DON`T EVEN START. . . Outta Control!
Transcription
DON`T EVEN START. . . Outta Control!
JS Geare March 2012 Mike Millitello A Newsletter For Customers, Friends & Others who enjoy the rail modeling hobby (Please have your Internet connection working to follow Internet links in this newsletter) DON’T EVEN START. . . I KNOW I am late with this newsletter. This is the “January” edition, now here in March. Not that you can’t live without it. I mean, what the heck, who needs the Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter, really? Well, you might not NEED it, but quite obviously many of you have missed it and have wondered if we, ourselves, might be counted among the missing, or dead and buried. That would be half right. We certainly are NOT dead. But we are BURIED. Buried in the work that has come our way, buried in increased business, and buried in the good will of customers and friends. The situation is . . . During these months, Mike and I often don’t even bother to unpack our vehicles when returning home, because it won’t be long before we just head out to the next show. Which can lead to some amusing phone calls. Me: “Hey, Mike, do you have the Santa Fe dome car?” Mike: “No, YOU have it.” Me: “I have it?” Mike: “Yeah, I put the passenger cars in your vehicle.” Me: “Oh! Heh, heh - here it is - never mind. I’m an idiot.” Outta Control! Mike: “Yeah, but you’re MY idiot.” NOT that we have problem with that! But it does cause us to sharpen our sense of priorities a bit. And in this business, the customer comes first. That means the orders get filled and shipped, the questions get answered, the stock gets put up and inventoried, and, well, all the rest of it. And all of this in the middle of “train show season,” which commences about mid-September and runs until mid-April, ‘round these here parts. Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter See how he is? That’s why we make such a great team. Clearly defined roles. Well, we have just one more show, in mid-April. There are warm weather shows, later, but based on experience, we may just skip a few of those, this time areound. Instead, we’ll focus on the “next level” for our business to improve our offerings and your experience with us while avoiding, so far as we can, an increase in prices. Page 1 January, 2012 thought I had forgotten, didn’t CUSTOMER POLL RESULTS You you? You may recall our survey covering the ORDERING AND ways to improve how we display product, manner in which you order, and the PAYMENT PREFERENCES the method by which you pay. Here is a copy of the material we sent you: 1. Do you prefer to see spreadsheet style listings with links to pictures and more detail? Or do you prefer to see a catalog style, with pictures and descriptions together? q q q I prefer the spreadsheet style. I prefer catalog style. Either way, same way you do it now 2. Do you prefer a method of ordering right from the page you are viewing, such as a box to indicate quantity or to write in a selection? Or do you prefer just sending an email to indicate what you want? q q I prefer ordering from the page I am viewing. I prefer sending an email. 3. The problem with credit cards is cost - 3% or more of the purchase price goes to pay for the transaction, whether handled by an online service like PayPal or directly by a credit card company. A speedy and convenient alternative is payment by check, either using a fax or by sending us your bank routing information. As an added benefit, once we have this information on file, you need never send it again! Assuming your order is still processed immediately, would you be willing to try this method, or would you prefer to stay with the method you now use? q q As long as there is no delay in shipping, I’d be willing to try payment by check. I’d rather keep using my current payment method. THE RESULTS: Frankly, we were impressed with the great number of responses we received. Given the junk that shows up in everyone’s email on a daily basis, we would not have been surprised if ours hit the circular file without even a glance. But we received over 100 responses which was more than enough to represent all who received the survey request. How we list: Over half prefer a catalog style. About one-third are happy with the mixed style we now use, just 12% like a spreadsheet. portion are willing to try the check payment method. And 12% have no preference. Note to Self! The catalog style is clearly preferred over a spreadsheet. Therefore we’ll gravitate toward the catalog type listings. The vast majority prefer an order window on the same page as the listings - so we’ll do more of this. There is enough interest to justify the check payment method - so we’ll investigate further. How you order: A whopping 80% prefer an order window on the same page as the listing. Just 10% prefer sending an email; the other 10% are happy to use either way. The real beauty of this survey is that it gives our customers a voice in the way we do business. We are grateful for your taking time to respond. It has been a great help to us. Payment Method: About 44% of you want to keep paying as you have in the past. But an equal Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 2 January, 2012 Thus, when a customer challenged me about the Snap Switch being a #4, a discussion followed. Well, to make a long story short, after the police broke up the controversy, and the customer walked off with some actual, documented #4’s, I placed a Snap over a known #4, to compare the angles of divergence. And what do you think I saw? This: SNAP SWITCHES WHY AM I ALWAYS THE LAST TO FIND THIS STUFF OUT? Funny thing happened at a train show a few months ago. I was selling turn-outs, if you can believe that. And as we all know, the number of the turnout tells us how sharp the angle is between the diverging track the through track, right? Right. The number refers to a ratio. So, for example, a #4 turnout is one whose through track moves ahead 4 units (such as inches) for every one unit of distance between the through track and the diverging track. Like this: There it is! The clear, undeniable, irrefutable, photographic proof that a Snap Switch diverges at an even sharper angle than a #4! The customer war right! Doncha hate it when that happens? OK, OK, so it IS sharper. But then, what is it, exactly? A number 3? Turns out the rules of turnout numbers don’t really apply, here. Instead, we switch (so to speak) over to a different kind of classification. Turns out that the diverging route is expressed as a radius, just like curved track radius. Fine. So what IS the radius? Internet and forum searches say it is an 18” radius of departure. But how can I be sure THAT is really true? 1 shows where to make the measurement. 2 shows relationship between rise and run. 3, 4 & 5 show various angles of divergence. As you can see, the lower the number, the sharper the divergence. Of course, the easiest way to know the turnout number is to flip it over and look for it -it should be embossed into the back of a tie. But, yaknow what? Turn over an Atlas “snap” switch, and you won’t find no stinkin’ number! Therefore, because a #4 is about as sharp as it gets, I had ASSUMED they were all #4’s. And we all know what happens when we ASSUME, don’t we? Exactly. So here I was, showing people Atlas Snap switches when they asked if I had any #4’s! Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Only one way I know: Compare a known 18” radius curved section to the Snap. This I did by tracing a line along the ties of both pieces. And this is what I saw: Conclusion: A Snap Switch is one whose diverging track follows an 18” radius from the through track. Have I taken too much time to explain this? Perhaps. But I am paid by the word, after all, and if my mea culpa is any help to others, well, then, it is worth it. Page 3 January, 2012 HOWEVER, if that car is very heavy, it will tend to stay put, same as if you held it down with your hand. And, if it rolls freely, it may be less likely to derail then the one(s) in front of it. On the other hand, it is the combined weight of all cars following a car near the middle of the train which represents a pulling force in the opposite direction of the train’s forward motion. Pretty much like you holding the tail of the train while the loco tries to advance. A MATTER OF GREAT WEIGHT. OR, MAYBE OF LESS WEIGHT. OR, MAYBE OF THE SAME WEIGHT, OR, WELL ...you figure it out. We’ve noticed occasional outbreaks of discussion on the various train groups and forums about the “ideal” or “appropriate” weight of rail cars. The NMRA says that the “sweet spot” is: The NMRA formula, while it may be some good rule of thumb, does not appear to account for the position of cars of varying weights within the train, and I’m not sure how it really can. Some modelers argue that the formula is all wrong from the get-go, insisting that all cars should be the SAME weight. But that doesn’t really sound right, either. If the same weight is 1 OZ + .5 OZ X L far too light, then there is not enough heft to Where “L” is the length, in inches, of the car. overcome the string lining stress. And if too Thus, if your car is 5 inches long, it should weigh heavy, then the combined force from the cars 3.5 ounces 1 + (.5 X 5). near the end, applied to the ones near the middle The cars in a train actually tend to follow the loco may cause the middle ones to derail. Yes? No? in an imaginary straight line running between The “real” formula the end of a car, and the rear of the loco. If the whatever it is, track itself is straight, no problem; the line and must consider the the track match. But if the train is moving, the length of the train, wheel flanges resist this tendency, and keep the the number of cars, cars on the track. Until, that is, the weight of the the radius of the cars and pulling force of the loco make them curve, the speed or jump the rails and follow a straight path behind acceleration of the the loco (or try to, anyway). This is loco, the distribution of the cars of differing called, “string lining,” weight within the train and probably other because the effect is the factors I can’t begin to guess. same as dragging one end I don’t know what that formula of a curled up piece of would look like, but I’ll bet it string with your finger. It will straighten, would fill a few blackboards. first, and THEN be pulled straight behind Which leaves us with EXPERIENCE. your fingers. The cars coupled right behind Let us know, please, what good the loco experience the least effect; the ones old trial and error has shown further back (and still in the curve) to be the best arrangement for experience a greater effect. And, YOU. Heavier toward middle, of course, the speed of the loco Cars want to follow between middle and end, magnifies the effect. a direct line to the between middle and front? Or loco. And that’s were the fight perhaps, with the exception of usually starts. Sometimes the cars that are way to heavy or too discussion groups get pretty energetic about this, light, the whole question is as you may know. academic. But one thing the formula does NOT seem to take into account is the distribution of weight. In my illustration, it would appear that the greatest pull toward the loco would be on the last car. Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter One thing for sure, the wider the radius, the fewer the problems. But, other than that, we really have no clue - and hope that you DO. Don’t keep it you yourself! Page 4 January, 2012 I LOVE IT WHEN HE TALKS TO ME DIRTY THAT WAY Our friend and associate Richard Voight has turned his artistic talents to weathering and decorating rail cars with filth and graffiti. Readers will remember his past contributions which included turning some VERY toy-like trucks into some VERY credible models. Some of the pictures below are models; and some are the real deal. First person to tell me which is which by email to [email protected] wins an all expenses paid, two week trip across the USA by private passenger car, including butler, chef and So now, he’s applying urban art to rail cars. And, bartender, full bath and queen size bed in why not? That’s the way it works on the master bedroom. Retail value: $12,500.001. prototype! So, let’s have a look! BUT, let’s make this a little more interesting. Item #2 Is it a model? Or is it the real thing? Item #1 Is it a model? Or is it the real thing? Item #3 Is it a model? Or is it the real thing? Item #4 Is it a model? Or is it the real thing? Item #6 Is it a model? Or is it the real thing? Item #5 Is it a model? Or is it the real thing? 1 What?! You think I’m crazy? The winner receives a $10 credit good toward the cost of any purchase from Makin’ Tracks! of $10.00 or more. Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 5 January, 2012 WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO BLOW UP A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX? Hey -I’m just asking. Not that I have anything in mind -just curious. But if I wanted to really know, I might consult with our friend and fellow rail modeler Lynn, who seems to have developed a pretty good technique for doing this, at scale, anyway. Pictured above is the famed Monolith at Tehachapi. Located along County Road 58 (not far from the famous curve) this puppy is HUGE, stretching over 4000 feet along the highway. Feast your eyes: That dome, at upper right? The astronauts use it for visual guidance when they land the space shuttle at nearby Edwards Air Base. So, as long as we’re going to blow something up, we might as well make it something really big, right? Which brings us to our “little boy and his trains” story. Lynn, being ever appreciative of his prototyperich environment, decided to model the principal features of this plant, including the dome and the “monolith,” which is a towering structure where all the ingredients get mixed, heated, and otherwise messed with so as to make the dry mix that gets loaded onto the railroad cars. Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter And Lynn, being also ever mindful of budgetary constraints, decided to make his model out of “stuff” he had lying around. You know: scraps of balsa, tubing and pipe, plastic sheets, old parking tickets - that sort of thing. The dome, quite cleverly, is a picnic screen used for keeping flies off pies. The model is not too bad, really, as you can see. But, there was a problem. Despite the massive appearance, it was really structurally very flimsy. If you just looked at it the wrong way, a piece would fall off. And if you tried to move it, you’d end up with a handful of junk and a trail of pieces along the floor. So Lynn, being ever mindful of the mechanical properties of expanding foam (sold as “Great Stuff” and under other brands) decided to fill the voids in his model so as to stiffen it. But he was also well aware that this material DOES expand to several times it’s own initial size. Thus, we went about the filling process slowly, and one step at a time. Inject, wait. Inject again, wait; and so on, slowly, carefully, scientifically, deliberately, patiently. And once the deed was done, he kicked back, admired his model, and saw that it was good. The evening of the first day. And on the morning of the next day, he went to inspect his handiwork, and saw that is was, well, not so good. Page 6 January, 2012 In his own words, Lynn explains: Next morning to my Horror, I found the foam kept EXPANDING all night. Blew out one wall of the tall structure, Ripped the wires out and almost completely destroyed the building. The back part (Not as tall, but larger) was also expanded. I tried to scrape off the excess foam, but there was too much damage. So, the lesson here is that even when you THINK that Great Stuff has stopped expanding - guess what? It hasn’t. And that, my friends, is how you blow up, quite literally, a major industrial complex. Ah, but the phoenix will arise, yet again. For, two years after the disaster at Tehachapi, Lynn decided to make a new and better model. Only this time, it will be made of hardboard (high density fibreboard) which Lynn says may be drilled, glued, painted, etc. And it will be bigger, scaled more accurately. Picture at right shows progress on new structure (left) so far, with primer applied. The remains of the original stand at right. modeling techniques. You’ll note, for examples, some mirrors applied inside the tower. The purpose of these was to multiply the number of apparent light sources, so that the model, when illuminated in a dark venue, would look like the real thing, with hundreds of lights, at night. You’ll also note the tubes which act as conduits for the lighting circuits, and various sections of piping used to mimic the systems used on the prototype. We’ll be watching for the new, rebuilt model and are relived to see that even the experts sometimes have their bad days but do go on to make something much better then the original attempt. Even though the first effort was unsuccessful, we may yet take some guidance on a few useful Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 7 January, 2012 Well, actually, Mike DID have somewhat of a time machine, owing to a little more history behind his lucky score of the GP30. AN ELASTIC HOBBY AND AN INFLATING ECONOMY Turns out, the source of the model was a place where Mike had spent some time in his younger days. Our friend and regular contributor Mike G writes to tell us about a recent acquisition of his: As he tells it: . . . I bought an Athearn HO, A.T. & S.F. GP-9 Engine No. 2745, black with white stripes for $5.00. It is in the original box and has the original sales receipt dated April 26, 1957 from Model Rail Depot 16324 Hawthorne Blvd., Lawndale, CA. It sold new for $13.47 including tax. It also has the original "Assembly Instructions." The instructions state "...loop the rubber drive belts over the drive shafts...." Apparently the drive shafts/axles are turned by rubber belts “. . . as a child growing up in the Los Angeles area, my father took me to the Model Rail Depot and I remember the whole second story was a very large "O" scale layout. So, I guess it was meant to be that I purchased this engine some fifty years later. I don't know if it runs or not, but since it in great shape I will pass it down to my grandsons. I don't know if it is worth more than five bucks - it is memorabilia for me.” Worth more than five bucks? Pfffft! PRICELESS, is more like it. Here it is! TRUST BROWN Secrets of the UPS Sweet! Yep, back then it was all about RBD rubber band drive. Now, it is interesting to note the cost in 1957 was $12.99 without tax. So, the question is, if that same Athearn RBD loco were sold today, how much should it cost based on inflation alone? And the answer is, $92.50 (712% inflation since 1957). Holy Cow! Meanwhile, Chuck P. has latched onto another rarity - not so much because of age, but rather due to enforced limited distribution. He writes, . . . made by Walthers for UPS 100th anniversary, they are in unmarked boxes. . . supposedly UPS wouldn't allow Walthers to sell any so they only went to UPS employees. All engines are numbered 1907 (year UPS started) and have the old logo on the side. Historically incorrect, but unusual, and since our son-in-law flies for UPS, we had to include it in our layout. (emphasis mine). But today, an Athearn DCC ready (but not equipped) gear drive loco would carry an MSRP of about $129.00, with a typical “street” price of, say, $105.00. In other words, the cost of the technology upgrade is about $12.50 in today’s dollars. Put And, here it is! another way, if the geared power and electronics were available back in 1957, then the model would have cost $14.95. Which kind of makes me wonder if we might be able to find some REAL bargains by simply building a time machine, so we can go back and scarf up a bunch of those really sweet deals. Whaddya think? Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 8 January, 2012 Paul’s Steel Mill Expansion - Building and Equipment From previous newsletters, readers will remember Paul A., a preeminent kit basher and scratch builder who has the magical ability to make his fingers create the thing in his head. He has lately favored us with some photos of an administration building he is producing for his steel mill complex. Inspired by an article in Trainlife Magazine, he set to apply it to his own situation, with some planned (and some unplanned) modifications along the way. The finished building will hug the wall behind it, so the rear won’t be detailed. But it will be near the front of the layout platform, so detailing the rook and visible walls will be mandatory. Inside view And Paul, ever open to possibilities, notes the structure is large enough to house a speaker, from which will be broadcast the sounds of a steel mill! In another development, he alerts us to some new Matchbox models which should be readily available from Walmart and similar places. In a recent letter to us, he writes: I figured out of these 3 vehicles I can get a lot of scratch built parts. the depressed trailer speaks for itself and I might be able to use some of the wheels off of the cabs to make it more heavy duty or I might get another one and combined the trailers in a kitbash in itself. The dry trailer will become a part of my dust collector / byproducts plant. the generator on the depressed trailer will become flatcar load. the pipe load will become a flatcar load also. The trailer the pipe is on will make a good frame for the Transporter Crawler I am building. The C-900 ford cab fits my era of my mill so it is also a plus. just a coat of paint and maybe a flatbed or something. The 2 modern tractors will probably become donor part vehicles. Outside view MatchBox Models At right we show you some samples of his recent progress, and do hope he sends us photos of the finished work. Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 9 January, 2012 CHUCK P: “Way too much thinking. . .” Meanwhile, Chuck P. Has sent us some photos of his ongoing work. He jumped into model railroading recently, and has kept us up to date on his project. His project, like many, stops and starts depending on other life events. This forces me to admit that sometimes there is something more to life than model railroading. But not TOO much more. Anyway, he tells us: Bonnie built our double track swing bridge so I'm weathering it and modifying the original gap area to include a river that crosses over to the other side. We're wrestling with a two level town with an airport on the back end and in the process of deciding whether or not to use dividers. I'm not a big fan of them but they do provide the ability to have distinctly different scenes without having to tie them together. Way too much thinking goes into these layouts!!! One thing about Chuck’s work: it is incredibly clean. My layout looks NOTHING like his. I always tell myself I will clean up, and then keep it clean but then, the brutal truth takes over. Well done! Because Chuck has been sending photos practically from the beginning of his project, we should be able to make a nice photo essay of the entire project, once it is complete. Or reasonably complete, anyway. Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 10 January, 2012 DETAILS, DETAILS! Mike G has been busy, as well. Another guy who evidently builds clean (or else cleans up), he has, like many of us, realized that the early placement of scenic details, as well as the strategic placement, can help visualize the appearance of the finished product and guide the next steps we take. He sends us these comments and photos: It's coming along slowly, but surely. I'm starting to get the setup of different scenes in order. Still lots to do, but I can see the picture in my head now. I did decide to shave down the mountain because it seemed a little too big for what space I had. Having the tunnel go through it, come out the center, then back into the tunnel and out again was fun and gives a good view of the train. I'll send you some more pics when I get more progress. We live in a big agricultural community, so I'm going to have quite a bit of that including packing house, etc. Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 11 January, 2012 WHEN I GROW UP, I WANNA TRAIN SET THAT . . .looks just like THIS: Holy mackeral! Yeah, it is a model. The work of a new arrival at Makin’ Tracks, Stan C., who has a thing for the B&O - the Buffalo area, in particular. Responding to my email in which I pointed out that my hometown was Cumberland, MD (a former B&O, now CSX facility) He writes: Good old Cumberland, hub of the B&O! I worked out of there in the summer of 1985 when I was on the B&O Central Regional Rail Gang. We replaced ribbon rail on most of Sand Patch that summer. . . Here are a few pics of a portion of my artifacts including the number plate from B&O Q4 4438 and the builders plate from Q4 4454. The B&O china is all original, no fakes or reissues! A lot of that came from the old wreckmaster here in town who had the sense to take it home when Chessie did away with the wreck train. Stan not only builds layouts and collects, he’s also a very excellent painter of rail art. Just look! Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 12 January, 2012 YOU KNOW IT’S A BAD DAY WHEN . . . I know! I usually reserve this space to display the worst that can happen on the railroad. But what the heck, sometimes bad things happen to other forms of transportation, as well. Just follow the pictures. Hollywood could not possibly have made this up. Read down the left column, then down the right. (Thanks to Paul A. - again!) Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 13 January, 2012 THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN! & other train recreation Did you know that the circus STILL comes to town BY TRAIN? I didn’t know. I had assumed that, by now, the circus was moved on trucks. But no, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey still use trains. TWO of them, in fact; red and blue, each hauling shows of the same name. The shows are updated with new acts and material every other year, and likewise visit their destinations every other year. Therefore, anyone who goes to the circus each year sees an entirely new show every time. Ringling maintains its own car shop, refurbishing old passenger cars to house animals, all property, vehicles, food stores and all the workers and performers. And the accommodations are pretty good, complete with a world class kitchen. Check out these videos! Trailer for a Circus Train Video Segment of Life on the Train (History Channel) So you wanna ride for free, eh? Not on this train! I wanna join the circus. Fastest Way to Clean Passenger Cars? I never would have guessed, but here’s one way to clean cars while the train is moving. How are your nerves? Talk about a close call! Watch the amazing wreck that might happen. Kids! Don’t try this at home! Train surfing? Yes, train surfing! EARWORM DEPARTMENT Do you get “earworms?” You know, those tunes or songs that come into your head, and you can’t make them go away? Can drive you NUTZ, sometimes. NUTZ, I say! And so, in my continuing effort to make others suffer as I myself have suffered, I refer you to these two videos; one set to “I’m a Train,” and the other to “The Locomotion.” I’m a Train Video. Locomotion Video. You already have the tune in your head, don’t you? Ha ha ha. And FINALLY: What would YOU do. Be late? Or Jump? Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 14 January, 2012 CRASS COMMERCIAL MESSAGES We have some Bowser freight car KIT closeouts. Highly realistic, easy to assemble. Included are box cars (40’ & 50’) hoppers, cabeese, ROADRAILERS, and semitrailers. As supplied, they come with plastic wheels and horn and hook couplers. But you can get them with KD’s and Intermountain metal wheels, if you like - we’ve got ‘em priced both ways and offer a discount plus free shipping when you buy 6 or more cars. They are displayed in the preferred catalog format. Even if you are NOT in the market for any cars right now, I would appreciate your having a look at the way things are displayed, and the format for ordering. Please let me know what you like, and where you see opportunities for improvement. To see these cars, just go the website: www.ezbizwebsite.com . The link is at the top of the home page, under Bowser Freight Car Kit Specials. Otherwise, below that link, you will see links to Branchline and MDC Specials, and also to Atlas. There are still a few of these remaining. Orders will be handled on a first come, first served basis (as always). Believe it or not, that’s all for our crass commercial messages in this newsletter. CONTACT AND SHOW INFORMATION Email: [email protected] Web site: www.ezbizwebsite.com Bonanza Booth: http://www.bonanza.com/booths/jsgeare Phone: 434-823-4809 / Fax: 404-591-8682 Last resort: Search Google for JSGeare Our current show schedule: Thanks for reading! Promoter Location Dates More Info Great Scale Train Show Timonium MD 4/14 & 15 (2012) http://www.gsmts.com/ Great Scale Train Show Timonium MD 6/23 & 24 (2012) http://www.gsmts.com/ Makin’ Tracks! Newsletter Page 15 January, 2012