Re: proporal for standard industry modules

[Steve Wise <swise@aoot.com>]

Ira Schneider wrote:
> Steve,
> 
> This is an interesting idea.
> 
> However, of course, I have some concerns:
> 
> 1. Why O-54 turnouts, as opposed to O-72 or some other radius?

To make it all fit nicely.  O54 is fine for pushing freight cars in. 
But we could try O72.  I just thought O54 was big enough for almost all 
freight cars and switcher type engines.

> 
> 2. RCS track has very flimsy connector pins.  I don't know if they are good for
>     connecting moveable moduels.  (Of course, you are probably using them
>     for your turntable and transfer table modules.)

They work for our engine facility.  They are flimsy, but the owner of 
the industry module will have to deal with that.  In the pictures I 
sent, then O54 curve piece would be the "bridge track"...

> 
> 3. I am concerned that we will have turnouts going nowhere if we include the
>     ABCD modules in a layout and don't have interior modules connected to them.
>     There is the danger of a train running off the layout (i.e. the turnout gets
>     switched accidentally and we don't notice it until an engine sails off
>     into space.

We could put a bumper on it when not hooked up.  But yes, we have to 
worry about such things if we're going to do something other than let 
our trains run in a loop.

> 
> 4. It appears the scheme you are proposing uses a section of RCS or
>     Gargraves curved track to connect between the turnout and the industry
>     module.  Again, I would be concerned about the connections.
> 

We're doing ok with our engine facility modules that have been running 
for a few years now.  I've replaced maybe 2 pins so far.

> 5. Where will you get power for the track on the industrial modules?  Right
>     now, there is no provision for a power take-off from the main modules.
>     If you are using an independent power supply, that is an additional
>     requirement for every industry module.  If you want to use mainline 4
>     power, we need some way to provide it (like the take-offs I built for
>     the accessory modules).  Also, if you are proposing that each industry
>     module uses an independent transformer, we have to be able to supply
>     AC power to them.  We only have a limited number of extension cords.
>     Also, the transformers would have to be phased properly so they don't
>     interfere with our main transformers when the train crosses between the
>     blocks.

I guess we could build a harness to tap into the main line power.  Just 
like the ones you built.  Maybe the club could also provide one for each 
main line module that has the industry turnout.  Although if the switch 
turnout side is powered from the main, then the track leading into the 
industry would have track 4 power.  So simple industries don't need 
anything more than that.

I think we should seriously consider this to add more interest in our 
layout.  From what I've seen, folks really like watching the engines go 
in and out of the transfer table and turn table.  I think they would 
also dig watching trains cut out one or to freight cards and push them 
into an industry.  Just think of the possible wrecks!  :-)

Steve.