Re: Re[2]: sslivesteam2-Digest - Number 320
On 23/8/04 9:12 pm, "Bert & Edmunda" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Dave. > > A friend and myself both run Accucraft C-16s among others. we both > have the same RC unit. my engine runs well Manfreds does not. We > swapped various parts to try to find the reason. I dropped to a cheap > 27Mhz rc. my loco still performed well. The other one using my radio > did not. I feel it has not so much to do with the radio gear as with > the individual loco. I am convinced that cheap glitching is less > annoying than expensive glitching. (Do you always get what you pay > for?) We are now looking for a reason which is probably much less > complicated than we think and probably the tea lady has better > chances of solving the problem than we have. After all she knows > nothing about radio gear. We have also found that often models play > up at the same spot. If we have two weak radios they only play up at > distinct points.stronger instalations have no problems. We have > almost written it off as whitchcraft. Does one of you use rechargables instead of dry batteries? Other than a locomotive supplied with them on purchase I always use cheap dry batteries which can make a significant difference. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: sslivesteam2-Digest - Number 320
On 23/8/04 4:26 pm, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I have to continue running my engine manually, or wait for my >> friend to complete his high tech based digital R/C system... > > Henner, > > There is a system available from RCS (_http://www.rcs-rc.com_ > (http://www.rcs-rc.com) ) that is digital and glitch-free. RCS' owner, Tony > Walsham, > insists that it won't ever allow glitching. I've heard from a few folks who > use it > that it works as advertised. I should like to second this recommendation - ideal for really serious glitching probs - also if you have room for a small speaker you can add digital sound effects such as a bell. The controller is so small that I was working mine from my pocket just to show off! This did however draw the suggestion that it would not be a good idea to do it this way at mixed gender meetings.:-) -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: More glitching
On 23/8/04 2:00 am, "Henner Meinhold" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I tested the radio system with the engine stopped and everything was fine. > As soon as I touched one of the metal parts with a scew driver or moved the > engine, all hell broke loose: The servo tried to twist itself out of its > bracket ! Obviously my locomotive is the worst case scenario. The frame and > superstructure are mainly wood with the engine exposed in the middle. So all > the moving and rubbing metal parts are completely unshielded. On a "normal" > live steamer the bulk of the locomotive like boiler, cab, running board are > "static" and seem to shield the moving parts. Anyway, I tried several of the > tricks mentioned in the glitching thread, but nothing worked. I even tried > to ground the receiver to the steam engine/boiler... > Bottom line: 19th century mechanical designs and 20th century radio control > don't match. I have to continue running my engine manually, or wait for my > friend to complete his high tech based digital R/C system... > Regards > Henner What are you using as a aerial beacon Henner - the addition of a metal cab should not make a difference and it sounds as if you have a short from aerial to locomotive. I presume you are using an FM rather than an AM set and the aerial wire has not been shortened. Metal to metal contact or ''rusty bolt' syndrome can be an issue with steam locomotives, but the greater majority will run without glitching and without servo smoothers - particular if FM. The 'rusty bolt' effect does attenuate the range of the system, but, generally speaking, this is not an issue within the bounds of the average garden. The commonest cause of glitching is something external such as a washing whirly, cast iron garden roller in the garden or R/c interference. Here I run locos with tenders, locos with no cabs etc and glitching is not an issue. I did fit a servo smoother to my Pearse Countess, but this was to allow me to switch off the radio whilst running without a 'switching off' spike - for exhibition purposes. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Re[2]: R/C Glitching
On 14/8/04 9:30 am, "Bert & Edmunda" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hello Vance, > > On this subject I tried this system without a lot of success. I then met a > guy with a model submarine who recommended wrapping the antenna around > a piece of 10mm dia wood or plastic tube. Then wrapping the whole in > aluminium foil, leaving about 1" outside. I tried it and it works. I > passed it on to others who have had problems. it is not 100% in all > cases but it is an improvement and very much worth a try. It also > needs very little space. I think the trick is the 20mm of antenna > free. plus the position must be turned to find the best spot as you do > with the pinking shears method. Hope this helps. One can insulate and use one of the domes on the boiler, with the rest of the aerial wire wrapped round a card former. The standard offering on many UK models is to have an insulated roof hatch on the top of the cab as a beacon. If one still gets glitching then a servo smoother with vary take up speed will solve the problem completely. I would recommend one but am sure that these things are available from different suppliers world wide. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Aristocraft Live Steamer?
On 12/8/04 1:47 pm, "PeteH" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > It appears the king of US plastic locomotives has finally made good on his > promise of building a live steamer! For those of you attending the show in > Denver - PLEASE take photos and let us know how it looks! > >> From the photo's at this website the following 'appears' to be the case: > piston valves, plastic boiler shell (yes you read that correctly!) sound > system including steam chuff?!? Butane fired with radio controlled ignition. > Sounds interesting!?!?! Check it out here: > http://www.aristocraft.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=009611 > and here: > http://www.largescaleonline.com/cgi-bin/library/show.cgi?id=aclivesteam2004 > > Kindest Regards, > PeteH Interesting. Why on earth does it need electronic chuff sounds however - my locomotives do their own chuffin' :-) -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Running Superior
On 24/7/04 7:21 am, "Bede McCormack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Yes, I have one in my old RH "Jack" loco which was transformed into a docile > and obedient engine immediately upon installation. I also have a speed > controller in a battery engine. > > The Brian Jones smoother can be set to filter out different levels of stray > signals, the higher the setting, the slower the response time between moving > the TX knob and servo movement. > > Brian's email support is excellent and he is always happy to discuss the > best way to solve RC-related problems. > > Hope this helps. > Regards, > Bede Thanks Bede...seems much the same system then. I found that the quickest response time was enough to remove glitching from my 'Countess'. I did set the gear servo to a slower rate because I thought the action of the radius rod moving in the expansion link looked better when done slowly -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Running Superior
On 22/7/04 6:46 am, "Bede McCormack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Actually, as a very satisfied repeat customer I'd go with Brian Jones myself > for top-end smoothers, speed controllers, etc, AND excellent e-mail support: > > http://www.brianjones.free-online.co.uk/ I have not tried both types so cannot comment on the relative merits of each. Do you use the above servo smoothers on steam locomotives Bede? -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Running Superior
On 21/7/04 9:51 pm, "Dave Orwig" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Where might one find an airdale smoother. Preliminary searches on google were > unsuccessful. > > Thanks, > Dave Orwig > http://www.tbto.org > Sentinel Systems, Airdale Models, 208 oakworth Rd Keighley West Yorks BD21 1QH TEL/FAX (0)1535 665662. They take card but no web presence - whoops I tell a lie - just found 'em - http://www.airedalemodels.co.uk/ -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Running Superior
On 20/7/04 7:15 pm, "Ciambrone, Steve @ OS" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I agree with your comments on the power of the Caradoc mine pulls great and > runs very consistently. I tried adding radio control to my Excelsior using > the reverser but the slightest glitch of the radio could cause the engine to > go full reverse and it would slide down the tracks with the wheels spinning > backwards. Operation was unpleasant so I switched the control to the > throttle valve and tapered the valve as mentioned earlier. Reversing is > back to manual control. Operation is smooth and if a little glitching is > experienced the lag in the steam line and inertia of the engine keeps it > running at a steady speed. I need radio control since my layout has a tight > radius turn which requires throttle adjustment for realistic operation. > > My Caradoc will start steaming nicely at 15-20 Psi and will pull very > strongly at 40 Psi. I want to load down the engine some time and see how > many cars it will pull around my layout. The best bet is to use a servo smoother on these locomotives if one must have r/c). The Accucraft regulator/reversing valve is based on the pearse Locomotives type and they are very affected by r/c glitch. Many people r/c both the rg/reverser AND the hand regulator/steam stop valve but using single channel reverser with single channel servo smoother is cost effective, space efficient and better than twin servos WITHOUT servo smoothing. I used the 8 setting Airdale smoother on my Countess r/c fit and it made a rather skittish locomotive a pleasure to run. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Running Superior
On 15/7/04 12:35 am, "John Coughran" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hello Bede, > > My Superior was one of the first in the US and has been one of my > favorites to operate. I have not felt he need to modify this fine loco > in any way, Operation is much smoother using lower steam pressure, > accomplished by turning down the gas until the pressure falls and the > loco slows. I then increase the regulator opening while decreasing the > gas until speed is determined by the gas valve and consequent steam > generation. The regulator is opened further and speed is determined > solely by the gas valve setting. On a 2% grade with 14 coal wagons the > loco sometimes stops on the grade only to self start later as pressure > rises. The open regulator allows adequate steam passage for self > starting. Long runs can be had as water and gas is not wasted. With > practice the procedure can be very rewarding and skittish response due > to high pressure is eliminated. Try it, I think you will enjoy it! This is , more or less, the way I run mine. The use of a regulator lever rather than the toy-like knob helps. I also have an Accucraft Caradoc which has an experimental Cheddar tank fitted. This will provide pressure regulated gas for up to an hour and so requires the use of a boiler fill system. Incidentally these locomotives are designed for single channel radio control of the regulator/reverser. The steam stop valve (used as a regulator in manual versions) is just that and, with radio control, is used just to recharge the lubricator whilst in steam. Once run in these locomotives have a very wide powerband and, as John says, will self start easily and it is my own opinion that R/C rather spoils them... I have to hand the pre production model of the new 'Edrig' which despite a proposed retail price of a smidgin under 400 UKP (including 17 1/2% of the iniquitous VAT sales tax) has exactly the same running gear, power band and pulling power of the more expensive Caradoc and Superior locos. This is an ideal model to customise but actually looks, will boiler bands, big brass dome and full running gear including slidebars and crossheads, pretty good as it is. A full working steam model with no 'extras' such as pressure gauge to bump up the price. Hopefully this will be available (in the UK at least) in September and purchase is a 'no brainer' when compared with other models in this price range. Beats the pants off a Ruby because it has decent size cylinders..ducks quickly :-) -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: "Superior" regulator mods?
On 13/7/04 5:18 am, "Bede McCormack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi Folks, > > The regulator (throttle) on our Accucraft Superior is super sensitive, > making it hard to control the engine. Either it's not enough steam, or too > much. Very hard to adjust it just right. > > On pulling the needle valve for the regulator out, it seems to have a > coarse-ish thread and a sharply tapered needle end at about a 90 degree > angle (this may be what's needed for RC, but we run it manually). Does > anyone know of a modification or replacement for the throttle valve that > would put us in better control of the engine? I imagine that a finer pitch > thread on the valve spindle and a more gentle angle on the needle end would > require more turns of the reg and would thus go a ways towards solving this > problem. > > Any suggestions here greatly appreciated! If you get rid of the plastic knob and fit a proper regulator handle you will find you have far better control over your locomotive. It is also worth asking how many hours this locomotive has run? You will find that as your model 'runs in' it becomes more controllable anyway... -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Cheddar Fule tanks and Valves
On 11/7/04 5:16 pm, "paul gamlin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Does any one have experience with Cheddar Fuel ( Butane and butane/ > propane ) Tanks . It looks like they have a large tank with a diaphragm > type regulator valve as opposed to a needle valve I am trying to make > a Long Runing engine and am wondering if this might be a possability for > the fule tank . They use a pressure regulated diaphragm type regulator in gas tanks designed for butane/propane mix. My Cheddar Hercules runs for comfortably over an hour in summer temperatures and the gas tank can be sited in a tender without consequent icing up of the tank. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Imported steam - can the US compete?
On 12/6/04 8:46 am, "Bede McCormack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> From: Sam Evans <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> I am surprised a little bit that no Roundhouse clone has sprung up in >> the US, you have a far greater potential market. In the UK we suspect >> that high product liability insurance in your highly litigious country >> may have put folk off. > > Actually, I suspect it has more to do with instant gratification. Setting > the two-rail engine on the track and powering up beats fueling, watering and > oiling 'round 90% of the time over here. Remember Medina OH. How boring - would be even easier to watch a video ;-) -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Imported steam - can the US compete?
On 12/6/04 4:46 am, "Daniel McGrath" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Is Aster actually "Made in Japan"? I cannont say, I've never seen one up > close. As far as small production runs, seems that both Cheddar and > Roundhouse are able to do it. There are a few more to be sure. Never say > it's impossible. a labor of love, perhaps but even that could get you > somewhere. Food for thought, you just never know... This has been an interesting thread. Both Roundhouse and Cheddar started some years before the movement of Accucraft into live steam - although Cheddar have only comparatively recently moved into locomotive production. Both provide products that are significantly more expensive than the Chinese built equivalent, but both provide added value in other ways - such as excellent product support and personal contact with the people who construct the models. Cheddar do not compete with the increasingly more detailed Chinese built locomotives, preferring to build simple garden railway locomotives to a very high standard of engineering. I would here refer particularly to fully sprung chassis, gas pressure regulation and fully bushed running gear. Even the cheapest of the locomotives also have gauge glass and boiler fill system. I quite like this because it allows me to personalise and detail my models myself. Roundhouse ARE now building more detailed models with the same good engineering design and well balanced steam plants that they always have always used - with refinements as development goes on. Their latest VoR locomotive is a delightful model which also has gauge glass, boiler fill, whistle and draincock effect. It is, with adjustment for r/c fitting, just about twice the price of the Accucraft L&B Baldwin and therefore SHOULD have sales affected by this sort of imported model. This is however, their best selling new locomotive to date in terms of the order book. The already well developed market for this sort of model in the UK is still expanding and these two firms are both increasing sales despite the advent of a significant range of British locomotives from Accucraft. There are also perhaps another half a dozen builders who supply steam models in our scales who make a living from so doing. I think there are several reasons for this. First of all I consider that Accucraft have actually 'grown' the market here in the UK. One can buy an Accucraft 'Caradoc' here for around 550 ukp and I suspect that this excellent 'first ' locomotive actually encourages people to see the more expensive locomotives as affordable - it really depends on the pleasure that one gets from one's hobby. Here in the UK very few people actually stick to one locomotive and - while initial costs are high, these models hold there price in a way other products don't. For instance I could sell my very first locomotive (purchased about 18 years ago) for at least the same price that I paid for it. Others I have sold for more than I have paid given the inflation of new costs. To put this in perspective think about how much an eighteen year old car would fetch :-) Because of this I buy locomotives as they become more sophisticated and sell on older models without too much of a financial hit and my next steam model will be running number 16 - I don't still own this number of locomotives but from a suppliers point of view this is 16 new sales. The other significant factor I think is that the US market is much smaller for steam locomotion. I can think of around ten garden lines in my scale within a radius of thirty miles of my own and if the proportion of steam buyers was the same then their would be lots of room for at least couple of premium businesses such as Roundhouse or Cheddar. As it is, with Accucraft already established, I think any new startup would need to take a hard look at what people are actually buying - and I would go for quality engineering and longevity every time. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Computers & AOL 9.0
On 11/5/04 3:40 pm, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > In a message dated 5/11/2004 3:04:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > >> To send mail direct without HTML simply click on "Format" after you have >> clicked "Create Mail" or "Reply". > > Gary and all, > > Unfortunately, AOL 9.0 does not offer a "plain text" format. Everything is > HTML, which our list rejects. I had the problem when I switched to AOL 9.0, > and I have basically given up posting to the list. It is too much of a hastle > to exit AOL, log back on to www.aol.com via my browser, and go back in to > email that way. Which, for some reason, does send mail in 'plain text'. Like > this message. But what a pain to send it -- and AOL's webmail was playing > games an hour ago, so I had to abandon the attempt. > > Another little AOL 9.0 glitch: it won't add the internet standard ">" at the > start of each line copied into a reply, unlike the web version, which did it > right (see above!) AOL puts a cute blue margin line next to the text which > shows up in AOL, but an external email system converting it to plain text for > delivery to a non-AOL destination strips off the blue line, so you can't tell > what came from the reply and what is new. I am always completely baffled as to why people use this ISP - it seems to have far more disadvantages than advantages and advertises standard features as their own.maybe it's different in the US. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Cross-tubes was Libelous Rant
On 2/4/04 6:47 am, "Harry Wade" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I would say one important consideration in that instance, in addition > to using good boiler building technique, would be to use water tubes which > are as thick-walled as you can find, certainly thicker than standard soft > copper plumbing tubing. > > Regards, > Harry Hi Harry Long time no see - maybe I will make it to your neck of the woods next time :-) Cheddar boilers have several cross tubes. Without actually pulling one to pieces so I can count them, they are all offset from one another so when you look down the firetube they radiate like spokes. I have never heard of one of these failing - either rail or marine. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.atlanticpublishers.com/GR.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Australian Boiler codes
On 10/3/04 7:02 pm, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Until a hobby is proven to be hazardous to the general public, don't try to > regulate it. Amen to that Tom. Some people in this particular hobby seem to have an unnatural desire for both complication and regulation. It both puts off new people and makes life uncomfortable. I wonder how many people have their electric shower tested every two years. These have quite a high pressure flash boiler and one is standing buck naked in water and connected to 9 kilowatt of electrical power! -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.trevor-ridley.co.uk/index.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Steam Clubs
On 17/2/04 5:49 pm, "mart.towers" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > As the tank will almost certainly be loco mounted butane will work OK, as > the temp drop will be balanced by the radiant heat gain from the > boiler/chassis. Also what manufacturer recommends. > However butane/propane mixtures & isobutane needn't cause any alarm if the > snow is thick on the ground up there in the woods & butane gives a flaccid > response. > Roundhouse tanks are pressure tested and are good to psis in the thousands. > (filler valves much, much less of course) > If it's a second hand loco check that some clown hasn't moved the tank close > to the boiler in which case mixtures or isobutane are a no-no. Well the > whole thing is a no-no in that case, IMO. Roundhouse gas tanks are designed for butane AND propane/butane mix and have been for some years. The current firing systems are (according to Roger Loxley of Roundhouse) designed for butane only - hence the label on the tank. I have not myself seen any difference in performance - but I prefer to believe the guys that build 'em. Couple of predictions here. Roundhouse will move to "mixed gas" this year. They are also likely to use gas pressure regulation - as Cheddar do now. Boiler fill systems (and gauge glass) on all new engines - this last isn't a prediction - it is already in place. We will shortly see whistle and/or draincocks on RH locomotives -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.trevor-ridley.co.uk/index.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Steam Clubs
On 17/2/04 1:39 am, "Chad" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > We only have three people here in Phoenix that run live steam. I wish there > were more. > Chad Hopefully it will grow. When I acquired my first live steamer I was the only one locally that I was aware of. Nowadays there are around fifteen live steam garden lines within a forty mile radius. There may well be more because I am here referring only to 16mm Association members. There may well be the odd one or two who do G-scale or Gauge 1 - tho last time I looked, the only G-scale member I found locally was a collector only - a very alien concept to me. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.trevor-ridley.co.uk/index.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Garden Rail Magazine
On 11/2/04 2:05 pm, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > In a message dated 2/11/2004 3:11:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > >> There is a lot of interest in this wonderful magazine from >> the UK. > > Jim, > > Is the Mag still a bi-monthly? Or has it gone to 12 issues/year? (My UK > subscription got lost last year.) > > I'm not sure I share the enthusiasm -- it's a neat magazine, but I found very > little in it that wasn't in SitG or GR over here in the US. And pricy for 6 > issues/yr > > Pete > GardenRail has been monthly for some considerable time now and has recently had a change of Editor. There will of course be several changes in the coming months (my first issue is available in the UK on Thursday week). Certainly there will be a general mix of articles as before, but expect to see significantly more trade news in the new "Trading Places" section (now extending to four pages), which will particularly feature traders and equipment that one rarely sees elsewhere. I am looking to feature an inspirational layout in the new centre pages photo feature every month, and the first of these will be the all steam Foxfield Light Railway by John Fox. Those of you who are 16mm Association members will have seen examples of John's superb photography in 16mm Today (the house organ of the Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers) over the last few months. The following month's centre feature will be Steve Hallam's impressive photographic essay on his live steam 'Darjeeling' locomotives and rolling stock, photographed on various scenic garden railways in Yorkshire. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.trevor-ridley.co.uk/index.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: GINJ
On 4/2/04 12:55 am, "Geoff Spenceley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Garden Rail > > Steve, yes, I agree and I wish I knew a less expensive way to subscribe to > GARDEN RAIL--it is a very excellent publication. I wouldn't mind even if > it took a little longer to reach me. I have subscribed for years. > > Geoff. A very good point. Certainly with 16mm Today (the house organ of the Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers) we have set up a Paypal account, which considerably reduces subscription costs for those members not living in the UK. I will most certainly put this idea forward to Atlantic Publishers to see if this facility can be made available for subscribers to GardenRail. I would also add that current subscribers are likely to notice an increase in live steam coverage over the next few months. They will further notice that there is much increased trade coverage in the new 'Trading Places feature (as from March issue - available this month), where reports from the various manufacturers, information regarding the latest products, be it peripheral items such as safety valve covers for Accucraft locos or slide bar and crosshead fittings for Roundhouse with photos and prices, or the latest locomotives - like the new one coming up from Roundhouse or the two new ones (inc coal firing) from Cheddar. "Trading Places' will also cover the rather less well known manufacturers and builders, such as an up and coming TP feature on "Tootle Engineering", who produce Australian prototypes from the engineering bases of Roundhouse and Argyle and will also will be a place where you can find the sorts of steamy 'bits and pieces' that one often only gets to hear about if one is a regular at the various UK shows.. -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.trevor-ridley.co.uk/index.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: tender gas tanks.
On 13/1/04 10:28 pm, "Bert & Edmunda" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > To all interested > > I have noticed over the last few days that a few of us have problems > with tender gas tanks freezing. > > Another alternative is to place a 2nd small gas tank near the > boiler, connect the valve to the burner instead of the tender tank. Join > the tender tank to the new small tank with a one way valve in the line > to prevent gas flowing back to the tender. You may just have to crack > the gas regulating valve by filling. Now think of adding a servo or > wheel driven water pump. The new problem will be steam oil. (maybe an > oil pump driven by the motion? (valve gear). You could always use a gas pressure regulator as used on Cheddar locomotives. These are available separately and the gas tank will then not freeze. In fact gas pressure regulation is a good idea anyway because, on locomotive fitted tanks, one has otherwise to regularly turn the gas down whist running. I have a Cheddar hercules and there is a Baldwin tender loco currently running at Diamondhead with the same system. I have fund that, in normal circumstances there is not a problem with the tender mounted gas tanks freezing, but on particularly bitter days with a winter wind blowing, it is a good idea to put warm water in the tender. It is fine in all weather that I like to be out in myself. Yours Aye -- Tag Gorton Editor Garden Rail Atlantic Publishers http://www.trevor-ridley.co.uk/index.html Editor 16mm Today http://www.16mmngmodellers.org.uk/
Re: Accucraft German website
On 12/11/03 10:44, "mdenning" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I like that LYN myself, > Looks like it would not take much effort to give it an American look. > Michael > Floriduh > USA > Iron Nut Original was built in the USA ;-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Boilers, Burners etc.
On 6/10/03 6:57 pm, "Harry Wade" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > At 09:21 PM 10/5/03 -0700, you wrote: >> I'm thinking that maybe our engines are to small too really have a > catastrophic explosion. >> Chad > > I think smallness per se doesn't have so much to do with it as does > the relative amount of energy available in the system but then I don't > think I would agree unreservedly that a explosion wasn't possible. Over > the years I've read of many instances where old style water boilers, heavy > riveted steel, which operated at 4-5psi, did explode in the fullest sense > of the word, some with loss of life, so I couldn't ever say it couldn't > happen. I keep mentioning a "system" and by that I mean the matter capable > of absorbing, storing, and giving off energy, the metal, steam, water, > fuel, etc. and the influences that act upon those things. > Not from this one neccessarily, but I get the uneasy feeling there > is sometimes the underlying implication that since we've had no boiler > failures or accidents so far that indicates that current pratices are too > stringent and unnecessary and if we backed off that there would be no loss > of safety and also would make things easier for a lot of people. I hope > that's not the case. The reason for the record we enjoy is because we do > things the way we do. There has been lots of energy expended in writing about this subject on my side of the pond lately due to the different interpretations of the latest EEC Pressure Vessel Regulation. Certainly I have never seen a boiler explosion in our sizes, but I have seen a couple of failures. I don't think a copper vessel of this size could 'explode' in the accepted sense of the word and the only failures I have seen have been elderly brass boilers. Even with these, the first symptom of failure was a lack of performance rather than anything else. The likely point of failure on internally gas fired locomotives would be the weakest point at the smokebox end where the heat is greatest and where the firetube is closest to the outside of the boiler. I don't think this is an issue with the vastly overengineered commercial boilers in 16mm and G scales, and of more concern is the common habit of using mixed butane/propane gas in pressure vessels designed for butane only. This will happen more and more as neat butane gets harder to source. My Cheddar locomotives have tanks designed for the easily available mixed gas and I think this is the way to go for all manufacturers -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Boilers, Burners etc.
On 6/10/03 6:49 pm, "JR May" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I was not so much concerned about boiler safety as I was about Ruby spitting > hot water out the stack. We carried 2000 passengers that weekend and I'd > guess half took the shop tour with many taking the time to check out Ruby > pulling a seven car mixed train (with power to spare!). Lots and lots of > kids. Before starting Ruby up, I'd have to clear the kids back a few feet > to keep the hot water and oil spray off of them. I have never had the chance to have a play with a Ruby, but certainly other Accucraft locomotives are fairly easy to fit with a 'chuff' pipe because they generally have an opening smokebox door. Now my main intention is actually to improve the sound of the chuff, but a by product of this is that oily water is dropped between the frames onto the track rather than being ejected out of the chimney and I don't have trouble with any of my locomotives (of whatever provenance) spitting or ejecting boiling water over people at exhibitions. I reduce the height of the exhaust tube and slide a larger tube over. The end is sealed at just below the top of the smokestack and an 'organ pipe' type slot is filed to exit steam/oil/water about 1/3 of the way up the stack. There are various detail changes one may make to the design. The ones I fit to Cheddar locomotives are filed to leave a thin reed across the slot. But in essence it is as simple as this. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: message
On 3/10/03 12:53 am, "Geoff Spenceley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Bob, > > Thanks! > > A unique concept if you ask me. Having the "boiler" and heating in the > tender allows for room in the locomotive boiler space for cylinder or > cylinders. I suspect they use an oscillator- or oscillators. Apparently not Geoff. David Lemar has seen one and discussed with Hornby rep and they are 'prpoer' cylinders!! -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: dead leg piping
On 13/9/03 9:05 pm, "Royce Woodbury" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Tag Gorton wrote: > >> could you not go straight through from inside the smokebox as per >> a similar idea and disguise on Regner locomotives Royce? >> >> > While that's a great idea, I'm not sure that would be compatible with > American practice. I would like to see an example of your suggestion, > however. Any links to photos where I could see this practice ? Only one I can find. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=www.dampf-modell-bahn.de/bild/b8310_2 .jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dampf-modell-bahn.de/bild8310.htm&h=400&w=600&star t=4&prev=/images%3Fq%3DRegner%2Bsteam%2B%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie %3DUTF-8%26sa%3DG -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: dead leg piping
On 13/9/03 6:03 pm, "Royce Woodbury" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi Gang. > > Not to change the subject, but I have a question. I'm designing a dead > leg lubricator for my Philly. Can I make the pipe that goes to the > steam tee out of 1/16" OD copper ? The ID is probably about .034 or so. > I'm going to try and disquise the lubricator tank as an air compressor > on the side of the boiler. So I'd prefer NOT to have 1/8" pipe coming > out of it (would look way out of scale). Any thoughts ? As these are usually on the side of the smokebox (at least on this side of the pond) could you not go straight through from inside the smokebox as per a similar idea and disguise on Regner locomotives Royce? -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Carl Malone
On 13/9/03 12:07 am, "Mike Chaney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Geoff > > They say memory is the second thing to go. I wish I could remember what the > first thing was I always remember that..... -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Cheddar gas shutoff/regulator
On 9/9/03 3:15 am, "XXYZ" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I thought hobbies were suppose to be fun and away to get away from our > everyday stresses?? Whatever gave you that idea Ken :-) There is an awful lot of ego gets exercised in the various sports and hobbies. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Cheddar gas shutoff/regulator
On 8/9/03 11:32 pm, "Chad" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I guess I'm just a worrier. I'm just afraid that someday our hobby will > suffer the consequences that other hobbies have suffered..snip.. > but I'll wait for the day we get > sued or kicked out because of the unsafe practices the 7 1/2 gauge guys > partake in. I suppose one of the advantages of small scale steam (in our neck of the woods anyway) is that most activity is undertaken in private gardens between consenting adults. It generally falls to those with a little more experience to gently point out unsafe practices. Certainly I have never seen anyone come to major harm from a commercial 16mm scale locomotive and would suggest that one would have to be pretty determined to really damage oneself. There was of course the nasty accident where someone was using a squeezy bottle to fill a mamod meths tank many years ago and sucked the flame back into the bottle but this method of filling is most certainly not usual. Anyway I bet a few people have expired wiring in the electrics to their track powered line :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Cheddar gas shutoff/regulator
On 8/9/03 9:58 pm, "Mike Chaney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Tag asked:- > >> Hands up those who have never done it! > > Gas is good, but for a real display you can't beat the well known 16miller who > was using clear alcohol and got his bottles mixed up. After he had filled the > boiler, he lit the (external) burner and within seconds had a flame 6ft high > out > of the safety valve. > > He was just a tad embarrassed. Ah yes I remember that ;-) a touch of cochineal in the sprit might do the trick there. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Cheddar gas shutoff/regulator
On 7/9/03 5:44 pm, "Geoff Spenceley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Yep, > > Singed eyebrowqs--I know what you mean!! When I first started steaming with > alcohol, at one time I had my sweatshirt alight, the loco alight and the > ties alight with a big jet of flame from the alcohol tank. Magically, > nothing was damaged except my pride--and fortunately I was running alone! > I have hardly had one fire since then, experience is wonderful! Hands up those who have never done it! Some years ago I was filling a gas fired loco on a still evening with an externally meths fired loco burning eight feet a way on the same spur. The gas crept down between the rails and the @£$% flame raced back. The very best one I have ever seen was my friend George McKie filling his locomotive at a combined craft and model exhibition in Tavistock pannier market. He had never run indoors before and turned the gas on before feeling in his pockets for a lighter. When he lit his loco there was a fairly significant bang and the hair of a lady on the craft stall behind the layout went up like a candle! Amazingly she did not notice either the bang or the conflagration (I suspect she was deaf) and carried on placidly knitting. I am sure however that it cured her split ends - or so my wife says. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Cheddar gas shutoff/regulator
On 6/9/03 9:25 pm, "Chad R Schend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > There is a picture floating around of a guy filling his butane while the > boiler was lit at Diamond Head. I can't find it so I just tell you that he > made an ass of himself because a 3 foot tall flame shot up from the boiler. > According to Bing, this is exactly the reason Accucraft never came out with > a hand operated water pump for the C-16 even though they put mounting holes > in the tender for one. If your going to try this kind of stuff please do it > at home and not around others. > Chad Bit baffled with that one Chad. What has the tender hand pump to do with the gas burner/regulator - or am I missing something. I have seen this particular discussion on other groups regarding gas filling whilst burning. Wouldn't fancy it meself however and cannot see the point in so doing - the burner is only off for half a minute or so whilst refilling. I have one of the new Cheddar Hercules locos (First off the production line) and the gas will burn on this for upwards of an hour and a half using the pressure regulated gas tank in the tender. All seems to work very nicely and is very free steaming. Currently adding my own detail fit to this engine. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Tag makes us drool
On 22/8/03 9:32 pm, "Gary" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Your descriptions are making me very interested in this loco. Being able to > run for such extended times is a wonderful advance. Having fuel standard > Butane/Propane mix is a bonus for sure. No fears of the propane being used > in too warm an environment or of radiant heat over exciting the tiny propane > molecules and bursting a gas tank. Had that happen just rinsing a loco under > 90 degree F water when a bit of Butane/Propane mix was left in the tank. I > silver soldered that tank and have had no further problems even with the mix > in the tank and water over 180 degrees F. The whistle . . . is there a sound > bite available? Well not at the moment as the pre production model is unavailable ;-) but I will arrange when I get mine. The gas tank (as Chad asked) will be available as are all the other tanks and burners anyway, but be aware that the ceramic burner itself is specifically designed to fit Cheddars multi-cross-tubed boilers. The tanks will significantly improve other burner systems however, and I have a Cheddar design tank with gas pressure regulation in my Accurcaft Caradoc, and that runs for nearly an hour. Obviously there is more room on a tender locomotive, and if you have one of these then you could fit the tank into the tender. This is not something I have investigated as I have no other tender locos. Certainly it could be fitted into one of the Roundhouse tender locomotives however, because the tender on these is not functional, they have no on board water and there would be plenty of room. This would have the advantage of freeing up space in the very crowded Roundhouse cabs. There is an American agent for Cheddar, but this is in process of change because Double Header (?) are closing down (hope I have that right - apologies if I got the wrong name) and I will get back to you with the name of the new agent who, I understand is a well known supplier on your side of pond. I should say that Cheddar are a long established builder of live steam (mostly marine up until the last two years - but also boilers for other well known builders) and their reputation for logistical backup is at least as good as Roundhouse. I don't currently have web space for pictures and soundbite but will let people know when available and would be happy to send 50k picture and sound files as I get them. My own locomotive should arrive on the 1st of September, the North American version is only weeks away and John Woodroofe of Cheddar is already as far on as considering the colours for this model. He tells me that it will NOT be the same colours as his standard range but will be those that were used on this type of locomotive in the US. Well in my 'iggerance' I thought this was plain black, but apparently there were other colours. I have heard of "Russian Blue"(?) but no doubt you will know far more about this than I do :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Stolen Locomotive
On 22/8/03 6:46 am, "Gary" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > No Neck? How about Neuron Free Environment? > SuperEgo Absent, Id pilot only? > Jail Time is my time? > Bet No-Neck thought, "How did the shop know the track was stolen?" > > So glad to know this loco will not be delayed going into production! And > an American version coming! WOW! The run times are amazing. > Does it use a radiant burner to help increase run time? > Any pictures of the American to be? Not yet Gary. I have seen some of the detail parts however, including a superb fabricated pilot built of brass and stainless steel, the smoke stack, turned brass sandbox and safety valve domes. The cab, I believe, will be polished wood on a metal former and it MAY have a vanderbilt tender. Hope I have the terminology right - this is the slope backed one isn't it? In common with other Cheddar locomotives, it uses a ceramic burner supplied by a pressure regulated diaphragm gas tank which is designed for the easily available propane/butane mix rather than plain butane. This means that flow will be absolutely consistent despite changes in temperature of the tank and certainly helps to conserve gas. The burn is near silent. The loco is a delight to run (Okay - I am biased because I am buying one) but it is S relaxing not having to worry about 20 min run times and to have a copious supply of water for playing with the chime whistle. Last time I ran this model (at Hidden Valley in Launceston, Cornwall) it was in steam for over four hours and was driven by several different people during that time. The visitors to this tourist attraction loved the strong chuff and the loud and evocative chime whistle -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Stolen Locomotive
On 21/8/03 5:50 pm, "Gary" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > One can only hope that the thief is ready for the classic "World's dumbest > crooks list or TV viewing" which means the loco will turn up soon enough to > enable this likely gorgeous loco to be manufactured and for the rest of us > to run the loco as budgets allow. There is one at http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15260. Or at http://www.modelsteam.co.uk/ If you look you can see the footpath by the trees at the back. This is a simple pre-production model with nothing in the way of detail. The production models will look rather different. Luckily the locomotive was almost redundant in terms of design work and these models will start rolling in about a week and I am waiting for one myself which I hope to collect at the end of the month. I did run this model on several occasions and particularly enjoyed the fact that the gas burn lasts one and a half hours without even trying. I decided to buy one after running for around half an hour and then leaving the loco simmering in a refuge siding while we ate lunch beside the train. I then continued running for another forty minutes before running out of gas. The loco is also able to be ready to steam in just over a minute and has the best chime whistle I have ever heard. Tender holds about two hours of water before stopping at a water tower. The American version is weeks away Lowlife can be incredibly stupid. Steve Tucker built his first garden railway in St Ives Cornwall. The line was visible from a spot passed by all the summer holidaymakers and drew crowds when it was in steam. It was the only one in the town and known by almost everybody. This particular no-neck ripped up some of the track and tried to sell it to the only model shop in town.. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Stolen Locomotive
On 20/8/03 8:29 pm, "Harry Wade" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > At 02:15 PM 8/20/03 -0400, you wrote: >> That's pretty Lousey. > > Dan, > It happens quite a bit in the UK. The knaves, the savvy ones > anyway, also know that the best market for such goods is out of the country > . . . . . mostly You-know-Where, where the market is relatively fertile and > unconnected and many less, if any, questions would be asked about its > provenance. It may already be over here. The only incident of locomotive > theft I've heard of in the U.S. recently is two guys stole a 7-1/2" > MOUNTAIN!! What could they possibly have been thinking?? This I think was an opportunist theft via the path alongside the premises. If the lowlife had known anything about the subject at all he would know that a model like this would be difficult to safely sell. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Silversoldering Stainless Steel
On 10/7/03 8:05 am, "Mike Chaney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> I can explain volts / amps. >> Volts = how fast the river is flowing >> Amps = how wide it is > > I used to teach electronics to adults using the "water analogy" to explain the > relationship between voltage, current, resistance etc.. On one occasion, > having > spent about twenty minutes going through my spiel, a voice from the back (why > is > it always the back?) asked, "I understand the electricity bit, but what's all > this stuff about water?" In the Royal Navy I was taught to use the mnemonic "Virgins Are Rare" which most young sailors found very easy to remember. Some of the other mnemonics were not only highly politically incorrect but unsuitable for the ears of respectable young steamologists such as ourselves. The resistor colour code I have always remembered, the phrase taught for this purpose by a grizzled old Chief Electrician would nowadays get him sacked -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Where to use copper or fiber washer?
On 17/2/03 3:07, "Anthony Dixon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi Geoff, >Interesting subject, good question and answers. I always keep a good > stock of both types of washers ready for dismantling or repairing my Aster > engines. Also interesting that Mike does not use any washers at all?. (Must > have some very flat mating surfaces?). >Banjo Bolts/Torque:- When I assembled my UI approx. 5 years ago, which > was my first kit, I broke only one Banjo bolt out of the 25-30 or so needed > in the kit when lightly torquing down. But when I assembled my King George > two years later, I had approx 7-8 Banjo bolts snap off using the > same/similar pressure. The replacement "new" bolts purchased through Jerry > Hyde were all ok. >The only thing I could surmise was that the U1 was a "new un-opened > kit", but still 7-9 years old, the replacement bolts were also probably > "new" at 1-2 years old, whereas the King George kit was a "new" 12 + years > older kit. I am thinking these older brass bolts became more brittle over > time?. Have you, or anyone, experienced a similar problem?. Dunno whether they do or not but certainly brass banjo bolts are a real pain in the butt. Most of my old merlin ones have now been replaced by phosphor bronze -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: possible replacement cylinders for Ruby, Ida and Mimi
On 20/12/02 3:17, "Matthias Warmbold" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > It is worthwhile to follow the other links on the main > page as well to enjoy the pics... I like it when > companies show all the details of their products. > > On the site I came across the term "exhaust regulator" > which they fit to some locos. Could someone please > explain to me what it is and how it works? > Have not looked at this one, but exhaust regulators work by increasing or decreasing the back pressure by throttling the exhaust. I have never bothered with these - even though they can provide very steady running - because I like both a good display of exhaust steam and a loud chuff and my own locos are modified to improve both. Merry Christmas :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: possible replacement cylinders for Ruby, Ida and Mimi
On 20/12/02 0:48, "Peter Foley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi guys, > > There's a new product in development in the UK. You can see it > at http://www.sm32.co.uk/ - follow the 'Project Excellsior' > link. 'Excellsior' (a Kerr Stuart loco running on the Sittingbourne and > Kelmsley Rwy) is the loco developed by Accucraft for the UK market using > 'Ruby' cylinders as the starting point. There has been fairly general > dissatisfaction with them because of a lack pulling power due to the small > cylinder size. The page shows the new, larger cylinders being developed as > bolt on replacements for the originals. Since they're 'Ruby' cylinders, > these should be a bolt on addition to Ruby and her sisters, as well. These will probably suck a bit of steam from the small boiler. One should also bear in mind that there is no gauge glass on these engines. If I had a Ruby or an Excelsior I would not let this stop me however Interesting that bigger Superior cylinders WILL fit on Excelsior - according to the designer of both these locos. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Roundhouse Steam Oil & More
On 9/12/02 16:31, "Robert M. Blackson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > John, > Check the archives for an August 21, 2002, post from Jim Crabb that > included a discourse from Chris at Roundhouse regarding Roundhouse steam > oil, which was described as a 220 weight. I had been using only Roundhouse > steam oil in my Roundhouse/Brandbright locomotive and, after reading the > post from Chris, have determined that I will continue that practice. Maybe > it's just manufacturer exclusivity propaganda, but what harm can come from > using the manufacturer's steam oil in the manufacturer's locomotive? Non at all of course. I have steam locomotives from Merlin, Roundhouse, Pearse, IP, Cheddar and Accucraft and I generally buy my oil in bulk from Prescott locomotives or Cheddar - it really is not that critical as long as the oil you use actually IS steam oil. The only area I have found it to make a difference is with IP's oscillator which seems to run better with the lighter steam oil provided by Roundhouse. Certainly if anyone is new to garden scale steam then the best option is to buy the oil, in the largest container possible, from the the builder of the locomotive. With experience, you will no doubt be able to source cheaper locally. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Steam oil
On 9/12/02 8:07, "John Simon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi Tag, please don't refer to Australia as Oz. This crude reference was > used/made up by some uneducated Melbournians in the 1970's and as far as I'm > concerned the letters OZ are the radio Call letters or aircraft prefix for > Denmark. Gordon Watson of Argyle Loco Works is the bloke you are referring > to as the AccuCraft agent. Sorry Mate! It seemed to be the general term in use last time I was in your neck of the woods - was 25 years ago however :-) How's Kings Cross these days... -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Steam oil
On 8/12/02 22:34, "John Simon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Many thanks for all of the replies that I received re the steam oil question. > I live in "God's Country" Australia. On the east coast about 80 miles south > of Sydney in a town called Dapto, whis is about 7 miles (12Km) south of > Wollongong. > At the moment I'm hanging out for the delivery of an AccuCraft Shay to go with > the radio controlled Bachmann Shay. > Only a short 150' loop of track at the moment but I am adding to it. This might seem a strange question for someone living in darkest Cornwall John, but can you tell me who is the main importer/dealer for AccuCraft in Oz? -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: R/C question
On 4/12/02 14:37, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I saw the commercial last night for those little tiny R/C cars that Radio > Shack is now selling. Has anybody torn into one of those for a look at > useable servos and parts? I heard that they were only $20. > Bob > These are 10ukp here in the UK. A 16mm Association member has used one of these to turn on of those 1/18 scale fire trucks into a superb US style r/c railcar for less than 70 dollars. This will be written up in the May 03 issue of 16mm Today. The r/c sets are 27meg with a crystal in the TX and a coil in the RX. All the info I have at the moment but expect to get article and phots in the post before Christmas -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Instant Aster Collection
On 17/11/02 15:30, "steve speck" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Try to get someone to custom machine, fit and finish a Big Boy to Aster > standards, and then assemble it for you. Even if you found someone that > could do this for you, I believe that the time and expense that this would > involve for a master metal worker and model builder to do such a job would > make the $16,000.00 seem reasonable. Think what would be involved to set > up tooling, then to make each part, fit each part, finish, then make it all > work.Steve S. H! One might say the same about a video recorder and come to a similar conclusion! The fact is that this is a manufactured item that has an inflated secondhand price based on perceived investment value. Many of these models offered for sale seem to have been steamed but once. Each to his own, but I see no pleasure in stuffed steam and very much hope that no one sees fit to "collect" in my particular scale. This sort of thing can only serve to help put the real hobby out of reach for many people. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: instant Aster collection
On 15/11/02 6:23, "Tom Hudson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I'm surprised at the number of live steam locos on sale at eBay and other > sites that say the owner only ran them once or twice. Sad. While I never say how many steam locomotives I have (in case this information gets back to the present Mrs Gorton) -all are working locomotives and all have been altered and improved. When I read about these sad sack collections I am always reminded of Donald Ducks uncle, sitting bad temperedly on his pile of gold. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Accucraft vs Roundhouse
On 12/11/02 2:21, "Gary" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Thanks to Trot the opinionated, I now know RH manufactures models made for > continued operation, while Accucraft manufactures a working model, that > requires higher repair costs to keep the model operational as wear exacts > it's inevitable toll. Not actually quite so simple Gary - this is tied up also with costs, both initial and ongoing. Trot is right - we don't yet know the cost of replacement parts such as cylinder back plates, coupling and connecting rods etc. Nevertheless the initial cost of a Superior is significantly lower than that of a Lady Anne and I would have thought replacement parts would be similar. In terms of wear and bearing in mind the long bronze bushes on the axles, we are looking at replacement of cylinder backplates, rods and gudgeon pins. On Roundhouse we are looking at rods, pins, radius rods and expansion link where wear is going to happen because, like the Accucraft Superior, none of this is bushed. Replacement of these will cost around 80 ukp altho' I may be out of date here. I have run unbushed locomotives (Merlin Roundhouse and Pearse) for many years and my Pearse Countess was the first to suffer with ovals in the con and coupling rods. In fact Pearse supplied we with a new set for 20 sovs and I bronze bushed these myself to avoid this problem in the future. Many people will not actually hit any significant wear because they just don't run their locomotives as much as I do but do be aware that all of these little dragons suffer from wear of these moving parts to a greater or lesser degree and all should be maintained. If you want a locomotive that will not wear in any sort of significant time scale and will still be unworn when you cross over the bar and pass it on to your grand children then I can only suggest you look at Cheddar Models - Samson, Riesa and (soon) Goliath. Comparable in price to Roundhouse R/C locos these models are superbly engineered and all the running gear is bronze bushed. http://www.modelsteam.co.uk/ Check out the "news" section for latest models. I have one of these locomotives and have been most impressed with the build quality. US garden steamers will be pleased also to note that the gas tanks are DESIGNED to use propane/butane mix not butane only. Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Accucraft vs Roundhouse
On 11/11/02 18:35, "Landon Solomon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I'd have to vote for Roundhouse being best. My Ruby leaks like a sieve... > but I don't even have my RH engine together yet so I can't say much. ;] > > Trot, the slowly-planning, fox... Cannot really compare a bottom of the range Ruby with a Roundhouse Trot - Superior shows up well however when compared to a manual Lady Anne. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Accucraft vs Roundhouse
On 11/11/02 5:31, "Phil Paskos" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > O.K. I'll bite on this one too. I've never seen any Roundhouse that spewed > oil all over the track. Also, the expression" runs like a Roundhouse" is a > compliment on their design and quality control that they deserve. > Phil > Hmmm. Mine do. As do any other make of locomotive once fitted with my chuff pipe. In fact the steam oil has to go somewhere and I prefer it to drop between the frames rather than out of the stack and all over the locomotive and trainbut then my rails are not electrified for LGB or similar plastic rats (ducks rapidly) :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: The Roudhouse/Accu.
On 11/11/02 1:12, "Geoff Spenceley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Well, I, with a host > of relations, hope to see Tag next April, so I'll check him out--Gotta be > careful with these Cornishmen, they use a lot of tin in their models--or > should do--. Of course--a Cornish pastie would make a good substitute for > resin side frames on bogies--more solid. Ah-- that fabulous clotted cream > (imported from Devonshire?)--! I will get the pasties in for your visit Geoff. I should say however that that devonshire clotted cream is merely a copy for the real Cornish McCoy! -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: HOAX, now Accucraft/Roundhouse
On 11/11/02 1:17, "Chuck Walters" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Okay, first of all, the pc versus the Mac statement tongue-in-cheek. I know - and so was mine :-). Reminds me of an old messmate of mine who appeared to be mediating in a heated argument in a Maltese bar between a Royal Marine and a Leading Stoker. He succinctly covered the points raised by both in a very non-aggressive way, then turned to the stoker and said, " See! You will get on better if you try to treat Bootnecks (Royal Marines) in exactly the same way as you do real people". :-) I don't know what happened after that because I left hurriedly! >As for the Roundhouse vs. Accucraft statement, I own several of both, enjoy > both and have no preference. Both are well made and I wouldn't trade any of > them. I suppose I currently prefer the Accucraft products. This is not a matter of quality or even cost. Merely that (for me) they are easier to convert to the sort of model that I presently enjoy running. I also prefer the steam exhaust and aural effects that may be obtained from a piston valve locomotive as well although I have not, to date, tried one of the new piston valved Roundhouse locos (bet THAT move by Roundhouse that was a shock for the slide valve "wear in not wear out" fraternity!!!). Next job on my Superior is the fitting of a steam whistle. The LWR shed currently has steam power from Accucraft, Merlin (much modified and improved with equipment from Pearse Locomotives), Roundhouse, Cheddar Models (an up and coming star) IP Engineering and Pearse Locomotives. > The statement was made to reference that we should be arguing (and agreeing) > live steam engines, not computers. Sometimes it is hard to get the finer shades of meaning into quickly written email Chuck. I picked up yours very well but was not, I'm sorry to say, particularly clear in my reply - but yes I agree with both points and OF COURSE I treat Pc owners just the same as etc..etc... :-) :-) Bestest -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: HOAX, was Re: ?virus
On 10/11/02 20:15, "Chuck Walters" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Bob, > > Oh what a great debate you and Geoff have started, Mac vs. PC. But as this > is a live steam listserv, so we should be arguing that Roundhouse is better > than Accucraft not that a PC is far superior to a Mac, even though it is!!! > ; ) Interesting point Chuck. While I run an iMac at home and a PC elsewhere, I obviously disagree with your off topic premise. I was however, more interested in your thoughts on Roundhouse/Accucraft. As an owner of both Roundhouse and Accucraft products (Superior) I would have said that they are both good but actually very different products. While I am not happy with the narrow power band of Ruby and Excelsior, both Caradoc and Superior are able to pull a very heavy train at very low speeds and my Superior gets more use than any of my other locomotives. A couple of minor improvements such as raising the gas tank and fitting a T handle, using a Roundhouse handle to the regulator instead of those horrible knobs and fitting a chuff pipe for superb sound effects and you get a very good model at a very keen price! > -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Virus filtering and Regner Steam
On 6/11/02 21:00, "Gary" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Between my ISP filtering spam and checking for virus sends and Norton > Anti-Virus on > my computer, no problems here. I do get notified some malicious idiot > tried, but failed > to gain access to the computer again. > > http://www.mbv-schug.de/english-version/Products/Regner/regner.htm > > Has anyone seen this loco operate? Any feedback on this loco? > Sure looks like a fun loco. I have not run this particular locomotive, however my experience with these models lead me to suspect that it will run very well. There is a however however! Is there a committed dealer in the US? I know that there have been a couple of British dealers that have tried selling Regner and given up because of poor back up from Germany. The models themselves are very well built. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Local objections
On 16/10/02 12:49, "Stace, Martin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi Fellow Steamers, > > I'm new to this game, and I've only recently set up my 1st garden railway. > Unfortunately the local wildlife : squirrels, pigeons, blackbirds etc etc > seem to be objecting to this intrusion on their land and constantly dig up > my ballast causing minor landslips and general inconvenience. I fully > appreciate that these species have at least as much right to be here as I > do, but maybe there's a way of establishing my tracks as a kind of Neutral > Zone so we can live in peace and harmony, and I can run my trains without > carrying out civil engineering work before each session. This is seriously > testing my typically English love of all things feathered and furry! > Any suggestions for non-harmful solutions to my problem? > > Martin I have never liked loose ballast because wildlife plus rain kick it about all over the place. My now normal method of track laying is to build on dwarf wall either at ground level or a couple of feet above. I lay my track secured loosely and level with one of those miniature spirit levels, slipping odd bits under sleepers to ensure level and cant. After this I ballast with premix sand cement mix brushed on dry, shouldered and watered into place with a fine garden spray. The effect of the spray does not provide a rigid ballast but a light weight friable ballast that provides a certain amount of spring but is not affected by rain and is of no interest to wildlife. If you mix a certain amount of peat into the premix you will get ballast that will attract growth of ground cover for those who like track that looks little used. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Goodal Valve for RH Lady Anne
On 16/8/02 11:18 pm, "Don & Stina" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I don't use a Goodall valve on my Lady Anne at this stage but, does it make > sense to have a Goodall valve without a water gauge. Topping up water while > in steam would be a rather hit-and-miss business without a water gauge, or > does one err on the safe side and top it up until the boiler is about to > prime? Why is the best spot for the G [Goodall] not in the filler plug under > the dome? > Don Baker On the boiler level plug on the backhead is best. Lack of a gauge glass is really not much of a problem as these things are not really all that good in this sort of size anyway - unless they also have a blowdown valve at the bottom of the glass! Not really recommended from new but once you know your locomotives running characteristics you get to have a reasonable idea about the level of water in the boiler. i.e. When water is getting a bit low your locomotive will start to get a bit skittish and in any case time and experience will let you know when the loco requires more water. All of my locomotives are fitted for continous run but only two have a gauge glass and I have never had a problem - except the hassle of cleaning the glass!!! -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Goodal Valve for RH Lady Anne
On 16/8/02 6:09 am, "Matthias Warmbold" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I would like to try a different way of operating my > Roundhouse Lady Anne by adding water while under > pressure. > > I have just checked the Roundhouse web site; they > offer a water top-up system for their basic series and > some models of the classic series but not for the Lady > Anne. > > Where could I get a Goodal (or Clack) valve for my > Roundhouse Lady Anne, either commercially or produced > by a well equipped member of the list (will pay for > it!)? > > Matthias Tony Sant of Finescale Engineering will supply you with one suitable for a Lady Anne cost about 15ukp complete with water bottle tel 1926 335123 Don't know the code for UK from Us -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: A foundry in every kitchen ...
On 11/7/02 5:46 am, "Anthony Dixon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi Tag, Steaming in > the pouring rain beats fishing in the rain!. Today it is 107 degrees here, > and I have just been outside trimming my track to eliminate the 4 major > rail warps caused by the heat!. Please excuse you if I seem to lack sympathy for your predicament Tony - we seem to have mislaid summer here :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: A foundry in every kitchen ...
On 10/7/02 1:48 am, "Anthony Dixon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi Tag, > While on my trip to England last week I drove through Saltash, and > almost stopped off to take some photo,s of Brunel,s bridge, and look around > the town. If I had known you lived there, I would have definitely stopped > by to say hi, have a Shandy and show you my new coal fired Duchess!. > Ah well, maybe next year. > Regards, > Tony D. Next time call me on 01752 845938 - I am mostly at home these days during the week - we could have a bit of a steam up. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: A foundry in every kitchen ...
On 4/7/02 5:33 am, "Geoff Spenceley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Tag Wrote: > >> The clacker on a pastie should be hard enough to survive a drop down a tin >> mine ;-) > > That's wot I suspected! > > Luv those Cornish tin mines~!~~ > > Madame E Lash???- > > Geoff > >> >> Tag Gorton >> Longlands & Western Railway >> Trematon Office >> Saltash >> >> Cornwall >> >> Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash > > > > > An Antipodean lady from Kings cross in Sidney who runs the pub next to Longlands Station. Has been known to provide extra "services" to sailors on leave (a running joke with the Australian section of the 16mm Association). Will post you a pic if interested - the pub not the Madame :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: A foundry in every kitchen ...
On 3/7/02 7:57 pm, "Geoff Spenceley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Thanks Dave,, > > Also an answer on how to consume Cornish Pasties, assuming that Cornish > Pasties can ever be softened up!! > > No apologies to Tag Gorton!--or my brother, nephew, niece and on and on, > who all live in Cornwall. > > Geoff. The clacker on a pastie should be hard enough to survive a drop down a tin mine ;-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: Cheddar railways
On 1/7/02 7:49 pm, "Ciambrone, Steve @ OS" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> . They also did say, they were going to >> start selling the Cheddar Samson very soon. >> > Took a look at the Cheddar website, it has been revised since my > last visit. They are now listing 4 locos in their line. The tram engine > caught my eye, do any of the list members have any experiance with this > engine? It is listed as a kit. > > Steve Ciambrone > This locomotive is based on the Iver chassis with a tram body added and designed by GRS. GRS will sell the completed locomotive. Looks very good value. Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, Madame E. Lash
Re: SR&RL #24 problems
On 4/6/02 5:19 am, "Vince Gortner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate the help. The 20 PSI reading I > described earlier was an error on my part. I was sending the e-mail from > work and was not looking DIRECTLY AT the engine while I typed, which led to > the error. My safety does lift at 40 PSI (those numbers are little!), and I > meant to say that's part of my problem. I get decent steam pressure, but I'm > just not getting power to the rails. > > I've checked throttle & reverser servo travel. That looks ok. What kind of > clues would bad cylinders show me? Would steam escape at the cylinder, or > would it just push past the piston to the low pressure side and up the stack? > Could something be obstructing the steam line to the cylinders? The thought > of caked, burnt steam oil filling the line doesn't sound good to me. > > I'm thinking about taking my cylinders apart to see what I can see. Doesn't > look like I could destroy too much in the process. I've heard there's a > Roundhouse cyliner rebuild kit out there too. I am sure that you have already done this but the keep nuts on the end of the cylinders should be tightened only until they actually stop steam leaking and this is hardly finger tight. I have come across several locos where these have been spannered up with consequent loss of power. Simplest and easiest checks first ;-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, E. Lash
Re: Pop Valves
On 31/5/02 7:51 pm, "Peter Foley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > At 08:57 AM 31/05/02, CWolcott wrote: >> (Do you know if RoundHouse safeties are weepers or pop? I just steamed my >> Lady Anne kit for the first time and it's safety never went off, but did >> not weep anything like my Ruby's used to.) > > They are weepers. Early Roundhouse locos had pop type safeties, but they > changed years ago to the weeper style. Something about safety, they say, > but I could never see the problem, myself. > This was about the idea that a child could get a face full of steam Peter! Modern rug rats/ankle biters have to be protected against anything not soft and bouncy until old enough to become a hazard themselves. The result is that original safety valves are much sought after. Steve Morris was making some for a while as was Bywater. None available at the moment commercially however. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall Directors: T. Gorton, E. Lash
No Subject
thought you might like to see this ref Superior - sorry no phots organsied yet but will be published in the UK in Railway Modeller. this is a general railway modelling mag so some of the text may bring to mind Granny's and sucking eggs. anyway it should provide an overview of what is a very worthwhile model -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Cornwall A Far Eastern Superior By Tag Gorton Have you noticed just how many new live steam locomotives are appearing on the narrow gauge garden railway scene of late? Many of these have been "budget" locomotives of no particular provenance and sized to suit both 16mm and G-scale and several have been featured in these hallowed pages. Now I am actually quite keen on "generic" models and locomotives designed to look similar to a Hunslet or Kerr Stuart or whatever, because, like a prototypical narrow gauge railway, my LWR Board of Directors will purchase a suitable locomotive within a limited budget to run the company's trains. It all depends doesn't it, on how one defines realism! For instance what is more real? A narrow gauge train, running in the open air, pulled by a simple working steam locomotive - or one pulled by an electric steam outline model with a high level of detail? I make no value judgements here, because this all depends on the preferences of the individual, but each method of modelling is realistic in it's own way. My own particular preference is rather obviously for live steam power and if there is a downside to running real steam railways in the garden then it just has to be the initial cost of motive power. This has been a perceived problem addressed by several builders and manufacturers over the years, and now our section of this great hobby has matured, the advent of cheaper models retaining a high level of quality control and engineering excellence has opened out the market, allowing people to move into live steam without committing to four figure outlays on motive power. One can now purchase a well found steam locomotive for a price similar to that of a white metal "0" gauge locomotive kit. Now while steam locomotives generally retain value, the move from budget steam power to a heavyweight scale model of an actual locomotive can still be quite daunting if mortgage and other commitments are pressing. Many people therefore, continue to run railways using locomotives with oscillating cylinders, such as the well found "Jane and Train" range provided by IP Engineering. You may remember the excellent and atmospheric Burnley and Penryn line featured recently in Railway Modeller and will therefore know that this is by no means a "second best' option. Generally speaking however, if you want a reasonably accurate model of a real locomotive, you are usually looking at a price point of significantly over one thousand sovs and rising! I am sorry - but there it is! Hand built engineering tends to be expensive but what you get is not only rather an attractive thing to display but something that will also look superb pulling your company's trains through the garden. Latest Offering The financial leap from "budget" to a prototype model has now been partly bridged by the advent of live steam models designed in the United Kingdom and produced by Accucraft Trains in China. This company has been producing model trains for some years now and a while ago branched out into live steam with the introduction of the G-scale American side tank switcher "Ruby", followed by sister saddle tank locomotive "Ida". Further live steam models have included an American Consolidation and C16. The first British model produced by Accucraft proved to be an internally gas fired version of a Kerr Stuart 0-4-2 saddle tank of the Brazil class, built for Bowater's paper railway in 1908 and now resident on the Whipsnade line. A fairly accurate representation of the prototype "Excelsior" as currently running, Accucraft's first model was convertible, as standard, from 32mm to 45mm gauge and supplied with manual control only at around five hundred pounds. Designed to make use of as many 'Ruby" components as possible and also for easy fitting of radio control with brackets and switch mountings, this was, and is, an attractive and well engineered model at a very good price. The latest British offering from Accucraft is of the somewhat larger Kerr Stuart 0-6-2 "Superior" which has been designed afresh from the rail up and incorporates larger cylinders to provide a far wider power band than the smaller "Excelsior" and to provide a performance to match the best on the market in terms of pulling power. At a recommended purchase price of £725 this represents excellent value value for money in today's market and if you look around you should pick one up for less than £700
Re: Purely Commercial
On Wednesday, February 6, 2002, at 04:35 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > With the groups indulgence I want to make this one time commercial > announcement: > > I am officially a distributor for "Roundhouse Engineering" and will be > trading (as the Brits say) under the name > "Texas Roundhouse." > As this Brit says "best wishes for the undoubted success of your new > venture Jim". > > > Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall ICQ 135971280
Re: New Bio/safety valve tests
On 30/1/02 at 2:20 am, Landon Solomon said: >One note of caution... This trick won't work for a Ruby's stock safety as >the spring is on the high-pressure side. I haven't noticed any rust on it >though... haven't looked in a while either. ;] > >Trot, the note-ful, fox... I have not used a Ruby Trot, but have reviewed an Excelsior and now own a Superior. i don't think you will find that the builders use any steel in these locomotives at all. My Superior, where not brass, copper or phosphor bronze is all stainless steel so no rust :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon Office Cornwall
Re: Virus Alert: This is not a hoax
On Sunday, November 25, 2001, at 05:32 pm, Mike Chaney wrote: > I've recently received an e-mail with a strange attachment, which > turned out > to be a worm called W32/Badtrans-B > > Thanks for a properly checked virus warning Mike. > > Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall ICQ 135971280
Re: AOL and OIL
On Thursday, November 8, 2001, at 02:53 pm, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> Good old AOLalways one step different to ensure their market >> stays with >> them. > > I stayed with AOL as I've had this email address for 10+ years. > Changing providers is like moving house - you lose contacts. Most > email clients work in HTML these days - you often have to force them to > send plain text. > > [FYI for anyone wondering what this is about: AOL 6.0 only sends HTML > format which this list filters and rejects - but you get around it by > logging on to AOL on their web site from a browser - as I am doing now.] > > And for our Moderator's ears - this is the only list I'm on with this > situation: that insist on 'plain text' as a way to stop graphic posts. > There will be more folk like me who slowly upgrade (even if not on AOL) > and have this problem. > Upgrade??? how is it an upgrade to reduce choices. None of my many egroups use html because it takes up time and forces advertisements that not only do I not need but cannot take advantage of anyway. The AOL software is not only not as good as standard free browsers and mailers but reduces choice in all sorts of ways. i change IRLs regularly as I see a better deal and keep my same email address as above. Regarding steam oil Does brandbright not still sell the large containers of steam oil? One of these will last a couple of years even steaming several locomotives most weekends. Dunno about US price but my last one was around 5ukp Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall ICQ 135971280
Re: Accucraft 0-6-2
On Monday, October 22, 2001, at 03:14 am, Trent Dowler wrote: > Hello Everyone, > >I'll be the first to ask. Has anyone seen any projected prices for > the > Superior? Will it be available in the U.S.? >I'm not sure why I'm asking since I won't be able to buy anything > for a > while (a LONG while), but it's always an interest to see the price > trends and > what effect various locomotives have on other producers. > > Later, > Trent > > somewhere between 700 and 750 ukp but prob cheaper in the US. > Available in red, green, black. Supplied as manual but fitted "for but > not with" single channel r/c for speed and direction. prob will be > dealer fitted options but is easy to do because it is designed for > either. performance is much the same as for any large Pearse locomotive Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall ICQ 135971280
Re: Accucraft 0-6-2
On Saturday, October 20, 2001, at 08:14 pm, VR Bass wrote: > Hey, all, here's a bit of news. Garden Railway Supply in the UK shows > an > unpainted brass Accucraft 0-6-2T in their catalogue. It's called > "Superior, > based on an engine preserved at the Whipsnade Zoo. The picture's a bit > grainy, but it appears to be an outside-frame engine with Ruby > cylinders and > smokebox. There's something that could be bashed into some interesting > variations! Not Ruby cylinders Vance!! These are larger Pearse type cylinders making it a much more powerful locomotive than Ruby. I have a pic of it "in the brass" if anyone fancies a look Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall ICQ 135971280
Re: Accucraft Excelsior R/C
On Wednesday, October 3, 2001, at 05:17 pm, Ciambrone, Steve @ OS wrote: > Has anyone installed R/C into an Excelsior yet? The rear bunker is > fitted > with a R/C switch cutout as supplied and I have some ideas of what to > do but > would like to see how someone has attacked the same problem. I am only > interested in controlling the throttle at this point. > > > begin 600 winmail.dat > M>)\^(C80`0:0"``$```!``$``0>0!@`(Y`0```#H``$(@`<` > M&$E032Y-:6-R;W-O9G0@36%I;"Y.;W1E`#$(`06``P`.T0<*``,` > M"0`1`#4``P`W`0$@@`,`#@```-$'"@`#``D`$0`U``,`-P$!"8`!`"$X Dunno what the hash is Steve but Excelsior is controlled with a single servo for speed AND direction, the original 'throttle being used as just a 'steam stop valve'. It works in the same way as single channel Pearse locos and the reversing piston valve below the smoke box is actually a reverser regulator. You need to remove the reversing gate, fit a servo in the sidetank and make up a linkage using partly the reversing linkage already in place Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall
USA
I don't normally do unrelated postings but I would like to offer my deep condolences to the American members of this list, regarding the horrific and truly terrible events continuing in your country today. I have many US based friends both within the fellowship of garden steam enthusiasts and from my long career in the Royal Navy. I particularly remember the logistic help provided to our armed forces by the US while my ship was under attack in the Falklands - and I trust our politicians will quickly move to underline our support and fellow feeling at this terrible time. Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall
Philip and servo smoothers
sorry to bother the group with this but I just had an eMail from 'Philip' regarding servo smoothers - a bit of finger trouble meant that I deleted it as I was reading it!!! I AM able to help but didn't get full name OR list before it disappeared - hence this post to find him Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall
Re: Modification Inside Frame, Safety Valve with Whistle, Contact in Montreal
On Thursday, August 16, 2001, at 06:48 pm, Matthias Warmbold wrote: > I intend to buy Lady Anne from Roundhouse. I would > prefer her with an inside frame so that I can see the > complete wheels. Besides, I would like to see the > excess steam to exit through a whistle soldered onto > the safety valve. Has anyone experience with these > modifications and could refer me to someone who could > do it. I am a bit baffled by this last Matthias :-) - if you had a whistle somehow cobbled onto the safety valve then would it not sound all the time the safety was blowing??? Normal practice is to fit whistle valve with a whistle between the frames and use a servo to use the whistle when required. > > What are the parts of a slide valve and piston valve, > how do they work? All I know is that slide valves are > superior because you can easily fix leaks in the > seals. Is there anywhere information on the web > (descriptions, drawings, etc.)? Slide valves are not particularly superior to piston valves and in fact roundhouse have piston valves on their latest locomotive > > It seems that there are no 45mm live steam enthusiasts > in Montreal or close by. I would appreciate to see a > loco in operation before I buy my first one. Suggest subscribing to "Steam in the Garden" and joining the "Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers". These sources will provide access to local live steamers (if any) and will in any case provide a wealth of information. The modifications you suggest would require a significant knowledge and skill to undertake and I would personally prefer to start from scratch rather than alter a rather expensive Lady Anne. You could of course purchase a Lady Anne kit and modify that. > Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Trematon office Cornwall
Re: Cheddar Loco
on 24/5/01 2:14 am, Tom Eaton at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Vance, > > Sulphur Springs had the new Cheddar loco at the Midwest Small Scale Steamup > and sold the two that he had. It is a very nice little loco, with > oscillating cylinders, sight glass, pressure gauge, and goodall valve. The > throttle/direction is remote controlled by a servo installed between the > frame. I did not get a chance to see if there was separate servos for > direction and throttle or if it was just one servo controlling the speed > with the reversing valve. The price was $650 for the engine without the > radio and $700 for the engine with the radio. Ernie Noa bought one, look > for a review in a future issue of Small Scale Steam Hobbyist. > Single servo for speed direction as per mamod/merlin Tom -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: Cheddar Loco
on 23/5/01 10:32 pm, Dave Cole at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > At 10:24 PM +0100 5/23/01, Tag Gorton wrote: >> The 45mm >> version sells at 400 ukp complete with r/c. > > 400 ukp = $US567.86 ... > don't forget the UK price includes the iniquitous Euro VAT at 17.5 % Tag
Re: Cheddar Loco
on 23/5/01 9:55 pm, VR Bass at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I still haven't seen any advertising for this loco -- has anyone heard a > credible > estimate of when it will be available? Presumably, Sulphur Springs will > handle > distribution, as for Cheddar's other products. > >Saw both versions at Merstham Vance. It should be available now - try posting Alan Whitaker at PPS who should be in a position to let you know the production schedule. I hope to have one to review shortly. The 45mm version sells at 400 ukp complete with r/c. "alan whitaker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: Should I add weight to Billy loco?
on 19/5/01 6:02 pm, Shyvers, Steve at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Here's a question for the List: > > I am finishing up a Roundhouse Billy chassis and boiler kit. It will have an > American-style cab and other details. Now I am fabricating a non-functional > saddle tank for it, and it occurred to me that the tank would be a good > place to put some lead weights if I wanted to increase Billy's adhesive > weight. > > Would a Roundhouse Billy benefit from additional weight? If so, then how > much would be recommended? I have already consulted the SitG (#44) article > on adding weights to the Aster Mogul. > > I could easily get about two pounds of lead into the tank before I attach > the outer shell. But it would be very difficult to remove it after the tank > was finished. > > Regards, > Steve > Certainly I would not consider adding extra weight to a Roundhouse Locomotive Steve. It really should not need it unless you are using very heavy materials for your super structure. - in which case you may unbalance your engine af all the weight is say, at the back end. These are very well designed units and i doubt that you will have any trouble at all with adhesion or pulling power best -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: Is it brown out?
on 14/5/01 8:25 pm, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Tag, > In this case it was a veiled stab at previous California > governors/politicians that in my humble opinion were not supportive of > industry and did not judiciously spend money to prepare for the future. They > should have promoted high speed rapid transit > over freeway corridors. Imagine the response as people sit in traffic jams on > the freeway and a rapid transit zooms overhead in the median at 90 mph. > The BROWNS and others were tooo busy doing other things for the welfare (of?) > state. > Keep your steam up! > B. W. Lunkenheimer > Gotcha Walt- they can never see beyond the next vote can they - you should see what our lot have done to our railways ;-( Tag
Re: Is it brown out?
on 14/5/01 5:24 pm, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Is the "NO ACTIVITY" on the list the result of the Calif. Brown Outs, good > weather and everyone is outdoors running trains, or is my computer on the > blink? > Keep your steam up! > Mr. B. W Lunkenheimer > Whats a 'brown out" Walt..or shouldn't I ask :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: [OT] Kenversions
on 10/5/01 11:55 pm, Kevin Strong at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Sorry for the non-steam related post, but I was hoping to cast a net > across the big puddle to some of our British counterparts... > > I'm wondering if anyone has any information on a product made by a > company called Kenversions in the mid 80s. It was a "shell" for an East > Broad Top doodlebug called the M-1. It was designed to fit over an LGB > chassis of some sort, but that's about all I know about it. > > I'm writing an article on modeling the EBT in large scale, and that was > the only commercially available kit for that particular piece of > equipment. I'd love to get any information I can, particularly > dimensions, and composition of the kit. > > Come to think of it, that would make a GREAT project for a live diesel... > > I'll add it to the list. > > Later, > > K > Kenversions faded way quite a few years ago. I purchased some of his card/aluminium kits for rolling stock and they made up into quite pretty little coaches/cars. I could have a look through some old Garden Railway Worlds/Steamlines but would only be able to cull advertisements - no dimensions etc. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: New Member Introduction
on 31/3/01 5:52 am, Larry Buerer at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > One of the best Garden Railroads in the area is featured on the Steam in the > Garden magazine's web site. There you can see Geoff in all his magnificence, > Kevin, Richard, and the back of my head, taking videos. > > To get there, go to: http://www.steamup.com then choose "What's New". Scroll > down to 10/23/00. Choose Oktoberfest Steamup. Enjoy! I'll get Geoff to share > your pictures with me later, if you don't mind. > >Now THAT is my kinda line :-) living steam through living scale scenery. Excellent -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: New Member Introduction
on 30/3/01 9:32 pm, Geoff Spenceley at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Tag, you may be surprised how many steamers on this side of the pond do > run their steam trains thru miniature gardens--probably more so than in the > UK! They are just not mentioned much on this list. > > All the few steamers in this rural area--(5 if us) do so! > > Can you send me the JPEG too- off list--Wow, have you opened a can of > worms! OK, worms?- they keep my GR soil active! Hi Geoff Certainly I will send - day after tomorrow when I get back from the 16mm AGM. I always keep a pretty close eye on what is going on in the US via SitG and Garden Railways and the perception is that the scenic lines have always tended to be electrically powered. I would love to be proven wrong on this:-) There have always been some good scenic steam lines in the US of course. I remember with pleasure the late Grover Devine's garden railway and his articles in early copies of both SitG and garden railways. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: New Member Introduction
on 30/3/01 7:49 pm, steve at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> 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. >> Welcome to the group Don. It is good to see that people are nowadays looking to combine live steam operation with miniature gardening on your side of the pond. I am not a gardening expert, but I do like to run my live steam powered trains through living scale scenery rather than giant nodding daffodils. If you are interested I can send you a small jpeg (off list) of my scenic efforts. it is interesting isn't it that so many padres are interested in railways. from the Rev. Malan's very early photographs of the old broad gauge Great Western Railway to the Rev. Awdrey, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine and the many well known "modellers of the cloth". I suspect that the Almighty also likes bucolic branch lines or arcadian shortline pikes :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office Cornwall ICQ* 96182312
Re: Guy Fawkes - YAK
on 21/3/01 8:07 am, Mike Chaney at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >> Question;- What is Tunbridge Wells?. > > Not what, but where? It is (was!) a very genteel town in Kent - South East > England for the geographically challenged. (England is part of an island on > the Eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean.) > > Many years ago, "Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells" was the pseudonym used by a > regular correspondent to (I think) the BBC - or was it The Times > newspaper? - and the phrase has since been absorbed into the language. > > Some UK place names sound a bit odd when received on the other side of the pond. An American friend always found the town name "Dorking" - to be very amusing but I never did find out why. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: pop valves
on 20/3/01 2:33 pm, Royce Woodbury at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > Tag Gorton wrote: > >> These pop valves are much sought after! I much prefer them to the modern >> Health and Safety dribbler version. >> > How are they different ? > > royce w > The earlier Roundhouse valves were true 'pop' valves using a s/s ball Royce. When they reached pressure they blew with a significant 'pop' as per the prototype. The valves were changed to the o ringed version for two reasons. one was that newcomers to garden steam thought that because 40 psi was working pressure, then the loco should run at this pressure all the time. the result was that when the valve 'blew' pressure dropped around 10 psi. if one then ran blowing off all the time, the boler was emptied in short order. In fact one only needs enough steam to actually do the job and I prefer to run at around 25psi on Roundhouse or Pearse locomotives. The other reason was safety. With the current propensity to sue at the drop of a hat and the iniquitous prodnose activities of the Health and Safety Waffen SS in the United Kingdom nanny state, Roundhouse and others, moved to the modern 'weep' type valve. the problem is that while the locomotive is built for adult use, a small child bending over the locomotive could get a face full of steam when the pop valve blew. Personally I much prefer the pop type for obvious reasons and have gradually acquired replacement valves for all my steam locomotives. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: Roundhouse Colonial
on 20/3/01 2:30 am, Michael Martin at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > from the valve, etc.)? Your description of the valve "popping" at 25 psi > makes the > gauge sound suspect. The Roundhouse valves don't really "pop" even at a full > 40 psi >The old ones did Michael. As this is a Colonial it almost certainly came with a pop valve rather than the now standard type. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: Roundhouse Colonial
on 20/3/01 1:00 am, Ciambrone, Steve @ OS at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I built a Roundhouse Colonial about 14 years ago and it sat unused for quite > sometime. The pressure relief valve lifts at about 25 psi and resets at > about 15 psi. It will lift with a pop and not just lift slowly like my Ida > loco. This seems quite low to me from what I have been reading on this > list. Should I readjust this one or buy a new one? I am assuming the > safety valve should lift at about 40 psi. > >This is low Steve and you could adjust so that it blows, as you suggest, at around 40psi. On the other hand, if the loco does all required of it at these pressures then leave it alone. Have you checked the pressure gauge with a known good one? This might be an idea before you do anything! These pop valves are much sought after! I much prefer them to the modern Health and Safety dribbler version. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: Accucraft Excelsior
on 31/12/00 12:42 am, Charles W. Walters at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > If that is true, I believe Accucraft has made a serious marketing flaw! > > At 05:31 PM 30/12/00 -0500, Chuck Walters wrote: >> I have been reading notices from the 16mmngm list. They have been talking >> as of late about the Accucraft Excelsior. This appears to be an English >> model. I have not heard a word from anyone about it here in the states. >> Accucraft doesn't have any info posted on their website. Is Accucraft >> catering to one side of the pond and not the other? > > Both - 'Ruby', et al over here, 'Excelsior' over there. > >In fact the Accucraft Excelsior is a Pearse design commissioned by Marches Models and constructed in China. It will be available via Brandbright, PPS et al in the UK and I suspect will very shortly be available in the United States. At least I cannot see Ian Pearse taking up the opportunity to sell in the US. I have seen the pre-production models and this promises to be a very high quality model at the price. For instance the steam chests, in common with those on Pearse Locomotives, consist of stainless steel centerless ground piston valves running in honed bores. Despite old wives tales to the contrary, this arrangement will wear and wear given adequate lubrication. I will be reviewing the first of the production models as soon as Marches Models get their first consignment and will then be in a position to provide more info to members of this list. One of the reasons I keep a low profile on this list is that I have been too lazy to unsubscribe and subscribe again with my current isp. I will do this as soon as I get round to it :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office ICQ* 96182312
Re: Accucraft EXCELSIOR
on 13/11/00 11:44 pm, ERWIN MUELLER at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I see that Accucraft has an add in 16 mil Today for a Kerr Stuart 16/45 mm > gauge 0-4-2ST at 485 pounds sterling. Knowing the Brit tax on imports, that > should mean around the same in US dollars. Anyone know anything about this > loco?? > >Hi Erv Here is part of an email i sent to someone on this subject. I have a pic 'in the brass' if you are interested. Will have a look at a painted model on Saturday. > > .bear in mind that I have not yet tried this locomotive out - nor have I seen one painted, HOWEVER - it really does look a quality product. It uses Don > Pearse' etch as do all the Pearse locos models and the rest of it is Ian's > design. Cylinders and steam chests are very good quality and I do like the > slide bars/crosshead assembly. It is a heavy locomotive and looks on > inspection to be very well built. The price, as you say, is down to the fact > that it is both manufactured AND put together in China and I don't > think that a prospective purchaser can go wrong at these prices. > I also like Bertie and would I think recommend that someone with five thumbs > should get one of these but, Roger's superb logistical backup apart, it really > cannot compare. I would put my own slide bars etc on Bertie and would not > bother putting radio on a slip eccentric loco but if you wanted to add r/c to > excelsior it is fitted 'for but not with' as is therefore designed for r/c. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office iMac + Amiga
Re: Sidestreet Bannerworks Steamup
on 23/10/00 6:14 am, VR Bass at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > All honor and thanks go to the Horovitzes, who are incredibly gracious hosts > and are incredibly generous to put on such an event. You've never seen 50 > grownups having such a good time with all their clothes on! But there were > visitors from Utah, New Mexico, California and New Hampshire as well as > the nearer Colorado cities, so a good steam party is worth traveling to for > many people! I hope you are lucky enough to have some kind of similar > event within reasonable distance, and that you will take advantage of it. One of these days I shall make it to a steam up on the Ogden Botanical! marc has visited my own Longlands & Western on several occasions and when I finally offload my offspring I hope to head in a Colorado direction. In Cornwall the weather provided a sunny autumn window for just long enough for an afternoons steaming on the Tamarside Railway located deep in a Cornish valley. Glad you all had a good time -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office iMac + Amiga
Re: Why won't this work?
on 21/10/00 8:29 pm, Susan Parker at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Hi. > > Roundhouse in the UK supply parts from their loco range separately to home > builders, including a simplified Walschaerts type valve-gear. I believe > they also do a cosmetic extra bits to make it look more interesting, which > might be able to be made functional. > > I am not sure that the dimensions will work for you but this might be an > alternative way to go? > > See: http://roundhouse-eng.com/tech.htm for a picture and diagram. > > A set costs UK# 75. A set of the drop link/combination lever/crosshead cosmetic extras will cost a shade under 20ukp. Certainly they look very good Susan, but are not suitable for making functional. It would be possible to make 'notching up' functional on a Roundhouse locomotive but one would have to make one's own drop link/combination lever. The radius rod would also need to be manufactured and proper working slide bar and crosshead would need to be fitted. At the end of this you would have a machine which would not perform significantly very much different to the standard fit. the cosmetic additions however, look very good indeed and provide the maximum bangs per buck -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office iMac + Amiga
Re: VIP's
on 18/10/00 1:09 am, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Tag, > Apparently they evolved over time more than I realized. Mine is only a few > years old, and it is not an oscillator. The cylinder is rigid and the piston > has a spherical shaped head. I'm having a senior moment and cannot recall the > name of the rig, but there is a little white nylon(?) tab sticking up. that > must be held down while rotating the wheels forward or reverse to set the > direction. When I think of oscillators, I see in my mind's eye the Mamod > types where the cylinder actually does move in an arc motion. > Keep your steam up! > Walt & Mr. Lunkenheimer > No Walt - *I* am wrong and you have jogged my memory. They are not oscillators - still produce a lot of steam tho'. tag
Re: VIP's
on 17/10/00 2:41 am, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Hi, > Berkeley Locomotive Works made the Cricket for a number of years. I > understand it is no longer available. It is a single cylinder, spherical > piston little jobber with a good set of reduction gears. The SWAMP RR's Mr. > James Cricket has been slightly modified to help it do the work it does. Mike > O'Rourke made the crickets, and they were the only "Made in USA" live > steamers available. They were in the $500 to 600 dollar range. Slow but > strong and steady. They could be best described as a "Plantation" type motor > - Mike called them Steam Motors. > Keep your steam up! > Walt & Mr. Lunkenheimer > James Slater of Budleigh Salterton has run a 'cricket' locomotive for many years. It shows no sign of wear and, because it is geared, is ideal for running on lines with sharp 'dockside' curves. As an oscillator, it also provides a most satisfactory display of steam. The only problem I ever found with it, was that the oil used to 'pop' in the chimney (stack) and even this was cured by a later 'oil trap' modification. Jim's line is in the very small garden of his retirement home and, of necessity, used the old two foot radii Mamod track. After his experience with 'Cricket' Jim gradually switched to the geared locomotives produced by Peter Angus. Just like 'Cricket', these locos proceed in a slow and prototypical manner WITHOUT struggling on the curves. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office iMac + Amiga
Re: My 'Belle.
on 19/9/00 10:51 pm, VR Bass at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > ..Tag, the problem there is not with the product, but rather with the (lack of) > availability. Brandbright have had a devil of a time getting a reliable > distributor and don't seem to be completely reliable themselves about > responding to e-mails, and thus their locos and other handy bits are virtually > unavailable here. I've never personally seen a "Liberty Belle", though I've > been to many steam and garden railway events with Brandbright (I even > tended their booth once). It's a pity, because Richard and Shirley have some > wonderful things for the live steamer. > > I wish they could figure out something useful to permit direct mail-order from > the UK to North America. At least, then we could buy things once we had > decided they're what we're looking for. Do you know of any hobby shops in > the UK who carry Brandbright and would send things mail-order against a > credit card?... yes this is a problem here as well. I think that they are somewhat overwhelmed with the range of stock that they carry and there are now many more suppliers of high value items like steam locos. These suppliers sell the locos but do not carry all the little bits that we need and Richard and shirley are having trouble doing all the jobs themselves. No credit card as yet and no one carries Brandbrights range. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office iMac + Amiga >
Re: My 'Belle./Sandy River Sierra Sound
on 20/9/00 4:24 am, Phil. Paskos at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > I've chatted with Tony several times about his RCS system and Sierra > Sound system. I have them both in in my Roundhouse SR & RL 24 and have great > fun with it. The only thing I've done is to rig the chuff with the reed > switch and magnets to the wheels on the combine I use behind the tender. The > difference in diameter of the drivers and the combine wheels isn't all that > noticeable and unhooking one wire from the board stops the chuff if I'm in > the mood to do that. I also rigged a 555 timer from radio shack to reset the > automatic sounds on the Sierra every couple of minutes or so. The loud steam > blow down gets everyone's attention too... Hmmm I have to say that it had not occurred to me to use the electronic chuff when the 'real thing' is available Phil. I suspect you would get more realism by experimenting with chuffpipes however :-) -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office iMac + Amiga
Re: My 'Belle.
on 19/9/00 3:14 pm, Tony at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > Here is my first Live Steam loco a Brandbright/Roundhouse "Liberty > Belle". Captured simmering away by ace photographer David Fletcher at > a recent AMRA/LGB club open day in Melbourne. > > It is being used primarily as a test bed for developing an upgraded > RCS R/C servo drive system. > > After a few initial teething problems with the safety valve and gas > filler valve both leaking the 'Belle is now steaming properly thanks > to some much valued assistance from Gordon Watson. > > I have fitted my RCS R/C servo driver system plus a Sierra® Digital > sound system. The chuff is disabled but I have kept the excellent > Westinghouse air pump, Whistle, Bell and coal shoveling sounds. > Realistic sound sure adds a new dimension to Live steam. > > I am extremely impressed by the slow speed operation and the power > available for climbing grades and hauling a train. > > The other pic shows how Brandbright have made a very neat installation > possible by providing an etched brass fret to securely hold the > various R/C and sound components in the tender Good are they not Tony. I reviewed this locomotive 18 months ago and found the extra sounds provided a whole new dimension and the RCS kit made driving somehow a more prototypical experience. I found that, at first, the RC was awkward to use because I was so used to standard futaba. After a short while however,and as I began to relax with the kit, I found the RCS very intuitive and ringing (or should that be tolling) the bell as I slowly rolled into the station (temporarily renamed the depot :-) ) or sounding the evocative US whistle (without concerning myself with loss of steam) to be great fun. This RCS and sound fitted Roundhouse based live steam locomotive has not had the attention that it deserves, and I somehow thought that it would make rather more impression in the USA that it would appear to from this quiet corner of the UK. I used to have one of Roger's Antipodean Fowlers (on which this model is based) and, with the aid of one of my home made chuff pipes and a very heavy train, it used to make a very loud and effective chuff when pulling at walking pace up Trematon bank. I have to say that if one is in the market for an American style locomotive that really recreates atmosphere then this loco with sound/RCS fit is really worth a look - and I would prefer this so fitted loco to a 'Sandy River'. No good perhaps for rivet counting but top of the shop for atmosphere and what Fisher Price call 'play value :-) PS You can actually work the RCS from your pocket! It is suggested that you don't do this at mixed meetings however - your actions might be misunderstood!! -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands & Western Railway Co Trematon Office iMac + Amiga > >
