Curve Radius Test Video

I was able to spend some time testing my new 4-4-0 locomotive, the USMRR Whiton. This locomotive did not run as well as the other two I had. As I observed it, I noticed that it was derailing the front truck on the tight curves in this part of the layout. The derailing was occurring from interference with the pilot truck and the pilot above it. I added some shims (0.045 inches) and stretched out the spring on the mounting bolt. This raised the pilot slightly and removed the interference. That seems to have fixed the problem. I am hoping that a back EMF decoder may resolve the slowing down problem on the curve.

I made the video using an iPhone 3GS. The location of the tiny lens on this camera allows for a really low "worms eye" view of the action

Three Trees

At last work can resume on the layout. The Steel Mill modeling book is done and submitted to the publisher. You can find some sneak peek photos by clicking here.

I tried playing with some trees tonight. The photo shows three different construction techniques. All three have hand carved balsa trucks. The left tree uses denuded baby's breath (gypsophila), the middle tree is supposed to be an oak that has not shed all its leaves. It uses wire armatures and Silfor fall leaf netting. Looks like the trunk needs some lightening. The right hand tree uses denuded Caspia branches. These are deciduous trees. I plan to try a loblolly pine next.

I was pleased that even just three trees have "presence."

One other thing to note, this is the tightest curve on the layout. Things run pretty well around it, though pushing cars with the extending link on the front of the loco can cause problems. We'll have to address that issue in the timetable special instructions.

New DCC system

This weekend marked the delivery of a new DCC system for the model railroad. Several local modelers decided to join forces and make a bulk purchase of the CVP Easy DCC system. I got a wireless starter package plus two addtional radio throttles, for a total of 3. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet as I am still working on the steel mill modeling book, but I am itching to give it a spin. I have used Easy DCC in the past at other layouts and it is, well - easy! This is especially true compared to my current 14 year old Digitrax system with its arcane buttom mashing. I know, the newer Digitrax systems are simpler, but after trying several systems out, I liked the Easy DCC best. Since there are now three other layouts in our area with Easy DCC, we can use our throttles at each other's layout.

Next step is to install some sound decoders in the locomotives.

Tweaked the Appearance of the Blog

I spent an hour or so playing with the appearance of the blog. I did this mostly by making minor adjustments in the template HTML. I made the overall page wider and changed some of the background graphics.  The images that represent an aged piece of paper had to be enlarged to match the new template widths. The background image now resembles riveted iron/steel, a nod to the ironclad ships first used in combat in the ACW.   

OK , back to working on the steel mill book....

Roof Shingles Construction

I haven't had much time to work on the layout lately, as I have been crunching on finishing a book project.

I did find a photo showing a close up of how civil war era builders finished the wood roof shingles at the ridge cap.  The last course of shingles sticks up (stands proud) of the ridge cap. Also note the random width shingles, though no two seams overlap and that only some nails are visible. I do not see any evidence of flashing around the chimney.

On the motive power front, another 4-4-0 Mason arrived on the property. This one is the Whiton, another SMR offering.  It doesn't run as smoothly as my other engines, so some tuning will be necessary. But its green paint scheme is very attractive.