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Re: Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine
Robert kirkham
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From: "cvsne" <mjmcguirk@comcast.net> Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 1:19 AM To: <STMFC@yahoogroups.com> Subject: [STMFC] Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine The first issue of Model Rail Hobbyist is available for download. There have been a few technical issues, but those are being resolved. The first column features an article on converting a PRR GLa to a CV
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Re: Roundhouse/MDC metal cars
Frederick Freitas <prrinvt@...>
Guyz,
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Are we confusing this with the Mantua zamak frame, pressed metal formed body, gondola that came out in the early 50's ?? I still have mine, with updated details. Fred Freitas
--- On Thu, 1/15/09, Don Smith <rgs0554@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Don Smith <rgs0554@yahoo.com> Subject: [STMFC] Re: Roundhouse/MDC metal cars To: STMFC@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, January 15, 2009, 10:59 AM Hi Gene, Tom and all, This is a very fuzzy memory. I (very) vaguely remember working on a fixed bottom Roundhouse (MDC) metal gon. It may have been a transition car where the body was a plastic molding and the underframe was a die casting. Again, an even fuzzier memory of it originally being an all zamac diecast car. I think the prototype or at least the lettering was for C&O. Regards, Don Smith --- In STMFC@yahoogroups. com, "Tom Madden" <tgmadden@.. .> wrote:
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Re: Roundhouse/MDC metal cars
rgs0554
Hi Gene, Tom and all,
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This is a very fuzzy memory. I (very) vaguely remember working on a fixed bottom Roundhouse (MDC) metal gon. It may have been a transition car where the body was a plastic molding and the underframe was a die casting. Again, an even fuzzier memory of it originally being an all zamac diecast car. I think the prototype or at least the lettering was for C&O. Regards, Don Smith
--- In STMFC@yahoogroups.com, "Tom Madden" <tgmadden@...> wrote:
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Re: Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine
Marty McGuirk
Appreciate the feedback, but before our esteemed moderator sees this
please keep the feedback on MRH to the STMFC list specific to steam era freight car prototype and modeling subjects . . . what should be covered, how it may be covered in this new media format, etc . . . Any comments on the magazine in general are welcomed but please direct to me off list at mjmcguirk@comcast.net Thanks, Marty
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Re: Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine
Bill Schneider <branchline@...>
Well, FWIW, I have to say that, to me at least, the first issue shows a lot of promise. Bernd, I am intrigued by your comment on the advertising because my first impression was that the there seemed to be far less advertising than the mainstream publications. The length of the articles probably shows the perhaps unintentional results of (as Marty mentioned) not being limited by physical space constraints. In general though, I found the format intriguing and look forward to seeing where it can go.
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If I have one constructive comment on the magazine, it would be that to my admittedly HO-biased mind most of the scale-specific articles seemed to be about N scale or (OK, it was an incredible layout) large scale. I realize that any hobby magazine - particularly a start-up - is limited by what articles they have submitted to them, so this is not meant as a condemnation. I hope that the editors will keep an eye out for more HO content in the future. Bill Schneider
----- Original Message -----
From: Bernd Schroeder To: STMFC@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 8:34 AM Subject: Re: [STMFC] Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine Marty, even though (or maybe because) I am likely one of the younger members of this list with a definitely technical professional background, I have to express very mixed feelings about the first issue (especially since it has been hyped quite a lot before...) I liked your column, since it adresses the basic principles of protype modeling and also found the steel article interesting, but the remaining contents reminds me very much of MR since Terry T took over... 12 pages on DCC decoder installation in N locomotives ? 13 pages on how-to-use a specific computer program ? The curve thing ? More ads then MR or RMC ?OTOH, maybe the technical gimmicks (especially in the ads) are supposed to cover for the contents. So, if you can convince the other people in the team to cut down on the tech stuff and push the modelling level up, it would be interesting for me... FWIW, Over here in Germany, the comments from the other half of the US-modelling crowd are like this: "It´s free", "It´s new", "It´s interactive", so it has to be the best thing since sliced bread... Bernd ----- Original Message ----- From: "cvsne" <mjmcguirk@comcast.net> To: <STMFC@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 10:19 AM Subject: [STMFC] Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine > > A piece by Richard Hendrickson and, if I can figure out some of the > mechanics, a piece on using Sanborn Maps and other online maps to > develop a prototype-based LDE. > > Would love to hear any feedback, on or offlist. And, if you have an > idea for an article or topic for the Prototype modeling column, please > let me know. >
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Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine
Robert <riverob@...>
Overall, I liked it. If a particular article was "too long", I just
clicked thru. Too much is usually better than not enough, especially since the incremental production and distribution costs are very low. There were some technical problems, like asking me to update my Adobe Acrobat when I had just done that three days previous. And a blank first page. Everyone involved is to be commended. Lots of potential for steam era freight car articles, from how-to model to history, etc. I'm looking forward to the next issue. Rob Simpson
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Re: The SHAKE N TAKE clinic is a full house
Misc Clark
Greg, hearing spotty details about this year's Cocoa Beach meet...no
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pictures yet, either! Anxious to see the "instruction only" handout... Clark Cone
On Mon, Dec 8, 2008 at 8:07 PM, <tgregmrtn@aol.com> wrote:
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Re: Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine
Misc Clark
yeah, what Bernt said and I would just add that there was wayyyy too much
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space given to S curves and turn radii.... come on, better a topic on correcting O scale Atlas or Weaver boxcars or detailing a caboose... "Cute" technicalities gobble up bandwidth and don't add to the knowledge base! Marty, your article was very good... I would have liked a bit more extensive detail on weathering and photos but I understand. The first issue is always klugey but you're past that now... looking forward to the next issue! Clark Cone
On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 4:19 AM, cvsne <mjmcguirk@comcast.net> wrote:
The first issue of Model Rail Hobbyist is available for download.
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Re: Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine
Bernd Schroeder
Marty,
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even though (or maybe because) I am likely one of the younger members of this list with a definitely technical professional background, I have to express very mixed feelings about the first issue (especially since it has been hyped quite a lot before...) I liked your column, since it adresses the basic principles of protype modeling and also found the steel article interesting, but the remaining contents reminds me very much of MR since Terry T took over... 12 pages on DCC decoder installation in N locomotives ? 13 pages on how-to-use a specific computer program ? The curve thing ? More ads then MR or RMC ?OTOH, maybe the technical gimmicks (especially in the ads) are supposed to cover for the contents. So, if you can convince the other people in the team to cut down on the tech stuff and push the modelling level up, it would be interesting for me... FWIW, Over here in Germany, the comments from the other half of the US-modelling crowd are like this: "It�s free", "It�s new", "It�s interactive", so it has to be the best thing since sliced bread... Bernd
----- Original Message -----
From: "cvsne" <mjmcguirk@comcast.net> To: <STMFC@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 10:19 AM Subject: [STMFC] Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine
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Re: Bruce Smith's boiler load
cinderandeight@...
My error,
The last X43 entry was from Rich Burg (forgot to sign it) **************Inauguration '09: Get complete coverage from the nation's capital.(http://www.aol.com?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000027)
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Re: X43C side sills
cinderandeight@...
Guys,
I surveyed a dozen photos of X43 sub classes to tease out dates for the full length vs. under door side sill reinforcements. I find the earliest under door job dated 5/61, and the latest dated 6/66. As for a date without reinforcement I found a car repainted in 6/59 without it. Of course there is nothing to say that the 6/66 paint job might not have been done after the original work on the side sills, but I sort of think it was done at the same time. The PRR didn't have the money to repaint cars every four or five years. The full length bolster to bolster reinforcements were dated from 2/67 to 1/68 in my photos, indicating they were being done right up to the eve of the merger at least. I didn't go into PC cars (out of the blog's era). As for paint jobs all these cars had the plain Keystone with large gothic lettering except for the 6/59 and a 6/61 dated car which were shadowed Keystone cars. I think this later car had it's reweigh data done at the time of the sill reinforcement, but was not completely repainted. As for how universal the repairs were? I found only one car painted in the Plain Keystone scheme without a reinforcement (date not visible), and that car was parked as a storage car for so long it's paint had almost completely left it. X43 cars were acquired in two distinct groups. Five digit cars were bought the old fashion way with car trusts, while six digit cars were leased. A small triangle appears between the car number and road name to indicate "segregated maintenance" of the leased cars. I've never seen exactly what different maintenance program applied to these cars were, but when the leases ran out they were all collected together in Hubbard, OH and cut up as a group (with a lot of "triangle" X44 cars too). I was told by the wrecking crews that the hard wood flooring in the cars was "brand new" and selling for a pretty penny to dealers. **************Inauguration '09: Get complete coverage from the nation's capital.(http://www.aol.com?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000027)
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Model Rail Hobbyist - online magazine
Marty McGuirk
The first issue of Model Rail Hobbyist is available for download.
There have been a few technical issues, but those are being resolved. The first column features an article on converting a PRR GLa to a CV hopper. Nothing particularly stunning about the project - I chose it since I happened to have it finished! In general, I'm pleased with how the magazine looks and how the first prototype modeling column came out. I chose to focus on learning the process (apparently writing for an "online" magazine is different than other medium - these youngsters won't let you build up to a conclusion!!) Some of the interactive content is "neat" and, as we learn how to use it deciding which to include to add value and which is simply "neat for neat's sake" should become more apparent. One neat feature is the virtual lack of space restrictions - not necessarily a good thing but we may try running prototype photos so they show an entire car, with detail shots available by clicking on the image. The rotating 360-degree view of the completed models (in this issue the finished CV hopper and the N scale decoder installation have this feature) is a neat way to see all sides of the model. On deck for next issue? A piece by Richard Hendrickson and, if I can figure out some of the mechanics, a piece on using Sanborn Maps and other online maps to develop a prototype-based LDE. Would love to hear any feedback, on or offlist. And, if you have an idea for an article or topic for the Prototype modeling column, please let me know. Marty
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Prototype Rails photos
Mike Brock <brockm@...>
Several people have asked about photos of Cocoa Beach/Prototype Rails 2009. Larry Lawler has quite a few at:
http://web.mac.com/lawrencelawler and I had Art Cominio take quite a few. I'll upload some of those to the photo section and they will eventually be placed on the web site. Bill Schuamburg also took some and I assume they will find their way into RMC. Mike Brock
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Re: Prototype Rails-2009 - "Shake and Take"
dtnewcomb
Speaking of photos, has anyone posted photos of the meet yet?submit a photo of / and bring their 2009 clinic model. David Newcomb Vashon Is., WA
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Re: Latest SCL Modeler Magazine Posted
Paul Lyons
Hi John,
Thought I would give you a little reminder about checking?on the spiral bound SCL Modeler magazines we talked about in Cocco Beach. Thanks, Paul Lyons?
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Rollablity
Jason Hill
The La Mesa Club uses a simple 100 scale foot piece of flex track mounted to a piece of 1/4" or 1/8" material (doesn't matter what type) and then 12" scale blocks to set the grade under one end. The test surface is a table that has been leveled to ensure accurate inclines during the testing. We also use 6" scale blocks for our 1/2 percent grades. Then you just stack the various blocks to make anything from 1/2 to 2-1/2 or and desired gradient in 1/2 percent increments.
Thinner shims (0.020") could be used to find that "exact" point at which the car rolls. To qualify at a given grade the car must roll spontaneously at least one car length. Yes, 85ft cars are a bit tricky, but after some practice you can easily tell the rollers from the sleds. ;) Jason Hill
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Re: Heinz in Colorado
drgwrail
According to a book on Chronology of Weld County at the Colo RR
Museum Library Heinz operated a "pickle receiving station" at Windson CO from 1948 to 1972. Could not find any reference to a C&S siding. Chuck Yungkurth Boulder CO --- In STMFC@yahoogroups.com, richtownsend@... wrote: a?1951 AFE that year the Colorado & Southern installed a 260-foot spur in Windsor, Colorado to serve the H.J. Heinz Company.? My question is:?what type of facility did the spur serve?? I have seen photos and maps showing pickle salting vats at locations in nearby towns (Loveland and Fort Collins) for other companies but I have no idea whether this was what was being done for Heinz in Windsor.? I'm wondering if I get to run a pickle car.?:)?
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Re: testing freight car trucks (was Central Valley 5' Arch Bar trucks)
Another party to this discussion made the point that testing the truckSure, and different cars with a specific truck might yield Tony, both methods are sensible. However, just try out Kato trucks on the roll tester, and then under a car. Although the Kato trucks will perform very well without a load, they perform much worse than many other brands of trucks (Athearn, Branchline, etc) that perform as well on the roll tester. This is obviously because each truck will deform to some extent under load, and since individual freight cars may have different weights the gradient test track measures the REAL performance of each truck + car combination, while the roll tester only measures THEORETICAL performance with respect to this combination. I use the Reboxx axle-length spreadsheet as an aid to choosing the wheelset for each truck, and I see no reason to invest in my own roll tester. By the way, the Reboxx spreadsheet has not been updated for YEARS and is badly in need of it -- there must be at least 20 to 30 new freight car trucks that are not included, such as the Tahoes and all new Athearn trucks including Type B, their new AAR trucks, the Allied Full Cushion trucks, etc http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/1204early/HO_Trucks_1204_early.jpg Tim O'Connor
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Re: Central Valley 5' Arch Bar trucks.
Gene
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The track is laid on aspen "craft wood" along the back of my work bench. One end is not nailed down at the end, so I can shim it upwards 1/2" to 3/4" easily to make a grade about 3 feet in length and then the car rolls on the level after that. There is no point in a constant gradient -- I only want to see how far each car rolls freely relative to other cars. I use this same track for bench testing locos and DCC programming. Tim O'Connor
Tim,
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Another sidesill question - NP
mopacfirst
Very many NP AAR steel boxcars that had been delivered with normal tab
sidesills got rebuilt in company shops with bolster-to-bolster sidesill rinforcements. This seemed to have happened late 50s early 60s, after the introduction of the Main Street of the Northwest slogan. Were all the cars of these types converted? Or were substantial numbers of these cars left undone? Photos I have seen from a late- enough period seem to always show cars with bolster-to-bolster sidesills, but I'm wondering if there were exceptions. Many (all?) new NP house cars from this era onward had full end-to-end sidesills, undoubtedly ordered this way. It's not obvious that any rebuilt AAR steel boxcars, at least the 40' ones, got full end-to-end sidesills. Is this right? Ron Merrick
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