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Richlawn RR - Fluke Transformer Pallets and Transformers - *** UPDATE 6-8-18 Transformers on shelves & on concrete pad Journals/Blogs
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Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

*** UPDATE 6-8-18 Transformers on shelves & on concrete pad.  You can see the post HERE.

***UPDATE 5-31-18 One shelf almost complete.  You can see the post HERE.

Work continues on the Fluke Transformer scene specifically on the outdoor storage area with the transformers on pallets that will be stored on shelves.  As part of the detail I wanted strapping of the transformers onto the pallets.  NOTICE:  I know that the strapping color isn't prototypical being brown; however, I only happened to have that color EZ Line.

After trying different strapping materials and methods of attachment I came up with the idea of using the elastic EZ Line and knotting it to create tiny bands.  Below is my rig to tie the line.

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I tie a knot in the line around the jib (a pen) and then triple knot the piece.

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I then used sissors to cut the line.

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The hobby knife in the photo is just to show the size of the completed loop.  I'm going to think about if I want to add a drop of glue to the knot to keep it from coming undone.

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To install the loops (banding) I just slipped it between the insulators and around the bottom of of the pallet making sure that the knot was under the bottom.

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Here you can see the bottom of the pallet with the knots on the loops.

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Another view of a couple of transformers banded to the pallet.  The procedure works very well; however, it is tedious tying the knots in the line!

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Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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Mark Pruitt Pruitt Prolific poster 1,272 posts
Mark Pruitt Pruitt

It may be a bit tedious, Rick...

...but it comes out looking very good!

Mark P.

http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton

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Virginian and Lake Erie Super User 9,236 posts
Virginian and Lake Erie

Rick, all transformers I have

Rick, all transformers I have seen were rather new looking. Are these supposed to be items that have been replaced? Maybe the look different in other parts of the country.

Rob in Texas

MRH Blog / Prep for an Operating Session / Delving Into the Past / The Club Blog / Youtube / etmrc.org
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Good point, Rob!

They are new as they came out of the Fluke facility; however, they have been sitting outside uncovered for sometime and get kind of grungy.  Sales have been slow

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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blindog10 Prolific poster 3,325 posts
blindog10

could be returns for refurbishing

Because if we'd sold any new transformers that looked that bad (and I've sold a few of that size), my customers would've shipped them right back! Transformers are painted glossy battleship grey. It's an epoxy-based coating that resists the transformer oil inside. Just trying to save you some freight charges on refused shipments, Rick. Otherwise they look cool. Scott Chatfield
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michaelrose55 Super User 3,458 posts
michaelrose55

You actually worked on the

You actually worked on the layout? Amazing !

Michael

The Breitenbach - Rosenheim Railroad V4
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

You know Michael. I was just

You know Michael. I was just thinking about you guys as I just purchased this great Boston butt roast that would be perfect for smoking and sharing.  I was going to invite people to share it.............

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
Reply 0
michaelrose55 Super User 3,458 posts
michaelrose55

Oh please, please please!

Oh please, please please!

Michael

The Breitenbach - Rosenheim Railroad V4
Reply 0
rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Oh now you change your tune!

Oh now you change your tune!  I'll be in touch about scheduling.

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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Neil Erickson NeilEr Moderator 5,785 posts
Neil Erickson NeilEr

Tease tease tease

You’ve got me on my knees. Maybe I need to go to Kansas City for the National and keep going to Florida for smoked ham! Shall I bring coffee, Mac nuts? 

Neil Erickson, Hawai’i 

My Blogs
Reply 0
rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Transformers on a shelf - testing it out

This isn't finished as I've got to put strapping on all of the transformers.  The bigger transformers on the bottom shelf are from Shapeways and had to be assembled.  What fun it was gluing the insulators on the tops of the transformers (NOT!).

18-05-26.jpg 

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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Oztrainz Moderator 3,468 posts
Oztrainz

Next Question??

Hi Rich,

Now that you have nailed the transformer, pallets and racks - Have you got a -reach "forkie" that can reach the top shelf?? Or are you planning on hiring in a mobile crane every time you want one down??? 

Enquiring minds...

Regards,

John Garaty

Unanderra in oz

Read my Blog
Reply 0
rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Great question, John G!

I've got a couple of fork lifts but I'm not sure that they can reach the top of the shelves - nice catch!  I'll have to check them out and if they aren't up to the job I'll need to find a bigger "forkie".  Thanks for the post.

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
Reply 0
rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

UPDATE 5-31-18 One shelf almost complete

The shelf still needs to be weathered; however, it is almost complete leaving three more shelves to go.  Once the shelves are completed then I'll construct the concrete platform on which they sit along with adding details.

18-05-31.jpg 

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
Reply 0
rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

** UPDATE 6-8-18 Transformers on shelves & on concrete pad

Well, I'm getting close on the transformer and shelves part of this project. I scored, painted and weathered some foam board for the concrete base and then added some I-beams around the perimeter to keep the fork lifts from driving off the edges.  I'll add some broken pallets / damaged transformers and other details on the pad.  The pad is just lying on top of the bench work and needs to be landscaped in along with adding a forklift ramp.  After that is done the road will be re-routed along the tracks.

18-06-08.jpg 

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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UglyK5 Super User 1,132 posts
UglyK5

Rick that’s a great detail

Rick that’s a great detail feature, well done sir!   some chain link fence around the lot would be cool too.  Unless you’re totally burnt out with finicky work

jeff
—————————————
“Think before you post, try to be positive, and you do not always have to give your opinion.....”
-Bessemer Bob
Reply 0
rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Thank you, Jeff.

You're right in that a chain link fence would look great around the pad.  Thanks for the idea and your kind words!

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
Reply 0
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