Hello,
About 20 years to catch up on. Moving, work, three through college, and family health issues all put my RR hobby on hold 'til retirement.
During the ‘90’s I bought a brass Williams Pacific heavily discounted due to cold soldering issues, rebuilt and super detailed it. The brass work experience and a series of engine scratch building articles by Bob Turner inspired a custom steam engine project. I hope Bob Turner is well and about, back then he was so helpful encouraging my intended engine building. It was a time before he corresponded with a computer, and I still have his long hand printed letters on yellow legal pad stock and photos he sent. My gratitude to Bob remains.
The engine project:
At some point it occurred that the water jacket feature on a saddle tanker switcher provided sufficient space to house a full QSI 1 System (direction, digital sounds, engine ID and many other functions). It was also determined a pulsating smoke generator (Lionel), solenoid activated coupler system, and directional constant lighting could also be shoe horned in by cheating just bit over scale size. An early CAD program and digital calipers aided creation of working design drawings. To the highly educated eye the result may look oversize, but next to a Hudson or Pacific, it does not appear objectionable. The resulting engine was possibly the most compact complete multi function engine of the time.
Damage occurred when an overlooked mounting pin projecting through the water jacket contacted one of the QSI’s pc bards, and it was sent back to QSI for repair (which they graciously provided no charge). About the same time making the rounds was comment that a design flaw in the QSI system resulted in the unit dumping programming if the NiCad battery became discharged between uses and the engine activated, so reassembly was delayed pending a resolution. Apparently there was none, QSI unfortunately eventually faded into history, and this problem along with the aforementioned life responsibilities, resulted in the engine remaining disassembled.
So, reassembly remains, but also interest in any developments re the aforementioned QSI problem or what alternative systems may have come to market. I see the Dallee systems now have become far more sophisticated and compact than when my engine was being built. My QSI unit’s programming unit should be functional, and a new “9V” NiCad can be obtained and pre-charged prior to trying a start up, however having a "plan B" would be comfrting.
Another feature I hope to add is a sensor or switch that will synchronize QSI sound system’s “chuff” sound with the Lionel smoke unit. I see Dallee now offers a similar option for their units. Smoke and associated sound synchronization would be a great finishing touch.
The engine ran great during construction test runs. Good low end speed control, sufficient power to move several freight cars, the ability to activate couplers anywhere greatly increased operation efficiency (and sound effects such as the air hose/coupler separation neat) , and train ID allowed the engine to be left deactivated on live track anywhere so the circuit could be used by other engines.
Any help/recommendations or comment on possible QSI unit replacements, or addition to synchronize to smoke sounds would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John Lake
