Re: Fw: Advice on O-gauge engine/track

["Ed Weltens" <eweltens@apcinc.com>]

Leslie, 
There are many things you can do to improve operation, reduce noise and replicate the lines you mentioned.  I would recommend a solid rail track like the ones produced by ATLAS and MTH to reduce noise.  I think a better selection of track is available from Atlas at this time.  Excluding the use of any switches or at least minimizing their use will go a long way towards trouble free operations.

I would recommend using locomotives with sealed can motors for the least noise and maintenance.  Most manufacturers use this type of motor in their newer models.

If you use a steam era locomotive you will have to regularly but not frequently apply lubrication to the side rods on the drivers.  Diesel locomotives need less maintenance yet they were not introduced until the 1940's.  My father and I have many diagrams, plans and research articles for equipment that belonged to the SA&AP and Katy.  We have had some custom painted equipment produced that we enjoy very much.  If you know what type of locomotive and rolling stock you want to haul on this rail line I could help you pick out appropriate Items.  Don't be afraid of the word 'custom' because we really didn't have to pay very much for the items we have had made.

I do have a few questions for you:

Do you have a budget for this project?

Do you plan on having an overhead/suspended line or running at a lower level?

How detailed do you want the layout/equipment to be?

Are there any items you want to model or a type of car you want to replicate?

Here is a website with information about the M-K-T "Katy" : http://www.katyrailroad.org/
I have more information on the SA&AP and other regional lines in print.  Let me know what you need specific advice on and I'd be more than happy to help.

Regards,

Ed Weltens
eweltens@apcinc.com

"Steve Wise" <swise@aoot.com> Sent by: ttat-members-owner@aoot.com 07/11/2002 10:52 AM Please respond to ttat-members

To:        "Ttat-Members@Aoot.Com" <ttat-members@aoot.com>         cc:        <lessharp@swbell.net>         Subject:        Fw: Advice on O-gauge engine/track

Dear Steve,

 

We are opening an espresso/cappuccino bar and cyber café in Lockhart.  Opening is scheduled for November, 2002.  We would like to incorporate a 0-gauge train set to run throughout our large facility, and would appreciate any advice on a model train that could run continuously with the least complications.  Track size will need to be about 100 linear feet, although we have not concretized our layout.   Also, we would like to have our model be consistent with 1900 circa SA & AP or Katy lines.  

 

Any advice?  

 

Thank you,

 

Leslie Harper