Hi again Rick, check out these pics of Carstairs . If this doesn't take you straight to the steam photos check out the 3rd page onwards. This is where Kenny Elder spent his childhood with his dad close up and personal with the steam engines.
http://www.railbrit.co.uk/location.php?photographer=&loc=Carstairs&offset=2
Kenny must of had quite the childhood.
Question for you... would you liked to have been, a steam locomotive engineer;
or, would that have tainted your passion for steam railroading?
BTW, does your group have a Deltic's?
Thanks for the pics.
See ya,
Rick
Hi Rik,
was driving steam today,and if steam had still been around I'd love to have been a locomotive engineer. Anyway here's Kenny saying a special hello to you from the cab of his engine today. Next one shows him raking the fire and stoking it and the last shot is another guy at the club Colin Sullivan taking a "black five" for a spin.Kenny built that black five from scratch.(No deltics Rik)
Lad,
Tell Kenny I said, hi.
Kenny's a talented lad, for sure! The Black Five, he built, is brilliant!
Re: my question about you being an engineer - I can easily picture that...
Aye, you've found yerself some trouble, me son... you and your new gang of lads.
Aye, let all the lads know, I said hi.
Thanks for the vids, I enjoyed seeing them.
Cheers boys,
Rick
Davy,
I forgot to ask... are those steam engines similar, re: their construction, to the real things?
Do they have the same type of heating rods, inside the boilers; and, do they require the same type of maintenance?
See ya,
Rick
Hi Rick,
aye they are identicle in practice to the real thing. After running the engines needs to have the fire dropped,ash cleaned out,boiler tubes rodded to get any soot and clinker out, blow down to get gunge out the boiler,etc.,etc.,etc.,just the same as the full size mainline locos. AND you get just as dirty doin it ,all good fun though. Ah well,thats the season over. Catch you later Rik DAVY
Okay, I've got to ask... "Rik" is that the Scottish way of printing my name? I've noticed, lately, that you've changed the spelling. Did that hooligan Kenny put you up to it? (just kidding)
Too bad running season's over; but, I'm sure the iron shop will help sooth things... a wee bit.
Take care,
Rick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hjDv_-r88U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...4&feature=relmfu
I wonder if Kenny could build one of these?
There's so much character...
Rick
Hi Rick, back to the proper spelling,never realised I had been missing the C. As for the steam shovels ,aye I'm sure Kenny could build one if he was so minded,but don't know what it would get used for ???. I don't remember steam shovels but I do remember steam cranes in use on the railways and in a local timber yard. Last used in the early 90s if my mind serves me right ??
As for the green CMR loco, I was driving it yesterday George. I'm still no qualified to be left completely alone with it because I still don't know all about the injectors, blower, boiler water levels and stuff but I'm learning. I do know how to work the regulator and the brakes ! So I've had a few spins round the circuit with my grandaughters as passengers. Great fun. DAVY
Ah, good to see me full name, back in print.
You don't know what it would get used for - having fun digging in the dirt... of course.
Picture riding around the clubs grounds... with the shovels tracks creaking along, the boom adjusting for the next bucket full, the steam whistle screeching, blow down hissing away and the exhaust pluming...
Show Kenny, see what he thinks?
BTW, has anyone blown a boiler? That could be very dangerous; especially, with someone aboard... operating the locomotive.
Lots of guys got hurt with the full sized engines.
I guess if you lived through blowing up one of the lads prized possessions, things might be a little awkward...
Years ago, a buddy of my crashed one of his friends Cessna's, into a row of trees. The leading edge of the wing sustained significant damage... costing thousands of dollars.
I was in the small plane, when it happened; and my friend( the pilot) really felt bad/and embarrassed... He was a very conscientious pilot.
Cheers,
Rick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hjDv_-r88U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...4&feature=relmfu
I wonder if Kenny could build one of these?
There's so much character...
Rick
Hi,
there is an Italian modeller who is starting to build one of this steam shovel. You can see the advance in his website http://www.ferroviefelettane.it/ under "In costruzione" page (unfortunately in Italian only). But not in O scale, in 1/10 scale.
Look even in the page of the Big boy he built some years ago... it's amazing.
Bye
Hi Turambar,
The rail crane he built is a superb looking model; the steam shovel should be just as good...
I'd like a working steam shovel, in O scale - radio controlled, and fully operational... including, sound and simulated steam effects. All of this modelling technology is currently available.
Thanks,
Rick
Hi Guys,
Thats some collection of steam locos and a terrific railway Rick. Strathaven is a way much more modest operation. The only similar operation to that railway we have in Scotland is at Comrie in Perthshire. Its a fair size with some bigger engines including a DRGW loco.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE61Lc_0BUE&feature=related Turambar,As for that Big Boy ....WOW,that guy has done a great job eh ? Obviously an excellent engineer. DAVY
No need to use the word "modest", when referring to your club, Davy. You guy's have top drawer equipment; built by skilled craftsmen... like Kenny.
BTW, besides the steam component of steam shovels; their mechanical workings are just as cool, too. See if you can understand how they actually work... without the advantages of modern hydraulics...
I appreciate inventive minds; and, that era of industrial technology was very, very cool. Something to see...
They used steam shovels on many great construction projects; including, the Panama Canal.
I also like steam powered hoists and cranes; it's all good.
Rick
Too bad, as a special promotion, they(the Carlsberg cars) don't come filled... standing on end, in a six pack.
You've got some nice rolling stock, there...
BTW, Here, the term is "up your alley".
Cheers,
Rick
Hi Guys,
Thats some collection of steam locos and a terrific railway Rick. Strathaven is a way much more modest operation. The only similar operation to that railway we have in Scotland is at Comrie in Perthshire. Its a fair size with some bigger engines including a DRGW loco.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE61Lc_0BUE&feature=related Turambar,As for that Big Boy ....WOW,that guy has done a great job eh ? Obviously an excellent engineer. DAVY
Well.... I think if I saw this Big Boy and the working description 20 years ago I started to study mechanic instead of electronic...
Unfortunately he lives too far from my house to ask if he needs an help.
One thing I've noticed about European rolling stock is that, the cars frequently have a squat/stumpy appearance.
I wonder who's coupling system is superior - the North American knuckle coupler, or the convoluted European system; complete with those bumpers?
It's odd that bumpers... are used on one continent and not on another?
There must be a lot of play(movement) with the European coupling system?
The European stuff has an almost cute/toyish look to it; whereas, over here... we're all business... we operate MAN-SIZED equipment...
I'm obviously having a bit of fun, here; but, there's some truth to it...
Rick
Hi Rick,
Those LIMA models are from the 70s. You don't see nearly as many of those kinda freight cars in Europe these days. I don't think you will see 4 wheel box cars in the UK at all hardly nowadays apart from on preservation lines.Though you will still see 4 wheel tank cars now and again. Check out this modern freight video of the St Gotthard . European electric locos are mega-powerfull.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUoF2snJUdI&feature=related
I'm a steam fan as you know, but those modern electrics have some power at their disposal. Big heavy freights are no problem to them. Most of the modern euro electrics would probably pull the butt off American Dash9 diesels I'd think as they draw all the power they need from the overheads etc., As for the coupling systems.
Well the advantage of buffers (we don't call them bumpers over here), is more safety in a pile up. Especially say with flammable liquids in tankers, Only thing between North American tankers and the one in front is the knuckle coupler. If it breaks you have two tankers crashing tank on tank,whereas in a similar accident in europe you have the benefit of the hydraulic buffers absorbing shock and a better chance of keeping the cars stable and avoiding fire in such an accident. Anyway,so they say. DAVY
Yesterday, I was looking at the new MTH 2013 catalog and I looked at some of the Premier motive power being offered: British, German and French steam; and modern electrics.
Then, I looked at European rolling stock - nice, highly detailed pieces and small...
There is some longer car types but, the smaller sizes seems to have left an impression on me. Yours might not be as small, but they leave me with a similar impression.
I know North American rolling stock has increased, in size, over the years; but, the equipment I see(in real life) is generally... on the larger side.
A while ago, my wife bought me an older style refrigeration car(a Pacific Fruit Express car) she doesn't know there's a different re: the different era's and the corresponding sizes and styles...
That car looks ridiculous sitting on my layout, next to my modern equipment. I thought it might not be true to scale so, recently, I asked my dealer? Apparently, it carries scale proportions.
Re: the coupling systems - A couple of years ago, while I was driving, I came upon a broken train. It was separated near the midway point. I approached it from the rear and drove up to the front. I asked one of the crew members... what had happened, and he replied, a coupler had broken... This particular railroad carries a spare coupler on the engine, for this type of situation. The crew member said the coupler heads are quite heavy, especially, if you have to pack one a fair distance, up to the damaged car. These guys had a company truck drive the coupler to the damaged car.
Re: European electric engines - yes, Davy, they are quite capable. Many of today's modern electrics will out-perform 4400hp diesel-electric locomotives.
For example, Siemen's is a well-known builder of powerful electric locomotives.
Rick
I liked the Youtube video you linked Davy. I really do like the looks of the European electric locomotives - very utilitarian, but still with elegance (if that is possible with a huge piece of machinery). I also like the quiet and cleanliness part.
I will take y'all's word for it on electric vs diesel-electric power, though it looked to me like a lot of motive power in the video to pull modest at best sized consists. It did look like a very mountainous area so maybe there are some grades that have to be negotiated.
I live on the front range of the Rockies where there are frequent 120-car unit coal trains carrying 15,000 tons of coal. Obviously more than one diesel - sometimes with motive power at the front, middle, and rear. Just north of where I live the trains have to cross the Palmer Divide. Here's a Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hst_i1_hc-A Not as interesting as the European trains right? Snore. The first coal train had 120 cars. I fell asleep before finishing counting the second one. The caption says the diesels are SD-70's. They look to be pretty powerful.
A train coming from Wyoming along the front range to New Mexico would have to cross two ridges (Palmer Divide and Raton Pass) each at about 7500 feet with lows (I'm guessing) at the Platte River (5200 ft at Denver, CO) and the Arkansas River (4600 ft at Pueblo, CO). So elevation changes of 2000-3000 ft over long grades. I'm thinking Switzerland/Austria may have much greater elevation changes for it's rail lines. And of course in Colorado if you head west the elevation changes are greater, but I don't know the sizes of trains that head that way. Here's a video of a coal train heading through Moffat Tunnel (west of Denver, elevation 9000 ft). I counted 104 cars and a bunch of diesels. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWvv8lYU_Cc
It amazes me is that any coupler could handle that type of weight.
http://www.siemens.com/press/p...owski_dex_090324.pdf
HXD1B = 12,873hp see page 8 re: the link posted.
That is what I consider to be a powerful locomotive. One of them is supposed to be able to handle a 10,000 ton train, on it's own.
BTW, the Chinese specified and ordered these monsters.
Rick
Hi Guys, Rick and Craig, check this.... a few years old now but these twin LKAB locos
pull 8160 ton trains on the Kiruna (Sweden) to Narvik (Norway).
BTW,
Apparently, Siemen's HXD1B is the most powerful individual locomotive in series production.
I don't think a GE or EMD single 4400hp or 4300hp diesel-electric could/would beat a 12,873hp electric locomotive.
I might be wrong, but I don't see it happening.
Rick
Hi Rick, check out these old machines... also more powerfull than Dash-9s and the next best thing to steam in the looks department ???
Lad,
Those drivers are the show.
BTW, my personal opinion re: what is the best modern day freight locomotive... the high horsepower electrics rule...
Have you ever heard, in person, a modern GE prime mover(a 7FDL16 or the newer GEVO-12)... at full throttle. Menacing...
Rick
Hi Guys,
Hope any of you guys in New York, New Jersey,Virginia etc.,etc., are all OK.
Just been watching the terrible weather reports,fires in Queens etc.,etc.,. "Engineer Joe", I know you are in New Jersey and see your state has been hit particularly bad so hope you and your family are AOK. Stay safe, all the best and good luck from Scotland DAVY
If any are curious there are a bunch of live steam clubs on this side of the pond. Google for a local RR.
Our local club has about 8000 feet of mainline on 8+/- acres in Rahns, PA near Valley Forge, Just Google "Pennsylvania Live Steamers". 3/8":' up thru 1 1/2":' scale.
Hi Tom, will check out your website ,thanks for that.
Hi guys, hope all of you are safe and well after the storms. Anyway on a more pleasant note, I obtained a few more LIMA and Rivarrossi European models the last couple of days. heres the pics. German fuel tanker "ARAL",Swiss van both by Lima, the loco is a Rivarrossi German BR 80 but with an American style smokebox front.These were made for the US market so I will be rehashing the smokebox front back to German style,but these locos are quite hard to come by so I grabbed it. I now have two of these which will be getting done up as RAG Ruhrkohle locos. The class was retired by german National Railways in the 60s but some remained in service on the RAG untill the late 70s which is the period these euro models date from. Cheers DAVY
Davy, how are the curved turnouts working out for you?
Any problems passing any particular equipment?
How are they for backing a string of cars through the points and frog?.
Do they lend themselves for use as a single crossover in a curve?
What outside radius curved switches are you using? Thank you tt
Hi Tom,
My layout isn't complete or operational yet. But I have every confidence in the Peco track. What testing I have done on any track laid has shown no problems at all.As long as the switches are laid nice and level Peco track performs immaculately.
As for reversing trains thru switches successfully well that also depends on the performance of the couplings used and can also be affected by the relative weights of rolling stock. If you have over-light items of rolling stock between a reversing loco and heavier rolling stock at the rear you can get derailments no matter how well track or couplers perform. DAVY
Davy, would a pair be suitable for use as a single cross over within a curve?
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
