Re: Weekend Update 5/31/26

[up1950s]

https://www.railwayage.com/mechanical/freight-cars/watch-parallel-systems-tests-railcar-platooning-in-california/

https://www.rideonrailways.co.uk/paul/building/page15.html

https://www.aar.org/freight-rail-innovation-week/

https://columbiapacificheritagemuseum.org/events/

/>
https://www.railmover.com/home26885f84/EQUIPMENT-c44174080

[bbussey]

I have my first Arduino Mega controlled Octopus III up and running with its first servo and turnout. It took some doing to get the programming fine-tuned, but it works perfectly. Rather than connecting directly with the O3, the control panel momentary toggles and buttons signal the Mega, and the Mega controls the O3. This is how the route buttons signal the Mega to throw multiple turnouts. I knew I didn’t need the voltage line to the input block. I also discovered I didn’t need the ground pins either, because all of the auxiliary buses are on a common ground. So the unit is ready for the remaining three turnouts.

This also is my first effort on using aileron pulley cables to throw the turnout points, which allows the servo to be mounted elsewhere when the area under the turnout is tight. All four turnouts have limited space underneath, so I was happy to get this working smoothly.

The turnout throwbar ties still need some minor repair work. Also looking forward to adding an NJ International switch stand and animating it by connecting the bell crank to the throwbar with a wire strand. I have enough switch stands for New London and some extras, but probably not enough for the industrial spur in Bridgeport.

[mandealco]

Hi
We just spent the last 2 weeks visiting our son and family in Mount Barker South Australia.  The trip coincided with the Mount Barker Rail Fest, a full day hosted by Steam Ranger, who run an 80km broad gauge line as an historical railway.   We shot some video of the shuttle trains hauled by 3 steam engines, for my YouTube channel, but the real treat was purchasing an N-scale DL-531.  These are made by Gopher models and are a model of the South Australian Railways 830 class, which is the same as the New South Wales 48-class.  These were built by Goodwin-Alco mainly during the '60s and were used in just about every service from branch line to mainline, and many are still used today.

This one, which will be # 844, represents a former South Australian 830 class as used by Genesee & Wyoming Australia.  It now resides at Steam Ranger in Mount Barker., along with 4 other Alco powered units.  The model comes with a set of numbered decals so you can choose your own road number, a great idea.  As you can see, it's tiny, but I had to get one for my Alco addiction.  My son Nathan brought his latest monstrosity over to help me show just how small a DL-531 is.  Yes, it is N-scale and it also runs sweetly.

Cheers
Steve

[Dave V]

Nothing sexy from me this week, but important work nonetheless...

Painting concrete ties on Unitrack for the Granville Bridge module:



...and painting module benchwork for the two Huntingdon modules (the doubles) and the two singles (one to be Lancaster County and one generic Middle Division):



The doubles are from Klawndyke and the singles from RSLaser Kits.

[Rasputen]

I had Meshy make me a model of a Bombardier tracked vehicle.  I remember seeing these in Northern Canada and I thought this would be cool to have one parked in an industrial yard with all the other strange clutter that you run into.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[sirenwerks]

I had Meshy make me a model of a Bombardier tracked vehicle.  I remember seeing these in Northern Canada and I thought this would be cool to have one parked in an industrial yard with all the other strange clutter that you run into.
(Attachment Link)

Great flatcar load!

[Sumner]

Been painting over the Spackle.



.



.



.



.



.



.



.



More info and pictures on the paint work on my build thread ( HERE )

Taking a day off to work on the log stacker (CAD & printing) and to try and finish up with the rotary snow plow.  Then back to finishing the highlights on the lase scenery section.

Sumner

[John]

A couple of years ago, I tore down a large section of my layout because I needed to replace some plumbing, and since I wasn't happy with several sections, I decided it was a good time to start over .. It was double deck, and mostly 12" inch width sections, except on the lower level where there were two yards on each end, with many tracks .. I probably have 50-60 (or more)  code 55 atlas turnouts, and at least 150 lengths of flex track (or more) that I salvaged or can salvage from the sections I haven't dismantled yet ..

I spent Saturday sorting the track, and removing rail joiners from the ends (to reuse) .. the joiners went into the ultrasonic cleaner which did a decent job making them bright again .. considering that they cost $5 for 24, I saved a bunch of money.   

I need to soak a bunch of the flex track to remove the glue and ballast between the ties .. that's the next project ..

Last fall, I collected a lowes lawn bag full of dry leaves - and stored them in the shed .. checking them yesterday, they are ready for the blender and grinder to turn them into scenery material .. I should get at least one woodland scenics shakers worth of material ..

[Jesse6669]

I did another Z scale sheet/post container, this one a 53'.  Here it is stacked on the '48 that's partially painted.  I just received the SP and ATSF decals I designed for this one, hope to have it done by next week.


I also decided to get this new AZL CR GP30 in shape, so I will add the details pictured (new horn and Cab Signal box) plus N-Possibles, then give it a fade and weathering.  Here's the "before" pic.

[jpwisc]

I painted… a bunch. I go some JSH70 flat cars and some 89’ mow flats all painted, as well as a pressure vessel load (partially painted).
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[samusi01]

some 89’ mow flats all painted

Nice. Did you get the part for the tiedown & chock stowage, on the off chance you want to include those? Not all the BNSF MOW flats have them, but most seem to. If you want reference images for deck weathering just let me know.

[wm3798]

Ready to head up to Frostburg!


Apart from the Tichy decals looking like they're cut out of 3/4" plywood, I think it's serviceable.
Good thing I like the old toy train ethos.  Wrong engine with chunky markings...  This could easily be a Bev Bel model!

You younger people can Google that.

Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I got a bro hug from the CEO of Conrail on Saturday morning. My life is complete.

[jpwisc]

Nice. Did you get the part for the tiedown & chock stowage, on the off chance you want to include those? Not all the BNSF MOW flats have them, but most seem to. If you want reference images for deck weathering just let me know.

I didn’t, but I would love to include that!

[samusi01]

I didn’t, but I would love to include that!

I'll send a PM in a bit.