{S-Scale List} Re: John Bortz
This is sad except for the joyful memories he left us. We have been blessed by his life and the great things he shared with all of us. I pray your family is at peace as he is. My best wishes, Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/terms/
{S-Scale List} Oh No!
Ben, Your correct, another round of the same BS tangent, changing my settings to no messages. Get a life or perhaps get a hobby boys. By the way, what is the best coupler and why? Do you think MTH will really ruin the scale? Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Sn3 Symposium
Jerry, I would enjoy sharing a ride however I am north of the event so that will not be possible. Truth is I am about 15 miles north of the event and I will look forward to seeing you there. Steve Doyles layout is on the tour and while there is not a foot or narrow gauge track on the layout, it is an amazing layout to visit. Steve is a great structure and scene builder. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Structure building ideas
Here is a great PDF with some wonderful model building techniques. I have ordered from this site, good stuff. I have more projects on order with them. I will post some progress shots when the materials come in. Ken ZIeska http://monstermodelworks.com/BrickBuildHowTo.pdf Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Bring it on!
Ben, The ties are in and if you are coming with the big EMD power, the upper route will be completed to allow you to pull the 24 coal gons. I will even add 70 or 80 ore cars if you want a little challenge. I did get some work done on the Heartland this weekend, I put in some facial where I had made a benchwork change. I need some wood filler and some paint to finish it but the dirty work is done. I reinstalled a blue point on the turnout into Powdermilk Milling allowing me to move three boxcars that had been stranded at the mill. I found that the spur track itself had not been laid quite correctly and subject to some errant operation. The crew got in there and pulled a foot of the offending section and that will be finished quickly. The track crew will then go on to laying track over the new bridge over the Rumansoda River in preparation for the break in run on the SD-70's. I also started work again on my SMMW H-10-44, it is such a neat little engine and I want to get it into service and have a second kit so I can double head them... that is a silly sort of idea. Reference slow speed gearing on older AM diesels, I have done it and would say it adds some noise. I would not recommend doing it for that reason however if you want to try it, I will send you a set of the drive shaft with the worms, ready to drop in. Ken ZIeska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Weekend Report
The Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop visited last Thursday, we also had a special guest, Bill Moitz, his wife and son dropped by for the evening. There was an amazing amount of work done, Ron Kemp is moving along with Kermits, Steve Doyle was building the Gravely Building, Jamie was building leg extenders for his module, Tom Lennon complete the bridge ties so the upper line can be put back in service. Ted Larson and Jim Malone put one section of the railroad through it paces, they found a turnout with tight flangeways. I found that interesting as this particular spot had been worked extensively a few weeks ago. I need to check back to back and flange widths to see if the different manufacturers standards caused the problem. Either way, the flanges were a bit tight, now there are not and everything runs through there. Ben documented his challenge with the SD-70's so they will make their appearance another night. I hope to have the bridge and upper line open when that happens. I neglected to ask Ben if all this conversation on couplers covered any ground that has not been covered at least twice a year for the last 5-10 years. I will remember to ask Ben that next week. Well, I need to get going, I am traveling to Denver to attend the funeral of Uncle Gordy, what a guy. One of the nicest men I have had the pleasure to know. I helped him get his book done about his experience in WWII. It was an honor to be able to assist him. I saw the cartoon about St. Gilbert and the third rail. Seems he was dressed in Green similar to St. Patrick. That must be why Saint Patrick's day is the day after S Scale day. If I don't remember have a happy S Scale Day on 3/16 and St. Patty's day on 3/17. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Hi S'er's
The Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop is visiting here this Thursday. I am looking forward to a great time. Ben is bringing over a couple of SD70's and a string of Cole Porter's so I am expecting them to make sweet music traveling around the railroad. We will have to see if we can get a video of that to show off. Ron Kemp is bringing his Kermit's to continue to work on, might even get it done sometime. I have done some track and electrical maintenance since the last visit so I expect some guys to operate some trains, service the milling area and perhaps Centralsota. Hard to say what else might happen, might also get the bridge over the Cannon Creek done, that will be pretty sweet. Anyone planning on coming to the Sn3 meet here in April. Bob Sherman is going to be here, wonder about Bob Christopherson? Gotta check that out. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} new structure kit
Guys, News of a new structure kit in S. This guy does nice work, I have been working with him because he is coming to the NMRA Regional Convention in May. I am glad to see he has a S Scale kit. Take a look. Ken http://monstermodelworks.com/index.php?main_page=indexcPath=22 Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} MRC decoders
I installed a 1624 which is a new 16 bit sound decoder. I am still playing with it a bit as it is not cataloged in JMRI yet. It did come right up and I can change the basics easily. It is the LED thing I am looking at. I don't want to calculate anything (whine-whine), I just want a one piece install to solve the problem (whine-whine) Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} DCC in newer American Models GP-9
I came into a newer model of an American Models GP-9, I have quite a few of these locos that I bought from S Helper when they were a distributor. When I took the shell off, I was impressed by how neat things are but the point of this is the new light system. The lights are driven from a small circuit board which I guess are current limiting, anyone know what voltage these lamps will take? I am going to try out one of the new MRC decoders into this unit just to hear it side by side with my SoundTrax decoders. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Aliens capture Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop guys
I don't know what happened tonight we had a PPSSW meeting, good turn out and just about everyone went to work on projects. I have not seen this much work done during a PPSSW meeting for 20 years! Now perhaps all the goldbrickers stayed home tonight, maybe it was the new year but wow what a great evening. Ron Kemp brought is Kermit's Chemical, that kept four people busy just sanding a fitting pieces together. Tom Lennon and Dave Aanerud were laying bridge ties, couple of guys were working DCC things. I just didn't know what to think, Marilyn came down and I asked her to look carefully at the guys to see if they might be space aliens posing as PPSSW guys. Anyway, as I said, great meeting, lots done and we didn't even have our new president to provide leadership. Happy New Year from the PPSSW. Ken Zieska Note to West Coast Rusty, sorry, never saw an email. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} From the Heartland
Greetings from the Minnesota Heartland Railway. As we hit the end of the year, a few new things have been done to the railroad but not enough to really brag about. Still as always, it has been a good year to be an S Scale model railroader and there is always next year. As Mike mentioned, he visited the last Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop meeting and following our traditions, he became our newest member and club president. Mike will remain president until we get another new member or until he tries to do something presidential and is impeached. Politics in the PPSSW are simple, come over to have fun, support your fellow modelers and don't get to full of yourself. Thanks to all of you who have enhanced my enjoyment of the hobby with your reports on what you doing in the hobby. Next year, I will really get much more done myself! Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} tieplates again
Hi folks, I just received this e-mail. Ken Zieska The After Christmas Sale 15% Off Everything Wed 12-26-2012 till Friday 12-28-2012 Did Santa Forget Something? Remember We Can Customize Most of Our Products to Fit Your Needs. Build your own brick building... For $5 we will cut each Brick Sheet you purchase. CAD Drawing not always needed, contact Jimmy for more info... Click Here to Visit Our Website http://monstermodelworks.com/ Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} tie plates
Rhett and all, Merry Christmas! I saw your note about tie plates. There are several sources of S Scale tie plates, one is Monster Models who makes the tie plates for various weights of rail. http://monstermodelworks.com/index.php?main_page=indexcPath=21 I have a set, they are very nicely done, stain and weather beautifully. I will use them in a small section I want looked at for an NMRA achievement award. I will also use these for junk around the section house. Dave Hamilton did this and also used some On3 switch parts, I think they were these, http://www.sanjuancarco.com/product_p/5006.htm I also have parts like this I got from Tomalco, he may still have them, I don't see them on his web but he has tie plates also. Which it turns out I also have some of. These are plastic and look quite good. The Proto87 people also have some great track parts, tom Lennon looked at these but I have no experience with them. http://www.proto87.com/ Anyway, I hope this satisfies what your looking for. Perhaps you will not need to start a new project. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Re: new stuff - generally a good thing
Bill, Well thought out and well put. I don't know if I could pick 10 products that are spot on today, particularly RTR products. I think there will be plenty of opportunity to have fun in S. Another topic. I visited Steve Doyle this week, he has a great start on his downstate Illinois town and I think it will be spectacular. I wanted to take a photo but my camera was dead. Steve doesn't like to post any photos until the scene is done. Too bad because the Work in Progress scenes are great for sharing ideas on how to take on such a project. I will get the camera charged up and sneak off some shots. I wish you all peace. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Soundtrax Decoders
Hi Jim, I found your comment about using the AT style of decoder from Soundtrax interesting. You say it is a cleaner install, why do you say that? It looks like they are a bit less expensive, can't tell for sure if they are the same power rating. Is there a standard for headlights? IE led XXX with resister YYY? Thanks for your thoughts. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} un-Festing
Just back from the Fest, tired and ready for a good night sleep. On the way down, there was that little anticipation of a great time, and it was; but really by the end of the day, my Fest Fun Meter was pegged and I knew I had no more capacity for Festing. About the only regret was that Jim Kindraka didn't stop by. It would have been good to see him but I am sure there will be another time to talk. I saw Bob Ristow, that was fun. I remember driving to Milwaukee many years ago and sitting at Jim Kindraka's kitchen table with he and Bob, working out the very first S Module plans, I can see the other guy with us but cannot come up with a complete name. It had to be in the 80's sometime, I think I have some of the original plans somewhere. I met Mike Ostertag from the Green Bay area, I need to keep this short as I promised to go look for winterization window extensions for him. Nice guy, I look forward to having him visit sometime. He is a great addition to the S fold. I also met another new S modeler from the Chicago area. Wade will be meeting with the Des Plaines Valley folks so he will be in great company. Beyond that it was of course fun to see all the other friends, a couple times, I saw a guy in poor light but he wore a Badgerland Blue shirt and Blue ball cap with a shock of grey hair showing and in the bad light my mind told me it was Chuck Porter. Of course it was not but it was good to think of Chuck and how enjoyable it was when you would hear his laugh and voice when he came into the room. I think you always heard him before you saw him but that smile was a day brightener. I showed off the Monster Modelworks cobblestone sheets I received to some of the guys who enjoy building things. That is something fun that can be done better in person rather than over the internet. Anyway, enough of my rambling on, enjoy your week and get down to the train room and have some fun. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Road Trip Report
This week I took a short road trip with Dave Jasper and Tom Lennon to visit Rusty Westermier in Western Iowa. The road trip itrself was pretty uneventful, lots of time to talk, we saw Governor Romney's campaign caravan going the other way on Friday, we didn't bother to tell him where we were going because who needs all the strap hangers he has behind him anyway. Rusty is looking great, his health is much better and Floy is going to bring him to the S Fest next week. We had time for some talk and also time to work on his layout. It is huge, solid benchwork and a great start on track. He suffers the same challenge many of us do, he builds and then gets a better idea and unbuilds to make changes. Still we left him further along than when we arrived so that is good. Saturday, Dave Jasper and I did a little more work on the layout and it was time to leave to visit another layout in Wahoo Nebraska. I really had second thoughts about it as I would like to have spent another five hours or so on the layout to see if I could get the trains running up to the meat packing area but off we went. I snoozed on the way over there and woke as we pulled in. Going downstairs, I was a bit groggy and when I saw the display rack, I was disappointed, I thought we were going to see S. No, here was a nice GE U50C, a string of 60 foot Cryo cars, an AC4400 with double deck autoracks behind it. Looking into the train room, I saw a 4-12-2 Union Pacific locomotive pulling a train as well as many other items that could not be available in S. Then Tom Lennon asked if I had any idea Rusty was going to pull this on us? This was all S. Man the nerve of that guy building all this stuff that is not available, he surely doesn't spend enough time complaining on the internet. It was pretty amazing, I guess if you looked at each model really close, you could see they were not perfect, still the skill required to take two Mikes and splice the chassis to make a 12 coupled engine that ran that nice was a feat in itself as was taking the guts of a trainmaster to create a huge U-boat ot modern GE locomotive. Oh did I mention, he had a reefer with 14 Pacific Rail Shops reefers behind it? Built up that is, I have seen 14 PacRail reefers before but that was on a shelf unbuilt in boxes, never on the rails. Well, I was impressed, the visit and the trip to Rusty's was well worth the time and reminded me I needed to get back to work. A last detail on the visit, we were stopped by a BNSF freight train a couple miles down the road and Tom pointed out how none of the freight cars had flat panels, the construction of the car had resulted in the panels between ribs or other supports to be bowed considerably. Who would ever build a detail like that into their models? Arriving home, I had a package from Monster Modelworks. It included some of the new cobble stone and weathered brink material they are offering. This is really neat material and I am looking forward to creating a scene on the layout with it. I received a small sample of the O scale cobble stone and it looks just like the foundation stone I have on some of the S Scale resin structure kits I build a few years ago. If you have not looked at the Monster Modelworks site, do so, I am lobbying for the brick freight house flat in S, I may be the only one in the world doing that but if anyone else in interested in it, letting him know might be helpful. Short week, next Friday early, we leave on another roadtrip, east this time to the S Fest. We will miss seeing Chuck's smiling face, seeing Art Doty with his latest Gilbert find but hope to see some of the other old gang for a chance to sit around and talk about what is wrong with each S manufacturer and what S really needs to grow. Of course when all is said and done, again more will be said than done and it will be us that does the growing, older and perhaps wiser. Carry on, I know you will. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} BAcking?
Hi Folks, It is a great Friday here in the North Country, one more day reprieve from winter. Last night was the first PPSSW meeting of the year, we visited Larry Einerson's small switching layout but what may have been lacking in size was made up for in quality. Larry is a heck of a model builder, I hope he gets some photos of his work to share. Backing long trains sounds like great fun. Any ground rules? I believe I could back well over 100 cars eastbound out of Asuncion holding the mainline along the river route until I reach Marilyn with the end of the train. I think the lead into Marilyn would trip me up before I got the whole train in, so might the top of the wye . Now these would all be ore cars, another point for ground rules I guess. Anyway, this would be a crazy thing to do and that makes it a prime project for the Pines and Prairie guys. It would be a great way to waste an afternoon when something positive could be done. Considering we waste most of out meeting time Many years ago, we pulled eighty some cars with a couple of Overland SD40-2's and 38-2 mid-train power. This was a mixed freight and it took some messing around to make it work. I recall that wasted about four hours then. In truth, I don't have much positive to show for the last couple months, that may be why such a time waster is interesting. More truth is I should be getting real things done. I hope everyone is healthy and happy. I am just going to keep slacking, I like the action of it. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Me Too
I find that I do not have time to read very carefully the posts to the group. I saw Jace's name and opened the digest up. Like others, I have heard from Jace lately, don't know why he has not been posting much here, Perhaps the topics have not been of interest or he is busy with other things. I do regret the specter of Jace somehow running off with kits was immediately floated. Yes, we have had a few bad apples in S but really, after a guy has been quiet for a couple weeks? I have trusted Jace with a DCC command station but I realize I have had the opportunity to meet him in person and know a bit of his history. In my opinion, you should not have any concern about any transactions with him. More important, I wanted to post so that my silence does not bring about rumor of my demise or perhaps I am on the run from the S police. In the spirit of good humor; Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} FNF
Greetings from Fort Collins Colorado, where I am enjoying time with Marilyn's family. On the way out here, we stopped to see Rusty Westermeier and his wife Floy. Many of you were looking to see him at the NASG Convention but Rusty had a serious problem with his lungs and by all accounts we almost lost another great friend. I am plesed to say, I saw Rusty and while he is not 100 percent, he is looking pretty good and in good spirits. He even took me downstairs to see his layout which was a big deal. Thursday was the first time he had ventured down the steps to the basement in about a month. Oh, the layout itself, very much worth the trip. I hope everyone is having a great time in Tenn. and we will have all sorts of neat stories to read. Hey Mr. JJ, I remember a guy from the NPRHA named Jim Hill who lived in California. Any chance you are the same person? Well, I need some sleep, we only took a four hour break on the 14 hour trip here and Monday will be straight through going back. Be well, have fun and don't lose your sense of humor. Ken Zieska AKA that Darn Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} various
Hi Guys, Bill, I used CDS transfers for the NP, they make a good match, the decals Bob is making for his car would work also. I never did paint a 50' car in the NP, I seem to collect batches of odd things like 3 round roofs and 8 or 9 Airslide Hoppers. Cannot make it to the NASG this, family trip to Colorado but some good news on that is I will see Rusty on the way out. Floy is not sure if he will be strong enough to go into the basement but I am sure he will trust me to go snoop around no carefully look around his layout. I hope everyone enjoys the Convention and sends in timely reports. Well done to the Michigan folks! Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} value lost
Jim, I must sign up for the group of folks who have destroyed the value of their brass collection by painting it. Even more so, I have taken a couple of round roof boxcars and painted them NP. they had a few they purchased second hand. I am interested in a clinic on how to make the model roll better. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Little something from the Minn Heartland
Busy times here, not much done on the layout but I wanted to add a photo of a small building I finished. This was a shed that we did as a project for the local NMRA. I made two rooms out of it and added some detail as you can see in the shot I took before the roof was on it. This shed is on the interchange track in Centralsota. I also posted a photo inspired by real events from Anoka Minnesota. Seems this gentleman was known for consorting with some of the local ladies of the town. His bad luck was that one's husband was a driver for the local Ready-Mix company. The story is he found his wife's lover's Caddy and gave it a fill up until cement was oozing over the window sills like a well done muffin. I don't have the exact detail on the Caddy so I shot two possible models. Look for them in the MHRy album. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Q-6
Chris, Send a photo of the engine, I want to pass it on to Tom Lennon. Do you know if it is gauged to the new standards or the old? That is often the biggest question. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Checking in
Tough group to drop in on. I see a great deal about flawless operations then feelings then heart valves. So I guess the talk this week was on wanting a flawless operation when going in for heart valves and sappy songs of the 70's. So did Morris Albert have a flawless heart valve operations this week? Well the PPSSW is on summer vacation but Tom Lennon, Dave Jasper and I worked on some brass etch kits of a Mack Railbus Tom purchased years ago. It may take all summer or longer but it is a good project to try to get done. That's about it, I will now return you to your previous programming...Feelings, nothing more than feelings. Feelings, wo-o-o feelings, Wo-o-o, feel you again in my arms. You guys just have way too much fun. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} MHRy checking in
Sunday evening, to many other projects to get at so nothing done on the railroad this weekend. I attended a meeting for the NMRA Regional meet next spring which will be held here in the Twin Cities. It should be a good time. Tonight, I am being entertained by a Loram Rail-grinding train working on the CP mainline behind the house, it sure is a noisey bugger. Last Thursday, Tom Lennon came over to see what I had been doing on my hidden yard tracks. Since I had removed all of the scenery in the ara, it was easier to see and he suggested a change in how I had the tracks allocated to storage and the run through track. What he suggested was my original plan but I had not gone through with it because of scenery interference. I guess that is another hidden benefit of the work with the sawsall. Monday, Tom is going to stop over in the afternoon, he has tired of my temporary bridge over the Cannon Creek and the Rumansoda River and is going to work on that while I build turnouts for my hidden storage yard so I can put scenery over it. Last Thursday we stopped over to see Steve's work on his Chicago transfer yard. I will put a photo in his file, don't tell Steve I did it as the photo shows the area still not complete. I think this photo looks pretty good and although not complete to his standards possibily more complete than I would ever get a yard area. When I get my hidden yard done, we are going to add some storage tracks off the transfer yard for transfer trains to wait off stage until they enter the operation. Hey, I noticed comments that we have another new S modeler, if you live in the Twin Cities, the Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop welcomes new members. If you don't own a sawsall, don't worry it is not really a condition of membership. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} space, the final frontier
Ed, In a smiling tongue in cheek manner, I agree with you and that is why the sawsall is one of the primary tools in the kit of every Pines and Prairies member. Our good buddy Walt Jopke cut two holes in the wall to run over the fireplace, Dave Hamilton, through a wall to gain extra track space and I removed one wall and also built a shower out six inches from the wall to get trackage rights. Now Steve Doyle is another story isn't he always? A sawsall was not enough. In addition to the sawsall, he moved floor supports and brought in a heavy weight mall, concrete drills and chisels to bore access holes through a concrete wall to create a coach yard in what had been a wine cellar. He says he is done with such work, but no one believes him. Then there is Ben Trousdale who is buying a new house to get a bigger layout space. In a manner, I admire the restraint of you who are enjoying the hobby without resorting to such things. I cannot speak for the others but up here in the frozen tundra, the long winter nights huddled in the railroad room to keep from freezing lend themselves to such radical actions. Minnesotans who do not have such outlets tend to go crazy and become hockey fans or move to California where crazy is the norm. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Checking In
Hi folks, Just checking in with an update on the Minnesota Heartland. I have been making slow progress on the layout, too many distractions. I hosted the Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop meeting a week ago and spent some time talking about how I didn't like the way the scenery tied in to the expanded industrial area. Lots said, nothing done. Monday afternoon Tom Lennon stopped by and I brought the subject up again. Tom thought about it and said hold on a minute, he walked away and came back with Marilyn's Sawsall... Thus ended the talk and began the destruction. Thursday, Tom and Steve Doyle stopped by and did some brainstorming on how the area will be transformed, I like what they have in mind so I have been busy cleaning up the mess from the Sawsall and making supports for the new scenery. I really enjoy having creative folks to help imagine things I don't seem to be able to come up with myself. I enjoy the home page photo. I knew those guys! In fact it was about 36 years ago this summer we met Don and Robin at a NASG convention in San Jose. How time flies. I still run some of the resin kits Don made in the day and of course SHS motive power is a huge part of my roster. I have not read the list too carefully but do I really understand some people are bemoaning the purchase by MTH because they might not be scale orientated enough? I would like to say I can't believe it but I do. Most forget that SHS was not perfect, they cut a few corners and occasionally had something in the market that was not perfect. I bet they even put road names on cars that was not prototypical Oh well, my model railroad is better for the product they produced and I have enjoyed my hobby more because of them. I welcome MTH, they seem to be good businessmen and have enough backing to do something with the line. Perhaps Don and Mike will do some consulting on the scale but whatever, this can only be good for everyone. I did an operating session on a beautiful HO layout today and plan on dropping over to see what Steve is up to on his Burlington. I need to spend some time here because the operating session today gave me an idea of a neat operational detail I can add to my layout. Have a good week. ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Rusty, are you there
Hey Rusty Westermeier, are you out there? Drop me a note, Tom Dave and I want to come out and run trains. I think we are out of snow season. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} SHS couplers and ore cars
While Don will have the full answer, but I recall the couplers were designed to fit the F units and give them closer coupling. Being able to have the same close coupling on the ore cars was accomplished using the SHS couplers. Note that Don created a new truck with the prototypical correct wheel base for this truck. It is tight down there as it is on the real thing. I have never tried Kadee couplers on my string of ore cars, I have never had an issue with the SHS coupler on the cars. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Dan Kirlin!
Ben, Youngin' that you are, you do not realize that Dan has been a long standing member of the PPSSW and in fact holds the club speed record for the trip from Minneapolis to Chicago. I think Tom Lennon may have been his co-pilot. Dan, great to see your post and I look forward to the opportunity to see you soon. Are you still making patterns and neat parts? Things continue to change in the PPSSW, many new faces and a few of us old timers who refuse to go away. I hope you noted Steve's posting on the PPSSW meeting he hosted last Thursday, it was a great evening and his layout is beautiful to see. I have visited layouts across the country and Steve's is among the elite. As way of a report from the Minnesota Heartland, I have not spent much time on the layout. I have been finishing up a car kit and becoming fluent in JMRI so I can program DCC decoders. Steve is using all Tortoise switch machines and Hares but I still use many ground throws so I use Frog Juicers to power the frog. If you have seen their literature, you know their frog mascot is sipping a cool one wearing a happy frog look. I found out why when the manufacturer sent me instructions on how to make a frog juicer drink. Model Railroading is fun. Gotta run, it is almost 5:00 PM. Ribbit Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Looking for a project
Tom Lennon is talking about a Standard Railway Casting Company car kit. He has convinced me to complete the kit I have as he kitbashes another. I think if another showed up, he might be interested in building it just for fun. Tom enjoys building some of these wonderful kits of the past, lately he has turned out some of the trainstuff kits and loco workshop kits. I think some end up on e-bay, some end up on layouts of the PPSSW. We are both looking forward to some of the kits Bob McCarthy is coming out with to make those unique boxcar types that will make your freight trains a bit more interesting. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} code 100 turnouts
I am a bit slow in getting back to everyone. Tonight was the meeting of the Twin Cities Division of the NMRA and I had two presentations. The first was on Scenic view blocks using examples on Steve Doyle's layout and ones I am working on. Steve's layout has such outstanding examples, helping the presentation be so well received. The second was a set of photos taken in 53 and 54 of railroading around the Minneapolis. Really amazing photos for the railroad detail they contain. None of the old roster shot slide shows. On to the turnouts. I built one number 5 turnout using the fast tracks jig with the exception of the guard rails and the frog portion that creates a guard rail. I constructed these separate and made the clearance larger not the standard clearance used for scale operations. I gave this to Jeff Saine and he has since made perhaps 6 more. He runs American Models and S Helper Service equipment. Don't know if he has any old American Flyer but I have never seen it on the railroad. I don't know if any of the new Flyer is being used but that would be an interesting trial. These turnouts are very smooth and work with his equipment without flaw. We ran some scale equipment through the turnouts and they went through the straight and diverging routes without problem. Can't say why for sure, wouldn't guarantee it would take everything just that it worked for our samples. Interesting thing for me is that a turnout can be made in about 30 minutes, it does not cost an arm and leg and I think when weathered looks great. I would love to build one for Brooks and let him install it to see what he thinks. I made the sample just to see if it would work, thinking if it did, it would save time and money for the local guys who run larger flanges. As Jeff develops his layout, I think there may be another opportunity to build something a bit more exotic just to see if it works. If there is any challenge, it is transitioning from the larger rail to the code 100. I keep telling him there is a good market for the large rail, sell it off while the market is hot, code 100 flex track works just fine. Let's see now, Jeff uses deep flanges, Kadee style couplers, runs no AF and uses code 100 rail the same as scalers. Don't think he is a high railer but then again we don't worry about such trivial things here in the Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop where we enjoy model railroading in S Scale. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} rail
We have had success creating high-rail, turnouts using code 100 rail. Easier to make the turnouts, they look great and then long term, you save money on the flex track you use. Now if you have Flyonele. I understand this won't work. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} SOO
Jace, The PRS SOO car is one I did through Pacific Rail Shops in 99, it was a run of 100 cars in the SOO grain of Wheat scheme. Thanks for reminding me of that, I can send an image of that to you also Bob. The colormark car I was thinking of is an American Models covered hopper. It has a blue panel, SOO had different panel colors, it went back to a commodity or use the car was purchased for. I have long since forgot all of the significance but know that info is in my files. No model railroading this weekend, Marilyn has got me on a flooring installation project. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Soo
Bob, I have some other SOO items that may be of interest. I have a FP7A #2500, same as the one the Duluth Museum has. It pulls four SOO heavyweight passenger cars, I have the double door, maybe a couple, the colormark car, the Banta/Des Plaines SOO Class II depot, one went to Chuck Porter, a Prairie type steam loco. I will need to look around but I can find things, Do you want discussions on how they were built. Is the NP next? ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Helping out a buddy
Bob, My SOO caboose is pretty close to done, but sitting in a desk drawer. What is your timeframe? Also, I took your advice and bought a case of the undec hoppers when they were on sale. I really don't need what ever else you had there as I have some Kohmar decals to do them up in. Drop me a note and let me know what the objective is. I might have something you could borrow. I know I already have a SOO colormark car done. These were going to be more of the same. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} MHRY weekend report
Busy weekend not much in the way of productive progress. Friday, I had a few minutes so I thought I would add some SHS couplers to a switcher. rather than use the rust brown color, I wanted to use up some of the original batch I had bought mounted to F unit brackets. Challenge is they were not a sealed unit. I remembered that and carefully took them off the bracket and brought them to the switcher. A little uneven pressure and sproing, pieces all over the place *!!#*%@,, no big deal, I have more. Well fortunately I needed to take a break after two and go to a volunteer teaching job, but come evening, I am back at it. Well, the switcher is on the rails with couplers and someday soon, I am going to look for all the pieces that sproing all over the workbench. Saturday was really busy but in the evening Steve Doyle and I planned a social, non train evening with our wives. A nice dinner and then take in a bit of a concert. The concert turned out to be a big crazy mess so we sold our tickets to others waiting in the line and started away. Nice guys but that we are, we suggested a stop for coffee and some more chat. Steve's wife Mary knew of a nice coffee shop and soon we were there. Wait, what is this? The coffee shop is in the old freight house of the Milwaukee Railroad Station in Minneapolis. Isn't that convienent. While enjoying the relaxing conversation, Mary suggests we could go next door to see the old station itself. Steve and I act ho-hum and escort our dates next door to see the beautifully restored Milwaukee Depot, filled with beautiful railroad calendar art, artifacts, and other historical photos that we very interesting. As we drove back to the 'burbs, the ladies congratulated us for the fine evening and were glad we could do something fun that didn't include model railroading. We are such nice guys. Well time to face the new week, I do have some small projects to do on the layout that I hope to fit in this week, I should have my locobuffer by the end of the week then I will take a crash course on how to program my locomotives and get going on that. I think it will be great fun but then again isn't that was model railroading is all about? Speaking of buildings, around here the Fairbanks Morris track scale and scale house was pretty common. It is available from the Northern Pacific Historical Association in all the odd ball scale, I think they might have it produced in S if there were need for 10 kits but I don't know if this scalehouse was used anywhere but here in the midwest. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} NP Q6
Chris, That is a fine locomotive and will look proud when she runs. ken zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Thursday night
I attended the Twin Cities Division of the NMRA meeting tonight. A nice batch of the Pines and Prairies guys were there. We had good hands on clinics covering coloring hard shell scenery. Creating great scenery on a pink foam platform and weathering freight cars. Good fun. I was doing some cleaning and found four number 5 turnouts I had removed from a yard I pulled out. I set them out to rebuild but like so many of the older Old Pullman turnouts, they are badly pitted with corrosion possibly from the solder or flux the manufacturer used. I really think it will be faster to build new than clean these up plus the frogs I make with the Fast tracks jig are better anyway. So I guess it is in to the recycling for these. Cleans up a little space and moves me a bit further forward on my tasks. Well, we are on the edge of another weekend, a bit busy with the social calendar but I just know I will be able to get something fun done on the railroad. There sure are enough projects. Ken ZIeska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} bummer
The question about Steve's bridge will need to be answered by Steve. I am dismayed that people are leaving, I understand why, several of the Pines and Prairies guys have left also. Model Railroading is about compromise if you are going to build a model railroad, we all like different things so what is the issue. Can't you take these discussions off line? Of the many people on the list, it is only a very small number who get off on these negative binges. Perhaps the rest of the people really appreciate your rants but I don't think that is why we are in the hobby. Please be nice or be gone. I gotta go, the basement is calling me and the delete key on the computer needs a rest. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} On the other hand
Sorry not to have any angst to offer but I wanted to mention that the Pines and Prairies Workshop got together and enjoyed looking at Steve's progress on his transfer yard. Steve is modeling one of hundred of small yards around Chicago where railroads interchanged cars for local industries. I will post a couple photos. Another shot I have is of the vast kit hoard Steve is hiding in small back rooms and under the layout. In example, did you know Pine Canyon put out a Back Alley 4, six stories of S Scale building. Well they did, did anyone but Steve find out or did he buy out the whole lot and hide them in his basement? Final view is of the back of Steve's coach yard. tracks from hidden storage come in at a right angle and can also use the turntable to turn engines for a return trip on the Burlington. This has been a dry winter however since Wednesday, it has snowed every day. Not a big deal, my driveway faces south and is on a hill so the sun clears the snow by noon everyday. I saw the photo of the cylinderical hopper, someone mentioned it is a 60's design. I can't tell from the photo but I am interested in knowing more. TTFN, I am off to try to upload photos. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Saturday Night
Hey, two posts in one day, new record I guess. Hey Bob, I enjoyed your photos. I looked again at the fleet of your private road names, they look like they could be a prototype and that makes them more interesting. Perhaps NASG will do a legends of S someday like the NMRA did. I helped Dave Jasper take his display out of the toy train museum in St. Paul. When I started disassembly, I realized it was his Birchwood section, the first S displays I ever saw at a train show boack in the early 70's. I also recall that part of this section was pictured in the Herald sometime in the 60's (?) with Dave in hs sweater, puffing a pipe showing his work off to some fellow S Scalers in the Washington area. That piece of railroad has been around about 50 years! Sure, the trackwork looks a bit tough but then again it has seen many miles of travel. On the way home, I stopped by Jeff Saine's to build a number 5 turnout for Steve's Chicago yard. That tooling is getting quite a workout, that is about four turnouts I have made in the last month and Jeff has at least twice as many made for his new layout design. With the tooling and a sanding belt, building turnouts is getting pretty fast. I feel now I will be able to make a batch of turnouts and mock in my next yard, try it out and not feel it a huge burden to make changes. I have a 5, 6 and 8, I don't know if we have more tooling in the club but with these, I am comfortable making all manner of trackwork. Ben sort of explained what a SD70AC was, I would guess I have seen one but you know how these new fangled engines are, you see one, you have seen them all. Boy, do I remember hearing that told to me by Steam engine fans back when. It may appeal to the younger set and that would be nice to get some young blood into the scale. When the last turnout is delivered to the Burlington, it will be time to put the trackwork tools away so I can do some electrical work and get my DCC programing station set up. Neat thing about this hobby, you always have fresh projects to take on. I hope you weekend is wonderful and you can take Bill advice, do something to run trains. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Wow cosmic experience
Signed in to the group and what do I find, a photo taken at Steve Doyle's. I just completed a lapped turnout for Steve that will go in right across the aisle from this scene in his Chicago transfer yard. In the case of this turnout, it is a number 5 right with a number 5 left starting inside the frog of the first turnout. It is a space saver and I have saw these in tight industrial spaces here in the Twin Cities. I also took an Old Pullman and built it on PC board ties so I could correct the frog area which was not the best. These will be for install on Thursday when the Pines and Prairies group meets at Steve's. I am also looking to see how his new transfer track system works. The lad has been busy. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Bob's Comments
I know Walt was really hopeful that the Steam engine would be running on the weekend of the convention but he could not pull it off. I guess getting engine 316 was one good trick, having the ore train cross over our excursion train was another. On the whole, he did a fine job. I don't recall exactly how I drilled out for the ladders, it was a time ago. A trick I have used is put a spot of paint on the ends of the sprue and then set it on the car or a template. a bit easier that trying to drill by eyeball. I would chat more but I have a turnout to finish. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} S live Steam
I think you will find the S Scale live steam Soo Line engine with one of the guys rebuilding the 1 to 1 scale SOO Line Mike up in Duluth. He told me he had it and was quite proud of it. I built a few of the Kaslo PS-1's. I used some PRS ladders and details but they make a great addition to the freight car fleet. Don't remember any problems with the directions but I have a difficult time following directions anyway. The Buffalo Creek car in the mhrywest photo album is a PS-1. I think I have five or so remaining in the to-do stack. Scrub them before painting. Busy weekend coming and I really want to get the lapped turnouts done for Steve so he can have the yard working when the Pines and Prairies guys visit next Thursday, so no more dilly dally on the web. Out here, Ken Zieska Not the past president of the DH but seems to me I was the president of the NPRHA at one point. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Hey! I recognize that video
That video was shot on the River Route of the Minnesota Heartland. The full Zephyr and the Rock Island FT's belong to Steve Doyle, famous Rail Barron of Minnetonka Beach, just blocks west of James J. Hill's summer retreat and in the former home of James J. Hill's sister. They are now back on the owner's property. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Midweek mumblings
Hello fellow S Scale enthusiasts, just checking in to say hey. Last week the Pines and Prairies folks stopped over. We had another good meeting here, the guys are actually coming over with things to do and we do things rather than just chat. I didn't get much time since then to do anything. The track building department reworked a curved turnout made for the Burlington and started laying out a lapped turnout also for the Burlington yard facility. I created some of the components but needed to create the frogs so I went over to visit Jeff Saine who has my turnout tooling for the number 5. This was a great visit, Jeff has moved the laundry room upstairs and now has much more space for his layout and work room. He also has a great little table top belt sander so know I can see how he gets the turnouts done so fast. About five minutes and I had two frogs done! Wow. Tonight I began assembly and the outside structure is done leaving me the diverging trackwork to complete. So far it seems pretty straight forward, I expect it to work well and save Steve a significant amount of space in his yard. Steve is the king of putting 10 lbs in a 5 lb bag. I may have some time Friday morning to work on it, for a Monday install. Well, time to check out. Be well and have fun. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Konus Locomotives
Tom Lennon has a Texas type build by Jim and I think he has a couple other locos by Jim also. They are to the old standard so I don't think Tom plans to do anything with them but display them. The Texas is very impressive. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Sunday
Jim and Tom, In the MHRY west folder I posted a photo of the Hutch local from 1953. It is taken right after leaving the Depot in Minneapolis at a spot referred to as Hole in the Wall Also to you point about old maps, I have many maps that were created by the railroads themselves, these are great to find things in the cities here. Outstate, it is a bit more of a problem, here in Minnesota, the University has a huge aerial map library online that I can access. Generally there are some maps from the 30's more from the 50's, 60's and 70's. I am using the concept of hole in the wall as part of my railroad. It will provide access from hidden trackage to the layout, bringing interchange transfers into the operation. Yesterday, I repaired a couple of turnouts that needed to be fixed and juiced all of the frogs in Centralsota. Boy is that neat, I can crawl through every inch of the trackwork, nary a burble over any part of the turnouts. These are all controlled by Caboose Hobby ground throws so now I have absolute power routing. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} To the traveling man
Jim, The line you are speaking of is the Great Northern Wilmar line, still operated by the BNSF. A little history on the line. Jim Hill of course built it and as you were passing by Wayzata. Had you gone into town, you would have seen a beautiful depot, really larger than a town this size would normally have but it was the destination for the wealthy folks of Minneapolis to get to their vacation homes on Lake Minnetonka. It connected with a full line of lake boats used to carry passengers, freight and mail to home around the lake and on the islands. Leaving Wayzata, a branch line left the main and wandered along the lake eventually reaching the Hutchinson Line. It really never served any commercial purpose but it did serve one important customer, James J. Hill and his mansion on Lake Minnetonka. Many interesting things about this place but one in particular is that it had a turntable on the property. Not to turn engines but to turn is private car so it would face the correct direction when he went back. Directly west of Jimmy's property was the Arcola Bridge crossing one of many of Lake Minnetonka's narrows between bays. Just a shot 3/8 of a mile further on this line, Jim built a place for his sister. Unlike Jim's place this one did not have a turntable at the time. The line was abandon by the railroad some years ago, it was a tourist line for a few years and now is a bike trail. However these many years later, the sister's property is owned by another rail Barron. A turntable has been installed as well as many more feet of trackwork. It is a known popular destination for visitors to the Twin Cities. I recall a couple of summers ago, maybe 100 or so visitors gathered to view this railroad and drink Guinnes Beer beer with the Barron himself. I hope you have a few minutes to do so your next trip to the Cities. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Website and such
finally got around to the new website, looks great. Great to show all of the S Scalers who are MMR's and I would like to point out that the latest NMRA Magazine features Chip Romig of Dallas Texas as MMR 423. I visited Steve Doyle last night to do more work on his yard turnouts. I think most of the turnouts in the throat area will need to be custom curved turnouts just to get everything to fit but it will be such a great scene, it will be worth the effort. Over the years, you may remember that Steve's wife feels I am the one most responsible for Steve corruption in S and surely I am the one responsible for the holes in the concrete walls. Last night while I was working on the layout, Mary backed her SUV into my poor little VW. She put on a good show of remorse but I could see the twinkle in her eye and I couldn't help but wonder if her only remorse was that I was not in the way also. Tom Lennon and I were working on a project Monday and he commented that S Scalers were part of a big blue man group, we are always holding our breath for something or another. The latest issue of the Northern Pacific Railway Historical Society magazine leads off the modelers column with discussion of the S Scale America SD45's. They must have seen the pilot model and noticed that one of the body options included features correct for the Northern Pacific. I received a call from the BNSF (really!). I signed up for the friends of the BNSF website and I was the 25,000 person to sign up. Maybe I can get a tour of the Northtown Hump Yard and shops. Must be about 55 years ago while in Cub Scouts, I toured the engine shop at Northtown and can distinctly remember walking through an F unit cab and engine compartment. I recalled this story to the young guy from BNSF who called me and he had no idea what an F unit was. Guess I better get my cane and hobble on down to the basement, maybe I will run an F unit around the layout just for fun young whiper-snapper. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Weekend Report
Hi fellow S enthusiasts, Another week in the books. Made some progress on the project list, not huge but forward progress. I added more lights in the back room over the cement plant and that highlighted a turnout that had been left in place although the trackage past it was long gone. Now this is out and the wye is back up and running, two projects crossed out. I completed the mainline through the hidden storage and formed much of the rest of the track, three new turnouts in, the area is ready for turnout control and wiring. While in the area, I replaced the ballasts in the light fixture. took out the two old ballasts and installed a new high efficiency ballast. Nice to have more light there and nice to save about 25% of the energy costs. Saturday my cousin from D.C. was in town and brought her three kids over. I had the layout set up for them, a couple of SHS switchers with sound and a handful colorful boxcars and some open top hoppers for them to play with. Everything bulletproof except I should have changed out my handheld controllers as they seemed to have wiped out the stops on the speed control. Darn poor engineering on the controllers I would say. Anyway they had fun getting the trains going and then chasing them around the basement. They left the gondolas full of cows, horses and hay bales (to keep the animals from getting hungry). Other than the little issue with the handhelds and some trinkets to clean up, I have the fun memory of their smiles and laughs left over. Good trade, I have had adult model railroaders leave more damage after their visits. Well, time to update the priority list for next week. Ken Zieska Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} FNF , checking in and such
Hi folks, I am back in the country, I spent about 30 minutes downstairs reviewing my project list and determining how to start. Only 9 tasks on there, not that I couldn't add more but I would like some controlled progress and these would make noticeable results. I see there has been a slew of conversations about a S Scale SIG, I am hopeful that when all the slew is over, someone will post a summary, if anything new is determined. Jim offered a new gondola, great idea but not something I can add to my list now. Jim, I know I have paid for another project you are working on, no hurry, I am patiently waiting as I know it will be great and you are working on a neat way to present the kit. Everything I have gotten from you has been a great addition but the backlog of kits and projects is driving me crazy. I know I mentioned FNF and Friday night was quite a hoot but for now, I will just download the photos and get them erased from Marilyn's camera. No stories will be committed to writing, stop over and let's run the Minnesota Heartland. I might bore you with a few stories. Will say there were quite a number of Canadians visiting also, none were S Scalers but great folks and knew how to have a good time. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Short Friday Night
Early morning so Friday night is short. This was a good week, Monday evening was spent on the Burlington installing another custom curved turnout. Still have the frogs to put in but it allowed Steve to get the arrival and departure tracks laid. He has to cross a bridge and extend this lead into an industrial area and beyond so it will keep him out of trouble for a while. One more curve to create, really must just roll the rail into a smooth curve using the Fast Tracks rail roller and then start building to fit the space. This put me onto a tight schedule for the NMRA clinic on Thursday but it went well, the Division meeting had over 40 people there and over 20 built the kit project. We used a Lake Jct. tool house. It is a nice little kit and useful for so many more things than just a tool house. We also made the cement pad Paul Scoles wrote about in the January RMC. Seemed to work well so I am going to try it on the layout. I was happy to see the Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop was well represented. I didn't see much of the thread about S and the NMRA a few weeks ago. We don't seem to have much a problem with the locals respecting S because we are there and they cannot help but appreciate our modeling. I don't care the NMRA has no track gauge, it would be redundant to what the clearing house sells so what's the deal? On the other hand if it is not your thing, fine. Just made a list of what needs to be done on the Minnesota Heartland before I can step back from the layout and finish some other projects I want to do. I put new light fixtures in the back layout room and that is really nice. I will move my work space back there which will be more efficient and allow me to finish the Pine River area. Darn inconvienent that I have to spend a week in Mexico keeping an eye on my little brother, sipping cool adult drinks and watching for malfunctioning swimsuits when I could be here in frigid Minnesota doing constructive work on the Railroad. Anyway, I gotta get away from this computer. Nothing gets done while I am at this keyboard. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Elevators
Elevators for the 70's? Wow that really depends, there were still the small town elevators, some larger COOPs and then the transfer elevators where grain goes from rail to barge or ship. Heck around here, the 40 foot boxcar was still critical for hauling grain well into the 70's. But for the common Country elevator, the American Model Builders Elevator is still a gem if you can find one. They show an HO one on their website that is not the same as the kit I build in the 80's maybe. There was a great article in MR about kitbashing an elevator in HO that shows some good variation. Sorry i don't have an extra to offer. Jeff Saine and I are going to be building grain terminals for rail to water transfer. Nothing out of the box works but it should be doable. I do have a number of photos of country elevators around the midwest and a nice book of elevators I picked up a couple years ago. Would be glad to help out if I have images that would help you but I think if you can get a kit off someone's shelf to start with, you would be in good shape. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Year end greeting
I might not be awake at the end of the year but I am sure it will be 2012 when I wake up. Things like that happen without my assistance or supervision. The year ended on a good note, made lots of progress on the layout and worked with Steve on his Chicago yard. There are a couple other layouts being built in the PPSSW and many good projects. Marilyn's sister and family are visiting for a couple days so I am taking an operational pause. I would like to run a day's turn to Centralsota to greet the new year, don't know if I will get the chance but nice to know it is ready to go. Next week, I need to get the Twin Cities Division NMRA January Clinic finished up and then I have some turnouts to build for me, Jeff and Steve. I am building a number 6 turnout for Jeff in Code 100 with closed frogs. I think closed frog means a wide flange wheel will go through it. Anyway, the idea is that he can have smaller rail in his yard and sidings, when it is painted and weathered, it will enhance the look of his yard scene. We have some pretty good modelers building layouts in the area who still have the larger flange wheels. It is where they started and maybe the last hold out feature of their younger days of modeling. don't bother complaining, they don't care and neither do I. I hope you all have a safe evening and great 2012. Sure would like to see folks come visit the Heartland. By the way Bob, I enjoyed the little vignette of your layout and will share mine. I have a longer write up done but don't think think it should be posted. I guess a file would be OK if there is any interest in that sort of thing. Regards, Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Model Tech
George, Thanks for the link. The Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop visited last night, my posting had been noticed and several of the guys volunteered great reports on the product line. Jeff talked of putting in an order this weekend so I will ask him to add some things for me. The phone booths look like they will be just the thing. I forgot to ask if anyone knew anything about the U33's. Seems to me they were going to be available in December. Maybe that is a less important question for me as I added another RS-11 to my roster last night. Speaking of the PPSSW, this was truely an amazing night, there was a great deal of work done in the Workshop. Guys brought projects of their own, others worked on the layout and at the end of the night almost as much was done as said. So nice to be in S Scale where guys are so friendly and get along well. I wish everyone a happy and peaceful new year. Keep the wheels rolling and the rails shining. I gotta go, I am helping Steve Doyle on his layout today, he has Model Tech things to show me but I doubt he has anything solid on the U-33. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Wed night ramble
Just got up from the basement where I have been preparing for the last PPSSW meeting of the year. Last week a few guys came over and when they left, I had a long task list. I selected the task of installing more lighting in the back layout room. This was a pretty big task but one that would be nice to get out of the way before the guys came over. The tasks left were also ones I could more easily share. Let me offer my endorsement for the quality of the River Raisin Turbines. I had a set and they were great runners and strong pullers. Having a Granger railroad, this engine wouldn't fit in but when they came out, I just had to have one. That is the same thing with my Zephyr, it was such a nice model I needed one. It was fun to run around for a while but now it is a display piece. Anyone put their hands on the Model Tech octanglular phone booth? It looks like what the Northern Pacific used so I am interested in what they really are. Thanks for any insights. Gotta go, guests coming, need to prepare. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Photos in 2011 projects
The link from the Denver Post is nice. The full file of these photos thousands of them is available at the Library of Congress site. I have gone through only one photographer, Vachon who did a great deal of work around Minnesota. It was 9000 files but I have 100 great shots which I have shared with Rail Historical groups in the area. I don't recall the photographer who did the Chicago scenes but Steve Doyle may. These were the photos Steve used as an inspiration for his Chicago skyline scene. I am hopeful Steve will post his photos of the addition he made to the coach yard. He smashed a larger hole in the concrete wall to run longer tracks into the Passenger yard. The long tracks are where he stores his California Zephyr. The other interesting change was blasting another hole at the back of the room and through this he has run two more tracks that can be used for storing trains waiting their turn on the railroad. The original design for this area was to have a turntable and roundhouse but the roundhouse had to go to add more trackage for his passenger fleet. The turntable was not eliminated. It is now used to turn motive power for both storage areas. I am sure the photos will make this all very clear when Steve posts them. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} cobblestone
Hi folks, anyone out there done a cobblestone street? I have one photo from the 30's, the cobblestone looks to be a bit larger than bricks smooth from wear but with more relief. I am considering some O scale brick material. Appreciate any ideas. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Weekend fun
Well the turnout off the mainline is back in and I am looking at several options to create the siding and the interchange track. The driver is creating the hole in the wall feel. I may want to get a few more eyes to look at it and give me some advice. Visited with the guy who is sponsoring the Sn3 meet to be held here in 2013. He has a nice Sn3 layout building and is interested in having some of us Standard gaugers involved and some layouts on tour. Steve Doyle's layout is first on the list so I volunteered him (OK Steve?) but hey is is 16 months out so Steve will have time to heal from the last two hole we punched through the wall and find a spot to punch another hole or two. I know the Sn3 group has many great modelers so I am interested in being involved just to see what I can learn. At one point, I heard teh U33's were going to be December. I guess I may see Ben tomorrow and he might know a date for tehm but if anyone on the list has current information, please share it. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Thursday rambling
Last weekend, Steve Doyle sent me a photo of his progress, it inspired me to do some work. I added in a PCX4 to route power to the four blocks or districts of my layout. Dave Hamilton has this on his layout and it makes power routing and trouble shooting easier. It was an easy install. Still not up to what Steve had done so I wanted to start another project. I choose one that began with negative progress. I tore out the interchange trackage between Marilyn and DaRange hidden storage. As most projects do, this got a bit more involved as i wanted the new trackwork to look better as well as be smoother. Going through my trackwork drawer, I found a number 10 old pullman turnout kit. i checked it against my diagram and found it was a bit short of the spec for number 10 but still a nice kit. I have taken it apart and will build it piece by piece to make sure it works well. Funny, the number 10 was put away because I had no room for it and now I am using it in a place where a number 5 could work but the number 10 just makes the trackwork look better. Besides, it was an area I had extra room. I will get a photo posted when the turnout is complete and installed. My schedule cleared up so tonight I am going to Jeff Saine's house for a PPSSW meeting. Jeff has been building and then unbuilding his layout sine the convention in 2010. Each of his ideas has been good, it will be nice to see what he is doing. I will not bring my number 10 project but I will bring my turnout making jigs to produce a turnout or two while I am visiting. By the way Steve... why have you not posted that photo of the expansion of the coach yard? I know your fans would appreciate that and it would show that when all is said and done, we occasionally do get something done up here in the PPSSW. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} say it aint so Mr. ed
Penguins and Polar Bears are not in the same place and don't get along? How can that be I saw on TV a baby penguin slides downhill and a polar bear give him a Coke. Sometimes I think I am just too gullible. Oh well. Hey, today I met Ron Kemp at Steve Doyle's house and we punched a couple of holes in concrete walls. Seems Mr. Doyle has bought more trains and is running out of space to put track to put trains. I wonder if we are not close to doing structural damage to the supporting walls but he is the boss, he says hole here and we punch it out. Interesting about all of this is that he actually now has a couple of new places to put track work that could add some great operational flexibility. Plus of course getting the California Zephyr off the mainlines lets him run other trains. Well as much as it would be fun to work on the layout, tonight I am going out with Marilyn, a little culture if you will. I told her that is why I eat yogurt, to get active culture. Doesn't seem to exactly cut it. This is serious, I even need to shower, it has gotten cold and I thought I could put that off until May or so. Sorry to interrupt the current string of angst, hope you all have a great week. My thanks to Don and Mike for working so hard to keep SHS alive, to the Ron brothers for all they do, to Billy, Bob and all the other folks who serve our scale. I still find there is more available than I could buy anyway. Then there is all the stuff hiding below the layout that I forgot I already bought but I am sure I needed at the time if not now. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Weekend Report
Well, I managed to get a few things done, Bill, your package has been shipped, like so many other projects around here it has suffered paralysis of analysis. I created the window openings for another piece of my view block but I have been vexed by the feeling that the view block was not placed correctly. I have been pondering this problem and think that I need to try a change before I go any further on the construction of Pine River and Bohemian Flats. I need to get past this and then get away from scene building for a while and enjoy another part of the hobby. I spent a couple of hours over at Dave Hamilton's operating on his Burlington Route, great fun. He has a wonderful layout, it operates well and there are many fun positions to select. I ran a turn this time but have done the yardmaster and road freight engineer also. Still, I must say that I do enjoy the operations of an S Scale layout. The Pines and Prairies Wall Wrecking Crew awaits with hammer drill, sledge hammers and saws all. Prepared for the opportunity to create cement dust and mayhem in Steve Doyle's basement. We are all working on collaborating alibis so that we may be spared the wrath of she who must be obeyed in the Doyle household. There is a time when a man must stand on his own two feet, at such a time he can count on true friends who would face any wrath with him. I hope he can find a few. A last bit, I still have for sale a four car Zephyr, DCC installed that would look good under someone's tree as a gift for the S Scale modeler with impeccable tastes. Well Monday awaits. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} New Decal
Sorry, I think I may have found an error in the decal set. Isn't Porkopolis in Washington D.C. ? Just wondering. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Friday Night Fun
Actually trying to get some things completed and that includes a trip to ship off a box that just needed to be declared done long ago. Sometimes little things seem to get lost behind the dumbest things. I notice I seem to start looking for something and then never get to it because I find all sorts of other interesting things I just need to look at. I also uploaded a couple of little videos from the Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop. If you search I used the tags S Scale Trains and they are under ideaz151. Hope they are findable. Well back to it, the computer seems to be one of the things that gets me sidetracked the most. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} got sucked in
I have been skipping the list this week, it seemed like all rehashing of old stuff but when I say Jim Kindraka got sucked in, I had to see what was up. Well, it the weekend so what the heck. I realize it sucks to be in S Scale, I figured that our about 50 years ago when I couldn't go down to the hobby store and buy whatever I felt I needed. Sure it got a bit better for a while but building a layout is still a pain because I need to make many of my own turnouts. Now my biggest gripe is that I don't have time to spend working on the layout, nothing new there, same old problem. Oh yes, I have not run the layout much this last year but it only took about ten minutes to be up and running fine for an open house. I bought a few new engines through the SHS sale and they run great, look great and I am delighted. Hey, the Pines and Prairies get to be involved in the digging and hole busting projects also. We are calling in Ron Hammer Drill Kemp, Ben the voice of structural reason and a couple of other who can wield a sledge hammer to bust a couple more holes in Steve's basement to add more railroad. If there is anything good about the slowdown in new product, it keeps Steve from adding more things that he just has to fit on the layout. Anyway, I need to go do things, enough self pity because I didn't change to HO 50 years ago when I had the chance but I can't change now. I just have too much stuff in S. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} cheep? I wouldn't go there
Ed, Personal opinion is that if cheep is one of the criteria then the person will be destine for a quick exit from the hobby. Things like benchwork, sub-roadbed, wiring and such done cheep will not perform reliably over time and make the hobby frustrating. There is logic for controlling costs but I am not sure how one would present that as it means trimming and how one would trim would be a personal decision. A suggestion is to talk about starting with modules like the NASG standard, FreeMo or whatever is popular in your area so a layout can become operational and costs can be controlled. Ken Z Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} U boat
Bob, The NP had mixed results with them also. They were rarely used alone, most typically they were mu'ed with SD45's. The railroad felt they pulled well at speed but didn't do well getting a train started. The SD45 was great for getting a train started, after that horsepower was horsepower I guess. Still on a model railroad, I hope I never have so much wind turbulence that parts start falling off. We have some blow hards but not much wind blowing with the PPSSW. Of course we could take this conversation another way but naw. I understand from DesPlaines that the drive in the SD45 is designed to mu very well with the U33. I recall Lionel has been delaying this project for some time so if the SD45's come first, that would be fine. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} operations
Bob and all, Brooks has great advice, there are many good resources available but perhaps the best resource is to operate on a few layouts and find what you like. Your operation can be as simple as send a train out with six cars and have it work every industry with the goal of having six different cars at the end to a 14 day rotation of all your cars and industries. The more complex, the more of a challenge to get it set up but some folks like that part of the hobby just like some people want an electronic wonder or the finest scale detail. Look for the balance you enjoy after all, it is your railroad. Operating adds another neat dimension to the hobby and it comes with no strings attached.. Sorry, couldn't resist. ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} paints and such
I did not know latex paint would allow moisture in until I read it here recently. Do acrylic paints have the same characteristic? How about if you use a Latex primer such as Kilz? To Thorin's question, I seal all wood kits. If the colors allow, I start with a light coat of primer, hot rod red or light grey whichever is better for the top coat. A new technique I have used is to stain the wood with art pens, this is particularly great when doing windows as there is no build up. I then seal the wood after with the clear overcoat, Dullcote or Matt Medium. Even if I prime the wood structure, I seal the top surface just in case. Thorin, bring kits next time you visit the Twin Cities and bring them by to work on with us. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Time for some self-flatulation
As you go off on the regular battle of the scales and what if, I though I would mention that at least half the guys who visited the Minnesota Heartland this weekend did mention that they feel S is the perfect size and if only. Well, I have heard that before and feel that there will be darn few who follow through but that is their loss not mine. I did have one visitor who just moved into the area. He is an experienced modeler and operator in HO but acknowledges he really thinks S is great. I found he didn't have a layout and would not be building one for a while so i invited him to visit again with his wife (who is also a model railroader) and that they could become part of the PPSSW. When he builds, will he build HO again. Perhaps, he has an extensive inventory of HO freight cars and motive power but if he helps us build our layout and perhaps builds a piece or two in S, I see that as a bonus. Before someone tells me off about what a slacker I am when promoting the scale, I also coordinate the clinics for our local Division of the NMRA. S is always featured with every other scale, you would be hard pressed to consider us an obscure minority scale in the Twin Cities. I just cannot spend to much time worrying about something I cannot control. Anyway, I am happy that the top of the layout is clean and the trains are running well. If I stick to one project at a time, it may stay that way for a while. Just to help that I am going to have another open house for the railroad on the 5th of November for friends, neighbors and their kids. In the evening, I may invite the local model railroading community to stop by so they can see what they are missing if only Remind me to warn my neighbor. Have a good week. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Weekend Fun
This week I am able to have fun Friday night and Saturday but the real fun started last Thursday when the Pines and Prairies guys came over to help me get ready for an open house this evening. Ted Larson was key in getting every car and engine running flawlessly. I think we will have a good show. I was cleaning that night and a bit every night since. I cleaned last night and was busy cleaning today. I got to the point where I had enough clean surface where I could place temporary track work down to show how the next phase of the layout would look. When I did, I found out the existing track work that I would match up with would not make for a good looking industrial area, crazy geometry, What could I do? Cleaning was put on hold and I tore out 4 number 5 old pullman turnouts. They were not at the correct angle, they suffered from the corrosion issue many of the older turnout kits had and frankly they don't work as well as a turnout built with Fast Track jigs. 50 minutes and they were gone and I had another mess. 10 minutes with the vacuum and I am back where I started. Right now I need to leave to go pick up the next batch of operators for Dave Hamilton's layout. We are hosting Minn-Rail, we have 90 operators in town from all over the country and even one from Austriallia. When I get these guys delivered, I am coming back to resume cleaning. I will not be distracted Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Weekend fun exhaustion
What a great time, the last of the guest just left and the railroad ran great. Thanks to Ted Larson and Dave Aanerud of the PPSSSW for their assistance. I did stay on task for the rest of the day but there is still cleaning to be done. The great news is if I take out only one project at a time, things will stay neat. There is always a good story from an event like this and tonight it came from the final group who arrived about 10:30. When they came in there was quite a commotion and i found out that the group leader, a guy I have known many years knew where I lived so when they drove up, he lead the group up to the door and walked right in. to my neighbor's house. Fortunately, they have lived across from us over 30 eyars so this will just be one more crazy story about living across from Ken Zieska. Now back to our regularly scheduled life. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} As August comes to an end
You can almost feel the change of season here in the north country. While I have been spending most of my time outside, I have been working on some structures that I have had in progress too long. I saw a long string of posts on structures. the American Model Builders grain elevator was mentioned. I think that is a fantastic kit, I wish I had a couple more of them. My focus for the last bit has been brick urban buildings like I see in the turn of the century industrial areas of the Twin Cities. I found the Imagine That line last summer and I have been building these structures with their components. While at the NMRA, I mentioned that I liked their building concept but could not use their buildings as designed. I also mentioned I use more flats that full buildings. They have allowed me to buy wall sections and even to modify some of their wall sections to do what I needed. In addition, I use a little strip wood to raise a foundation or wall cap just to provide a different look. I have been very pleased with the results. I will post updated photos in the mhry west photos. I have been left alone too long with my thoughts and now I think I am going to make another line change. Not as serious as a complete rebuild but what I feel will be a small but significant change to create a little smoother operation and facilitate interchange. You folks out east have been in my thoughts this weekend. Stay safe and dry. Well enjoy the final weeks of summer, I have some negative progress to make on the layout so I am out of here! By the way if anyone out in the wide world sees Steve Doyle, send him home. He has been traveling too long. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Regrets
Andre, As an S Scale vet myself, perhaps with a few more years of experience, I can associate with your angst. Some of my issue is the evolution of what type of railroad I am interested in modeling, some caused by what became available and some by my maturing tastes. You can take some consolation in knowing you don't have stacks of things you no longer need but that was friends are for. Recently I traded a couple freight cars I no longer needed to Jim Brown for a building he no longer needed. It was a stretch but the building too nice to let go out of the area. Sure enough, it wasn't right for the space I had but Dave Hamilton saw it and thought he might have a good use for it. Last Thursday, we visited Dave and the building fit his space perfectly. I am also doing another trade for freight cars with a famous S Scaler our west (no, not Ed although he is really famous). I can't help you with MP F units but I saw a Burlington A-B-A set with DCC and sound that was going up for sale. I am not sure what the asking price will be, I am thinking decked out that way 600.00 would be reasonable. I am considering them myself, the Burlington grey scheme could become NP freight pretty quickly. BTW, thank you for your contributions, you have been part of the inspiration to create larger industrial switching areas on the layout. It is really pretty realistic, I go in with earth moving tools, level hills and add urban buildings. Fortunately in 1963, we didn't have the huge environmental impact studies to finish first. Don, I remember too well from my business days. There are only two types of forecast, Lucky and Lousy. Who can figure what folks will buy? Ken Zieska Was it Frank who sang; Regrets, I have a few but then again, too few to mention.. like all of us, we do it our way. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Friday Morning
I am moving a bit slow today, the PPSSW guys came over and while they left at a reasonable time, I stayed up much later working on projects. We had a good time, Ron Kemp worked on his Chemical building, trimming up all the parts so he can assemble it, I worked on some of my scene blocks and discussed another small modification I may make to the railroad. I also picked up a video of the Rock Island from the 60's. Not the best camera work but considering how tough it would be to reshoot the scenes, it is a fun look. I was asked off line about the Smokey Mtn. drive, but the return link failed. I like it and suggest to anyone with questions to follow the link to the 44 tonner project. There is a good photo on the page. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} From the land of sky blue waters
Wow folks, this was a good week to try to keep up with the list, great conversations and I like the video Bill, inspiring, seems that no matter how simple, it is fun to see what others are doing. The Pines and Prairies group met out in Winsted, about 40 miles west of Plymouth. We typically see Jim Brown's WUT or Winsted Union Terminal in January but he was under going a big change and didn't want our meddling. Good plan Jim. Anyway, he made a large double loop that is cleverly hidden so you are not sure that is all that portion is until you watch carefully. In addition, he has two peninsulas that come into the middle of the circle which will provide nice operations. This is his second major rebuild in three years, the first had him raise the level of the benchwork so now his duck under is just that, you only have to duck, now crawl into the layout. Well done. Perhaps Ben will post some photos of the unique modeling he has done. I received my NMRA magazine and Brooks Stover has made the cover and he has another great article inside. Brooks is an MMR and sure does a great job on his layout. I have operated there also and can speak for how well the layout does with prototype operations. Amazingly great publicity for S! This week the PPSSW is going to meet here and I will have a bit of progress to show and some projects for them to work on. With my lack of productive work, you would think I was a congressman. As usual, the great variety of things that model railroading allows me to do is one of the problems. I get distracted by other neat things I want to accomplish. Every time I see Jim's height change, i wish I could do the same. It would be easier to level the house and start over than raise the layout. I guess I could dig out the basement floor. Andre, in the Pines and Prairies Ming the merciless, would seem to violent for our group, do you thing you would be OK with being the Mingster or Ming-a-ling? More important, the point Bill and you made really ring true. I really like the Northern Pacific but even picking a small time period, I could never do justice to it. Thinking about your idea of the KC bottoms area is intriguing. I have operated on a couple of interesting terminal railroads here and in KC. One of the real fun aspects they bring is the opportunity to run many types and paint schemes of motive power. My major not railroad distraction is finishing a movie project for Steve Doyle that features his Dad's speech before a Rotary club last November. The speech was on his participation in WWII. I am also helping my Uncle Gordy put his memories of WWII in the Pacific down on paper. Many great stories of history that have not been documented. Well, if anyone is in the Minneapolis area Thursday, come on over and visit with the Pines and Prairies. The Minnesota Heartland allows no weapons on its property, leave your potato guns at home. Bill, if you make more decals, I would like to buy a few sets so I can interchange with your railroad. Andre, actually, my issue with Ming the Mercilless is that I have not been able to come up with a good handle like that for myself. I am working on that for my next career. Have a great week, Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} datin' Rocky
Holy Cow guys, this group has gone far afield from discussing model railroading. Not that I would be one to lay blame, I have been know to sling a little bull cow paddies from time to time. However, to the point, the GN guide to freight cars suggests that the big Rocky showed up in 67, if you subject yourself to Pig Sty blue, that color would be 69. The green NP car Bob referred to was a 69 product, when the Brainerd car shops were directed to start paining everything BN green even though the merger would be held up 18 more months. Most interesting news from the Pines and Prairies is that last Thursday we visited Jim Malone. After a couple minutes reviewing his layout, we boarded Jim's pontoon for a cruise on beautiful Rice Lake. Yes, it was one of the few weeks we are without ice on Minnesota lakes. We got to the middle of the lake and Jim stopped the pontoon and said, I have to show you guys something. Under the circumstances, this became an awkward moment, watching Jim reach under a tarp for something that looked lethal. We breathed easier when Jim announced he was going to fire his potato cannon. First he rammed a nice big potato down the 4 foot barrel then he opened the breach and shot in about 3 seconds of hair spray. The breach was sealed and the igniter fired. The potato shot high into the air and landed about 300 feet in front of the boat. While this was fun, lacking any live targets we asked Jim how high it would shoot. Well what better way to do test this than shoot it straight up. My years of field artillery experience suggested to me this idea was not without risk but what the heck, no use letting good sense get in the way of a little fun. The weapon was loaded, fully charged and the projectile sent rocketing skyward and out of sight. It was at this point that the inherent danger of this experiment became clear to most of the guys and the sky was searched for traces of the flying spud. Soon young Ben picked up the plunging projectile and noted it was coming down pretty close to the pontoon, raising Jim Malone's pucker factor and raising the octave of everyone else's laughter. Good fortune was with us, we had been drifting slowly to starboard and the spud splashed 3 feet to port but directly midship. Had we remained stationary, the nice awning of the pontoon would have taken the impact. Dave Jasper was seen at this point calculating the physics of that circumstance, I being pretty much directly under the spot where that impact would have taken place thanked Saint Barbara, Patron Saint of the Field Artillery for watching out for me. The Pines and Prairies will be visiting here in two weeks, I have no similar activities planned. Well, heck, back to all the fun guys Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Checkin' in
Hello to everyone out in S land. It is a bit warm here in Minnesota, heat index about 110, now I know that is nothing to many of you but it is unusual here. Needless to say, the ice is off the lakes. Reminds me of a NASG Convention in New Jersey many years ago. Yesterday, we hosted our annual Blues picnic, nice crowd, the heat made us feel we were on the Delta, Saturday night the Northern Pacific Historical Association convention closed out, it has been a busy time. The next few weeks look pretty open so i hope to escape the heat by hiding in the basement working on the trains, with any luck, I might even catch up with some of the Pines and Prairies guys. keepin' cool, Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Chuck
Jim, I recall events where I would see Chuck's rumbled old engineer's cap across the room and seeing it as an omen that it would be a fun gathering. I also recall times when it was Chuck's distinctive voice that would foretell his arrival and as Bob recalls I heard many great stories told under that hat in that distinctive voice. When we were younger, these stories would last deep into the evening.. not too deep, he had to get back to Pat. I am sure he was a great teacher and decades of students are the better for that. He is missed. Regards, Ken Zieska BTW Jim, thanks for posting that shot and the Morgan piece, together they help me for a great lasting memory for Chuck. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Bob W
Hey Bob, Found you message on the house phone, sorry, I don't use it often. Anyway could make out your number over the drawl. Give me a call on my cell when you get time Ken 763-232-3455 Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Interchange?
Ah, you got me on this one. I like the idea of knowing about industries on other people's layouts with the idea that I can send cars to interchange points on my layout with the thought they are traveling somewhere, visiting someone else's layout. Hard core operators are not interested in that much story which is fine but that type of story is enjoyable to me. Some commodities are more regional but even if the first commodity was regional, the cars, particularly boxcars routed all around the country. I recall an article that tracked a boxcar's trip crossing the country over and over again. There was also an article in the Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association magazine about a boxcar shortage that was caused because the NP sent cars east loaded and the railroads would not send them back. It was during the decline of the eastern roads prior to consolidation and so much of their fleet was deadlined. In addition to buying rebuilt boxcars such as the 37 AAR cars (Pacific Rail), the NP bought a number of the Pennsy round roof style cars that originally were on the DTI and other eastern roads. Well anyway, with that in mind, I will be building a list of places to interchange with. Why, my railroad even has a Spiral Hill hopper on it that is in good enough shape to be used to haul sugar beets now that it is harvest time. Can't say for sure how a two bay hopper got off line and to Minnesota but it is not likely to get back east for interchange until after harvest. Sorry for the interruption, you can get back to whatever you were really talking about. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} turnouts
Dick makes a good point on the number 6, it is too short however, I have these placed all over on my layout, on industrial spurs and they work just fine. I have a Fast Tracks number 5 jig that I am using to make new turnouts and again, these are just great in my industrial areas. I don't use long wheelbase locomotives, a majority of my freight cars are 40 foot with some 50 foot and a couple of special use cars that are longer. The special use cars do not visit my tight industrial spurs. I even hate to say but I have a spur with an approach curve so tight that an SW-1 and 40 foot boxcar don't like it, I never send 50 foot cars there. It is what I had to do to get the scene. Dave Hamilton of the PPSSW has the 6's and 8's in his switching layout and they work great. He likes them because he can change the track work anytime he wants. and that has been every four or five months. When I have some spare time, I do some maintenance on the 6's and 8's adding in a new throw bar, powering the diverging rails and isolating the frogs. It is not necessary but I think it makes them a bit more DCC friendly. Again Dave does not do this, he just keeps his track and turnouts clean. What a concept! Dick's point is also good on the Tomalco. these are good turnouts but you should check all of the critical dimensions. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} FNF , checking in and such
Hi guys, I have had some time to work on my scenic view block structures. It is slow work because I am designing as well as building as I go. I brought one of them to the NMRA meeting on Thursday and enjoyed discussing view block ideas and showing off my creation. Bob, thanks for the discussion about the changes you are making on your railroad. I think it is just great that you can operate trains like you do. I think the S Fest is down your way next year and you are on the way. If we have some guys going down, perhaps I can get dropped off for a day of operations? The Twin Cities area is hosting an invitational operations weekend this fall. While my layout will not be ready for it, I have offered to be open for touring which may allow some low key operations. KC sends a group, perhaps I can talk Mike, Dave and some of the other KC guys in riding along. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Checkin in
Hi guys, Just stopping by to say hello and share some Minnesota news. I put a call into Steve Doyle this morning, I am concerned our friend might be in a bit of a funk since the Irish Lad was not able to hold a three stroke lead on the last day of the Masters. He is a fun golfer to watch and he will mature but it is tough to grip a golf club properly with both hands around your throat. I did hear there was some relief when he didn't win, green wasn't his color, the sport coat would have clashed with his eye color Last week the PPSSW was at Dave Jasper's and he is looking at a new option for his museum. the week before, we were at Ben's. I always enjoy seeing his layout. I brought all of the scenic view block buildings I am working on and we set them up to visualize what options Ben might have. I also brought along my River Raisin Milwaukee Road Caboose, Ben has Milwaukee motive power and I don't at this point so I thought it would be a good idea to get the caboose run in a bit at Ben's. I installed all my new lighting and it makes a great difference. It does demonstrate that I need to get down cleaning also. I bet get to it. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} history
I am trying to recall the year Tomalco flex track and Shinohara flex track became available. I remember starting my layout here in 1978 and hand laying track for some time. I am sure someone out there will know. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} FNF , checking in and such
Been a busy time here in the frozen tundra. We thought that we had spring here but then we got another 1/2 inch of freezing rail and then six inches of snow. Frankly, I am tired of this and looking forward to the change of seasons. Found the string about something wrong with the group tough to follow, did we determine it is loose nuts at the keyboard to be the issue? There was something about cabeese, if you mentioned the cabeese kits that Des Plaines sells, they were produced for him by Mullet River, a small community outside of Green Bay, named for some hockey player with a bad haircut I think. Paul Riley imported a nice brass wide vision caboose many decades ago, I am sure there are a number of these under and on layouts around the world. This week the Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop visited the Minnesota Heartland. One project downstairs has been fixing lights. Seems after 25 years (maybe 35?) ballasts start failing. I am replacing them with high efficiency ballasts and bulbs. As Walt pointed out, a new fixture is just as inexpensive, true but I like going high efficiency and saving energy. The guys gave me some good feedback on my view block projects, I will update the photos of the project in my file later this week. Ben downloaded some photos he took of Steve's layout and I will post them also this weekend. Steve has been busy when he is in town and there are some nice new scenes that I want to share with you. I will also call Ron at Des Plaines to get an update on the convention car, we appreciate everyone's understanding of the situation and look forward to getting these cars to everyone. I hope to hear news on the DS-45 project also. Walt Jopke is really chaffing at the bit on this one. he and I will both create lashups of these in Northern Pacific. walt suggests he will do a couple in the Pig Sty Blue Great Northern scheme. What a shame. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} cab colors
Bob, The SOO LIne, NP, GN and MNS all had the light minty green interior color on their diesils. I don't recall being in a Milwaukee cab but the bay window caboose that is in the museum has the light green interior. Ken Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} projects
Putting in a couple of new fixtures today, wondering how many lumens a guys needs in his layout room. There is data for office, retail and schools and a special section for making lighting friendly for the elderly which is getting close to hitting home to me. Caused me to think about the question of what are we doing. Neat thing is this hobby allows us to do so much, we can keep busy and still have too much left which makes us think we are not doing anything or much. Because I tend to experiment with projects, I rarely do things the simple way, because I get distracted from time to time, I often do not get closure on a project. I was pretty focused on getting operational, this caused me to take on a track rebuilding project. I ran into the Imagine That folks and got some of their pieces which distracted me to build the view block structures I wanted for the new track work I was building. Then the lighting, a historical presentation for the NMRA, fixing lights and oh heck. My friends who are active in operations generally feel that scenery is a distraction and not necessary. Asking if they really wouldn't like a building to represent an industry now represented by a folded 3 x 5 card, they will look at you and say why? Why indeed, I guess that is part of the fun, we all have our own why. In the PPSSW, we also have a guy who builds models but doesn't have a layout. From time to time, he wants to sell a model to make room for something else. For that reason, we all watch Tom carefully when he walks in. If he is carrying something it is wise to corner him and find out what he has. If he has something to sell, it rarely gets beyond the first person to hear and never beyond the second. Well, after calculating lumens, it will be light temperature, then what color to paint one of the view block buildings and then do I want a loading shed or awning for the other. I still need to finish my H10-44 and determine what railroad to model the second one in. Of course there is the new track work in Pine River to finish, an article to write and some layout photos to take with Steve and Jim Malone. Just like life in the beaver colony. One dam thing after another. Beats the alternative. Hey, while moving stuff around I found my four car Zephyr that I intend to sell and an RS32 in CNW scheme that is kinda excess. The RS32 was featured in an S Gaugian article if you want to see it. Ken ZIeska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Stranded
Well, Minnesota received a huge snow storm and I get stranded in the sunshine, my bad luck. If I were at home, this opportunity would allow me more basement time. Fortunately for me, Steve Doyle keeps me informed about all the things he is getting done. Saw the note about Shinohara (sp) turnouts. Bob is correct, like flex track, the rail may pop out of the ties over time and use. I know of turnouts on my railroad and Dave Hamilton's that have been in use 30 years with out this issue. If you keep your track and points clean, there is no contact issue, I don't like to rely on the rail for contact any more (see part one for why) and a part of my ongoing maintenence is to tie the point and stock rail together electricaly and isolate the frog, powering it with the tortose, blue point or other method. My latest is the hex frog jucier which is the most simple. When I do this on the Shinohara turnouts, I use one PC board tie for the points, one to tie the point and stock rail together and one to isolate and power the frog. At times I add a couple more which makes the assembly even stronger. One spot I particuarly like to add the tie is the end of the turnout where there is the most stress. These tuenouts were built as most HO turnouts were some years ago, the HO turnouts have been updated, note these. Some say these are Scenery Supply exclusives but there was an importer in Canada who sold these, SU may only have the US exclusive. I have a photo at home of what I do if you would like to see it. The number 6 isn't correct, people say it is a 5 or 5-1/2. They work great in a freight yard or siding, I hear a 60 foot passenger car doesn't look good going through them, no suprise there, long passenger cars don't look particularly great going through a number 8, it is just part of the compromise we make because of space limitations. Over the years, there have been may stones thrown at the Shinohara turnout so they are easy to find at a low price, 15 minutes of work and you have what is commonly called a DCC friendly turnout. The best operating turnouts I have are built with Fast Tracks jigs but like anything else, they are subject to missuse or assembly error like bad solder joints. Enjoy, Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} The perfect storm?
Wow guys, we seem to have it all going at one time, rail size, turnouts, what we need, promotions, animosity. Sorry I have been tied up and will be leaving for the rest of the week and miss all the fun. Last week, I accomplished little on the layout as I focused on the Twin Cities Division of the NMRA meeting. I felt we had a good meeting, we set up stations for airbrushing, static grass, weathering and wood finishing/kit building. The contest/display was sound equipted locomotives. A good idea but not so good in reality as you couldn't hear the sound very well in the large roundhouse space. Steve Doyle brought one of his big steam engines with Tsunami sound. I know this engine will knock your socks off on his layout but in the cavernous space, that was not demonstrated. The popular vote went along scale lines, HO voted for HO etc I received some nice feedback on the project photos I posted last week and as a result of good suggestions, the large industrial space will be the finished good side of a large mill complex. The covered loading space will be for bulk loading finished grain and a good spot to show off the airslide hoppers. The open loading area will be for boxcar loading of packaged product. On the other side of the viewblock, it will be teh receiving side of a large mill complex. I think I will make a two sided sign, one side saying Powdermilk Milling Pine River and the other side Powdermilk Milling Twin Ports I like the idea, connected building but miles apart on the layout and it will be a long journey for the cars to move from one end to the other. Well, have a good week, hope everyone gets all of this out of their system, I would like to discuss more modeling, operations, layout design ideas when I get back in town. Ken Zieska Hey Jim K. How many years ago was it I drove to your house in Milwaukee to set up the original module specifications and work on promotions? Wow, how time flies. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} checkin in
Good morning S Scale friends, good to see a nice positive thread has taken over the list again. Ron, I hope you are good to your word and went back to artwork for decals, you are not going to get much value here. Dick, I wanted to make another note on your thread. Like you, I review some kits and when I do, I follow the instructions the best I am able. If possible, I send a note to the manufacturer with my comments and observations when I am done with the kit or during if I have a question. I want to be fair and accurate. I may have noted that during the assembly of one kit I had a key part that was clearly too small. When I contacted the manufacturer, he looked into it and said that I was correct and sent me another. he also mentioned that he had sold a number of the kits over the months and I was the first to call his attention to that. In other communications with kit makers, they tell me their joy is in designing and making the kit and they don't enjoy doing instructions. As many are basement industries and they are doing neat things I appreciate I can be understanding. At a recent PPSSW meeting we had several kits from one manufacturer, we opened them up and looked inside. One of the guys looked at all the pieces and the spartan instructions and commented that this kit would be promptly closed up and put on the shelf if it was his. Sadly, this is too common so perhaps we need to spend a bit of time talking about things like that here. On the NMRA Regions and Divisions group the topic is Members Aid and how to help other modelers, it is my concern as the assistant superintendent of the TCD of the NMRA. Danny, you are not the only one excited about the SD-45, Walt Jopke's grin was so big I thought he would break a cheekbone. Thankfully, he wants the Great Northern Hustle Muscle and the Northern Pacific scheme, I was concerned he would want a GN Pig Stye blue paint scheme. After years of wanting, I have changed my layout to more industrial switching... still a pair of Northern Pacific SD-45's are a must have. Well guys I gotta go, I came across three folders of very historic photos deep in the bowels of the museum that I am scanning so they can be added to the data base and very sadly, I am attending a funeral for a guy who was a basketball coach for my daughter when she was in middle school. What a wonderful guy, he spent many hours working with young kids, keeping them in a gym and active, now he is gone. I was told, he took his own life, if true, I don't want to know or dwell on it rather to remember him for all the great things he did. Are we too quick to hate and jump to nasty particularly when behind the keyboard? Last weekend a survivor of the holocaust past away here in Minnesota. He often spoke at local schools and his closing comments always included this; If you need to hate hate-hate. I will still try to get some photos of the project I am working on for the 2011 project file in between everything. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} photos in 2011 projects
I uploaded three quick snap shots of the building project I am working on. It is the end of a scenic view block with industrial areas on both sides. These two scenes are actually opposite ends of the railroad, I didn't want the end of the view block on the aisle so this building is being built. In one shot, you see the Pine River side of the building. The lower floor of the building here will be loading dock with an awning over the dock and track. I am going to build a loading building for the second track (where the Heartland car is), this hides the fact that I raised the building way up. The end shot shows the building will be complete here but pretty plain, no doors or signage, on the top floor, I will add another short story in the middle of the roof for the elevator head house and the mechanical equipment. Finally, the last side is still in the imagination stage. It will angle in as you see but I may shorten it a bit then it will become a large milling complex. There are a number of tracks in front of this (under the construction mess) that will be the grain receiving yard of Bohemian Flats. All of these pieces are from ImagineThat, made in America North America, (oh smite me great moderator 8-) ) ImagineThat kits have very spartan instructions but they are working on them. I guess they could make instructions or kits, I am happy with the kits. My creation looks very little like the kit but I hope you agree that it shows how versatile the kit pieces are and how they can be used to create a nice scene. I may not be very prompt in responding but if someone has specific questions about how I am doing this or on the pieces I used, I will try to help. You see wall sections are still out, this is because I am still imagineering which ones I want where and in some cases considering making a blank brick wall section or perhaps a wall section with the windows cement blocked over. Gotta run, Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} more land?
Hi Bill, This area is near where the Airslides were last summer, just a bit further down the track. I was thinking that the covered loading dock would be a good place to spot Airslides as that could be the output side of the milling operation. Operations details such as that are a bit up in the air with all the redesign of the layout. The area will also have a three story building closer to the camera, to form an Urban Canyon look. Dick, I like your idea of doing Beta testing, perhaps at some point it can happen. In example, I will be happy to put miles on the SD45's. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} laser kits and such
Dick, I really enjoyed your comments. I rarely build a structure kit as it is intended, I will post photos of my current project this weekend. To your point, building this scenic viewblock has been difficult. I have a number of photos of prototype areas that give the feel I want and I have great raw materials in the ImagineThat pieces. Still, I need to make changes such as foundation heights, doors in different places, header detail and modifications to support the layout of my tracks. I make drawings and do mock ups using the building components, foamcore and anything else I can find. I have the benefit of the PPSSW guys dropping by to make comments and suggestions. I enjoy seeing photos of projects and layouts as they give me ideas and support my efforts. Bob, true a laser house or small building such as BTS or Bar Mills are tougher to kitbash as are the resin kits so I avoid them unless they exactly fit my needs I have done modification with Pine Canyon buildings with good success. Like I said, i will post a phot or two this weekend. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} MHRy Weekend Report
Hi guys, just got back from a long historical slide show. We spent about four hours looking at slides of the vintage days of railroading in the Twin Cities area. I really enjoyed the show. Thursday, the Pines and Prairies group met over at Jeff Saine's to see how he is doing on his rebuild. Jeff is making great progress, I brought over some of the ImagineThat industrial wall sections and some of the Sherwood building sides, Jeff had a few sides himself, so we make some mock up of designs. One that we left to mull over really looks great with a variety of heights and depths along his back wall. When Jeff has had some time to refine his idea, i will try to get a photo to post. I continue to build my scenic view blocks. I discovered another way to finish the blocks to get a lighter block color with a nice sooty finish. I am also blocking over some windows and changing the wall layouts so I have unique structures. I will post updated photos later this weekend. I am going to get one of the scenic projects done then set it aside so I can switch gears and work on a different project. I think that is the great thing about the hobby, I can enjoy a variety of modeling activities. I have seen some of the early shots taken of the Wataga area of the layout Steve is working on. I think it will be another great scene, I am sure you will see photos posted soon. Have a great weekend, we are wrapping up January, that feels good. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
{S-Scale List} Brick Color tests
Whether you consider yourself just another brick in the wall or are more of a brickhouse type, I put another image in the mhrywest album called brick color test. I used some knockouts from my ImagineThat panels to do some tests. I colored some brick before and after dull cote, both methods work, the color added after the dull cote looked smoother, before dullcote looked a bit more weathered. I can weather after dullcote so both methods work. I have samples untreated, ink washed only and colored with PrismaColor (Michaels), Copic/Sketch markers (Archeivers), Crayola and Roseart colored markers. Pretty tough to choose one, they all look good to me. The art store markers are more expensive so they must be the better examples, after all more cost is always better right? The top level second from the right has been weathered with chalk, the darker was wiped after application with a slightly damp cloth, the lighter weather was wiped with a cloth dipped in alochol. I know Steve uses Roberts mortar to get a white concrete look but by the time the 60's came around, the mortar was getting pretty dingy gray or black. This has all be enjoyable, I had hoped to find the correct answer but oh well the options all seem good to me. I will seal my final choice with dullcote (actually I use a cheap matt clear spray from the hardware store it is less expensive and seems to work just fine) because I like to seal wood to avoid any moisture issues. Well that is it, no great new progress to report, i will leave that to Steve, he owes us some new images anyway. Just a personal request, there are some albums that are really old and perhaps not even containing information of current interest in the S market. If any of these are yours and you deleted them, it would be easier for me to find new stuff in other albums. I gotta go but why are the Commodores signing in my head and where are my dollar bills. No...no, that was another Ken really. Ken Zieska Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: s-scale-dig...@yahoogroups.com s-scale-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: s-scale-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
