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Grubes
Engine Wiper
USA
353 Posts |
 Posted - 01/01/2012 : 6:21:20 PM
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| Everyone may be thinking a bit too conventionally. How about leaving the track in place and making the stairway retractable? They did it on The Munsters! |
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Red P
Crew Chief
USA
886 Posts |
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MarkF
Engineer
USA
9272 Posts |
Posted - 01/01/2012 : 11:18:29 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by dlwrailfan1
Some refinements / improvements on SteamNut's latest post: [:-bulb] [:-bulb] [:-bulb]
Instead of pushing the backdrop in and running the track behind build a more railroad-y type installation. Anybody could do that -- you need a challenge. [:-banghead]
Cut the hole in the tread, install SteamNut's patented plug retraction system and add a tunnel portal replacement. It would pop out making the hole in the tread more prototypical.
Then build a bascule bridge with a motor kit. Install this to drop down when the train approaches from either side of the stairs. It would match the track that is build into the tunnel portal.
Interlock all of these elements with SteamNut's bell and warning light. Add signals on both approaches.
For extra credit, add some rock detail around the portal, detail the track and build in a river bed that hangs below the bridge.
This would be the signature element of your railroad.
You know what's really scary about this is that what you propose isn't far off from what Bruce already did at John's!!! Hmmm, Bruce does enjoy a challenge and we ALL enjoy seeing the end result! We might be on to something here! [:-eyebrows] |
Mark
See my homepage at http://home.comcast.net/~prrndiv/
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Steam Nut
Fireman
USA
1277 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2012 : 12:49:42 AM
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| This may be the time to get the slide rule out! I think the old tape just might not cut it on this one! |
Steam Lives! |
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Harsco
Fireman
USA
1101 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2012 : 10:49:36 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Steam Nut
This may be the time to get the slide rule out! I think the old tape just might not cut it on this one!
Eric: see what I mean?
Mrs. Harsco: "Honey, what happened to the basement steps...and why is there a retractable gate and strobe light in the doorway? "
Me: "Ah...um...hang on a sec...I meant to tell you" <throws switch and a deep rumbling noise comes from the basement.>
Mrs. Harsco, slowly shaking her head: "Steam Nut, right?"
Me: "Yup...but I told him in no uncertain terms: no warning klaxons!"
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dlwrailfan1
Crew Chief
USA
574 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2012 : 11:56:33 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Harsco
quote:
Originally posted by Steam Nut
This may be the time to get the slide rule out! I think the old tape just might not cut it on this one!
Eric: see what I mean?
Mrs. Harsco: "Honey, what happened to the basement steps...and why is there a retractable gate and strobe light in the doorway? "
Me: "Ah...um...hang on a sec...I meant to tell you" <throws switch and a deep rumbling noise comes from the basement.>
Did not think of that! Add a decoder with downloaded moveable bridge sounds. Connect it to a full size sound system with a bass speaker. It would rattle [:-shake] [:-shake] the whole house with full prototypical effect. Cool!
Some one hand Steam Nut a towel [:-drool] -- the thought of building this -- well you know! |
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Carrie Creek
Crew Chief
USA
950 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2012 : 2:09:55 PM
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| I don't know what all the fuss is about. If you really don't want the missus to notice anything you need to narrow the whole staircase. Steam won't need the slide rule and it will be a simple tape measure fix. |
Phil
POR (press on regardless) |
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Harsco
Fireman
USA
1101 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2012 : 09:44:15 AM
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There hasn't been much to report lately other than another gathering of the clan and running of the trains....
One of the first trains out this session was Steam's newly acquired Schnabel "High and Wide" car, making an inaugural run to the future General Electric Harrisburg Service Shop at Market Street. It quickly became apparent why we had to run this puppy first, before anything else ventured out on the "Seven Miles of Sheer Terror Route"!
Here's a shot of it in staging prior to the run:
Lots of extra eyes were needed as it traversed the route, mostly because the owner failed to use his trusty NMRA gauge when building the overpasses.
Wow, that's tight....here it is exiting the tunnel at Herr...the previous Maclay Street overpass needed a little "five finger" assistance for the car to wiggle through:
After what seemed an hour of travel, the Schnabel finally arrived at it's destination...here it's shown negotiating the tight curves of Market Street:
Two valuable lessons learned: no other trains can run while this monster is moving AND make sure ALL the overpasses are high enough!
Shown here is the beginnings of the future Linglestown branch line as fabricated by Steam, who stated that "we should put it up to get everyone used to moving around it". Surprisingly, no one bumped into it all night. The outside track at Commonwealth Coke (in the background) will be morphing into the future branch, which will end up in the other room over the staging track...we hope.
A few random shots of an otherwise usual ops session...
Mark F (Maclay Street) using two 45 tonners to bring his empty 100 ton bottle cars over to Herr to exchange for full ones:
Steam did the honors of the first ore drag spotting their new loads...you might note they apparently don't fit very well because they were made to fit the many Stewart cars I still have to assemble:
Dnhman switching Capitol Street:
Chris C was thrown in the deep end and handled Herr Street with very little problem:
Here's a shot that sort of reminds me of the circus act where they stuff twenty clowns in a VW....LOL. Maclay/Division Street aisle. At one point Mark F called me back there, supposedly to ask a question but in reality to see how many more people could be packed in such a tight space.
And here's the real irony...while most of us are packed in that aisle, here's Joe H all by lonesome in the expansive Lucknow/Commonwealth aisle...obviously someone screwed up the layout's ergonomic design!
Finally, a time warp of sorts occurred towards the end of the session when this frightening apparition appeared unannounced on the main....Prrmatt quickly removed it when I announced that I had lighter fluid ready and wasn't afraid to use it!
All in all, a great time with a great bunch of well seasoned, slightly insane operators who never fail to make the HTRR come to life...thanks, guys! |
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Red P
Crew Chief
USA
886 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2012 : 12:18:22 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Harsco
All in all, a great time with a great bunch of well seasoned, slightly insane operators who never fail to make the HTRR come to life...thanks, guys!
Love it! [:-thumbu]
P |
http://pcpanhandle.shutterfly.com/ |
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MarkF
Engineer
USA
9272 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2012 : 12:31:19 PM
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Another great session Rick! Everything ran extremely well. Operating Maclay Street was an interesting experience, that's for sure! And the layout looks better and better on every visit. The subtle addition of more scenery and details brings everything to life, something that can't be appreciated in these pictures.
As for that PC unit, well.... |
Mark
See my homepage at http://home.comcast.net/~prrndiv/
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Red P
Crew Chief
USA
886 Posts |
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Harsco
Fireman
USA
1101 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2012 : 12:58:00 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by MarkF
Another great session Rick! Everything ran extremely well. Operating Maclay Street was an interesting experience, that's for sure! And the layout looks better and better on every visit. The subtle addition of more scenery and details brings everything to life, something that can't be appreciated in these pictures.
As for that PC unit, well....
I know what you mean, Mark. I didn't actually SEE Matt place it on the tracks, but instead sensed a significant shift in the Force and experienced a weird sensation, as if my entire body was on fire....LOL |
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hunter48820
Fireman
6024 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2012 : 4:57:48 PM
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Hi Rick,
It's good seeing more pics of op sessions on your great layout. I've very impressed at how much scenery that you have done. It's looking great!! I really like the overall scenes that include both the layout and the aisle. Look forward to the next session already!!
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Best, Andy Keeney
Look out for #1, but don't step in #2! |
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lv4142003
Engine Wiper
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2012 : 6:48:51 PM
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| I had a great time out on the “Seven Miles of Sheer Hell” road. I haven't been to the last 2 or 3 op sessions so it was a little tense trying to remember where things were so I could have a decent derailment. Turns out I lost control of the power on P-83 (Commonwealth Turn) on the farthest track back (dropped DCC signal) and couldn't reach them until the lead unit (a dummy - much like the operator) ran off the end of track, derailed and was pushed into a wall by the powered unit. Rick (HARSCO) had to recover them (he's still looking for an end railing). I found no bad switches, bad cars nor bad locomotives. I don't know if I put all the cars in the correct locations, but I must have had at least 1 car in the right location. After hearing how Diamond Bill suffered at Division and Chris excelled at Herr (and I guess Mark F did alright at Maclay St., I didn't pay much attention), I was glad to have had P-171 the Lucknow Local followed by the P-83 the Commonwealth mixed train. I did move the SAME boxcar 3 times before I realized it didn’t need to be moved at all. I did throw a few switches under the train by hitting the wrong button, but caught most of my mistakes with only 1 car derailed. I did take a long time switching in both locations and tied up both mains while in Lucknow for quite some time. And Rick (HARSCO) failed to tell me that one of my C-630’s was on a train (he and Steam renumbered and added details to it, there are 3 of them). I’m looking forward to the next session Hueber <lv4142003> |
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pcmatt
Engine Wiper
USA
181 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2012 : 11:09:30 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Harsco
quote:
Originally posted by MarkF
As for that PC unit, well....
I know what you mean, Mark. I didn't actually SEE Matt place it on the tracks, but instead sensed a significant shift in the Force and experienced a weird sensation, as if my entire body was on fire....LOL
Well hold on now gentlemen. First, Rick, thanks again for a great time the other night. Really enjoyed dispatching and keeping the layout moving. Great crews and yardmasters made it too easy, so much of the credit goes to them. The layout runs as good as it looks!!!Secondly, I'm feeling a little like Rodney Dangerfield right now, but before I get run over by the bus, let's get the story straight, lol!!! Steam had brought the unit with him (he found it in his collection during a clean out, not an inference of guilt on his part) and brought it along (we agreed to me buying it rather than it meeting the paint stripper), at the end of the night I just simply put it on the rails to test run it and it ran great!!! Harsco[:-gnasher][:-hot], as they say, just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He took it well though, [:-yuck]. Irony of it was Steam and I were joking about possibly putting it on the H&W before you could notice. Now that would've been a good one. [:-eyebrows]
BTW-did you happen to see the sponsorship banner at the top of the page? What Historical Society is it again? Hmmmm, ain't no keystone up there is it? |
http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=26375 |
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Harrisburg Terminal Railroad (HTRR)
