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some smaller items

 

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I have a few items for sale that I unearthed last night:? I have one package of Clover House modern sized ties--7" x 9" x 9'.? 1000per bag--last price I have was nearly $18.00,? and that was several years ago.? So I'll sell them for the 18.00 and I'll pay the shipping!

next are 4 sets of S freight car brake systems for modern cars (different then the typical Grandt AB sets)? These are from Detail Associates $4.00 for each and again I'll handle the shipping

Then I have 2 1934 Ford Pickups sold by PBL.? Soft metal kits--both for $24 including shipping--price label says $14.95ea.!


Bob Werre

BBB

PhotoTraxx

Bob@...


My recent parts

 

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If you are expecting a box from me it is now in the capable hands of USPS.

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A few things about the parts... remove the raft and supports. Most used light supports so it should be easy. Paint everything NOW as soon as you get them.

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Cutting the GP35 nose is by far best with a milling machine. See first photo. That gets you flush with the cab roof.

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For the SD60 draft gear

Tap the hole for a 2-56

Do your minor filing and fitting into the shell opening. Remove shell material from the top to not change coupler height. Glue the draft gear in as flush as possible. I use Zap A Gap green glue. Have not pulled a draft gear out yet. Some?quick?sanding of the interior of the draft gear may be needed after the glue dries.

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On the cab end only you have to mill a slot to about half the length of the mounting screw. See photo. If you have a milling machine I also removed about .020 from this end for a lil more clearance. The drive is SNUG fitting.

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Put the 2-56 flat head screw in the lid. Add the coupler. Insert the spring in the coupler against the 2-56 screw. This IS a little tricky but slide the coupler into the draft gear and screw it in snug but do not over-tighten.

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Thank You,
Bill Lane

Modeling the Mighty Pennsy & PRSL in 1957 in S Scale since 1988

See my finished models at:

Look at what has been made in PRR in S Scale!

PRR Builders Photos Bought, Sold & Traded
(Trading is MUCH preferred)
?

***Join the PRR T&HS***
The other members are not ALL like me!



Join the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Lines Historical Society
It's FREE to join!??
Preserving The Memory Of The PRSL

?


CMRI HARDWARE (50% DISCOUNT)

 

Gents.......
Of possible interest to some is Chubb CMRI hardware which was purchased a long time ago from Grafton Electronics in Michigan and/or SLIQ in Florida.? They did the assembly and testing.? Some of these products have been in use until Covid arrived in 2020.? My wife caught it and ended up in the hospital for over a week and almost died.? I have not operated the layout since then.? Some of these products are still wrapped in their static-proof papers and are brand new -- never used.? Everything worked perfectly the last time the layout was operated.

Please feel free to write and ask questions or request photos.??Email preferred, but the phone works.? ??Loizeaux? aht??SBC?//??Global? daht??net? ? ? ?1-650-962-1577? ??

Here is the list:

QTY? ? ?DESCRIPTION

1? ? ? ? ? ? USIC? Rev. D??
1? ? ? ? ? ? USIC? Rev. 0.9
2? ? ? ? ? ? ?IC "chips"? U1B01a? (never used)
1? ? ? ? ? ? ?S mini
1? ? ? ? ? ? ?Super USIC mini-node? (2014)
22? ? ? ? ? ?DOUT 24 boards
9? ? ? ? ? ? ?DIN 24 boards
7? ? ? ? ? ? ?Stall switch motor boards? (for SwitchMaster motors or similar)
5? ? ? ? ? ? ?Optimum Detectors??
1? ? ? ? ? ? ? Computer output test panel
1? ? ? ? ? ? ? Bag with many Molex connectors & Molex pins

I'd be happy to sell these at a price which is half of the current retail price.? Or, make me an offer and see what happens.? (No promises)

"S"incerely.............Ed Loizeaux



--
Ed Loizeaux
Los Altos, CA


Re: Junker Downs Tank Cars for Parts

 

Jace,
Thank you for the photo.
End castings => Evergreen Scale Models strip styrene and Tichy HO Scale > Structure Parts > #8001 Open Grate Platform pieces.
Corner steps => Tichy phosphor bronze wire
?
Matt Hogan


Junker Downs Tank Cars for Parts

 

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Someone suggested I post photos of what I needed.? That seemed reasonable, so here are the end castings and brass stampings (or etchings), from which I need corner steps.
The pair of Bakers Chocolate I just bought are identical, so they may have come from a Downs inventory reduction, perhaps with problems.? Either that, or they've been stored in a poor environment, as the pewter castings are somewhat brittle and break rather than bending as previous Downs parts have done for me.??

While I've tinkered with other Downs tanks I'd bought in the past, I really hadn't looked closely at the two kits I've acquired over the years.? My impression from more scrutiny is that the instructions don't account for everything that ought to go into assembling them, comparing what is there with a completed (="factory-assembled") Downs car.


Jace Kahn


Re: A really quick video

 

I have seen that tender up close, and while it might be absolutely perfect, it is gorgeous -- great lines.? ?I just noticed something I hadn't seen -- the electrical?line strung along the top of the tender side.? ?NICE touch!? ?I have to agree that the "fire" looks like one.?

Bill Winans
---------------------
...

A couple of things, the firebox has two LEDs in it firring off set. I think the Mutt will get four LEDs in the firebox firing off set. I am thinking it would produce even a better effect of a larger fire all the way down the side of the ash pans.?
...
Also, the tender tank looks to be all warped up. Again, yes there is but not to the extent the camera and the sunlight shows.?
...
Mike Swederska


Re: A really quick video

Austin Birkey
 

Looks and sounds amazing!


On Fri, Dec 20, 2024, 3:51?PM Mike Swederska via <MikeSscale=[email protected]> wrote:

I have not had the time to put up a video lately. So, I shot this yesterday morning at the beginning of the operations for that day. It is very short, and I think I may just start making less than sixty second shorts video.?

A couple of things, the firebox has two LEDs in it firring off set. I think the Mutt will get four LEDs in the firebox firing off set. I am thinking it would produce even a better effect of a larger fire all the way down the side of the ash pans.?

The other is the cab roof is not pushed all the way down tightly to the cab. You can't see this gap in a normal environment. But the camera shows it with the sunlight coming through in the reflection.?

Also, the tender tank looks to be all warped up. Again, yes there is but not to the extent the camera and the sunlight shows.?

I do use the camera in my normal building process to show bad solder joints and misfit parts.?

--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16

Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!


A really quick video

 

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https://youtu.be/obp_NkxVnRg?si=3306dz8B4ORCM9vf

I have not had the time to put up a video lately. So, I shot this yesterday morning at the beginning of the operations for that day. It is very short, and I think I may just start making less than sixty second shorts video.?

A couple of things, the firebox has two LEDs in it firring off set. I think the Mutt will get four LEDs in the firebox firing off set. I am thinking it would produce even a better effect of a larger fire all the way down the side of the ash pans.?

The other is the cab roof is not pushed all the way down tightly to the cab. You can't see this gap in a normal environment. But the camera shows it with the sunlight coming through in the reflection.?

Also, the tender tank looks to be all warped up. Again, yes there is but not to the extent the camera and the sunlight shows.?

I do use the camera in my normal building process to show bad solder joints and misfit parts.?

--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16

Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!


Re: Trucks (was Rusti Tank cars

 

On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 06:32 AM, JGG KahnSr wrote:
the Ace line was in danger of disappearing <snip>.? I always liked their trucks, especially with metal wheelsets, and still buy them whenever I see them reasonably priced.
?
Hi Jace (or anyone else).......I have quite a few ACE trucks in mint condition still in their original plastic bags.? They have scale metal wheels.? Some folks like them because they add a bit of weight to a car down low where it helps to stabilize things.? I have different styles of complete trucks plus a box full of pieces & parts like nylon bearings, etc.? Modern roller bearing trucks are sold out.? Why not make me an offer and see if I smile?? Your best reasonable offer would be a good place to start.? Let's not play the low-balling game.? Thanks........Ed L.
?
email preferred:? ? Loizeaux? aht? SBC //? Global? daht net
--
Ed Loizeaux
Los Altos, CA


Re: Downs Tankcar Parts

 

In this and some similar cases, it would be useful if someone bought the "business" (especially the rights) from the current owner, and made that known to the NASG. This is probably much easier if the current owner is still living.
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Some detail parts such as end-platform castings are obvious candidates for casting or for re-engineering as 3-D CAD models.
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There are some other owners of cast metal or resin parts where rights and masters could probably be preserved.
?
I'd be glad to donate funds to support such a project. If current owners would sell for a nominal amount, funds would go a long way.
--
Mark Charles
Ann Arbor, Mich. USA


Re: WTB Junker Downs Tankcars

 

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At age 83 I already have more kits and projects than I am likely to complete in this lifetime, although unlike my contemporary, Ed Loizeaux, I am still buying more in0stead of prudently disposing of them.??

I've managed to buy a couple of the Downs kits over the years, although I have no intention of robbing them of parts to fix the pair of problem children I've just bought.? His instructions in one of them—TK-600--indicate he intended to offer a number of different sizes with different details (as he did, although perhaps not all as kits).? They are fun cars to build and own, providing the cost is not ridiculous—some sellers are asking well beyond $100 for them.??

Someone told me that he was as likely to use HO decals where they fit as proper S scale ones.? Another source suggested he developed health issues from painting these and all the repaints of mass-production cars (AF, PRS, AM).

He used a limited number of cast components in white metal to fit the PVC pipe bodies, and presumably the variety of paint/lettering schemes kept them selling, particularly to high-rail buyers.? Although I've heard speculation, for some reason the tank end castings for the Canadian Starch cars all developed cracks—all I've seen so far have them—which is surprising, as white-metal/sort of pewter normally doesn't develop those the way zamac does in the presence of impurities in the mold.

Returning to my original post, I should have added that I don't need the trucks and couplers from any junkers, just the cast frame ends and brass corner steps.


Jace Kahn



From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Bob Werre <bob@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2024 7:36 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [S-Scale] WTB Junker Downs Tankcars
?
Jace in earlier years Downs did offer unpainted kits. As there were several variations in the details, some might have some of those.? I've owned a lot of them over the years including a Tank Train that Mr. Lane ownes now, I think!? I thought of them as a wonderful product.? At one of Jamie's auctions I bought probably the longest version that was offered and it was good on my wallet too.? It took two evening to build so not that hard and parts fit nicely.?

That is also? good reason to still have kits!? Their aren't that many parts to it,--the end caps being the most important then the running boards/ bolster parts.? Of course Rusti probably did okay as he was also able to move his RB trucks in those kits.? I also understand he had some youth involved in the finishing of them.? I think I've got a half dozen of the modern style including two 'beer can' versions!?

Of course the major problem with most tank cars is that they are welded with a slight slope to the center--for drainage--I don't know if that applies to all modern tanks or not.? I was once on assignment for the Houston Belt and Terminal while they were shifting tankcars.? A sudden jerk causes the open valve to discharge a few gallons of some greenish liquid (Ghost Buster's looking).? They called Haz-mat to the scene!?

So Jace, this is a wonderful opportunity to buy out the rights to these cars, have some parts made and your troubles are over!? Then make up some more kits...Heck I'd buy a couple more.

Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
If no one can direct me to a source for parts for these, another possibility might be looking for junkers that I could cannibalize for what I need.
Anyone have any?? Preferably cheap?


Jace Kahn




Trucks (was Rusti Tank cars

 

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I suspect anyone who has been buying S scale for a while has some miscellaneous odds and ends; I have at least 7-8 orphan (=singleton) trucks and my own bag of assorted Northeastern truck parts.? Occasionally I acquire more and can actually assemble an extra truck or two, or match one of the orphan trucks for a complete pair.??
With the current 3-D printed roller bearings, as used for Ben Trousdale's covered hoppers, we also have AM, SHS, and PRS roller bearing trucks as well as the Downs/Ace from among which to choose.
From memory of reading/hearing about the Ace line, apparently it was developed by a prominent supporter of S scale who had even bigger plans for it (such as brake beams or shoes to fit the brackets in the sideframes).? Whatever happened (perhaps he died) the Ace line was in danger of disappearing when Russ Downs bought it.? I always liked their trucks, especially with metal wheelsets, and still buy them whenever I see them reasonably priced.


Jace Kahn



From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Bob Werre <bob@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2024 8:52 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [S-Scale] Rusti Tank cars
?
On 12/19/24 7:29 PM, Bill Lane via groups.io wrote:

The entire reason at least originally for Russ making tanks cars was this…..

?

The mold was made to shoot 2 Bettendorf side frames and 2 Roller Bearing side frames. At that time almost no one was buying Roller Bearing trucks. Russ had TUBS of them. The tank cars were made to use the R B trucks. In the end it flipped because of the tank cars and Russ put some Bettendorf on tank cars because they were surplus.

?

Thank You,
Bill Lane


And speaking of odd things that defy our logic!? Among the remaining things, the BBB has a bag of parts for the NE/Kinsman trucks.? As far as I can tell no complete trucks can be put together, so it's something like the Ace trucks--a balancing act!? I'll have to thumb through the remains soon but at least those parts will make good hopper bay weights!

Bob Werre

PhotoTraxx


Re: Today’s S Scale project

 

I agree with Tommy. Most impressive.
?
Not only are you a terrific builder, you're really fast!?
?
Mark in Oregon


Re: Rusti Tank cars

 

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On 12/19/24 7:29 PM, Bill Lane via groups.io wrote:

The entire reason at least originally for Russ making tanks cars was this…..

?

The mold was made to shoot 2 Bettendorf side frames and 2 Roller Bearing side frames. At that time almost no one was buying Roller Bearing trucks. Russ had TUBS of them. The tank cars were made to use the R B trucks. In the end it flipped because of the tank cars and Russ put some Bettendorf on tank cars because they were surplus.

?

Thank You,
Bill Lane


And speaking of odd things that defy our logic!? Among the remaining things, the BBB has a bag of parts for the NE/Kinsman trucks.? As far as I can tell no complete trucks can be put together, so it's something like the Ace trucks--a balancing act!? I'll have to thumb through the remains soon but at least those parts will make good hopper bay weights!

Bob Werre

PhotoTraxx


Re: WTB Junker Downs Tankcars

 

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Hey Jace
I don’t have any parts.
Wanted to let you know…because you helped me with diesel SIDEFRAMES and HIRAIL WHEELSETS….when I was in need!
I wish that I could help you!
Good luck
Roger Haag. ? Hendersonville?

On Dec 19, 2024, at 7:36?PM, Bob Werre <bob@...> wrote:

?
Jace in earlier years Downs did offer unpainted kits. As there were several variations in the details, some might have some of those.? I've owned a lot of them over the years including a Tank Train that Mr. Lane ownes now, I think!? I thought of them as a wonderful product.? At one of Jamie's auctions I bought probably the longest version that was offered and it was good on my wallet too.? It took two evening to build so not that hard and parts fit nicely.?

That is also? good reason to still have kits!? Their aren't that many parts to it,--the end caps being the most important then the running boards/ bolster parts.? Of course Rusti probably did okay as he was also able to move his RB trucks in those kits.? I also understand he had some youth involved in the finishing of them.? I think I've got a half dozen of the modern style including two 'beer can' versions!?

Of course the major problem with most tank cars is that they are welded with a slight slope to the center--for drainage--I don't know if that applies to all modern tanks or not.? I was once on assignment for the Houston Belt and Terminal while they were shifting tankcars.? A sudden jerk causes the open valve to discharge a few gallons of some greenish liquid (Ghost Buster's looking).? They called Haz-mat to the scene!?

So Jace, this is a wonderful opportunity to buy out the rights to these cars, have some parts made and your troubles are over!? Then make up some more kits...Heck I'd buy a couple more.

Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
If no one can direct me to a source for parts for these, another possibility might be looking for junkers that I could cannibalize for what I need.
Anyone have any?? Preferably cheap?


Jace Kahn




Rusti Tank cars

 

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The entire reason at least originally for Russ making tanks cars was this…..

?

The mold was made to shoot 2 Bettendorf side frames and 2 Roller Bearing side frames. At that time almost no one was buying Roller Bearing trucks. Russ had TUBS of them. The tank cars were made to use the R B trucks. In the end it flipped because of the tank cars and Russ put some Bettendorf on tank cars because they were surplus.

?

Thank You,
Bill Lane

Modeling the Mighty Pennsy, PRSL & Reading in 1957 in S Scale since 1987

See my finished models at:

Look at what has been made in PRR in S Scale!

?

See my layout progress at:



Join the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Lines Historical Society
It's FREE to join!??
Preserving The Memory Of The PRSL

?




This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.



Re: Today’s S Scale project

 

Looking good Mike.? I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Tommy?


Re: Today’s S Scale project

 

Here are some more pictures of this evenings progress.?
The cab is soldered together. The floor was fabricated to fit the cab and against the back of the boiler. It to is soldered to the cab bottom. There is now both crew seats made and soldered together and soldered to the floor. The cab is just sitting on the boiler which is sitting on cylinders and motor. I can also now see that I will have to lengthen the draw bar to get back the three feet spacing between the tender and cab.?

Next will be drilling, tapping the boiler to bolt it to the cylinders and then make a bracket to solder to the cab floor and drill and tap to the rear of the frame.?

Next will be cutting the fire box up to clear the top of the rear drivers and make ash pans.?

Once all that is done I will make the deck extension on the tender finishing it up. The tender will get painted after that.?

I will then make the removable back head covering the motor.?
--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16

Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!


Re: SwitchMaster turnout motors

 

On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 03:05 PM, Bill Lane wrote:
What voltage are yours?
Bill.........
?
To the best of my knowledge, genuine SwitchMaster motors have always been a 3 volt DC Hankscraft motor made in America.? With a resistor in series, they can operate on 12 volts or whatever DC voltage you happen to have.? Here is a quote from the SwitchMaster web site:
?
SwitchMaster motors actually operate on just 3 volt DC. A 1200 ohm resistor is included for 12 volt operation.?
?
There was a time many moons ago when a cheap knock-off product was offered using a motor from China.? Forgot the name of the company, but the motor was really cheap and did not last long.?
?
As an interesting side note, this specific Hankscraft motor was designed for "operating" (moving) display signs in retail stores.? Remember those signs with a dog's wagging tail which actually moved.? The design goal was to have these signs run on a couple of common batteries and have the sign operate for over one week without needing a change of batteries.? As is common, we model railroaders steal good ideas from elsewhere and use them for our own purposes.? It is true that our DCC products could not exist without all the small, miniaturized components contained in cell phones.
?
Cheers......Ed L.
?
Ed Loizeaux
Los Altos, CA


Re: Diode Lighting circuit

 

No.? His question was about the diode network.? He provided a photo making it even more obvious.? He made a mention of LEDs, but they aren't applicable to the network.? I pointed out in one of my comments that LEDs did NOT apply.

Your test light is not "wrong."? It just has a limitation.? If you have a high resistance connection as the cause of insufficient current to your locomotives, the LED light tester may not catch it.? This is not my opinion.? This is how electricity works.

Charles E. "Chuck" Kinzer

On Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 04:42:19 PM PST, Mike Swederska via groups.io <mikesscale@...> wrote:


Charles E. "Chuck" Kinzer,
I’m done, you win. I didn’t know I was dealing with someone like you. Now 测辞耻’谤别?saying my test light is wrong! I’m guess you did what I asked and read his original post and found it was about LEDs and not light bulbs. So now you are attacking my test light and bragging about something else off his subject. DCC voltage?

I just want to be clear. I would not give advice to anyone if I wasn’t sure it was correct. I definitely don’t like someone implying I would and did.?

So don’t bother replying to this post. I’m muting it on my end.?

I will now post the latest progress on the Mutt next. And then step away from this group turning it off for now.


Mike Swederska?

On Dec 19, 2024, at 6:25?PM, Charles Kinzer via groups.io <ckinzer@...> wrote:

Charles E. "Chuck" Kinzer

--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16

Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!