Like Joe, it's been too long since I posted anything. My latest project has been to construct a semi-permanent shelf in the shop where I can assemble modules and be able to run trains at home.
Sorry I didn't take any construction photos. It's pretty basic stuff. I already had a wall of adjustable shelving, so I decided to go with that. I lowered the shelf standards to match the height of my table saw out-feed table. Before too long I will no longer need it as I transition from module builder to train player.
Next I bought a sheet of 1/2" CDX plywood. I just barely had room at one end to put up a shelf for an end loop consisting of three alt-corners, two double straights and a junction. That piece of shelf ended up being about 54" x 30", held in the corner by 1 x 2 strips attached to the wall corners, and a 4 x 4 post holding it up under the corner in the room.
Then down the wall, I cut the remainder of the plywood in 18" wide sections, and layed them on the shelf standards. Trying to avoid excess cost, I added splicer boards along the way. I ended up with an 24' x 30' piece at the far end, under the return loop. I just added a leg brace and more 1 x 2 strips on the wal to hold that end in place.
Using shop scraps, I added facia top and bottom with 1 x 2 's and added 1/8" masonite over that to create a nice clean look. You really cannot tell that is is mostly just a hunk of plywood sitting on shelf brackets.
I decided that I needed some lighting for the layout. I found some 24" mini-fluorescents at Home Depot that can be daisy-chained with just one plug-in. I ended up with 7 of them, and mounted them up under the top valence, completely hidden from view.
Next step was to create some type of skyboard to cover up the ugly wafer-board walls and to keep the light from heading up to the ceiling through the wire shelves above the layout. Hobby Lobby matting board to the rescue. I got the last 5 pieces of a nice sky blue and just wedged them in place at the top and stabled them to cleats along the wall just above the shelf. '
It was a very inexpensive, quick and easy project that took me a total of about two weeks, working just in the evenings.
It has allowed me to assemble about 1.75 scale miles of track in a continuous run loop, where I can FINALLY run my own trains at home, without having to wait for a show.
You can view the first run of a train over the layout at this youTube video: http://youtu.be/d3RFmXmTDxk
Friday, October 25, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Wolfforth Library Show, October 18-19, 2013
It's been a while - - -
Far too long since my last post. I am setting a goal of making posts regularly, and certainly more often.
As for this post, the group just finished a 2-day show at the Wolfforth Public Library. It was a good show. The turnout was light, but those who did come seemed to enjoy the layout of about 42 modules.
We seem to be getting better with the setup. Several long trains (ATSF Super Chief, 4 engines and 12 cars) ran for hours without intervention. No stalling, no derails, no random uncouplings. It was a smooth running layout.
Here's a few pictures from the show, primarily new modules from KenW and Frankie A:
Far too long since my last post. I am setting a goal of making posts regularly, and certainly more often.
As for this post, the group just finished a 2-day show at the Wolfforth Public Library. It was a good show. The turnout was light, but those who did come seemed to enjoy the layout of about 42 modules.
We seem to be getting better with the setup. Several long trains (ATSF Super Chief, 4 engines and 12 cars) ran for hours without intervention. No stalling, no derails, no random uncouplings. It was a smooth running layout.
Here's a few pictures from the show, primarily new modules from KenW and Frankie A:
And a few other modules as well:
That's about all from me. Maybe some others will jump in with a comment or picture as they saw the show.
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Quadopus Takes Form
It's not finished, but I'm making progress on a box for my DCC
system. It has a Digitrax DCS200 command station and, hidden
underneath, a PM42 power monitor card that provides outputs
for four separate power districts via the blue/white Power Pole
connectors. Two connections for the Loconet cables are also
available for the throttle connections.
The lid will mount on lift-off hinges, so there is no danger of it
slamming shut while in operation, damaging cables.
Not real pretty, but the 3/4" plywood should make it very
sturdy for portable use at shows.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
July 17 - I started the assembly of the new power cables to use with the Digitrax DCC system we (BJ and I) are starting to learn. With help from various people "out there," I made a drawing of the cables and connectors to help get everything straight in the mind before starting the assembly. And, here's a couple of pix of my first (short) cables. A number of long (~8'3") cables are under construction, almost finished. All will have a Kato compatible drop. I call this the 'away' end, as in 'away from the Cmd Stn.'
We (BJ mainly, and I) are looking into easy to apply mid-span taps. More on that later, after our Aug. 12-13 show.
I spent a lot of time looking at the housings and contact pins, and finally was able to 'think through' the issues, including pin orientation while crimping, before starting.
There will be two versions of the Cmd Stn pigtail. One is straight to the Power Pole connectors, and the other is through a PM42 Pwr Mgr card, with four fan-outs.
In addition, there are three special 2' long cables. These have Kato triple blocks on them rather than the single connector. The Rattlesnake Junction module requires additional connections for all the tracks, so these were created to fulfill that need.
Joe
20110713-3, 20110717-1
We (BJ mainly, and I) are looking into easy to apply mid-span taps. More on that later, after our Aug. 12-13 show.
I spent a lot of time looking at the housings and contact pins, and finally was able to 'think through' the issues, including pin orientation while crimping, before starting.
There will be two versions of the Cmd Stn pigtail. One is straight to the Power Pole connectors, and the other is through a PM42 Pwr Mgr card, with four fan-outs.
In addition, there are three special 2' long cables. These have Kato triple blocks on them rather than the single connector. The Rattlesnake Junction module requires additional connections for all the tracks, so these were created to fulfill that need.
Joe
20110713-3, 20110717-1
July 7 - I got a bit more done on the new Payne Boxes this morning. These two are the final ones until after the Wolfforth Library show in August.
Unlike the previous box, these have only one shelf in them. However, the shelf is divided, so a box holds three modules. Only one shelf is used to allow for taller scenery and structures in it.
The pictures should make this need a bit evident.
Two things to note: First, the shelf positions are not the same. These positions were determined by the overall height of the sceniced modules on the upper layer. Second, the junction module in the bottom of each box is a bit narrower than the two corners above it. This results in a 5" x 18" open space at one end of the Payne Box. A project for that space has "announced itself" to me. All I have to say about that at this time is "stay tuned."
I still need to cut the hand holes in the top of each end, but that is an easy task. The final item to attach is the front panel. I'm considering hinging it at the top or splitting it vertically and hinging from the sides as doors. Decisions, decisions, decisions . . .
Joe
Unlike the previous box, these have only one shelf in them. However, the shelf is divided, so a box holds three modules. Only one shelf is used to allow for taller scenery and structures in it.
The pictures should make this need a bit evident.
Two things to note: First, the shelf positions are not the same. These positions were determined by the overall height of the sceniced modules on the upper layer. Second, the junction module in the bottom of each box is a bit narrower than the two corners above it. This results in a 5" x 18" open space at one end of the Payne Box. A project for that space has "announced itself" to me. All I have to say about that at this time is "stay tuned."
I still need to cut the hand holes in the top of each end, but that is an easy task. The final item to attach is the front panel. I'm considering hinging it at the top or splitting it vertically and hinging from the sides as doors. Decisions, decisions, decisions . . .
Joe
July 4 - It was a bit cooler this morning, so I got a good session in the shop before starting to overheat.
I built my first new generation Payne Box. Almost everything had to be cut today. The front, rear and sides were cross-cut pre-cut to the desired 29" height by the big box store. They are cheap 5mm paneling, but plenty good for this app.
The ~11/16" sq. strips everywhere were ripped from a pair of 2x4's to start the day. Then, based on the dimensions of the modules +~3/8" or so, four strips and four pieces of paneling from another sheet (the bottom of each layer and the top) were cut to size to form shelves. The module nestles down inside the strip frame. The front, rear and sides were cut to width. Then, assembly started.
Really, it went together well. With the sides glued and bradded to the shelves and top, I layed the back on the assembly to check for square. By far, this is the most square thing I have ever built. Maybe I am improving? Ha!
So, the back was glued and bradded in place. All that remains is to attach the door on the front once I get the hardware. Now, the modules will have a home with protection from dust, etc. and security whilst being transported. There are several more Payne Boxes to do, and each is a custom fit to the modules involved, but the basic design is constant.
Why 29" high, you ask? Well, BJ (another module builder here) realized that these table-top modules sit on banquet tables that are 29" high. So, if the Payne Boxes are 29" tall, they can serve as auxiliary tables for shows.
I'm tired, it's time to visit Mr. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz - - -
Joe
I built my first new generation Payne Box. Almost everything had to be cut today. The front, rear and sides were cross-cut pre-cut to the desired 29" height by the big box store. They are cheap 5mm paneling, but plenty good for this app.
The ~11/16" sq. strips everywhere were ripped from a pair of 2x4's to start the day. Then, based on the dimensions of the modules +~3/8" or so, four strips and four pieces of paneling from another sheet (the bottom of each layer and the top) were cut to size to form shelves. The module nestles down inside the strip frame. The front, rear and sides were cut to width. Then, assembly started.
Really, it went together well. With the sides glued and bradded to the shelves and top, I layed the back on the assembly to check for square. By far, this is the most square thing I have ever built. Maybe I am improving? Ha!
So, the back was glued and bradded in place. All that remains is to attach the door on the front once I get the hardware. Now, the modules will have a home with protection from dust, etc. and security whilst being transported. There are several more Payne Boxes to do, and each is a custom fit to the modules involved, but the basic design is constant.
Why 29" high, you ask? Well, BJ (another module builder here) realized that these table-top modules sit on banquet tables that are 29" high. So, if the Payne Boxes are 29" tall, they can serve as auxiliary tables for shows.
I'm tired, it's time to visit Mr. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz - - -
Joe
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Progress ... always progress is being made by some of us
It's hard to believe that it's been a month since the last blog entry. Let me see if I can catch everyone up on what's been going on. If I miss something, feel free to add to this or let me know and I'll let everyone know.
First (and foremost), Lubbock Model Railroad Association hosted the NMRA's Lone Star Region annual conference here in Lubbock at the Holiday Inn. All of us SouthWest Trakers were heavily involved. Darrell manned the "Company Store", selling decals, calendars, books, and other LSR conference memorabilia
Jay kept close eye on the registration check-in table and ran errands as needed. Frankie helped out where ever she was needed at the time, usually the check-in table or the raffle table. Bob spent the entire four days manning the contest room. BJ was registrar and main check-in guy. By Friday, we had turned into a help desk and general information table.
We all had a great time hanging out and visiting and getting to know each other even better than we did before. Lunches were a good time of fellowship.
Joe? Well, he had duties in Dallas during the days of the conference, but he spent plenty of time prior to the conference scheduling clinics. His wide corners are coming together in a very impressive fashion. they've been in progress for a while, but will be available for display soon. I guess these will bring our inventory of showable modules up close to 60. He has also been busy reorganizing his shop space lately.
Speaking of clinics, I manage to break away from the registration desk to take in a couple of clinics. We all got to attend a few clinics.
Beyond the LSR clinic we have all been busy. I have spend several weeks building storage and transport Payne Boxes for the 12 modules I currently have under construction. Whew, that was a chore. The shop is a mess, but now I can get on with actual modeling. Darrell has developed a method to create stucco walls as part of his "Scratch Building on a Budget" series. Speaking of scratch building, did I mention that our very own Darrell won a first place blue ribbon in the LSR contest for his Alamo module.
Frankie has completed her first T-Trak module. It looks great and we'll try to get some photos soon.
Jay, well, Jay need over 100 turnouts for his planned home layout, so he's been busy learning how to scratch build his own. He gets better with each one he builds. They are really looking good.
Our next show will be at the Wolfforth Library the third week of August. More details will be posted here as they become known.
First (and foremost), Lubbock Model Railroad Association hosted the NMRA's Lone Star Region annual conference here in Lubbock at the Holiday Inn. All of us SouthWest Trakers were heavily involved. Darrell manned the "Company Store", selling decals, calendars, books, and other LSR conference memorabilia
Jay kept close eye on the registration check-in table and ran errands as needed. Frankie helped out where ever she was needed at the time, usually the check-in table or the raffle table. Bob spent the entire four days manning the contest room. BJ was registrar and main check-in guy. By Friday, we had turned into a help desk and general information table.
We all had a great time hanging out and visiting and getting to know each other even better than we did before. Lunches were a good time of fellowship.
Joe? Well, he had duties in Dallas during the days of the conference, but he spent plenty of time prior to the conference scheduling clinics. His wide corners are coming together in a very impressive fashion. they've been in progress for a while, but will be available for display soon. I guess these will bring our inventory of showable modules up close to 60. He has also been busy reorganizing his shop space lately.
Speaking of clinics, I manage to break away from the registration desk to take in a couple of clinics. We all got to attend a few clinics.
Beyond the LSR clinic we have all been busy. I have spend several weeks building storage and transport Payne Boxes for the 12 modules I currently have under construction. Whew, that was a chore. The shop is a mess, but now I can get on with actual modeling. Darrell has developed a method to create stucco walls as part of his "Scratch Building on a Budget" series. Speaking of scratch building, did I mention that our very own Darrell won a first place blue ribbon in the LSR contest for his Alamo module.
Frankie has completed her first T-Trak module. It looks great and we'll try to get some photos soon.
Jay, well, Jay need over 100 turnouts for his planned home layout, so he's been busy learning how to scratch build his own. He gets better with each one he builds. They are really looking good.
Our next show will be at the Wolfforth Library the third week of August. More details will be posted here as they become known.
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