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T O P I C    R E V I E W
Harsco Posted - 01/27/2008 : 1:41:05 PM
After being continually proded and poked by Mark F and Steam Nut, I'm going to post a few pics of the layout I've been building (allegedly) for 22 years, The Harrisburg Terminal Railroad.

A fictious subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the HTRR primary serves the industrial needs of Harrisburg,Pennsylvania...more specifically the Harrisburg Steel Corporation (HARSCO) integrated steel mill. In rough terms, the PRR main splits when it enters Harrisburg; the two westerly ones are the passenger mains (not modeled) and the two easterly ones then comprise the HTRR. Here's a diagram to explain the premise:



The concept is a blend of reality and model's license..there REALLY is a HARSCO, a very old iron and steel manufacturer which specialized in railroad track components as well as pipe products, although their physical plant wasn't anything like I'm modeling it to be. I'm also modeling a fictious "branch" to serve the needs of Commonwealth Coke and Chemical. The visible portion of the layout ends right as the passenger and freight main reunite just before Rockville. In theory, the HTRR would see a lot of through freights from Philly, Northumberland, Pittsburgh, and other points and will be served from the vast Enola Yard complex just across the Susquehanna.

The layout skirts the perimeter of my basement which used to be a semi-finished den/playroom for the kids (to show you how long it's taken me to get this point, my youngest is 23...it's been THAT long). About two-thirds of it are in the main room, with the balance going through my workshop...ie: "Staging Room", the site of the Steam Nut Memorial Box Beam Bridge that carries the main behind my heater and hot water heater.

Only one segement - the initial steel mill segment (3 x 22) - ever approached completion for thr past 21 years; I've finally gotten to the point of having the time, resources and two very determined, harrassing friends to complete the "loop". Here's a shot of the original section:



The entire section shown is HARSCO related: blast furnace, open hearth furnace, electric furnace, ingot stripper, mineral dock, inbound/outbound yard, and even a little HARSCO loco servicing area.

More as I transfer them....
15   L A T E S T    R E P L I E S    (Newest First)
sjconrail Posted - 02/08/2013 : 10:43:59 AM
Rick if you post specific items on other areas, could you preface the thread with HTRR? That would help those of us that subscribed to this thread find them quickly in the Active list,

Phil
vzjtothalo Posted - 02/08/2013 : 08:06:22 AM
This is the best thread on the 'net.

Of course, not withstanding the one about LVRALPH and his birthday on mrrforums.com

I vote for a second new thread, as one shot deals can get lost in the turnover shuffle that is a feature of foraa.
MarkF Posted - 02/07/2013 : 10:41:10 PM
It has been a fun ride, watching and helping the HTRR grow to what it is today! Knowing Rick and all of his 'futzing', there will be a lot more good information coming to the forum from this guy! Looking foward to it Rick.
Rick Posted - 02/07/2013 : 4:46:54 PM
Rick, send me a PM with your e-mail address.
pcmatt Posted - 02/07/2013 : 4:41:17 PM
Hey Rick-look I can still post!!!! Had to check the calendar to confirm it wasn't April Fool's Day. You can't stop now...
Harsco Posted - 02/07/2013 : 11:51:02 AM
Over the past few days I've been attempting to save this thread to file per a discussion with Rick; to date I have not been successful, probably due to the size involved or a hardware problem on my end. In either case, I am officially bringing this thread to a close and will either re-open a second HTRR construction thread or simply individual ones based on content or topic whenever there's something interest worthy.

My sincerest thanks to everyone who has read, followed, and commented on the HTRR since it's beginning in 2008; not only have you provided me with some great advice, but also a heckava lot of inspiration...

Rick Bickmore
MarkF Posted - 02/03/2013 : 11:15:14 AM
quote:
Originally posted by wvrr

I used to have the Kadee under track magnets on my layout. I finally ripped them out because I got tired of them attracting the car weights of my hoppers. It made it very difficult to switch industries that received or shipped with hoppers. Have you noticed any similar issues?

Chuck


I used those on my old layout on the A/D tracks in my yard. They are much stronger than standard Kadee magnets and yes, as a result, attrack anything and everything! PIA!!!
Harsco Posted - 02/02/2013 : 10:14:30 PM
quote:
Originally posted by wvrr

I used to have the Kadee under track magnets on my layout. I finally ripped them out because I got tired of them attracting the car weights of my hoppers. It made it very difficult to switch industries that received or shipped with hoppers. Have you noticed any similar issues?

Chuck


Other than the too high situation mentioned before, nothing to date. Since the magnets are only 1/8" in diameter, the "zone" of attraction tends to be more "focused"...if the trip pins are set correctly and the top of the magnet is level with the top of the tie, it seems to be very reliable.

One other note: while thanking Chuck for introducing the concept, I would be remiss in not giving Joe C mucho-props as the one who gave me a few magnets to try; without his foresight and generosity, I'd be digging out mounds of rock-hard ballast in Herr Street...thanks, Joseph!
wvrr Posted - 02/02/2013 : 09:14:40 AM
I used to have the Kadee under track magnets on my layout. I finally ripped them out because I got tired of them attracting the car weights of my hoppers. It made it very difficult to switch industries that received or shipped with hoppers. Have you noticed any similar issues?

Chuck
MarkF Posted - 02/02/2013 : 08:59:43 AM
I've had the pleasure of operating on Chuck's layout so I know how they operate. I think these little magnets are stronger than the Kadee magnets, making the operation of them more dependable. In addition, I like the way this method helps to hide the magnet. Having seens Rick's areas before and after installation, I had to look for the magnets. Always a plus as the bigger Kadee magnets detract from the scene.
Harsco Posted - 02/01/2013 : 9:48:35 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Chuck Davis

Rick,

Very impressive layout and I really like your trackwork.

George mentioned to me that you tried the magnets. Glad they are working out for you. I think as your operators have more time to try them, the reliability will improve, and as you mentioned adjusting the trip pins is really the key.

I only did a little experimentation with using two pairs of magnets, but basically found that you need to get the trip pins to attract to one pair or the other. It's not like there is a magnetic field created between the adjacent ones on each side. But two pairs doubles your chances of getting on the right spot. I'd be interested to hear if you find there are a lot of inadvertent uncouplings. It does happen occassionily with one pair.

Chuck Davis
Norfolk, VA


Thank you, sir...and thanks for the idea as well! As far as I know/observed/tried, there wasn't any inadvertent uncouplings during the ops session...I'll have to defer to Bob and Steam Nut's opinions, since they were the ones using the magnets in Herr and Division Streets.

I did make a couple of observations though:

1) At one point Bob pointed out a slag car that he was moving getting "stuck" on a magnet; a quick glance told me that the magnet was sticking up a little above the tie; after pushing it down level with the tie top, everything was fine.

2) Observing the two pair configuration as shown in the picture (with a tie's width between each pair), I noticed that upon approaching, the trip pin is attracted to the first magnet, comes ever so slightly back to center, then is immediately re-attracted to the second pin...not enough to recouple, mind you, but a slight twitch back towards center. That's what convinced me that the "pair" arrangement might indeed provide a bigger, possibly more forgiving "sweet spot".

3) Unlike the Kadee ramps, the operator has to stop with the trip pins over the magnet, not just slowly move over it, then rapidly pull back....it's a slightly different procedure that needs to be remember when uncoupling. When the trip pins are properly adjusted, they will reliably open.

4) Because it's me talking here, there are a few areas where Mr. Fumblethumbs pushed the magnet down into the drilled hole too far...and once that happens, it's almost impossible to pull the darn thing back up again. Anyway, I noticed that the aforementioned "sweet spot" didn't go away with a two tie separation between the pairs; in fact, it seemed just as strong.

5) It appears vitally important to make certain the magnets are installed tight up against the rail side, other wise the trip pin may not be pulled open enough or worse yet, it might be attracted to the wrong magnet. Don't ask me how I know this.

As the old saying goes: "More futzing is needed."

Having received mostly positive reviews, I now plan to install the balance of the magnets purchased in other areas such as Capital Street and Commonwealth Coke where operators are forced to reach across to uncouple cars.
Chuck Davis Posted - 02/01/2013 : 10:11:23 AM
Rick,

Very impressive layout and I really like your trackwork.

George mentioned to me that you tried the magnets. Glad they are working out for you. I think as your operators have more time to try them, the reliability will improve, and as you mentioned adjusting the trip pins is really the key.

I only did a little experimentation with using two pairs of magnets, but basically found that you need to get the trip pins to attract to one pair or the other. It's not like there is a magnetic field created between the adjacent ones on each side. But two pairs doubles your chances of getting on the right spot. I'd be interested to hear if you find there are a lot of inadvertent uncouplings. It does happen occassionily with one pair.

Chuck Davis
Norfolk, VA
George D Posted - 02/01/2013 : 08:03:22 AM
Rick, doubling those magnets sounds like a good idea.

George
Harsco Posted - 02/01/2013 : 06:52:05 AM
quote:
Originally posted by lv4142003

I hereby disavow any knowledge of any broken gate or knocked over crane at Lucknow as I was not there at any time in the recent past. My lawyer will handle all inquiries. Rebeuh.


Joseph, you were working Maclay Street Friday night, so I will attest it could not have been you....by the way, Harrisburg Pipe is still asking when they're gonna get that hundred tons of piping hot steel from the first BOF tap...
lv4142003 Posted - 01/31/2013 : 5:25:42 PM
I hereby disavow any knowledge of any broken gate or knocked over crane at Lucknow as I was not there at any time in the recent past. My lawyer will handle all inquiries. Rebeuh.

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