Great Northern railway

Stuff:  Different topics,

Round house track additions.

DCC output voltage.

DC engine on DCC track.

Measuring engine 'pulling power'.

Circuit breaker problems.

New Haven I-5 4-6-4 hybrid by BLI.

Lubricating engines.

=========

Neighborhood kids did some more 'train running'  Ran the 2 new engines: NH I-5 4-6-4 and UP E6 A-B-B.

=======================

Round house track additions.

Electrified 4 roundhouse tracks at Seattle.

Parked a UP big boy (Key model) that was on the 'ready' track to one of the 'stalls'  The engine just fits on the Walthers 130' turntable.

The other 3 added:

UP FEF-3 4-8-4 Cast metal superstructure by BLI.

UP 4-6-6-4 early challenger hybrid by BLI.

UP 4-12-2 hybrid by BLI.

'Parked' a CP royal Hudson 4-6-4 (Tenshodo) and a Milwaukee bipolar by MTH (cast metal superstructure with remote pantographs) on the ready tracks.

With 2 of the tracks occupied, only one access to the turntable.  The other 2 engines on the 'ready' track are a GN R-2 2-8-8-2 (Tenshodo) and a GN N-3 2-8-8-0 (Tenshodo); both heavily weighted with lead.

I built that coaling tower when I was around 15 from a MR article.   Back then, one made your own windows, railings and walkway!

==========================

DCC output voltage:

Checked the output voltage on my Digitrax command station and boosters.  Contact on the center post and both A and B terminal to get DC reading and add the two for power output.

7.68 volts X 2 = 15.36 volts.

Thought I'd check what the voltage output is for O/G.

Not much more than for 'HO' but my input power source maybe limiting that voltage?

The command station has the 'standard' Digitrax power source whereas the 4 boosters gets the 20 amp power source.

=====================

DC engine on DCC track.

Video running a DC engine on address zero on DCC at max throttle; again, probably limited by the max input voltage going into the command station.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrFK6-XqMGs

===============================

Measuring engine 'pulling power'.

Since, previously, I measure the 'resistance' of pulling different strings of freight cars, need some 'stats' on engines.

GN R-2 2-8-8-2 (Tenshodo) heavy weighted.

A respectable 7.2 ounces.

A CP Royal Hudson 4-6-4 (Tenshodo)

Only 3.3 ounces.

A UP FEF-3 4-8-4 (BLI with cast metal boiler and traction tires).

WOW; 12.8 ounces.

UP E6 A-B-B (BLI with 2 units powered. No traction tires but very heavy)

A very good 6.5 ounces.

Next, test the 'real' pulling power with a train plus going up the 0.5% grade.

=================

Circuit breaker problems.

When a short appears, my circuit breakers would isolate the problem to one district.

Now, when I short a district...

the short affects other districts.  Needs some investigation.  I'm thinking that, with low humidity, some 'gaps in the rail may have closed between two districts.

===================

New Haven I-5 4-6-4 hybrid by BLI.

Tender hatch opens to access sound volume 'pot'.

In previous pictures only showed the 'fire mans' side of the engine.  This side has some very nice 'piping'.

Including nice 'connecting' hoses.

Actually read the 'function key' chart!  A lot of 'sound' options that I didn't realize BLI had.

I tried the F9 for 'momentum' to simulate a heave train starting and it took forever for the train to gain 'speed'.

Did more research into the 3 times that BLI has issued this engine.

These pictures are the current release.

Tender has brass contacts to the wheels.

Side rods are thin metal and looks like 'stamped' metal.

Back drivers have traction tires and no screws holding the leading/trailing truck frames.

The first run (Museum quality all brass engine).  Things that I've noticed on this engine not on the current run.

Canvas 'skirting' on the cab, cab interior dials painted.  Side rods are thicker.

Safety chains on the tender trucks.

No brass contacts to the wheels.

Screws to secure lead/trailing truck side frames.  A 'sound' cam on the back driver.

The engine I purchase appears to be from a 2nd run that kept most of what was on the 'Museum quality' brass engine.

Things left off of my run: cam on driver, canvas skirting, painted cab dials and painted trailing truck.

Looking at BLI's list of 'discontinued items', my engine is just above the 'Museum' listing so, maybe, both of these were imported at the same time.  I tried research dates but nada.

===============

Lubricating engines.

The manual suggested oiling all moving parts on the UP E6 A-B-B.  Did same on the NH I-5.

My older engines get the same about once a year.

Well, about time to go watch the 'super bowl'.

Sam, I would be all smiles too if I was the neighbor kid!!

Those look like PSX circuit breakers.  I have 2, and they work great!  As always, great looking engines!

Yes Mark, those are PSX circuits. I'm sure they have saved many decoders!

===========================

PM PSX circuits breakers.

It took about 6 hours to PM all the shorts.  A slow, 'trial by error' method.

As mentioned, previously, if a car or engine derailed and 'shorted', I had 3 circuit breakers (2,5,8 are on the same booster) going into a 'repetitive' short where the 'short' LED would flash instead of a 'steady' light.

The ground side of one district was contacting the ground in another district.  I used a Dremel 'cut off' disk to enlarge the rail gap.  The recent low humidity had closed this gap.

Some thin cardboard and glue should keep that from happening again!

I, also, had a ground wire from one district connected to another district;  not sure why that was even working in the past!

I had another district (2) connected to the 'old' ground wire that 'runs' under the layout; again, not sure how that was working in the past!  Since 2,5 and 8 are on the same booster, they were all affected when a 'short' occurred in district 2.

'Ran' the 'test' engine over the layout at max speed and all seems to be 'normal' again and all tracks are still 'powered'!

More stuff: Engine 'draw bar' pull measurements and lighting buildings.

==============

C&O L-1 4-6-4 Hudson streamlined; a BLI hybrid.

Checked the 'draw bar' versus a string of freight cars.

Got 3.1 ounces for the Hudson.

A 20 car train up a 0.5% grade.

No problems:

Videos:

Leaving Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTYdM3hSv3A&t=2s

Leaving Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RofX6vmKhKo

Tye.

Basin tunnel.

Wilmar.

Chumstick canyon trestle.

Havre.

All 'cabeese' have lighted marker lights for the LCC signaling system.

Marias pass.

==================

Interior building lights.

New 'just plug' 'light hub' arrived.

'Googled'  the 'light hub' and, surprisingly, I found it on Amazon with free shipping; usually, any train products are overpriced on that web site.

This is located in the interchange/staging track loop at the upper level of the layout.

Used a '2 buck' Tyco transformer for 'juice'.

New building lighted.

Also, a freight station.

The staging/interchange 3 track loop was never intended to have any scenery: hence no ties under the spiked rail but, over time, I thought some buildings in that area would make it more enjoyable for the 'operators'.

A Walthers passenger station and a Menard's gas station.

Another Menard's building plus a lumber company that I built about 60 years ago!

A few more structures.

A bunch of 'flats'.

Visited a fellow modeler's UP layout and assembling a fellow modeler's S gauge NYC Niagara.

================================

Jim's UP layout:

A very nice large layout that takes up the entire basement    

I like how everything is within 'easy reach'.

Nice broad curves.

videos:

UP big boy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A193_XGN7_g

UP passenger train:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDSvSzuE5wE

Big boy and passenger train passing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b4YfPzoYoY

One end of the layout: yard and roundhouse/ diesel facility.

This is the left side of the layout; The steps are in the center of the basement (right in picture).

The layout goes along the one side of the basement wall and then does a 180 to the center peninsula which circles the steps.

Entering the center peninsula which circles the steps.

Right side of steps.

Around the back of the steps.

Right side of steps.

Other side of the center portion of peninsula.

Along the far wall leading from the peninsula.

Then back along the far wall where staging tracks are located.

Above the stage is a city.

Some 'train running'.

UP Northern passenger train.

'Reefer' train.

Hand made 'cross over'.

Big boy freight drag.

=======================

Assembling a modeler's S gauge Niagara.

Had to do some rewiring.  The plate holding the 'cow catcher' had to be resistance soldered. BIG motor!

Replaced the original headlight with an LED.

Testing before assembly.

Nice cab detail.

All 'working'.

That's a real nice layout, Jim has.

Some more 'motive power' 'draw bar' testing plus some PM on the layout for tomorrow's OPS session.

=====================

PRR S-2 6-8-6 steam turbine imported by Alco models in 1977.

Being a turbine, there is no chuffing so I turned it off and turned on the 'blow down' to simulate the 'wooshing' sound.

NEED to change that whistle!

videos:

PRR S-2 6-8-6 turbine freight drag at Skykomish:

No problem pulling 43 cars on level track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPJXoGsDGh4

Marias pass;

PRR S-6 6-8-6 assisted by electrics (GN Z-1's).

The engine couldn't 'handle' the 0.5% grade.

Should have used some PRR electrics!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAp1iszWiyo

Tumwater canyon trestle:

The 'wooshing' sound of the turbine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_wvgyG2eHQ

PRR S-2 6-8-6 'draw bar pull':

3.8 ounces.

Was able to pull the 43 cars on level track until it 'reached' the 0.5% grade.

Got the electrics out for 'assistance'.

Put some 'canopy glue' on the back drivers.

Thought the MTH DM&IR M-3 2-8-8-4 (cast metal boiler) would be able to handle the 43 cars....

A high 'draw bar' of 3.7 ounces but it couldn't pull the 43 cars.  I think I got too much 'smoke' fluid 'over run' and it went onto the drivers!

The BLI UP E-6 A-B-B had no  trouble with the 43 cars.

East of Waverly.

Chumstick canyon trestle.

Havre.

Seattle.

Some more 'low humidity' problems.

One rail on the right track leaving the staging track was 'kinked'.

I've had trouble with this area in the past.

Had to use some Xuron nippers to cut a gap in the rail for expansion.

One car derailed.

The 'junk' wheels were replaced with Intermountain wheels.

Started putting the 'draw bar' pull in the roster indicating how many cars the engine can pull (5th column).

Sam, on the topic of layout maintenance.  Do you notice the layout needing more maintenance as it gets older, than it needed say 10, 20, 30 years ago?  I have never had a layout more than a few years.  I am wondering if in the first few years, a builder will work through problems that correct flaws in initial building.  Later there would be a time when only a few thing break now and then.  Would after decades, problems come up more due to wear and tear, materials aging, or other things? 

Mark,

Surprisingly, if I remember, there were, probably, more things to work on during initial building.  Most things stabilize and, adjustments made, keep the layout working well.  For a layout covering the whole basement and 1500' of track and 100 turnouts, it's, surprisingly, very stable.  Most of the time, it's just a 'jumper' wire that breaks and those are 'few between'.  For a 43 year old layout, I'm quite happy with it, especially considering all the wiring that it has.  Track gauge remains very stable.  I think the hand laid track aids the 'gauge' as the rail is only spiked about every 3" alternating between each side.  This allows the rail to expand along the entire rail instead of only where joints are located.  Also, being 'hand laid', no 2 joints are ever opposite of each other and, usually, 18" apart.

Considering, if one laid the track in a straight line, that would be 5 football fields long (plus 'throw in' 100 turnouts) and only having a few problems, once in awhile on such a length, to me, is a success.  I run a lot of engines and long trains (15-45 freight cars and 10-17 passenger cars) and, most of the time, all runs well.  I built this entire layout and, also, maintain it and, so far, it is not a burden.  During the winter it seems like I go down to the basement and run 2-3 trains a day and, rarely, do any cars derail.  Pulling on the front coupler of a 45 car train makes one realize how many forces are acting on not only the cars wheels, bolsters and couplers but, also, the track so I'm amazed the layout works as well as it does for so many years.

Sam, it is a tribute to excellent care taken during construction.  In the photographs of the staging area where you made the cut, I noticed the spikes spaced out.  I never noticed until then that you hand laid the track.  You have an interesting observation about expansion that I hadn’t heard before.  It does make sense.  I’m glad the layout has been so relatively trouble free all these years.  Thank you for answering the question.

GNRW operation session pictures: (some pictures are 'fuzzy')

Usual pizza.

Mainline was  busy all night.

Bill and John.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6.

view from St. Paul.

Tom and John.

GN Q-1 2-10-2 at Glacier.

Bob at Seattle.

Fortunately, Jordan 'worked' the Seattle freight yard.

Joe kept busy.

Bob with Milwaukee 4-8-4 passenger train.

Tom.

GN Q-1 2-10-2 at Wilmar.

Ben with Burlington O-5B 4-8-4 arriving at Seattle.

Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4 and PRR S-1 6-4-4-6.

Bob, Bill and John.

GN Q-1 2-10-2 at Tye.

Jordan 'manning' the Seattle's freight yard.

Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4 passenger train at Marias pass.

Tom with UP FEF-3 4-8-4 at Skykomish.

Ben 'working' the St. Paul yard.

Bob with UP E6 A-B-B passenger train at Havre.

Top side is a GN R-2 2-8-8-2 freight drag.

UP E6 passenger train approaching Waverly.

Tom at the Seattle's roundhouse.

Jordon did some 'dispatching'.

GN R-2 2-8-8-2 at Marias pass.

Tom with UP FEF-3 4-8-4 at Wilmar.

UP FEF-3 approaching Waverly.

Ben did some 'logging' with a shay.

Lower valley of the 'logging' railroad.

GN R-2 2-8-8-2 at the 'yard throat' of Seattle's freight yard.

Bill at Seattle.

Earlier in the 'day' the neighborhood kids stopped by to run trains.

video of GN S-2 4-8-4 passenger train at Marias pass (they like to run the trains fast (big surprise!).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot3A0-dqFFU

Always a fun time!!

PM all the 'problems' from last night's OPS session.

Always like to fix the problems before I forget what they were!

============

Walther's 130' turntable at St. Paul.

The 'bridge'  was not 'turning'.

Initially, I thought some 'ballast' got between the two outer nylon gears but nada.

Removed the motor cover and found the gear had shifted left.

Fixed and replaced the motor housing cover.

Have to place the 'bridge' on some foam so not to damage the railings.

All seems 'good'!  Fortunately, I have a spare turntable for parts, if needed.

===========================

Had two passenger trains from last nights 'run' that needed 'reversing' of the cars via the mainline and upper return loop/staging tracks.

Also, one car was uncoupling so it was removed.

===================

Found 3 cars on the 'rip' track, mainly on the work bench.

This one's bolster 'fell off'.

=========

Had to fix a 'flat' on this vehicle!

======================

Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4 by Overland models. The front pilot was loose.

The front truck wheels stopped 'rolling' periodically.  Removed the paint from the axles plus some oil.

Also had trouble pulling the Milwaukee passenger cars so some 'canopy' glue on the drivers after cleaning them with alcohol.

===============

GN Q-1 2-10-2 also had 'slippage' pulling a freight drag so more 'canopy' glue.

GN Q-1 and Milwaukee S-3.

======================

GN N-3 2-8-8-0 was stopping multiple times leaving the roundhouse.

A 'case' of dirty tender wheels.

Figure I might as well add some 'canopy' glue to the drivers!

All better.  One of the first engines converted to DCC and I need to put her back on the programming track and change all light values to 'dim'.

================

Had a couple of turnout problems in the Seattle's freight yard.

Found that the screws securing the outer wire sheathing was loose.  Guessing the low humidity (again) loosened the screws.

I've got a 30 year old game, made out of wood, in the backyard and, over the decades, the screws have, partially, come out of the holes from the freezing and summer heat.

=======================

A couple more cars 'found' on the work bench.  Replaced the wheels on one and cleaned the other ones wheels.

They were two vintage metal Varney freight cars.  I'm guessing they were OK and were derailing at the turnouts that did not have completely closing 'points'.

================

St. Paul's turnout to the switcher's 'drill track' was not 'closing'.

Since that track is about 5' high I had to 'snake' my way up to it under the table.

Another loose screw on the choke sheathing.

The previous week's 'wire' changes to the districts under DCC worked well as the circuit breakers performed as expected with the one exception when a train runs past it's 'red' signal and shorts out a turnout 'turned' in the opposite direction and 'bridges' two districts!

That is a good idea to fix problems before forgetting about them.  The other day I took the truck from a boxcar apart to fix the ‘brake’ from rubbing on a wheel.  I have a notepad handy to write down things that are going to be more involved after first doing some diagnostics

More PM.

One engine found the track about a 1/64" too narrow.

One track in the passenger yard where there is all commercial track was S shaped due to the low humidity. 

Removed all spikes and re-spiked.

One bad toggle switch in the passenger yard was replaced.

Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4. 

During the OPS session, this engine had trouble pulling the passenger train.

Canopy glue added to back drivers and all insulated drivers plus cleaned and oiled the passenger wheels.

Videos:

All cars are in 'reverse' order so train is being 'run' to the upper return loop.

Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3fF65Ywe_E

Havre:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7IaXCq6Bps

Metal bar from engine frame to front truck had to be bent in an S for 'free' movement of the leading truck.  Front wheel now rotates freely.

Used the Milwaukee EP-2 bipolar electric to pull the passenger cars to Seattle as the electric can handle pulling the passenger cars 'down grade'.

Video:

Wilmar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_1RM5QimUg

Lots of 'train running' !

C&O H-6 2-6-6-2, Milwaukee EP-2 bipolar electric, SF 4-6-4 Hudson Blue Goose, PRR K-4 4-6-2 streamlined.

==========

C&O H-6 2-6-6-2.  Made by PFM (United) in 1974; painted, new gear, can motor, back head and TCS 1517 decoder and LED's installed.

The prototype has been restored.

Videos:

Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNwkWQaGhbo

Marias Pass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKRydlifaq8

Havre:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSG7BBXcilE

For once, my pictures are 'half way' descent!

Skykomish.

Used Decoderpro to put all lights to 'dim'.

Havre.

Whitefish.

Wilmar.

Newly acquired vintage metal freight car that needed a coupler and new wheel sets.

===========

Milwaukee EP-2 bipolar electric; Model imported by Custom Brass in 1983; painted and a TCS decoder installed.

Videos:

Whitefish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lshx3urpZm4

Marias Pass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fDtalDzx6g

Tye.

Wilmar.

Whitefish.

Seattle.

==============

SF 4-6-4 Hudson Blue Goose: Imported by PFM (Tenshodo) in 1971; installed can motor, back head, TCS 1517 decoder and LED's.

Videos:

Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bkM28sSSjA

Havre:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9N3hQudBus

Seattle.

Chumstick canyon trestle.

===========

PRR K-4 4-6-2 streamlined. Imported by BLI in 2021. Diecast metal boiler and tender.

video:

Chumstick Canyon trestle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSgM_rYsXbc

Tye

Seattle.

Still have some signs made from my 1980's 'dot matrix' printer!

Railfanning:

SF E1 A-B, GN Q-1 2-10-2 and SP AC-9 2-8-8-4.

=============

SF E1 A-B passenger train.

BLI models.  Love that 'rakish' nose!

First time I've used these diesels to pull these passenger cars and wasn't sure it the engines could 'handle it'.

Videos:

Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW3DpGQCUwY

Departing Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fBldvxeblI

Passenger yard.

Skykomish.

Basin tunnel.

Waverly.

Wilmar.

Tumwater canyon trestle.

Havre.

Skykomish.

==================

GN Q-1 2-10-2.  Tenshodo model imported in 1974.

Added 'canopy' glue to the drivers and testing (pull test had 3.1 ounces).

Videos:

departing Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z5BVTXgMM4

departing Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh9X5VctHKs

Tye.

===========

SP AC-9 2-8-8-4. Imported by Westside models in 1981.  Painted and TCS 1517 decoder and LED's installed.

videos:

Departing Whitefish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgJtBI1Sje4

Exiting Cascade tunnel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH5uC3H370E

Wilmar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwaU4ktFEuU

Hillyard.

Tye.

New delivery and other stuff:

B&O E-1 A unit, 'TRACTION RAIL', GN N-3 2-8-8-0, D&RGW L-131 2-8-8-2.

==============

B&O E-1 A unit.

Just arrived from BLI.  I must have one of the first one of these engines as they still show 'arriving' on BLI's website!

I ordered a powered B unit but no 'word' on its arrival.  The engines are coming from 2 different vendors as one said they were 'sold out' of the A units so I ordered the A unit elsewhere and it came in 'first'.

Videos:

The one engine couldn't handle 14 passenger cars so I 'cut it down' to 9, for now.

Seattle: bypassing the freight yard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG3IF5-uh2U

Tye:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptukfeYWZM4

leaving Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnzCqY5aIgQ

These white boxes appear to be their new 'status quo'!

Usual new 'sleeve' box and plastic packaging.

First things first!

Decoderpro for new address.

Removed the front coupler.  BLI has a solid pilot for replacement of the one with a coupler hole but I had trouble removing it so I left it 'as is'.

I bought this engine, even though it's a diesel, for 2 reasons:

1) I love the blue scheme on this engine

2) would look good 'heading' my B&O 'smooth side' passenger cars

3) Love the 'slanted' nose on the first diesels.  (OK, 3 reasons)

Blue is my favorite color!

Interesting: an engineer but no fireman, unless they forgot it!

I removed the usual 'motive power' (EM-1 2-8-8-4 by Westside models imported in 1979).

New motive power.

lighted number boards and marker lights.

===================

'TRACTION RAIL' instead of 'traction tires'!

I've to 3 places on the mainline where the 0.5% grade goes to around 1.0% for about 10' (bad engineering 43 years ago!).

Thought  I'd try something different and use 'canopy' glue on the rails instead of the drivers!

A used a 'tooth pick' and put about a 1/4" width about every 3".

Two places are single track and the 3rd is double track.

The one single track, an engine 'died' so I removed a few 'spot's at that location.

The other locations, all seems OK for the 3 engines that I've run, so far, on the mainline.

I did notice one engine's lights flickering, momentarily, indicating that the 'keep alive' was 'doing its job'!

So far, the 'traction rail' seems to be working!

Picture is before the white 'canopy' glue has dried to a 'clear' finish.

2nd rail from the left.

Had some PM on a few cars.

Coupler height movement due to car near the front on a 48 car train.

Must of pushed down on this car as the sides of the truck was at an 'angle' on these 'sprung' trucks.

Some of these vintage metal freight cars have very 'soft' springs.

All better!

A few were, also, leaning due to the truck screws 'working loose' so some 'carpenters' glue was put into the screw hole.

Good idea from a fellow modeler to give my logging cars some extra weight: cut and paint a metal bolt for a log and insert in the middle of the 'pile'.

==============

GN N-3 3-8-8-0.  Tenshodo model made in 1973.  Glacier painted, re-geared, can motor, TCS 1517 decoder and lots of LED's.

This model is heavily weighted and had no trouble pull, mostly, all vintage metal Athearn/Varney and wood Ambroid/Silver Streak freight cars.   I added 'canopy' glue to the drivers so I don't know if the 'traction rail' aided in this engine.  More testing with other engines will be needed.

videos:

Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfLMgZ2IHEw

Marias Pass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYiwc4ou1fk

departing Havre:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTBmoNNpKU4

Wilmar.

Whitefish.

==================

D&RGW L-131 2-8-8-2.  Made by United (PFM) in 1977.

Another heavily weighted engine.  Again, painted plus green boiler, TCS 1517 decoder and LED's installed.

videos:

departing Havre:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0GjI5fEy0

Cascade tunnel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM472lGmUJw

Wilmar.

Waverly.

Marias pass.

The 'draw bar' pull on this engine is 'insane'!

Roster updated with 'pulling power'.

And last: new mag arrived

Beautiful engine!

The traction rail is an interesting idea that I have never seen before in any scale.  It makes sense to me.

If the 'traction rail' works after I test it on several engines, it will be a 'new idea': something that I don't often do!

Train show, hobby shop and 'rail fanning'; '12" to the foot' and model.

=============

Train show.

The train show was only about 30'X30' so it didn't take long to 'browse'!

Very good selection of Campbell kits at reasonable prices.

Ditto on the Suydam kits.

Haven't seen TM '3 packs' in awhile.

=====

We visited a local hobby shop that we didn't knew existed!

It was like a 'time warp'!

Looked like the 'hobby shop' of 'yesteryear'.

Wasn't sure if this stuff was for sale or display!

They had a 3-rail layout but it didn't look like it had been 'run' in awhile!

Lots of old kits for sale.

Also, modular units.

==================

Did some local 'rail fanning'.

I'm guessing these are abandoned sanding facilities for diesels.

There is a raised, covered platform for 'train watching'.

This was in the parking lot.

Railroad bridge across the Ohio river.

I-71/75 road across the river.

Joe bought a few Campbell kits plus this railcar.

===========

Model 'rail fanning':

UP 2-tone grey challenger 4-6-6-4  imported by BLI in 2019.

videos:  This engine is a good 'smoker' plus smoking whistle.

Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8QI71T4Qyg

departing Hillyard:  The smoking whistle can be seen at '37 seconds'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xcyaiGgFc4

Wilmar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER2iRBVtjic

departing Whitefish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y6bYmE1Vc8

Marias pass.

Skykomish.

Seattle's freight yard.

You certainly had a busy, productive day!

New delivery and 'Railfanning'.

=========

DCC PSXX circuit breaker.

I bought one of the new, updated circuit breakers (CB).

I only bought one to test to see if it works any better than my previous generation PSX CB.

The new PSXX is about a 1/2" wider and longer than the previous version.

Obviously, there's more 'stuff' on the new CB.

Both has the same INPUT/OUTPUT connections so a 'swap' will be easy.

=================

Railfanning.

NP A-3 4-8-4 brass hybrid imported by BLI in 2020.

Very nicely detailed engine FP with a grey boiler and smoke.

Videos:

departing Whitefish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqlnTAQjA0w

Tye:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03gD3rRb7Zk

Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtpZ6z0cbV4

Wilmar:

Marias pass.

Skykomish

PSXX circuit breaker (CB) install, 'traction rail' experiment and 'train running'.

=======

PSXX CB installed.

I replaced one of the previously used PSX-1 CB's and tested it.

Instead of 2 red LED's the new PSXX has two green LED's for input/output.

During a short, the output green LED goes out and a red LED is lighted. About every 3 seconds the CB tries to reset.

While installing the new CB I found that I had another 'ground' side' rail touching between two blocks so some glue and thin cardboard was inserted between the two rails after I had to cut a piece of rail to create a gap between them.

=========

'Traction rail': For the most part adding 'canopy' glue to certain areas of the track worked.

1) engine with 'keep alive' (TCS 1517 decoders) would have the lights blink but the engine kept moving.

2) Some engines (BLI with no 'keep alive') ran over the 'canopy' glue, stopped but restarted again.

3)  The only engine that went dead were the PRR box cab electrics.  With their short wheel base, one engine would 'die' and the other 2 didn't have enough 'traction' to push the 'dead' engine so I have removed some of the 'canopy' glue on the rails.

This method would, probably, work great on a 3 rail layout since one always has two 'ground' rails.

=================

Train running.

PRR Q-2 4-4-6-4 imported by Westside models in 1970.  TCS 1517 decoder and LED's installed.

Videos:

Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5mDVKZI0eE

Tye:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7wxSX-SCwI

Hillyard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfaCz1gtZpo

Chumstick canyon trestle.

Wilmar.

===================

N&W Y-6B 2-8-8-2 imported by BLI in 2021.  Cast metal engine and tender.

Videos:

St. Paul:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS2fVJW5P_U

Chumstick canyon trestle:  A distinctive whistle that sounds like those I've heard on the prototype.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfkHwdSWU98

Marias pass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdomIx9EcuU

Skykomish:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idmrpfat0nc

Wilmar.

Seattle.

The owner has 'sold' a few TV's since he 'opened' his store!

Even though gas 'jumped' to $3.59 here, it's till $24.9 at my GNRW shell station!

I love your roster. You have some very cool locomotives and they look great on this layout!

Sam, you are doing the same thing I do with my layout; making it a reminder of the "Good Old Days" 

Sam, your layout is looking outstanding! I like all the stuff you test to try and make things better! Keep up the wonderful work!

Thanks, guys.

After I got all the GN engines that I wanted, I started getting engines that GN interfaced with and, then, I started getting engines that I consider iconic or historic.

Neighborhood kids visit plus PM an engine and turntable parts.

=======

Kids visit:

Videos:

GN S-2 4-8-4 passenger train.  Kids wanted a passenger train with smoke so a BLI model 'fit' the requirements.

Bypassing Seattle's freight yard:  They ran the train slow in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7q7462DY4s

Hillyard: they ran the train must faster at this location.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llc-gqXovTE

GN S-2 departing passenger yard.

Bypassing the Seattle's freight yard.

Waverly.

Tumwater canyon trestle.

Seattle.

===============

D&GRW L-131 2-8-8-2.

Imported by PFM (United) in 1977.  painted, re-motored, TCS 1517 decoder and LED's installed.

The marker lights were not working on this model.

They must of 'shorted out' on the brass boiler.

New LED's installed after cutting off the old ones.

Fortunately, the front of the boiler is, easily, removed without dismantling the engine.

New LED's soldered to the old wires.

LED's inserted into the marker lights and secured with 'canopy' glue.

All better.

Nicely detailed engine.

=================

The Walthers turntable's bridge at St. Paul was not rotating a few months ago.

I thought the problem was dirt in the gears but the gear moved off of the shaft.

I fixed it but requested a 'spare' set in case my fix was not permanent!

Was nice of Walthers to send a 'spare' set of gears free.

I certainly would have liked to have a neighbor with a layout like these kids do.  They look like they really enjoy it.

A nice video some railroad friends from Michigan took of the GNRW.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTZ7PvzdrFw

Trains down the center of the road: unusual for 'today'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUX9kr4D1Xg

==================

Neighborhood kids stopped by.

PM SF 2-10-10-2. Imported by Westside models in 1976: painted, can motor, TCS 1517 decoder and LED's installed.

(camera shutter didn't open, completely)

Seattle.

Had trouble pulling just 20 cars so some 'canopy' glue applied to the drivers.

==========

GN 4-6-2 pacific imported by PFM (United) in 1972.  TCS 1517 decoder and LED's installed.

Nice set of Labelle passenger cars custom painted by a woman's dad who sold them on Ebay.

I can't believe your turn table is big enough to make a 2-10-10-2 look small haha very impressive!

They are Walthers 130' turntables: They did an excellent job of designing these with automatic indexing.

Do you have any locomotives that don't fit the turn table?

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6, C&O M1 turbine, N&W Jawn Henry and UP 8500 turbine,

I suspected your Jawn Henry might be on that list. I would love to own an M1 and a Jawn Henry in O scale.

Hey Sam, I was thinking about you when I picked this up this weekend! It a complete plan for the tunnel on Stampeed pass! 

Its about 10' in length!

Cool, Mike.

=================

New deliveries.

Sold off about 2700 more bucks of contemporary 3-rail so I decided to 'reroute' some of it to HO!  Seems logical!

=========================

Two bottles of 'candy cane' smoke fluid.

========================

New Haven decals...

for the New Haven 4-6-4 streamlined engine.  Missing the 'script' on the piston sides.

==============

Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4. All cast metal boiler and tender imported by BLI in 2021.

Videos:

Seattle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5pLpUtumpw

Marias Pass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WFO7XQ0-jA

Programming track.

I, already, have a Milwaukee S-3 4-8-4 imported by Overland models made in 1979 but it, sometimes, had trouble pulling the 14 passenger cars.  Also, this engine was sold at 32% off plus free shipping!

Overland models on the left.

Not much difference between the two models.  BLI is doing a good job of replicating the 'full size'.

The Overland model has better 'hose' detail.

Overland model at top in picture.

Lubricated all moving surfaces.

Departing the passenger yard.

Tye.

Love that 'beaver' tail observation car.

I would have a hard time duplicating that paint around the windows!

Right side views.

Would have been nice if they 'lighted' the red headlight!

St. Paul.

Waverly.

Whitefish.

Tumwater canyon.

Havre.

Hillyard.

Chumstick canyon trestle.

Tye.

Skykomish.

Love those 'port hole' windows.

Seattle.

Passenger yard.

The humidity has rose from when it was around 18 in January.

New deliveries;

Good prices on both so I bought them.

TCS raised their prices a 'bunch' but found one TCS 1517 online that was only 7 bucks over what I used to pay for them ie $93.

Got 11 TCS decoders now; won't meet all future demands but I'll, probably, never get all my engines converted, anyway!

BLI made the functional water tower several years ago so they are hard to find, now, but one dealer had one at a very good price of only 76 bucks (versus list of $120) and no shipping charges so I purchased it.

I've, already, have 4 of these located on the layout where the steam engines have to stop for 'water'.  Thought the new one would be good in the upper interchange/staging loop area.

At the bottom of the basement steps was a spider 'hanging out'.  Left him 'as is' since they eat insects.  Small ones I don't mind; the 'big ones' get removed to 'outside'!