look. After a bit of discussion, they said they would move my short fence to maintain alignment with theirs. Good, I said.<br />
<br />
In moving the fence, my gate there, a wide personnel gate (the mower will drive through, but not a street vehicle) was repaired and rehung. A side note here: these fences were of so-so construction quality. I generally say that the developer/builder used the Crappy Fence Company. I'll not say any more.<br />
<br />
Anyway, my gate there was stuck partially open, and was sagging. After they (he and his wife worked side by side) were finished, the new gate on my side works fine. It was moved to a more level spot on the fence line. It was still wanting to sag, since it did not have a diagonal brace on the back side. Now it does, thanks to a 2x4 and some long wood screws. Looks good, works good, job finished.<br />
<br />
Their gate opening is extra wide, to accommodate backing the trailer into its spot. The original gates are too short. With the unevenness of the yards around here, they wouldn't have worked anyway. They are working on a solution to that issue, but are happy for now that the fences are moved and all are satisfied.<br />
<br />
On the other side of our house, we have a double gate. It suffers from sagging and other problems. For fence work, that's next on the agenda. Not until warmer weather, but it's in the project queue. Those gates will have to be removed, straightened, and have a working brace applied. Then they need to have about 2" sawn off the bottom (the yard here is NOT flat,) some hinge and hinge mounting point repairs made and rehung. I will require some muscles for some of this, as I certainly cannot even attempt it any more. <br />
<br />
A few pickets need a little attention, but that's just a few screws and my cordless driver. Not a problem man.<br />
<br />
Now, for the trolleys. I think I've devised a scheme that would allow unattended loop-to-loop action, with no reversing controls, no DCC, no track position sensors. I'm going to be working on that idea, and will share details once I have it working.<br />
<br />
Here's an early doodle for the tram track plan:<br />
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Track joint vs. module joint is an on-going consideration. It's gonna be fun.WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-7707904695784447592020-01-06T18:32:00.000-06:002020-01-06T18:35:53.682-06:00The Rat's NestThe wiring under the layout I've been working on could have been a headache, a proverbial "rat's nest." But, however it looks physically, the wiring diagram I posted last time has proven valuable. I made a couple very minor revisions, and here's the "final" version. As of today. Yeah, right.<br />
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<br />
The first of the changes are (I won't ask you to hunt for them) moving Connection J from Block 3 to Block 5. The other is Connection 7. It doesn't exist, since I haven't installed a power drop on the C-module curved track. Rather than delete it altogether, I'm preserving it should the need arise in the future. Hence, it's shown as (7). Some future drawings will have a need for this feed point. Yes, even now there are expansion plans bubbling under the surface.<br />
<br />
Also, I've turned the double-crossover's module around to move it away from the wye's turnout. It probably would have been fine there, but it kinda bothered me, so, now's the time to do it. In the (distant?) future, I'd like to replace it with single crossovers on each side of that module.<br />
<br />
A word about the power connectors. Kato and Tomix have differing styles of connectors, which was a small item to address. What I chose to do was use Kato's through out. Some terminal blocks, and a little snip - strip - screw down and the conversion was complete. While I was at it, for now, Connections B1, B2, and B3 are tied to the Inner Loop power, as well. In the future . . .?<br />
<br />
The only place where the Tomix connectors are still used is in the tram loop system, at T1 and T2. I made a small connector block (T) for them. To my knowledge, Tomix doesn't. It is simple to do.<br />
<br />
The Tomix connectors (Neo series?) are 0.1" spacing two wire plugs. That's a common size for computer and electronic breadboard, so a small piece was cut, pins soldered, and instant connection board! I added a Neo pigtail to it so it plug into the Tomix power pack I have. Simple.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, modules will be joined tomorrow, and once again I'll be running trains.WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-7916019835253397582019-12-02T20:12:00.002-06:002019-12-02T20:12:12.494-06:00Here a wire, there a wire, everywhere a wire ...I have been studying the Dreamer project layout with an eye to powering it.<br />
The result is shown here:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbrhwqm0gQS4ssbdHOg_oIt64yIJl7YhMd2FCcl_J3HmQ-Us_IGEfaDRrc4b28t-Yy5YJawXIibjvDcxPgIOTV3KZ3tCKMEZSdgzYBNc5eu3bEJBk1RtZ3OJ_m-JO2GmRgL8kwxruJzY/s1600/Dreamer-Wiring-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1259" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbrhwqm0gQS4ssbdHOg_oIt64yIJl7YhMd2FCcl_J3HmQ-Us_IGEfaDRrc4b28t-Yy5YJawXIibjvDcxPgIOTV3KZ3tCKMEZSdgzYBNc5eu3bEJBk1RtZ3OJ_m-JO2GmRgL8kwxruJzY/s320/Dreamer-Wiring-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I assigned letters to the outer loop track connections, and numerals to the inner loop places. Oh, #4 and #7 were not on the previous drawing. The trams are the trivial part, and designated T1 and T2.<br />
<br />
What looks like, and is for all practical purposes, a long passing siding to the left is built as a 'normal' TTrak inner track. This fits the original purpose, to be a TTrak layout. So, the track polarity, with similar connections, is opposite the outer. This would be a big problem at the double crossover, as well as at the points on the 'C' module. The siding is a problem. Solvable, but still a problem.<br />
<br />
The solution is to reverse the polarity on these modules, so the inner and outer lines match. But, that would mean they would be incompatible with use in conventional TTrak setups. <br />
<br />
The power is brought together through Kato 3-way extension cords. As I looked at the drawing, I began to realize the whole of the inner siding could have its' polarity flipped by combining all these feeds to a single point, and inverting it there. Looking at the diagram, that is done at the "Red" 3-way extension. <br />
<br />
I took a 3-way cord, cut the wires, and then spliced them back together reversed. Problem solved. I have wrapped it with red tape, to identify it for future reference. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrbfTZaryd-KONq4QyVELAc1aVU5rU0hgcZFOyuHfTX3AcvH2ZhQDmdXMM5JG_FgnBhkPvhyDbjZvcgzIi9d1VvZ0ThW1bNkPTt1-uXNMNJJ7YhyYPMK1GhaIE_uh5purpLHE4mcEGmE/s1600/Dscn3417r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrbfTZaryd-KONq4QyVELAc1aVU5rU0hgcZFOyuHfTX3AcvH2ZhQDmdXMM5JG_FgnBhkPvhyDbjZvcgzIi9d1VvZ0ThW1bNkPTt1-uXNMNJJ7YhyYPMK1GhaIE_uh5purpLHE4mcEGmE/s320/Dscn3417r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, I think I'm ready for hookup and connecting the modules for a 'final' time. That's with the 'Red' and 11 stock 3-way's, plus a home-brew one for the tram loop, since that is all Tomix connectons.<br />
<br />
I am so ready to start running trains, and concentrating on structures. Finally, I think. Fingers crossed.<br />
WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-22379926739180722242019-11-30T14:54:00.000-06:002019-11-30T14:54:09.139-06:00Glueing feet whilst listening to Arlo G . . . It's been hectic, family wise, so not much modeling gets done. However, I'm improving the feet on my modules. With the change over from (bottom adjust) bolts to (top adjust) set screws, I needed to do something with the sharp end of the set screws. At first, I just tried to blunt them on the grinder, so they wouldn't scar table tops or tear cloth drapes. That was only moderately successful, and needed improvements.<br />
<br />
So, I settled on adding acorn nuts to the ends. I like the solution, but the final part came clear when I saw the feet at the North Texas T-Track group. They are using standard hex nuts, but epoxy gluing them in the screws.<br />
<br />
So, I adopted the epoxy idea, and am epoxying the acorn nuts to the ends. Much better, in my humble opinion.<br />
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<br />
<br />
This afternoon, I've completed my second set of 24 set screws. With the ubiquitous 1/4 - 20 threads, of course, per TTrak guidelines. I've used 2"<br />
and 2 - 1/4" set screws. I tend to favor the 2 1/4" version. Just something<br />
personal.<br />
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<br />
The first two dozen are already installed, and about half of these are designated for specific new modules under construction. After that, I need to survey which older modules will benefit most from being upgraded.<br />
<br />
I have plenty of acorn nuts. So far, only about half of the bag bought a while back have been used. So, another buy is in order. I can order boxes of 25, so I'm thinking two boxes will be about right.<br />
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Arlo does the definitive "City of New Orleans," for what my opinion is worth.WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-67910563822945705612019-11-19T17:09:00.001-06:002019-11-19T17:09:54.558-06:00Fall IS a four-letter wordI haven't done much model building lately. I tried to break the front sidewalk with my right knee. The concrete won. After three trips to the doc, x-rays (out-patient, he doesn't have a machine) and a DVT scan (ditto), I'm fortunate that nothing broke or cracked, and there are no vein blood clots developing. Those things are nasty, at the least. <br />
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So, having scraped a deep layer off the leg, and who knows what soft tissue bruising, I am on the mend. I didn't even try to drive for a month or five weeks - trying to lift the foot from the gas to the brake was too painful to do properly. With not feeling worth anything, I haven't done any work on the layout or the buildings. <br />
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Now, I'm not fully back, but much better. I even spent a day in 8th grade ELAR class (as a sub, not a student. Duh.)<br />
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However, I did spend some time on the layout module arrangement plans, and I shook them up just a little bit. I'm marrying two multi-module sets together. Only one end loop had to be set aside. Here's the new plan (subject to tweaking):<br />
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That's the Trans-Tropics on the right, and the Clovis, Jal & Kermit as the five modules on the left. It's going to be a long winter's project, especially in the garage. At least, here in North Texas, we usually (ha!) get a decent number of mild to warm winter days. So, this garage layout won't have to wait for spring.<br />
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Now, work on the buildings is moving forward on the bench. Two Randy Brown models are progressing. They are Tiny's Diner and Paco's Tacos. These will go on the Taki-Tiki, somewhere. So much else to figure out there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCbrubsOxC8BlCHdkkIjy9kQkH8DLvnQTpJqkUhsbCDUUIFmfqkPnxs7KAc0MHfBd6SD6AhBlOUHR9sg6LugkRV4eCMGelaD2nK-s_AcnYP89EjG1bDq6pWOBJhORU_8uCGlN49Ztxl4/s1600/RB-N-105P+-+Paco%2527s+Tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCbrubsOxC8BlCHdkkIjy9kQkH8DLvnQTpJqkUhsbCDUUIFmfqkPnxs7KAc0MHfBd6SD6AhBlOUHR9sg6LugkRV4eCMGelaD2nK-s_AcnYP89EjG1bDq6pWOBJhORU_8uCGlN49Ztxl4/s1600/RB-N-105P+-+Paco%2527s+Tacos.jpg" /></a></div>
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Even the unused end loop from the CJ&K will get its' scenery as well. Big plans, I just hope not too big for me. We'll see.<br />
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<br />WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-62740601081311993182019-10-16T22:52:00.001-05:002019-10-16T22:52:39.814-05:00It's alive - the Taki-Tiki Rwy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, at least off life support and on its own. I'm talking about the Trans-Tropics Rwy. layout. It started out with the outer loop worked well. The inner track complex, however, was a different story. I spent a good part this evening debugging it. It didn't surrender its' secrets willingly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCtKIH-s7NCemIFfvXHitnIBZH0T-Pvmh8EX_FSEJKWLeKW0HFsGO7bnGwr2sBbZptnYKFvMdAj4EgL9uxDgpxRVFGbAUkluRU7Am8hXM5AndYPdR6jJ_9mwR_30d8GeJbN-kqCfj5LI/s1600/Shorty+Loop-20c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="831" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCtKIH-s7NCemIFfvXHitnIBZH0T-Pvmh8EX_FSEJKWLeKW0HFsGO7bnGwr2sBbZptnYKFvMdAj4EgL9uxDgpxRVFGbAUkluRU7Am8hXM5AndYPdR6jJ_9mwR_30d8GeJbN-kqCfj5LI/s320/Shorty+Loop-20c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />There were two problems, as it turned out. First, there was a short on the inner track complex. It turned out that I had crossed the feed wires to the loop on the lower module in the drawing. I don't understand how that happened - I was SO careful. Yeah, right. At least the wires went to a screw terminal block, and were easy to reverse. That was the easy part.<br /><br />Then, there was a dead section of track in an area where the power routing turnouts should have handled it. After a time of close inspection and snooping with a voltmeter, the problem was isolated. One of the Tomix track joints on the bottom loop was missing a joiner between rail sections. Once that was replaced, power was flowing to the right places, with the right polarity. Yea! I'm sure glad I got some new Tomix joiners with my last order of track from Japan.<br />
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A Bandai Shorty locomotive was test run around the tracks. It made it, but not easily. I expected as much, since it has been sitting in the garage for a long time as I slowly made progress. The track is very much in need of a thorough cleaning. So, tomorrow, the track cleaning, and then address some rough spots. The track pieces are connected properly. I inspected them closely, and will again tomorrow. I'm thinking, though, that the light Bandai (4-wheel) locomotives are going to need a really tweaked track. A quick first look before shutting down tonight suggests that the turnout frogs may be a bit high, and a little judicious filing could be in order.<br />
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I think trying a Bachmann MDT switcher could be worth while. It's a 6-wheel loco, but I'm expecting the slightly longer wheelbase will handle the 103mm (4") and 140mm (5.5") radius curves in the inside areas. More fun for tomorrow, I hope.<br /><br />Even so, I'm hoping to shoot a little video of the layout in operation over the weekend. <br />
<br />A while back (in my SouthWest Traker days, pre-2016) I made a little box that plugs into the Kato connectors between the throttle and the track. It has a 15-0-15v meter, and a 1-0-1a meter. It was very useful, but I wish the ammeter was 0.25-0-0.25a in scale. That would be more useful with the low current draw of today's locomotives. And, yes they are good ol' swingin' needle analog meters. I love 'em.<br /><br />WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-65739000077581783882019-10-16T17:06:00.002-05:002019-10-16T17:06:55.593-05:00Where did the time go?Here it is, mid October already! It seems as if it was early September, just yesterday. Oh, well. A few doctor appointments, burning heat (too hot for the ban or garage for work,) vehicle issues, yada-yada. Gets in the way, life does.<br />
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Some more building kits is in progress. I have a pair of the Grandt Line Reese Street kits. Each has parts for three small houses, plus two sizes of lean-to's to be used however is desired. While they can't help looking a bit similar, there is enough to make each unique. So, they are spread over the work table. And, there are enough left over panels to use in other kit-bashing, down the road. So, that's some progress. <br />
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I did finally test the new layout. The outer loop is fine, but the inside areas have a short somewhere. With 70's F in the forecast, and several tasks done, maybe I can get out to them this week. No promises. Just today, I wasted ~$1,000 of good train money. Spent it on dental bills and tires for the truck. Not a penny for the railroad. Sob.<br />
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I was looking for something else (yet another honey-do project) when I came across where I am storing some On30 items. So, now, that's another thing to distract me . . . not a hard thing to do these days.<br />
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So, that's about as far as it goes for now.<br />
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<br />WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-27368722199114765612019-09-28T20:50:00.000-05:002019-09-28T20:50:52.167-05:00Track ProgressWell, very slowly. I missed most of this week with family issues. The worst one was Thursday.<br /><br />We got up early, drove 350+miles to west Texas to visit Cindy's mom in a nursing home. She kept begging us to send her husband, Jack, to get her and take her home. He died in the summer of 2017. Alzheimer's is a nasty condition.<br /><br />After about an hour and a half, we left and drove back home. Recovery <span id="goog_691290159"></span><span id="goog_691290160"></span>Friday was a total washout. Today (Saturday, I think?) I was able to work on the modules.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpSksT9uBGzokO8bM7dbE0m4ty7Vxz8duGdgVfVR1ZU6W-3mn2i43EUxhjF6saT15xPI2PVJbWedyHfZAwU3esScUeh9eiGwJyXzqaJ7kP5bnRQ34ocgcScWmeL_pR6C1CsUGcv_SL38/s1600/Shorty+Loop-20c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="831" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpSksT9uBGzokO8bM7dbE0m4ty7Vxz8duGdgVfVR1ZU6W-3mn2i43EUxhjF6saT15xPI2PVJbWedyHfZAwU3esScUeh9eiGwJyXzqaJ7kP5bnRQ34ocgcScWmeL_pR6C1CsUGcv_SL38/s320/Shorty+Loop-20c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Note the end module on the left. It can't be wired as a "normal" TTrak module in this scenario. The Inside track must be the same polarity as the outside, as it's not "Inside" but rather a passing siding for the "Outer." However, in other setups, it may be a "normal" end module. So, I had to revise the wiring and add a terminal block and wiring to the track. In that way, it could enable the inner track polarity to be reversed, depending on the setup. Not switchable, but swapping connections on the block at setup time. If I just hadn't put the next module in there. I never intended to do so, but it just got in there anyway . . . and it does look good there. Oh, well.<br /><br />Then, there was a spot that kept bouncing the locos pretty bad. I had missed getting the coupler on the rail properly. Fixed that, and the power feed there, too. I've had an SD-40 (Conrail Blue) and a B-23-7 (UP yellow) running reliable laps for over an hour (one at a time - DC for now, DCC later on the outer loop.) I still need to to the "sweetening" on a pair of Kato #4's to hopefully end the occasional picking-the-points problem.<br /><br />The inter-connected inner loops seem to have a short somewhere. Since they span four modules, with the special Shorty loops inside them all interconnected, I'm sure it'll be easy to trouble shoot. NOT! I'll spent the rest of the weekend thinking them over, and see what happens next week.<br /><br />Oh, well, it's a lot closer to being good than ever before, track wise.<br /><br />S/W Joe<br /><br />WA5UNK<br /><br /><span id="goog_691290161"></span><span id="goog_691290162"></span>WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-26178672303967678212019-09-16T21:33:00.001-05:002019-09-16T21:33:23.081-05:00Half gone - where?Oh, man, September is slipping by with not much modeling to show for it. When I do get time to sit at the workbench, I'm generally feeling too tired to do much of anything.<br />
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I did finish three buildings. They are the AMB_Laser Kit LK-605 Sonny's Shack (2-pack per kit) and the Randy Brown Models N-102 Fire Station.<br />
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The bright one on the left is to be a surf and scuba shop on the beach, hence the bright colors. It "needs" an HO beach dude, on a surfboard, on the roof.<br />
Remember, this is N, so HO is approx twice life size. That should be a good size<br />
for an advertising sign, eh? <br />
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It's sibling, in the middle, and the RB kit on the right haven't been assigned a specific purpose, just yet. But they will be some sort of businesses. Something for the beach.<br />
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On the bench now is the start of two more RB models, N-105P Paco's Tacos and N-905 Tiny's Diner. No progress picture, as they are still piles of parts. Here's the factory pictures: <br />
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Yep, they'll also be on the beach modules.<br />
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I'm thinking that some small houses will be needed, and a couple of the 3-packs of Grandt_Line 300-8023 Reese St. Row Houses should be good. That's six places, with optional additions to make them all unique.<br />
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Okay, change of subject here. Another of my malingeringly slow projects is a Tam Valley Train Shuttle. No longer available, it's a DCC exerciser for locomotives. A loco can be set to any 2-digit address, and it'll be shuttled back and forth on a linear track. How it works is clever. After being told that such a circuit couldn't be done in DCC, they set out and did it. It's a truly neat, unique product. It handles a 99 possible 2-digit addresses, no programming.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0_BmCrFeo_HEiGMIY7RCRw7DwwWKtx6pnycgzVPDF-Lm6z0536XZHiaFNxIOonyHFm3SElE5k4-nWQQBCsK819O_YsDzlDw_9_sWKzzyYBtEKthHCZqYW762gUMWv2mUfRPgEVZE9as/s1600/401_train_shuttle_front_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="401" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0_BmCrFeo_HEiGMIY7RCRw7DwwWKtx6pnycgzVPDF-Lm6z0536XZHiaFNxIOonyHFm3SElE5k4-nWQQBCsK819O_YsDzlDw_9_sWKzzyYBtEKthHCZqYW762gUMWv2mUfRPgEVZE9as/s320/401_train_shuttle_front_3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I'm glad I bought one, along with the optional 2X16 display. With that, it can accommodate locos with 4-digit addresses. The address is programmed into the unit (it's trivial, even I can do it!) I don't remember right off, but I think there's a limit of 16 of the 4-digit addresses. Don't quote me on that.<br />
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Any way, it's a quality little unit, with its' own DCC generation, so the only other thing needed is the supplied wall-wart. I'm putting mine in a small wood box, and mounting an ESU decoder tester on top. All in all, a convenient stunt box/test station. <br />
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My tester is a slightly older model board, but it looks quite similar. <br />
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So, I guess I am getting a little bit done, it just doesn't seem like it some times. Oh, well . . . <br />
WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-7924962670316029892019-08-26T21:08:00.001-05:002019-08-26T21:08:28.097-05:00With August Winding Down . . . As September approaches, it's been HOT in north Texas - about 102F today (about 8-10F above "normal,) with the Temperature Humidity Index over 110F. The morning started too hot to endure it even in the garage. So, I've retreated to the "office" (her name for a spare bedroom that'll never have a bed while we're here!) and worked on drawings and sketches to settle how to wire the loop modules. I think that's done, but will have to wait for cooler time to implement it. That may be tomorrow, IF the promised cool front arrives and does its job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUwq1o8rcwA8F-bYc4i0xQj5oHf3x88NJUpKUovRv5i7-Egp3gsVQSjWoTEQj0_76H46wxm26vooCDmtJeqQF-I7qmBiSYBP2Od9qveMU990Tks5hYocqfXb8hCmdxYuuxskJ7qoqqbA/s1600/T-T+4a+-+Overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUwq1o8rcwA8F-bYc4i0xQj5oHf3x88NJUpKUovRv5i7-Egp3gsVQSjWoTEQj0_76H46wxm26vooCDmtJeqQF-I7qmBiSYBP2Od9qveMU990Tks5hYocqfXb8hCmdxYuuxskJ7qoqqbA/s320/T-T+4a+-+Overview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When not thinking about wiring, and doing chores around the house, I've started on a couple structure kits. I have a good stock that I've accumulated over the years, and now seems to be a good time to start on them. I'm thinking that as I finish one, I'll make a "blind" reach into the bin and whatever comes out will be the next build. It should make for a fun fall season.<br />
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Here is what I've done so far (none are finished).<br />
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The bright one on the left is to be a beach business, "Big Jim's Surf and Scuba Shop." I'm wanting to find an HO beach bum to mount up top on a surf board.<br />
An HO 6' figure looks about 12' in an N scale setting. :)<br />
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The other two don't have a specific use in mind yet. Eventually, when finding their way onto a specific module, something will occur. It usually does.<br />
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<br />WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-73802072847941486722019-08-14T22:42:00.001-05:002019-08-14T22:42:32.940-05:00It's a long, hot summer . . . I'm not getting as much done as I'd like, with the heat and I not going together very well. Any work on the modules has to be done mornings, along with mowing the grass, etc. Even so, the junction has the track down and ready to be wired with track power drops on all three lines. The gap in the straight section, a non-Kato length, has been closed by the simple expedience of taking a slightly longer piece of track (I used a 124mm section) and cutting it to fit, 101mm nominally.<br />
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The single module, with a short siding, will be tied down next. Then, the wiring on it will be done, too. I'm learning that most (all?) modules should have power drops on them. One never knows when they could be needed in a future setup, eh? <br />
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Work on structures is starting, albeit slowly. Very slowly. As they progress, pictures will follow.<br />
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As a running layout, I've settled on using a pair of the double-deep modules to complete the loop of the Trans-Tropics Rwy. Here's the configuration:<br />
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The two modules on the left are the "borrowed" pieces, an end cap and a "C" configuration module. Overall, about eight feet in length. Don't put too much stock in the scenery there, I just grabbed the little available in AnyRail to keep it from looking so bare, so "plywood plains." <br />
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This has been exported into TrainPlayer (I'm running 7.0) and I tried it out for an evening. A passenger train was set racing (indicated 40 mph!) around the outside loop. The inside was set up with a mixed freight, plodding along at 20 mph with its' eight cars and caboose. My freights have cabooses. Period.<br />
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After running a few laps, I started playing with the various routing options with the two ovals and the TTrak inner main. eventually, I switched the eight freight cars onto the two sidings and the four yard tracks. That left the loco (an SW-1200 class switcher) and the caboose to finish the evening, running easy.<br />
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The TTrak outer main had a steam loco and three cars, a baggage and two Pullman coaches. They looped steadily, with an occasional variation to use the passing siding at the left end, just for variety. Hmmm, the next time, I may park another train over there and alternate which one is making laps.<br />
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I could also do the same with the inside line and ovals, but I'll try to not get too carried away with it. After all, tonight was the first time I've successfully run two trains at once in TrainPlayer. It does it just fine, me, not so much, yet.<br />
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WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-26254883630666943912019-08-02T17:15:00.000-05:002019-08-02T17:15:19.931-05:00A bit more progress. I guess.I've made a little more progress on several fronts, I guess. I just can't seem to pick one and "just do it."<br />
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I have the track laid out for the two modules that followed me home from the Build-A-Thon, a junction (which I had ordered) and a single (an orphan I adopted.)<br />
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With the junction, nothing fancy at all on the track-work, Right now,
I'm leaning towards simple, rural scenes. It'll have to play out to see
just what will actually be there. Yep, I've got a piece of track to cut to fit, but that's an easy-peasy thing to do.<br />
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I am going to have a simple siding on the single module, using a Kato #4 and 186mm straight track. Nothing fancy here. I'm thinking of building a dirt mound on the end of the siding, since there's not enough room for a bumper. I have done that before, and I like how it can look. It may even have an inset pocket to clear the coupler. </div>
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Years ago I did a module like this (now long gone, R.I.P.) and liked it. So, now's a good time to do another. As to what's on the siding, I don't know just yet. I'm waiting for the module "to tell me what it wants to be." I could say the same about the junction as well, but it is "whispering" a bit louder to me. Kinda.</div>
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About that orphan thing. As the guys were cutting out the pieces of MDF for the various ordered modules (about two dozen, I think) there were scrap sections remaining that generated several unordered single modules - orphans, as it were. This one just seemed to jump into my hand, so I brought it home like a lovable, lost puppy.</div>
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Last for today, there's the fourth module of the Trans-Tropics Rwy. This is the connector for running the two loop modules end-to-end, rather than the 180º configuration in the previous post.</div>
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Like the other two modules, the track isn't fastened down just yet. For one thing, the temperature and humidity are very high today, and the garage is just too miserable to do any work. Also, there's a bit of indecision on the connector. I want a grade crossing across the twin main lines, but I do NOT like the new style KATO track pieces. The old style more fits what I like, so I'm going to have to go another way. One of the Blair Line Wood Grade Crossings may just fit the bill. And look better, too. I must go box-diving to see it I may have one, somewhere.</div>
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Y'know, the Blair Line 077 Wooden Truck Dump Kit may be what the single is wanting. Hmmm . . . </div>
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<br />WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-13469563322039771272019-07-31T17:59:00.000-05:002019-07-31T17:59:00.983-05:00Golden Spike! (or Golden Screw?)Last Saturdaay, 2019/07/27, my local (even if I'm 40 miles away) had a "Build-a-Thon." between 18 and 24 people participated in the come-and-go event.<br />
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With various people pitching in on various tasks, over two dozen modules were framed, painted, and in some cases, tracked with power leads. I had committed to one T-junction module. I had the track laid aside for it, no problem.<br />
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As it turned out, some of the off-cut pieces were used to make several unclaimed single TTrak modules. I claimed one of those, as well. After getting home, a dive into the barn revealed that I do have the track pieces for the single module. Yea! No track to buy!<br />
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No pictures of these just yet, I mean, after all, one Owl Brown box looks much like another, eh? Next week, it should be applied, and pictures taken then. Don't expect any surprises, track-wise, just simple one with, perhaps, a (very) short siding on the single.<br />
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Now, on to the new Trans-Tropics modules I've been planning. I have the track down on three new modules.<br />
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It's been hot in the garage, so only mornings or early evenings are tolerable. However, these three (of the four) have the track mounted. All have screws except for the small inner loop in the last picture. I'm thinking that it will remain loose for easy module joining. The joints in the Tomix track don't line up with the Kato (default of the TTrak-N world) I elected to go with this compromise. It shouldn't be an issue with scenery.<br />
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Wiring drops for track power, as well as control leads for selected turnouts, are in place. Tomorrow or Friday, I hope to be mounting barrier strips for track power interfacing. I really need to do something like this, since Tomix and Kato use so totally different connectors.<br />
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Maybe, over the weekend, I can run trains at home for the first time in a long time!<br />
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The last of these four modules will probably get its track in the morning, or the next day, family tasks permitting. <br />
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WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-84477866804899340172019-07-26T14:07:00.002-05:002019-07-26T14:07:49.765-05:00What Happened?It's been three and a half weeks since I wrote a post. Where did the time go?<br />
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Well, some of it went with the health of her mother. She has rapid-onset dimensia, and could no longer live at home alone. So, Cindy went to west Texas (~350 miles) to help her brother select a care facility, and get her admitted. It's done, but it was a hard time.<br />
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In the meantime, I had doctor's appointments (routine follow ups, no excitement) to attend and other things around here, so I didn't go. At any rate, it hasn't been a time for model trains or planes.<br />
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As the dust settles, I'm getting back to a pair of project ideas. First, since the track that was attached to the double deep modules was pulled off to allow painting the bases, I figured it's a good time to paint and weather the Kato and Tomix track being used in the modules. I didn't realize just how much track I had on there!<br />
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At the same time, the Trans-Tropics Rwy. track is being weathered, as well.<br />
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I'm not saying that I do a great job, but at least it doesn't look like it's shinky new out of the package. Which a good bit of it is, but that's another story for a never time . . .<br />
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As for the planes, I'm building a balsa model with tissue paper covering because I just want to. Also, there are a few "craftsmen style" structure kits for the train layout, so the planes help retrain me for working with wood models.<br />
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I'm doing the track painting in the garage, and it's starting to get warmer there. So, I'd best cut this off and get more done before it's too hot.WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-90155474619237586032019-07-01T20:50:00.002-05:002019-07-01T20:50:58.049-05:00The Track Fitting for the Taki-Tiki<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was a good day for the Trans-Tropics Rwy. With all the track finally in hand, the initial assembly and fitting to the track to the modules was done. No track is attached as of yet, but it has been fitted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QGgeBJbf88fgZnfDMjj0nO24hvfPqBv_DQ5XL5a9pA4E1JX4V-L8opYHKZZIsVnUYVJU3EldIiIFCFkvP2wFbxWENWPa0ETbuBM1-Y1QCDu60aDLtlGj5ZfSwG0nCcLEvlYdovgrjIg/s1600/Trans-Tropics+Rwy-Overview-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QGgeBJbf88fgZnfDMjj0nO24hvfPqBv_DQ5XL5a9pA4E1JX4V-L8opYHKZZIsVnUYVJU3EldIiIFCFkvP2wFbxWENWPa0ETbuBM1-Y1QCDu60aDLtlGj5ZfSwG0nCcLEvlYdovgrjIg/s320/Trans-Tropics+Rwy-Overview-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The modules, from front to back, are the Trans-Tropics Rwy-10, the -14, the -13, and the -End Loop. No, there's not going to be 14 modules in the set. The numbers refer to the iterations I went through settling on these track plans. Obviously, an island - beach type theme is planned. So, I painted the module tops in "Riviera Sand" to try to look right in the places where bare sand shows through the ground cover.</div>
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Overall, it has gone pretty much as planned. The -14 has a small issue (seen here:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQhtuSRSPkf4z88gfxIWhU_NWd5aPn4yhCgzWACJ44MrezCiEZ2Kjn5NTIqZeQdyMQNeCs9KOknW19OBugj1A5AWDwU028k55h0DC-dFG8PRZ55XH9FofpGomTkPWM2H8-PpZkFcDxwY/s1600/Trans-Tropics+Rwy-14-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQhtuSRSPkf4z88gfxIWhU_NWd5aPn4yhCgzWACJ44MrezCiEZ2Kjn5NTIqZeQdyMQNeCs9KOknW19OBugj1A5AWDwU028k55h0DC-dFG8PRZ55XH9FofpGomTkPWM2H8-PpZkFcDxwY/s320/Trans-Tropics+Rwy-14-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's a small gap in the track near the left front. I'm going to work on that tonight, to figure why the plans and actual track differ. It's just a part of the fun, figuring out where I had a "Doh!" moment. If this is the worst that happens along this project, then Mr. Murphy is being kind to me. Ha, like that'll happen. The rest are as drawn. Hooray for AnyRail!</div>
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With errands tomorrow, and who knows what else later, I'm hoping to have -13's track fastened and powered by the weekend. Here's hoping!</div>
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So, Mr. Ken, this is the plan for the modules you made for me. </div>
WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-19730748777759866322019-06-29T17:53:00.001-05:002019-06-29T17:53:10.052-05:00Plunder!!!Today I received a shipment of the final (I hope!) track pieces for the four Trans-Tropics Rwy modules. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dW1Tx4xzT3jX1DKmpy2Ugr8HgrGmr07lkrJbO6wMH3cRwS9qXcJilQdyEklVVt_z0sKO1tBw0k_trr_nIo6HSzIwzm1W_wUomdHpGnJaosIbLsQJ-TI6x9HcurMn3XnDScDvyG1QXyA/s1600/DSCN3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dW1Tx4xzT3jX1DKmpy2Ugr8HgrGmr07lkrJbO6wMH3cRwS9qXcJilQdyEklVVt_z0sKO1tBw0k_trr_nIo6HSzIwzm1W_wUomdHpGnJaosIbLsQJ-TI6x9HcurMn3XnDScDvyG1QXyA/s320/DSCN3370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, along with them, the double-deep module set (6). Add to that a few unfinished modules - track, but no scenery, yet. 😟<br />
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With summer arriving in fill force, working hours are limited. I just don't handle the heat like I did 50 years ago. So, it's well past time to reorganize the small indoor work space and bring in modules, one at a time, and FINISH SOMETHING! Sorry, just yelling at myself.<br />
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Anyway, nothing shattering in news, just minuscule steps forward. At least they are forward. I think.WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-49965143900539128662019-06-17T12:34:00.000-05:002019-06-17T12:34:03.156-05:00Spreadin' paintI been working on the first (of two, hopefully) coats of paint on the big modules. Here's a couple pictures whilst in progress. I had to pause and open more paint, so I grabbed the camera, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLVsk6x0IIkYQsE0p_56sYaQf_BA5xWOgXUSYVvVctToZphPotKuCKxu8EyVPDhnFsMDFtb3kr38dhOvKWORM1_lh78Iwah6j1nh5MIsvSzw1HblR6UHl__9llB5y6IzLXkDPuI9fB8o/s1600/Dscn3366r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLVsk6x0IIkYQsE0p_56sYaQf_BA5xWOgXUSYVvVctToZphPotKuCKxu8EyVPDhnFsMDFtb3kr38dhOvKWORM1_lh78Iwah6j1nh5MIsvSzw1HblR6UHl__9llB5y6IzLXkDPuI9fB8o/s320/Dscn3366r.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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They are fully covered with the first coat, now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOeN1VyZIE2_6roXGMfzIEN7AdsyozQeUkiYL0ENik-HREVbaT0GT_Jg1V9-yw0cXvuSupOG6zOingCH33Bcnsq9YJ6nMDWECM2LsS79xYtoQE6SFoe5nlpOgmXOW7OTq3kjEiw7RMCE/s1600/Dscn3367s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOeN1VyZIE2_6roXGMfzIEN7AdsyozQeUkiYL0ENik-HREVbaT0GT_Jg1V9-yw0cXvuSupOG6zOingCH33Bcnsq9YJ6nMDWECM2LsS79xYtoQE6SFoe5nlpOgmXOW7OTq3kjEiw7RMCE/s320/Dscn3367s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From this end, the new modules built by Ken B. are visible, as well. I'm thinking the brown is good for bare farm dirt, but these are for the Taki-Tiki. So, being island or beach scenes, I'm wanting a more sand-colored paint for areas where the ground cover may be missing.<br />
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In addition, I've some other modules in severe need of scenery. So, I guess that I've at least a dozen and a half of the buggers to keep me busy through the summer.<br />
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Another project is almost done - the fume hood for the work desk. That'll be on point after lunch.<br />
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Hmmm, just enough time for a quick nap before lunch. Bye ...WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-15322460174850473802019-06-14T16:22:00.001-05:002019-06-14T16:22:21.833-05:00Two steps forward, (only?) one step backI started to paint the six modules for the double deep set. Yes, I knew, I should have painted them before applying track, but I was in a bit of a hurry to try my "great" idea. And, I was right - it works as envisioned.<br />
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Then came the move, and the shoulder injury, and two surgeries, ending with a reverse joint replacement. And therapy. And therapy. And, did I mention therapy?<br />
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But here in late spring, I'm feeling like doing the next step in building the module set scenery. At first I thought I could, carefully, paint the box with the track in place and not make a mess. Ha, what fool me!<br />
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So, yesterday and today, I removed all the track on all six modules. Now I can repaint them at will and not worry about tracks, turnouts, yada-yada.<br />
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One of the Tomix turnouts was damaged in the move here. A replacement has been obtained. <br />
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Before I start to reapply the tracks, I need to sit down and make a detailed diagram of how the set will be wired. Any one module will be capable of being used in a layout, separate from the others. But, when used together, they are the end of a TTrak loop. As such, I intend that power junctions be concentrated to one, or perhaps two places, the Outer and Inner loops. Or red/yellow, or whatever your preference is.<br />
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On the "other" project, with the Taki-Tiki loops behind the mains, most of the track pieces are in hand. The rest will be here, once they "swim" the Pacific - ha. I'm expecting them when they show up, and not before. Once all that is in hand, Track laying can begin. Oh, fun, two major module projects in progress at the same time. This is from "Mr. Can't-Multitask-Very-Well." We'll just see how I do with this. But at least, all track pieces for the 10 modules is/will be <i>here</i>.<br />
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I'm a bit short on Tomix rail joiners, and forgot to order any. But I did discover, a while back, that Atlas joiners work just fine. Especially when mixing brands of track. So, no problem there.<br />
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I guess I should go paint some in what's left of the afternoon, but I think a nap is going to win that scheduling battle.<br />
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All you guys, have a great Father's Day! And you gals, I hope your Mother's Day was great, too!<br />
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<br />WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3866183212819714665.post-8479887690644245632019-05-25T21:33:00.000-05:002019-05-25T21:33:27.665-05:00The Taki-Tiki RwyRecently, I posted here a blurb concerning the Trans-Tropics Railway, the "Taki-Tiki." A bit of progress has been made, so here's a small follow-up on it.<br />
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After playing around in AnyRail (always a dangerous thing for me to do) I've added an end loop to the module set, bringing the total to four. In use it'd look something like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3K0XKZByADdA7bmqkIpS8lR7a-bLnz7cM_VDaeatqrLCc5M2_oLGl67wMS_HIp-Uq4VSH4gFwu0sA0qG3vihuBIbkuHTrMSMy_QpPEmLfyj9zAUZhHr8WMJJ_ZobLMKFmjumpCfuFvU/s1600/Shorty+Loop-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1152" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3K0XKZByADdA7bmqkIpS8lR7a-bLnz7cM_VDaeatqrLCc5M2_oLGl67wMS_HIp-Uq4VSH4gFwu0sA0qG3vihuBIbkuHTrMSMy_QpPEmLfyj9zAUZhHr8WMJJ_ZobLMKFmjumpCfuFvU/s320/Shorty+Loop-20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, the two corners on the right will be built as a single 180º end loop.<br />
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As a linear setup: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerUsBNzaGLwioIi6yohYhdbD86V1xiKPf8wfHkOMH0A0xBHxRokvwEtByX7OD8hUzrZJuTIwpLFV28bclgNXca_7D2JZRYCfGh-xk-ct_5j3haG5fPqrsOO-HO-LskppGqsucPRope7M/s1600/Shorty+Loop-15a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="1600" height="55" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerUsBNzaGLwioIi6yohYhdbD86V1xiKPf8wfHkOMH0A0xBHxRokvwEtByX7OD8hUzrZJuTIwpLFV28bclgNXca_7D2JZRYCfGh-xk-ct_5j3haG5fPqrsOO-HO-LskppGqsucPRope7M/s320/Shorty+Loop-15a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Either way, this gives the Bandai Shorty trains a place to run, switch, whatever on their own with a minimum of interference with the "full size" N scale trains on the TTrak Inner track. <br />
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I'm thinking that I'd run the trains so that the connecting sections between the larger loops would run counter to the Inner line. This would allow periodic use of the Inner to move between loops and the connector as a return. Really, I think most action could be kept separate. The little Bandai locomotives are, basically, double ended, so no turning of a loco is needed to run back and forth. I'm thinking that an entire show could be done and never need to leave the loops.<br />
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I have most of the track on hand or on order. I'm anxious for it to get here so I can trial run the loops on a bench. I've made contact with Ken, who's building module bases for others. I have contracted with him to build four for me. These would be the two triples, a double, and the end loop. Along with the double deep module set, I've got my summer's work all lined out. Ha - I'm positive it'll get changed for me. I <b><u><i>do</i></u></b> believe in Murphy.<br />
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Being the Taki-Tiki, it'll be a sandy beach scene set. I'm not too sure if I can, but if I can manage a few grass hut style buildings, I be a happy modeler. The building outlines on the drawings are just place holders to give me a feel for space.<br />
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Like the double deep set, I see this as a module set that's capable of being a stand alone, small show layout (like school displays) as well as part of a larger club spread at shows. Not to mention, a set up for home on a table or two.WTexJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01752846821734747361noreply@blogger.com0