Weekend Update for April 11-14, 2025

[BillyJoeBob]

The load is defiantly a "high and Wide," that's for sure! BJB

[SamS]

225 feet or about 68.5 meters (it's an odd size... I tend to think the actual prototype is a round number, 68 or 70 meters, and somehow 225' got thrown in to some of the various videos and articles).

Scales to about 16.75" long.

[Paul S.]

Those blades are astounding, Sam. What do they measure out at in scale feet?

[SamS]

The home layout isn't optimized for all the modern loads one might encounter, such these 225' wind turbine blades here seen at the local model railroad store on Saturday, which has a test loop of old NTrak modules set up. Even on the generous spacing there the overhang was... excessive.

The cars were printed this last week. I need to figure out a better tip support method than is presently used.



Idea came from this video: [4K] Historic Alcos pulling modern windmill blades!

[denny99]

😂

[denny99]

Very nice and realistic,

[Allen]

That's because you are not fast enough Paul!
https://www.tiktok.com/@street_food3...nder_device=pc

[Paul S.]

So I mentioned in another topic about the Arduino I'm using as a delay-on timer. This device will keep me honest adhering to te five-minute rule at C&A Junction.

Here's the Arduino in test mode. I'm awaiting some standoffs before installing it underneath the layout:

The yellow wires go to a normally-open, momentary contact switch. The red and black wires go to an LED.



The LED dark.



The LED on. (Weird glare from the camera.)

My only concern is that I've tested this a dozen times. Each time the LED turns on after 45 seconds, stays on for 2o seconds, then turns off. Just like the Arduino is programmed to do.

But I'm still waiting for the bananas. Where are the bananas?

[Paul S.]

Thanks, Jerry. That's what I needed. I've got a couple HOn3 stock card that need weight, and between the sills is the only option. I'd forgotten the name "Liquid Gravity." I'd searched under "tungsten pellets," etc. Couldn't come up with the right stuff.

You secure it with ACC or? ... Allen , you use this product, right?

[BillyJoeBob]

Nice looking under frame piping. BJB

[JerryZ]

Paul, the smallest size I could find is "Liquid Gravity". It is 0.6mm spheres. There are cheaper alternatives available, but usually greater size quantities. I paid $19.80 for 240 grams on Amazon in October 2024. I'm lucky if I used 1.5 oz on the car, so this is going to last a while. I wouldn't use this size for a lot of applications and purchased it for my upcoming NP flat car builds also. For conventional cars like my CB&Q box car, I use the 1/4 oz weights that I've accumulated in abundance over the years. Lead is still way cheaper, particularly if it is already paid for. :-)

[Paul S.]

One more question, Jerry: What do you recommend for tungsten shot?

[Paul S.]

You possess a great eye for detail, Chuck.

[BillyJoeBob]

Chuck -- nice weathering on the track - especially the curved siding.🙂 nice bushes next the the poles. I too like track scenery. BJB
Check out this--

https://realisticmodelrailroading.ne...s-on-the-track

[Chuck Geiger]

Some scenic expressions I've been working on.