Proto-lanced Pennsy: The West Slope

[chicken45]

So. Now concerns about track radii. Is 12 inches enough? I'm not so worried about cosmetics, but body mounted G26 gons and passenger car diaphragms. I mean, they are a couple clicks above 9.75", so I'd imagine I'd be ok?

[Philip H]

12 inches ir probably close for some of that equipment.  I have 14" radius curves and that seems about as far as I want to go.

[Hornwrecker]

I just checked out how four 50' (X58s and G31s) with an 85' Trainworx flat (all body mounted cars) in between went around my smallest radius of 13" (on a grade); they went around it with no problems, although they did overhang quite a bit. 

Diaphragms  might be a problem.  We can check it next time you're up this way.  I think I have some old flex from my redesign that can be used for different radii.

[eric220]

I know that Kato's BL will make it around those curves just fine. Not sure about other manufacturers' stuff, but it shouldn't be an operational problem, more a cosmetic one.

[chicken45]

Heh. Everything Kato seems bullitproof.
Loved those shots of them running the GG1 and cars through a 9.75" S curve.

Bob- I may be making my way up your way a little more often now. Maybe next time, a nice dedicated trip! 

[davefoxx]

If it helps, Kato Amfleet cars and my new BLMA 89' flatcars all track well around my HCD, which has curves down to a 12" mainline minimum radius and Atlas #5 turnouts.  Plus, they run nicely through a small stretch of an 11" radius on a passing siding.  They also have run successfully on my branchline's 10" minimum radius curve (180 degree curve) on an approximately 2.75% grade.   However, one of the Amfleets doesn't like backing up on that sharp curve.

Yeah, they might look ridiculous, but I still enjoy it more than having shelf queens.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[chicken45]

I ripped up all my road bed today. I'm going to take my track plan somewhere and get it printed out. Also ordered a shinto rasp plane. Should be an interesting week!

[Smike]

Wow, this thread got put in the oven and baked until awesome...  I really didn't think it could ever be done, PRR 4 track on door without looking like a tyco trainset, but wow that plan is an awesome result of a$$hat collaboration here.

Oh and those crossovers.....

[VonRyan]

It'll make one hell of a photo-stage with the 4 tracks. Nothing else can really convey the full power of the mighty PRR.


-Cody F.

[chicken45]

Still alive! My three towers and the last remaining watchbox the cat didn't eat. ALTO is oversized but it isn't too bad.




So I'm wondering if I should power all the frogs in my interlocking.

[Lemosteam]

So I'm wondering if I should power all the frogs in my interlocking.

Whatsa matta, got an infestation?   

[DKS]

[eric220]

Still alive! My three towers and the last remaining watchbox the cat didn't eat. ALTO is oversized but it isn't too bad.

So I'm wondering if I should power all the frogs in my interlocking.

Wow, that really does illustrate ALTO's dimensional issues.

As to the frogs, yes.

Yes.

Am I sure? Yes.

It's a tedious process, but it pays huge dividends in the reliability department.

[chicken45]

Actual tower dimensions:
14'6" by 24'8"

Model dimensions:
18' 5"by 32'  and about 40 feet tall. I don't know how tall ALTO actually is.

[chicken45]

Things have stalled a bit (not because of unpowered frogs). But I did manage to get my new track plan printed out. I got all my old WS roadbed turn up, but it is still a mess. I don't know if it will be easier to grind it all level or just get a new piece of foam. I will also be using cork. I didn't like the spongy-ness of the roadbed. Especially on an interlocking!


But let's talk paint.
Cody O has been asking me about the different Tuscan Reds. Well, here's a picture of them.
From top to bottom:
1. Kato RPO
2. HGM RPO painted with a 50/50 mix of zinc chromate and boxcar red, sprayed with dullcoat. Yes, I will be painting the stirrups black. And when MTL comes out with those new trucks, it will get those as well.
3. MTL RPO

Kato seems to be the darkest and "most brown."
MTL is a little more "red" than Kato.
The HGM looks lighter than it really is. in this photo. The Kato is glossy, and the MTL has a little gloss to it, too. I'd say the MTL is my favorite mix.
As I understand it, Tuscan changed throughout the years, even when it was supposed to be the same color.

In my research on Jerry's site, it looks like there was a prewar and postwar Tuscan shade. I'm in the market for the PRRT&HS Passenger car paint book, but I've heard that new things have come to light since it's printing. I don't have the book, so I don't know if that is covered in it.

Just thought I'd share for yinz guys.