¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 Groups.io

Re: Rail Joiners for S-Helper Flex Track

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

I would stay away from code 100 rail jointers. I would think the heal would be too tight to get on the raill. The suggestion of O scale code 148 is what I would try. Micro Engineering should have those. If you Google them, they pop up from many different hobby shops. Since you plan to solder wire to them you may want to think about soldering the joiners to each rail end and locking them in. I would also give the joiner a tap flat before installing them if they are to lose once installed.?

But Hey, I built my last S-Sn3 layout all hand laid with out using any rail joiners. This one I did because some of the main line track is flex.?


Mike?


From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Roger Haag via groups.io <s_scale_man@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 6:21 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [S-Scale] Rail Joiners for S-Helper Flex Track
?
Hello
IF ALL ELSE FAILS?
I thought I could use the thin brass U-Shaped scratch building stock. 12inch length. Cut to about 1inch long. ?Buy the stock that has a width that is as wide as the base of the rail. Solderable.
Roger Haag

On May 20, 2025, at 2:00?PM, Steve Lunde <ace5348@...> wrote:

? In a pinch you can use Atlas O joiners for code 148.
Steve Lunde?

On May 20, 2025, at 11:59, John Donnersbach via groups.io <pullmx@...> wrote:

?
Just thought I would ask this group if anyone knows what might work the best for rail joiners, since Fox Valley are Sold Out at this time. I'm looking for Rail Joiners for S-Helper / MTH code 138 Flex Track that will be used with Fox Valley Switches. I was looking on eBay and found 3 different rail joiners that might work. I want the Silver unpainted ones so I can solder wires to them if needed. [1] Peco PL-10 said they fit HO / O scale code 100 Track, [2] Guy in Florida goes by antbocc_50 has O Scale rail joiners for code 125 & 148 track, [3] Micro Engineering 26-100 rail joiners. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks John

--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
https://www.youtube.com/@mikesscale3149

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


Re: Rail Joiners for S-Helper Flex Track

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hello
IF ALL ELSE FAILS?
I thought I could use the thin brass U-Shaped scratch building stock. 12inch length. Cut to about 1inch long. ?Buy the stock that has a width that is as wide as the base of the rail. Solderable.
Roger Haag

On May 20, 2025, at 2:00?PM, Steve Lunde <ace5348@...> wrote:

? In a pinch you can use Atlas O joiners for code 148.
Steve Lunde?

On May 20, 2025, at 11:59, John Donnersbach via groups.io <pullmx@...> wrote:

?
Just thought I would ask this group if anyone knows what might work the best for rail joiners, since Fox Valley are Sold Out at this time. I'm looking for Rail Joiners for S-Helper / MTH code 138 Flex Track that will be used with Fox Valley Switches. I was looking on eBay and found 3 different rail joiners that might work. I want the Silver unpainted ones so I can solder wires to them if needed. [1] Peco PL-10 said they fit HO / O scale code 100 Track, [2] Guy in Florida goes by antbocc_50 has O Scale rail joiners for code 125 & 148 track, [3] Micro Engineering 26-100 rail joiners. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks John


Re: Rail Joiners for S-Helper Flex Track

 

The width of the rail web (width of the bottom of the rail) varies surprisingly between different makes of the same rail height (code), let alone between sizes of rail. So the two code 100 sources you mention are extremely unlikely to work. Even code 125 rail joiners (hard to find now) don't work on code 138. If using a code 148 joiner it's easy to pinch the base a little closer together in case you feel the joint is too loose (in case you are leaving one side loose for expansion/contraction). So I'd go with the "O scale code 125/148 joint bars."

You are wise to want unpainted/unweathered rail joiners. Cleaning off paint or weathering is essential for good solder connections, and cleaning small rail joiners can only be described?as a pain. When you're confident that your completed solder joint is making a perfect and sturdy electrical connection, you can paint the rail and joiner and it will visually melt into the scene.

While a little pricey in quantities of two (larger packages were sold), here is an ebay seller with the later MTH version of code 138 joiners. These do have a gloss enamelled finish, however. I have not used these on Fox Valley track, but it's unlikely that they wouldn't fit.


Jim Whipple
Pittsburgh PA

On Tue, May 20, 2025 at 12:59?PM John Donnersbach via <pullmx=[email protected]> wrote:
Just thought I would ask this group if anyone knows what might work the best for rail joiners, since Fox Valley are Sold Out at this time. I'm looking for Rail Joiners for S-Helper / MTH code 138 Flex Track that will be used with Fox Valley Switches. I was looking on eBay and found 3 different rail joiners that might work. I want the Silver unpainted ones so I can solder wires to them if needed. [1] Peco PL-10 said they fit HO / O scale code 100 Track, [2] Guy in Florida goes by antbocc_50 has O Scale rail joiners for code 125 & 148 track, [3] Micro Engineering 26-100 rail joiners. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks John


Re: Rail Joiners for S-Helper Flex Track

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

In a pinch you can use Atlas O joiners for code 148.
Steve Lunde?

On May 20, 2025, at 11:59, John Donnersbach via groups.io <pullmx@...> wrote:

?
Just thought I would ask this group if anyone knows what might work the best for rail joiners, since Fox Valley are Sold Out at this time. I'm looking for Rail Joiners for S-Helper / MTH code 138 Flex Track that will be used with Fox Valley Switches. I was looking on eBay and found 3 different rail joiners that might work. I want the Silver unpainted ones so I can solder wires to them if needed. [1] Peco PL-10 said they fit HO / O scale code 100 Track, [2] Guy in Florida goes by antbocc_50 has O Scale rail joiners for code 125 & 148 track, [3] Micro Engineering 26-100 rail joiners. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks John


Rail Joiners for S-Helper Flex Track

 

Just thought I would ask this group if anyone knows what might work the best for rail joiners, since Fox Valley are Sold Out at this time. I'm looking for Rail Joiners for S-Helper / MTH code 138 Flex Track that will be used with Fox Valley Switches. I was looking on eBay and found 3 different rail joiners that might work. I want the Silver unpainted ones so I can solder wires to them if needed. [1] Peco PL-10 said they fit HO / O scale code 100 Track, [2] Guy in Florida goes by antbocc_50 has O Scale rail joiners for code 125 & 148 track, [3] Micro Engineering 26-100 rail joiners. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks John


Re: Exactla 80' HW Coach

 

Similar, yes, but not exactly?the same car.
Bob

On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 2:03?PM Tom Lennon via <milepost169=[email protected]> wrote:
From BLM's website. Symmetrical windows, 10 pairs and singles at both ends


Re: Speaking of S-scale Trucks...

 

Stony Smith was the designer. Sold through Shapeways.


On May 19, 2025 at 7:10 AM, jjmannmmr via groups.io <jjmannmmr@...> wrote:


Pete,
I got this a number of years ago.
?It was N scale? blown up to S. Don't remember the?
Designer. Thought it was from Shapeways. Do you remember it? A guy is looking for one in S.

John Mann


On May 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM, Bill Hawk via groups.io <archhawk@...> wrote:

Thanks for your continued work Peter!

On May 14, 2025, at 5:20?PM, Peter Vanvliet <peter@...> wrote:

? Part of my "recent discoveries" are because I am going through each one of the companies/individuals who used to only sell their items via Shapeways. It's been nearly a year since that company effectively went away, so by now we should be able to determine if a company or individual has decided to sell their wares in another manner, or have given up altogether. Each day I thoroughly research a couple (there were about 100 such Shapeways-based entries listed in the NASG web site's "Resources" section) and document my conclusions.

Be sure to check the NASG web site's "News" section at least a couple of times a week, as I update that with every bit of useful info I come across, which is nearly daily.

- Peter.


On 05/13/2025 07:33 PM, Ted Larson via groups.io wrote:
Tnx peter
I seek this which used to be on shapeways




Sent from my Tardis

--
Ted Larson
trainweb.org/mhrr/??????? --------??????? NASG.org??????? --------???????
GN in 1965

--   
Peter Vanvliet (info@...)
owner, Fourth Ray Software
Houston, Texas

 (personal web site)



Laser Horizons PRR Passenger Car Sides

 

Jerry Britton has a page on his web site that, as of May 2011, Dennis of Laser Horizon was able to produce these sides for PRR-based cars:



One could presume that if he has those drawings, he'd be able to scale them up to S, or make others for other railroads that had similar cars.

As an aside, Dennis is the president of the Sebring Model Railroad Club (HO-scale) in Sebring, Ohio and the local paper did a report on him and the club this past November:



- Peter.

--
Peter Vanvliet (info@...)
owner, Fourth Ray Software
Houston, Texas

(personal web site)


Re: Speaking of S-scale Trucks...

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi John,

No, I don't recognize that. If you do find the source, I'd be happy to add it to the web site's listing.

- Peter.


On 05/19/2025 07:10 AM, jjmannmmr via groups.io wrote:

Pete,
I got this a number of years ago.
?It was N scale? blown up to S. Don't remember the?
Designer. Thought it was from Shapeways. Do you remember it? A guy is looking for one in S.

John Mann

-- 
Peter Vanvliet (info@...)
owner, Fourth Ray Software
Houston, Texas

 (personal web site)


Re: Exacta 80' HW Coach

 

Tom...The edge of the end etching says "Cars 100-104, 401".? There is no kit number on any of these?etchings.? My sides match the NASG photo.

Bob

On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 4:00?PM R. James Whipple via <rwhipple=[email protected]> wrote:
And here's a prototype photo of a P70. Perhaps the NASG website needs to be corrected, but it would be great if someone could come up with a picture or model of the Exacta #100 coach, just to make sure. Looks like both models are the #102 for the PRR P70...

Jim W

On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 2:04?PM Tom Lennon via <milepost169=[email protected]> wrote:
An HO model from Broadway.?
Tommy?


Re: Exacta 80' HW Coach

 

And here's a prototype photo of a P70. Perhaps the NASG website needs to be corrected, but it would be great if someone could come up with a picture or model of the Exacta #100 coach, just to make sure. Looks like both models are the #102 for the PRR P70...

Jim W

On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 2:04?PM Tom Lennon via <milepost169=[email protected]> wrote:
An HO model from Broadway.?
Tommy?


Re: Exacta 80' HW Coach

 

An HO model from Broadway.?
Tommy?


Exactla 80' HW Coach

 

From BLM's website. Symmetrical windows, 10 pairs and singles at both ends


Re: Laser Horizons

 

Rick, what is this in reference to?

Ed

On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 11:46?AM Rick Naylor via <trainengineerrick=[email protected]> wrote:
Can you post some photo's of the completed cars and some in process?


Re: Exacta 80' HW Coach

 

Hi All,
I just wanted to mention that while I photographed the cars shown on the NASG website, I didn't build them. Paul Rahm had the?as part of an estate he was selling off. I photographed them for their historical?significance.
Jamie Bothwell
Bethlehem, PA

On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 1:24?PM R. James Whipple via <rwhipple=[email protected]> wrote:
John, that's exactly what Bob Hogan said it was. Looking through the interesting catalog sheet that Bill Roberts thoughtfully provided, this is probably coach kit no. 100. Bob, was there any packaging with labels with your sides? Looking at the Product Gallery on the NASG website, Jamie Bothwell's sample is identified as kit #100 and the sides are identical to yours. But his was as-built, so it would be nice to add a photograph of yours when completed, to show the difference when built with the American Models updated (with air-conditioning) roof.

Jim Whipple
Pittsburgh PA

On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 12:53?PM jjmannmmr via <jjmannmmr=[email protected]> wrote:
Looks like kind of an odd window arrangement for Pullman. Could be a coach I guess. Doesn't look like there is a bathroom.


On May 19, 2025 at 7:32 AM, adguytrains via <bob.hogan@...> wrote:

For years I've had a really nice set of etched bronze HW coach sides packed away in a box for one of those "just in case" moments.? I rediscovered them last week and, thanks to Peter and the NASG website, learned that they were from a 1947 offered Exacta kit.? These are well detailed etched bronze sides/ends (with solder backing) that when combined with an American Models roof and a detailed scratch-built underbody with AM trucks make into a really nice and unique S scale offering.? Thanks to BTS, Pre-Size and TrainStuff for these underbody details.? The attached photos show these sides and ends pretty well.? I still need to paint and add diaphragms to complete the car
Bob Hogan


Re: Laser Horizons

 



On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 11:46?AM Rick Naylor via <trainengineerrick=[email protected]> wrote:
Can you post some photo's of the completed cars and some in process?


Re: Exacta 80' HW Coach

 

I think that Bob's sides came from Kit 102, PRR P70 Day Coach.
Bob, if you add a couple vertical bends in your ends, to align with the AM roof top view, the roof might fit without further sectioning. Bend so the door stands a bit proud of the corners of the car.
Tommy Lennon?


Re: Exacta 80' HW Coach

 

John, that's exactly what Bob Hogan said it was. Looking through the interesting catalog sheet that Bill Roberts thoughtfully provided, this is probably coach kit no. 100. Bob, was there any packaging with labels with your sides? Looking at the Product Gallery on the NASG website, Jamie Bothwell's sample is identified as kit #100 and the sides are identical to yours. But his was as-built, so it would be nice to add a photograph of yours when completed, to show the difference when built with the American Models updated (with air-conditioning) roof.

Jim Whipple
Pittsburgh PA

On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 12:53?PM jjmannmmr via <jjmannmmr=[email protected]> wrote:
Looks like kind of an odd window arrangement for Pullman. Could be a coach I guess. Doesn't look like there is a bathroom.


On May 19, 2025 at 7:32 AM, adguytrains via <bob.hogan@...> wrote:

For years I've had a really nice set of etched bronze HW coach sides packed away in a box for one of those "just in case" moments.? I rediscovered them last week and, thanks to Peter and the NASG website, learned that they were from a 1947 offered Exacta kit.? These are well detailed etched bronze sides/ends (with solder backing) that when combined with an American Models roof and a detailed scratch-built underbody with AM trucks make into a really nice and unique S scale offering.? Thanks to BTS, Pre-Size and TrainStuff for these underbody details.? The attached photos show these sides and ends pretty well.? I still need to paint and add diaphragms to complete the car
Bob Hogan


Re: Laser Horizons

 

Here are 2 NYC cars built by Tom Boldt using J-C Models as a core car. Trucks are Budd Buddies. These are the thicker sides.
Tommy?


Re: Exacta 80' HW Coach

 

Looks like kind of an odd window arrangement for Pullman. Could be a coach I guess. Doesn't look like there is a bathroom.


On May 19, 2025 at 7:32 AM, adguytrains via groups.io <bob.hogan@...> wrote:

For years I've had a really nice set of etched bronze HW coach sides packed away in a box for one of those "just in case" moments.? I rediscovered them last week and, thanks to Peter and the NASG website, learned that they were from a 1947 offered Exacta kit.? These are well detailed etched bronze sides/ends (with solder backing) that when combined with an American Models roof and a detailed scratch-built underbody with AM trucks make into a really nice and unique S scale offering.? Thanks to BTS, Pre-Size and TrainStuff for these underbody details.? The attached photos show these sides and ends pretty well.? I still need to paint and add diaphragms to complete the car
Bob Hogan