It's great to see so many of you showing interest in improving the club. Hope this will continue. But, I agree with Ed's and Mike's responses in this case. Just my personal opinion. Not the board's.With all your enthusiasm there are lots of items on our current projects list that would provide immediate benefits.One of the biggies is --- we need a volunteer to do bridge tracks. We have 25 new ones that need to be done and 22 older ones that need to be refurbished. Just soldering skills and a good soldering iron for the new ones and a wire brush for the older ones.I'd be happy to show you how to do them as I recently did 40.BillOn Mon, Feb 22, 2010 at 2:28 PM, Michael Graziano <mgraziano@austin.rr.com> wrote:
All,
The board is not currently considering a larger trailer for the club. However, to Scott’s point earlier, we (the board) are always listening to the members to gauge what they want. If there is a subset of the group that wants a bigger trailer, then we have to entertain that idea. Scott simply allowed for the next step in a new trailer, which is to research the cost, the need, and the amount of work involved in switching trailers. This exercise is a perfect opportunity to gauge member interest in the idea, and garner support for it.
I’m quite certain there are better uses for club funds at this juncture than to upgrade the trailer again. Now if we had nothing to spend our money on… but we have a long list of upgrades and repairs needed for the layout. This last paragraph was Michael “the member” speaking, not Michael “the board member” speaking so it’s just my opinion.
Best,
Michael
From: ttat-members-owner@aoot.com [mailto:ttat-members-owner@aoot.com] On Behalf Of Edward Weltens
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 9:51 AMSubject: Re: Status of Projects for Work Event
I guess I missed why are we looking into a new trailer.
From before I was ever around (at least 2000) personally owned modules have not been stored in the club owned trailer. As Scott mentioned this policy would have to be changed by the Board.
In my opinion, I don't consider it a good idea to carry personally owned custom modules in the trailer (and I would benefit from it).
-- There is too much chance of something getting broken and bad feelings resulting.
-- We would quickly outstrip our current capacity and some people would get left out; how do we decide whose stuff goes in and whose doesn't?
-- Setup would be much more complicated getting things out of the way to get to what you really need.
-- We haven't paid off the existing trailer and we aren't exactly swimming in extra money.
-- The module that started this discussion will fit in a standard module slot and there is room for it. Steve has offered to donate it to the club and leave it in the trailer.
I don't see the need for a new trailer unless the board changes the policy on personally owned modules and I would recommend against that.
If a few members want to get together and get a separate trailer for personal modules that would be easier than the club providing space for that stuff.
I think we could be much more productive upgrading modules like the yard tracks last weekend, creating a bridge pass-through, upgrading our wiring or putting better scenery on modules.
Ed W.
From: OLIVER COKER <oliver.coker@yahoo.com>
To: ttat-members@aoot.com
Sent: Sun, February 21, 2010 7:24:21 PM
Subject: Re: Status of Projects for Work Event
scott
I see all the time traillers fo sale 18 & 20 footers
Was not looking at price I can do some looking a round and see, what I can come up with. So we will have a Idell what we are looking at. I hope that well be OK with all..And maybe we can get a real good deel.oliver coker
--- On Sun, 2/21/10, Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com> wrote:
From: Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com>
Subject: Re: Status of Projects for Work Event
To: ttat-members@aoot.com
Date: Sunday, February 21, 2010, 5:54 PMOliver, this is something that the board can consider. At this point, I would be interested in a total work plan that would allow us to switch trailers. That would include pricing alternatives of new trailers, sale value of the existing trailer, interior design of the new trailer, budget for the internal improvements required to store and hold the modules and other club property and a plan to finance the difference in cost. We spent almost $1000 in building out the interior and countless hours This is a big task. I know that many hours were spent on this aspect when the current trailer was purchased. Both the purchase and the design and the build out of the trailer. I know for my consideration of such a plan, I would want to see a strong team of people dedicated to tackling the project planning and committed to its implementation if approved by the board.
WE currently have room in the trailer for additional standard or slightly wider modules so that is not the issues that some additional space would address. Additionally, the board would need to reconsider the policies as to what goes in the trailer to ascertain if additional space is needed in the first place.
Any volunteers??
Scott
On Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:19:46 -0800 (PST) OLIVER COKER <oliver.coker@yahoo.com> writes:
I don"t thank we have a weight problem it how much we have to put in it. So shold we see how much much it would cost for a 7x18 or 16 ?? that 2 or 4 feet would make it much better for all the thangs we have for all the shows.???
oliver coker
--- On Fri, 2/19/10, Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com> wrote:
From: Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com>
Subject: Re: Status of Projects for Work Event
To: ttat-members@aoot.com
Date: Friday, February 19, 2010, 10:22 PMThis trailer is rated for 7000 pounds I think. That includes its own weight of 1700 I think it was. Most hitches are only good for 5000 pounds though. I do not think that we have a load problem. I agree that bigger would be harder to pull although this one pulls a whole lot better than the old one.
WE have not paid off the purchase of this trailer yet. This is our third trailer as a club. 4x7, 5x12 and now 7x14.
One thing that takes up a lot of room in the trailer is that we can get to most or the stuff in the trailer without having to remove other things. Once we clear the aisle of wagons, the rest is available so you can get just what you want.
Typically individually owned and some specialty modules have not found a home in the trailer. Things happen and I prefer not to be responsible for the others stuff that needs special handling when we are trying to get set up or taken down. If the units fit the std. size, require about the same care as the rest then I see no problem being in the trailer.
if we start accommodating one person's stuff in the trailer, then what do we say to the other members that have items that they would like hauled in the trailer. I have 7 scenery modules that get used on the layout routinely. There are a lot more out there that individuals have and bring when they can to our shows.
Obviously a continuing discussion item. Members let your feeling known to board members so we can reflect the will of the members.
Scott
On Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:19:32 -0800 (PST) Edward Weltens <ed.weltens@sbcglobal.net> writes:
I think it would require people to have larger trucks to pull a larger trailer.
I don't think we ever checked this trailer's weight. There is a scale at a truckstop near New Braunfels I have used before.
From: OLIVER COKER <oliver.coker@yahoo.com>
To: ttat-members@aoot.com
Sent: Fri, February 19, 2010 2:37:21 PM
Subject: Re: Status of Projects for Work Event
So why don"t we lok in to a larger trailer..and sale this one..
oliver coker
--- On Fri, 2/19/10, Steve Wise <swise@aoot.com> wrote:
From: Steve Wise <swise@aoot.com>
Subject: Re: Status of Projects for Work Event
To: ttat-members@aoot.com
Date: Friday, February 19, 2010, 2:31 PMAre we getting close to the weight limit of the trailer?
Bill Lohman wrote:
> What a generous offer!
> Trailer space seems to be an on going hot topic for good reason. As previously stated we plan to have a pow wow at the trailer on Saturday, with all interested parties, to discuss trailer space/organization for current and future requirements for modules like Steve's and the upcoming Passageway module -- which my aching back is hoping becomes a reality in 2010! And trailer space for it seems to be the biggest issue. Again for good reason.
> Maybe we should hire a NASA Capsule Design Consultant!! Teach us how to fit ten pounds of s___ in a five pound bag. Sky hooks for modules in zero gravity or maybe an upper deck like a London Bus. :-)
> See ya' Saturday starting at 10 am.
> Bill
>
> On Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 9:29 AM, Steve Wise <swise@aoot.com <mailto:swise@aoot.com>> wrote:
>
> Also, if it helps, I would definitely donate this module to the
> club. Ideally, the club would want the two 18"x36" modules that
> hook up to the crossover as well. Then anyone could add modules
> to this siding. I have the specs on how to hook up to these
> modules too (power harness specification, bridge track lengths,
> etc etc). The idea when Adrian, Bob, and I built these modules
> was to have club members add on to them.
> So if the club desires it, I will donate the main line module and
> the 2 modules that complete the double crossover. These could
> then be kept in the trailer.
> If there's no room or no desire, then that's fine.
>
> Steve.
>
>
> rbd1949@aol.com <mailto:rbd1949@aol.com> wrote:
>
> Ricky said that Steve's module should be sandwiched in between
> the 28" modules to help protect the overhanging track. I have
> said all along that the crossover module should be in the
> trailer so we could use it even if Steve is not there. We
> could add more sections to extend the switching action when
> the r/tt is not in the setup. Maybe add a frieght yard or
> Timesaver switching puzzle.
> Rick
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Scott A Smiley <sc.smiley@juno.com
> <mailto:sc.smiley@juno.com>>
> To: ttat-members@aoot.com <mailto:ttat-members@aoot.com>
> Sent: Wed, Feb 17, 2010 7:17 pm
> Subject: Re: Status of Projects for Work Event
>
> Before I read the rest of the responses, here is my take.
> Basically, the
> trailer is for the club modules and the standard member
> modules. WE
> designed the trailer for the std modules and the corners and
> other club
> modules. Sceniced modules that still fit into the standard
> slots or
> corner locations are OK but we know that anything delicate or
> fragile
> gets broken when in the trailer. ( Example Rick's bridge
> module has been
> broken several times) . The trolley modules were given to the
> club and
> the blanks are also the clubs and available for any member to
> use, with
> Show coordinator or set up fat controller approval, hopefully
> determined
> before the show so everyone knows what there is room for
> before they pack
> up at home. The owner of the specialty modules can take care
> of them
> better than the club can. With that said, There is one slot open where the 90 degree
> corners sit
> that could accommodate some module. Also, longer modules
> might find a
> location in front of the switch yard modules since they are 6'
> themselves.
>
> Scott
>
>
>
> On Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:22:53 -0600 Steve Wise <swise@aoot.com
> <mailto:swise@aoot.com> <mailto:swise@aoot.com
> <mailto:swise@aoot.com>>> writes:
> > By the way, Ira had mentioned in the past that we should
> store my > engine > yard mainline module in the trailer. This
> would allow setting up > the > main line without me being
> there with the rest of the modules. Is > > this still a
> possibility? If so, I might bring it to the work day. > >
> I'll create a box to store the special bridge tracks, and some
> sort > of > protection for the crossover that hangs off the
> edge slightly. If > > there's no room in the trailer, then
> no biggie...just let me know.
> > > Thanks!
> > > Steve.
> > > > > Scott A Smiley wrote:
> > > I like labeling the modules so we can write the location
> of > specific
> > > module son the walls of the trailer so everyone can see
> how it all > goes
> > > back in. It could really help on that part.
> > > Scott
> > > > > On Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:04:29 -0600 "Ira Schneider"
> > > <ira_schneider@Iname.com <mailto:ira_schneider@Iname.com
> <mailto:ira_schneider@Iname.com>>> writes:
> > > > >> Hi Bill,
> > >>
> > >> There is a plastic bag in the trailer which contains a
> can of > black > >> spray paint, a set
> > >> of stencils, two carboard stencil holders, a roll of
> painter's > tape, > >> and a pair of gloves
> > >> for painting markings on the modules. This bag may be in
> one of > the > >> plastic tubs
> > >> on the shelf by the rear door.
> > >>
> > >> The yard modules should be marked "Y1" through "Y8",
> where Y1 and > > >> Y2
> > >> are the switching modules, Y3 through Y5 are the ABCDE
> modules,
> > >> and Y6 through Y8 are the EFG) modules. If you have a
> better > >> scheme, please
> > >> use it. (Perhaps Y1 for the switch module with the
> controller > >> platform, Y2 through Y4
> > >> for the ABCDE modules, Y5 through Y7 for the EFG modules,
> and Y8 > for > >> the other
> > >> switch module. The reason I like the first scheme better
> is that > it > >> allows for adding
> > >> new ABCDE and EFG modules without disturbing the sequencing.)
> > >>
> > >> The 45 degree modules should be marked. I suggested
> using H1 > >> through H4; Ricky
> > >> suggested W1 through W4. I don't really care which
> designation > is > >> used, as long as
> > >> it is consistent. (H = half corner, W = wide corner).
> > >>
> > >> The trolley modules should be labeled T1 through T5,
> preferably > in > >> the order they
> > >> are set up (i.e. lay out the trolley line to find out
> which > module > >> connects where then
> > >> mark them). The bumper modules go on the ends, the
> switch module > in > >> the middle,
> > >> and the short modules go between the bumper modules and
> the > switch > >> module.
> > >> I don't know which module is which - you need to align
> them so > the > >> velcro is all
> > >> on one side - that will tell you how they assemble.
> > >>
> > >> You could also mark the blank accessory modules as A1
> through > A4.
> > >>
> > >> The main reason to mark the modules is so they can be
> identified > in > >> the inventory list,
> > >> which includes the individual module's characteristics,
> and if a > > >> module needs to be
> > >> repaired, we can easily identify which module it is by
> its > label.
> > >>
> > >> Right now, the markings follow this scheme:
> > >>
> > >> D = ABCD module
> > >> E = ABCE module
> > >> X = transition module (i.e. ABCD to ABCE or ABCE to
> ABCD)
> > >> BX = bridge transition module (i.e. the transition
> modules > for > >> Ed's bridge)
> > >>
> > >> The above proposals would add the following:
> > >>
> > >> Y = switching yard
> > >> H or W = 45 degree corners
> > >> T = trolleys
> > >> A = accessories
> > >>
> > >> Having the modules labeled makes setup much easier.
> > >>
> > >> Thanks.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Ira
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> ------
> > >> TTAT members reflector.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> > > > >
> ____________________________________________________________
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> > > ------
> > > TTAT members reflector.
> > > > > ------
> > TTAT members reflector.
> > > ------
> TTAT members reflector.
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>
> ------
> TTAT members reflector.
>
>
------
TTAT members reflector.
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