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Engine Stopped In Front Of Me
Barry recalls the days when life was less complicated and writes:
I was a boy, about 5 years old at the time. We lived on a farm, with a railroad and a river running through it. Needless to say, our parents were always worried we (brother and sisters) were either going to drown or get run over by a train. For myself, they thought I was going to be run over by a train, as I was seen always sitting on a fence post, waiting for the trains to go by.
It was the 1950’s, and so there was still steam engines running down our railroad line. The engineers had gotten to know me well as I was always sitting the fence, waiting for them to come by. We would always wave to each other, and say hi!
On this particular day, they slowed down sooner than usual and stopped the engine right in front of me. The engineer came over to talk to me. He asked if I would like to ride up in the engine with him and his assistant. I said, “yes” and raced to the engine. I watched as he backed the train on to a siding and disconnected it. He then put the engine back on the main track and backed it up to the water tower, where he proceeded to fill the boilers full of water. This was about a fifteen minute job, so we talked as we waited. We then hooked on to the cars on the siding and then proceeded out of town.
What a thrill to be able to blow the horn as we left the town. We got back to the point where he picked me up and that is where he dropped me off.
I continued to come back to this fence post everyday to watch the train go by and wave at them, but it was with an exhilarating experience and with a profound love for trains and what goes with it. I was very fortunate to experience a steam locomotive as a year or two after that, it was replaced by diesel locomotives. Also, in today’s climate of distrust and pedophiles, this would never happen where a engineer stop and give you a ride on a engine.
I was very fortunate to have an experience like this. It never transformed to a career, but it helped developed an interest in model railroading. What a great memory to carry for the rest of my lifetime.
Can Someone Help Alan With DCC?
Alan has a question for anyone who understands DCC operation and asks:
“I would like to know if I can use a capacitor with my dynamiss point decoder as I have problems with the decoder not having enough power to throw the point across? I’m sure someone with some DCC experience will know the answer?”
Model Cars in HO layout
Tim has a question about how to make model cars move on a layout (like in the “Miniatur Wunderland” video we showed readers. If you know the answer and would like to inform Tim (and other readers), then use the green Comments & Feedback link below Tim’s posting. You will need to register (it is very quick and easy) and it means you can participate in future blog discussions. Here is Tim’s preamble and question:
After 30 years I have decided to get back into model railroading. I have just purchased a copy of “Model Train Help” and have read about half the first night. I’m still struggling with what scale to use HO or N, I like the idea of HO as I feel it will be easier to model the landscapes, bridges and buildings but N is appealing as I can get more track in the same space. I have been putting together sketches of different parts of my projects when I received the e-mail with the link to your Blog site. That video of the “Miniatur Wunderland” is incredible and depressing at the same time, that’s what I want in my basement! Ok here is the question part, in the “Miniatur Wunderland” video they show trucks and cars moving seemingly independently on the roads the same thing is happening in their new airport with the planes, what are they using to control that? I have searched the web for clues but have found nothing. Could you point in the right direction?
Tim, I had a look on the Miniatur Wunderland website and it said “The program has one process for each car which calculates all situations for this vehicle 20 times per second. A vehicle can either just ride the streets, have a fixed tour (like buses or trash trucks), have a fixed destination, or be on it’s way to an incident (fire fighters, oversize load transport).” The link is here http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/exhibit/technology/carsystem/technology/
Track Spacing On Curves
Clarence has an interest in HO trains and asks readers:
“How much spacing should I have between tracks on curves? It probably varys depending on the radius. I intend to run passenger as well as freight.”
Tales Of A Train Journey From Atlanta To Washington DC
Bob sent in this story of his wonderful trip on Amtrak and writes:
In August of 2008 my wife and I boarded the Cresent train in Atlanta bound for Washington, D.C. We booked a sleeper car, the only way to travel on Amtrak. After a very fine meal we headed back to our sleeper for a wonderful eight hours of sleep. Keeping in mind we are 76 and 75 years old and a little slow of foot.
We had been to Washington. DC several times before, but never as Amtrak passengers. It’s a whole new world.
We had something like 4 or 5 hour layover so we got to do a little sight seeing. Then it was off to Chicago and another wonderful night on the train. I’m on this trip for the train ride and my wife is on the train as a way to get to Seattle and board the cruise ship to Alaska.
Our luck was holding out in regard to our companions at meal time as you got no choice as to who you sat with for your meals. So far so good.
I had never been to Chicago before so we didn’t venturer to far from the station. Amtrak will leave you behind.
I really felt sorry for the smokers as there is no smoking on Amtrak. They said they would put you off the train if they caught you smoking.
I loved the sunflower fields in North Dakota. Just acres and acres of sunflowers.
After two nights, I’m in hog heaven. We arrived in Seattle for the worst cruise we have ever been on. It was cold and wet and I couldn’t wait to get back on Amtrak for another four nights between the sheets. Amtrak, it’s the only way to travel.
Tips For Using A Craft Knife Safely
A craft knife (with snap-off blades), a Stanley knife, or a scarpel is a very useful tool for anyone doing hobby work. These tools are great for giving a clean cut through cardboard, balsa wood, polystyrene etc. However be very careful, because they are also very efficient at cutting through flesh. That’s why surgeons use scarpels in operations!
I have found from experience it is best to make several cuts along the same line using light to medium pressure on the knife rather than pressing down hard on the knife to make one deep cut. The knife (or your grip) is more likely to slip under pressure and result in a serious cut to a finger (or damage to the object you are cutting).
So, try using several light cuts – it may take a bit longer, but you’ll be more likely to finish with the same number of fingers.
When cutting a straight line is also a good idea to use with a metal ruler rather than a less sturdy plastic ruler. Some metal rulers come with an integral finger guard.
Always keep your hand and fingers behind the direction you are cutting. It is a simple rule, but not applying the rule it is the reason many people get cut.
Also, apart from keeping the craft knife in a safe/secure place, make sure the blade is safely retracted after use.
Many in the hobby prefer using a Stanley knife as they are more sturdy than the snap-off blade types. However, they are a little more bulky so it depends on the type of project you are working on, or what you prefer using. Whatever you choose be careful!
Many in the hobby prefer using a Stanley knife as they are more sturdy than the snap-off blade types. However, they are a little more bulky so it depends on the type of project you are working on, or what you prefer using. Whatever you choose be careful!
Attention: Anyone Who Has The Skills And Experience To Help a Reader With Advice Building a ‘Z’ Layout
Sherry is building a Z layout and wants to hear from others who know anything about building Z layouts:
“I am doing a small Z layout and have the basics assembled. I am disappointed in the Marklin track in that I think it is hard to get a smooth joint. I am wondering if I would find the Micro-Track with the attached road bed any better/easier to work with?
I don’t live near a store that carries Z supplies and don’t know anyone doing Z so I am just going by pictures. I have worked with all the other scales….this is my first Z layout. Would appreciate any in-put on this question from those who model Z scale….or any other hints from anyone.”
Add your comments to Sherry’s posting by using the green Comments & Feedback link below. Simply register (it takes just 2 minutes if you haven’t already done so) and then you can participate in future Model Train blog discussions.
Rattling, Clanging and Squeaking Of Trains
Jeff recalls the rattling, clanging and squeaking of trains and writes:
I grew up in the Bronx and the memories of trains that I have are of the elevated passenger trains. They use to shake the house as they went by. I would hear the rattling and clanging and squeaking of the metal brakes.
I sinced moved away from there to a peaceful quiet place and in my heart I do miss those trains.
Now I am in my my late fifties and I have moved again. I moved about a few hundred yards away from tracks carrying freight. I now hear the trains and feel the rattling and the objects in the house shaking. I love it! I run out sometimes and count the engines and see which way they are facing.
What memories I now have old ones and new ones.
My life working With The Chicago Transit Authority
Gary remembers his days working for the Chicago Transit Authority and writes:
I started working with the CTA in 1979 as a conductor on the elevated line and the subway which are rapid transit passenger trains. I also worked as a motorman, a ticket agent, a switchman, a foot collector (witch means collecting money from the ticket agents after they collected from the passengers) riding the train getting from one part of Chicago and suburbs to another.
After the agents stopped collecting money from the passengers, CTA used the ticket agents as Customer Asssistants who now help passengers find their way around Chicago. I worked that job part time and then ended my time (28 years 9 months) as a courier. A courier collects paper work from customer assistants and take them supplies and maps of the system and other jobs as assigned.
I traveled from one end of Chicago to the other with this job. I really liked my job. At one time CTA sold replicas of their Trains and also their bus system. That was when I got interested in Model Trains and also diecast cars & buses.
Reader Shares His Tips
Jeremy kindly sent in these tips for readers:
Re non-shine to make things look more realistic – I use Acrylic artists paints as these are naturally matt, can be mixed (and inexpensive). In our Pound Stores (equivalent of US Dollar Stores) you can get a set of Acrylic paints (red, blue, green, black, white etc) for a pound ($1.60).
Re saw dust – besides fabric dye you can use wood dye and besides sawdust, wood flakes (hamster bedding) can be dyed and used as leaves.
Baltimore and Annapolis Train Ride
Shannon sent in this story for readers:
When I was young… very young, I always wanted to see the train that ran on the Baltimore and Annapolis short line in Maryland. One day my Mom called the B7A Railroad to make the inquiry and they called right back and said the train was sitting at the Crain Highway crossing in Glen Burnie. She drove me up there and there it was. The engineer came down, took me into the cab and allowed me to open the throttle a bit and to blow the horn. That locomotive is now on display at the B&O railroad museum in Baltimore, MD.
Riding The Rails With My Uncle
Kevin recalls the Western Pacific line and writes:
I was just a little snapper when my Great Uncle Alma Jones who was a conductor on the Western Pacific line took me from Reno to Portola, California. He always wore a fine blue uniform with a vest and everyone knew he was in charge.
I loved riding the train throught the Feather River Canyon and seeing the people in the little towns and so many animals near the tracks enroute.
When he retired from the railroad he flush his false teath down the toilet because he hated wearing them I said to him “Uncle Alma, how are you going to chew your food”? He replied “I don’t need to chew Jack Daniels and Coke a Cola. Ha!
I am still amazed by the size of the engines and the beautiful accomodations of the passenger and dining cars. It was such a civilized way to travel and you didn’t have some yelling at you to “sit down, shut up and buckle up!”
New Poll For Model Railroaders
Check out the new model railroading poll (quick survey) in the right hand column. Simply select your answer. You can then instantly click to see the results to see how others answered. It’s fun and it is FREE to take part (see right hand column for poll details).
Model RR Layout Lighting
Dale kindly sent in this info on model railroad lighting to help others:
Lighting – Here is a subject that, from what I’ve noticed, is never touched in model railroading. By lighting I mean overhead lighting on a layout.
I would imagine that most layouts use fluorescent lighting in the ceiling above the layout. While this is good, it usually leaves some room for improvement in the quality of the light. I’m not talking about expensive improvements, but very inexpensive improvements that can make a big difference.
Most often the fluorescent bulbs that we use are cool white or warm white bulbs to light a given area (in this case our layout). While those lamps are adequate to get the job done they cast a lighting color on the layout that may actually mask or reduce our ability to see all the colors in the layout. They simply do not render all colors of the light spectrum equally making colors look somewhat dull.
Let me give you an example you’re familiar with where lighting makes a big difference. Retailers often take advantage of improved fluorescent lamps and food stores are big users of improved lighting. They often use lighting over the meat cases that enhances the color red or full spectrum lighting over the store shelving that makes the colors on their product boxes just ‘jump off the shelf’. The results are you see the various products as bright and inviting resulting in greater sales.
Simply changing the fluorescent lamps over the layout can make a huge improvement in the colors displayed on the layout and all for very little money.
I would suggest to replace those default cool white and warm white lamps with lamps along the line of those listed below: Use lamps with a color temperature of 3500K (degrees Kelvin) or higher and a color rendering index (CRI) of 80 and higher (0 to 100 scale). The CRI is the most important issue for true color rendering.
Here are some examples:
Brand Wattage Model Name Model No. Temperature(K) CRI
Phillips 40W Warm White Natural F40/N 3700 90 (Warm White)
Phillips 40W Deluxe Cool White F40/CWX/ALTO 4200 89 (Cool White)
Phillips 40W Colortone 50 F40/C50 5000 85 (Full Spectrum)
Phillips 34W Ultralume F34/35U/RE/EW/ALTO 3500 85 (Warm White)
Phillips 34W Ultralume F34/41U/RS/EW/ALTO 4100 85 (Cool White)
Phillips 34W Ultralume F34/50U/RS/EW/ALTO 5000 85 (Full Spectrum)
The goal is to reveal all colors accurately making your layout look its very best.
DCC And Lighting Problem
Brent has a model RR problem and wants help from readers:
“I have Walthers budd lighted passenger cars that at some spots on the circuit the lights flicker. I have cleaned the track etc, but to no avail. My units are new. Does anyone know what to do?”
Joe asks readers with DCC experience:
“I am unable to program my control to move two trains on my track.”
If you think you can help either of these readers, then use the Comments link to add your suggestion.
Make Realistic Looking Logs For Logging Scene On Model RR Layout
Jim needs help from someone with experience in creating a logging scene for his N Layout and asks readers:
“I’m pretty new at railroading and have decided that my layout will be Alaska and I’d like to have a logging camp. I cannot find any suggestions of how to make realistic looking logs. I enjoy scratchbuilding and would prefer to make them myself. Any help from some who knows would be appreciated.”
To assist Jim – use the green comments and feedback link below his posting.
Alamosa to Ignacio By Train
Ernie sent in this great story about his narrow gauge train rides:
This experience took place many years ago. I was 10 years old and I am now eighty two. My home was in Pueblo Colorado and I had an aunt and uncle who lived in Ignacio, Colorado.
To get to my destination I would catch the 11:30 P.M. D&RGW standard guage at Pueblo and ride that section to Alamosa, Colorado arriving about 2:30A.M. My mother would tell the conductor where I was going and he would tell the Alamosa Station Master, who would tell the Conductor of the narrow guage train to Ignacio.
The narrow gauge would leave Alamosa at 7:A.M..I was always handed off correctly and with a lot of tender loving care. I made this trip three or four times a year between my tenth and thirteenth year so I got to know the railroad crew on a personal basis.
The trip on the narrow gauge was long but interesting. The train had a conductor, a brakeman and a porter. The porter would make home made ice cream on the spring and summer trips. Hot chocolate on the fall aand winter trips. The trip from Alamosa to Ignacio would take until 3:30 P.M.
During the course of the trip I would enjoy beautiful scenery and a lot of wild life. There were times, going up Cumbres Pass, that the train would go so slow that I could get off and walk beside it. Other times we would drop off fishermen who were going to fish the high lakes and streams. On the afternoon return train they would pick the fishermen and return the to a stop down grade. These were experiences that I have never forgotten.
Railway in 1950’s and 60’s
Paul has sent in this wonderful memory for publication:
“My memories of trains in the UK began with my late dad Tom. He started on the railways in the late 1950’s through to the 60’s. He started on small steam engines with the LNER and he eventually progressed to be the fireman on the famous “Sir Nigel Gresley” which is one of the big “Mallard” class tender engines now held in the National Railway Museum in York. Sadly he never made a driver as the “diesels” took over. But, no matter whether he made driver or not I was proud of his achievement and always will be. “
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