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Re: proposal for standard industry modules



Edward Weltens wrote:
> 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.
> 

True.

However, the industry modules are now becoming an engine yard! :)  It 
still can be extended past the transfer table module and Y, not not on 
the turntable side (we wouldn't want through-traffic using the turntable 
IMO).  But the problem also is that it takes up too much room now.  So 
adding to it is exceeding our usual length.  We're already at 5 modules 
of length...

Having additional modules with the turnout of track 4 would allow adding 
these industries around the layout anywhere where we have a single 
module with this turnout.

Anyway, this is just food for thought.  Its not clear to me how many 
folks would build a 2x2 module in this mannor.  Our 
membership/participation level is low and many folks just wanna run 
trains in a loop...which is fun too!

Stevo.



> ----- 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.
>