I really like this idea, but would like it more if we did the sidings off the existing industry modules Steve and Adrian built . We don't have to introduce any additional switches into the main tracks that way.
----- Original Message ----
From: scott a smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com>
To: ttat-members@aoot.com
Sent: Monday, July 2, 2007 10:28:30 PM
Subject: Re: proposal for standard industry modules
For short sidings as proposed and with new track, the switch could
provide sufficient track 4 power to the track and accessory without
additional wiring. Any power drain would be done by the guy running
on
track 4 so it probably would not be a problem since would not be running
when operating the accessory. Regardless, each switch module would need
a switch on the center rail after the switch so the power could be turned
off on the siding.
I have many years of practice with a siding module. I have used it
(rarely it seems) with some success and some problems. I have often
not taken the time to hook it up fully though.
I like the idea of additional sidings and small ones would be easy to
carry by the owner.
The track 4 tracks at the bridge track connections needs to be standard
pins.
Unfortunately, I have seen one engine hit the floor off of my switch and
have seen other engines decide to take the 45 degree cross over too. So
things do happen. WE would need to make sure that a switch is not
turned after set
up.
Modifications to the tracks need to be approved by the board, as well as
the ad on sidings.
Scott
On Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:42:14 -0500 Steve Wise <swise@aoot.com> writes:
> 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.
>
>
> ------
> TTAT members reflector.
>
>
------
TTAT members reflector.