Weekend Update 1/17/21

[up1950s]

http://rockinghamlibrary.org/history/items/show/1405#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0&xywh=-269%2C-2%2C2935%2C1585

[C855B]

I strongly suspect it was the number of balls visible above the sleeve that controlled movements corresponding to track number. Notice there are three tracks on what is perhaps the signalled route, and there are three balls. So 1 ball = track 1 clear, 2 balls = track 2 clear, etc.

Or something like that.

[garethashenden]

It was three balls on a string. Three Balls gave authority to the Connecticut River Line (the one passing through on all the diamonds, B&M and CV together). Two Balls gave authority to the Rutland. Their yard was crossed by the Conn River Line. One Ball gave authority to the B&M's Cheshire branch coming in from the back of the photo and terminating at the station. The balls were taken down in '64 or '65. and there's only one diamond left.

[Cajonpassfan]

After a couple of decades plus, I got my ATSF FM Erie-built 90 set running in DCC ESU sound. Thanks, Rick Brodzinsky!
One of a kind on the Santa Fe, but pure pleasure to see (and hear) running on my layout. Still need to tweak them, add front coupler and some details, a bit of weathering...
More on my LA Division Layout Engineering thread...
Otto K.

[peteski]

All this talk about balls reminds me of a certain AC/DC song. 

[eja]

If my balls were showing, I think I would put on a pair of pants

[davefoxx]

I decoderized one of two FP7s a year or two ago but never got around to the second engine.  That ends this weekend.  Last night, I removed the Tsunami guts from this HO scale Athearn FP7 and installed an ESU LokSound decoder and a Decoder Buddy.  Tonight, I installed the LEDs to replace the fragile Athearn incandescent bulbs.  First, though I glued two pieces of styrene tube behind each headlight casing to house the LEDs.  I tucked the LEDs in the tubes and coated them with craft glue.  Once dry, I’ll slap some paint on them to prevent light from leaking back into the cab.  The top headlight is a Mars Light.  All the electronics worked before I permanently installed the LEDs, as I tested the locomotive on the programming track with a LokProgrammer.



I just need to finish the lights, plug the connector board into the mother board, sort the wires, reinstall the shell, and install the couplers.

DFF

[Chris333]

In the lead photo the photographer looks to be standing on the old turntable. It shows up in 1950 and I wondered why they needed it so close to the other turntable just to the east. But they I found this cool town photo:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Railroad_structures_in_Bellows_Falls_on_1886_birds-eye_map.jpg

Shows the ball signal and all. The curved wall along the river was the old roundhouse.

Here is looking back at the roundhouse. The balls are now square:
https://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/usersearchmatches?userid=91CE877CF16C43EEA91FEDF166979869&st=1&match=cnr

https://classicamericanmusclecars.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/usersearchmatches?userid=91CE877CF16C43EEA91FEDF166979869&seq=1063&st=1&match=railroad

[SP-Wolf]

After a couple of decades plus, I got my ATSF FM Erie-built 90 set running in DCC ESU sound. Thanks, Rick Brodzinsky!
One of a kind on the Santa Fe, but pure pleasure to see (and hear) running on my layout. Still need to tweak them, add front coupler and some details, a bit of weathering...
More on my LA Division Layout Engineering thread...
Otto K.

Hi Otto,

Those look great.

What did you use for the FM engine sound - ?

Regards,
Wolf

[randgust]

Those of you that might remember my Hickory Bridge module / West Hickory - the Hickory Valley RR diamond across the PRR 'main' appears to have been controlled by a ball signal by the Hickory Bridge toll booth tender....who is my long-deceased great uncle.   There's shots in the 20's showing the post on the edge of the picture, and an 1896 shot clearly showing a highball mast.  It would have been taken out in 1938, which seems awful late for a PRR signal.

And I've wondered the same thing.  And can't find any PRR rules, timetable authority, timetables or anything.   I have no idea how you read signals other than 'high ball' (highball) means go, but it sure looks like two opposed balls on a "T", so, which one is which?   I'd love to make one work in N scale and may try yet.   The PRR junction at Irvineton was all semaphore, but a RR ball controlled by a non-PRR employee to 1938?....still struggling with that as the line was hosting heavy I-1 Decapod coal trains that would have had a 'stop' surprise on an uphill grade, and there's no telegraph line to the toll booth controlling the signal, and no other tower for miles and miles.

[Point353]

After a couple of decades plus, I got my ATSF FM Erie-built 90 set running in DCC ESU sound. Thanks, Rick Brodzinsky!
One of a kind on the Santa Fe, but pure pleasure to see (and hear) running on my layout. Still need to tweak them, add front coupler and some details, a bit of weathering...
More on my LA Division Layout Engineering thread...
Otto K.

If you don't need the front coupler on the leading A unit, you could add a cover over the opening in the pilot similar to the cover on the prototype.

[bnsfdash8]

I made some tweaks to the SD38 shell and everything fit as it should've. Since the SD39 was similar I went ahead and created that shell as well. I think I'll paint it for Illinois Terminal, but patched for the NW.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[altohorn25]

If you don't need the front coupler on the leading A unit, you could add a cover over the opening in the pilot similar to the cover on the prototype.

The coupler covers didn't last very long in service.  I'd put a short MT true scale coupler in the pilot if I were you.

Nate

[altohorn25]

I just left a regular Kadee #5 in the pilot of my HO scale version of the Santa Fe #90.  I think it looks fine.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[eja]

Here is looking back at the roundhouse. The balls are now square:

That had to hurt !