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7-Plus-NGM Digest
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 04:15:54 -0000 From: "lineshaft2000" Subject: 2 1/2" Heisler Trucks Hello, I need some help locating a person. I worte to some groups, looking for info on a 2 1/2" scale Heisler locomotive that was built in Seattle WA. After persuing a few leads, I found the builder, Dennis Riches, who is in poor health. His son led me to a gentalman that had the plans and packets of notes. He sold them to Me and has given Me permission to sell copies. I have been sorting through the drawings and notes which are fairly complete, except one thing, the trucks. Mr Riches started the Heisler after someone else built the trucks, and gave up on the project. Dennis bought the trucks, and built the rest of the locomotive. There are some photos on a web site I started called "Heisler Locomotive.com". Does anyone have any ideas who the builder of the trucks might be? They may have live in the Seattle, WA area or maybe Victoria, B.C. Any info could be a great help, Thanks, Dave Fontes
Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:29:18 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller" Subject: New member Hello narrow-gaugers, my name is Gerd and I'm new to this list. I'm from Germany, 26 y.o. and are modeling 30" stuff in 2"-scale, running on 5" tracks. My roster includes one Koppel livesteamer, an electric powered diesel-switcher and actual 11 cars (3 more are planend for this year). The focus on my rolling stock is a typical european light railway, used in quarys and other industrial themes. Most cars are freelanced except some models with real prototypes. My steam-loco represents a small 20hp Orenstein&Koppel 0-4-0. Actually, the loco is on my workbench again, to add more details and other stuff. I've buyed this loco secound hand one year ago. My first loco, was a Gmeinder diesel-switcher build by myself out of plywood. This loco is still in service, but seldeom seen on the tracks, since my steamer is here ;-) A third electric-powered engine was selled to a good friend during the last year. Next week, the 11. indoor livesteam convention in Sinsheim/Germany opens the doors for 3 days of playing and fun. Together with some friends, we'll setup a small industrial layout in 2"-scale with several buildings, a dump-ramp and many other stuff. I'll post some pictures to my website at the end of the convention. BTW - Website is a good word. You can find my one at www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/ but it's in German only. Maybe I'll find some time to translate them in english to next month. Now I hope, to get more inspirations in buildings models, layouts and other stuff in large scales. I was deeply impresed by the SandyRiver&ClearLake Railway and others. My dream is, to setup something like this one day But for the next time, there are other plans. So I'll build some more structures for our layout next week. Next month, I'll start 5 wooden dumpcars and when this are finished, I'll try to construct a working multi-barrel excavator. Best whises and a happy new year, Gerd
Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 09:38:59 -0500 From: mrjcad@netscape.net Subject: Re: New member Gerd: thanks for a look at your train and plans--neat! It is good to hear from another modeler who is designing and building engine and rolling stock for something other than pulling people. I ran across an article written by a Chuck Yungkurth back in '82 detailing industrial trains used in the anthracite coal industry of that era. He had photos and some drawings with rudimentary dimensions which is all that I need to start CAD designing; right now I have four different car designs drawn and am now working on the electric battery loco used in coal mining. I'll send some pictures to ya as I get things built. Specifications? Well the original line was 30" and I'm converting it to 7.5 gage at 2.7" to the 1' scale. Regards Laurence Johnson, hometrainmaker
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 23:03:38 EST From: GengH@aol.com Subject: Re: New member Dear Gerds: Welcome to 7-plus. Two of us from Seattle, Washington State are coming to Sinsheim. Please E-mail me at GENGH@AOL.COM and tell us how to find you at Sinsheim. We look forward to meeting you. Yours truly, George Hoke
Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 05:56:42 -0000 From: "Colt Graham" Subject: 12" c-19 I'm still new to this so I'll ask advice. I'm trying to find out what the size of a locomotive would be. I think the loco that I want to build is called a c-19. It is the same type that Knott's Berry Farm runs on their Calico ghost railroad(could be wrong on the name).My question is what would be the dimension be if the locomotive was 12" gauge. I've looked at the RMI Sweet Creek and love the ride in style. I was wondering if this loco would be a little bigger and offer just a little more ride in ability. I'm hoping that it would be around the size of a ride in diesel loco in 15"-18" gauge. Like I said, I'm new to this and the whole scale calculations.
Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:22:40 +0100 From: hubert@wetekamp.de Subject: AW: Re: New member Hello George, Two of us from Seattle, Washington State are coming to Sinsheim. Please E-mail me at GENGH@AOL.COM and tell us how to find you at Sinsheim. We look forward to meeting you. When you visit me, I think, Gerd will be near of me. We are both in hall 4 on the combined 5"/7.25" commercial layout running our trains. And the Struever Schienenkuli on the last pictures is now owned by me: Greetings from Germany Hubert the Goose
Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:53:36 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller" Subject: Re: New member Laurence: I've started realisitc looking modeling in G-scale many years ago. It's fun and looks real great, to add tons of tools, parts and stuff to a loco or car. For examples, I've linked some pictures of G-scale stock. You can see some eggs in a pan inside the cap on the secound photo. I'll try to model this detail in 2"-scale too. Yesterday, I wrote to build some more dumpcars. Last night, I've good an other idea. My favourite railroad-types are logging railroads... So I think I'll go to build some disconnects instead of the dumpers. George: As Hubert wrote, I'll be in hall #4. Just look for a great factory-building to find our layout (Should be the only one there). I'll wear an overall with my name on it ;-) Or ask Hubert to find me ;-) So I'll have to polish my spoken english the next days... Happy railroading, Gerd
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 08:38:44 -0600 From: "Bill Laird" Subject: Re: New member George, I hope you take a camera to Sinsheim and give us a full report upon your return. Bill Laird Canyon Lake, Texas
Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 15:11:42 -0500 From: Arno Martens Subject: Re: AW: Re: New member - OT And the Struever Schienenkuli on the last pictures is now owned by me. Struever, had forgotten about them altogether. That is where I had to go to make my Journeyman's test piece, a precision machine vise. Thanks for the memories. Regards, Arno
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:11:56 -0000 From: "Colt Graham" Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4 I think I saw some drawings for the locomotives. Forgive me if I get it wrong, but I think they were on one of three websites. Thay were either, West Coast Locomotives, Redwood Valley , or Coyote Valley. Again I'm sorry if I got the names wrong. It seems like I saved them to my computer at work. I'll see if I can find where they came from.
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:17:13 -0000 From: "Colt Graham" Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4 I went to www.redwoodvalleyrailway.com and under their photos section under rvry standards links their is a somewhat detailed drawing of it. I hope this helps.
Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 02:33:56 -0000 From: "wdbarbe" Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4 Thanks. That is a start. I had hoped to find a full set of construction drawings, but I have been told the are not available, at least not anymore. Oh well, thought that would make a really great engine in 2 1/2 scale, but I don't think I have enough talent to try and scrath build myself. Thanks again, Bill
Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 01:18:37 -0000 From: "lineshaft2000" Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4 Bill, I'am working there this Sunday. I will ask Ellen T. about print copies. Dave
Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:16:58 -0000 From: "Tom C" Subject: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge I added a folder in the Files section with some pics from Dec. under the Sandy Ridge and Clear Lake Ry heading. Enjoy. CLL # 4 with George in cab and Bruce in rear at Phelps - George with a smile CLL #4 & Bob, Jack, George in cab at Phelps - CLL #4 with George SRCL # 7 at Phelps with Conner in cab - Young Conner with his 1st trip to Woodshill SRCL # 7 at Sumac #7 ready to leave Woodshill for Sumac Tom C.
Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 21:13:19 -0000 From: "Rick White" Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge Tom, Thanks for the updates. Nice winter time photos. Always good to see more SR&CL action. Rick White
Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:50:47 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller" Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge Tom, many thanks too. I'm fascinated by your railroad. And I'm also happy to see more pictures. I hope I can buy some rails next week, to get my own tracks together this year. Gerd
Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:25:34 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller" Subject: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention in Sinsheim/Germany Hello, last saturday, we've layed out the tracks for our small industrial narrow gauge layout for the convention this weekend. I've posted some previes to the photo-section. Many detail-stuff and some rolling stock is still missing and will be added this week. The layout is approx 35" widht and 70" long. All trackage is 5", except the one on the left side, that's also includes 7.25 for std.gauge operation. View from an factory-window down to the dump-ramp overall-view with (f.l.t.r) dumpramp, factory-background, engine-shed and coal/water-facilitiy another view shows the derrick-crane and dump-ramp I'll bring more photos to you next week after the convention. I hope we'll have some fun on running trains, shunting, switching and with our working dumpramp. Gerd
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 12:13:34 -0700 From: "Mike Decker" Subject: Re: New member Welcome Gerd: Your equipment looks really nice. I'm sure we can all learn something from your construction methods :>) I'm building an English-style Industrial/Estate Tramway at my home in South Dakota. I've just loaded a couple of photos into the Photo section under "Erskine Tramway". A work train carrying blocks for the yard retaining wall. An overall view of the Erskine Tramway to date. Best, Mike Decker
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:54:40 -0600 From: "Tom Casper" Subject: Erskine Tramway Hi Mike, It looks like you have a good start. I like the looks of the retaining wall. Don't brake your back on it. (LOL) Later: Tom Casper
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 18:39:23 -0700 From: "Mike Decker" Subject: Re: Erskine Tramway Thanks, Tom: I try not to do too much wall at once :>) The cars will only haul 16 blocks apiece, so I don't get carried away. Tell Jack I'm still alive and kicking :>) Later, Mike Decker Erskine Tramway
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 20:16:05 -0600 From: "Bill Laird" Subject: RMI Sale on Wheels Today I ordered some unmachined wheels from RMI for a project and was very pleasently surprised when Paul Garin told me that all wheels (iron or steel, machined or unmachined, any size) are on sale at 50% of list price. Anyone interested in a good deal on wheels for that next project, here is an excellent opportunity to pick them up a great prices. Bill Laird Canyon Lake, Texas
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:15:45 -0800 From: "Daniel F. Morris" Subject: Superb Slide Show http://ribbonrail.com/Videos/ This slideshow is authored by Daniel S. Dawdy who operates The "Cyberspace World Railroad Site". The still shots are taken around the Chicago area. As a Chicago native I found this slideshow outstanding and well worth the while to look at it! Enjoy! Dan Morris
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:11:15 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller" Subject: Re: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention - Photos Hello, here they are... The photos of our narrow-gauged industrial layout at the convention last weekend. It was great and we'll repeat this next year. http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/eng/photos/sinsheim07.htm Gerd
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:31:05 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: Re: Re: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention - Photos Good looking display, great looking equipment. I'll bet that this was a fun show to do. Douglas De Berg
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:03:10 -0000 From: "Frolin Marek" Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge Hey Tom, Thanks for sharing update pictures. I am continuing to add the photos you send me, to the SR&CL section on my web-site. Folks, Would like to invite others to visit a section on my web-site with a growing collection of photos taken of the Sandy Ridge & Clear Lake Railway. Some I took during visits, some Tom has sent me. http://www.frolin.net/mmgs/srcl/index.html Frolin Marek Marek Mountain Mining & Railroad San Antonio, Texas
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:24:09 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller" Subject: Website translated ;-) Hello, this weekend, I've found enough time, to translate major parts of my website into english... Only the section with the building-articles and tips is still in work. But I hope I can upload this sites in the next week. I've also added new actual photos to my roster. http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/eng/ Bye, Gerd
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:21:20 EST From: GengH@aol.com Subject: Re: Website translated ;-) Dear Gerd: Thank you for posting the photos of your trains. You have done some outstanding work. Please keep us informed of your progress. Yours truly, George Hoke
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:27:06 -0000 From: "dave_rhoton" Subject: Need help-opion I want to build a ride on backyard layout- but am having troublr deciding which way to go. I want to be able to ride it plus the kids and grand kids. I have looked at 1.5/7.5 its nice and big but looks to require to much room and possibly machinery. Have also looked at 2.5/5in ? but can you ride this- does any one have any specs such as radius car sizes etc. And could this translate to american narrow gauge or should i use 2.5/7.5in railroad. Yes I am confused and dont have a lot of money so I want to doit right one time Thanks Dave
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:41:35 +1300 From: gscale@clear.net.nz Subject: Re: Website translated ;-), Gerd.... Thankyou Gerd, I have enjoyed my look around your site, and you have encouraged me to get on and create a web-site for our backyard railway. I have uploaded a few photo's to this (7+ngm) site of our railway, but really need to do my own web-site. I also have a G scale layout at home and enjoy the Round House live steamer as well as the track powered trains. Keep up the good work. Grant Alexander Squirrel Valley Railway Cambridge New Zealand.
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:40:38 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller" Subject: Re: Website translated ;-), Gerd.... Thank you very much, I've correct some errors on my site and added some more pages in the buildingarticles-section (carparts and misc). I've also repaired a wrong link on my roster, refers to the new trucks. Here is a photo of my work so far, done this weekend. Gerd
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:15:21 -0000 From: "William Van Lenten" Subject: Re: Need help-opion Dave,7.5 gauge is the way to go. A smaller diesel switcher can take radius of 8ft. but suggest non under 10ft. Check www.discoverlivesteam.com for things under the for sale pages. Also check the suppliers page for small switchers, and riding, rolling stock. Bill
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:31:50 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller" Subject: Re: Need help-opion Hello Dave, that's a real good question. I'm building in 2"-scale on 5"-track and it's the right for me ;-) You can also haul passengers on 5"-tracks, but in fact of the smaller gauge, derailments are more often as on larger gauges. I think you're living in amerika, so 7.5"gauge would be the better choice, because this seems to be the major-gauge their for backyard operations. So you are able to visit other railroads with your own train. And remember also the advantages in transport passenger... The costs in both scales will be neraly the same, if you scratchbuild your locos and cars. I've some building-articles on my website, how to build small diesel-switchers. But they are in German only at this time, but I'm working on the English pages. I hope to finish them this week. http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/Fahrzeuge/Silva/achsen.htm http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/Fahrzeuge/Melina/achsen.htm There are also some tips for cars (in English) http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/eng/HowTo/Anleitungen.htm So have fun and enjoy our hobby... Gerd
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 01:42:08 EST From: GengH@aol.com Subject: Coles Power Models Here is an E-mail I sent to Coles Power Models Web site on Jan 21, 2007: Subject: Status? I have heard Coles was sold to someone in Texas. Is this true? If so are you taking orders? There has been a lot of local dissatisfaction with Coles since the family sold it. I don't know anybody who will even attempt an order. Out of stock problems compounded with a near total lack of communications, including refusal to take customer paid for phone calls. Cole's WAS a valued supplier and had excellent service and quality merchandise. What happened? We need someone like Coles. Yours truly, George Hoke Bellevue, WA Kitsap Live Steamers Train Mountain member. Here is the reply I received the next morning: Good Morning, We have just gained access to our website since purchasing Coles' in December 2006. We are working our hardest to rebuild inventory and are taking orders at this time for in stock items. We will advise you if something is not currently available before you order it. We too believe that Coles' was a valued supplier when run by Charles, Betty, and Brenda. We've been a supplier for Coles' of approximately 70 items in their catalog since 1995 when the Coles were still the owners. We have met with Charles and Betty when we went to California, and have received their blessing to continue using the Coles' Power Models name. We too, are a family run business, and hope to bring Coles' back to what it originally was. Please feel free to call for more information. We will be updating the website further in the near future. Thank you, Kenneth & Carol Rhodes
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:47:01 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Coles Power Models George: I just looked at the site and it is listing it being in Warren Texas, but when you try to find it in the yellow pages you will find nothing. I did find a listing for the people that are listed as the owner in Warren Texas, but nothing on the store. Now I also saw that there is no phone number but a voice mail, if they are trying to make things better, then they should be answering the phones call they get, and not letting a voice system answer the phone. The web site look the same which doesn't show anything at all. Now for what they carry, everything they carry now can be gotten by people you can trust, so I won't be doing any business with them, unless I am shown proof that they care about the people who are buying from them. I am not going to go through what I did before to get something I had paid for, and then take 3 month to get it after being told it was in stock and that he was holding it in his hands, and this I found out later was someone in Nevada, and not where the store was in LA. I say buyer beware until there is proof that it not the same old story, having an answering machine is not a good start to showing us that thing have changed, plus a P.O. box for an address is also not good in my mind either when they show having an address for where they live, plus if something had to be return then UPS couldn't return it because of not having a address. This is just my two cents after being burned by them, you can take it for what it is worth, but I wouldn't trust them. Mike Looney
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:36:13 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Coles Power Models I just called there number and a fellow answered, its not a voice mail box just there voice phone number. I also asked him what went on with the company, seems that he is the supplier and has been for quite a number of years for 75 percent of there castings and finished products. He also supplies some of the other live steam company's that are listed in Live Steam. When he bought the company the stock had been run down to the point of not having anything on some items in stock, while not everything is in stock at this time he, being the supplier to Cole's is bringing the stock level back to where it should have been all along. He runs a machine shop and has been a machinist for 40 years. All of the castings are made in the US also. When they moved the company to Texas, it probably has a box number because that is all they have in town, they brought 30 tons of parts in two semi trailers, one can only imagine how many little pieces were there. Seven tons were just bar stock for engine kits. But again give them a call and see what is up someone will answer the phone, the owner, and he is a very nice fellow to talk to. Boyd Butler
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:49:03 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: Sale and Relocation of Cole's This is sure a more positive way to look at the relocation and sale of Cole's, thanks Boyd. I wish them well serving a hobby very much in need of quality parts. Hopefully the negative folks will give them a chance and I'm tired of hearing of a person in Nevada answering a phone for a firm doing business in California, enough is enough. Douglas De Berg Rock Creek Railway Company. 10809 N.E. 158th Street Kearney, Mo. 64060 Tel: 816-628-4353 Fax 816-628-2968
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:13:06 -0000 From: "Donald Bauer" Subject: Coles Well, things may be looking up for this company. Unfortunately, many people have gotten to this type of business without realizing what is required in the way of time and investment. If you want to supply castings, for instance, you must pay the foundry up front for a quantity that will insure the best cost/inventory ratio, while not knowing whenor if someone will buy your product. That may be fine for General Motors, but can be devastating for a backyard supplier. Please be patient, give this fellow orders, and pray. We desperately need these people to survive. It would be wonderful if he could also pick up some of the inventory that used to come from Power Models in Missouri, before his tragic death. We can hope. Don Bauer
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:59:44 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Coles Don: There are other supplier out there that have the same thing that Coles' has, but saying that and from reading your posting, you make it sound like he is the only place to buy. Now like any one else out here that was burn by Coles' you can understand why we wouldn't be so quick to buy anything from Coles', because we don't want to get burned again. We are supposed to learn from our mistake, but everything Coles list there are other that treat you better and want your business. Mike Looney
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:30:07 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Douglas: What part of the truth don't you like, I dealt with the person in Nevada, and he even told me that where is was at, and was looking at a computer to tell people what was in stock, when the store was in LA. Why are you defending Coles' when they were the ones ripping people off, and lying to everyone, and if you don't believe me talked to Bob at Railroad Warehouse, because he was the one who told me about him because he know that person. I never get tired from someone telling me the truth, but it is unfair on your part to say something negative to us for telling the truth about what was really going on at Coles'. Mike Looney
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:36:03 -0000 From: "William Van Lenten" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's In the past I have delt with many suppliers. One is Little Engines, and I waited for three years for a boiler for a Pacific. Plus I neverdid receive some parts that were suppose to be with the kit. Also trying to deal with Brawn in Colorado made things worse. I have never had any problems with Coles or Power Model (when they were in Buss.) The gentleman who supplied Coles is now the new owner. He bought in Dec. 2006 and this is only Jan. GIVE him a chance. it takes time to rebuild a low inventory on a defunked company. DON'T be to quick to condem someone new. Bill Mosquito Junction & Western R/R // Southern Locomotive Works.
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:22:54 EST From: bgwmoxie@aol.com Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's There there, boys; You all have probably been in the live steam hobby long enough to know that things don't happen over night... More importantly words are passed more times than not via email only to be taken the wrong way... One thing the computer age has done is taken the emotion out of writing... For instance how many times have you found yourself arguing with someone if they only really heard the way you meant to say something... This is a discussion website....Not one to rant back and forth...Keep in mind people say stuff not to rip each other apart and many times typed words are taken out of context... In this hobby we have all seen divisions... Lets not divide here... Best Regards To All My 2 cents
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:58:31 -0600 From: "leon risenhoover" Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's in many ways Coles is a new company ,so to speak the way I see it. Leon in Luther OK.
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 06:40:15 -0000 From: "Frolin Marek" Subject: Re: Need help-opion Dave, I would like to share my answer to this question, when I pursued "riding scales" a few years back. First, go visit a couple 'live steam' tracks in your area. If that means a 2-3 hour drive for a Saturday Meet visit, make the trip. Find out what others around you have, scale and gauge. Then ask yourself, if you pursue the hobby, how nice it would be have folks you can visit with and get help from, in your own area, doing the same size and scale you are doing. Plus, the GREAT advantage of being able to take your equipment to run on their tracks, until you have your own track and even after, for a different place to go run/ride. Then decide on the Standard Gauge / Narrow Gauge question. The nice thing about narrow gauge, details, road name and such aside, you may find your can ride 'inside' the NG cars easier. Great example, imagine your neighbor and their child straddling on top of a 1.5" scale Gondola. I say 'on top' because at 14" wide you'll have a board across the top of the 'sides' for a seat, feet down inside. You and the car will be top heavy. Then consider the ride, sitting on a padded boat seat, inside a narrow gauge gondola, that is 18-20 inches wide inside the side walls. And the kids riding 'inside' this car, lower gravity, less rocking, and more comfortable and safe. OK, maybe a mis-leading.... leading example? And then consider buying yourself a small, gas or electric, little engine, maybe a 2-axle switcher, with 1 or 2 short riding cars. A small loco and cars you can load and unload and haul very easily to the area / regional meets and tracks. Go ride, run, and learn from the experience. Curves, think about 20 foot radius as a bare minimal. And thats if you are ready to be limited to very engines and cars. Imagine a oval loop in your back yard. Can you put down a track that is 40-50 feet across and mybe 50-75 feet long? If you have more fun, push it to 25 feet radious, or more. More IS better. Tight tight tight curves are not so good. Last, "starter trains" as they might be called, are a great way to get started. And if you are not ready to spend $2000 to $3500 to get started this way... you might have your answer to, how much will it cost and how serious are you, past the neat idea of riding a cute fun train with the kids around the yard. Ok, here is another answer, approach and something to consider. I started with a 1.5" scale, 7.5" gauge Cannonball "Super Mack", and a NG type, flat car riding car. Later added two used NG style wood gondola cars. Now have a freelance 4" sorta scale ride-inside diesel loco I'm finishing out. I can run at the various tracks around the State, and hope to lay track around the house at some point. The Mack was a loaner... and at times, I wish I still had it for a very small, simple engine and one car ride! Frolin Marek Marek Mountain Mining & Railroad San Antonio, Texas
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 04:02:33 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's I took the time to call the New Coles' and to listen to the man that is running it now. I was also one of the people that got burn by the old Coles'. I am thinking of giving him a chance, but with small order to see how thing will go, like how fast he ship to us, and things like that. I don't like getting burn twice by anyone, so small step first. He also knew about the dealing with the old Coles' and when you called them, how you got someone in Nevada answering the phone, and one thing I learn was that Betty is still alive, which is good new, because I had heard that she had died. Like I said small step. Mike Looney
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:13:24 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's You want to take this personal? I don't! All I said was that enough is enough on that type of negativism. I also said give these folks a chance. They are not the same ones who you think did you wrong. Douglas De Berg
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:19:09 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's My feelings whole heartedly. The negativism we see sometimes consumes the best efforts. What would be the worst that can happen? They don't produce and ulltimately fail. The best that can happen is they succeed and we all are better off for their success. Sure, I've been burned in the past and I learned from that and didn't go around bad mouthing all those associated with that burning. Douglas De Berg
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:34:51 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: Re: Re: Need help-opion I agree with Frolin. Twenty foot radius is as about as tight as you want to go, A little larger radius will only get better for running your train with a minimum of derailments. A lot of derailments are from someone sitting astride or on top of a 1.5 inch scale car and shifting their weight. 7.5" gauge track and eventually modelling Narrow Gauge prototype in 2 1/2" scale will allow you to have cars that you can sit in and be able to handle the shifts in weight better. The little Mack is a great way to start, many of those folks who started with the Mack still keep one around for use when they want to go somewhere else to run or when they just want to set the locomotive on the track and put a car or two on and ride. A small 2 axle locomotive and a few cars other than being easy to negotiate smaller radius curves are easy to store in a small outdoor shed or maybe a garage and carry to the track to start riding. Douglas De Berg
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:54:04 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Douglas: I wasn't being negative I was just telling the truth and yes it is personal when a company rip anyone off. Telling the truth about a company is what this and other site are about to warn other so that they don't get ripped off. People have a right to know what is going on with a business and telling us that we shouldn't say anything bad in my mind is just wrong. I sorry but I can't defend a company that has ripped people off, now I will give this new guy a chance like I have stated before, but don't tell me that I can't tell other about a company to stay away from so that they won't be rip off, or do you like being rip off. You not making any sense here make up your mind if it is good to warm other or not so that we will know how you think, me I think that no one should be rip off so that why I will always warn them about a company, it called looking out for other, you might want to try it someday, people will like you for telling to truth so that they won't get rip off. Coles' was run into the ground and what everyone has said about it is true, and if it is negative then people should know that, and it is going to take the new owner a long time to undo what has been done in the past,. There is nothing we can do to stop that part, but hard work on his part and fast shipping and good service on his part is what it is going to take to do away with the negative that wasn't his part, but has follow him. You don't think he know about the negative part of what he just got, and what he need to do to overcome it, but he also didn't tell me that he didn't know this when he brought the company, you are one per son who is on the wrong side of this, and one or two posting is not being over doing it like you think, in fact there had only been one posting about the old Coles' so why say something in the first place, and why hide the truth. I think that it is better not to say something like you did because of the problem it cause afterward, it like telling the rest of us here, that we can have a say in this, and you don't control the people of this group. Coles' was the one that cause there own problem not us remember that the next time. Mike Looney
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 11:43:16 -0500 From: Arno Martens Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Douglas, stop wasting your time. It appears that Mike just cannot get his head around that even though the name remains the same, the new company Coles has nothing at all to do with the old company Coles where he made the very bad experience. This is rather obvious from his last post where he says he would give the new owner a second chance with a small order. Since he has never dealt with the new company, he surely cannot give them a second chance. -- Cheers, Arno
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:50:24 -0500 From: Robert W Herronen RWHERRON Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Perhaps he should rename the company then to distance his company from a legacy of poor customer relationships but have a blurb that they offer the products once sold by the other company. #=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=# Robert Herronen Analyst, UNCG MIS department
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:16:39 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Arno: I never said I would give him a second chance, I said I would try and see how he does, before making any large order that way I will see how he does, but not telling people if a business is bad is what I have a problem with, because I try to protect my friend, unlike what Douglas said of not saying anything at all. That the point I was making and it seem that all my friend like the way I look out for them. Mike Looney
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:46:23 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Trains and Fun Stuff Lets stop the bashing now as enough has been said for and against, lets not start this again. We need positive posts with train info and fun stuff. Everyone get your trains out and steam up have fun enjoy life. Now on to other things, does anyone have plans for the 24 foot Northern Pacific Caboose? Thanks all Boyd Butler up here in Wa state but on the dry side.
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:08:39 -0000 From: "William Van Lenten" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Maybe I'll just by the Coles company and add it to my Southern Locomotive Works name. Then Mike can bad mouth me. Ha Ha Ha Bill
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 23:17:42 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Trains and Fun Stuff Boyd: I didn't know there was a dry spot up there. Mike Looney
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:19:52 -0800 From: Dennis Dalla-Vicenza Subject: Re: Trains and Fun Stuff Boyd, I agree, now how do you want me to ship those hamburgers I owe you? If I cook them here, they'll be cold by the time you unwrap them and if I send them raw, e-coli should have them running around in the box by the time you get them :-) Have you seen the Kitsap version which I believe is the NP model but I do stand to be corrected. -- kind regards Dennis, living in Port Alberni BC. Founding member of the BSMES
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:36:38 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Dennis Hey next time you are down wont be so busy pumping fuel, by the way its cold beer and warm hamburgers, I think that is the way you do them up there. Boyd.
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 18:23:49 -0800 (PST) From: dave schoeffler Subject: Re: Need help-opion Dave: Can you give us an idea of the size space you ae working with? Have you seen "railroad in a box" from Plum Cove Studios and the kit offered by Real Trains? Dave Schoeffler Temecula, Ca
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 09:51:37 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Plum Cove Hey they were at Train Mountain this last summer at our big meet, there offerings are a great way to start out in our hobby, take a look at them. But be warned, the next step is to get the second mortgage on the house sell all of the new cars and buy trains. Boyd Butler, broke but having fun and got trains.
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:56:32 -0000 From: "Colt Graham" Subject: porter locomotive I need to see if anybody knows information on a 7 1/2 gauge porter locomotive. I've seen photos of three different locomotives. I hoping someone knows a webpage with more info on them. Would appreciate any info. These seem to be 2 1/2 scale, but I could be wrong.
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:12:45 -0600 From: "Rick White" Subject: Re: porter locomotive See http://www.avwrr.org/ and choose Narrow Gauge to see Bill Laird's Narrow Gauge Porter. Bill is the webmaster for that site and is on this list. He does a great job making locomotives. You will like his Porter. It may be a 2 ft gauge prototype in 3.75 inch scale. Since he is the webmaster of that site, his e-mail address is on the home page for http://www.avwrr.org/ Rick White
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:12:57 -0800 (PST) From: Kristina graham Subject: Re: porter locomotive Thank You That is one of my dream locos. I have two porters that I would like to build. Can anybody tell me more info on Bill Laird's porter. Was it built from a kit or all custom made. Thank You
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:17:34 -0800 (PST) From: Kristina graham Subject: Re: porter locomotive Can anybody that knows this site tell me anything about Terry McCauley's 3 3/4 loco also. Thank You
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 08:32:21 -0600 From: "Bill Laird" Subject: Re: porter locomotive Hi Colt, I can tell you about the locos on the AV&W web site (http://www.avwrr.org/) you are asking about. Terry McCauley built the first two, his and one for Paul Beverung. They are 3 3/4" scale 0-4-0 tank engines based on the MEG Steam "Wendy" plans. Both locos have the same frame, running gear, and boilers. The cabs, tenders, and details are all freelanced. Mark Hajek and my self (also members of AV&W) saw the two locos Terry built running at the AV&W track and decided to build our own. Ours are 2 1/2" scale 2-4-0 locomotives. We used the same MEG Steam plans for the frame, running gear, and boilers. Mark freelanced his locomotive as a Baldwin and I chose to model mine after a Porter. We both used photographs of prototype locomotives as reference in building and detailing our locomotives. All four locos run at the AV&W meets. A fifth 2 1/2" scale loco, again based on the "Wendy" frame, running gear, and boiler plans is under construction by AV&W member Mike Westwood of San Antonio. He has his running on air and just mounted the boiler. There are plans in the works for construction of two more of these "Wendy" based locomotives by members of the AV&W. I wrote an article on construction of the first four locos and submitted it to "Live Steam" magazine about a year ago, so perhaps sometime it will get published. If you want more information, let me know. Bill Laird Canyon Lake, Texas
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:31:21 -0800 (PST) From: Kristina graham Subject: Re: porter locomotive Hello, Can anbody give me any info on how to get the Meg Steam Plans. I've tried to yahoo search, but no luck so far. Thank You
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:37:19 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Meg Steam Locos Ok so thats where they are, saw one at TM last year but didnt get enough info on it. Is there any way that I could get some ideas on the plumbing on those? Am at a stalemate on mine, I legnthend the frame six inches in the rear so the cab would sit more towards the rear and expose more of the boiler. Am at this time going to stay with the 040 style, use a large front buffer and will use Skagen couplers. I am going to build a Porter style tender to ride in. It will be fired on either coal or Propane depending on the time of year and where I am running it. The one that I saw had steam brakes on the drivers something that I might do down the road but right now would just like to finish it. Am also going to keep the tank style but may later change and remove it. I do have the parts to make it a 042 but am not at this time sure if I want to. I also had to pin the crank pins with set screws from the back side as when Dougal made it they were not fitted properly and turned so its never been fired but is almost ten years old. Again any ideas on the plumbing would be helpful. Thanks Boyd up here in coooollllldddd Wa state.
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:40:02 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Plans I just sold a set last year to a fellow that took a year to decide to buy them from me. You might try Dougal and see if he has anymore, contact him on Vancover Island the last name is Hubner or something close to that, one of the fellows from the club up there could also help you out as they see him from time to time. Boyd. Still Cooolllddd
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:48:14 -0800 From: DENNIS DALLA VICENZA Subject: Re: Plans Boyd, Last I heard Dougal had dropped the business and has gone on to other employment. I can check tonight when I am back in Port Alberni and see if he still has stuff available. regards Dennis freezing his butt off in nanaimo, BC.
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 15:08:48 -0500 From: Arno Martens Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's On Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:16:39 -0500, "Michael F. Looney" wrote: Arno: I never said I would give him a second chance, I said I would try and see how he does, before making any large order that way I will see how he does, but not telling people if a business is bad is what I have a problem with, because I try to protect my friend, unlike what Douglas said of not saying anything at all. That the point I was making and it seem that all my friend like the way I look out for them. Mike Looney Well, Mike, maybe it is my problem with English as a second language. You wrote: I am thinking of giving him a chance, but with small order to see how thing will go, like how fast he ship to us, and things like that. I don't like getting burn twice by anyone, so small step first. I just cannot see how you can get burnt by him twice when you have not given him a single chance. Please, don't misunderstand what I am saying. You got burnt by the old Coles and you have the right to vent your anger and frustration and tell people about that. You do not have the right to condemn the new Coles owner because of what happened to you by the previous company. This does not mean that I endorse the new Coles. I have no right to comment one way or the other as I have not dealt with that company and neither have you. Also, I think that it is good that you warn others about potential problems with new suppliers but you cannot attach blame to a new legal owner for what has happened with the precious legal owner. -- Arno
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:50:26 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Thanks Arno, I was beginning to think there was no way anyone was going to get it right on this issue. I certainly hope that the new owners of Coles have seen the exchanges of posts, the concerns and get it right. They will serve us in the hobby well if they do. One thing that has bothered me is the negative posts. I too run a small business supplying items for our hobby and have run into this type of behavior before. By the way, I've never had a bad experience with the past Coles when I called and talked to them and found out what was happening. Some things happen we as suppliers have little control over and keeping those who are our customers properly informed goes along ways. Douglas
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:22:39 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Arno: I was never talking about the new Coles' but for the fact it listed a PO Box for an address and it said Voice for the phone number which to me and other mean a answering machine. Most of what I was talking about was the old Coles' and the things that they did to people, and how we should stand together and warn other when a company is like that. I can't make statement about the new Coles', but I also have the right to be careful until they show me that they can be trusted, but that go for any new company out there. I am not going to order $1000 or $2000 worth of part from a company I know nothing about, or that anyone know anything about, start small and see how things go. The things I look at if it is in stock and that mean in stock and not waiting to be made or ordered from someone else, then it shouldn't take more then a week to get to me. There are places on the internet that claim to have products in stock, and then you find out they have to order it from someone else before it get shipped to you, and that is not being in stock. I have not blame the new owner on anything yet, in fact I did enjoy talking to him the other day, and learn that Betty was still alive which would be good new to her, but I had heard that she had passed away, so hearing that she is still alive is great new. Mike Looney
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:15:11 -0000 From: "wdbarbe" Subject: Wendy Plans I contacted him recently and he said he didn't have any sets of plans left and wasn't going to produce any more stuff. Too bad. I wish someone would produce a nice 2 1/2 scale 2-4-0. Seems like that would be an ideal size for a beginner loco. Not too big to handle and a pretty simple design. Keith Watson in Australia produced a 2-4-0 called Lil Lima. You may have seen pictures of some of these running around. Roll Models sells Keith's designs here in the US, but as far as I know, have no plans to release this kit anytime soon. I wish they would, I want one. Anyone know any custom builders out there who might want to tackle such a project. Narrow Gauge is catching on quite fast, but with the exception of Allen's Chloe (too small to pull much), Tom Artzbergers RGS #20 and the old Conway stuff, there isn't much more. I would like to see someone do maybe a Rio Grande Montazuma (2-4-0) or maybe a copy of the Porters that run in Hawaii. Think that would be a nice size. Any opinons? Bill
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:59:34 -0800 From: "Steve Hughes" Subject: Re: Wendy Plans Bill, I am building one of Tom's RGS#20's and am pleased with the project and the support I have gotten from him. Mine has been running on air for over a year, and if I could just get a pair of injectors, I could have it steaming before too long. I know that Tom is talking about designing and fabricating parts for a C-21 next. Perhaps if he had a few more interested in that project, he would get started on it. Steve
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:09:17 -0600 From: "Bill Laird" Subject: Re: Meg Steam Locos Hi Boyd, The loco you saw at TM last June was mine. If you have some specific questions, I will be glad to try and answer them, including taking specific pictures of how I did things if you can describe just what you are looking for. Yes, I have steam brakes on the loco. They are constructed from a set of Gene Allen's steam brake castings. On Gene's locomotives they are typically mounted horizontally under the cab, I mounted mine vertically between the drivers. Bill Laird Canyon Lake, Texas
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:20:46 -0600 From: "Bill Laird" Subject: Re: Wendy Plans Hi Bill, I wish someone who is in contact with Dougal would get a release from him for the rights on his plans so that those who own copies of the plans could make and sell copies of the plans to others who want them. I have a set but won't sell them because I need them for reference in maintaining my loco. I have been asked by several folks for copies, but don't feel that I have a right to sell copies of Dougal's plans without his permission. Regarding RMI and Keith Watson's designs. RMI bought the plans and patterns for both his 3 3/4" scale designs and 2 1/2" designs. They made a corporate decision to market the 3 3/4" designs. I know for a fact (I have visited RMI and seen them), that they have the plans and foundry patterns for Keith's 2 1/2" scale designs as well. I have been urging RMI to produce the 2 1/2" designs for several years. Perhaps, if RMI were to hear from a sufficient number of members in the hobby, they could be persuaded to market the 2 1/2" scale stuff. What would folks be willing to pay for a ready to run 2 1/2" scale 0-4-0 or 2-4-0? I may know a competent builder who would be willing to build them under individual contract. Bill Laird Canyon Lake, Texas
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:42:18 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Douglas: The problem is with people like you that don't think people need to be warned about a bad company. The issue wasn't with Coles, but with you and your thinking. I know what happen when you called the old Coles" I was one of the people that got burned by them, but I also took the time to warm others, so that they wouldn't get burn by them, and it seem I might need to warn people about you now, because you have no problem in letting other get rip if and this is from your own words. Maybe people in Mo. think that it is funny to see other get rip off, but from where I come from we DON'T. Mike Looney
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:55:39 -0800 From: "Geoff" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Guys.................You both have good points and we've hashed it all the way through. I think everybody has made there decision how they will deal with Cole's. Soooooooooooooooo......Could we please respect each other's opinions and go forward with TRAINS. Thanks guys. Geoff
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:14:28 -0600 From: "leon risenhoover" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Mike why is it you are the only one on this list with a grudge against some one you have NEVER dealt with! would you feel better if "he" would have changed the name? you are not telling the truth you are starting rumors, which could be construed as slander. the old Coles vs. the new Coles
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 10:46:04 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Leon: If you had read my posting you would have seen what I was talking about, it has nothing to do with the new Coles' at all but with Douglas saying we shouldn't say anything bad about any company out there, and that if you get rip off by a company then you shopuldn't say anything to anyone. That is my problem is not warning other if a company is ripping you off. What I said about the old Coles' is that when you called them you were talking to someone in Nevada, and not where the store was in LA, so how would he know what was in stock or not in stock? That is when Douglas got on here telling everyone that we shouldn't say anything bad about any company out there, and that when he got burn by a company that he wouldn't say anything about it. My whole point is about being able to warn other if a company is not looking out for the people that are doing business with them, and finding other places that will look out for you. I hope that the man that has taken over Coles' can bring it back to being a place you can trust and do business with, but he has a hard road trying to undo what has been done in the past by the old owners. The only thing they offer now that isn't being offer by other is rings, I can get model bolts and MPT taps and Die from a place I know that I can trust, and that will ship quickly, the rest of what Coles' has I have no use for, but that doesn't mean anything bad by me because I am not building engine of a car or an airplane, and the people that are building them, will do good by the new owner I hope. I don't build R/C Planes so I have no use for them, but that still doesn't mean other don't, and if they carry trains in the same store, then I will go there, but if they don't, then the store has nothing I need and there is no use going there. Like I said my problem is NOT with the new owner, or even the old owner now, but with someone who think that no one should be warn if a place is ripping you off, that is where my problem is at. Mike Looney
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:37:26 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Let It Rest Now Mr Loony you have beat this subject into the ground stop now get on with something positive and leave it alone let it die. Boyd.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:48:44 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Meg Steam Thanks Bill, if it had not been pointed out to me by Skid Roeh, from Kenosha fame, I would not have even given it more than the normal yup nice loco look. What you have done fits it perfectly, size and the arrangement of everything. Now about shipping it up to me, I promise to send it back, say in about twenty years after I try it out. No, I will get back to you after I review my pix that I did take of it just before you left, I think that it was after the last run you made. Thanks again, Boyd.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:22:43 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: As I said awhile back, Enough is enough and step down See comments below: Leon: If you had read my posting you would have seen what I was talking about, it has nothing to do with the new Coles' at all but with Douglas saying we shouldn't say anything bad about any company out there, and that if you get rip off by a company then you shopuldn't say anything to anyone. That is my problem is not warning other if a company is ripping you off. What I said about the old Coles' is that when you called them you were talking to someone in Nevada, and not where the store was in LA, so how would he know what was in stock or not in stock? That is when Douglas got on here telling everyone that we shouldn't say anything bad about any company out there, and that when he got burn by a company that he wouldn't say anything about it.My whole point is about being able to warn other if a company is not looking out for the people that are doing business with them, and finding other places that will look out for you. I hope that the man that has taken over Coles' can bring it back to being a place you can trust and do business with, but he has a hard road trying to undo what has been done in the past by the old owners. The only thing they offer now that isn't being offer by other is rings, I can get model bolts and MPT taps and Die from a place I know that I can trust, and that will ship quickly, the rest of what Coles' has I have no use for, but that doesn't mean anything bad by me because I am not building engine of a car or an airplane, and the people that are building them, will do good by the new owner I hope. I don't build R/C Planes so I have no use for them, but that still doesn't mean other don't, and if they carry trains in the same store, then I will go there, but if they don't, then the store has nothing I need and there is no use going there. Like I said my problem is NOT with the new owner, or even the old owner now, but with someone who think that no one should be warn if a place is ripping you off, that is where my problem is at. Mike Looney Listen Mr. Looney and listen closely. I never said not to complain about a bad situation or a bad experience with a company. I just told you that enough was enough on the way that you were complaining. Complaining and grandstanding on something are two different ways of complaining. You were bad mouthing a dead horse and there was a time for that but not with the new company. Why don't you just shut up for awhile and lissten to others, you may learn something. I said in one e-mail that I didn't want to get personal but you changed the rules. You're treating me the same as you treated Coles and I don't like it. Find another web site to do your grandstanding and lets leave this site to a productive site for us serious modellers. An apology is needed here because you have been putting out words and thoughts that I did not mean the way you have interpeted them. Douglas De Berg Rock Creek Railway Company
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:26:27 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Bill: With a comment like that it make me wonder what type of businessman you are. Ripping people off is not funny, and with a comment like that I wouldn't be doing business with you, and I will also let my friend know also. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and at the club I belong to there are over two hundred members, that know my word is good, and that I look out for the member and try to keep them from being rip off. Now do you really want to be making stupid comment like that on here, because two hundred member and there friend add up quickly, and they also have friends. Some time it better to say nothing then to open mouth and show people how you really are. Mike Looney
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:34:38 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Trains and Weather Yes its the dry side where you can run trains most of the year, now if Train Mountain was just a little closer. Am hoping to have both of my SW7s up and running for the first meet of the year also am going to build up two sets of Eastern Machine works trucks to see how they work they have Andrews side frames with oil lite bearings in them like the old Mercers. Am going to work hard at getting my steamer up and running by summer, got some good ideas this last year from So Cal, seems that several fellows down that way used the Meg Steam engine and then went to an American style narrow gauge engine the one I saw looked great its about 3 plus inch scale. Good luck all lets hear about some other projects too. Boyd from the land of plenty side of WA state.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:35:27 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: What is the mattter with this guy? Mr Looney, have you ever been sued? You have crossed the line and there are consequences to be paid. Slander to Coles, to me and others is going to land you in a heap of trouble. Be a man and accept that you are way wrong in your understanding on a number things. I can only echo what others are saying about you off list. You belong to another time and place where integrity and honesty are overlooked. I apologze to the list for this man's running everyone down that doesn't agred with him. This is my last post on this, but I couldn't allow him to slander me also. Douglas: The problem is with people like you that don't think people need to be warned about a bad company. The issue wasn't with Coles, but with you and your thinking. I know what happen when you called the old Coles" I was one of the people that got burned by them, but I also took the time to warm others, so that they wouldn't get burn by them, and it seem I might need to warn people about you now, because you have no problem in letting other get rip if and this is from your own words. Maybe people in Mo. think that it is funny to see other get rip off, but from where I come from we DON'T. Douglas De Berg
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:27:50 -0500 From: bruceodelberg@netscape.net Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy? Douglas, I agree with you 100%. As I remember, it was about one year ago that Mike quit this group in disgust after he went on another never-ending negative rant over this same thing (I think Coles, Little Engines and others were his targets then). He then formed his own group, but unfortunately for him, he tried to rip-off the name of an existing group (Southwest Narrow Gaugers). They were pissed, and got Mike's group immediately removed. It is one thing to warn about problems with suppliers. But I really do not care about problems that happened years ago. Especially when that company is no longer in business. I have had my problems with the "old" Coles and back-ordered items, but I eventually received everything I ordered, and was not charged until the back-ordered item shipped. What I am interested in is our experience with ordering from the "new" Coles. I will treat them, and trust them, the same as I would with any new supplier that I have no experience with. The "old" Coles is the past, and is not relevant to the "new" Coles. I think I hear a train whistle, and that sounds like a much better topic. Bruce
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:27:15 -0000 From: "William Van Lenten" Subject: Re: Wendy Plans Hey Bill, If you or any one you know has machines, then check out the yahoo groups Narrowgaugebuilders site. There are plans for a 2-4-0 and an 0-4-0 there. All the plans including a simple boiler are posted on the site. Also check the other sister site for more plans. You can also check with Robert Morris who is building one, and he is very satisfied. Bill (owner--Narrowgaugebuilders) site...
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:44:48 -0000 From: "William Van Lenten" Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's Mike, I am also a bussiness owner, and I will not do bus. with you under any circumstance.I do cater to the Live Steam Hobby, and I have a lot of good customers with great feedback. I myself have no use for your kind. Bill, Southern Locomotive Works.
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:48:20 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy? Douglas: It is not SLANDER if it is the truth, remember that, and I am the age of honesty and integrity, that why I warn people of bad places to deal with, you should try it some time. It called watching out for your fellow man. Mike Looney
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:55:05 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy? Bruce: You should get your fact right before, saying something that is a lie. I didn't quit this group and yahoo didn't run me off, in fact the other group is still there and going find, in fact they were the ones that got in trouble for trying to say that the Yahoo copyright was there copyright, Like I said get your fact right before telling lies. Mike Looney
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:41:46 -0500 From: Arno Martens Subject: Re: Re: Wendy Plans "Our" own Dick Morris? Way up North in A_ _ _ _ _, North in A _ _ _ _ _, North in A _ _ _ _ _!!! (To be sung with feeling). -- Cheers, Arno
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:01:44 +1100 From: "George Paxon" Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy? I think it best to give the new bloke the opportunity to rebuild the Cole's name. I never had any luck with the old (interim) Coles- they always promised but never delivered. But, I never lost a dollar as they didn't ask for money. Service is always a problem in our hobby as most suppliers are part-timers. Dave Conway was poor on service and high on quality when he was having problems. Same for Rudy while he was sick. Rudy's service was first class consdering his medical condition, but when you don't get waht you want, and are left high and dry, it is sometimes hard to see things from the other fellows (supplier's) point of view. Paul is doing a nice job trying to rebuild the Como name into the reliable supplier it once was. They new owners of Cole's may do the same. I reckon it is best to approach they with optimism but caution and give them a chance.. Ranting and raving and degrading the name because of past proboems with previous ownership does nothing for the hobby or the potential future suppy. It seems like the output of a twisted bitter sort of bloke. Geo A Paxon
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 23:30:35 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney" Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's William: Don't worry from what I have heard and what I have seen, I wouldn't have been doing business with you anyway, have fun in Fla. Mike Looney
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:24:19 +0200 From: "Johan" Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy? George Paxon, I really think that the listees on this forum, especially those that are "Thrashing" the Cole's name, should take head of your writing and explanation. Well done! It is such a great pitty that there are always individuals, who forever find fault with another. Our hobby are a great one, but the majority of builders through-out the World, are dwindling due to old age. Please "Live" and let "Live". Kindest Regards to all, Johan Pretorius (South Africa)
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 11:50:27 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: What is the mattter with this guy? This is what we were all trying to accomplish with the announcement about the new Cole's. How did one fellow mess it up so bad? The answer may lie in the message sent by Bruce. And yes, the whistle is blowing. So lets get back to railroading and modeling. Douglas,
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:53:44 -0000 From: "William Van Lenten" Subject: Searching for Drivers Hello Gentlemen, I am currently looking for Drivers--Must be at least 1 1/2" thick and machine out to 9 1/4 dia at the tread. Anyone know where I can purchase arround 160 castings?? Since my foundry is out of service for another 6 mos. to a year, I cannot cast anything myself. My patterns have also been destroyed in the flood from Hurricane Frances,2004.... Bill, Southern Locomotive Works
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:20:47 -0000 From: "narrowbend" Subject: Frost on Rail Has anyone found a solution to frost on the rail these sunny winter mornings? My four wheel electric will barely move itself on level track, and not at all on a grade. Even more disconcerting, on a two percent grade there is no stopping. With riding car brakes set and loco in reverse, I still gain speed down hill. Is this just a problem with steel rail? Will heavier equipment cure it? I'd be curious what experiences others have had with this issue. Michael Lavrich, in not-so-sunny-right-now Bend, Oregon.
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:50:23 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler" Subject: Frost About the only thing to do is sit inside and wait out the weather, try steel rail wet at Train Mountain with a load behind you, its time for the sled ride. I have had my speeder, electric, turned off with the brake on just slide never change speed going down on wet rail, the next thing to do is if needed apply the foot brakes, then go back and fix the ballast before anyone sees what you did. Are you running on the club track at Bend? Boyd.
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 13:48:23 -0700 From: "Mike Decker" Subject: Re: Frost on Rail Hi Michael: It's a problem with full-size trains too, but we've got sand to help out. Going uphill, the engines jump up and down and slip their wheels, and going downhill, you have to set the air sooner than you would on dry rail to "warm up" the wheels so they're not inclined to slide. Weight doesn't always help, account a 415,000 pound, 4400 Hp, locomotive can do some pretty fancy dancing on wet or frosty rail. One thing that would help you on the downhills is not to slide the wheels if you can avoid it. Lighten up on your car brakes, and don't reverse the engine, account a sliding wheel will pick up speed faster than one that's rolling....as you've noticed . Uphill....you'll just need sand. I'm putting sanders on my four-wheeled, 7-1/2" gauge, gas mechanical, because I've got some 2% coming up out of the Shop Terminal. Sand helps on the downhills too. I'll echo Boyd's advice "don't go out and play in the frost if you don't have to". I don't get a vote, railroading's a 24/7 job, ( I went to work in Gillette Wyo., at 4:15AM, and drug 16,868 tons of coal home out of Eagle Butte Mine without breaking it, so it was a successful trip) but I don't have to play in the bad weather on my home line. Best, Mike Decker, in Sunny Hot Springs, SD
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:59:00 -0500 From: Robert W Herronen RWHERRON Subject: Re: Frost on Rail I'd like to get my hands on some especially fine grained sand but the smaller the grains, the easier they clump and plug up sanding lines. Sand, however, can wear out the aluminum rail faster. I'd avoid sanding whereever possible. Just my 2 cents. #=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=# Robert Herronen Builder, RGS RR of N.C.
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:30:59 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com Subject: Frost on Rail Mike, when I run as the first train over rail that has frost or heavy dew on the top of the rail whether steel or aluminum I use a couple of cars pushed ahead of the locomotive. The first car has a fairly stiff brush touching the top of the rail to loosen up the frost layer. This brush is nothing more than the brush part of a squeegee brush combination with a broom type handle that I bought at the hardware store for about $6.00. It's wider than the track so I've cut it down so it's no wider than 10". I removed the broom handle and made brackets on the side of the car to be able to bolt this into position under the car ahead of the second truck. It works good on the frost, of course you will still have loose frost/moisture to run on but at least it's about the same as running in the rain. I'm thinking of putting the rubber squeegee part of the same combination on the second car mounted the same way to kind off squeegee the moisture. At any rate it's wise to operate your equipment on wet rail very carefully with the thought in mind that you need to be able to stop safely. By the way both cars that I push are weighted about a 100# heavier so as to track and crush frost properly I've used the same brush technique under my snowplow and have had great success in removing the snow thats on top of the rail below the plow blade. Works good and locomotive with plow has good traction by not having snow/ice build up on top of the rail. From the land of frost, heavy dew and at times ice and snow. Douglas De Berg

7-Plus-NGM Digest

Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 04:15:54 -0000
From: "lineshaft2000"

Subject: 2 1/2" Heisler Trucks

Hello,
I need some help locating a person.
I worte to some groups, looking for info on a 2 1/2" scale Heisler locomotive that was built in Seattle WA. After persuing a few leads, I found the builder, Dennis Riches, who is in poor health. His son led me to a gentalman that had the plans and packets of notes. He sold them to Me and has given Me permission to sell copies. I have been sorting through the drawings and notes which are fairly complete, except one thing, the trucks.
Mr Riches started the Heisler after someone else built the trucks, and gave up on the project. Dennis bought the trucks, and built the rest of the locomotive. There are some photos on a web site I started called "Heisler Locomotive.com".
Does anyone have any ideas who the builder of the trucks might be?
They may have live in the Seattle, WA area or maybe Victoria, B.C.

Any info could be a great help,

Thanks,
Dave Fontes

Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:29:18 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: New member

Hello narrow-gaugers,

my name is Gerd and I'm new to this list.
I'm from Germany, 26 y.o. and are modeling 30" stuff in 2"-scale, running on 5" tracks. My roster includes one Koppel livesteamer, an electric powered diesel-switcher and actual 11 cars (3 more are planend for this year).

The focus on my rolling stock is a typical european light railway, used in quarys and other industrial themes. Most cars are freelanced except some models with real prototypes.

My steam-loco represents a small 20hp Orenstein&Koppel 0-4-0.
Actually, the loco is on my workbench again, to add more details and other stuff. I've buyed this loco secound hand one year ago.

My first loco, was a Gmeinder diesel-switcher build by myself out of plywood. This loco is still in service, but seldeom seen on the tracks, since my steamer is here ;-)

A third electric-powered engine was selled to a good friend during the last year.

Next week, the 11. indoor livesteam convention in Sinsheim/Germany opens the doors for 3 days of playing and fun. Together with some friends, we'll setup a small industrial layout in 2"-scale with several buildings, a dump-ramp and many other stuff. I'll post some pictures to my website at the end of the convention.

BTW - Website is a good word. You can find my one at www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/ but it's in German only. Maybe I'll find some time to translate them in english to next month.

Now I hope, to get more inspirations in buildings models, layouts and other stuff in large scales. I was deeply impresed by the SandyRiver&ClearLake Railway and others. My dream is, to setup something like this one day

But for the next time, there are other plans. So I'll build some more structures for our layout next week. Next month, I'll start 5 wooden dumpcars and when this are finished, I'll try to construct a working multi-barrel excavator.

Best whises and a happy new year, Gerd

Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 09:38:59 -0500
From: mrjcad@netscape.net

Subject: Re: New member

Gerd: thanks for a look at your train and plans--neat! It is good to hear from another modeler who is designing and building engine and rolling stock for something other than pulling people.

I ran across an article written by a Chuck Yungkurth back in '82 detailing industrial trains used in the anthracite coal industry of that era. He had photos and some drawings with rudimentary dimensions which is all that I need to start CAD designing; right now I have four different car designs drawn and am now working on the electric battery loco used in coal mining. I'll send some pictures to ya as I get things built. Specifications? Well the original line was 30" and I'm converting it to 7.5 gage at 2.7" to the 1' scale.

Regards
Laurence Johnson,
hometrainmaker

Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 23:03:38 EST
From: GengH@aol.com

Subject: Re: New member

Dear Gerds:
Welcome to 7-plus.
Two of us from Seattle, Washington State are coming to Sinsheim. Please E-mail me at GENGH@AOL.COM and tell us how to find you at Sinsheim. We look forward to meeting you.
Yours truly,
George Hoke

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 05:56:42 -0000
From: "Colt Graham"

Subject: 12" c-19

I'm still new to this so I'll ask advice. I'm trying to find out what the size of a locomotive would be. I think the loco that I want to build is called a c-19. It is the same type that Knott's Berry Farm runs on their Calico ghost railroad(could be wrong on the name).My question is what would be the dimension be if the locomotive was 12" gauge. I've looked at the RMI Sweet Creek and love the ride in style. I was wondering if this loco would be a little bigger and offer just a little more ride in ability. I'm hoping that it would be around the size of a ride in diesel loco in 15"-18" gauge.
Like I said, I'm new to this and the whole scale calculations.

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:22:40 +0100
From: hubert@wetekamp.de

Subject: AW: Re: New member

Hello George,

Two of us from Seattle, Washington State are coming to Sinsheim. Please E-mail me at GENGH@AOL.COM and tell us how to find you at Sinsheim. We look forward to meeting you.

When you visit me, I think, Gerd will be near of me.

We are both in hall 4 on the combined 5"/7.25" commercial layout running our trains.

And the Struever Schienenkuli on the last pictures is now owned by me:

Greetings from Germany
Hubert the Goose

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:53:36 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: New member

Laurence: I've started realisitc looking modeling in G-scale many years ago. It's fun and looks real great, to add tons of tools, parts and stuff to a loco or car. For examples, I've linked some pictures of G-scale stock. You can see some eggs in a pan inside the cap on the secound photo.

I'll try to model this detail in 2"-scale too.

Yesterday, I wrote to build some more dumpcars. Last night, I've good an other idea. My favourite railroad-types are logging railroads... So I think I'll go to build some disconnects instead of the dumpers.

George: As Hubert wrote, I'll be in hall #4. Just look for a great factory-building to find our layout (Should be the only one there). I'll wear an overall with my name on it ;-) Or ask Hubert to find me ;-) So I'll have to polish my spoken english the next days...

Happy railroading, Gerd

Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 08:38:44 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Subject: Re: New member

George,

I hope you take a camera to Sinsheim and give us a full report upon your return.

Bill Laird Canyon Lake, Texas

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 15:11:42 -0500
From: Arno Martens

Subject: Re: AW: Re: New member - OT

And the Struever Schienenkuli on the last pictures is now owned by me.

Struever, had forgotten about them altogether. That is where I had to go to make my Journeyman's test piece, a precision machine vise.

Thanks for the memories.

Regards,
Arno

Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:11:56 -0000
From: "Colt Graham"

Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4

I think I saw some drawings for the locomotives. Forgive me if I get it wrong, but I think they were on one of three websites. Thay were either, West Coast Locomotives, Redwood Valley , or Coyote Valley. Again I'm sorry if I got the names wrong. It seems like I saved them to my computer at work. I'll see if I can find where they came from.

Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:17:13 -0000
From: "Colt Graham"

Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4

I went to www.redwoodvalleyrailway.com and under their photos section under rvry standards links their is a somewhat detailed drawing of it.
I hope this helps.

Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 02:33:56 -0000
From: "wdbarbe"

Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4

Thanks. That is a start.
I had hoped to find a full set of construction drawings, but I have been told the are not available, at least not anymore. Oh well, thought that would make a really great engine in 2 1/2 scale, but I don't think I have enough talent to try and scrath build myself.
Thanks again,
Bill

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 01:18:37 -0000
From: "lineshaft2000"

Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4

Bill, I'am working there this Sunday. I will ask Ellen T. about print copies.

Dave

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:16:58 -0000
From: "Tom C"

Subject: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge

I added a folder in the Files section with some pics from Dec. under the Sandy Ridge and Clear Lake Ry heading. Enjoy.

CLL # 4 with George in cab and Bruce in rear at Phelps - George with a smile

CLL #4 & Bob, Jack, George in cab at Phelps - CLL #4 with George

SRCL # 7 at Phelps with Conner in cab - Young Conner with his 1st trip to Woodshill

SRCL # 7 at Sumac

#7 ready to leave Woodshill for Sumac

Tom C.

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 21:13:19 -0000
From: "Rick White"

Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge

Tom,
Thanks for the updates. Nice winter time photos. Always good to see more SR&CL action.

Rick White

Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:50:47 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge

Tom, many thanks too.
I'm fascinated by your railroad. And I'm also happy to see more pictures. I hope I can buy some rails next week, to get my own tracks together this year.
Gerd

Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:25:34 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention in Sinsheim/Germany

Hello,

last saturday, we've layed out the tracks for our small industrial narrow gauge layout for the convention this weekend. I've posted some previes to the photo-section. Many detail-stuff and some rolling stock is still missing and will be added this week.
The layout is approx 35" widht and 70" long. All trackage is 5", except the one on the left side, that's also includes 7.25 for std.gauge operation.

View from an factory-window down to the dump-ramp

overall-view with (f.l.t.r) dumpramp, factory-background, engine-shed and coal/water-facilitiy

another view shows the derrick-crane and dump-ramp

I'll bring more photos to you next week after the convention. I hope we'll have some fun on running trains, shunting, switching and with our working dumpramp.

Gerd

Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 12:13:34 -0700
From: "Mike Decker"

Subject: Re: New member

Welcome Gerd:

Your equipment looks really nice. I'm sure we can all learn something from your construction methods :>)

I'm building an English-style Industrial/Estate Tramway at my home in South Dakota. I've just loaded a couple of photos into the Photo section under "Erskine Tramway".

A work train carrying blocks for the yard retaining wall.

An overall view of the Erskine Tramway to date.

Best,
Mike Decker

Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:54:40 -0600
From: "Tom Casper"

Subject: Erskine Tramway

Hi Mike,

It looks like you have a good start. I like the looks of the retaining wall. Don't brake your back on it. (LOL)

Later:
Tom Casper

Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 18:39:23 -0700
From: "Mike Decker"

Subject: Re: Erskine Tramway

Thanks, Tom:

I try not to do too much wall at once :>) The cars will only haul 16 blocks apiece, so I don't get carried away.

Tell Jack I'm still alive and kicking :>)

Later,

Mike Decker
Erskine Tramway

Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 20:16:05 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Subject: RMI Sale on Wheels

Today I ordered some unmachined wheels from RMI for a project and was very pleasently surprised when Paul Garin told me that all wheels (iron or steel, machined or unmachined, any size) are on sale at 50% of list price. Anyone interested in a good deal on wheels for that next project, here is an excellent opportunity to pick them up a great prices.

Bill Laird
Canyon Lake, Texas

Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:15:45 -0800
From: "Daniel F. Morris"

Subject: Superb Slide Show

http://ribbonrail.com/Videos/

This slideshow is authored by Daniel S. Dawdy who operates The "Cyberspace World Railroad Site".

The still shots are taken around the Chicago area. As a Chicago native I found this slideshow outstanding and well worth the while to look at it!

Enjoy!
Dan Morris

Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:11:15 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention - Photos

Hello,

here they are... The photos of our narrow-gauged industrial layout at the convention last weekend.

It was great and we'll repeat this next year.

http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/eng/photos/sinsheim07.htm

Gerd

Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:31:05 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Re: Re: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention - Photos

Good looking display, great looking equipment. I'll bet that this was a fun show to do.

Douglas De Berg

Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:03:10 -0000
From: "Frolin Marek"

Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge

Hey Tom,

Thanks for sharing update pictures. I am continuing to add the photos you send me, to the SR&CL section on my web-site.

Folks,

Would like to invite others to visit a section on my web-site with a growing collection of photos taken of the Sandy Ridge & Clear Lake Railway.
Some I took during visits, some Tom has sent me.
http://www.frolin.net/mmgs/srcl/index.html

Frolin Marek
Marek Mountain Mining & Railroad
San Antonio, Texas

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:24:09 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Website translated ;-)

Hello,

this weekend, I've found enough time, to translate major parts of my website into english... Only the section with the building-articles and tips is still in work. But I hope I can upload this sites in the next week.
I've also added new actual photos to my roster.

http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/eng/

Bye, Gerd

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:21:20 EST
From: GengH@aol.com

Subject: Re: Website translated ;-)

Dear Gerd:
Thank you for posting the photos of your trains. You have done some outstanding work.
Please keep us informed of your progress.
Yours truly,
George Hoke

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:27:06 -0000
From: "dave_rhoton"

Subject: Need help-opion

I want to build a ride on backyard layout- but am having troublr deciding which way to go. I want to be able to ride it plus the kids and grand kids. I have looked at 1.5/7.5 its nice and big but looks to require to much room and possibly machinery.
Have also looked at 2.5/5in ? but can you ride this- does any one have any specs such as radius car sizes etc. And could this translate to american narrow gauge or should i use 2.5/7.5in railroad. Yes I am confused and dont have a lot of money so I want to doit right one time
Thanks
Dave

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:41:35 +1300
From: gscale@clear.net.nz

Subject: Re: Website translated ;-), Gerd....

Thankyou Gerd,

I have enjoyed my look around your site, and you have encouraged me to get on and create a web-site for our backyard railway. I have uploaded a few photo's to this (7+ngm) site of our railway, but really need to do my own web-site. I also have a G scale layout at home and enjoy the Round House live steamer as well as the track powered trains.

Keep up the good work.

Grant Alexander
Squirrel Valley Railway
Cambridge
New Zealand.

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:40:38 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: Website translated ;-), Gerd....

Thank you very much,

I've correct some errors on my site and added some more pages in the buildingarticles-section (carparts and misc).

I've also repaired a wrong link on my roster, refers to the new trucks. Here is a photo of my work so far, done this weekend.

Gerd

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:15:21 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Subject: Re: Need help-opion

Dave,7.5 gauge is the way to go.
A smaller diesel switcher can take radius of 8ft. but suggest non under 10ft. Check www.discoverlivesteam.com for things under the for sale pages.
Also check the suppliers page for small switchers, and riding, rolling stock.
Bill

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:31:50 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: Need help-opion

Hello Dave,

that's a real good question.

I'm building in 2"-scale on 5"-track and it's the right for me ;-)
You can also haul passengers on 5"-tracks, but in fact of the smaller gauge, derailments are more often as on larger gauges.

I think you're living in amerika, so 7.5"gauge would be the better choice, because this seems to be the major-gauge their for backyard operations. So you are able to visit other railroads with your own train. And remember also the advantages in transport passenger...

The costs in both scales will be neraly the same, if you scratchbuild your locos and cars. I've some building-articles on my website, how to build small diesel-switchers. But they are in German only at this time, but I'm working on the English pages. I hope to finish them this week.
http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/Fahrzeuge/Silva/achsen.htm
http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/Fahrzeuge/Melina/achsen.htm

There are also some tips for cars (in English)
http://www.gerds-modellbahn.de/Feldbahn/eng/HowTo/Anleitungen.htm

So have fun and enjoy our hobby...

Gerd

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 01:42:08 EST
From: GengH@aol.com

Subject: Coles Power Models

Here is an E-mail I sent to Coles Power Models Web site on Jan 21, 2007:
Subject: Status?
I have heard Coles was sold to someone in Texas. Is this true? If so are you taking orders?
There has been a lot of local dissatisfaction with Coles since the family sold it. I don't know anybody who will even attempt an order. Out of stock problems compounded with a near total lack of communications, including refusal to take customer paid for phone calls. Cole's WAS a valued supplier and had excellent service and quality merchandise. What happened? We need someone like
Coles.
Yours truly,
George Hoke
Bellevue, WA
Kitsap Live Steamers
Train Mountain member.

Here is the reply I received the next morning:

Good Morning,

We have just gained access to our website since purchasing Coles' in December 2006. We are working our hardest to rebuild inventory and are taking orders at this time for in stock items. We will advise you if something is not currently available before you order it. We too believe that Coles' was a valued supplier when run by Charles, Betty, and Brenda. We've been a supplier for Coles' of approximately 70 items in their catalog since 1995 when the Coles were still the owners. We have met with Charles and Betty when we went to California, and have received their blessing to continue using the Coles' Power Models name. We too, are a family run business, and hope to bring Coles' back to what it originally was. Please feel free to call for more information. We will be updating the website further in the near future.

Thank you,
Kenneth & Carol Rhodes

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:47:01 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Coles Power Models

George:
I just looked at the site and it is listing it being in Warren Texas, but when you try to find it in the yellow pages you will find nothing. I did find a listing for the people that are listed as the owner in Warren Texas, but nothing on the store.
Now I also saw that there is no phone number but a voice mail, if they are trying to make things better, then they should be answering the phones call they get, and not letting a voice system answer the phone. The web site look the same which doesn't show anything at all.
Now for what they carry, everything they carry now can be gotten by people you can trust, so I won't be doing any business with them, unless I am shown proof that they care about the people who are buying from them. I am not going to go through what I did before to get something I had paid for, and then take 3 month to get it after being told it was in stock and that he was holding it in his hands, and this I found out later was someone in Nevada, and not where the store was in LA.
I say buyer beware until there is proof that it not the same old story, having an answering machine is not a good start to showing us that thing have changed, plus a P.O. box for an address is also not good in my mind either when they show having an address for where they live, plus if something had to be return then UPS couldn't return it because of not having a address.
This is just my two cents after being burned by them, you can take it for what it is worth, but I wouldn't trust them.
Mike Looney

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:36:13 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Coles Power Models

I just called there number and a fellow answered, its not a voice mail box just there voice phone number. I also asked him what went on with the company, seems that he is the supplier and has been for quite a number of years for 75 percent of there castings and finished products. He also supplies some of the other live steam company's that are listed in Live Steam. When he bought the company the stock had been run down to the point of not having anything on some items in stock, while not everything is in stock at this time he, being the supplier to Cole's is bringing the stock level back to where it should have been all along. He runs a machine shop and has been a machinist for 40 years. All of the castings are made in the US also. When they moved the company to Texas, it probably has a box number because that is all they have in town, they brought 30 tons of parts in two semi trailers, one can only imagine how many little pieces were there.
Seven tons were just bar stock for engine kits. But again give them a call and see what is up someone will answer the phone, the owner, and he is a very nice fellow to talk to.
Boyd Butler

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:49:03 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

This is sure a more positive way to look at the relocation and sale of Cole's, thanks Boyd. I wish them well serving a hobby very much in need of quality parts. Hopefully the negative folks will give them a chance and I'm tired of hearing of a person in Nevada answering a phone for a firm doing business in California, enough is enough.

Douglas De Berg
Rock Creek Railway Company.
10809 N.E. 158th Street
Kearney, Mo. 64060

Tel: 816-628-4353
Fax 816-628-2968

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:13:06 -0000
From: "Donald Bauer"

Subject: Coles

Well, things may be looking up for this company. Unfortunately, many people have gotten to this type of business without realizing what is required in the way of time and investment. If you want to supply castings, for instance, you must pay the foundry up front for a quantity that will insure the best cost/inventory ratio, while not knowing whenor if someone will buy your product. That may be fine for General Motors, but can be devastating for a backyard supplier.

Please be patient, give this fellow orders, and pray. We desperately need these people to survive. It would be wonderful if he could also pick up some of the inventory that used to come from Power Models in Missouri, before his tragic death. We can hope.
Don Bauer

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:59:44 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Coles

Don:
There are other supplier out there that have the same thing that Coles' has, but saying that and from reading your posting, you make it sound like he is the only place to buy.
Now like any one else out here that was burn by Coles' you can understand why we wouldn't be so quick to buy anything from Coles', because we don't want to get burned again. We are supposed to learn from our mistake, but everything Coles list there are other that treat you better and want your business.
Mike Looney

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:30:07 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Douglas:
What part of the truth don't you like, I dealt with the person in Nevada, and he even told me that where is was at, and was looking at a computer to tell people what was in stock, when the store was in LA.
Why are you defending Coles' when they were the ones ripping people off, and lying to everyone, and if you don't believe me talked to Bob at Railroad Warehouse, because he was the one who told me about him because he know that person.
I never get tired from someone telling me the truth, but it is unfair on your part to say something negative to us for telling the truth about what was really going on at Coles'.
Mike Looney

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:36:03 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

In the past I have delt with many suppliers. One is Little Engines, and I waited for three years for a boiler for a Pacific. Plus I neverdid receive some parts that were suppose to be with the kit. Also trying to deal with Brawn in Colorado made things worse. I have never had any problems with Coles or Power Model (when they were in Buss.) The gentleman who supplied Coles is now the new owner. He bought in Dec. 2006 and this is only Jan.
GIVE him a chance. it takes time to rebuild a low inventory on a defunked company. DON'T be to quick to condem someone new.
Bill
Mosquito Junction & Western R/R // Southern Locomotive Works.

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:22:54 EST
From: bgwmoxie@aol.com

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

There there, boys; You all have probably been in the live steam hobby long enough to know that things don't happen over night...

More importantly words are passed more times than not via email only to be taken the wrong way...
One thing the computer age has done is taken the emotion out of writing...
For instance how many times have you found yourself arguing with someone if they only really heard the way you meant to say something...
This is a discussion website....Not one to rant back and forth...Keep in mind people say stuff not to rip each other apart and many times typed words are taken out of context...

In this hobby we have all seen divisions...

Lets not divide here...

Best Regards To All
My 2 cents

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:58:31 -0600
From: "leon risenhoover"

Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

in many ways Coles is a new company ,so to speak the way I see it.
Leon in Luther OK.

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 06:40:15 -0000
From: "Frolin Marek"

Subject: Re: Need help-opion

Dave,

I would like to share my answer to this question, when I pursued "riding scales" a few years back. First, go visit a couple 'live steam' tracks in your area. If that means a 2-3 hour drive for a Saturday Meet visit, make the trip.

Find out what others around you have, scale and gauge. Then ask yourself, if you pursue the hobby, how nice it would be have folks you can visit with and get help from, in your own area, doing the same size and scale you are doing. Plus, the GREAT advantage of being able to take your equipment to run on their tracks, until you have your own track and even after, for a different place to go run/ride.

Then decide on the Standard Gauge / Narrow Gauge question. The nice thing about narrow gauge, details, road name and such aside, you may find your can ride 'inside' the NG cars easier. Great example, imagine your neighbor and their child straddling on top of a 1.5" scale Gondola. I say 'on top' because at 14" wide you'll have a board across the top of the 'sides' for a seat, feet down inside. You and the car will be top heavy.

Then consider the ride, sitting on a padded boat seat, inside a narrow gauge gondola, that is 18-20 inches wide inside the side walls. And the kids riding 'inside' this car, lower gravity, less rocking, and more comfortable and safe. OK, maybe a mis-leading.... leading example?

And then consider buying yourself a small, gas or electric, little engine, maybe a 2-axle switcher, with 1 or 2 short riding cars. A small loco and cars you can load and unload and haul very easily to the area / regional meets and tracks. Go ride, run, and learn from the experience.

Curves, think about 20 foot radius as a bare minimal. And thats if you are ready to be limited to very engines and cars. Imagine a oval loop in your back yard. Can you put down a track that is 40-50 feet across and mybe 50-75 feet long? If you have more fun, push it to 25 feet radious, or more. More IS better. Tight tight tight curves are not so good.

Last, "starter trains" as they might be called, are a great way to get started. And if you are not ready to spend $2000 to $3500 to get started this way... you might have your answer to, how much will it cost and how serious are you, past the neat idea of riding a cute fun train with the kids around the yard.

Ok, here is another answer, approach and something to consider. I started with a 1.5" scale, 7.5" gauge Cannonball "Super Mack", and a NG type, flat car riding car. Later added two used NG style wood gondola cars. Now have a freelance 4" sorta scale ride-inside diesel loco I'm finishing out. I can run at the various tracks around the State, and hope to lay track around the house at some point. The Mack was a loaner... and at times, I wish I still had it for a very small, simple engine and one car ride!

Frolin Marek
Marek Mountain Mining & Railroad
San Antonio, Texas

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 04:02:33 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

I took the time to call the New Coles' and to listen to the man that is running it now. I was also one of the people that got burn by the old Coles'. I am thinking of giving him a chance, but with small order to see how thing will go, like how fast he ship to us, and things like that. I don't like getting burn twice by anyone, so small step first. He also knew about the dealing with the old Coles' and when you called them, how you got someone in Nevada answering the phone, and one thing I learn was that Betty is still alive, which is good new, because I had heard that she had died. Like I said small step.
Mike Looney

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:13:24 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

You want to take this personal? I don't! All I said was that enough is enough on that type of negativism. I also said give these folks a chance. They are not the same ones who you think did you wrong.

Douglas De Berg

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:19:09 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

My feelings whole heartedly. The negativism we see sometimes consumes the best efforts. What would be the worst that can happen? They don't produce and ulltimately fail. The best that can happen is they succeed and we all are better off for their success. Sure, I've been burned in the past and I learned from that and didn't go around bad mouthing all those associated with that burning.

Douglas De Berg

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:34:51 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Re: Re: Need help-opion

I agree with Frolin. Twenty foot radius is as about as tight as you want to go, A little larger radius will only get better for running your train with a minimum of derailments. A lot of derailments are from someone sitting astride or on top of a 1.5 inch scale car and shifting their weight. 7.5" gauge track and eventually modelling Narrow Gauge prototype in 2 1/2" scale will allow you to have cars that you can sit in and be able to handle the shifts in weight better. The little Mack is a great way to start, many of those folks who started with the Mack still keep one around for use when they want to go somewhere else to run or when they just want to set the locomotive on the track and put a car or two on and ride. A small 2 axle locomotive and a few cars other than being easy to negotiate smaller radius curves are easy to store in a small outdoor shed or maybe a garage and carry to the track to start riding.

Douglas De Berg

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:54:04 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Douglas: I wasn't being negative I was just telling the truth and yes it is personal when a company rip anyone off. Telling the truth about a company is what this and other site are about to warn other so that they don't get ripped off.
People have a right to know what is going on with a business and telling us that we shouldn't say anything bad in my mind is just wrong.
I sorry but I can't defend a company that has ripped people off, now I will give this new guy a chance like I have stated before, but don't tell me that I can't tell other about a company to stay away from so that they won't be rip off, or do you like being rip off.
You not making any sense here make up your mind if it is good to warm other or not so that we will know how you think, me I think that no one should be rip off so that why I will always warn them about a company, it called looking out for other, you might want to try it someday, people will like you for telling to truth so that they won't get rip off. Coles' was run into the ground and what everyone has said about it is true, and if it is negative then people should know that, and it is going to take the new owner a long time to undo what has been done in the past,. There is nothing we can do to stop that part, but hard work on his part and fast shipping and good service on his part is what it is going to take to do away with the negative that wasn't his part, but has follow him. You don't think he know about the negative part of what he just got, and what he need to do to overcome it, but he also didn't tell me that he didn't know this when he brought the company, you are one per son who is on the wrong side of this, and one or two posting is not being over doing it like you think, in fact there had only been one posting about the old Coles' so why say something in the first place, and why hide the truth. I think that it is better not to say something like you did because of the problem it cause afterward, it like telling the rest of us here, that we can have a say in this, and you don't control the people of this group.

Coles' was the one that cause there own problem not us remember that the next time.
Mike Looney

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 11:43:16 -0500
From: Arno Martens

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Douglas,
stop wasting your time. It appears that Mike just cannot get his head around that even though the name remains the same, the new company Coles has nothing at all to do with the old company Coles where he made the very bad experience.
This is rather obvious from his last post where he says he would give the new owner a second chance with a small order. Since he has never dealt with the new company, he surely cannot give them a second chance.
--
Cheers,
Arno

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:50:24 -0500
From: Robert W Herronen RWHERRON

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Perhaps he should rename the company then to distance his company from a legacy of poor customer relationships but have a blurb that they offer the products once sold by the other company.
#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#
Robert Herronen
Analyst, UNCG MIS department

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:16:39 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Arno:
I never said I would give him a second chance, I said I would try and see how he does, before making any large order that way I will see how he does, but not telling people if a business is bad is what I have a problem with, because I try to protect my friend, unlike what Douglas said of not saying anything at all. That the point I was making and it seem that all my friend like the way I look out for them.
Mike Looney

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:46:23 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Trains and Fun Stuff

Lets stop the bashing now as enough has been said for and against, lets not start this again. We need positive posts with train info and fun stuff.
Everyone get your trains out and steam up have fun enjoy life.
Now on to other things, does anyone have plans for the 24 foot Northern Pacific Caboose?
Thanks all
Boyd Butler up here in Wa state but on the dry side.

Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:08:39 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Maybe I'll just by the Coles company and add it to my Southern Locomotive Works name. Then Mike can bad mouth me. Ha Ha Ha
Bill

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 23:17:42 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Trains and Fun Stuff

Boyd:
I didn't know there was a dry spot up there.
Mike Looney

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:19:52 -0800
From: Dennis Dalla-Vicenza

Subject: Re: Trains and Fun Stuff

Boyd,

I agree, now how do you want me to ship those hamburgers I owe you? If I cook them here, they'll be cold by the time you unwrap them and if I send them raw, e-coli should have them running around in the box by the time you get them :-)

Have you seen the Kitsap version which I believe is the NP model but I do stand to be corrected.
--
kind regards
Dennis, living in Port Alberni BC.
Founding member of the
BSMES

Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:36:38 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Dennis

Hey next time you are down wont be so busy pumping fuel, by the way its cold beer and warm hamburgers, I think that is the way you do them up there.
Boyd.

Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 18:23:49 -0800 (PST)
From: dave schoeffler

Subject: Re: Need help-opion

Dave:

Can you give us an idea of the size space you ae working with?

Have you seen "railroad in a box" from Plum Cove Studios and the kit offered by Real Trains?

Dave Schoeffler
Temecula, Ca

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 09:51:37 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Plum Cove

Hey they were at Train Mountain this last summer at our big meet, there offerings are a great way to start out in our hobby, take a look at them. But be warned, the next step is to get the second mortgage on the house sell all of the new cars and buy trains.
Boyd Butler, broke but having fun and got trains.

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:56:32 -0000
From: "Colt Graham"

Subject: porter locomotive

I need to see if anybody knows information on a 7 1/2 gauge porter locomotive. I've seen photos of three different locomotives. I hoping someone knows a webpage with more info on them. Would appreciate any info. These seem to be 2 1/2 scale, but I could be wrong.

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:12:45 -0600
From: "Rick White"

Subject: Re: porter locomotive

See http://www.avwrr.org/ and choose Narrow Gauge to see Bill Laird's Narrow Gauge Porter. Bill is the webmaster for that site and is on this list. He does a great job making locomotives. You will like his Porter. It may be a 2 ft gauge prototype in 3.75 inch scale. Since he is the webmaster of that site, his e-mail address is on the home page for http://www.avwrr.org/

Rick White

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:12:57 -0800 (PST)
From: Kristina graham

Subject: Re: porter locomotive

Thank You
That is one of my dream locos. I have two porters that I would like to build.
Can anybody tell me more info on Bill Laird's porter. Was it built from a kit or all custom made.
Thank You

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:17:34 -0800 (PST)
From: Kristina graham

Subject: Re: porter locomotive

Can anybody that knows this site tell me anything about Terry McCauley's 3 3/4 loco also.
Thank You

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 08:32:21 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Subject: Re: porter locomotive

Hi Colt,

I can tell you about the locos on the AV&W web site (http://www.avwrr.org/) you are asking about.

Terry McCauley built the first two, his and one for Paul Beverung.
They are 3 3/4" scale 0-4-0 tank engines based on the MEG Steam "Wendy" plans. Both locos have the same frame, running gear, and boilers. The cabs, tenders, and details are all freelanced.

Mark Hajek and my self (also members of AV&W) saw the two locos Terry built running at the AV&W track and decided to build our own. Ours are 2 1/2" scale 2-4-0 locomotives. We used the same MEG Steam plans for the frame, running gear, and boilers. Mark freelanced his locomotive as a Baldwin and I chose to model mine after a Porter. We both used photographs of prototype locomotives as reference in building and detailing our locomotives.

All four locos run at the AV&W meets. A fifth 2 1/2" scale loco, again based on the "Wendy" frame, running gear, and boiler plans is under construction by AV&W member Mike Westwood of San Antonio. He has his running on air and just mounted the boiler.

There are plans in the works for construction of two more of these "Wendy" based locomotives by members of the AV&W.

I wrote an article on construction of the first four locos and submitted it to "Live Steam" magazine about a year ago, so perhaps sometime it will get published.

If you want more information, let me know.

Bill Laird
Canyon Lake, Texas

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:31:21 -0800 (PST)
From: Kristina graham

Subject: Re: porter locomotive

Hello,
Can anbody give me any info on how to get the Meg Steam Plans. I've tried to yahoo search, but no luck so far.

Thank You

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:37:19 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Meg Steam Locos

Ok so thats where they are, saw one at TM last year but didnt get enough info on it. Is there any way that I could get some ideas on the plumbing on those? Am at a stalemate on mine, I legnthend the frame six inches in the rear so the cab would sit more towards the rear and expose more of the boiler. Am at this time going to stay with the 040 style, use a large front buffer and will use Skagen couplers. I am going to build a Porter style tender to ride in. It will be fired on either coal or Propane depending on the time of year and where I am running it.
The one that I saw had steam brakes on the drivers something that I might do down the road but right now would just like to finish it. Am also going to keep the tank style but may later change and remove it. I do have the parts to make it a 042 but am not at this time sure if I want to. I also had to pin the crank pins with set screws from the back side as when Dougal made it they were not fitted properly and turned so its never been fired but is almost ten years old. Again any ideas on the plumbing would be helpful.
Thanks
Boyd up here in coooollllldddd Wa state.

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:40:02 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Plans

I just sold a set last year to a fellow that took a year to decide to buy them from me. You might try Dougal and see if he has anymore, contact him on Vancover Island the last name is Hubner or something close to that, one of the fellows from the club up there could also help you out as they see him from time to time.
Boyd. Still Cooolllddd

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:48:14 -0800
From: DENNIS DALLA VICENZA

Subject: Re: Plans

Boyd,

Last I heard Dougal had dropped the business and has gone on to other employment. I can check tonight when I am back in Port Alberni and see if he still has stuff available.

regards
Dennis
freezing his butt off in nanaimo, BC.

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 15:08:48 -0500
From: Arno Martens

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

On Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:16:39 -0500, "Michael F. Looney" wrote:

Arno:
I never said I would give him a second chance, I said I would try and see how he does, before making any large order that way I will see how he does, but not telling people if a business is bad is what I have a problem with, because I try to protect my friend, unlike what Douglas said of not saying anything at all. That the point I was making and it seem that all my friend like the way I look out for them.
Mike Looney

Well, Mike, maybe it is my problem with English as a second language.

You wrote:

I am thinking of giving him a chance, but with small order to see how thing will go, like how fast he ship to us, and things like that.
I don't like getting burn twice by anyone, so small step first.

I just cannot see how you can get burnt by him twice when you have not given him a single chance.

Please, don't misunderstand what I am saying.
You got burnt by the old Coles and you have the right to vent your anger and frustration and tell people about that.
You do not have the right to condemn the new Coles owner because of what happened to you by the previous company.

This does not mean that I endorse the new Coles. I have no right to comment one way or the other as I have not dealt with that company and neither have you.
Also, I think that it is good that you warn others about potential problems with new suppliers but you cannot attach blame to a new legal owner for what has happened with the precious legal owner.
--
Arno

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:50:26 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Thanks Arno, I was beginning to think there was no way anyone was going to get it right on this issue. I certainly hope that the new owners of Coles have seen the exchanges of posts, the concerns and get it right. They will serve us in the hobby well if they do. One thing that has bothered me is the negative posts. I too run a small business supplying items for our hobby and have run into this type of behavior before.

By the way, I've never had a bad experience with the past Coles when I called and talked to them and found out what was happening. Some things happen we as suppliers have little control over and keeping those who are our customers properly informed goes along ways.

Douglas

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:22:39 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Arno:
I was never talking about the new Coles' but for the fact it listed a PO Box for an address and it said Voice for the phone number which to me and other mean a answering machine.
Most of what I was talking about was the old Coles' and the things that they did to people, and how we should stand together and warn other when a company is like that.
I can't make statement about the new Coles', but I also have the right to be careful until they show me that they can be trusted, but that go for any new company out there. I am not going to order $1000 or $2000 worth of part from a company I know nothing about, or that anyone know anything about, start small and see how things go. The things I look at if it is in stock and that mean in stock and not waiting to be made or ordered from someone else, then it shouldn't take more then a week to get to me.
There are places on the internet that claim to have products in stock, and then you find out they have to order it from someone else before it get shipped to you, and that is not being in stock.
I have not blame the new owner on anything yet, in fact I did enjoy talking to him the other day, and learn that Betty was still alive which would be good new to her, but I had heard that she had passed away, so hearing that she is still alive is great new.
Mike Looney

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:15:11 -0000
From: "wdbarbe"

Subject: Wendy Plans

I contacted him recently and he said he didn't have any sets of plans left and wasn't going to produce any more stuff. Too bad.
I wish someone would produce a nice 2 1/2 scale 2-4-0. Seems like that would be an ideal size for a beginner loco. Not too big to handle and a pretty simple design. Keith Watson in Australia produced a 2-4-0 called Lil Lima. You may have seen pictures of some of these running around. Roll Models sells Keith's designs here in the US, but as far as I know, have no plans to release this kit anytime soon. I wish they would, I want one.
Anyone know any custom builders out there who might want to tackle such a project. Narrow Gauge is catching on quite fast, but with the exception of Allen's Chloe (too small to pull much), Tom Artzbergers RGS #20 and the old Conway stuff, there isn't much more.
I would like to see someone do maybe a Rio Grande Montazuma (2-4-0) or maybe a copy of the Porters that run in Hawaii. Think that would be a nice size.
Any opinons?
Bill

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:59:34 -0800
From: "Steve Hughes"

Subject: Re: Wendy Plans

Bill, I am building one of Tom's RGS#20's and am pleased with the project and the support I have gotten from him. Mine has been running on air for over a year, and if I could just get a pair of injectors, I could have it steaming before too long. I know that Tom is talking about designing and fabricating parts for a C-21 next.
Perhaps if he had a few more interested in that project, he would get started on it.
Steve

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:09:17 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Subject: Re: Meg Steam Locos

Hi Boyd,

The loco you saw at TM last June was mine. If you have some specific questions, I will be glad to try and answer them, including taking specific pictures of how I did things if you can describe just what you are looking for.

Yes, I have steam brakes on the loco. They are constructed from a set of Gene Allen's steam brake castings. On Gene's locomotives they are typically mounted horizontally under the cab, I mounted mine vertically between the drivers.

Bill Laird
Canyon Lake, Texas

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:20:46 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Subject: Re: Wendy Plans

Hi Bill,

I wish someone who is in contact with Dougal would get a release from him for the rights on his plans so that those who own copies of the plans could make and sell copies of the plans to others who want them. I have a set but won't sell them because I need them for reference in maintaining my loco. I have been asked by several folks for copies, but don't feel that I have a right to sell copies of Dougal's plans without his permission.

Regarding RMI and Keith Watson's designs. RMI bought the plans and patterns for both his 3 3/4" scale designs and 2 1/2" designs. They made a corporate decision to market the 3 3/4" designs. I know for a fact (I have visited RMI and seen them), that they have the plans and foundry patterns for Keith's 2 1/2" scale designs as well. I have been urging RMI to produce the 2 1/2" designs for several years. Perhaps, if RMI were to hear from a sufficient number of members in the hobby, they could be persuaded to market the 2 1/2" scale stuff.

What would folks be willing to pay for a ready to run 2 1/2" scale 0-4-0 or 2-4-0? I may know a competent builder who would be willing to build them under individual contract.

Bill Laird
Canyon Lake, Texas

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:42:18 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Douglas:
The problem is with people like you that don't think people need to be warned about a bad company. The issue wasn't with Coles, but with you and your thinking. I know what happen when you called the old Coles" I was one of the people that got burned by them, but I also took the time to warm others, so that they wouldn't get burn by them, and it seem I might need to warn people about you now, because you have no problem in letting other get rip if and this is from your own words.
Maybe people in Mo. think that it is funny to see other get rip off, but from where I come from we DON'T.

Mike Looney

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:55:39 -0800
From: "Geoff"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Guys.................You both have good points and we've hashed it all the way through. I think everybody has made there decision how they will deal with Cole's. Soooooooooooooooo......Could we please respect each other's opinions and go forward with TRAINS.

Thanks guys.
Geoff

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:14:28 -0600
From: "leon risenhoover"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Mike why is it you are the only one on this list with a grudge against some one you have NEVER dealt with! would you feel better if "he" would have changed the name? you are not telling the truth you are starting rumors, which could be construed as slander. the old Coles vs. the new Coles

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 10:46:04 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Leon:
If you had read my posting you would have seen what I was talking about, it has nothing to do with the new Coles' at all but with Douglas saying we shouldn't say anything bad about any company out there, and that if you get rip off by a company then you shopuldn't say anything to anyone. That is my problem is not warning other if a company is ripping you off.
What I said about the old Coles' is that when you called them you were talking to someone in Nevada, and not where the store was in LA, so how would he know what was in stock or not in stock? That is when Douglas got on here telling everyone that we shouldn't say anything bad about any company out there, and that when he got burn by a company that he wouldn't say anything about it.
My whole point is about being able to warn other if a company is not looking out for the people that are doing business with them, and finding other places that will look out for you.
I hope that the man that has taken over Coles' can bring it back to being a place you can trust and do business with, but he has a hard road trying to undo what has been done in the past by the old owners.
The only thing they offer now that isn't being offer by other is rings, I can get model bolts and MPT taps and Die from a place I know that I can trust, and that will ship quickly, the rest of what Coles' has I have no use for, but that doesn't mean anything bad by me because I am not building engine of a car or an airplane, and the people that are building them, will do good by the new owner I hope.
I don't build R/C Planes so I have no use for them, but that still doesn't mean other don't, and if they carry trains in the same store, then I will go there, but if they don't, then the store has nothing I need and there is no use going there.
Like I said my problem is NOT with the new owner, or even the old owner now, but with someone who think that no one should be warn if a place is ripping you off, that is where my problem is at.
Mike Looney

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:37:26 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Let It Rest

Now Mr Loony you have beat this subject into the ground stop now get on with something positive and leave it alone let it die.
Boyd.

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:48:44 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Meg Steam

Thanks Bill, if it had not been pointed out to me by Skid Roeh, from Kenosha fame, I would not have even given it more than the normal yup nice loco look. What you have done fits it perfectly, size and the arrangement of everything. Now about shipping it up to me, I promise to send it back, say in about twenty years after I try it out.
No, I will get back to you after I review my pix that I did take of it just before you left, I think that it was after the last run you made.
Thanks again, Boyd.

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:22:43 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: As I said awhile back, Enough is enough and step down

See comments below:

Leon:
If you had read my posting you would have seen what I was talking about, it has nothing to do with the new Coles' at all but with Douglas saying we shouldn't say anything bad about any company out there, and that if you get rip off by a company then you shopuldn't say anything to anyone. That is my problem is not warning other if a company is ripping you off.
What I said about the old Coles' is that when you called them you were talking to someone in Nevada, and not where the store was in LA, so how would he know what was in stock or not in stock? That is when Douglas got on here telling everyone that we shouldn't say anything bad about any company out there, and that when he got burn by a company that he wouldn't say anything about it.My whole point is about being able to warn other if a company is not looking out for the people that are doing business with them, and finding other places that will look out for you.
I hope that the man that has taken over Coles' can bring it back to being a place you can trust and do business with, but he has a hard road trying to undo what has been done in the past by the old owners.
The only thing they offer now that isn't being offer by other is rings, I can get model bolts and MPT taps and Die from a place I know that I can trust, and that will ship quickly, the rest of what Coles' has I have no use for, but that doesn't mean anything bad by me because I am not building engine of a car or an airplane, and the people that are building them, will do good by the new owner I hope.
I don't build R/C Planes so I have no use for them, but that still doesn't mean other don't, and if they carry trains in the same store, then I will go there, but if they don't, then the store has nothing I need and there is no use going there.
Like I said my problem is NOT with the new owner, or even the old owner now, but with someone who think that no one should be warn if a place is ripping you off, that is where my problem is at.

Mike Looney

Listen Mr. Looney and listen closely. I never said not to complain about a bad situation or a bad experience with a company. I just told you that enough was enough on the way that you were complaining. Complaining and grandstanding on something are two different ways of complaining. You were bad mouthing a dead horse and there was a time for that but not with the new company. Why don't you just shut up for awhile and lissten to others, you may learn something. I said in one e-mail that I didn't want to get personal but you changed the rules. You're treating me the same as you treated Coles and I don't like it.

Find another web site to do your grandstanding and lets leave this site to a productive site for us serious modellers. An apology is needed here because you have been putting out words and thoughts that I did not mean the way you have interpeted them.

Douglas De Berg
Rock Creek Railway Company

Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:26:27 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Bill:
With a comment like that it make me wonder what type of businessman you are. Ripping people off is not funny, and with a comment like that I wouldn't be doing business with you, and I will also let my friend know also. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and at the club I belong to there are over two hundred members, that know my word is good, and that I look out for the member and try to keep them from being rip off.
Now do you really want to be making stupid comment like that on here, because two hundred member and there friend add up quickly, and they also have friends.
Some time it better to say nothing then to open mouth and show people how you really are.
Mike Looney

Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:34:38 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Trains and Weather

Yes its the dry side where you can run trains most of the year, now if Train Mountain was just a little closer. Am hoping to have both of my SW7s up and running for the first meet of the year also am going to build up two sets of Eastern Machine works trucks to see how they work they have Andrews side frames with oil lite bearings in them like the old Mercers. Am going to work hard at getting my steamer up and running by summer, got some good ideas this last year from So Cal, seems that several fellows down that way used the Meg Steam engine and then went to an American style narrow gauge engine the one I saw looked great its about 3 plus inch scale. Good luck all lets hear about some other projects too. Boyd from the land of plenty side of WA state.

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:35:27 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: What is the mattter with this guy?

Mr Looney, have you ever been sued? You have crossed the line and there are consequences to be paid. Slander to Coles, to me and others is going to land you in a heap of trouble.
Be a man and accept that you are way wrong in your understanding on a number things. I can only echo what others are saying about you off list. You belong to another time and place where integrity and honesty are overlooked.

I apologze to the list for this man's running everyone down that doesn't agred with him. This is my last post on this, but I couldn't allow him to slander me also.

Douglas:
The problem is with people like you that don't think people need to be warned about a bad company. The issue wasn't with Coles, but with you and your thinking. I know what happen when you called the old Coles" I was one of the people that got burned by them, but I also took the time to warm others, so that they wouldn't get burn by them, and it seem I might need to warn people about you now, because you have no problem in letting other get rip if and this is from your own words.
Maybe people in Mo. think that it is funny to see other get rip off, but from where I come from we DON'T.

Douglas De Berg

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:27:50 -0500
From: bruceodelberg@netscape.net

Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy?

Douglas,
I agree with you 100%.
As I remember, it was about one year ago that Mike quit this group in disgust after he went on another never-ending negative rant over this same thing (I think Coles, Little Engines and others were his targets then). He then formed his own group, but unfortunately for him, he tried to rip-off the name of an existing group (Southwest Narrow Gaugers). They were pissed, and got Mike's group immediately removed.

It is one thing to warn about problems with suppliers. But I really do not care about problems that happened years ago. Especially when that company is no longer in business. I have had my problems with the "old" Coles and back-ordered items, but I eventually received everything I ordered, and was not charged until the back-ordered item shipped. What I am interested in is our experience with ordering from the "new" Coles. I will treat them, and trust them, the same as I would with any new supplier that I have no experience with. The "old" Coles is the past, and is not relevant to the "new" Coles.

I think I hear a train whistle, and that sounds like a much better topic.
Bruce

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:27:15 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Subject: Re: Wendy Plans

Hey Bill, If you or any one you know has machines, then check out the yahoo groups Narrowgaugebuilders site. There are plans for a 2-4-0 and an 0-4-0 there. All the plans including a simple boiler are posted on the site. Also check the other sister site for more plans.
You can also check with Robert Morris who is building one, and he is very satisfied.
Bill (owner--Narrowgaugebuilders) site...

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:44:48 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Mike, I am also a bussiness owner, and I will not do bus. with you under any circumstance.I do cater to the Live Steam Hobby, and I have a lot of good customers with great feedback. I myself have no use for your kind.
Bill, Southern Locomotive Works.

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:48:20 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy?

Douglas:
It is not SLANDER if it is the truth, remember that, and I am the age of honesty and integrity, that why I warn people of bad places to deal with, you should try it some time. It called watching out for your fellow man.
Mike Looney

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:55:05 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy?

Bruce:
You should get your fact right before, saying something that is a lie. I didn't quit this group and yahoo didn't run me off, in fact the other group is still there and going find, in fact they were the ones that got in trouble for trying to say that the Yahoo copyright was there copyright, Like I said get your fact right before telling lies.
Mike Looney

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:41:46 -0500
From: Arno Martens

Subject: Re: Re: Wendy Plans

"Our" own Dick Morris?
Way up North in A_ _ _ _ _, North in A _ _ _ _ _, North in A _ _ _ _ _!!!
(To be sung with feeling).
--
Cheers,
Arno

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:01:44 +1100
From: "George Paxon"

Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy?

I think it best to give the new bloke the opportunity to rebuild the Cole's name. I never had any luck with the old (interim) Coles- they always promised but never delivered. But, I never lost a dollar as they didn't ask for money. Service is always a problem in our hobby as most suppliers are part-timers. Dave Conway was poor on service and high on quality when he was having problems. Same for Rudy while he was sick. Rudy's service was first class consdering his medical condition, but when you don't get waht you want, and are left high and dry, it is sometimes hard to see things from the other fellows (supplier's) point of view. Paul is doing a nice job trying to rebuild the Como name into the reliable supplier it once was.
They new owners of Cole's may do the same. I reckon it is best to approach they with optimism but caution and give them a chance.. Ranting and raving and degrading the name because of past proboems with previous ownership does nothing for the hobby or the potential future suppy. It seems like the output of a twisted bitter sort of bloke.

Geo A Paxon

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 23:30:35 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

William:
Don't worry from what I have heard and what I have seen, I wouldn't have been doing business with you anyway, have fun in Fla.
Mike Looney

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:24:19 +0200
From: "Johan"

Subject: Re: What is the mattter with this guy?

George Paxon,
I really think that the listees on this forum, especially those that are "Thrashing" the Cole's name, should take head of your writing and explanation. Well done! It is such a great pitty that there are always individuals, who forever find fault with another. Our hobby are a great one, but the majority of builders through-out the World, are dwindling due to old age. Please "Live" and let "Live".
Kindest Regards to all,
Johan Pretorius (South Africa)

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 11:50:27 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: What is the mattter with this guy?

This is what we were all trying to accomplish with the announcement about the new Cole's. How did one fellow mess it up so bad? The answer may lie in the message sent by Bruce.
And yes, the whistle is blowing. So lets get back to railroading and modeling.

Douglas,

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:53:44 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Subject: Searching for Drivers

Hello Gentlemen, I am currently looking for Drivers--Must be at least 1 1/2" thick and machine out to 9 1/4 dia at the tread. Anyone know where I can purchase arround 160 castings?? Since my foundry is out of service for another 6 mos. to a year, I cannot cast anything myself.
My patterns have also been destroyed in the flood from Hurricane Frances,2004....
Bill, Southern Locomotive Works

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:20:47 -0000
From: "narrowbend"

Subject: Frost on Rail

Has anyone found a solution to frost on the rail these sunny winter mornings? My four wheel electric will barely move itself on level track, and not at all on a grade. Even more disconcerting, on a two percent grade there is no stopping. With riding car brakes set and loco in reverse, I still gain speed down hill. Is this just a problem with steel rail? Will heavier equipment cure it? I'd be curious what experiences others have had with this issue.

Michael Lavrich, in not-so-sunny-right-now Bend, Oregon.

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:50:23 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Frost

About the only thing to do is sit inside and wait out the weather, try steel rail wet at Train Mountain with a load behind you, its time for the sled ride. I have had my speeder, electric, turned off with the brake on just slide never change speed going down on wet rail, the next thing to do is if needed apply the foot brakes, then go back and fix the ballast before anyone sees what you did. Are you running on the club track at Bend? Boyd.

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 13:48:23 -0700
From: "Mike Decker"

Subject: Re: Frost on Rail

Hi Michael:

It's a problem with full-size trains too, but we've got sand to help out.
Going uphill, the engines jump up and down and slip their wheels, and going downhill, you have to set the air sooner than you would on dry rail to "warm up" the wheels so they're not inclined to slide. Weight doesn't always help, account a 415,000 pound, 4400 Hp, locomotive can do some pretty fancy dancing on wet or frosty rail.

One thing that would help you on the downhills is not to slide the wheels if you can avoid it. Lighten up on your car brakes, and don't reverse the engine, account a sliding wheel will pick up speed faster than one that's rolling....as you've noticed . Uphill....you'll just need sand. I'm putting sanders on my four-wheeled, 7-1/2" gauge, gas mechanical, because I've got some 2% coming up out of the Shop Terminal. Sand helps on the downhills too.

I'll echo Boyd's advice "don't go out and play in the frost if you don't have to". I don't get a vote, railroading's a 24/7 job, ( I went to work in Gillette Wyo., at 4:15AM, and drug 16,868 tons of coal home out of Eagle Butte Mine without breaking it, so it was a successful trip) but I don't have to play in the bad weather on my home line.

Best,

Mike Decker, in Sunny Hot Springs, SD

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:59:00 -0500
From: Robert W Herronen RWHERRON

Subject: Re: Frost on Rail

I'd like to get my hands on some especially fine grained sand but the smaller the grains, the easier they clump and plug up sanding lines.

Sand, however, can wear out the aluminum rail faster. I'd avoid sanding whereever possible. Just my 2 cents.

#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#
Robert Herronen
Builder, RGS RR of N.C.

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:30:59 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Frost on Rail

Mike, when I run as the first train over rail that has frost or heavy dew on the top of the rail whether steel or aluminum I use a couple of cars pushed ahead of the locomotive. The first car has a fairly stiff brush touching the top of the rail to loosen up the frost layer. This brush is nothing more than the brush part of a squeegee brush combination with a broom type handle that I bought at the hardware store for about $6.00. It's wider than the track so I've cut it down so it's no wider than 10". I removed the broom handle and made brackets on the side of the car to be able to bolt this into position under the car ahead of the second truck. It works good on the frost, of course you will still have loose frost/moisture to run on but at least it's about the same as running in the rain. I'm thinking of putting the rubber squeegee part of the same combination on the second car mounted the same way to kind off squeegee the moisture. At any rate it's wise to operate your equipment on wet rail very carefully with the thought in mind that you need to be able to stop safely.

By the way both cars that I push are weighted about a 100# heavier so as to track and crush frost properly

I've used the same brush technique under my snowplow and have had great success in removing the snow thats on top of the rail below the plow blade. Works good and locomotive with plow has good traction by not having snow/ice build up on top of the rail.

From the land of frost, heavy dew and at times ice and snow.

Douglas De Berg

Back to the archives-main-page

Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 04:15:54 -0000 From: "lineshaft2000"

Subject: 2 1/2" Heisler Trucks

Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:29:18 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: New member

Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 09:38:59 -0500 From: mrjcad@netscape.net

Subject: Re: New member

Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 23:03:38 EST From: GengH@aol.com

Subject: Re: New member

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 05:56:42 -0000 From: "Colt Graham"

Subject: 12" c-19

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:22:40 +0100 From: hubert@wetekamp.de

Subject: AW: Re: New member

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:53:36 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: New member

Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 08:38:44 -0600 From: "Bill Laird"

Subject: Re: New member

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 15:11:42 -0500 From: Arno Martens

Subject: Re: AW: Re: New member - OT

Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:11:56 -0000 From: "Colt Graham"

Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4

Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:17:13 -0000 From: "Colt Graham"

Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4

Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 02:33:56 -0000 From: "wdbarbe"

Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 01:18:37 -0000 From: "lineshaft2000"

Subject: Re: Looking for Blueprints for Redwood Valley Railway #4

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:16:58 -0000 From: "Tom C"

Subject: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 21:13:19 -0000 From: "Rick White"

Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge

Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:50:47 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge

Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:25:34 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention in Sinsheim/Germany

Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 12:13:34 -0700 From: "Mike Decker"

Subject: Re: New member

Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:54:40 -0600 From: "Tom Casper"

Subject: Erskine Tramway

Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 18:39:23 -0700 From: "Mike Decker"

Subject: Re: Erskine Tramway

Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 20:16:05 -0600 From: "Bill Laird"

Subject: RMI Sale on Wheels

Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:15:45 -0800 From: "Daniel F. Morris"

Subject: Superb Slide Show

Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:11:15 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention - Photos

Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:31:05 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Re: Re: NG-layout at the 11th indoor-live-steam-convention - Photos

Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:03:10 -0000 From: "Frolin Marek"

Subject: Re: More Pics from the Sandy Ridge

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:24:09 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Website translated ;-)

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:21:20 EST From: GengH@aol.com

Subject: Re: Website translated ;-)

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:27:06 -0000 From: "dave_rhoton"

Subject: Need help-opion

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:41:35 +1300 From: gscale@clear.net.nz

Subject: Re: Website translated ;-), Gerd....

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:40:38 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: Website translated ;-), Gerd....

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:15:21 -0000 From: "William Van Lenten"

Subject: Re: Need help-opion

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:31:50 -0000 From: "Gerd Ziller"

Subject: Re: Need help-opion

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 01:42:08 EST From: GengH@aol.com

Subject: Coles Power Models

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:47:01 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Coles Power Models

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:36:13 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) From: "Boyd Butler"

Subject: Coles Power Models

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:49:03 EST From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Subject: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:13:06 -0000 From: "Donald Bauer"

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:59:44 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Coles

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:30:07 -0500 From: "Michael F. Looney"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:36:03 -0000 From: "William Van Lenten"

Subject: Re: Sale and Relocation of Cole's

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:22:54 EST From: bgwmoxie@aol.com

Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 04:15:54 -0000
From: "lineshaft2000"

Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:29:18 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2007 09:38:59 -0500
From: mrjcad@netscape.net

Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 23:03:38 EST
From: GengH@aol.com

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 05:56:42 -0000
From: "Colt Graham"

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:22:40 +0100
From: hubert@wetekamp.de

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:53:36 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 08:38:44 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007 15:11:42 -0500
From: Arno Martens

Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:11:56 -0000
From: "Colt Graham"

Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:17:13 -0000
From: "Colt Graham"

Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 02:33:56 -0000
From: "wdbarbe"

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 01:18:37 -0000
From: "lineshaft2000"

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:16:58 -0000
From: "Tom C"

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 21:13:19 -0000
From: "Rick White"

Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:50:47 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:25:34 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 12:13:34 -0700
From: "Mike Decker"

Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2007 20:54:40 -0600
From: "Tom Casper"

Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 18:39:23 -0700
From: "Mike Decker"

Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 20:16:05 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:15:45 -0800
From: "Daniel F. Morris"

Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:11:15 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:31:05 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:03:10 -0000
From: "Frolin Marek"

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:24:09 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:21:20 EST
From: GengH@aol.com

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:27:06 -0000
From: "dave_rhoton"

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:41:35 +1300
From: gscale@clear.net.nz

Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:40:38 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:15:21 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:31:50 -0000
From: "Gerd Ziller"

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 01:42:08 EST
From: GengH@aol.com

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:47:01 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:36:13 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:49:03 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:13:06 -0000
From: "Donald Bauer"

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:59:44 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:30:07 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:36:03 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:22:54 EST
From: bgwmoxie@aol.com

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:58:31 -0600
From: "leon risenhoover"

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 06:40:15 -0000
From: "Frolin Marek"

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 04:02:33 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:13:24 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:19:09 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:34:51 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:54:04 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 11:43:16 -0500
From: Arno Martens

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:50:24 -0500
From: Robert W Herronen RWHERRON

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:16:39 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:46:23 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:08:39 -0000
From: "William Van Lenten"

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 23:17:42 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:19:52 -0800
From: Dennis Dalla-Vicenza

Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:36:38 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 18:23:49 -0800 (PST)
From: dave schoeffler

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 09:51:37 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:56:32 -0000
From: "Colt Graham"

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:12:45 -0600
From: "Rick White"

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:12:57 -0800 (PST)
From: Kristina graham

Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2007 22:17:34 -0800 (PST)
From: Kristina graham

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 08:32:21 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:31:21 -0800 (PST)
From: Kristina graham

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:37:19 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:40:02 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
From: "Boyd Butler"

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:48:14 -0800
From: DENNIS DALLA VICENZA

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 15:08:48 -0500
From: Arno Martens

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:50:26 EST
From: douglasandcj@aol.com

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:22:39 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:15:11 -0000
From: "wdbarbe"

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:59:34 -0800
From: "Steve Hughes"

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:09:17 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:20:46 -0600
From: "Bill Laird"

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:42:18 -0500
From: "Michael F. Looney"