Re: OT: Re: list problems?
<< i tried loading version 7 on the softwindows partition of my mac >> Several of you have asked me off line why my aol postings work. I'm using a Macintosh computer. The latest version for Mac is called 5.0 and can send in plain text instead of html. Currently I'm using the new Mac OS X and the AOL 5.0 for OS X. It has the features of the PC version 7 without the problems. Be of Good Cheer, Don + "The Brandywine Live Steam Railway and Navigation Company" from the maps and details in J.R.R. Tolkien's book _The Lord of the Rings_ accommodating both Little Peoples and Men. >From the Bucklebury Docks to Bree and Whimshire: 32 mm Gauge O at 16 mm/ft (SM32) and 21 mm/ft (7/8n18). Through the forests and mines of the Withywindle: 45 mm Gauge 1 at 15 mm/ft (Fn3) and 22 mm/ft (7/8n2).
Re: Building a live steam track
Gary wrote, "I know that cedar fences eventually rot where they touch earth or are imbedded in the ground and have significant moisture for most of the year (i.e. desert is probably not a problem)." No, the bottoms in the sand don't rot here. It's the rest of the wood that rots, baked in the high-altitude sun, dried, splintered, and falling apart. I used to live in Eugene, a wonderful city, and loved the gentle rains, occasional snow, and the green. Enjoy. Be of Good Cheer, Fr Donald Cram, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA "The Brandywine Railway and Navigation Company" Based on the maps and geography of the East Farthing of Middle Earth from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Gauge O at 16 mm : 1 ft from Bucklebury Ferry to Bree Gauge 1 at 15 mm : 1 ft through the Withywindle Forests
Re: G1MRA news
<< Has anyone on the list, in USA, received their copies yet?. >> Mine came this week. And that's to New Mexico which most postal service people can't seem to find, thinking there is nothing between Arizona and Texas. Cordially, Fr Donald Cram The Brandywine Steam Railway and Navigation Company, 3' Narrow Gauge (15 mm:1 ft) and 2' Narrow Gauge (16 mm:1 ft) At a mean scale of precisely 1:19.685 Modeling the East Farthing of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA
Re: Messages on this list
Vance pointed us to << http://www.under-tec.com >> for gas relief. Vance, I've long been impressed with your encyclopedic knowledge and all-around helpfulness, but this one takes top (bottom) prize. The testimonials floating across the web page screen made me laugh until tears came to my eyes. Continually impressed by your selfless service to humankind, Fr Donald Cram The Brandywine Rly and Navigation Company Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA
Re: Messages on this list
Welcome Geoff. I had the same experience when I began on the list. These are all fine people and willing to be of help. One must do what Steve did regarding the BAGRS Project Locomotive. Just ask "What's that?" Clarifications are free and given with grace. Fr Donald Cram Rio Rancho, New Mexico The Brandywine Rly and Navigation Co.
Re: USA
<< condolences to the American members of this list >> Thank you, Tag. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Today we are in shock. Tonight we will be looking to the White House for leadership. Roosevelt came up with the memorable "a day that will live in infamy" after the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor that brought us into WWII. Many will be looking to our President's statement tonight. But keep us in your thoughts and prayers the most tomorrow, when, I fear, the thoughts of some will turn not to justice but to revenge. Our two nations, the UK and USA, are noble but also immensely powerful. May God grant us wisdom. Fr Donald Cram Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Re: Ruby Prototype?
Mike asked, "Where can I find the May 5 photos?" Go to the bottom of the opening page at http://www.powaymidlandrr.org/ to the "We Have More" section and click on Photo Gallery. More nice shots of a full-sized Ruby! Be of good cheer, Don + Fr Donald O. Cram 16mmNGM #4958, NMRA #088078, G1MRA #2210 "The Brandywine Steam Railway & Navigation Company" Modeling the East Farthing and Marches of JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth 1:19 (32 mm) 2 ft narrow gauge from Bucklebury Station to Bree and Whimshire. 1:20 (45 mm) 3 ft narrow gauge through the mines and forests of the Withywindle. __ Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 6:05:33 PM Mountain Time
Re: Ruby Prototype?
The 0-4-0 at www.powaymidlandrr.org not only looks like a "prototype" for the Ruby but also looks like a strong argument to purchase the Ruby modified cab from Vance Bass. Of course, there was no prototype for the freelance Ruby, but the Poway loco could have served as one. Be of good cheer, Don + Fr Donald O. Cram 16mmNGM #4958, NMRA #088078, G1MRA #2210 "The Brandywine Steam Railway & Navigation Company" Modeling the East Farthing and Marches of JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth 1:19 (32 mm) 2 ft narrow gauge from Bucklebury Station to Bree and Whimshire. 1:20 (45 mm) 3 ft narrow gauge through the mines and forests of the Withywindle. __ Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 6:12:21 AM Mountain Time
Re: Bayou Ltd Garden Railways
<< Paul may be on vacation. Can I be of any assistance? >> Jim, how kind of you! I had forgotten that you worked with Paul. Paul told me I could call him when I received my Sammie and he would give me his ten minute talk about the finer points not mentioned in the instructions. He tried to get the Sammie to be before I left for the Queen Mary show, but was not able to because of some supplier delays. When I returned at the end of June from vacation, there was Sammie! I called several times, left messages, sat by the phone but still have not heard from anyone at Bayou Ltd. I guessed, as you said, it was vacation time (the 4th of July and all). I followed the instructions, turned the gas on just enough to light it off, waited two minutes and turned up the gas one full turn. The result was, I think, a fire in the smokebox which burned off much of the gray paint in the front under the area where the chimney is attached. A typical newbie error, I now understand. I've run Sammie in for several runs since with no further problem with the gas regulator turned only half-way. So, here's what I've been trying to get in touch with Paul about: 1. I'm thinking of lightly sanding the edges of the paint where it is still attached in order to make a new, smooth surface to repaint. And, as I am "weathering" Sammie a bit with my airbrush, I was thinking I would airbrush some black paint over the whole gray (now raw copper and gray) area from below the chimney down. Will this work --- that is, is sanding lightly a good idea and will water-based acrylic air brush paint stick? 2. I'd love to have that telephone conversation about the finer points. 3. The gas filler adapter for which I paid $15 in the Sammie order does not seem to be included. I don't know what this looks like, so I've been trying to call about that too. Three weeks later, I have now ordered one from Rio Pecos. So, I guess at this point, I'd ask for a $15 refund. Meanwhile, I've sure gone through a lot of those little (and expensive!) cigarette lighter refillers! But it's been fun. Loving the Sammie, and appreciating your kind assistance, Be of good cheer, Fr Donald O. Cram, BStA (16mmNGM #4958, NMRA #088078) "The Brandywine Railway & Navigation Company" Modelling the East Farthing and Marches of JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth 1:19 (32 mm = 2 ft narrow gauge) from Bucklebury Station to Bree and Whimshire. 1:20 (45 mm = 3 ft narrow gauge) through the mines and forests of the Withywindle. __ Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Thursday, July 12, 2001 at 1:10:36 PM Mountain Time
Re: Bayou Ltd Garden Railways
Thanks to all for the kind and prompt responses. Someone from Bayou got right back to me. Much appreciated. Be of good cheer, Fr Donald O. Cram, BStA (16mmNGM #4958, NMRA #088078) "The Brandywine Railway & Navigation Company" Modelling the East Farthing and Marches of JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth 1:19 (32 mm = 2 ft narrow gauge) from Bucklebury Station to Bree and Whimshire. 1:20 (45 mm = 3 ft narrow gauge) through the mines and forests of the Withywindle. __ Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Thursday, July 12, 2001 at 1:11:47 PM Mountain Time
Re: Bayou Ltd Garden Railways
In a message dated 7/12/01 10:26:27 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Got no response a few weeks ago also. >> Thanks. I was beginning to wonder if it was something I had said! Regards, Don Cram Rio Rancho, NM
Bayou Ltd Garden Railways
Please forgive the cross-posting. This is a bit of a distress call. I am aware of health issues at Sulphur Springs Steam Models (Bob Paule, who is in my prayers) that have made them somewhat unavailable recently until Tom shouldered some of the burden. But what's going on at Bayou Ltd? For many days I have not heard from Paul in response to telephone messages left on their machine (504.857.9464) and e-mail's sent ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Does anyone know the situation there? Maybe a well deserved vacation? Cordially, Fr Don Cram Rio Rancho NM USA
Sources for Butane
I completed the first few break-in runs for my new Roundhouse Sammie after making a trip to the nearby tobacco shop for butane cigarette lighter refills. They fit right onto the fill valve on the Sammie's fuel tank, but I've gone through a half dozen of them in a week. I've been told larger canisters of butane can be used with an adapter to fill Sammie's fuel tank. At REI (Recreational Equipment Inc., a large camping supply store), I found that all the Gaz brand and other canisters were butane/propane mixes. This is forbidden in the Roundhouse instructions that came with the Sammie. "Butane only." Where might I obtain less expensive, larger canisters of butane and the necessary adapter? My apologies to those of you on the small_scale_steam_models list who will have received this request twice. Be of good cheer, Fr Donald O. Cram, BStA "The Brandywine Railway & Navigation Company" Modelling the East Farthing and Marches of JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth 1:19 (32 mm gauge) from Bucklebury Station to Bree and Whimshire. 1:20 (45 mm gauge) to the mines and forests of the Withywindle. __ Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Saturday, July 7, 2001 at 5:58:11 PM Mountain Time
Re: Ruby questions
Kevin, You wrote, "A dissertation could be written on the flue harmonics that cause howling, and I don't want to be the one to do it" You may not want to pursue your Doctoral dissertation in flue harmonics, but you certainly did a fine job of educating the rest of us. Well done. Certainly worth a Master's degree. Much appreciated. Fr Donald O. Cram, BStA The Brandywine Railway & Navigation Company Modelling JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth 2 ft narrow gauge on 32 mm track in Buckland, 3 ft narrow gauge on 45 mm track in Moria, 1 m gauge on 45 mm track to Lothlorien. __ Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Friday, May 25, 2001 at 7:56:36 PM Mountain Time
Re: off-topic; on-topic ...
Dear "mom" and all, I signed onto this list, oh, a couple of months ago, and just want to say that it has been immensely helpful to me. Just four months ago I knew nothing about model railroading but was intrigued with the idea of a live steam loco train running in my garden. Thanks in large part to the on-list and off-list help of all of you, my Roundhouse Sammie is ordered, I'm attending the Queen Mary show to learn more, and I'm ready to buy my track, a lot of track, and I'm happily building rolling stock. All I have to do is move 20 tons of dirt in the backyard (funny, no one mentioned that). Thanks to all of you. Be of Good Cheer, Don + Fr Donald O. Cram Brandywine Railway & Navigation Company SM32, Fn3 and G Scales, Live Steam and Electric Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 10:41:52 AM Mountain Time
Scale and Sammie
Thanks to the many to responded on and off list to my quesiton about the best approximate scale of rolling stock to pull behind a Roundhouse Sammie. The consensus was 1:19 or 1:20.3. Thank you very much. Be of Good Cheer, Don + Fr Donald O. Cram Brandywine Railway & Navigation Company Fn3 and G Scale Lines in Gauge 1 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Monday, May 7, 2001 at 11:26:02 AM Mountain Time
A Question of Scale
To those of you who have or have seen a Roundhouse Sammie pulling cars, approximately what scale do you think looks best with it. The big stuff at 1:20.3, or the smaller end of G-scale at 1:29 or 1:32? Thanks in advance for your input. Forgive me, but my day job is teaching mathematics and I have an eye that notices scale differences. Thanks much. Don Cram Rio Rancho, NM
Re: CYLINDER PORT FACES
Casey, There are a great many "British Cousins" on another list I frequent (16mmngm on Yahoo), so I forwarded part of your request there. Among the several answers from England was this one from Colin B, whom I have found to be most helpful: "Litharge is lead monoxide and used to be available in powder form at most ironmongers. When finely ground and freshly mixed with glycerine into a paste it may be used as a sealing compound. It sets in a few minutes and is then water, steam and acid proof. Do not use on any joint which must be subsequently split." Casey, my degree is in Chemistry, and I must add that the stuff is lethal to brain cells and has subsequently been banned from paint and other products in the USA. Cordially, Don Cram Gauge 1, Fn3-Scale Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Monday, April 16, 2001 at 2:07:34 PM Mountain Time
New Member Introduction
Hello All,
My grandfather was a Southern Pacific steam engineer for all of his working
years. One of my fondest memories is about taking him to Travel Town in
Griffith Park, Los Angeles, near our homes at that time, to look at the
locomotives. Although recently having become a widower and in frail health
at 90 years of age, he fairly leaped into one of the steam locos, pulled me
up and explained every valve, lever and fitting, sliding down the stair rails
to show me where the sand pipes came out and then back into the cab where he
ran his hands over every surface.
Turns out, that very unit was one of the locomotives he actually ran in his
career. He even showed me the marks where he and the crew had found it
necessary to straighten a drive arm by removing it and bending it against a
tree in the middle of no where. I was hooked on locomotives and on steam.
It was his greatest gift to me. He died two weeks later.
New to the hobby, I am digging in my high desert New Mexico backyard now to
lay gauge 1 track (45 mm) for a narrow gauge garden railway. A Ruby will
probably be my first steam loco, to be purchased in June. I'll be modeling a
logging operation and a mining line. The scale will be 1:20.3 ("Fn3").
Other avocations are bonsai trees, miniature gardening, and garden ponds, so
you can understand why this hobby is a natural for me. Since I started
learning and planning about three months ago, it has brought me countless
happy hours and has brought me into contact with some very fine people in New
Mexico and on the internet.
My dual occupations may be part of the reason I so enjoy this hobby. Both
are highly fulfilling but can be among the most stressful of jobs. Weekdays
I am a teacher of 8th grade (13-14 year olds) general mathematics, algebra
and earth science. Weekends (well, all the time, actually) I am an ordained
Episcopal minister.
I look forward to learning and sharing.
Don Cram
