Modeling topic
Cocoa Beach 2022 Operating Sessions
Good morning.
My name is Robert Gross. I am very new to operations but I think my layout is at the point where operations would be something fun to get started on.
The layout itself is a prototypical rendition of the New Haven RR in Waterbury CT during the early fall of 1948 and is housed in my garage.
I would like to know who to speak with from the Cocoa Beach Proto Rails meet about hosting an operation session on my HO scale New Haven layout during the meeting coming up on January 6-9. Any help would be appreciated.
Robert Gross
Signals
I have always been fascinated by wayside signals. I created a design in 2006 based on hardware using combinational logic ICs. It didn't take long to discover that a pure hardware solution was very complex. A few years ago I began exploring creating a signal system based on monitoring the Digitrax LocoNet for block occupancy and turnout position.
Layout Update
My long term goals in order are
- Reconfigure the woodchip lot by adding multiple conveyors and transfer towers
- Find/make a wrap-around, free-hanging backdrop for a consistent background.
- Add animated truck lift and bulldozer to completed woodlot.
The photo below attests to the very slow progress made on all these goals, yet progress it remains!
Low Temp Solder Experiments
After having read about the marvels of low temp solder in a couple MRH-RE columns (https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/running-extra/2021-10/ah-ha...) I've been looking forward to trying it for myself. I ordered a new iron (Hakko FX888D) to replace my ancient weller, and I ordered a couple types of low temp solder from Digikey:
Locomotive Headlights
Well its been awhile since I posted. I now have a resin printer and have been working on the UP/Relco vegetation control train which I hope to make available through ETSY in the near future. I wanted the model to use the headlights shown below, but these are no longer made so I decided produce them myself.
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Help Identifing Freight Car Truck
HO scale
I need a little help identifying this truck design/manufacturer. I believe it says made in Japan,..so maybe Kato?
Athearn RTR Motor Sounds
I have an Athearn RTR SD45 that runs great, reliably, and relatively quietly. However, it has an odd, high pitched noise when running forward that it does not have when running backwards. It isn't a real concern on my club layout, but I like tinkering and wouldn't mind any advice or experience on what this could be?
Best description I can give is it is a whine more than a growl, and without the shell on I cannot audibly locate the sound.
Thanks!
Digitrax UT6D
Digitrax UT6D Throttle.
I have a UT6D that I have used about 9 months now, It worked perfectly for 5 to 6 months then I noticed on occasion when turning the speed knob it would either return to zero or may jump ahead several numbers. This happened a few times and now it has become more and more the norm, Of course when it returns to zero the train stops and when it jumps ahead the train speeds up a great deal. It does tis no matter the locomotive and does it on battery power or if it is plugged in.
Jeff
Micro Engineering up for sale?
I just saw this on Trainorders: https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?3,5356390
They said there was an ad in December MR that Micro Engineering is up for sale?
Huh?
A Screw On Lead Extension
The switching lead on my mini test layout would be pathetically short without an extension. Since I expect to carry the module up and down stairs and round corners, the extension has to be removable. I wanted it to lock nicely into place and be easy to install and remove. I ended up using a threaded insert and a screw with a knob.
Here's a side view of the extension installed.
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