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UNCLE BOB Registered 
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When I built RGS no.42 in TTn3.5 (see thread) and started that layout, I suspected a relocation might happen. I figured any place would have room for that system---NOT!---So at our new residence the home layout would have to be outdoors. If very small won't work, how about VERY LARGE? What I decided to try is 3 ft narrow gauge on 7 1/2 inch gauge (ride on) track. Do the math. The scale works out to be 1 to 4 point 8 (1/4.8) or exactly 10 times O scale (and, of course, ten times the size of On3 and On30, also). (O-10n3  ) There is room in the back yard (about 100ft X100ft) for a "small" layout in 1/4.8. This compares to a 10ft X 10ft room for On3. Not a huge space but with a VERY tight budget it should be plenty. "A micro layout in a mega scale". When 7 1/2 (or 7 1/4) is used as standard gauge, the trains are usually built 1/8th actual size. But using this track to model 36in narrow gauge, the models, even tiny prototypes, become fairly massive. Just like On30 on HO track. A few weeks back I bought a used gasoline powered locomotive (a true gas mechanical) and started from there. The unit came with a 1/8 scale box cab body but, of course, my plans were for something NARROW GAUGE. A bit of measuring confirmed that a conversion to something about like D&RGW's no. 50 would work. I have built a 1/2 plywood mock up to check everything out and see how it looks. As I wasn't able to make a true model of no. 50, I'm calling my freelanced unit no 51. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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No. 51 mock up on test rack with me for size comparison. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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sledhead Registered 
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That's a just mockup? Can't wait to see the finished project! You could do yard work with that. Need to haul dirt somewhere? Just lay a spur! Last edited on Mon Aug 23rd, 2010 09:38 am by sledhead |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanx, "yard work"is central in my future dreams and plans--to build a small freight yard (pun intended) and do switching. BTW, if you look on the live steam pages, don't expect to see much about 1/4.8. They'll more likely call it 2 1/2 scale. 2 1/2 in/ft. This scale/guage combination is a rapidly growing interest in the ride on size. A lot like On30. You may find this interesting; the "ride on" guys call conventional model railroading "table top" scales. |
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Dwayne Registered 
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With 5 acres of my own I gave ride on trains some consideration. But in the end decided to stay with 'models' instead. The more I viewed ride ons the less I viewed them as 'models' and more as amusement park rides. Just not where my interests lay. But so long as you're having fun with it, then have FUN.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I think most of those in the ride on scales view it that way (amusement park ride). For most it's all about building, displaying and riding on the trains. I guess my view is a bit different (not unusual for me). I want to USE the big stuff to RAILROAD. (There IS a growing movement to operate ride on trains using car card operation.) If I am able to build what I invision and get it to operate reliably I think it will be the ultimate "close focused" model railroad. Maybe the best way to do this is to be dismounted and running the engine by radio control? A true, really BIG SCALE, model railroad. |
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Herb Kephart Moderator 
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I want all and sundry to know that the beer can over the exhaust is something that Unk added I would have used an empty Old Grandad bottle. Herb  |
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W C Greene Moderator 
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Yes, Unk...most impressive and the name on the loco denotes the original maker...the beer can is a cool addition. With all this talk of beer cans & whiskey bottles, just make sure you get rid of such things when you write an article for an unmentioned magazine. As it goes, I love it! My layout is not "table top", stuff would fall off into the dirt, no table for me. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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It's a bean can, Herbie--you can SELL beer cans. Woodie gets an "A" for paying attention! Sharp eyed readers will have observed that 'ole 51 is a 30 tonner made by "KEPHART LOCOMOTIVE WORKS" (EBTM3) A few weeks back, a friend and I made a streight up/streight back trip to Pennsylvania to take delivery of this fine old machine. It had been in storage for over 10 years but when I got it home, I put some gas in the tank and third pull of the rope it fired right off. Herb had done a fine job of preservation! While there, we got to see Herb's really fine O scale layout! Great job! (wish we could have stayed long enough to run it) and a lot of other neat toys. As we were leaving, Herb promiced to come to South Carolina and ride the thing if I ever get it all operational. Last edited on Wed Aug 25th, 2010 06:13 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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If you start researching ride on trains, you will discover there are 2 track guages almost the same size, 7 1/4 and 7 1/2. This is something like 1/32 and 1/29 scales in G guage, but worse. The G guage stuff looks odd when mixed but 7 1/4 and 7 1/2 won't mix. Most everyone in my area uses 7 1/2. My problem is right now no. 51 is 7 1/4. Do I reguage? That question was answered for me. I have a nephew who is big into live steam. He has a 60ft by something oval of portable track which he isn't using and will let me have!(guess who is my favorite nephew). This track is 7 1/2 guage. Plans for reguaging 'ole 51 are under way. While things are torn down I hope to do another change. The locomotive was built as a road unit and runs like a road unit. To use it as a small narrow guage switcher and actually DO switching, I'll need it to be able to crawl. I plan to add an additional shaft to the drive train to reduce final drive by about 3 to 1 or 4 to 1. To make room for this I'll need to convert to a 2 axel unit (0-4-0). I have found pictures of small narrow guage switchers with B-B trucks but the 2 axel arrangement is by far more common. Things don't have to be simple, I can make them complex!  Last edited on Fri Aug 27th, 2010 11:58 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Above is Herb's son, more than a decade ago, at the controls of what is now becoming narrow guage number 51. (note: I'm using the other end as front) Last edited on Thu Aug 26th, 2010 02:37 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I brought home my hand-me-down track oval yesterday. 18 pieces of sectional track, 16 curves sections (25ft radious) and 2 streight sections, all 10 ft in length. It occured to me this is the exact same track layout I got in an On30 train set I once bought. But as our trains go up in scale, we no not. It may scale out to be indeed a micro layout but 50ft X 60ft is pretty impressive curving between the trees in my back yard! I spent time today removing rusty bolts from joint bars (rail joiners) and wiping sweat and swatting misquitoes! (they love me) And I got to thinking, "wonder if anyone ever considered making really small train models--you could have them INDOORS-- maybe put tiny electric motors in them.....LOL!!! My dad was a railroader--not on a train crew, a track crew. That was a pretty tough job. As scale goes up, we get closer to prototype. In more ways than one. |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Hey Unk-I symphathize with you. Running outside is an adventure..sure, you will be able to ride on your train while I just run mine. In your scale, twigs on the track can be knocked off, in my scale, they knock the train off. Bugs can be squashed on the rails, my train will squash the little ants, but let a catapiller get on the rails...well.. And even though I can run through bird crap, you can probably run through some real BS! Them guys who run trains inside need to get some fresh air and sunlight, ain't nothing better! Have fun.. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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It IS fun, running outside, isn't it, Woodie? Weather is an important part of prototype railroading. With the exception of the couple of years I spent building the Miami layout I've been modeling outdoors since 1993. (even Miami Rail Service was partly outside) Outdoors things are just what they are, If it's hot, it's hot, If it's cold, it's cold. And when it gets dark...well, you get my point. Which is to say you are railroading in the same element where prototype railroading is done. Throughout my years in this hobby I have searched for ways it make the model experience more realistic. Being outside is one way. Working in a much larger scale is, I hope, another. Maybe I should have taken that job on the Illinois Central back when I got out of high school. Last edited on Sat Aug 28th, 2010 03:05 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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By the way, I should point out, as much as the Rio Grande prototype, my inspiration for this"little"rail system came from Woodie's Mogollin line. If you haven't already done so,PLEASE, click out of this thread, RIGHT NOW, and go to"The Mogollin Railway" (here--in Narrow Guage) and read all 39 (and growing) pages. Enjoy the pictures. Soak up the atmosphere! This is a true "prototype" line and should be viewed as such. I'll not be able to create the "look" as Woodie has (might help if I lived out West) but the Feel of "make-do" railroading, I'll try for that. With the big, BIG stuff, one dosn't build scenery, as Woodie has done so well, one builds IN the scenery. Pretty much, what you have is what you can have. Considering that, I probably should be modeling East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. But I just LOVE that Rio Grande stuff. Last edited on Sat Aug 28th, 2010 05:03 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Gee whiz, Bob...thanks for the ego boost! The crews and ladies at the Gila Hotel will surely appreciate your kind words. Just remember that while I am removing little critters from my rails, you will be running over them with no problems. You lucky dog.. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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When one plans a model railroad, a number of choices must be made. One is wether to have changes of elevation. --- GRADES---. Depending on the track plan, one can often build model trackwork totally level. Well, I wanted to experience as much protipical realsm as possible and here it comes! The laser level tells me there is about a 40in difference in elevation between the back of my oval of track and the front. This works out to better than a 4% grade. THAT WON'T WORK! Sure, this is supposed to be a little narrow gauge line and they were often built cheeply with lots of steep grades but, like the prototype, I don't want to constantly be fighting up hill and down if I can help it. The answer? --"dig and fill"-- a LOT if dig and fill. Figure a cut 2ft wide at the base with drainage on each side and sloped walls -- that's quite a bit of dirt to move. Fall will be here soon. It'll be nice out. And I could stand to loose a few pounds.  Last edited on Wed Sep 8th, 2010 02:43 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The reguaging / reconstructoin of No 51 is underway. Pulling the wheels from the axels went smoothly. I have spacers to change from 7 1/4 to 7 1/2 and expect to reassemble the axels next week. Converting the locomotive to a 2 axel unit frees up the other two for a riding (operator's) car. My plan is to build a seccond frame just like 51's and build a hood only, cabless, non powered seccond "locomotive"(No 52 ?) A cow and calf, if you will. The "calf" will be the operator's car. They will remain paired with a drawbar between like a steam engine and it's tender. This should (a) use what I have (b) provide a necessary place for the engineer and (c) not look odd when noone is sitting there as most ride behind cars do. D&RGW only owned one narrow gauge diesel. (No 50) I'm freelancing a seccond and now a third but it all falls in the relm of what might have been. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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"IT IS EASIER TO CHANGE YOUR MIND THAN TO CHANGE YOUR RAILROAD" I didn't coin that slogan but I do believe it. Often a bit of rethinking of plans will reveal an easier, cheeper or better way. Thing is, once an idea gets lodged in the brain it's often hard to see past it. What I'm getting at here is the track layout. Before my nephew gave me the 50ft x 60ft oval I had planned a different sort of track layout. That plan called for a great deal of digging and filling. The good news is I was finally able to get past that idea and see how the oval would work in an area closer to the house and would require very little digging and insted of fill, would use a really neat wooden trestle. What kind of narrow gauge layout would this be without a trestle? Lools like this will be a 50ft, or so, curved trestle, about 4ft tall at it's highest. I'll have to buy wood but I'd surely rather build THAN DIG!! |
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Dwayne Registered
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We need pictures.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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DW wrote: We need pictures. Soon, I promice--batteries in my camera died. Should have new ones wednesday.  |
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Paladin Registered 
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Uncle Bob Have you thought of hiring a mini excavator, beats the hell outta digging, would think it would be cheaper than building a 50 foot longer trestle. You could even excavate less and build a 25 foot trestle, Giving you the best of both worlds. You could even be creative and use the soil to make some nice landscape features OK, I will shut-up and crawl back into my hole. Don |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Paladin wrote:
Good point--What I didn't tell you is I have access to some scrap lumber- there is enough, I think (still have to buy it, but cheeper) I'll still have to dig some on the high side, about a foot or so deep for a distance of about 50 or 60 feet (the earlier plan called for a dig about 3 1/2 ft deep). The dirt removed will go to level a station area at one end of the bridge. What really concerns me is what happens if a train derails while crossing the bridge! (you know it's bound to happen). "Ride on" boys usually build their bridges with generous walkways. One dosen't want a 400lb engine doing a swan dive and taking the train (and crew!) with it. Last edited on Wed Sep 8th, 2010 06:47 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Bob- The real guys (prototype) put guard rails on bridges just in case of derailment. Traps one wheel, and hopefully keeps the train on the bridge. Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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You're right, Herb. I was just looking at some photos and a drawing of RGS bridge 45-A . For guard rails, they used a pair of rails outside the track rails, plus a wooden 5x8 along the ends of the ties. Looks like I'll need another 100ft of code 1000. (1 inch tall rail) Last edited on Fri Sep 10th, 2010 01:33 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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OK--got the camera going--I find it hard to shoot something that really shows what I'm trying to do but maybe you can make some sence of it. Temperary supports hold track up to grade. some sence of it.  Last edited on Fri Sep 10th, 2010 06:20 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Trestle turns out to be about 4ft tall |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Dig and fill area--track flipped over will go back in place here when grade is ready. Last edited on Fri Sep 10th, 2010 06:14 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Dwayne Registered
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That's a lot of trestle.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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It is, Dwayne, but only because the scale is so big--in O scale, it would be less than 5in tall! But Dwayne makes a good point. Even though it is only just over 19 scale feet tall, it seems HUGE. I've dabbeled with a lot of modeling scales and I think I've hit upon a rule of how we precieve the size of our models. It really has less to do with how the model compares to its prototype and more how it compares to US. Figure the average person is about 6ft tall (I'm 5' 10). This bridge is 2/3's as tall as we are, so it seems TALL. Train length is another example. A 15ft long train is 2 1/2 times as long as we are tall so it seems long--wether it's HO or G dosen't seem to make a lot of difference. As the scale goes up, we remain the same size so shorter (by scale) trains seem long enough because they are, in actual length, way longer than we are tall. One benifit of modeling in a larger scale is "less is more" In HO, an engine and 10 cars seems pretty short but in G scale we see it as a fairly long train. In 1/4.8, my cow/calf, 3 cars and a caboose add up to about 33ft! 5 1/2 times as long as we are tall.----Huge! But in O scale, it would seem pretty limited. So--The larger the scale, the fewer cars we need for a satisfying train. (Bob's Law) Last edited on Fri Sep 10th, 2010 10:45 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I HAVE A DREAM My aim for the VLT (very large train) project has always been that it would be more than just an "amusement park ride". That it would look like, run like and act like a railroad .... That it would BE a model RAILROAD. Because of the MEGA scale, space limitations and other practical considerations limit it to a MICRO design, but I think it can still be a fun to run railroad. For your consideration, here's my dream.  Last edited on Mon Sep 13th, 2010 12:38 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Desigining a layout for"Very Large Trains" is unfamiliar territory for me and I suspect for most of us. It may be easier if we imagine this is an On30 layout. OK. it's in a room 10ft wide (side to side) and 12ft deep. The oval is 60in x 72in. There is a 3 stall engine house with a 12in turntable. The switch by the water tank is a 3 way stub. Switches are #4's. The tail of the Y goes up a steep branch to a mine. The other siding at the end of the trestle is also a mine. (Existing trees are left out for clairity and because some of them will be removed.) Last edited on Mon Sep 13th, 2010 01:14 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Well Bob, looks like you have a lot more holding your track up than Woodie has. I think that it's time for the first run Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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ebtm3 wrote: " time for the first run " DON'T I WISH!!! |
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Dwayne Registered
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Since I'm working in a scale 3X larger than 1:48n30 BUT 3X smaller than your VLT... I can picture it. I like it. Am I correct to assume that your hypothetical 12 inch turntable will scale up to about 72 inches? |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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O scale, as we all know, is 1/48. My VLT stuff is "1 to 4 point 8", so O scale is 1/10 the size of VLT. The one foot turntable in O scale becomes 10 feet in VLT. The 5ft X 6ft oval becomes 50ft X 60ft. And the "room" is 100ft X 120ft. Last edited on Mon Sep 13th, 2010 02:33 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Dwayne Registered
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10-4 on it being 1:4.8 scale. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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 Why Why do I have a water tank? Live steam is pricey-even at entry level. So why not do VLT "steam" the way we do in the smaller scales? Looks like steam--sounds like steam--powered by battery. This chassis sells for a little over $600. Drivers scale to 20in on 57 1/2in centers. Motors would go inside the cab. Maybe, somewhere down the line......  Last edited on Tue Sep 14th, 2010 05:35 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Number 51 is being rebuilt--here is a sketch of how I hope it will turn out.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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REVERSE CHRONOLOGY I knew from the onset that building this railroad would take a while, I've been saying 5 years. Even with an oval of track in hand, I'd say that is probably about right. The ideal thing would be to find a way to enjoy the railroad in stages as it comes along. Here's how I plan to do just that. I dream up its history, then build backwards through time. --- Reverse Chronology. Well, sort of. Let's say we start with a small 3ft narrow gauge industrial line. In its day (before trucks), it thrives, grows, then declines and is finally abandoned. Later, a segment of it is rebuilt as a Heritage Line, a working museum. (with train rides) So, here's the plan. Right now I'm building the "abandoned" grade. As soon as I've completed that phase, I'll be ready to start "reconstruction" of the "museum" area (installing the oval--building the trestle). With part of it running, time then moves forward as restoration continues (engine house--yard area). When all this is complete, I'll hop back in time (skipping the abandoned years) to the working era, Then, as building continues, we'll be moving further back in time. MAYBE, just maybe, we will someday be able to move back in history to when the line worked STEAM. (electric powered steam outline?) Last edited on Mon Sep 20th, 2010 02:45 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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"MAYBE, just maybe, we will someday be able to move back in history to when the line worked STEAM. " Or even farther with RC dinosaurs? Herb |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Yes, Unk is getting plenty of sunshine now! There's something "organic" about running trains in the outdoors...I would like to be able to ride on mine but I don't think Muj would like "Gila ladies" living in his yard! Well, maybe he would... Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Herb, I think RC dinosaurs is about the only kind of layout I haven't tried. Woodie, tell me more about those Gila Gals..... |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob-if they were "out there", I would want them to be 1:1 scale! Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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GOOD NEWS--BAD NEWS The grade for the oval has been completed and the oval track put back in place. (track in the future trestle area is still supported by temperary frames) The bad news is that the wye shown in my "dream plan"(page 4) turns out to be too steep to be usable. This wye is an essential element of that design and its absence forces a fundamental rethinking. It's a shame. That plan had a lot of operational potential. I'm reexamining the space, this time with the full aid of the laser level, to see what can be built, working WITH the lay of the land. Well, I wanted a prototypical experience. Reminds me of Otto Mears' attempt to reach Ouray from Silverton. His "drop back and punt" resulted in the construction of the Rio Grande Southern. We'll see what comes of mine. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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APPALACHIAN LUMBER SCENIC RAILWAY AND MUSEUM Aside from the obvious switch from mining to LOGING, (both common narrow gauge themes) this plan is also different from "plan A" in that it dosen't try to represent a number of far spread scenes. It is all about the mill area with only the logging spur (to the trees) leading to a seperate area. It is a switching layout. And it DOES follow the lay of the land. It also jumps from the arid South West to the more familiar (for me) South East and for a life long woodworker, a more familiar conciept  .Last edited on Tue Sep 21st, 2010 05:48 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The APPLACHIAN LUMBER SCENIC RAILWAY AND MUSEUM plan (the name is longer than the railroad) has some interesting features of its own. (see drawing-page 5). Note that finished lumber is "shipped" via a standard guage connection. This dummy spur will be about 40ft long and dissapear into the trees to the right. It will be built along a steep ridge, about a foot or so lower than the rest of the layout. The gauge works out to be about 11 3/4in. It would be nice to build a static model of a 40ft box car to sit here. (Sou--CRR--??) There is a 48ft gallows turn table with 2 leads coming in and a 2 stall wood frame engine house. Nearby there's a West Sile Lumber style, squatty looking water tank. The existing storage shed is used as the main mill structure with various details and a slab burner added. The log dump swings around behind. The lap of track serves as a runaround and also as yard/storage tracks as well as a switch lead. It is, of coarse, the route the tourist train travels. A bit of "Rio Grande" is retained by the engines and some of the rolling stock having come from the D&RGW and RGS. Last edited on Wed Sep 29th, 2010 01:59 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This is how one installs a turntable pit in 1/4.8 scale. Scrap table will become TT base.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Track is back in place awaiting ballast. Storage building will become sawmill.  Last edited on Wed Sep 29th, 2010 02:03 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Dig and fill. Water tank will go where tree to left now stands. TT to be at wheelbarrow. View is down TT lead.  Last edited on Wed Sep 29th, 2010 02:07 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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It's been a while since my last post to this thread. Been buisy on the new 1/29 scale layout. But the 7 1/2 gauge project is alive and well. It's just that I've had time to think through what we're trying to do here. I'm not sure this will end up being a MODEL railroad at all. Insted, I see it becoming a very small but quite REAL narrow gauge train. Soon, we hope to begin reconstruction of the engine (the winter project). This is a sketch of how it will likely go. Note this is not a "model" of any existing locomotive but an attempt at making a very tiny 1 to 1 scale engine. The engine is composed of 2 parts, The "tractor cab", which contains the prime mover and all mechanicals and the "control cab", which is an inclosed cab for the operator. The two are articulated together to allow movement through curves and switches. The result? An Itty-bitty "critter", miniature locomotive.  Last edited on Thu Jan 3rd, 2013 09:42 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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So, if this isn't a model, what exactly is it? I'd compare it to flying an ultra light aircraft as oposed to flying a large R/C model. I guess what this really is, is a TOY. Plain and simple, it's being built for the fun of making, running and riding a miniture train and it dosen't pretend to be anything but just that. Just as an ultra light is a "toy"airplane for grownups, this is a grownup trainset (but the grandkids will LOVE it). There will be no "scale" structures to build; it will just fit into the real world as what it IS. Add some nice landscaping and whatta got? A GARDEN RAILROAD?? How about this? "ULTRA LIGHT- RECREATIONAL RAILROADING"  (toy) Last edited on Mon Dec 13th, 2010 04:11 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Ultra light? Wait till you have to pick it up to put it back on the track--- Just kidding Bob--Glad that you are having fun, and found some use for that pile of junk I flogged off on you! Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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We'll see, I think it will be pretty neat when complete--anyway I AM having FUN!! |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Howdy Unk! Looks like some real work going on...a bit different than sitting on a stool, drinking coffee, and handlaying fiddly rails on basswood ties. I believe that you SHOULD consider this a real railroad..a miniature railroad, but a real one. Is there some type of industry you could serve? If you lived up in Vermont or somewhere like that, you might have a maple syrup hauler...for real! Maybe here in Tejas, if you had some cows, you could have a "cow patty" operation, or maybe haul cactus for the upscale Tex-Mex food joints. The design for the loco looks like a plan to me. Herbicide knows what one can and can't get away with in 7.5" gauge..me, I just love funkiness. Carry on.... Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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From the beginning I had hoped to build a locomotive I could ride INSIDE. But my first effort failed misorably; trying to make a ride inside engine on the origonal 4ft frame produced a critter I couldn't get my 'ole bones in or out of. That led to #51, a more conventional MODEL locomotive one operates from a trailing "riding car". My current conciept grew from that----remove the cab and make the riding car into an inclosed "control cab". Then, while exploring the web, I find I'm not the first to do this. Here are pictures of a British 7 1/4 miniture steam rig. Now is this a narrow gauge critter, or WHAT!!!  Last edited on Mon Dec 13th, 2010 04:17 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Note how the engine and cab are articulated together. See the flexable seam in the cab roof. And the engineer does ride INSIDE--on 7 1/4 in gauge. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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W C Greene wrote: Is there some type of industry you could serve? Woodie, I've given this a great deal of thought. Like the British train we've just looked at, the only realistic and pratical job I can think of for this little critter is to haul people--just for the fun of it. A toy one can shair. "BOUNTY LAND SCENIC RAILWAY" |
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Dwayne Registered
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Bob, which brings us back to a point I made somewhere on this forum in that ride on trains are less model and more amusement park ride. Nothing wrong with that of course but it just seems to be the way it ends up. Had you achieved your initial goal you would've been the exception. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I agree, Dwayne. Being the exception can be a pretty cool thing sometimes. But following the path others have found sucessful is often a wise choice, even if one stumbels onto it through rediscovery as I did here. |
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Dwayne Registered
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Very true as I've opted to work in 1/20n3 and get away from my 1/17n30 phase. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Dwayne, I thought your 1/17 n30 was a clever idea. Who knows, some day you may return to it as I hope to myTTn3.5 (1/120). Anyway, you'll bring your own unique twist to the more familar scale of 1/20.3. That's what's so great about this hobby. It's the land of thinkers (yes, and dreamers) but also BUILDERS. I hope my "back yard amusement ride" reflects a degree of free thinking, too. Usually, ride on trains are scale models driven by out of scale engineers pulling scale cars with out of scale riders sticking out of the tops. Nothing wrong with that; it's just not the path I've chosen. Here is a British car I found which demonstrates my view.  Last edited on Sun Dec 12th, 2010 08:48 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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OK Bob...if you want to haul "tourists" around, one old railroad you may want to check out is/was the Mt Gretna Narrow Gauge up in Herbert's country, PA. Two foot gauge, 4-4-0 lokies (only 2 footer in the US to have them), open passenger cars, enginehouse built of peeled trees, and was just built to take folks to the top of Governor Dick (a "mountain") and back down. That's all the line did..haul folks up & down. Of course, look at all the narrow gauge lines operating today, what do they haul? Have fun and while everyone is inside (except me) running little choo choo's, you will be outside RIDING on a little train. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here is another example. A place out in California makes (amoung other things) street cars you ride IN. Same design could be a passenger coach. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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W C Greene wrote:
Seems like it'll be fun! We won't go public--concerns about potential law-suits from "injourys". Discover Live Steam is full of warnings about that and, Woodie, I believe you warned me about that too. PS I'll have to take a look at that littlt 2footer, Thanx. Last edited on Sun Dec 12th, 2010 09:11 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Dat's neat!! Herbie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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That IS neat! Mine should be similar, only gas mechanical, rather than steam. Also it will be painted yellow.......... BUT DON'T I WISH....... If you would like to see this little steamer do its stuff, go to: YOU TUBE - "MINITURE RAILWAY, SWANLEY-NEW BARN" Last edited on Mon Dec 13th, 2010 01:57 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Herb Kephart wrote: Ultra light? Herb has a point. Fitting a (fat) man inside a miniture engine means it has to be pretty big (heavy). Below are two British steam locomotives, both run on 7 1/4 gauge track. The smaller is a scale model like normally used for ride on trains. The other.... well, it's...BIGGER.  Last edited on Tue Dec 14th, 2010 03:47 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This is another view of "SIR GOSS". Americanise the lines a bit and it'd be right at home on Woodie's layout! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Note: If anyone wanted to MODEL these miniture trains, using HO track, ETC, for 1in=1ft (1/12 scale) works out about right. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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My guess is it's the weather, but for whatever reason, enclosed miniture locomotives seem to be fairly common in England. Here are a couple of views of a 7 1/4 diesel I found on you tube. (ABBEYDALE MINITURE RAILWAY) Last edited on Tue Dec 21st, 2010 01:44 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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 Last edited on Thu Dec 16th, 2010 02:21 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I doubt I could get my big butt through that tiny doorway but this proves 7 1/4--7 1/2 inclosed minature locomotives are practical. In the video clip, 'Ole Blue was moving right along and staying on the rails. Note the neat engine control stand inside the cab! Now THIS is what I'm aiming for. Last edited on Fri Dec 17th, 2010 05:12 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I showed this to Woodie first, 'cause it's hard to tell with all the smoke and steam, but it IS, it's a 7 1/4 narrow guage live steam GARRATT! Man! those Brits!!!   Last edited on Sun Dec 19th, 2010 01:16 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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My nephew has a new 7 1/2 engine on order, it's a Porter, steam profile but electrically powered. Here's a picture of one just like it from the same builder. |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Hey Bob- Is the simulated simian included? Must be a rolling ad for Woodies "Monkey Model Railroad Association" Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Herb, I understand it comes with the monkey AND the girl engineer. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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My nephew has finally recieved that porter. Here it is, less bell and head light. .  7 1/2 in gauge (used to represent 2ft narrow gauge)--steam outline--electric power Last edited on Wed Jun 29th, 2011 03:55 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Unk-that is way cool! Now you need to load it up along with some portable track and bring it here to Tejas...I'll be waiting! Woodie |
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Run Down And Poor Lumber Company Registered 
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Bob, Outsatnding Work !!!! If I'm good this year !!! Will Santa bring me one for Christams !!! Regards: Ronnie D.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Y'all, I think I have failed to fully explain what we are looking at here! 1. The porter ain't mine--belongs to my nephew, the nephew who gave me the lap of 7 1/2 gauge track. 2. I didn't build it--he bought it from some guy out in washington state. 3. My gas mechanical locomotive is still in our shop, torn down to a bunch of parts. Anyway, wish it were mine...... and thanks for believing I might could build something like this! (maybe if I'M good, Santa will.......) Last edited on Wed Jun 29th, 2011 04:13 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Check it out, narrow gaugers! Here's my nephew, Al at the throttle of his new 7 1/2 in gauge porter with a carload of happy passengers. |
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aviao velho Registered
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Please veew live steam of Portugal: 7' 1/4 gauge, Locomotive build in Portugal - Corroios - Seixal http://youtu.be/YjMCgPPPVYE http://youtu.be/wN3L3ykvFmU http://youtu.be/MWwjaQnkt5A Chanel of "Vapor vivo Live steam A.D.V.Sebastião" on youtube Last edited on Sat Oct 8th, 2011 10:10 am by aviao velho |
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aviao velho Registered
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From Portugal: Forum Lusocarris: http://lusocarris.com/forum/index.php?topic=1610.900 Best regards Sebastião |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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 Aviro, that's one neat little critter. And a point to point rail line at that! I don't suppose I'll ever have a true live steamer 'tho it would be great. I do hope to get the gas machinical up and running soon. But I keep running out of money!!! Last edited on Sun Oct 9th, 2011 12:42 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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We are making progtess on our "little" critter. This summer, while it's too hot to work on the 1/29 scale layout (no A/C in the barn loft--see: "Uncle Bob's Layout" in "Large Scale"), Harry and I are building the old (new?) number 3. Here is a drawing of how we hope things will turn out. No 3 will be 7ft long (3 ft cab + 4ft motor), 2ft wide and 5ft tall, overall.  Last edited on Mon Jun 25th, 2012 10:51 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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So, what scale is it ? No 3's design was strongly influenced by ET&WNC's #16, an 8 ton Plymouth but it is NOT A MODEL of that unit or any other. Indeed, No 3 is not a model at all. It is an experiment into how small a real industrial locomotive can be. There will be no "scale" details. No scale grab-irons, no scale walkways. No fake louvers or pipes. Everything on it will be there because it's needed and "scaled" to be used by full size people. Simply put, it will be a quarter ton, 7 1/2in (narrow) gauge, gas mechanical locomotive. Period! This little critter is to railroading what ultralight planes are to general avation. PS: Go back to bottom of page 9, to see drawing. Bob Last edited on Tue Jun 26th, 2012 12:37 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Work continues. The cab is all welded, ready for sheet metal skin. The design is evolving as we build. This is the latest version. Bob  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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NO, THIS IS NOT A DOUBLE POST! The design keeps evolving as we build. It is hard not to think "model". We really don't need a grill on the nose; there will be a round fan (electric) on the hood to draw air up through the open bottom past the motor. "No grill" is stronger, easier and provides space for the front light. I've figured a way to move the exhaust stack nearer the motor and added brace panels to each frame corner. Bob  Last edited on Sat Jul 7th, 2012 03:52 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob-that's gonna be UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT! Cool as home made ........! I love it. Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks a bunch, Woodie! In the US, 7 1/2 (and 7 1/4) seem to be pretty well all "scale". Either 1/8th or there abouts, full size, for standard gauge or 1/5th, give or take, for narrow gauge. In Europe and especially in GB there seems to be (based on what I see on You Tube) a LOT of "micro-narrow gauge" (It's 7 1/4 over there, not 7 1/2). These, like mine, are actual 1 to1 trains - but, indeed, little ones. Look up "Moors Valley Railway" for a good example. I think we'll all agree that narrow gauge is pretty cool. We don't usually think of the prototoype being less than around 15 inches of gauge. But it CAN be. It can be half that. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxBobxxxxxxxxxLast edited on Sat Jul 7th, 2012 11:26 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Ride on Z scale, Bob? Herb  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Don't be bitter, Herb! Did our first roll test today. Yellow lines indicate planed construction. The motor had not been re-mounted in this view (sitting on floor in background) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  Last edited on Sat Jul 7th, 2012 10:57 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Today we did our first powered test run. And it all went GREAT!  I set up 3 sections of track in Harry's shop. We now have a 30ft, point to point, indoor, VERY large scale, narrow gauge railroad. The point is that the engine performed well in all respects. It is totally stable, tracks well and zips along at a top speed of about 5 or 6 MPH. But that's what I wanted. It's a tiny little switch engine and slow speed operation will make my limited oval of track seem longer, just like on a MODEL railroad. I am very pleased.  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxLast edited on Wed Jul 11th, 2012 12:54 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Mmmmm..send a video! Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Wish I had a video camera, Woodie. This project is designed from the inside out. And it keeps evolving as we go. this may well be the final design. Tomorrow I plan to cut sheet metal for the hood section.  Last edited on Wed Jul 11th, 2012 02:42 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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We Have made a bit of progress. Motor hood is welded together. (1/8th inch plate) Next is sheet metal and paint. I'll need to paint some areas before they are covered. I'm pleased with how things are going. Bob  Last edited on Mon Jul 16th, 2012 02:40 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Didn't know that Krazy Glue came in five gallon cans---- Herb |
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mwiz64 Registered 
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Yeah and look at those huge PC board ties! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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With the engine coming along nicely, it's time to start dreaming about future projects. How about a caboose? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  Last edited on Fri Jul 20th, 2012 05:05 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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There have been many changes as our design evolved during construction. Here's where we are now. Hope to complete fab. tomorrow--begin paint next week. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  Last edited on Sat Jul 21st, 2012 01:30 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Compare the "now" drawing (above), to where we started (below). Last edited on Sat Jul 21st, 2012 03:30 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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OK, enough computer drawings; how about a photograph of the real thing! Bountyland Railway took delivery of their Number One, gas mechanical, today. Number 1's official name is "The Donnie Babb" but it didn't take long to get the nickname "Old Yeller", for obvious reasons.  Last edited on Sat Jul 28th, 2012 07:34 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's a view of the controls. From left to right: horn button, throttle, brake, shift lever (F-N-R), master engine kill switch and below it, blank pannel which will have 2 toggle switches for headlights. Bob  Last edited on Sat Jul 28th, 2012 10:34 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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IN-FRIGGIN-CREDIBLE! I LOVE IT! Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Woodie, thanks so much. Means a lot especially considering the incredible work you do! Y'all, don't get too used to this "as delivered" NEW look. As soon as #1 starts working for a living it'll get funkeyed up a bit.  Last edited on Sun Jul 29th, 2012 02:20 am by UNCLE BOB |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, Looks Great! Dave |
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W C Greene Moderator
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OK Unk-I want to see a video of you in the cab having a blast! I only wish that I had the space/money/time to build something similar. You are one lucky duck. Woodrow-jealous in hell (it's 106 here!) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks for the kind words, Dave. Woodie, we'll try to get a video on You Tube soon. First, I have to ballast and align more track. I find Old Yeller likes good track and won't settel for less. Long fixed wheel base and too much tounge weight from the cab. I plan to move the cab truck forward to take the extra load off the rear tractor axel and maybe spring and equalize both axels. I'm still in the steep end of the learning curve here. Meantime, here's a STILL VIEW of the happy owner tooling along on a VERY short point to point narrow gauge railroad.  Last edited on Sat Aug 4th, 2012 12:13 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Charley Registered 
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fellers..Uncle Bob.... In my epic adventure of life ...I have been recent at Los Angeles Live steamers..AND....the train mountain up in south eastern Oregon... This is neat stuff..7 1/2 inch gauge as whatever {scale } gauge..2.5 is quite common with much support..3.75" / foot as well... My experience re railing TWO differing of the 3.75 " scale moguls was rather Uuuum" A learning experience..." One was off due a flange broken on leading wheel..Pilot...and the other picked a point blade..well off .....we got er done..jacks blocks and man power..quite a thing..but it was done..which surprised me..I had little faith..but was instrumental in getting them back on as I have some experience moving heavy stuff...yeah me..or UUm..whur is that humility thing..?... Point is , very heavy things are something to be considered for the limitations of them...nice / fun / cool as beans...BUT..... I digress.... The moral is..I think..that very heavy things are not so much fun...handling to and from tracks..the moving The gauge itself is good ...... having many many tracks to run upon . A dedicated track of ones own gauge is nice..but you'll not run other places..{ saving the moving and handling..?}...A plus perhaps...?.. I got all excited about the gauge and decided that 7.5 " gauge as 18" gauge.../ 5" scale..would be oh so cool... I cooled off on that idear...BUT...The Lokey you have mocked up..built is quite nice..it is fun to use the things to move stuff....... 7.5 inch gauge can do it.. Have fun...fill us in on your progress as you go along.. |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob-those crafty Brits are modeling what you have! Some of the Gn15 guys are building 1/12 scale on 16.5MM-7 1/2" gauge. Yep, on one website, there's a photo or 2 of a fellow's 12n7.5 ?? loco with the "driver" wedged into the cab. Looks like you have lots more room in the real world. Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Charley is SO RIGHT! 7 and 1/2 is as much work (more ?) as it is play. For years I have cried for more "realism". Well, now I have it! IN SPADES! I have a 5ft steel bar to lever Old Yeller's rear drive axel back onto the rails. Realism, indeed! This locomotive pushes the limits of my track structure and will doubtlessly require some tweeking to become fully reliable. But I'm truely enjoing the challenge and look forward to expanding to a small layout to do true opreation. I don't plan to take Old Yeller on tour but other 7 1/2ers are welcome at "Bountyland Railway". Here's a view of how the hood opens.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Woodie, it was the Brits who inspired me to try such a crazy contraption. Maybe it's because of all the rain but I see lots of ride-in cabs running on their 7 1/4. Also, they appear to be less into "models" and more into just Very Small Prototype engines. Here's a look at a British model in the foreground and a V. S. P. engine, behind. Both run on 7 1/4 inch gauge track.  Last edited on Fri Aug 3rd, 2012 06:17 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Sullivan Registered 
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That is pure buw-ti-mus. Great work. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks James, I think! (bow-it-mus..) Did some work on the cab suspension. First, the cab weighs 180 lbs, MTY and with the truck in the origonal position, had a tounge weight of 30 lbs (MTY) onto the tractor frame and 95 1/2 lbs tounge weight with the driver (me) in the seat. I moved the truck center forward 3 inches and now have ballance MTY and with driver. NOW Ole Yeller does a much better job of staying on the track Next problem to solve: In reverse, slack runs in and out in the chain drive assy, giving a jerking motion Last edited on Sat Aug 4th, 2012 12:12 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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BUW TI MUS(beut-imus): a Texican word meaning BEAUTIFUL, as in "yore leetle lokie is buwtimus and yeller as a daisy!" Get my drift? Bob-what do you need reverse for anyway? Boudreaux |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Woodie, thanks for the translation. About that reverse; The railroad is now, point to point (80 feet long). What drives down must back up.  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here is one more picture to give a sense of size of our little critter. Construction is mostly steel, some aluminum but all metal. Welded, bolted or riveted. The seat is an office chair I got at Salvation Army for $10. Last edited on Sat Aug 4th, 2012 02:19 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Handsome lookin critter! Yaller one looks good too-- Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Herb, from both of us! Allow me to present some ideas for the consideration of this sage and savvy group. Lord willing, we'll iron out all the bugs of engine and track and things will settle down to simple, routine running....around a small lap of track. WHAT THEN? Well, it's a gas mechanical so there will always be a bit of tinkering to add interest. And then there's the abstract play value of simply driving the engine; of building the rolling stock; of adding track and stuff. At this point, the railroad will have become the near equal of a small, operating, rail musem. Furthermore, there's hauling the grand kids 'ruond and 'round 'till they tire of it. This is what most 7 1/2 gauge layouts do. But I'd like this to become more than just an amusement park ride. I'd like this lap of track to grow into an actual MODEL RAILROAD. I know, I know. I've been preaching that Old Yeller isn't a MODEL. That it's actually a VSP (very small prototype) But a model railroader who loves operation (that's me, for sure!) is gonna operate with whatever trains he has available. Big or small. Think about this. If I had a billion dollars, I'd probably buy some little short-line somewhere and operate it like a MODEL RAILROAD. We've spent years pretending our model trains are real. It would require no more imagination to pretend those REAL trains were models. Ultimately, THAT'S MY PLAN. To build very small, actual, trains and operate them as if they were models! I'd really like your input on this. Last edited on Sat Aug 4th, 2012 04:27 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Lucas Gargoloff Registered 
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what a great piece of art!!!!! do you think in weathering it? LOL |
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teetrix Registered
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do you think in weathering it? Lucas, this would be a mega-job even for you @ uncle bob: You americans are truly masters of DIY ! In Germany we would need at least two engineers, one H&S man, six specialized workers and a couple of contract workers to build this loco... Not to forget the public authorities  Michael Last edited on Sat Aug 4th, 2012 09:12 am by teetrix |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Bob-- I was just thinking-- Here is a guy that, when he first came on FreeRails was building tweezer trains locos--about as small as anything that you see here--and now-------- Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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... AND NOW ... Doctor Herbie has a point. It IS quite a spread. But I still have plans for #42. SOMEDAY .............. BTW, those new to this thread may not know. Under all this yellow clad steel beats a heart of Kephart engineering. Old Yeller is a "kitbash".  Last edited on Sat Aug 4th, 2012 04:14 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Lucas Gargoloff wrote do you think in weathering it? Lucas, the weathering process began today. It rained. Also, the jerking motion, when in reverse geer, is gone. An idler on the main drive chain to take up the slack took care of that. (more DIY, Michael) Operation is now smooth as silk! I'll be able to do switching...after I build some switches...and some cars. Last edited on Sat Aug 4th, 2012 09:28 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob, instead of waiting for some other pitnicker to comment...Lay a loop of track on the hood of the new loco so you can watch the tiny 2-8-0 run while you are running the "big one". The new Gas/mechanical is a truly wonderful thing. I trust that you have welded on some kind of anti-theft device so none of us can make off with it in the dead of night. If I get over there someday, I would like to be hauled around, and around, and around. A great time would be had by all. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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COME SOON, WOODIE and hey, you can drive!  |
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W C Greene Moderator
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AWWWWRIGHT! Boudreaux |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Today I installed the front and rear windshields. Originally I had planed on making side doors but now I'm thinking side curtains, like steam locomotives used to use but made from plastic shower curtains. I have over half of the track in at this point. Last saturday Harry and I got another load of ballast. Total of just over 3 tons and should do it. Trestle is next project. Last edited on Thu Aug 9th, 2012 10:28 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Except for the 50ft trestle, all the track on the initial lap is in and working well. I was a bit surprised by how much gravel it took for ballast. 130ft of thack used more than 3 tons. I was also surprised to discover Old Yeller needed more weight. I needed two, 60 pound bags of cement on the other side of the yard, so I placed them atop the engine, rather than cary them. Surprise! Old Yeller ran smoother, tracked better and just performed better, overall. So now I'm adding weight. I don't know why I hadn't thought of this; I've never seen any model licomotive, from N-Scale on up, which didn't have added weight. Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Mon Aug 13th, 2012 03:31 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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UNK-it is simple...just eat more and gain the needed 120 pounds (the fun way) or make new "running boards" with the same weight (the safe way). You are having way too much fun! Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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GOOD IDEA, Woodie. I found a 5ft piece of 4x4x1/2 angle (heavy!), cut it in two and clamped the 30in sections under each hood stiffener (they do look like running boards). In this position, more weight is added to the rear axel, which is good as a ballance test had shown Old Yeller to be a bit light on the rear. Note that although the cab is connected to the tractor, no weight load is thansfered from one to the other.  Last edited on Tue Aug 14th, 2012 11:13 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Golly gee and you didn't need any whippersnapper to tell you that!! It just gets better... Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This weekend, our plan is to take Old Yeller back to the shop amd upgrade the suspension under the tractor section. I had origonally planned to use a sprung/equalized suspension but early testing showed that a simple, 3 point suspension (front axel rocks--rear is rigid) was totally adiquate, so as it was easier to do, that's what I did. But these tests were done with track resting on the solid concrete shop floor. In the real world of track on rock ballast, there is more give and while the engine stays on the track MOST of the time, I'd rather it'd stay on ALL the time. Hopefully, EQUALIZATION is the answer. Here's a photoshop view of how we plan to do it. In addition to the added parts, the rear axel will have to be attached so that it can rock. as well. Later, if all goes well, the cab section will get a similar treatment.  Last edited on Thu Aug 16th, 2012 03:31 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Bob- Spring is going to unload leading axle? Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I see what you're saying, Herb. It should be 4 springs or none Thanks xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's how equqalization works. In this diagram, both the front and rear axels (blue) are free to rock relative to the frame (yellow). But this rocking action is limited by the left and right equalization bars (red) which can also rock relative to the frame. Now, all 4 wheels will stay in firm contact with the rails when one rail dips, has a hump or even if there is a twist involving both rails. If the right front wheel enters a dip but rhe rear axel is still on level track, the frame will also dip but this dip will be less than what the axel does because dimention A is twice or more than dimention B. The wheel dips with the rail but the frame (and body) stays relatively level.  Last edited on Tue Aug 21st, 2012 02:29 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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OK, so how does all this equalization stuff work in the real world? VERY WELL, INDEED! Old Yeller is back from the shop, with its new suspension installed and the results are totally positive. What we have now is simple, basic, reliable opperation Could anyone ask for more?xxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Sun Aug 19th, 2012 10:25 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here is a picture of the new suspension. The new parts have been painted with "wrong yellow" (what I had on hand) to keep down rust until I can get some more of the "right" Rustoleum. Last edited on Mon Aug 20th, 2012 08:55 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Today I trimmed 3/4in off the bottom of both angle weights to give more room for the equalizer bars to rock over rough track. Not an easy task; those angle weights are 1/2in thick steel! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Running Old Yeller has become reliable now to the point of being routine (STILL FUN!!!) I wired up the headlight today. There is no generator; just an automobile battery which I have to recharge now and then (depends on how much I use it). Tonight, I did some night running. The headlight worked great but as the railroad is still point to point, I could really use that rear light (which I haven't bought yet). At some point, I plan to rebuild the cab's suspension, similar to what we now have under the tractor section. It will be about a 24in axel spread, equalized, which will make the cab more stable and a lot easier to connect to/disconnect from, the tractor.  Last edited on Thu Aug 23rd, 2012 09:55 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Hi Unk- Lookin good (both of you) But Yeller needs (at least) a number, so that it can be identified from the rest of the motive power (legs?) for maintenance and consist assignments. Cuz Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Herb Kephart wrote: Yeller needs (at least) a number. Good point, Cuz. "Decals" are available from the local sign shop... as soon as Bountyland Railway can come up with the funds. For the record, Old Yeller is officially "The Donnie Babb"... (you remember Donnie. I came with him to PA to take delivery of the Kephart mechanism on which this unit is based) .....and is assigned (fittingly), unit number ONE. At the moment, number 1 is the ONLY piece of equipment on the railroad and therefore, is unlikely to be confused with any other. But, yes. It DOES need a number (and perhaps an "F" on each front flank). xxxxxxxxxxxxx Ole Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Fri Aug 24th, 2012 08:06 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I wonder ADD bi-fold doors (hinged at back and at center) and equalized sospension to the cab ??  Last edited on Sat Aug 25th, 2012 05:36 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Lucas Gargoloff Registered
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I like the last version with doors and equalized supension. And would look nice a little step behind the cab doors. Even, a couple of handrails at sides. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks for your input, Lucas. I'm sure the suspension make-over will come about when I can get to it. I like the idea of steps and handrails, as long as they are functional. I have handrails inside the cab, left and right of the windshield, which I use a lot. The bi-fold doors would block putting handrails behind the door openings unless they were placed all the way back near the end. I plan to mount side mirrors on the front cab corners but I'm sure we could work out a way to mount handrails there, as well. As for steps, I have found it difficult to get in or out of the cab when the unit is sitting on a section of elevated track. A step (and handrails) would be functional here. Maybe a step could be mounted onto the equalization bar. I'll have to try a mockup of the doors to see how I like that. Installing the glass windshields sure did close-in that tiny cab (would the side-door windows open? How?). On this project I am (obviously) more concerned with how things work than how they look. I may just use side curtains. The main aim is to keep rain out of the cab when it is parked. BTW, Lucas, I checked out your home page. YOU DO SOME FANTASTIC WORK!! xxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Sat Aug 25th, 2012 03:58 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, looking good, I'd be hesitant on the doors, the only reason I say that if the thing topples over you could get trapped, with it open you have the opportunity to step a foot out to stop it from tipping or at least have an easy escape out the other side. I like the idea, looks cool, but not sure it is practical or the safest idea. Curtains maybe a better bet. I've had my flat car that I've been riding on my MOW flat (down the grade since I haven't built something to pull it with yet) come off and it's easy to put a foot down. I was going to build a riding gondola but after reading some of the online chat about not being able to get your feet out in a derailment has me having second thoughts on that now. I'll build one for supplies, but not for riding. Dave |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Dave wrote: "Curtains maybe a better bet". Thanks for the input, Dave. They may indeed be and I'm leaning that way. Mainly because I just like the open sides. More elbow room. But I'm not so sure about using my leg to prevent a turn-over. Ole Yeller weighs about 800 pounds + my weight. I'm not saying a turn-over can't happen but it has proved to be far less likely than I had origonally feared. For one thing, this engine has a very low center of gravity. I can stand on one of the tractor walkboards and it dosen't try to tip over. Before the suspension reconstruction, I had quite a number of derailments and No1 has NEVER shown any sign of toppeling. The truck frames just sit down on the rails. Also, the pilots, during normal operation, are only 1 1/2in off the rails. And also, it just pokes along. Any way, I hope I never turn it over. As big and heavy as it is, that would be a serious thing  xxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Tue Sep 11th, 2012 02:02 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Trestle construction is underway. There will be 12 trestle bents, on 4ft centers. 4x6 treated wood blocks have been set level on compacted clay and gravel. These will be the seat-blocks for the bents.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Looks like the weather man didn't get the word that we're trying to build a railroad here. We've been getting the rain that's supposed to go to Woodie Greene's house.  Still, between showers, we've made progress. The trestle bents are built and set in place. After I get things trued up, I can start installing the stringers.  |
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Si. Moderator 
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Hi Bob Looking good dude. Are you going to have some fire-barrels on the trestle. ( I always think they look cool ) Cheers Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si, there will be a walkway, mainly so I can get out of the engine if there is a problem. I also like the looks of fire barrels but I'm comitted to the idea of including only items which actually work. If I can figure how to have water without breeding mosquitoes...... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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ROUND and Round and round.... Today, the first of September, at 9:40 AM, EDT, Old Yeller and Ole' Bob made the first crossing of the new trestle, Kelley Fork of Little Grassy Creek. ...And no one was there to capture the moment Later, I shot this view of the No-1 running solo. What a HUGE train set!  Last edited on Sun Sep 2nd, 2012 12:06 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Dwayne Registered
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 Looks good Bob! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks, Dwayne. I'M HAVING FUN! Reminds me of the train set I had as a kid. It didn't go anywhere (just round and round) or DO anything; it was simply an abstraction of railroading in miniature. I about ran the wheels off that train set. Now it's Old Yeller's turn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Sun Sep 2nd, 2012 01:32 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Nice pic Uncle Bob ! Ol' Yeller's paint-job looks great in the forest. Know what you mean about the mosi's. We have some bad uns here as well. Walk-way sounds like a good one. Don't spare Ol' Yeller's wheels Bob !!! Clock up some MILES !!! Cheers Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si, I did the math. 30 trips around our little lap of track = 1 actual mile. And I've put a few miles on Old Yeller sence completing the bridge. I am not aware of anyone else in the US who is running an inclosed cab on 7 1/2 gauge. It was something I wanted to try but was uncertain of. Then I found examples on YouTube from England (7 1/4, there) and accross Europe, Especially, "Moors Valley". Thanks to Y'all for leading the way! xxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Tue Sep 11th, 2012 02:00 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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utahwestie Registered
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Uncle Bob, Keep up the good work. I've enjoyed reading about your "Model" . Remind me of this guy back home in NZ. Ant. http://www.rail.co.nz/main.htm |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks, Ant. and thanks for posting the link to that neat NZ line. I really enjoyed it and would love to do something similar. I've often been asked why I don't just build "scale models" like 'most everyone in 7 1/2 does? Well, I started out that way. I had planned to model 3ft gauge, Dinver and Rio Grande, in 1 to 4 point 8 scale (10 times O scale). Hence, the name for this thread. But in the end, the CRITTERS won out. Tiny machines, as are often seen on "Small Layout Scrapbook" or as seen on Woodie Greene's Mogollon Ry (see his thread). As a bonus, BUILDING, as opposed to MODELING, is far less expensive and much less demanding. I have great admiration for those "serious" modelers who do such a great job building wonderful 3ft narrow gauge stuff in 1/4.8. But for me it came down to a realization that I could DREAM about that, or BUILD this. As I see it, this approach is working very well for me. I'm quite pleased with how it's going. Just wish I could afford to do more. xxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Wed Sep 5th, 2012 06:25 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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There will (I hope) come a time when we'll be running a RAILROAD. Getting there will take a lot more stuff--cars, switches, more track..... Mean-time, it's all about enjoying just running the engine. A VIEW FROM THE CAB  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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PHOTOSHOP "MEMORIES" Last edited on Thu Sep 6th, 2012 01:59 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The next project will be to rebuild the suspension under the cab. It will be equalized the same way the tractor section is. I have found this to be forgiving of less than perfect track and very dependable. Also, I still have to make the mirrors and a few other details. xxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Sun Sep 9th, 2012 04:08 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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BTW, for the sake of comparison, this is what Old Yeller might have looked like if I had chosen to build it as a 1/3 size MODEL of a 2ft narrow gauge locomotive. (7 1/2in is approxamitely 1/3 of 24) In this Photoshop view, the top of the cab is about 3ft above rail height which scales up to 9ft, the height of a typical 2ft gauge boxcar. Nice...but where would I sit?  Last edited on Tue Sep 11th, 2012 07:31 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Same pose as above, here is the (NON-MODEL) unit, as built. Cab of the non-model critter is just over 5ft tall, to allow engineer inside. Much taller than even a 2ft gauge model. In referance to the above photo, note that a 1/3 size model of a 2ft gauge engine is physically larger than a 1/5 size model (1/4.8, to be exact) of a 3ft gauge engine of similar prototype, both of which would run on 7 1/2 gauge track.  Last edited on Tue Sep 11th, 2012 07:36 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I found this neat logging line on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OOqPLOWiQg&feature=related Not sure if it's narrow gauge but it sure is a fine look at a prototype logging rail line. Too often modelers model, MODELS. Mainly because we lack good prototype information. Well, here it is! Note the pole ties atop pole "road bed". Also, MUD, standing water, over-cut clutter-- EVERYWHERE! This all bares little resembelance to most model logging lines I've seen. xxxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
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Dwayne Registered
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Looks like two foot gauge. Very cool vid. Gonna have to follow some of the other related links and see what the Komrades are doing over there. |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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When I watched the first part of this, I thought that the guy doing the filming was VERY brave to ride a speeder over that "track". Then they haul loaded cars over it!!!! Some places it looks like there is upwards of 5 feet with nothing to hold the rails in gauge. Brave Komrads! Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's more. (In case you missed it, see the link to the logging spur on page 17) Call this "Railfans in Russia"? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYSf7oWFiQE This one is quite long but stay with it. There's a meet with a log train about 2/3ds of the way through. Good look at the equipment. Note that the power is a deisel MECHANICAL. In some views on the return trip you can see the drive shaft. Wouldn't this make a super layout!!! xxxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Sat Sep 15th, 2012 12:13 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Dwayne Registered
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Some of those bridges look scary. Swear the short span half way through was flexing when crossed. This little electric mining traction looks interesting... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEknuBj67cA&feature=youtube_gdata_player Last edited on Sat Sep 15th, 2012 12:56 am by Dwayne |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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That IS an interesting electric line, Dwayne. Just to show I'm not the only one in the world who is running "ride inside" stuff on 7 1/4 / 7 1/2 (or there abouts) track, check this out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB-SNrNJdGE&feature=related Also this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHDQ4divirE It starts with large-scale, indoors, then moves out to the BIG stuff. AND, here's one more! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9ZVAzgivak xxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last edited on Sat Sep 15th, 2012 04:58 am by UNCLE BOB |
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elminero67 Registered 
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Those are great! Just getting to those Youtube links lead to an hour of other quality Youtube surfing. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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elminero67 wrote: Just getting to those Youtube links lead to an hour of other quality Youtube surfing. Yep! Youtube is like eating potato chips. LOL!! xxxxxxxxxxx Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
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Si. Moderator
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Can't get uToob. Never mind. Hope your running the wheels off ol' Yeller Bob !!! Cheers Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Looks like the railroad will soon have a caboose! Yesterday, Alvin brought over a used flatcar, 80 inches in length. It was built as a standard gauge car and is 16in wide. For use on our layout, it will be widened to 23in; same as Old Yeller. The plan is to remake this car as work caboose C-1. Here is a computer sketch of how I currently plan to build it. Cab space to have seats for two, facing. Sloped end units are storage. Each roof ( lid ? ) swings up for access.  Last edited on Fri Oct 26th, 2012 06:23 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob-that's too cool for school! I would love to ride in that while Ol' Yeller hauls us around. Keep it up! Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks a bunch, Woodie. I've made some progress, today. When I started this morning this was all material, sitting in the rack at Home Depot, So, not too bad for a day's construction. Woodie, you mentioned "riding"; I find I am fully able to ride, standing on one end of C-1. That being the case, I'm thinking of moving the tool boxes inside the crew cab, under the seats and keeping the open end platforms. Harry and I are planning how to fab end rails. BTW, end platforms are 16in by 23in wide. We would loose the roof end overhangs. Freelancing has the advantage of being able to design during construction. That's certainly how we built Old Yeller!  Last edited on Sat Oct 27th, 2012 01:31 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Just for Fun... Here's our little critter and, still under construction, work caboose C-1, as they might have appeared in some book about industrial rail lines from back in the 1950's. Last edited on Sat Oct 27th, 2012 05:03 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I love Photoshop! With it one can see how chances to a project will look ahead of time. As here; I've added doors to Old Yeller and to C-1, applied endrails plus a coat of red paint. Also, I removed lots of stuff from the background. Last edited on Tue Oct 30th, 2012 03:08 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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For comparison, this is the photo I worked from. Note the absence of a coupler on the engine. I removed it to use on C-1. For now, the 5 gallon paint can is serving as a seat.  Last edited on Mon Oct 29th, 2012 02:17 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I found this very well made film of a modern narrow gauge loging railroad in Hungary. Hope you enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe7QmNBvqI0&NR=1&feature=endscreen Bob |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob-I would love to sit on that paint bucket and take a ride. One of these days!!! Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hey, no problem Woodie; I'll mail you the paint bucket! I know, I KNOW! Everybody hates a wiseaxx! Woodie, the computer makes it seem like such a small world but the fact is it's a long ole way from Dallas to South Carolina. But do be VERY sure of this, If you are EVER up this way, you'd certanly BETTER come by here! UNK Last edited on Tue Oct 30th, 2012 03:11 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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YOUSAH! I'll be there one of these days... Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Herb said he'd come. The day we bought the mechanism, he told me that if I ever got it up and running and you could ride inside of it, he'd come to South Carolina and drive it. SO MAYBE we can all THREE get together !?? Wouldn't THAT be something! UNK Last edited on Tue Oct 30th, 2012 03:12 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Our little narrow gauge train in its element. |
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Dallas_M Registered
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This is an astonishing and amazing railroad project! Will there be a leaf-blower or vacuum car? |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks, Dallas! You know, I didn't think I'd need either. I figured moving up from "G" to 7 1/2, leaves on the track would no longer be a problem. They're not, as long as it's dry but when those leaves get wet....I find I loose all traction! But to answer your question, I sweep'm off with an old broom, now and then. UNK Last edited on Fri Nov 2nd, 2012 01:49 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Sullivan Registered
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OMG! (Don'cha just hate that acronym?) That is just getting cooler all the time. The caboose is looking great. I would just be tickled pink to get to ride on that railroad. That last pic pretty much says it all. Last edited on Thu Nov 1st, 2012 10:28 pm by Sullivan |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks, James! Black and white creates a mood, doesn't it. I'm actually a "Woodie want-a be". Just in a different size. But we have far to go..... (Or should I say,"Miles to go"?) UNK P. S. An open invitation to come ride, to all y'all! Last edited on Fri Nov 2nd, 2012 03:48 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Yeah? Well, I have UNK ENVY myself. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I guess we each have a lot to be thankful for. But I dream. When I drive this little train around its limited lap of narrow gauge track, I dream of false-front structures along the trestle, a clay processing plant. I see one of you driving Old Yeller and I'm 4 cars back, in the caboose, planning our switch moves. ..."Two more laps to the clay pit branch switch. I'll swing off, throw the switch and we'll begin the shove up to the clay pit. Four MT's in and 4 loads out. It'll be an easy ride back down the hill...." UNK Last edited on Thu Nov 1st, 2012 11:59 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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QSn30 Ever hear of QSn30? I'm guessing not. I've just "invented" it! I have begun construction of a narrow gauge coach for my nephew, Alvin Wood. The scale is 3in / ft, which is 1/4th actual size. It will run on 7 1/2in gauge track. What's neat about this size is that it is EXACTLY On30 - TIMES 12. Or put another way, Quarter Size - narrow gauge - 30 inch track.... I call it "QSn30" I'm using a Bachmann On30 coach and scaling it up X 12. One difference from the Bachmann car is that this coach (It'll be the No 12) will have a "duckbill" roof. The roof will lift off so 2 adults or 3 kids can ride. What size will it be? Well, measure your Bachmann coach (I know you have one!) and do the Times Twelve thing. Or, much EZR, 1in on the Bachmann model = 1ft on OUR model. So, what will pull coach 12? How about a neat little, Maine inspired, FORNEY?! We have ordered an electric (battery) mechanism on which we plan to build engine No 4. No 4 will be about 28in tall, 20in wide and around 6ft long. Unlike the Maine 2footers, which had 33in or 36in drivers (for speed-They ran those critters at 50 to 60 MPH!) our No 4 will be a low drivered job for working a loging branch. Well, really, 6in drivers are the largest we could get on the mechanism and those scale to 24in (6in X 4). Still, I'm liking the way it'll look....  Last edited on Mon Nov 12th, 2012 04:47 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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MEANWHILE, back on the Bountyland Railway, we have added another piece of rollong stock; a 4 wheel, 3ft long flat car. I'll try to post pictures soon. Also, the entire railroad (1 engine,1 crew car, 1 flatcar) has been converted to a sort of link and pin coupler system. The "links" are actually drawbars. It's all made of off-the-shelf hardware from Home Depot, with a few modifications. Cost of my homemade L&P's is much less than buying knuckle jobs and mine are 100% reliable. UNK Last edited on Sat Nov 24th, 2012 02:21 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Bob Just trying to catch up on what everyones up to ! Holy-Cow ! I never knew they ran the Maine 2ft ers at such S P E E D ! Wow !!! Leaves on the line ! Yep ! That's 'British Rails' WELL known excuse for EVERYTHING at about this time of year. The passengers groan; they don't believe a word of it. But it's TRUE ! More sand & leaf brushes for Ol' Yella ! Cheers Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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"QSn30" That is, "Quarter size (of the prototype), narrow gauge, 30 inch" Here is coach #12 which I am building for my nephew, Alvin, to run on 7 1/2" gauge track. (7 1/2" X 4 = 30") As I said above, this is exactly 12 times the size of On30. It will be about 8ft long.  Last edited on Sat Nov 24th, 2012 01:28 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Since these HUGE models are exactly 12 times the size of On30, it is easy to use On30 models as 3D plans. This Bachmann coach is what I'm using but with some differences. Alvin's coach will have just 11 windows per side (the length was determined by an existing frame we had) and will have a duckbill roof rather than a clearstory, as seen on the Bachmann model. We also cut the width down to 20" so it will run on a friend's 1/8th size standard gauge layout. By scale, it should have been 24".  Last edited on Sat Nov 24th, 2012 01:30 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's a computer sketch of how Alvin's "QSn30" Forney and coach #12 should look in operation. (Except for the smoke--Number 4 will be battery powered) We plan to use colors as shown. Models will be On30, times 12. See plan for #4 and construction pictures of coach #12 on previous page.  Last edited on Sat Nov 24th, 2012 02:27 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I worked on the roof of coach #12, today. This view shows the top roof boards on and half of the roof sanded to profile. I still have to sand the other side and fabricate the roof end sections, (see detail view: below, after this one.)  Last edited on Sun Nov 25th, 2012 12:23 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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MEANWHILE, back at the BOUNTY LAND RAILWAY..... I'd expect, most people, when they begin a miniture railroad project, would have SOME IDEA of what they were trying to make. Well, not me. Not on this one. I started out to build MODELS if Rio Grande narrow gauge to run on 7 1/2" track. Then I got the notion to build tiny but ACTUAL trains. And that's what I'm doing and it is working AND I love them. BUT... What in the world does one DO with them. They aren't models. They don't really work well for a MODEL railroad... If they are indeed PROTOTYPE trains, they need a PROTOTYPE job to do. The ONLY practical use I've found is to haul people, just for amusement. Enter The Bounty Land Railway and Narrow Gauge Museum. A tourist line is not that bad of a choice for a miniture (or model) railroad. There is more operation involved than one might first think. And the museum part will add to the posibilities.SO...Exploring this theme, I've done a bit of drawing with MS Paint and Photoshop, to get an idea of how BLRY would look as an (actual) (mycro) tourist line. Here are "pictures" of Bounty Land Railway's new image. First: Locomotive #1  Last edited on Mon Nov 26th, 2012 04:31 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Rather than grungy, industrial, Old Yeller gets a PR spruce-up and some spit and polish. Next, soon to be built, Excursion Coach #20, a 4 passenger covered car.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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And finally crew car #1 would be rebuilt as Caboose#10, capacity 2.  Last edited on Mon Nov 26th, 2012 04:32 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I DO NOT MEAN TO MISLEAD ANYONE. This is my PLAN. None of this is done at this point. Engine#1 does not have its doors or paint stripes. Crew car #1 hasn't been rebuilt into Caboose #10 and Coach #20 isn't even started. BUT, at least, NOW I have a PLAN!!! (Who said, "ANOTHER PLAN?!" LOL!)UNK Last edited on Mon Nov 26th, 2012 04:28 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Bob, glad to hear that #1 isn't striped yet. Definitely needs a flame paint job on the nose, to impress museum visitors of the speed of their ride. Kuz |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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You may be on to something here KUZ. Back in the day, flames painted on my '56 Ford made IT run better. Maybe THAT would bring a sence of excitment to our 6 MPH! UNK Last edited on Tue Nov 27th, 2012 02:23 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I completed fabricating the duckbill ends on coach #12's roof today. Much more to do but one challenge is behind me UNK Last edited on Tue Nov 27th, 2012 12:09 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here is a look at Alvin's coach #12 as of today's work. No 12 is 8ft long and a bit over 3ft tall. 1/4th actual size. Loosely based on a 2ft gauge prototype but the 7 1/2" track scales to 30". 40 some odd years as a cabinetmaker has certainly come in handy!  Last edited on Tue Nov 27th, 2012 11:07 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Super job on those roof ends, Unk! Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanx, Herb. The roof is, no doubt, the hardest part of this project. On a lighter side, I found this..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V39JFjexSUk There just ain't no substitute for good track! UNK Last edited on Thu Dec 6th, 2012 05:24 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Wow, great looking coach! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks. Ray. I worked on coach #12 some more today. I have applied a layer of cotton muslin to the roof then 2 coats of Rustoleum red-brown primer. It'll probably take 2 more coats, sanding between. I gave the inside of the roof a heavy coat of polyurethane to seal it. Also started on the window details. LOTS of parts but it will be worth it. I'll try to post update pictures tomorrow. UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Progress on coach #12 Except for the roof, the entire car will be green. Patterned afrer SRRL. The white is wood filler over nail holes,which, in this view have not been sanded.  Last edited on Sun Dec 9th, 2012 11:30 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Close up. The exterior will be covered with screen mould, 1/4 x 3/4. This scales to 1in x 3in. siding. Last edited on Sun Dec 9th, 2012 11:28 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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A car this big sure requires some real carpentry! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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You're right Ray. It's so neat to work with full-sized tools to build models! BTW, I visited your 1/24th scale webpage. Fantastic! What a super job you've done! For those who haven't seen it, be sure to check out the link in Ray's post, above.UNK Last edited on Mon Dec 10th, 2012 01:10 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Latest progress on coach No12. First coat of SRRL green. Still have to do steps, doors and a bunch more stuff. Coach 12 is 8ft long. Last edited on Wed Dec 12th, 2012 07:25 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Eight feet long?! Wow that is really big! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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It IS big, Ray 1/4th actual size--12 times On30 As I recall, you model in 1/24th scale. So, think 6 times that - in length, in width and in height. The roof lifts off and 3 adults can ride. UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Coach #12 is complete and ready for my nephew to pick up.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here, my friend, Harry Kelley stands beside #12 to give a sense of scale. The car is a bit over 3ft tall, 20in wide and 8ft long. Note the draw-bar coupler.  Last edited on Thu Dec 20th, 2012 12:37 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have really enjoyed working on this project! Through the windows you can see the 1 x 12 wooden seats for riding. (The roof lifts off) I have supplied 4 (for 4 small children) but some can easily be removed leaving seating for 3 or 2 adults.  Last edited on Thu Dec 20th, 2012 12:36 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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HOLY COW Bob ! Your friend Harry, looks like a 1:32 dude standing next to N-scale ! Your Nephew's gonna have a job pickin' that baby up, without a crane ! You build 'em BIG Bob. When are you 'moving up' to 4'8" gauge ? Cheers. Si. |
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Dallas_M Registered
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Great job! That's outstanding ... and really cool. |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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How much does it weigh? |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I need to catch up on my replies. Ray: It weighs about 200lbs. The trucks weigh 40lbs, each. Dallas: Thanks, so much, for the kind words! Si: Posing my railroad buddy, Harry, next to coach #12 does give a sense of scale. It is 1/4th actual size. Scale figures would be 18in tall. And to everyone: Thanks for following along--MERRY CHRESTMAS! and a Happy New Year! Bob Last edited on Wed Dec 26th, 2012 02:10 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Bountyland Railway has its first revenue car; a 99 inch long gondola. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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At this point, I have it set up as an excursion car, with seats for two. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Call it my BIG red waggon. Side boards are 1x6. Frame is 2x4. This car is basicly 1/3rd the size of a 2ft narrow gauge car but it is not really intended as a model.  Last edited on Sun Dec 30th, 2012 06:28 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob, once again I have to gripe about you sending photos of real railroads instead of models...wait...these ARE real! OK, never mind. You lucky dog...I am really jealous now. Woodrow |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Cool! |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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See Bob go! Go Bob go! (Spot can ride in the gondola) Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Woodie, Ray--thanks! Herb, here at Bountyland Railway, we don't have anyone named "Spot". What we do have is....TIMMY, THE AMAZING RAILROAD DOG!!! Here we find Tim inspecting Little Grassy bridge  Last edited on Wed Jan 2nd, 2013 06:26 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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We switch jobs a lot at Bountyland. This time Timmy is trainman. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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But Amazing Timmy's favorite job is that of ENGINEER! (He just can't hide how much he loves it!) Last edited on Wed Jan 2nd, 2013 06:33 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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mwiz64 Registered
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When I saw that first photo, I thought you were gonna tell us that dog was your track cleaner. Last edited on Wed Jan 2nd, 2013 08:54 pm by mwiz64 |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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mwiz64 wrote: When I saw that first photo, I thought you were gonna tell us that dog was your track cleaner. LOL! I finally have track I don't have to clean! I thought I'd have that when I switched to battery/RC on the G scale layout but I still had to clean away leaves and such. FINALLY! I have trains large enough that that's no problem. UNK Last edited on Wed Jan 2nd, 2013 09:09 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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About the SIZE of miniature trains.... I find that as the size goes up, one needs fewer pieces of equipment to reach a leval of satisfaction. That is; a FEW BIG TRAINS are just as satisfying as a bunch of smaller ones. Call it "Bob's law of satisfaction". Bountyland will never have a large roster. Not needed. UNK Last edited on Wed Jan 2nd, 2013 09:16 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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mwiz64 Registered
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UNCLE BOB wrote: mwiz64 wrote:When I saw that first photo, I thought you were gonna tell us that dog was your track cleaner. That's good. Because if you got any bigger, Bob, CSX would start to see you as their competition. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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mwiz64 wrote:
CSX? Really? You think? I'll bet they're discussing merger plans in Jacksonville right now. LOL!  Last edited on Sat Jan 5th, 2013 07:57 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Bountyland Railway, my backyard mega/micro layout, is about to take a leap forward in "play value". More rail (code 1000-aluminum) is on order. When it arrives, the first thing planned is to build 2 or 3 switches THEN THE FUN BEGINS! UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I've found another really neat little European narrow gauge line. A tiny 3 axel deisel working 7 tipper cars, up and down a hill. (1993) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH96C_XL8Y0 Stay with the cab ride scenes. Later there are some interesting views from the ground. I love the car re-railing scene! Those tippers can't weigh much more than my gondola. And just look at all the out of service units at the end. UNK |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, With the new track materials on order is your track plan going to be like what you sketched a while back in this thread or have you revised it any? Dave |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hi Dave, Like all my projects the track plan continues to evolve and as such, there will likely be some changes along the way. But I do have a plan which I hope will become reality soon. This design accepts the fact that this is primarily a "tourist railroad". Note that there are several new buildings, which will take a while to do. Presently, I am in the middle of my projected 5 year construction budget. The engine house will be first, then probably Big Oak station. Sandersville station will be a flag stop sort of structure, a roof over a bench and maybe a platform.  Last edited on Sat Jan 26th, 2013 12:04 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have refered to this project as "a micro layout in a mega scale" and I can't think of a better way to put it. The lap of track allows for continuous running and also serves as a run-around track. There is more here in the way of interesting railroading than might first appear. Besides the obvious making up of a train for train rides, note that the stations are located off the loop which requires backup moves. Big Oak is even on a switch-back. For freight switching, let's say loaded cars are to be moved from the warehouse to the storage building. With just one load and one empity in play, the switching work is quite interesting, especially so as we will be working by moving about, INSIDE the layout. I am really looking forward to getting all this up and running.  UNK |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob-you're having WAY too much fun! We'll get over there one of these days and join you. Take care and run (ride) a train today. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Woodie, we were iced over this morning. Old Yeller could barely pull herself. But one lap of slipping and spinning pretty well knocked the ice off and away we went with gondola and caboose in tow. I could have used doors on our critter today! Burrrrr! UNK |
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jtrain Registered 
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Hey Bob, you think that you'll ever have time to build a challenger? How about one of them triplexes? You already have one articulated yellow engine. I've read through the pages of this topic, and man this layout looks good. I can't wait to see it completed! --James W.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hi James, No time to build that Challenger but we're in luck. Discover Live Steam has a really nice one, runs on 7 1/2 too and it's ON SALE- reduced to $189,000! Think I'll send a deposit first thing Monday morning. Serioysly James, THANKS SO MUCH. I'll say this, I've been in the railroad hobby for more than 50 years and THIS layout is the most fun I've ever had. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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By the way, y'all. I have started a new Yahoo forum dedicated to 7 1/2 and 7 1/4 narrow gauge. I invite anyone interested to come join up! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/babygrandnarrowgauge/ UNK Last edited on Sat Jan 26th, 2013 06:25 am by UNCLE BOB |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, I like it. Our backyard railroad is a multi year project also, I had hoped to cross the creek by now, but we are doing it on shoe string budget. Need about 20 more full size RR ties and the retaining walls will be built and we can extend our main line (all we do now is go back and fourth about 120'.) We plan on doing something similar with a few spurs, plus my friends and I like to operate so more than just a roundy round layout, but will have the ability to just go around when needed. Thanks for keeping us updated with your plan and your progress, enjoy the evolution. Dave |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Work has begun on Alvin's Forney. As shown below, the mechanism is here. To give a sense of scale, drivers are 6 1/4 dia, axel spacing is 12 inches. Last edited on Fri Apr 5th, 2013 03:06 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This is a drawing of the basic plan for articulation of the frame so as to allow operation on 25ft radius curves. The entire superstructure is one rigid unit, supported at the rear by the trailing truck and at the front by a pivit to the power mechanism. cylendars are rigid to the mechanism. The positions of the rear truck center and main pivit (red) will be adjusted for ballance/  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Al's Forney, the "Number 4", will be a battery powered, steam outline, 7 1/2" gauge locomotive. It is being based on WW&F's #10 but with lower drivers. This because 6 1/4 is the biggest offered on the mechanism. So really it is a freelanced design, one quarter actual size, to match the coach It'll pull. Again, 7 1/2 times 4 = 30, so it is actually a 30" gauge Forney rather than 24" as WW&F's #10 now is. I say "now" because the #10 itsself started as a 30" gauge plantation engine in Lousiana. Go figure........ BTW, you'll note in the drawing above, the engineer's feet and legs go inside the cab. So, how does one get on and off? The cab roof will hinge from the front as will the cab sides. Once in place, the engineer closes the 3 cab parts around him. No 4 will be "worn" like a pair of pants. UNK Last edited on Fri Apr 5th, 2013 03:55 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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WW&F N I C E ! Bob Cheers Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Si. I wish I could post some of the many pictures of WW&F #10 I have but I don't own any of them. However, before too long I expect the progress pictures will have something of that look. To steal Woodie's line....."Miles to go.........." UNK |
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W C Greene Moderator
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WOW-Batteries in a locomotive! Whar did you get that crazy idea Great stuff, Unk...keep it coming. Woodrow |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Hey Unk If you are going to have batteries, is there gonna be a radio too? I can contribute one to the project --plays real good, and plays them eight track things also. Cuz Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Batteries in a locomotive? I won't say track power is not an option for trains this large. I've seen a guy on you-tube who runs a miniature, ride-in, streetcar from track and overhead wire! Thing is, his track/wire setup is powered by some really big batteries. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1CK41dNV5o Batteries work well, don't they Woodie? Herb, may take you up on that radio...at least untill nephew Alvin comes up with a sound system! UNK Last edited on Sun Apr 7th, 2013 04:52 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Just go NUCLEAR ! Bob... ...the 'lead underpants' are heavy though ! Cheers Si. PS Unk...yous THE biggest ! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Lead underpants LOL! Seriously, folks.........The Forney project is underway. The frame is welded up and the roll test worked fine. Here is a view of the frame/mechanism assy, highlighted in red/blue to show how it works. The drive mechanism assy (red) has a little "gee-haw" wiggle room, left and right; enough to allow smooth sailing around 25ft radius curves. The cylenders will attach to the power mechanism.  Last edited on Mon Apr 15th, 2013 07:17 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This view shows the frame assy with Ole Unk onboard for a sense of scale. Well, you say, that doesn't look like much (especially the guy in the hat)---BUT WAIT.........See what a little MS Paint and Photoshop can do........... Next picture, please................  Last edited on Mon Apr 15th, 2013 07:04 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Unk Pretty nifty photoshop whatchamaclliting ! Can you put a Las Vegas chorus-line in the background ? These BIG trains are actualy real space-savers... ...there's room for a 'micro layout' in the coal-bunker ! All the best Unk. Cheers Si. PS Yeah...Batteries Best... ...Lead underpants are a killer ! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si. wrote:
Don't know if I can but I'll bet Woodie could BTW, thanks Si UNK Last edited on Tue Apr 16th, 2013 02:16 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Later in the day--- Unk said that it couldn't be done! Cousin H |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Howdy Unk...that little lokie makes one "horny for a forney" or something like that. Super nice job. Your rail empire is growing by leaps & bounds. Keep up the great work and photos. Woodie |
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Dave D Registered 
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W C Greene wrote:Howdy Unk...that little lokie makes one "horny for a forney" LMAO! Thats cool Uncle Bob!!  |
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jtrain Registered
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WOW!!! Looks like someone's been busy in the metal shop. --James |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Woodie, Dave, James, Thsnks for the kind words I'm happy with how Alvin's Forney is coming along even though there is still a lot to do. The #4 rides smoothly, pulls good and stays on the track. Not much more one could ask. The thing is, this is custom work so when it's complete it goes to its new owner. Not to worry, though. Have a 2-6-0 mechanism on order and about the time the forney is finished, I plan to start the mogol. Herb's caption with the picture is a reference to my recent problems trying it post pictures here. I've been having difficulty with the new Photobucket. Herb said I should be able to copy to post, pictures from the gallery but I couldn't get that to work either so Herbie helped me out a bit. Thanx Cuz! Last edited on Fri May 31st, 2013 02:27 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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HOW DOES ONE MAKE A TAPERED STACK? WW&F #10, the prototype #4 is patterned after, has one so I needed to make on for the 4 spot. I figured I'd have to try to roll one from sheet but a better idea came along. I sawed a wedge from a piece of 4" PVC pipe, glued both sides of the cut, then pulled it together with a hose clamp. Worked out well! Bob |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Wow, that's looking great! Will it have sound? |
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Si. Moderator
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Unk you're THE BIGGEST... ...better watch out though... ...Charley just got a BIG back-yard ! All the best. Si. I've always been 'horny for a Forney' ! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Lately, I have been having trouble with *^%%$  Photobucket, posting pictures.Herb was kind enough to post a picture of the completed Forney for me. You can see it in "uncle Bob's Railroad" in "Large Scale" Bob |
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Bob Get a Google Picasa photo account (free)... ...I did... ...Photo-bucket (to me) sucks ! Cheers Si. PS. Unk... ...you're still THE BIGGEST ! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Look what's happened to Ole Yeller! This is Bountyland Railway's New Image red livery. Also note the renumbering. She's now unit 46. Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 01:29 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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 Ole Yeller, unit 1, becomes unit 46 in New Image Red. Here's a rear view. (Front view on previous page) Note what a difference the black underframe makes. Doesn't look like a box sitting on the ground anymore. Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 01:22 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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 This is a view inside the cab. Unk Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 01:24 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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I like the new paint! Safety stripes and all! It just keeps getting better n' better. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Woodie. You gotta come take her for a spin! Bob |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, Outstanding! I personally thing that is a huge makeover and looks better than ever. Thanks for posting the changes. Nice touch with the fan in the cab and all the lettering. Dave |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Uncle didn't mention the fans purpose--so I will. You may have noticed that Bountyland's track is more of less a circle. Also noteworthy is the fact that 47 is tall, relative to the track gauge. When Unk was in the testing part of the program, speed of 47 was held to a minimum--but now that it is ready for service high speed trials are in progress. Early indications showed that there was a tipping tendency from centrifugal force above 4 MPH, and the contract specifications said that 5 MPH was to be the safe maximum. Several paths were investigated--cutting the cab down to the top of the hood was looked into, but rejected because to be effective Unk would have had to have his height reduced by a like amount. Discussion among the members of the Board of Directors pointed out that this would probably interfere somewhat with Unk's ability to create cars and locos in the future, so even though an easy and cheap way out of the problem, the motion was voted down. While all this was going on,Unk was working on the problem off by himself, and came up with the perfect solution. He mounted that fan on the locomotive, and by pointing it out the door on the out side of the curve, it creates a vectored thrust, just like a Harrier jet, that creates a centripetal force that counteracts the centrifugal. It works so well, that it has made experiments into a whole new dimension in velocity possible. Tomorrow 6 MPH-----the future--who knows? Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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LOL! Thanks for explaining all the technical stuff, Cuz. But you do bring up a valid point. Those reading this thread and thinking how neat it would be to have an actual people sized narrow gauge line in the back yard (And it is - SO - COOL!) should be advised that overly tall equipment can indeed be a bit tippy when combining sharp curves with speed. Although Bountyland Railway is certainly not a "scale" line, I did base the dimentions of my equipment on scaled down, 2ft narrow gauge stanards. Maine 2 foot equipment was usually about 6ft, or 3 times track gauge, in width. My track gauge is 7 1/2, which, times 3 = 22 1/2. I rounded this up to 23 inches and that's the standard width I'm using. Now, the height. Maine 2 footers tipically maxed out at about 10ft tall, or 5 X track gauge. But 37 1/2 inches is nowhere near tall enough to ride inside so, insted, I am using a height ratio of 8 to 1 (height to track gauge) and, to date, have had NO tipping problems. This is because I use a LOW center of gravity and I do, as Cuz accurately pointed out, run rather slowly. Why hurry? The thing goes around in a circle anyway and as any good model railroader knows, slow operation makes the layout seem larger. Bottom Line: If you are going to build one of these, either don't use sharp curves OR don't run fast! And YES, I do putter happily along at about 5 MPH.  Bob PS Thanks for the kind words, Dave! Last edited on Thu Aug 15th, 2013 01:17 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Ol' Yella ... ... we'll miss yer ! Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si, I'll have to admit I sometimes miss Old Yeller, too. But that's the way railfanning goes. Things change. Our ugly duckling is all grown up now and, by some accounts, has morfed into a fairly attractive adult. Soon she'll have a full time job on the BLRY. But for old time's sake, I'm posting the last pictures shot of the #1 in her famous yellow livery. Note that the make-over process had already begun with black applied to the underframe. This wasn't a bad look. Fact is, I could have just added some trim and the lettering to this version but, to me, yellow usually means "critter" and that wasn't the image I wanted for my tourist line. Anyway............."Yeller".............FAIRWELL! Bob  Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 01:26 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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 We will indeed miss you. Note; for larger views go to "Uncle Bob" in Gallery. Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 01:27 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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OK. Enough of that. Let's move on. The next item up for a make-over is our caboose which will also be renumbered as CABOOSE # 308. And here's how she'll look. Yep, the whole train will be shades of red. (Everything in a common theme is not "uncommon" for tourist lines) Bob  Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 01:14 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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While I'm at it, allow me to show my design for the 3 passenger coach which, with the gondola, will complete our roater. (At least, that's the plan right now) Coach #688, The MYRA ANN, will have 2 doors per side. The end seats face inward and the middle seat is reversable. The color is maroon with black and gold trim, like Norfolk Western. Overall height of the caboose and coach are same as the locomotive, a bit over 5ft. Bob  Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 01:19 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Hey Unk- Watch out for them there FRA guys--they'll be thinkin you're running a real railroad. They're as pesky as them revenuers! Cuz |
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Si. Moderator
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Herb ... ... the G. DAMN revenuers just got me on my Shay from the G'd Ol' US of A ( UK Customs ... &%$£"!&%£$"!+*&^%$£"!^%£$%"$$^%)(*&*&(*))((*&*^%$£$"!)(*&^%%$££""$%%%) Yeah ... about that many bucks, whatever the **** that is in plain English !!! OK I'm calm ! ( just ! ) Cheers Si. ( I love it ! ) |
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Si. Moderator
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Bob !!! I can't FREAKIN' believe !!! ... you re-painted OL' YELLA ! WHY ? Si. |
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Si. Moderator
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I dunno Bob ... ... Mmmm ... Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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When I began this project, my stated aim was to experience as much of REAL railroading as possible. Well, many are the times I've been upset with a favorite prototype for making (needless ?) changes. So... THIS is what it's like to be on the receiving end?! Bob Last edited on Tue Aug 20th, 2013 02:42 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Well, Unk...remember that you are building THE PROTOTYPE and are immune from all BS. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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TRUST ME guys. MANAGEMENT has a plan. You'll like it! Bob |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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OH GOD! Where have I heard that before? Oh yeah--it was right before the shutdown---- Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Bob |
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Si. Moderator
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Yer know what Unk ... ... I actualy DO like Ol' Yella's NEW paint-job better ! Still ... ... she'll always be Ol' Yella to me ! Just cos she's now red; don't mean to say she ain't called Ol' Yella ! ... right ? Yer know ... like thin guys gettin' called big-something ... ... or big guys gettin' called little-something. I'm sure you know what I mean ... ...makes sense to me ! Cheers Si. Like the stripes Unk ! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si, your initial shock is understandable. No one was more attached to Old Yeller than I. Change is hard but inevitable, Yes?  Uncle BobLast edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 12:56 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Unk ... ... you're still THE BIGGEST !!! The B&W chevrons are cool. Everyone knows 'the red cars' go FASTER ... ... I'm sure it ain't no different with trains. Bet yer get at least 0.25mph faster; with the new livery ! Cheers Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Bountyland Railway's expansion is underway. Three large trees have been removed, tons of earth graded and a new service road cut in. Yesrerday, BLRY took delivery of 15 tons of crushed stone for the service road and for ballast.   Bob Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 12:58 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The above drawing shows the new 250 ft main lap alignment and associated service tracks. Also shown are the structures we hope to include. This is a small, simple plan but it should be adiquate for our needs. Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This is a "ghost" view of our future engine house and turn table area. The stakes to the left are corners or our future depot. Track to the right is the team track and (behind this view) goes to the car shed and load-out ramp. The line of gravel is the old alignment. Bob  Last edited on Sat Sep 21st, 2013 01:14 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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And your landlord? Cuz |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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BEST LANDLORD IN THE WORLLD!!! That's him in the picture above, doing the digging with HIS TRACTOR! Bob Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 12:58 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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MODELING MODELS. Here, I started with a photo of friend Tom Jonson's HO depot on his layout. I used a bit of Photoshop magic to make it over into a view of what I hope to build for BLRY. It'll be about 6ft x 10ft inside with a 7ft ceiling. I plan to paint all the railroad structures grey. As they will be made large enough inside to actually use, they will be pretty large compared to the trains. My thought is that using grey will keep them from looking too dominant. UNK  Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 01:43 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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I am at a loss for words...that doesn't happen often. This just gets better n' better. Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Woodie SPEACHLESS Naaaaaaaaaa.  BTW, Woodie......That saw mill thing is looking really good! Last edited on Sun Sep 22nd, 2013 03:29 am by UNCLE BOB |
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chasv Registered 
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, Like the plan. The depot looks good too, eventually I want to build some kind of depot along those lines and size also, want it large enough that on the freight side I can keep my riding lawn mower in it along with all the other yard tools. The passenger side want to make it like a waiting room, also a little desk in the window so nephew and nieces can watch the trains from in there and turn the train order board too. That's a ways down the road. I was needing about 10 more yards of fill dirt so I can continue with the mainline and while I was out of town last week dad got some free fill dirt delivered...all 60 yards of it! Heading out to borrow a tractor with a scoop so I can spend the next week moving it to the back yard where it is needed and get my driveway opened back up. Hopefully this fall we'll get the track down and across the creek, that would be a major achievement and allow us to extend the tracks down both side of the creek at that point. Saw your posting of possible passenger coach and/or caboose version on the home machinist site, looks good too. Thanks for keeping us updated on the Bountyland Railway and Narrow Gauge Museum! Dave |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hey Dave, Thanks for updating YOUR progress! Big scale jobs require big tools. Sure goes better with a tractor! This past week I've been building switches. I have two completed and set in place. Parts for the other two are cut so all I lack is assembly. These are #5 switches to match my 25ft radius curves. 2 left, 2 right. I hope to finish them next week and install some track. Certainly is good to finally see the expansion comming together. UNK Last edited on Mon Sep 30th, 2013 04:42 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Track work in progress... |
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Unk You got some SERIOUS trackage developing there ! Lookin' great. Cheers Si. Ol' Yella looks great in the new Ol' Redda livery !! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Yep Si, but we have a long way to go. The gondola is sitting on the turntable lead. It'll be 8ft diameter. That's the TT rails just past the end of track. The spur to the left is the team track and will extend on back to the car shed and loading ramp. Bountyland's depot will shoe-horn in between the main and team tracks. UNK Last edited on Wed Oct 2nd, 2013 04:59 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Neat layout-plan Unk. You won't be needin' any foam-board either ! Cheers Si. |
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Alwin Registered 
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Hi Bob, Looks great ! I wish I had the skills to make that. Oh, I also need a bigger garden then...Alwin |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, Looks outstanding, trackwork looks good, like the ties! How are you holding the points over, is there an over center mechanism or something holding the lever arm in place? On another note, I see the steam engine and passenger car you built are up for sale, they sure look good together. Dave |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Let me try to catch up! Si, Yep-no foam board! Alwin, with a 25ft radius and #5 switches, this layout takes less room than you might think. Fact is, BLRY fits nicely in the back yard of our half acre lot. Dave, right now the switch points are held in place by friction only but I have a built in adjustment and have enough drag to hold them securely. We plan to build some nice, lockable, ground throws soon. BTW, Thanks about the Forney/coach. NOW, Here's a view of the weekend's progress. What you are seeing here is about 2 tons of crushed stone ballast. What you can't see is the time spent adjusting switches so the locomotive would pass through reliably.  Last edited on Mon Oct 7th, 2013 04:52 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Unit 46 has a drive axle spacing of 30 inches. That's pretty long for 7 1/2 gauge but it's what I had to do to fit in all the mechanicals. With that long wheel base, the engine is constantly looking for a way to go streight. I had problems getting it to back through the curved side, facing point. Adjustments to the frog and curved side guardrails seem to have taken care of the problem. UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's new coach, #308. Seats 2, facing each other. Note the sliding door. The "flat car" in the above picture is the frame for this coach. It was previously used for my "caboose".  Last edited on Sun Dec 15th, 2013 03:39 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Plans are to later convert the 308 to a caboose, as seen here in this Photoshopped view. Last edited on Sat Dec 14th, 2013 10:39 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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At the moment, this is the entire roster. (And YES, I do like red ) Last edited on Sun Dec 15th, 2013 03:41 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Bountuland Railway is up and running again! A couple of sidings still have to be ballasted but the main line (lap) is now operational.  Last edited on Sun Dec 15th, 2013 03:44 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The siding facing the train is on the old alignment.  Last edited on Sun Dec 15th, 2013 04:40 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here, the train is descending a 1 1/2 % grade.  Last edited on Sun Dec 15th, 2013 10:39 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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For the expansion, we removed some trees but only those we had to.  Last edited on Sun Dec 15th, 2013 10:40 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Unk-far friggin' out! Don't wear out the equipment before you send it to me in Texas. MERRY CHRISTMAS Bob... Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hey, THANKS Woodie! And a Merry Christmas to you...AND TO ALL! The new mainline lap is twice as long as the origonal and features all new ties (2ft lengths of landscape timbers), new rail and TONS of new granite ballast. We also now have 4 switches in operation. Next to come: The car shed and the turntable. UNK Last edited on Sat Dec 14th, 2013 05:38 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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That's a lot o' rocks Bob ! Seasons greetings. Si. |
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jtrain Registered
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I love how you are one of the few modelers who gets to ride IN your trains. --James |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si. wrote: That's a lot o' rocks Bob ! You're telling ME!! LOL!! I had 15 ton delivered to the end of my driveway. I'd shovel a quarter ton, or so, onto my pickup truck. Then drive up the hill and shovel it off into the gondola, THEN, roll it out on the line to where I was ballasting. A lot of rock, indeed!  UNK Last edited on Sat Dec 14th, 2013 07:09 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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jtrain wrote: I love how you are one of the few modelers who gets to ride IN your trains. James, I have chosen to take a rather different approach to model railroading; to model not so much the "stiff" as to rather model the "experience". This has worked well for me. I've built a lot of model railroads but this layout is by far the most fun! BTW. Be sure to check out James' home page. http://www.bardcreekrr.blogspot.com/ Lots of good ideas about modules and a LOT of great pictures, especially if you like Colorado mining. UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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HERE SHE COMES... |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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,,,THERE SHE GOES! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Most who work in 7 1/2 gauge (those who model stansard gauge, 1/8th scale) use ties 15 or 16 inches long made of 2x2's. I use 24in lengths of landscape timbers. Note how these longer ties give a "narrow gauge" look and how the more massive size better suits these much larger trains. I also find this to be a very stable track structure.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This view shows how the car shed will attach to (and overlap) the existing storage shed. (Compare to above photo) The storage building is 12ft long. Car shed will be 18.  Last edited on Sun Dec 15th, 2013 05:04 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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AWESOME!! Man, that's no model, that's a real railroad! |
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jtrain Registered
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Thank you for the nice comments and extra publicity for my blog, I appreciate that greatly. Say, for hauling rocks for ballast or any other heavy material, there isn't any way for building a spur down to your driveway to haul materials in and out is there? If it is possible to build a spur, you could load up a train and dump materials precisely where needed instead of needing to maneuver a large truck or breaking your back with a wheel barrel. Either way, I love this project greatly and am glad you are giving everyone the chance to take a look at your private railroad. --James |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Ray Dunakin wrote: that's a real railroad! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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jtrain wrote: your private railroad. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hey guys! That's EXACTLY what I'm aiming for with this project. THANKS!!! Last edited on Sun Dec 15th, 2013 12:43 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Bob There's been a lot of talk about realistic, fine-scale nail-holes... ...& bird poop, super-detailing. I guess your nails are REAL; not just realistic... ...& the bird poop; well, better wear a hat, I guess ! Unk you're the BIGGEST ! Cheers Si. |
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jtrain Registered
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Just wait. In a few months Bob will be the proud owner of a new regional line. I don't think we can classify this as a model if it actually is capable of performing the duties of a real railroad. --James |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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jtrain (James) wrote: "For hauling rocks for ballast or any other heavy material, there isn't any way for building a spur down to your driveway to haul materials in?" Janes, Wish there were! The grade would be far too steep. Our lot slopes up sharply to the back where the layout is located and as the dump truck couldn't cross under some low power lines, we had to dump his load at the end of our driveway. But the house (team) track runs parallel to a dirt drive and I can transer loads to the gondola there. So far, I've moved about 10 tons. Keeps one in shape! UNK Last edited on Wed Dec 18th, 2013 01:26 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I'm finding that really BIG minature trains have to deal with much the same sort of problems as the full sized ones. We've had a LOT of rain, lately. I'm still working on proper drainage and some places get extremely muddy. As we are dealing with a lot of weight, low spots in the track occur. I'm having to go back and re-ballast and re-level in several trouble spots. AND I will need to dig out for better drainage. |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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"I'm finding that really BIG minature trains have to deal with much the same sort of problems as the full sized ones. " Didn't someone in Pennsylvania tell you that some while back?? Cuz |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Indeed Cuz! That you did. But any form of miniature railroading has its challenges, including Micro Mark size. I think maybe the challenge is why we do this stuff? My path of choice just happens to involve a bit of heavy lifting. Look at it this way. Think how much I save by not needing to join a fitness club! UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A while back, just after building coach 308 (see page 33), I got to thinking how I could use the tractor section of locomotive 46 and a wooden coach section to build a really neat, narrow gauge, RAIL CAR. I am attaching my computer drawing of how "motor coach number 6" would look. This is a pissible FUTURE project and will happen IF, and only if, I can some up with an affordable design for another locomotive to replace the 46. Amoung designs being considered are some steam outline, ride-in-the-cab, designs. More on those later. We'll see...................  Last edited on Wed Dec 18th, 2013 11:31 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The No6 would be about 12 or 13 feet long and stand our standard, just over 5 feet, in height. Width would be about 27 inches at the widest part of the roof. She'd seat two, facing, plus the motorman. The view above shows the motorman's (Dutch) door which is hinged at the rear. The opposite side would have a sliding passenger door as does coach 308. The unit would be articulated with the coach section having two, 4 wheel trucks. UNK Last edited on Wed Dec 18th, 2013 11:30 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Cool! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A future steam outline locomotive for BLRY? This is an 0-2-4T. It's called a "Duette" and it's about as simple as a steam locomotive can be. This is basically the same cab as used on the 46 but this unit would not need articulation.  Last edited on Thu Dec 19th, 2013 03:41 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, Thanks for the update on your layout, it's looking really good. Look forward to continued progress reports. Dave |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Bob-that 0-2-4t is a real cutie! Bring it on. Woodie |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Anything steam-like is ok by me, and that one looks great! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks for the kind replies, everyone! I'll have to say, response to the 0-2-4T design was far more positive than I expected. Let's face it. This is a rather strange looking critter. It is not, however as far-fetched as it might first seem. Back in the early days of steam locomotive design (Ah, I remember it all so well!) 4-2-0's were so common as to be something of a standard. Simplisity was the main attraction. But they were soon replaced by the familar 4-4-0 "American" which had much more pullong power and lasted well into the 20th century. Simplisity and econimy are why I'm considering the 0-2-4T drive layout. It has no multiple drive axles, no side rods and quartering isn't critical. Further, its compact size would fit my planned 8ft turntable nicely. It would be steam-outline with battery-electric drive. Two choices here. Either use a "B" power truck under the cab or chain drive to the (only) drive axle. UNK Last edited on Tue Dec 24th, 2013 02:10 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Harry and I have two new 7 1/2 gauge projects starting. The first is a 1/8th size, steam outline, battery powered MOGOL. More on that in a bit. But first, take a look at the other project as it pertains directly to this thread. We will be building a RIDE INSIDE "diesel" loosely patterned after the well known GE 44 tonner center cab. This one is already sold but we hope to build others as a standard line item. Power trucks (battery-electric) and hardware items are here and we order steel next week.  Last edited on Sun Feb 9th, 2014 12:50 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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As a future project, I designed this, the "P 23" for use on the Bountyland Ry. It uses the same frame and drive as the P 44 (SEE PREVIOUS PAGE). This one is based on the GE 23 tonner which ran on the Edaville 2 foot tourist line and now runs on a tourist line in Maine.  Last edited on Sun Feb 9th, 2014 01:02 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I'd be interested in comments about which one y'all like better--The P44 or the P 23-- and why. UNK Last edited on Sun Feb 9th, 2014 01:07 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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I think that GE closed their Erie PA loco plant. You might want to think about carrying on where they left off? Then again, like most narrow gauger's, you probably don't want anything to do with the broad gauge stuff. Uncle Herbie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Yep, Cuz! Anything over 7 1/2 inches is broad gauge. UNK |
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jtrain Registered
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I think the P23 would give you a bit more room in the cab and possibly a better view from the cab... ...but the 44 tonner is one of those classics everyone will recognize, and center cab is iconic, plus you can run in reverse without looking like you're running backwards. --James |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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I like the P23 best. Partly because I've never cared that much for the center-cab look; and partly because I think this style looks more like a "real" loco that just happens to be very small, as opposed to looking like a rather large model. |
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W C Greene Moderator
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UNK-yep, it's the "P23 for me" also. I like end cabs on dismals...cool plan. Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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James, Ray, Woodie.........Thank you for your input. Good points, ALL! I have been pitching the center cab idea for over two years, primarily because of BALLANCE. With the engineer in the center, it dosen't matter if they weigh 50 pounds or 250. Now that I have a buyer we'll get to build one and I'll get to (extensively) test it on the BLRY! That said, my concern was that the P 44 center cab "looks lass narrow gauge" than I'd like for the Bountyland Ry. So....I drew the end cab P 23, using the same frame. With its rounded edges, I'd call it a "fancy critter" but a critter, none the less.  UNK Last edited on Tue Feb 11th, 2014 03:13 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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OK, y'all. How about this one? The P 19? The idea is for it to look like an earlier model than the P 23. Bob  Last edited on Tue Feb 11th, 2014 06:29 am by UNCLE BOB |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Looks OK to me. Now, when are you going to start cutting sheet metal? Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Woodie, Our steel order should be here next week. All the hardware is here (power trucks, etc.). But we'll be starting a P 44, center cab because that's what is sold. UNK Last edited on Tue Feb 11th, 2014 05:12 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Meantime, take a look at this. I call it E-Bashing. I began with a photo of an Alco RS1. I used MS Paint and Photoshop to save the cab and rear hood. I then stretched it vertically to 150% origonal size and sketched in the frame and details. Result? A 7 1/2 gauge, ride inside "Alco" CRITTER. Well ?UNK  |
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ddonley Registered 
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Bob, for more inspiration for a narrow gauge GE you should look at this http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=450451 |
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jtrain Registered
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The designs look great UNK! If you're worried about balance, why not take a look at off-center- cab critters You could shorten an Alco RS-3, or a GP or even an SD series locomotive. I believe Plymouth Locomotive Company built a few that had an off-center cab to the locomotive. The MDT type comes to mind. of the two axles, the cab was centered over the back axle, keeping most of the weight on the front axle. From a structural standpoint, as long as the majority of the weight stays between the two trucks, then the locomotive should not have a problem with an end cab. You're P 19 and P 23 seem to address that problem well. --James Last edited on Tue Feb 11th, 2014 11:19 pm by jtrain |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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I like that P19. The "squashed" RS1 is kind of interesting too. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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ddonley wrote: Bob, for more inspiration for a narrow gauge GE you should look at this http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=450451 Neat 45 tonner, James. I like the squared-off roof. I wonder if this is an add on. Maybe a repair? UNK Last edited on Wed Feb 12th, 2014 04:46 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Ray Dunakin wrote: I like that P19. The "squashed" RS1 is kind of interesting too. Ray, I wish I had the software to "rotate" that picture to a flat-on side view. I think it would be about the same proportions as the P 19 / P 23. The 3/4 view, however, is an "honest" look at this size as it actually appears in the real world. The vertical stretch is needed to be able to get inside and it looks a bit strange but one soon gets used to it. UNK Last edited on Wed Feb 12th, 2014 04:55 am by UNCLE BOB |
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ddonley Registered
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Bob, It most likely is a repair because the diesel worked in a steel factory. Somewhere down the line it might have gotten into an accident. I volunteer at the organization that owns it so next time I go I will ask. Also we have her sister who is radio controlled and has even more damage due to excessive heat from the factory but has a different roof http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=105866&nseq=13 Supposedly we have the controller for it which i need to get a photo of. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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David, "Sister" has the standard GE roof and that's the look I'll be trying to form from 22 gauge steel sheet. UNK |
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ddonley Registered
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Bob, I see now what you mean. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The layout will be something like this sketch. 4ft x 10ft sheet. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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...And here's the frame. 3/16 steel. |
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pipopak Moderator 
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Origami!. Jose. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The cab is indeed a bit of an origami, Jose. But a single piece layout saves a lot of welding of that thin stock and should give the rounded corners we want. I'll have to build a wooden form (after the fame is built) and do a thick paper overlay for the cut pattern. The cut will actually be a bit more complex than my sketch. The form will be used to do some of the bending and as an alignment jig for trimming and assembly. The doorways will be edged by a square tube, U shaped assembly. This will be tacked on while on the form then the cab will be welded to the frame. Windshield cut outs will be done after the cab and frame are assembled. The hoods will bolt on. UNK Last edited on Thu Feb 13th, 2014 05:55 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Sketch of the cab form. The trick is to be able to remove the form! UNK  Last edited on Thu Feb 13th, 2014 03:38 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have just completed this 3-D view of the P 19. I startrd with a photo of our gas mechanical No 46 which is about the same size as the P 19 except the No 46's cab is taller by 6 or so inches.  Last edited on Fri Feb 14th, 2014 03:56 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This is the picture I used for the above drawing. Working from photographs keeps the drawing"honest" as to size shape and color. Also, I was able to re-use some details: The pilot, bell and headlight.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's the P 19 all dresses up in green. |
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jtrain Registered
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That yellow and green paint scheme looks great in my opinion! --James |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Agreed, James. Imagine THIS benind it! Like the WW&F Narrow Gaude Museum! I LOVE IT.  |
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ddonley Registered
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Bob, I agree too. The green p-19 and the coach look really good! I couldn't resist but you're ideas inspired me to draw up a 7.25 or 7.5 gauge ride in 0-4-2. Last edited on Sat Feb 15th, 2014 02:08 pm by ddonley |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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David- Now that (and Unk's 2-2-2 which hasn't been shown yet) are definitely steps in the right direction. The one thing that Unk's --which you might be allowed to see, if you are all good little children-- needs, is some flowers growing out of the stack. Cousin Herbie |
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ddonley Registered
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Thanks Herb. I was thinking now, the purpose of the flowers. Does the plant material clean out the stack or does it add a nice smell to otherwise sulfuric smelling smoke? |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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ddonley wrote: I couldn't resist ... you're ideas inspired me to draw up a 7.25 or 7.5 gauge ride in 0-4-2. David, I think you have a great looking design! Sure would be nice as a live steamer but would also make a really good battery/electric critter, as well. I'd guess the drivers to be around 10 inches for a 7 1/2 ride-in. We all love our model trains but let me tell you, being able to go down the track INSIDE is hard to beat! UNK Last edited on Sun Feb 16th, 2014 04:09 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I've been talking with Cousin Herb, offline, about a 2-2-2 a friend of mine. Tom Eagles, found on the web. This was a WW1 German engine which ran on 600cm (2 ft) track. The boiler looks like a cement mixer with a water heater on top. THE ULTIMATE CRITTER  Last edited on Sun Feb 16th, 2014 04:19 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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While it was obvious this guy had potential built as a 7 1/2 ride-in, I felt it needed a few things "fixed" first. A bit of Americanizing, if you will. I call this version "The Uncle Bob"  Last edited on Sun Feb 16th, 2014 04:17 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Meanwhile, back a Bountyland Railway.......THIS is what I hope BLRY might look like in a couple of years. Uncle Bob  |
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ddonley Registered
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Thanks Bob, the drivers are 8.5in. I was trying to keep as close to the Moors Valley Ry tinkerbell dimensions, so the height is 3'11" width 2' or 2'2". I tried to keep the length as close to 66" as the original tinkerbell but that would require the firebox to sit above the last drivers which doesn't look right for american narrow gauge so mine's 6'4". Riding in such small trains does look hard to beat. Regarding the 2-2-2 I know I've come across it before online, but never thought about it in 7.25 gauge, that would be fun. Also I think that your railcar is a fantastic idea. Good luck to you whatever you choose to build next. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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David Agreed, the Tinkerbell class look like great fun on YouTube. But based on my experience, your "driving Pleasure"would be much increased if the length and height were increased by 25%, or so. This would give a cab size more in the lines of what I build and a LOT more comfort. Upsized by 25%, the drivers would be just over 10 inches so I guess my estimate was based on a cab size I'm comfortable with. I'd hold the width to 27 inches, max. Uncle Bob |
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ddonley Registered
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That information helps out a lot Bob. One of the things that I have had a harder time finding was interior dimensions. For example the measurement between the back of the seat and the backhead of the firebox, or the size of the well that the feat rest in. Now I know that I assumed interior dimensions that are too small. |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Unk; I think that the best design that you have come up with is the railcar, because (for some reason) it avoids way too narrow look. That, and the roller skate size wheels turn me off. But you know that I am NEVER judgmental or critical---- Cuz Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Yep Cuz, I can't get away from the rail bus. If I can see my way clear to afford a replacement locomotive (P 19) the No 46 will be rebuilt as rail bus No 6. It's hard to keep things from looking way too narrow when they ARE way too narrow! LOL. I could use larger wheels if I had more cash but.........shoestring budget and all that. It's like using HO trucks for On3 but more extreme. For now, it's the best I can do. I keep experimenting with the 2-2-2. It's such a simple design there's actually hope of building something like this some time.  Last edited on Sun Feb 16th, 2014 04:24 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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...Maybe, like the above........ Or perhaps rather than adapt an existing prototype, simply design from scratch and let the "look" be what it turns out.  |
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ddonley Registered
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Bob I haven't seen a 7.5in ride in 0-4-0 design or build before. If you built that I think it would be the first of its kind. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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David- Probably because good ballance could be a real problem. If the engine, with batteries, weighs 500 pounds and the engineer weighs 200+.....Think small sail boat. Increasing the axle span would help but this makes our critter want to climb the outside rail when going around a curve. Also increases rail wear (steel wheels / aluminum rail). The batteries would go in the boiler / smoke box, as far forward as possible and there would likely still be a need for a heavy front pilot. The heavier the locomotive is overall, the less effect the engineer's weight has on ballance. Uncle Bob |
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ddonley Registered
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Bob, I didn't think about it in those terms, but it explains a lot. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's our little 0-4-0 project all prettied up. (railhead to black dot is one foot) Uncle Bob  Last edited on Mon Feb 17th, 2014 03:32 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Speaking of "prettied up"..........Here's a view of most the current roster spruced up a bit. Engine 46 has here been rebuilt and and also painted green. Coach 308 is remade into a caboose. Hummm? Uncle Bob  Last edited on Mon Feb 17th, 2014 05:37 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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My Bountyland Railway project is NOT about modeling. To see examples of my "modeling" check out UNCLE BOB'S RAILROAD here in the Large Scale section. Bountyland Ry is an attempt to capture the EXPERIENCE if real railroading as best I can, on the shoestring budget I have. Downsizing the prototype to fit 7 1/2 gauge does produce a different look, especially if one aims to EXPERIENCE riding INSIDE the equipment. When we see something different, we often say it looks "funny". OK, fine....This is how 7 1/2 gauge prototype looks. GET USED TO IT! Last edited on Sat Feb 22nd, 2014 11:57 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Sometimes the PROTOTYPE looks "funny".  Last edited on Sat Feb 22nd, 2014 11:59 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The above 2 examples are of odd looking prototypes.... but prototype railroading is purpose driven. Their "funny" looks reflect the jobs for which they were created. I'm not saying aesthetics are unimportant at Bountyland. Quite the contrary. "Looks" ARE an important feature of the OVERALL EXPERIENCE But only a part. Our equipment is certainly "purpose driven". Hence, the "look". Uncle Bob Last edited on Sun Feb 23rd, 2014 12:01 am by UNCLE BOB |
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ddonley Registered
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To further support your claim Bob http://www.flickr.com/photos/knepp736/4428745885/in/photostream/ |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Aw--that's cute! Can I have it for my living room? Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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David, thinks for the link to see the Baldwin shop switcher. Does look a bit like our NARROW, narrow gauge. Cuz, if you think that Baldwin is cute, take a look at this'n. This little railcar is inspired by WW&F's model T Ford critter. Their's seats 6. Our's just two. It would be gasoline powered, front wheel drive. With feet riding just above the rails, I could keep the roof line something under four feet.  Last edited on Mon Feb 24th, 2014 02:53 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Or, how about THIS one? This "tiny" Plymouth would be "only" 60 inches long, compared to the center cab (P 44) we are now building, which is 93 inches long. BTW. The 2 axle side frames are fake to hide the undersized B-B power trucks. AESTHETICS!  Last edited on Mon Feb 24th, 2014 03:02 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Oh, I like that narrowed Ford T - super cute! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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What does 7 1/2 prototype narrow gauge actually look like? How does it measure up in the rwal world? To the left is WW&F's 30 ton plymouth, 2 foot narrow gauge. This is a very small prototype locomotive. To the right is our version, resized to our 7 1/2 gauge format. The WW&F unit makes our's look like a toy! I guess it is.  Last edited on Mon Feb 24th, 2014 11:50 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Ray! (About the Ford) Bob Last edited on Mon Feb 24th, 2014 11:46 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Looking at the above view of our 7 1/2 gauge sittinh beside the full sized 2 foot engine, one might well ask,"why not just do scale models and ride BEHIND the engine like other good little boys and girls?" Well, take a look atthe view below. The little guy on the left is scale; 1/3rd prototype size, which is about right for a 7 1/2, 2 ft model. Look how small! And narrow gauge models are taller and wider than their 1/8th size, standard gauge cousins. Compared to scale, our 7 1/2 is huge. UNK |
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jtrain Registered
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Plymouth's 3 foot gauge version isn't much bigger. I saw a little Plymouth in the Colorado Railroad Museum over Christmas, it's only about 7.5 feet tall and barely 12 feet long; but it's also 3 foot gauge. --James |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Yep, James. Plymouth made a vast variety of critters. Many quite small. This next view shows the sizes of prototype 2 foot, our downsized but still ride inside 7 1/2 and true scale 2 foot narrow gauge on 7 1/2 gauge track. Note that there is a bit more than double in each step with our downsized format falling midway between extremes. Of course, I'd like to have the 2 foot prototype! Failing that (LOL!) my aim is to get as much of the prototype experience as I can. More than pure scale allows. While our trains are not true models, I still consider myself a model railroader. But what I'm modeling is abstract. I'm modeling the EXPERIENCE of prototype railroading in a manageable, affordable manner.  Last edited on Tue Feb 25th, 2014 03:19 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here are the first pictures of the center cab locomotive Harry and I are building. This (the frame) is made of 3/16 inch steel plate. Size is 24" X 92 1/2". Pilot is 12" tall. And, yes... it is up side down in this view.  Last edited on Wed Feb 26th, 2014 01:35 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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OK, here's right side up. I have clamped on some strips of wood to check the ergonomics of the cab and doorway. |
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jtrain Registered
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So that's how you keep the center of gravity low. I could use a 45mm gauge version of that thing to plow some snow! Regards, --James; Following progress from the Frozen North where skiing is more efficient than driving. Last edited on Wed Feb 26th, 2014 03:00 am by jtrain |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Yep, 75% of the weight will be less than 15" above the rails. Uncle Bob Last edited on Wed Feb 26th, 2014 05:37 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have been posting views of WW&F's No 52 as an example of a small narrow gauge prototype. No 52 is a 30 ton (oops! Make that "12 ton"), 2 foot gauge Plymouth, diesel mechanical. AFTER the center cab (G 44)...AFTER the mogol.... Harry and I hope to build a down-sized version of this handsome beast.  Last edited on Wed Mar 12th, 2014 08:41 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here is a side view drawing of how out unit should look. I began by down-sizing the prototype 40%. This gives us a length just under 8 feet. (same size as the G 44) Then I narrowed it by 20% for a width of 27 inches. Keeping the same length, I stretched the cab by 20% and made it 20% taller.  Last edited on Sat Mar 1st, 2014 04:39 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The prototype has 2 axles. Our version LOOKS like it has 2 axles but false side frames hide short wheelbase, B-B trucks. This bit of subterfuge will allow operation on sharper curves and make ballance easier with a 200 pound engineer seated in the cab. Uncle Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A "P 30" (Plymouth-30 ton) would surely be a nice addition to the Bountyland roster.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Miniature Railroading as a "time machine" |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Progress on the centercab project: This weekend we worked on the false sideframes. On this locomotive we are not trying to make it look like a two axle unit. Each power truck gets its own sideframe assembly.  Last edited on Mon Mar 3rd, 2014 04:26 am by UNCLE BOB |
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ddonley Registered
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I'm really enjoying the progress photos Bob, keep up the good work. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks David We are trying to create the illusion of larger drive wheels, set further apart (note the false jurnal boxes) and set way in, as if the trucks had been adapted for use on a narrower gauge than they were "origonally built" for. In other words, an appropriate look for this critter. Uncle Bob Last edited on Mon Mar 3rd, 2014 05:41 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Now for an update on this (center cab) project of a different sort. My customer was so impressed with the P 30 design that he asked me to see if I could adapt his center cab frame to something similar to the P 30. Frankly, I had my doubts... But I set about to see what would work and how it would look. This is the result. The P 24. And I'll have to say it's looking (and working) better than I expected. In fact, I just received the go-ahead to switch from building the G 44 (center cab) to completing the project as this little Plymouth.  Last edited on Tue Mar 4th, 2014 01:06 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here is a 3/4 view of thr P 24 OK boys and girls, look for progress pictures of THIS unit. NOT the center cab.  Last edited on Tue Mar 4th, 2014 01:04 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Cool! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Ray. I am much happier with these new Plymouth designs than I was with the GE inspired center cab. I think that plan looked enough like their well known 44 tonner to be recognizable but lacked real credibility. A bit like a bad Elvis impersonator. Uncle Bob Last edited on Tue Mar 4th, 2014 07:24 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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We had a good day in the shop, today. Here's some progress shots. This one shows the rear power truck assy installed on the frame.  Last edited on Sun Mar 9th, 2014 12:21 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Both power trucks are installed here. The notes explain how our trucl equalization works. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This is a close-up of the front power truck assy. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's Harry sitting in the "cab" to give a sense of scale. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The really good news is that we got far enough along to do a power test run on the shop floor. Everything worked! (PS--note the 12 cylinder "prime Mover") Last edited on Sun Mar 9th, 2014 12:55 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Unkie The "falsie" side frames are a great solution to the small wheel problem. Are they easily removable for re-railing? Looks like they are welded at the corners to a box section, and also have the sway links attached. Got to say that you guys are making remarkable progress--keep it up! Cuz |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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THANKS HERB! (about the progress) But, alas, dear Cuz...removable, they (the side frames) are not. Something I will likely come to regret dearly. But as they are firmly attached to the true power-truck, they can be used to swing things into alignment for rerailing. The main problem will be seeing what you are doing. (and LIFTING the sucker) In any case, rerailing this monster will be an"event". Not that unlike on the prototype, its self! Bob Last edited on Sun Mar 9th, 2014 01:57 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's a phantom view to show the shape of things to come. |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Awesome! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hey, THANKS Ray I couldn't resist...........A bit more detail in this view.  Last edited on Sun Mar 9th, 2014 04:41 am by UNCLE BOB |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, looking great! May suggest one of those re-railing tools similar to the one listed on discover live steam, I've seen others, that you keep in the locomotive or even along the side of the frame for quick access. http://www.discoverlivesteam.com/discoverforsale/forsale/1_jim_2/index.htm Like you mention it will be a job to rerail, and it's not a question if, but when. Keep sharing the progress, Dave |
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ddonley Registered
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Great progress Bob! Is the blue color the official decided color scheme? |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Dave, the lifting tool is a great idea. A friend of mine has one for his 1/8 scale GP38 which is about the same size and weight as this unit. David, the blue is official, Rustoleum sail blue, as this is my customer's pick. Trucks will be black and we may do the "tank" and pilot ends black rather than the blue I've been showing.  Last edited on Sun Mar 9th, 2014 04:05 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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ddonley Registered
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Cool, thanks Bob. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Sometime down the road (track?), I hope to build one for my Bountyland Ry. This is what a BLRY P 24 would look like.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Or maybe this one, the P 24H |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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...Or would I build the origonal P 30? Here's the P 30 (in green) and P 24, side by side.  Last edited on Sun Mar 9th, 2014 04:57 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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They all look great... it's hard to choose a favorite. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Ray! Agreed, LOVE them little Plymouth critters. Brings me to a point. In a recent post I listed WW&F's No 52 as a 30 tonner. NOT SO! Proves you can't trust everything you see on the web. Seems the Good No 52 is really a 12 tonner, Yep, TWELVE. So, does this make what we've been calling a P 30, actually a P 12?? Ole Uncle Bob |
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Si. Moderator
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Rustoleum sail-blue ... ... NICE ! Keep it BIG unk. Cheers Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Si, Here's a BIG idea to think about. How about a 1/2 sized Forney? Steam outline--battery powered and ARTICULATED between fhe cab and boiler. While the lengrh and height are about 50% of prototype, the width would need to be reduced a bit more. Build to 27" OA, width.  Last edited on Thu Mar 13th, 2014 01:16 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I resized this front view of the No 10 to our size of 54" tall and 27" wide. Can't narrow the boiler as it has to remain round and reducing its diameter would effect the side view. Result? about 9" narrower than scale would be. She's a mite skinny but doesn't look TOO bad. I could probably handle a 30" cab. Would help a little. The slits for doors on the cab front is the main problem.  Last edited on Thu Mar 13th, 2014 01:49 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Why not just skip the doors on the front of the cab? |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Ray, that's what we had to do with the 1 to 4.8 Forney. But if it were pisible...shave a little here...fudge a bit there... Sure would be nice to see the track ahead through those open doors! Below: 1 to 4.8 Forney with WINDOWS but no doors in front.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Today, we did our first on-track powered test run of the prototype P10. TOTAL SUCCESS!!! EVERYTHING went smooth as silk. I am completely pleased with both the performance and appearance. Look at that old man SMILE!  Last edited on Sat Mar 15th, 2014 06:54 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Locomotive is coupled to coach 308 for a sense of scale. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Those 1/8th scale power trucks are in there somewhere but I don't see'm.  Last edited on Sat Mar 15th, 2014 06:52 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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NEW TECHNOLOGY No 46 sits quietly in the background as S&K Locomotive Works co-owner, Harry Kelley runs past. A view of things to come at Bountyland Ry.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hard to tell but Harry IS smiling! Last edited on Sat Mar 15th, 2014 09:11 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Very cool! Do you ever have trouble with these things tipping over? BTW that red soil is pretty neat too. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Ray Dunakin wrote: ever have trouble with these things tipping over? Ray, the short answer is NEVER. (knock on wood) This unit will have 75% of its weight less than 15 inches above the rail. Anyway, my stuff is no wider for the track it runs on than the Maine 2 footers. It IS taller. The Maine 2 footers were about 5 track gauges tall. Mine are about 8 track gauges tall. Still, the low center of gravity works well. I once derailed the coach when a passenger was sitting too far off center but it didn't tip over. It just bottomed out on the track and sat there. I did fear I woould have tipping issues but so far I have not. Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A further point about Ray's tipping question, addressed above... We NO NOT RUN FAST! Nice and slow makes the trip around our small lap seem longer But more importantly, I'd expect centrifugal force would be a problem going around our sharp curves at speed. Uncle Bob Last edited on Tue Mar 18th, 2014 03:42 am by UNCLE BOB |
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jtrain Registered
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Sounds like yu need some super-elevated curves on that loop --James |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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James, we sure would IF we ran fast........ But what's the rush?! DOESN'T GO ANYWHERE. LOL UNK Last edited on Tue Mar 18th, 2014 05:44 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Is this "model railroading"? I maintain that it is. But it's a different approach. I am using REPLICAS to "model" THE EXPERIENCE of two foot narrow gauge.  Last edited on Wed Mar 19th, 2014 05:59 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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pipopak Moderator
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If it has flanged wheels and rides on rails is a railroad. A scaled-down version of something is a model. Scale fidelity and accuracy (or lack of) is a different animal. Jose. |
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Helmut Registered 
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In that size you must take a choice whether you want a miniature railroad for ride-on operation or a scale model. The narrower the gauge with respect to the human body's dimensions, the more the compromises you have to accept. I chose 9.5" gauge in my case.  You load 0.6 tons, and what do you get?  The author trying not to fall off.... P.S. UNCLE BOB: Don't want to derail your thread, so I'll keep my fingers off the keyboard Last edited on Wed Mar 19th, 2014 07:51 pm by Helmut |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Jose, please note that I didn't say "SCALE model railroading". I am not modeling the trains to scale. I am attempting to REPLICATE the equipment in a manner which allows the MODELING of a visit to a rail museum; that is, the sights, the sounds, riding the train.... riding INSIDE the train. It's that EXPERIENCE I'm modeling. All model railroading is a compromise. Modeling the equipment to SCALE on 7 1/2 gauge would not permit modeling the experience of riding inside the trains so I am compromising true scale modeling to gain my stated aim. I use replicas which have as familar an appearance as posible to AUGMENT the EXPERIENCE but what I am actually modeling is ACTIONS, not OBJECTS. And that, as you say, is indeed "a different animal". Uncle Bob Last edited on Wed Mar 19th, 2014 09:29 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Y'all, "scale" has more to do with railroad MODELING than Model RAILROADING. True, most model railroaders do prefer to operate with accurate scale models but I've seen tinplate layouts which very accurately modeled the OPERATIONS of a prototype railroad. Uncle Bob Last edited on Thu Mar 20th, 2014 04:04 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Helmut wrote: In that size you must take a choice whether you want a miniature railroad for ride-on operation or a scale model. The narrower the gauge with respect to the human body's dimensions, the more the compromises you have to accept. It is easy to see that 7 1/2 gauge true scale models, would not allow the experience of riding inside the trains. Last edited on Thu Mar 20th, 2014 03:57 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Helmut wrote Don't want to derail your thread, so I'll keep my fingers off the keyboard ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No Derail! GREAT PICTURES! Send more. UNK Last edited on Wed Mar 19th, 2014 08:31 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Yes Helmut, MORE PLEASE! Looks like you use your railroad for a practical purpose. Oh Geez--now Unk will be all over me! Unk, hauling live butts (or even dead ones) IS a practical purpose. Some rail vehicles even charge money! Herb  |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Helmut wrote:You load 0.6 tons, and what do you get? Six tenths of a day older, and slightly deeper in debt? |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have built a mockup of the hood and cab to check things out and to measure to build in steel.  |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's Harry seated in the cab. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I used the above picture to draw in how things should look. Still have to draw the bell.  |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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That's going to be great! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Ray! I agree...things are going well. Maybe the best thing is how well, how smoothly, it runs. So far, the only thing I don't like is that IT ISN'T MINE!  Oh well, maybe soon,,,,,,?UNK |
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pipopak Moderator
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Here, I got a nice bell for ya: Cheers!. Jose. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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But Jose, it's not in SCALE! Bob |
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pipopak Moderator
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Back to the drawing board.... Jose. |
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Helmut Registered
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UNCLE BOB wrote: But Jose, it's not in SCALE! neither is the driver, oops, engineer. Wonder since when Playmobil began to make such realistically looking heads... |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Well, it appears that you have the CORRECT type couplers! And that nice padded seat... Really neat loco, Unk... Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Pin couplers are reliable aren't thay woodie! This weekend , we made some progress on the mogol (that's right, we are trying to build two locomotives at once )The 2-6-0 is also 7 1/2 gauge but this one is 1 1/2 in / ft SCALE. This was a project someone else had started but only got the mechanism built and running before they ran out of "steam". Here's a picture of the prototype.  Last edited on Mon Mar 24th, 2014 04:23 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's the boiler, under construction. Our prototype had a stepped boiler which is a bit more complicated to build.  Last edited on Mon Mar 24th, 2014 04:30 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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We made a paper pattern to lay out our cut in .030 steel. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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By quitting time Saturday, the boiler looked like this. |
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pipopak Moderator
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An electric-powered steam loco?. HERESY!.... Er, hold a second, they actually existed: http://www.douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/swisselec/swisselc.htm Jose, researcher of the bizarre and downright nutty. |
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Helmut Registered
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IIRC the heaters ran on 16VAC - greetings from Märklin Jose - be careful what you say about the Swiss, if you ever want to go there after all. Last edited on Mon Mar 24th, 2014 08:55 am by Helmut |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, Any updates on the railroad or construction projects? Dave |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have a new computer Well, new to me. problem is NOW I can't figure out how to post pictures! With XP I could upload to the gallery then copy to a reply. This compiter runs Vista and I can't seem to get it to work! UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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[img][/img]http://www.freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_271123_180000000.jpg |
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pmkramer Registered
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Uncle Bob, I edited your code so you pic would show. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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COOL! How'd you do that? Anyway, this (blue) is our battery electric P 10 prototype posed next to gas mechanical No46. By using footwells we are able to lower the roofline for a more scale-like look. Here, Blue has a wooden mockup body. Finished body will be steel. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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http://www.freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_300141_390000000.jpg THIS is the big news. I had planned to build a diesel like the P 10, above, for BLRY and then sometime later build a steam outline locomotive. Well, I changed my mind. We're building the "steamer" first. And this is it! The Number 11. UNK |
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pmkramer Registered
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Bob, Your link for the image needs to go to between "[img]" and "[/img]" |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, the locomotive(s) looks really good, the P10 and the steam outline, great proportions to them. Have any time to work on the railroad it self or too busy working on the different locomotives in progress...lets see you have the P10, the Mogul and now number 11...anything else in the works? How do have time for anything else? Thanks for the updates, always enjoy seeing what you are working on. Dave |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I do keep rather busy, Dave. We are close to wrapping up the mogol and today I'm installing a new clutch in the No 46. As soon as the mogol is complete we plan to convert the red coach to a caboose then jump back on the P 10...building it's body in steel and that will finish it. I've already begun working on the No 11. Pilot and pilot beam are complete and the boiler is started. The power truck is shipping from LA, today. We have a set of 4, 8 inch drivers on order. They will go on a narrow gauge Porter. As for the layout, I have the 20ft long car shed started and the first ground throw is installed on the car shed switch. Busy times!! Last edited on Thu Jul 10th, 2014 03:56 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Sullivan Registered
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Bob, Oh my, a Forney locomotive!! I simply love the little 2-footers of Maine and the Louisiana cane locos aren't too far behind. Looking forward to all your updates. That will be a real beauty! |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, Thanks for the update. I too am building a car shed, have the floor framed out, hope to put the floor decking and rails later this week. The side and end framing are all cut just need put together, ran out of screws. once we get that done we'll put it in position on the property where it goes and attach the walls, and build a roof for it. mine is only 14' long, and 45" wide, just big enough for 2 tracks in it. It's being built out of recycled pressure treated 2x4's that were donated from a shed that was taken apart. had to take a handful of nails out, but the price was right. Dave |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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James, our no 11 has a Louisiana heritage. http://www.freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_101925_390000000.jpg WW&F's No 10, the prototype on which our No 11 is based, was built by Vulcan as a 12 ton, 30in gauge Forney for a plantation in Louisiana. The guys at WW&F re-gauged her to two feet and changed a few details to more closely resemble a Maine 2 footer. Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Dave, Glad to hear of your progress SEND PICTURES! (And, LOL, help me figure out how to post pictures again, too!) Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I mentioned that No 11's pilot is built. Here it is..........http://www.freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_101925_390000001.jpg The pilot assy. is 27in x 8in x8in. Material is red oak. All I need now is a locomotive to bolt it to!  Bob Last edited on Wed Jun 11th, 2014 12:42 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have made a few changes to the final design of No 11, http://www.freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_101949_210000000.jpg Today, I had a photocopy made, 1/8th actual size. (13 1/2 inches = 9 feet) This will serve as the construction drawing. Bob Last edited on Wed Jun 11th, 2014 12:54 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Sullivan Registered
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Yep, I've been fortunate enough to have ridden behind her in the coach AND in the cab several times. She's a great little lokie. She is a bit of a head-knocker though. That's one tight cab but fun to ride in. I wish I could get back to Alna one of these days for another trip down the line. Those guys are doing a fantastic job building the line. |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, once I get it in place and at least framed up I'll post a photo or two. Dave |
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drs_rr Registered
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Bob, We got the floor in, and rails secured. Temporarily installed the walls. Once I get the hill side leveled off we'll pop the walls off, take the base up and put it in place, then take and secure the walls in place, build the roof and side it. Dave Attachment: carshed1.jpg (Downloaded 94 times) |
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drs_rr Registered
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Also built these 2 bridges a couple of months back, been waiting for them to dry out. Just stained them last night. Dave Attachment: both.jpg (Downloaded 94 times) |
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drs_rr Registered
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And we hope to continue with the track soon. Dave Attachment: trackage.jpg (Downloaded 95 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Great pictures, Dave! Thanks for posting them. Excellent progress as well. I've been off-line for a while--Sick computer Bob Last edited on Thu Jul 10th, 2014 04:02 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpHGWAD2eL0#t=25 This is a link to a You tube VIDEO shot on our Bountyland Railway. And here are a couple more. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3naIzYn81o&feature=em-share_video_user http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A58mMeXdKMs&feature=em-share_video_user Bob Last edited on Thu Jul 10th, 2014 05:34 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The coach in the videos has been rebuilt as a side-door caboose and has been sold. Here is a picture of the rebuild and its new owner on his layout. This is also where the P 10 will go. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_152153_470000000.jpg Note that in the process of rebuilding, I lowered the main roof 4 1/2 inches to better match the P 10's height. UNK (Bob) Last edited on Wed Jul 16th, 2014 02:54 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_092320_170000001.jpg I am happy with the caboose makeover but was a bit sad to see it go. Had to. This is how I can afford the new Forney. Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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There's more. Big Red (unit 46) has been sold as well. All part of the "build engine No 11" deal. Oh well, at least we have the VIDEOS! (see previous page [52]) Bob Last edited on Mon Jul 21st, 2014 02:23 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have begun construction of Forney, No 11. Here she is at the mockup stage. Height is 48in. Length is a bit over 9ft. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_152146_260000000.jpg |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here is a view of our progress on No 11. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_192037_160000000.jpg I'm really not as far along as this looks. Boiler is wrapped with brown paper but the cab is pretty well complete. Last edited on Sun Jul 20th, 2014 01:42 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Progress on the #11 has been slow, lately. I've mostly been working on projects for customers. I THOUGHT I WAS RETIRED!!! http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_071850_590000000.jpg |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I mentioned above, we've sold the #46. Our little (big) gas mechanical has been bought by a park railroad in Eastern Europe. Here's the cab being crated for a l-o-n-g trip. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_071900_390000000.jpg Last edited on Fri Aug 8th, 2014 12:04 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Alwin Registered
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Hi Bob, I follow this thread with interest. Those great little trains are cool. The start on the forney looks great. The proportions are in perfect balance. Keep us updated of the progress. Alwin |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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UNCLE BOB wrote:Progress on the #11 has been slow, lately. You are -- first you were tired, now you're re-tired. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Sometimes RE-re-tired, Ray! But I'm FINALLY getting to work on our Forney again. The boiler jacket has been applied and the domes mounted. Walk-boards are made (oak) and mounted AND.....the 12 inch drivers are due here next week! http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_141556_370000000.jpg Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I also have painted the inside of the cab. The apple green paint has been weathered to "service-worn" patina as in pictures I have of WW&F's No 10. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_141557_110000000.jpg Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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WHEELS! We have wheels! The 12 inch drivers finally arrived. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_181916_280000001.jpg Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The prototype has spooked drivers. This (and the weights) will be simulated by paint and added details. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_181916_280000000.jpg Last edited on Fri Sep 19th, 2014 12:24 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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For those who find this sort of thing interesting, here's our wiring diagram. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_240728_450000000.jpg Bob Last edited on Wed Sep 24th, 2014 12:30 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Spooked drivers huh? And just in time for Halloween!  And why does the wiring diagram have a pot for throttle, and reverse and a DPDT for the same thing? Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Cause,Cuz! Forward and reverse are available on the throttle pot IF you program the motor controller that way. This controller is made for the mobility scooter market and that's how they are usually set up. Not what we wanted! We wanted "throttle" and "reversing" separate, as per prototype and asked it be programmed that way. (see note just above throttle) BTW--You ARE right about ONE thing. My poor spelling. I'm working on that. UNK Last edited on Wed Sep 24th, 2014 07:23 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I'working on the steam chest, valves and cylinders. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_241730_560000000.jpg UNK (Bob) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_241736_380000000.jpg |
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Unk Yeah...I kinda like schematic diagrams ! That must be a WHOPPING great L.E.D to have a 4amp fuse ! What colour is it ? The DC-DC 24-12v converter must be burning-up quite a bit of power... ...might it be possible to just use a smaller extra battery ? Or take a tap from one of the big motor-batterys ? All the best. Cheers. Si. P.S. Unk ... You're still THE BIGGEST ! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si, here's the diagram from the manual. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_241840_360000000.jpg The fuse is (I suppose) there for the speed reducing circuit which runs off pins 4 and 7. Pin 5 is a low voltage input. The LED is a small, red, non-internal-resistor type. In the past, I have pulled 12V from one battery but here will be using more power and was concerned about maintaining voltage balance between the two batteries. No room for another battery. Even in an engine this large things finally get tight Bob Last edited on Wed Sep 24th, 2014 11:58 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Bob Yeah...was just wondering how much power the DC-DC converter wastes (perhaps not much ?). I guess the air-pump & sound-system could draw a fair bit of power... ...but nothing compared to the motor. Suppose you could have a change over switch for the 12v stuff... ...that swaps from 1 cell to the other. (batterys tend to equalise small differences between them) Mmmm... Cheers Si. The 4-amp fuse in series with the LED... ...will never blow before the LED... ...VAPORISES !! Thought you might have an EXTRA BIG one for a headlamp ! NICE wheels ! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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(Quote - Si) "NICE wheels!" Ahhh, The wheels, The 12 inch "drivers"! I have been working offline with our own Dr Kephart for well over a year, trying to design a 7 1/2 inch gauge ride-in steam locomotive which looked credible. The problem was always the lack of larger drivers. I finally bit the bullet and had these custom made. They were not cheep! But the design does not work with less. Pity, I had a set of 8 inch drivers BTW They (the 12 inchers) are one inch thick and weigh 56 pounds, each. Last edited on Tue Sep 30th, 2014 09:00 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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Good for 'workin out'... ...once on the axles ! Build up strength for the wheely heavy assembly job ! Si. Unk ... You're the heaviest !! (I've never developed muscles from model railroading !) |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Looks terrific so far! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I thought perhaps you'd like to see that I really do fit inside the cab. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_301202_000000001.jpg And with lots of room to spare! Attachment: Inside.jpg (Downloaded 46 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 03:01 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_301202_000000000.jpg Showing the size of No 11. BIG toys for good ole boys! Attachment: Beside.JPG (Downloaded 46 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 03:02 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I've made a bit more progress these last few days. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_022121_590000000.jpg http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_022121_290000000.jpg Attachment: 4-front details.JPG (Downloaded 46 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 03:03 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Beautiful! |
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dennischee Registered 
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Agree with Ray just beautiful Dennis |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Lookin great, Unk! Do Kaydee couplers come that big? Cuzin Herb |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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THANKS so much for the kind words, everyone! While I am pleased (understatement)with how this project is turning out, the "still-to-do" list is quite long. The good news is that I'm really enjoying building this one. Unk |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I now have the handrails on. Still have to paint the brackets. The rails themselves are 3/4 inch brass rod. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_132129_100000000.jpg The knobs are finials from curtain rods. UNK Attachment: As of Oct 11.jpg (Downloaded 81 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 02:42 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Today was spent building the headlight. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_132129_100000001.jpg Look at the number plates. Guess where they came from. I've been able to find lots to stuff to "misuse" on this project. The housing is a made over gallon can. The reflector is a stainless steel pot lid. Retaining ring was made from a canister. Lamp and fixture are from the auto parts store. UNK Attachment: Headlight No 11.jpg (Downloaded 80 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 02:41 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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She's lookin' GREAT Unk. ! Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Si, THANK YOU so much! Here'a a couple of views after today's work. Headlight is complete, handrail posts are painted and boiler bands are on. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_151836_580000000.jpg http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_151836_580000001.jpg Next--Steam chest, pistons and valves or maybe I'll work on the tank? UNK Attachment: IMG_1979.JPG (Downloaded 80 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 02:57 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's the Eleven with all the background clutter removed and the tank drawn in. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_152252_590000000.jpg UNK Attachment: Eleven.jpg (Downloaded 80 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 02:56 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Si. Moderator
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 Si. Last edited on Fri Oct 17th, 2014 11:38 am by Si. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's No 11 as of today with finished steam cchest, valve housings and cylinders. http://freerails.com/gallery/3795/3795_212130_240000000.jpg Tomorrow's scheduled project is to detail the driver and paint them. UNK Attachment: As of 21 Oct.JPG (Downloaded 80 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 02:38 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Mood Shot. Attachment: IMG_1998.JPG (Downloaded 81 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 02:46 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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And Another............. Attachment: IMG_1997.JPG (Downloaded 79 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I shoot this shot over and over as things progress. It's about all I have room for even with my widest wide angle. Attachment: IMG_1995.JPG (Downloaded 80 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 03:11 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Herb Kephart Moderator
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Unk Be interesting to see what you do about the main rods. In the photo shot from the cab end it looks like the cylinders should move in an inch or two to bring their centerline just outboard of the connecting rod--to keep the crankpin length to the minimum. The picky Cousin |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A most astute observation, dear Cuz! But there IS a reason--Actually two. First, WW&F #10, the locomotive after which our's is patterned, started life as a 30in gauge plantation engine down in Louisiana. Two foot gauge Edaville bought the little 12 ton Vulcan and re-gauged to 24 inches but did not narrow the steam chest. So, our 11 is, in that respect, like the prototype. Now the real reason. The wide cylinder spread gives room for the (un-protipical) driver swing our tight radius demands. I also had to make the cylinders about an inch longer. as well. UNK Attachment: IMG_1991.JPG (Downloaded 131 times) Last edited on Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 11:00 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Remember the mogul Harry and I were building back on page 50? Here's the Youtube link to a video of it running test loops on BLRY track. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DjL7hisQv8 UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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NOTE THE CHANGE OF TITLE to "BOUNTYLAND RAILWAY" (Inspired by the two foot gauge lines in Maine) I was just looking back through "Riding The Rio Grande". You have to go WAY back to see where that name came from. I have posted some really far out designs. Some, I built; most were left behind. But it seems the concept of a miniature tourist line based on Maine 2 footers is here to stay. The change of thread name reflects this. All and all, I'd say we've made real progress. Thanks to everyone who has made comments or suggestions. And thanks for encouragement to keep going. Lord willing, keep going, we shall. UNK Attachment: Progress.jpg (Downloaded 125 times) Last edited on Thu Oct 23rd, 2014 08:32 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's our #11 with details added to those disk drivers. Attachment: IMG_2000_.jpg (Downloaded 120 times) |
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Helmut Registered
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Okay,and then use a hacksaw and the dark areas as a template to cut out the spokes during the winter months |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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LOL! You bet! Wheels are steel and ONLY one inch thick. Last edited on Fri Oct 24th, 2014 10:29 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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FINALLY! We have completed frame modifications with the foot-well and added room for vertical axle movement. This allowed mounting the "drivers" and that allowed an in-shop roll test. All went very well and the engine is extremely stable. I was able to roll the #11 out into the light of day and shoot a good side-shot. Now we get to see how she actually looks! Actually, the engine was sitting on a sloping apron and I used a bit of Photoshop magic to level things. I also drew in the tank which I hope to build next week. The foot-well is painted black except for the fire box area. (note the shadow) Attachment: Side View.jpg (Downloaded 96 times) Last edited on Sun Oct 26th, 2014 08:41 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Another outside view. Attachment: Headin' home SOON.jpg (Downloaded 98 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's our "little" Forney, about ready to bring home. Final details will be applied here at BLRY. Attachment: g.jpg (Downloaded 67 times) Last edited on Fri Nov 7th, 2014 02:20 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Details of the tank area. Attachment: c.JPG (Downloaded 96 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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And here are details of the running gear. Attachment: IMG_2019.jpg (Downloaded 97 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A 3/4 view. Attachment: f.JPG (Downloaded 97 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A view from the rear. Here you can readily see that I have built the cab/tank narrower than scale--about 2" per side. This was a necessary compromise to run the engine on 7 1/2" gauge track. Attachment: b.JPG (Downloaded 97 times) Last edited on Fri Nov 7th, 2014 02:38 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I have edited the background but not the locomotive. This is a true view of how it looks today. Attachment: g.jpg (Downloaded 93 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Yesterday, November 7th, Bountyland Railway took delivery of the Number Eleven. I have much yet to do (like wire-up the electric drive!)+ Many details to add. But, at least we have her home! Attachment: Timeless (sf).jpg (Downloaded 80 times) |
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Alwin Registered
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Hi Bob. Congrats! What a great locy. It looks like a lot of fun. Cheers, Alwin. |
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Sullivan Registered
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Looking good there, Uncle Bob! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Alwin, Sullivan.... Thank you, SO MUCH! I thought y'all might like to see a comparison between what is commonly run on 7 1/2 gauge track and our project. The standard gauge mogul in the front is 1 1/2 inch per foot scale (1/8th actual size). If you've seen 7 1/2, chances are this is what you saw. One drives this engine by riding the tender (retractable foot-pegs). And then there's our "little" Forney, looming above and behind. IMHO, riding IN is far superior to riding ON! Attachment: Compare.jpg (Downloaded 69 times) |
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Marsh_Creek Registered
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Very cool! |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Unk-very cool! Unusual that the narrow gauge loco is larger than the standard gauge loco. #11 is a REAL CUTIE! Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Hey, I just checked out "Marsh Creek". Now THAT'S really cool! UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Woodie! Good to hear from you! When are coming to SC and drive this thing? UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A friend sharply observed that the drivers might be a bit small for a Maine Forney. They are 12 inch which is the largest size my wheel-maker could run. Should have been 13 1/4 to be scale. Actually, the prototype for this engine, (new) WW&F No. 10, was built as a plantation engine and doesn't look completely "Maine" its self. We're pretty close to this prototype. Did you notice that the drivers are solid disks with added detail? Doubt I'd fool a good toolmaker on this but jetting the spokes was not an option. I was WAY over budget on the drivers and was not able to afford such a nice detail. In the overall scheme, this engine is not an end in its self. Think of it as "scenery" supporting the experience of visiting Bountyland Railway. It all comes down to this, It's a neat little train-ride in an old man's back yard. Nothing more. Attachment: Untitled-sf.jpg (Downloaded 92 times) Last edited on Tue Nov 18th, 2014 12:04 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Ok, that is just insanely cool! And yes, riding INSIDE is way better than riding on. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Ray, This is just for you........ (Wish I had the backhead built) Attachment: inside sf.jpg (Downloaded 91 times) Last edited on Sun Nov 9th, 2014 04:01 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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There's just something about Black and White! Attachment: Bob and his engine.jpg (Downloaded 77 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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..........Something familiar... From looking through all those old train books, I guess........... Attachment: Short Train.jpg (Downloaded 76 times) Last edited on Tue Nov 11th, 2014 12:03 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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....A link with the past! I think THAT is actually what I'm trying to do. Attachment: Down the track.jpg (Downloaded 75 times) Last edited on Tue Nov 11th, 2014 12:19 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Keith Pashina Registered
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Wow! Does that look like a lot of fun. Keith |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Awesome! It really looks great! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Keith Pashina wrote:Wow! Does that look like a lot of fun. Thanks Keith! I'm sure it WILL be. That is a staged photo; I won't have the parts for a power hook-up 'till next weekend. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Ray Dunakin wrote:Awesome! It really looks great! Ray, thanks so much. Folks, you'll notice Ray's posts include an invitation to visit his website. If you haven't done this (or if it's been a while), I strongly urge you to do so NOW. Ray's layout is spectacular and his photography is stunning! Last edited on Tue Nov 11th, 2014 02:35 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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One more B&W........ Attachment: Nuber 11 on the Grassy Creek bridge.JPG (Downloaded 137 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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OK, TWO more! Attachment: Northbound.jpg (Downloaded 137 times) |
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Keith Pashina Registered
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Bob: Thanks for posting the photos of your work - looking forward to more! I'll second your comment about Ray's site - tons of wonderful material there. Keith |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Keith Pashina wrote:Bob: My hope is that the pictures will inspire others to give ride-IN, 7 1/2 (or 7 1/4) a try. This is a pioneer branch of the hobby but I find it more rewarding than anything else I've done in a lifetime of model railroading. 7 1/2 gauge track cost less per foot (a good deal less) than G gauge. My layout only uses a space of about 75ft square. The power truck under the cab/tank is an off-the-shelf item as is the power controller. If I can do this, YOU CAN TOO! My door is open if I can be of help. bob@miamirailservice.com Last edited on Tue Nov 11th, 2014 12:42 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Charley Registered
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Hey Uncle Bob, fellers.. Great railway.great style ..great stuff..good job..have fun..be happy..all that fluffy good stuff..thanks for sharing. |
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drs_rr Registered
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Turned out great, thanks for sharing your progress photos and the completed project. |
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Helmut Registered
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@uncle Bob you did not lure me into 7.25 " or 7.5", but into 9.5" gauge |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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It's been a while since my last update. Thanks to all for your comments. Finally, we have a VIDEO of the #11 on YouTube. Here's the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX0sLZcMeyw&feature=youtu.be Last edited on Tue Dec 16th, 2014 02:37 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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I WANT ONE!!!! That is way too much fun! |
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dennischee Registered
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That is so cool Uncle Bob, agree with Ray I want one |
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jtrain Registered
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Excellent work Uncle Bob! I had a thought, you made a comment in the video "Just like a sports car." Naturally, this came to mind:  Photo link:https://www.behance.net/gallery/219795/Hot-Rod-Train (have to give credit where it's due) I could only imagine the top speed of your forney if it had a V8 with a supercharger. Call it a "Rat Rod Loco" and make a new "Grease" movie for railroaders. Again, great work. That locomotive looks to be a fine runner. How many cars can she pull? --James |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks so much. everyone. James, I think my "sports car" remark misled you. I was referring to the difficulty with which one enters and exits one of those little boogers. I still carry a scar on my left shin I got from a "59 MG back in the 60's. Here is a view of what's coming next............... Caboose # 308 Attachment: 2-Front.JPG (Downloaded 93 times) Last edited on Tue Dec 23rd, 2014 02:48 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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And I'm hoping it will turn out something like this.......... Attachment: A Happy Ending - Copy.jpg (Downloaded 91 times) |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Unk...I watched your video and all I can say is THAT'S THE MOST F#$%^&*( INCREDIBLE THING I HAVE SEEN...and I ain't easily impressed. Probably the only thing I can add is.. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR from Pam, Jake Cat, & Woodie |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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That's high praise, Woodie! Especially from someone whose work I so admire. But really we should "blame" this all on Cousin Herb. There I was, happy as a lark with my goofy looking critters but Herb kept egging me on to make something more "scale-like"............ I've got to say, GLAD HE DID! UNK PS Merry Christmas back to you and to each and everyone!!! Last edited on Tue Dec 23rd, 2014 04:39 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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From everyone at Bountyland Railway (That would be Myra, the dog and myself) Attachment: Christmas Card 2014.jpg (Downloaded 85 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This is an update on caboose 308's progress. When funds become available I hope to convert it to an 8 wheel car. The body is built to lift off as a unit in preparation of this change. Current frame with 2 axles would become a utility flatcar. Attachment: Side.jpg (Downloaded 63 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A four wheel car handles vertical curves in the track just fine, even with rigid axles. The rear axle IS rigid but the front can rock side to side (springs dampen this motion) which keeps all the wheels on the rails in places where the track may be out of level, side to side. I test-ran the frame extensively (with crew-man aboard) to confirm things were OK with this design. Based on these tests, I moved the draw-bar connection back to the end of the main body, relieving side-stress on tight curves. I also set the wheels-axles up so that one wheel can turn independent of the other. This has much less drag on those tight curves. UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Entry/exit will be easy. The cupola sides will hinge at the top and swing upward; the side door will slide open to the rear. This combination will yield a quite tall doorway. Hard to tell in this picture but the top frame (above sliding doorway) has been removed. This part will be reattached to the bottom of the cupola side. Attachment: Rear.JPG (Downloaded 113 times) Last edited on Mon Dec 29th, 2014 04:37 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Prototype "bobbers" have their wheels located near the ends of the car. This adds stability and is fine if track radius is broad enough. Again, our radius is really much too sharp for these large trains. We've often had to mimic LGB to make things work. Long fixed wheelbases are constantly seeking a place to climb the outside rail and if you CAN keep things on the track (enough weight) this arrangement makes for much wear of flanges and/or rail. (Our rail is aluminum and quite susceptible to wear.) Ergo: 308 has a very short wheelbase. UNK Last edited on Mon Dec 29th, 2014 03:06 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Seems very well thought-out. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Ray, I sure hope so! Now, how about a bit of Photoshop MAGIC? This was shot on our layout but I removed all the background clutter for the open look we can never have there and changed to B&W to "move back in time". I call this "Working the lumber yard". Attachment: Working the lumber yard.jpg (Downloaded 100 times) Last edited on Wed Dec 31st, 2014 12:51 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I worked from this photo. To fully enjoy model railroading one must possess the child-like ability to PRETEND. Attachment: IMG_2156.JPG (Downloaded 108 times) Last edited on Tue Dec 30th, 2014 10:20 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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dennischee Registered
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Looks great Uncle BOB admire your workmanship Have a great new year Dennis |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Dennis, THANK YOU and a happy and blessed New Year to you and to all! 2014 was a very good year for BLRY. We survived a reinvention and still made a lot of progress. See below: Where we were a year ago...... Attachment: A year ago.jpg (Downloaded 75 times) Last edited on Fri Jan 2nd, 2015 02:55 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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...........And just look at how much has changed! Attachment: Look at us NOW!.jpg (Downloaded 75 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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My method of design is a hands-on approach. What I mean is I start with concept drawings, then move to a full sized mock-up and refine the design as I build. The project, hopefully, ends up a much improved version of the original concept. Here is an example. This is a recent photo of the caboose under construction. Attachment: Left Side.JPG (Downloaded 53 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Using the computer, I can "complete" the project (see previous page) to see how it will ultimately appear. Using this image, I can virtually experiment with design variations to decide how to proceed. Attachment: Complete.jpg (Downloaded 105 times) Last edited on Sat Jan 10th, 2015 01:31 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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And sometimes, I need to see (for-see?) how the design fits in with projects already built, as here: This is an image of the caboose with our engine. We know how it will look before committing to actual construction. (note the change to 3 windows in the cupola) Attachment: 11 + 308.jpg (Downloaded 105 times) Last edited on Sat Jan 10th, 2015 01:19 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Back at the mock-up phase when planning the entry/exit opening, I was surprised to find that HEIGHT of the opening is much more important than width. To give maximum height to the doorway a swing-up "gull-wing" design is used at the cupola sides. (the main door is a sliding door) Note the home-spun prop. Simple. Inexpensive. Attachment: Gull wing.JPG (Downloaded 105 times) Last edited on Sat Jan 10th, 2015 01:39 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Charley Registered
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Uncle Bob , fellers.. I am happy to see you having fun with your little railway , good for you . Thanks for sharing it with us..keep up the good work. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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THANKS Charley! Hey, I read the article about your Beach Street Railroad in Pahrunp Valley Times http://pvtimes.com/community/rail-town-again-beatty-sees-return-railroad-sort.html Man, that's some cool setup! 18 inch gauge and all. Really, REALLY cool! UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The caboose will need a dry place to sleep when it comes home. Caboose + engine = about 16 1/2 feet and the existing (but still under construction) car shed is only 12 feet. I'm adding another 8 feet to the north end. So far, walls are framed and rafters are up. The rafters are new 2x4's. All the rest came from the vast pile of scrap I've been squirrelling back UNK Attachment: IMG_2196.JPG (Downloaded 97 times) Last edited on Sun Jan 11th, 2015 01:08 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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A view from inside the car shed. (At WW&F they say, "car BARN". Attachment: IMG_2198.JPG (Downloaded 96 times) |
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Charley Registered
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Uncle Bob...feller.s. Thanks..nice shed..barn ....the whole thing is grand fun...I am enthusiastic...good work..keep inspiring us... |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks again, Charley. I'll do my best. I find a lot of inspiration from this forum and from the WW&F Museum web-sight. This is what I hope the car barn area will look like. Attachment: Future.jpg (Downloaded 87 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I'm thinking of using the existing storage building as the station. Maybe add a run-around track? Attachment: More like Sheepscot.jpg (Downloaded 69 times) |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Looks good. |
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Charley Registered
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Uncle Bob , fellers.. You sure have the colours right..the maine woods... Attachment: T speeder Alna center.jpg (Downloaded 95 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Ray. And Charley, thanks for posting that nice shot of Alna Center. Until recently, AC was the north end of WW&F Rail Museum's operations, a bit over 2 miles of 2 foot gauge track from the other (south) end at Sheepscot. 2014 saw the line extended to a place called "Top of the Mountain". The museum line is (re)built on a section of the original WW&F alignment. The neat rail car began life as a model-T Ford. It has a retractable pivot for turning the car at any location. Last edited on Wed Jan 14th, 2015 05:13 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Here's a Google Street View of the south end of WW&F Rail Museum's line, Sheepscot. This is the museum's base of operations and the location of their shop, engine and car storage, gift shop, museum building......EVERYTHING. Alna Center is a pass track and small station and that's about it. Sheepscot Station is the small structure nearest us on the right. Note how similar it is the station at AC. Operation is "out and back" with a run around track at each end. There are no facilities for turning engines but Forneys run backward just fine. Attachment: Sheepscot Maine as seen by Google street view.jpg (Downloaded 89 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Rather than use the storage building as our station we may build our own version of Sheepscot station, as shown here. Attachment: 3-Add Station.jpg (Downloaded 88 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Another view. Note that it is quite small to fit in with the miniature trains but still large enough to work in. These WW&F stations had no ceilings so there is plenty of stand-up room in the center. The sign above the door is actually part of the door. Height is OK at the windows (where the operator's desk would be) when one is seated. Attachment: Planning our Depot (2).jpg (Downloaded 88 times) Last edited on Wed Jan 14th, 2015 06:17 am by UNCLE BOB |
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Charley Registered
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Uncle Bob , fellers.. I feel the enthusiasm..yay..I need somma that ...been off weather for a few days..seems I feel it..slows me down. |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Charley, Enthusiasm, I've got! Big ideas, I've got! The funds to finance all this..........I'm workin' on it BTW--Get well quick; you have a railroad to complete! UNK |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Time for an update. Bountyland Railway has taken delivery of caboose #308. Tho not yet completed, the car is operational and will be finished by the BLRY work crew (me) in the company shop (under the big oak tree---LOL!!) No computer drawings this time. It's finally here! Attachment: 11 and 308.jpg (Downloaded 55 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Engine and caboose Attachment: At home.jpg (Downloaded 54 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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While the 4 wheel design is working well, I expect to convert to a steel frame with foot-well and standard 8 wheels, when funds become available. This change would give us a 2 passenger car. Note: Also see previous page (64) Attachment: IMG_2222.JPG (Downloaded 88 times) Last edited on Sun Feb 1st, 2015 12:13 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Another view. Caboose main roof, like the engine cab, is 4 feet tall. Top of cupola is 5 feet. As set up now, single rider has a view out the cupola. Attachment: IMG_2224.jpg (Downloaded 87 times) Last edited on Sun Feb 1st, 2015 01:52 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Another "time machine" view... Attachment: Back in time.JPG (Downloaded 87 times) |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Beautiful! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thanks Ray, BUT--Here it is as an 8 wheeled car! Attachment: Eigh wheeled caboose.jpg (Downloaded 85 times) |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Yep, that will be much better! |
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jtrain Registered
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Hey uncle Bob, Just out of curiosity, what happens in a roll over? Or does it happen at all? Thinking more along the lines of getting out. The caboose looks great, but it looks fantastic when you put the 8 wheels on it. Great photos too! I envy your warm weather. -James Last edited on Mon Feb 2nd, 2015 04:12 am by jtrain |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Good question, James. Let me first say I've never had a roll-over. But it could happen and given my pin and draw-bar couplers, which WILL NOT release and if it happened on the high trestle where one car goes off and the rest + engine follow...... Such are the stuff of nightmares! We have to avoid this sort of thing at all costs! As a start, I build an exit on both sides of everything. The caboose has doors on each side; engine does to. You COULD get out. The answer though is to NOT NEED TO. The engine has a very low C of G and is very stable. I once ran over a piece of rail and it didn't derail. The caboose, on the other hand, is a bit top heavy. I'm working on that. Plan to add about 150 lbs of "keel weight" very low and centered to this car. Also, in the 4 wheel version, the side skirts act as outriggres, which would scoot along the ties to prevent tipping over over if it did try to tip. One other thing; We do not run fast, ESPECIALLY across the trestle. What's the point? The run is short anyway. Running slowly makes the trip last longer. :-) I spend a lot of time planning to avoid a train wreck because in this size it'd be, well, A TRAIN WRECK! BTW. Glanced at your blog. Looks very interesting. Tomorrow's assignment, class (and me too) Read IT. Last edited on Mon Feb 2nd, 2015 05:15 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Will "infernal" combustion return to Bountylsnd Railway? Maybe so. Well, sort of. When the caboose is converted to 8 wheels, those 9 inch wheels now used could instead be used for the purpose for which thy were bought. A rail-car. But not actually I C. As presented here, it would be battery powered with a powered B truck up front. Car would seat one adult + one child. We'd likely build 2 cars. One to sell--one to keep. Attachment: ELECTRIC rail car (edited).jpg (Downloaded 66 times) Last edited on Mon Feb 2nd, 2015 05:54 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Shoulders Registered
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Hi Bob I like what you have done, looks a lot of fun too. Cheers Dan |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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That looks cool! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The prototype WW&F Rail Museum in Alna, Maine is now buried under several feet of snow. We got just enough to tske some pictures. Attachment: Snow day.jpg (Downloaded 145 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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We had mostly sleet Attachment: Grassy creek.jpg (Downloaded 145 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Views from inside Attachment: Inside-out.jpg (Downloaded 145 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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From the cupola Attachment: View from the cupola.jpg (Downloaded 145 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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First trip around the engine slipped a bit. After that, all went fine. Attachment: Cockeyed Curve.jpg (Downloaded 146 times) |
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Unk. Just great ! Proper 2ft weather ! Looked a bit like Maine here the other day too. That's a blast of a bobber Bob... ...hope it's warm inside... ...& the official railroad coffee's good ! Cheers chillily. Si. |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Simply beautiful! The icicles on the brake wheel really make it look like Maine. |
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W C Greene Moderator
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Geez...here I am working on "peanut scale" models in a nice, warm house...wishing I was running a wonderful REAL railroad out in the sleet! Unk, you know how to make a guy feel jealous! Woodrow |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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THANKS Si, Ray, Woodie! I finally got around to making a Johnson bar for No 11. It is actually a DPDT knife switch for reversing (DC polarity) direction. So much better than the plug arrangement I had been using as a makeshift reverser. Attachment: Backhead, throttle and Johnson bar.JPG (Downloaded 81 times) Last edited on Sun Mar 15th, 2015 11:56 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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Shoulders Registered
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Hi Uncle Bob That looks wheel cool sitting inside that Caboose. Would love to sneak something like this into my garden but im sure the wife will instantly notice. ha Cheers Dan |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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So Dan, you think she'd notice? ...........LOL!!! I'm working on the 3 way stub switch. Here's the switch stand. Attachment: IMG_2349.JPG (Downloaded 104 times) Last edited on Sat Mar 21st, 2015 10:36 pm by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Attachment: Untitled_edited-92.jpg (Downloaded 100 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Birthday party on BLRY Bob Attachment: Silas, Hampton and Will Hardee.JPG (Downloaded 74 times) Last edited on Mon Apr 27th, 2015 04:08 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This was shot when 2 out of 3 tracks from the 3-way were working. Attachment: 2 out of 3.jpg (Downloaded 74 times) Last edited on Mon Apr 27th, 2015 04:12 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This shows our Sheepscot yard before wing rails and some guard rails were added. Attachment: Before wing rails.jpg (Downloaded 74 times) Last edited on Mon Apr 27th, 2015 04:16 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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The 3-way stub switch is now operational! Years ago, I built a stub switch in On30 but never a 3-way and certainly not a CURVED 3-way---But here it is--- and the best part is, IT WORKS! Bob Springs Attachment: Looking northward - Copy.jpg (Downloaded 75 times) Last edited on Mon Apr 27th, 2015 04:17 am by UNCLE BOB |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Another view Attachment: At the switch rails - Copy.jpg (Downloaded 76 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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And here's our No.11 sitting on the 3-way stub. Attachment: No.11 sits on the 3 way stub - Copy.jpg (Downloaded 77 times) |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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This is the WW&F prototype at Sheepscot, Maine but reversed left to right as we are building. Attachment: Prototype at Sheepscot- flipped.jpg (Downloaded 75 times) |
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Ray Dunakin Registered
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Really impressive track work, Bob! Well done! |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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Thank you, Ray! I never expected we'd be able to "model" a particular prototype in 7 1/2 but if you try really hard you may be able to see a bit of Sheepscot. I've done my share of freelancing but prototype modeling always seems to be what I really enjoy doing. Bob |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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I am working on our No 11, adding details. Each day, I add what I can. Really makes a difference! Attachment: May 20th--B&W - Copy.jpg (Downloaded 113 times) Last edited on Thu May 21st, 2015 03:57 am by UNCLE BOB |
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George W Registered 
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UNCLE BOB wrote:I am working on our No 11, adding details. She looks GREAT ! |
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Shoulders Registered
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I thought your loco already looked good, looks stunning now with the extra details added. Does make a massive difference. Cheers Dan |
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UNCLE BOB Registered
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