Let's not forget what we are about.....
Apologies to those who read this on the 16mm list. It was well written by one of the stalwarts on that list and he expresses a few really good points about our hobby. He is responding to another message that also quoted first in part "... I've also recently "talked" to someone off-list who attended a meeting and was the only person there with a battery powered loco who got a few back-handed comments from the "steamers"..." Tag Gorton's reply in whole: quote -- Regarding the comments and 'pedantry' on-line one only has to look at the main protagonists to see that this is a bit of fun - as of course you are aware Peter :-) I am afraid that human nature dictates that some people are so insecure that the level of detail and cost of their motive power is somehow a reflection of their personal worth - perhaps the same sort of people who equate a powerful car and a hot curry with their virility :-) Whatever it is, it is something that is worth stamping on and certainly I would comment loudly if a newcomer (or someone currently crippled by a new mortgage or whatever) is put down because they don't have the wherewithal to buy this, lets face it, comparatively expensive stuff - and while I am a mild-mannered man these days, I have a considerable range of invective culled from many years in the Royal Navy :-) I am lucky. I have reached that stage in my life when I can afford something of what I want and I will soon be in receipt of my new coal burner. I can guarantee however, that any newcomer visiting my garden railway is welcome to have a go with this as with any of my other engines. There is no-one who attends our (admittedly very casual meetings) who behaves in the manner described and if they did, they would find themselves inexplicably missed off the phone round list. I believe, from a letter in SMT some time ago, the Yorkshire group are rather more direct about this than we are :-) This is about playing trains, modeling and encouraging others to join in the pleasure. I like to target my own articles at the newcomer and I do this partly because I am not competent enough to write about model engineering, and partly because I well remember the diffidence I felt before attending my first garden railway meeting. This meeting was at Ian Sutton's line in Weston - and I needn't have worried. The Bristol/Severn group at the meeting were VERY encouraging and said nice things about my cardboard fourwheelers and offered advice without being patronising. It was a glorious afternoon and one I shall always remember. I therefore always try to ensure that the newcomer enjoys his or herself at any meeting that I am attending. Bestest Tag -- end of quote Have a hopeful, healthful, cheerful -- Good Day! Jim Crabb Seabrook, Texas
Re: Butane tank
On Wed, 6 Sep 2000 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What detriments if any would there be to building a tank out of square steel tubing? I have no problem with the welding part, just was wondering about the feasibility. My Argyle Philadelphia kit has a square gas tank. It's brass, about 3/4" square, 1/16" walls. I silver soldered it together and hydroed it till my 250 psi gauge went off scale. I've used butane and butane/propane mix with no problems. -- Bill Kaiser [EMAIL PROTECTED] There are three ways to do a job: good, cheap, and quick. You can have any two. A good, cheap job won't be quick. A good, quick job won't be cheap. A cheap, quick job won't be good.
Re: Congrats Vance!
Thanks, all y'all, for the kind words regarding my working with Garden Railways. This is not a career change, mind you, but a "part time on the weekend every other month" kind of job. Don't look fo my presence to turn GR into the "Marc and Vance Show". (Count your blessings!) But, if you notice a certain omniscient reliability in the articles and product reviews, I'll gladly take credit (due or otherwise). regards, Vance Bass Technical Editor, Garden Railways magazine http://www.gardenrailways.com
Re: Let's not forget what we are about.....
Jim, Thankyou for relaying Tag's comments to us--I agree with him completely--and since Tag was in the Royal Navy and I was in the Royal Marines we are RIGHT--no disagreement allowed!! US Navy and US Marines will support us! This afternoon I am going to run my battery powered New Bright that I bought at a flea market for $3. However, In defense of the backhand remarks--I believe some of them were probably made in jest--not to belittle. I'm sure a lot of them have sparky locos too-whoops--there I go! Geoff. Apologies to those who read this on the 16mm list. It was well written by one of the stalwarts on that list and he expresses a few really good points about our hobby. He is responding to another message that also quoted first in part "... I've also recently "talked" to someone off-list who attended a meeting and was the only person there with a battery powered loco who got a few back-handed comments from the "steamers"..." Tag Gorton's reply in whole: quote -- Regarding the comments and 'pedantry' on-line one only has to look at the main protagonists to see that this is a bit of fun - as of course you are aware Peter :-) I am afraid that human nature dictates that some people are so insecure that the level of detail and cost of their motive power is somehow a reflection of their personal worth - perhaps the same sort of people who equate a powerful car and a hot curry with their virility :-) Whatever it is, it is something that is worth stamping on and certainly I would comment loudly if a newcomer (or someone currently crippled by a new mortgage or whatever) is put down because they don't have the wherewithal to buy this, lets face it, comparatively expensive stuff - and while I am a mild-mannered man these days, I have a considerable range of invective culled from many years in the Royal Navy :-) I am lucky. I have reached that stage in my life when I can afford something of what I want and I will soon be in receipt of my new coal burner. I can guarantee however, that any newcomer visiting my garden railway is welcome to have a go with this as with any of my other engines. There is no-one who attends our (admittedly very casual meetings) who behaves in the manner described and if they did, they would find themselves inexplicably missed off the phone round list. I believe, from a letter in SMT some time ago, the Yorkshire group are rather more direct about this than we are :-) This is about playing trains, modeling and encouraging others to join in the pleasure. I like to target my own articles at the newcomer and I do this partly because I am not competent enough to write about model engineering, and partly because I well remember the diffidence I felt before attending my first garden railway meeting. This meeting was at Ian Sutton's line in Weston - and I needn't have worried. The Bristol/Severn group at the meeting were VERY encouraging and said nice things about my cardboard fourwheelers and offered advice without being patronising. It was a glorious afternoon and one I shall always remember. I therefore always try to ensure that the newcomer enjoys his or herself at any meeting that I am attending. Bestest Tag -- end of quote Have a hopeful, healthful, cheerful -- Good Day! Jim Crabb Seabrook, Texas
Re: Butane tank
There are many rectangular tanks on the market, I am concerned about the use of steel tubing vs brass which appears to be a more common material. I am not strong in metallurgy so can not speak to the possibility of chemical reactions leaching etc. mp --- VR Bass [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What detriments if any would there be to building a tank out of square steel tubing? Seems to me like it would work fine. Roundhouse used to make rectangular tanks from etched and folded brass sheet, silversoldered of course. Seems like drawn tubing would be even stronger, thus at least as safe. Go for it. -vance- __ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Free email you can access from anywhere! http://mail.yahoo.com/
Re: Butane tank
concerned about the use of steel tubing vs brass Steel is much stronger than brass, especially after the tank has been silver- soldered (or welded, in Bob's suggestion). Brass is used because the makers use it a lot for other things like platework, and because it solders nicely. Steel is preferable, but not so much so that it's worth going after if you are already set up to work with brass on a large scale, as someone like Roundhouse or Argyle are. -vance-
Re: Congrats Vance Casy Jones
In a message dated 09/06/2000 2:42:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: But, if you notice a certain omniscient reliability in the articles and product reviews, I'll gladly take credit (due or otherwise). regards, Vance Bass Technical Editor, Garden Railways magazine http://www.gardenrailways.com As long as you don't use the word "SUPERB" in your reviews, I will read them and head them. By the way, what is your thoughts on the Casey Jones. Just got mine and it ran real sweet out of the box. The rear end is already home to a couple of "Just Plain Folks". Seemed the driver really needed company. Now for sound. Rog ;)
Re: Butane tank
I have made several tanks out of 1" square steel tubing which is readily available - with flat unstayed end plates of 1/16 th + steel, ie similar thickness to the tube itself. They stood up to the Vancetest (before our comrade was rash enough to describe it) They were silver soldered together not welded. Showed no distortion whatsoever on testing which would not be the case at the same pressures for brass, I imagine. Also no visible corrosion after a year or two - I know 'cos I cut one open. Nevertheless, I make my tanks nowadays out of copper tube, with flanged end plates 'cos that is what the Brit ME Sox GIMRA are demanding. Incidently don't stick your filler valve directly over a central stay - the back pressure generated is enough to make filling difficult if not impossible. Art Walker
Re: Butane tank
There was a nice article in SIG a couple of months ago that was reasonably well researched about how to build a butane tank out of copper tubing. For a lot of people, round is easier only because it's easier to find round caps that will give you a good fit. Square / rectangular fits better in most locos and since steel is often used in propane tanks steel would be no problem either. If you decide to build one, keep us informed about your progress. Phil.P. Hi folks, What detriments if any would there be to building a tank out of square steel tubing? I have no problem with the welding part, just was wondering about the feasibility. Bob
Re: Butane tank
In a message dated 9/6/2000 2:00:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Also no visible corrosion after a year or two - I know 'cos I cut one open. Thanks Art, that was what I needed to know. The reason that I want a square tank is because I am building this as a bunker on the rear of the cab. Don't have any I" square brass tubing so I thought that steel would work. Thanks all for the input. Bob
