RailPro User Group

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dean on March 30, 2018, 01:29:03 PM

Title: Slow
Post by: Dean on March 30, 2018, 01:29:03 PM
It's really been slow here on the RailPro forum. I hope it's because everyone is running their RailPro trains.
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: nodcc4me on March 30, 2018, 01:56:56 PM
That's not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe there aren't any pressing problems or glitches.  ;)
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: Alan on March 30, 2018, 05:26:56 PM
A much sadder reason for me. I have not touched my trains in over 9 months. Last summer was focused on new horse fencing. The winter was spent finishing out my workshop. Neither is totally finished so it appears I won't get back to trains for a while yet. I have to force myself to finish these projects over playing with trains otherwise I would never get them done. Trains are much more fun.
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: nodcc4me on March 30, 2018, 06:26:39 PM
Alan, trains don't have to take up much time. Just get your 15 minute fix now and then. ;D
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: Alan on March 30, 2018, 06:40:00 PM
That's like saying I will eat only one potato chip.  :D

I did build some badly needed items for the workshop over the winter.

Shelving, corded tool shelf, and cutoffs bin:

DSC_1948.jpg

Lumber rack:

DSC_1947.jpg
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: nodcc4me on March 30, 2018, 06:55:51 PM
Nice work! One chip beats none. 😜
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: Alan on March 30, 2018, 07:28:14 PM
Thanks. I have several more steps to go.


That will complete the workshop build-out. I actually started the workshop build in 2010 but got sidetracked by, you guessed it, trains!

Here is the blog post where I originally planned the basement space in preparation for trains and a workshop: http://www.lkorailroad.com/basement-floor-plan-revised/ (http://www.lkorailroad.com/basement-floor-plan-revised/) It was pretty cool starting with what felt like a giant wide open basement. Today it feels small.

basement4.jpg
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: nodcc4me on March 30, 2018, 07:50:07 PM
That will be quite a workshop and basement.. What software did you draw it up with?
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: Alan on March 30, 2018, 07:58:50 PM
Illustrator
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: nodcc4me on March 30, 2018, 08:10:38 PM
Thanks.
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: Carter on March 30, 2018, 08:51:38 PM
I actually have been working trains. I posted a couple pics of the last Railpro install. Away w/G-Kids for Easter, I have two more on the workbench for LM-3 install. Two goats 0-6-0s and DCC ready. Both new Mantua,  Very easy install. Will post pics next week.

Carter
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: TwinStar on March 31, 2018, 10:10:58 AM
I have a very large Free-mo module that I'm building. I'm currently building a double crossover with double slips on three of the four corners that sits on top of a bridge that I'm also 3D printing. It's taking the bulk of my modeling time right now.
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: Dean on March 31, 2018, 03:59:25 PM
Could you possibly post a picture when you are done?
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: TwinStar on March 31, 2018, 09:52:49 PM
Will do!
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: G8B4Life on April 01, 2018, 09:15:51 AM
I thought it'd be all the spring chores taking up everyone's time. Guess I'll have a slow winter on here with you all busily undoing what winter has done and then enjoying summer.

Perhaps this might stir up some conversation. This one came through on one of the email lists I'm on that is still an email list. TVW miniatures making your own Keep Alives.


More than anything the one thing I took from this video is that solder paste must have come a very long way since I tried it back in the early 90's (it looks so easy in this video) and I like the idea of double sided tape as a third hand. Why did I never think of that!

- Tim
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: Alan on April 01, 2018, 11:14:19 AM
Shows just how easy it is!

Personally, I am not a fan of paste solder either. It is convenient because it frees up one hand but I have experienced cold/failed joints with it. Conventional soldering is way more reliable IMHO.

One might also consider adding an insulator over and between all the cap connections for added protection from shorts. While installing in a loco you may accidentally press against the cap leads shorting them together. A small bead of silicone caulk works well. Cure it before applying the Kapton.
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: JeffShultz on April 03, 2018, 06:19:22 PM
I haven't been running nearly as much as I want to. But I did just buy another LM-3S, as I discovered I was having fun sticking the LM-3 that was supposed to go into a second GP9 into locomotives I was testing for MRH First Look articles instead. So, if I ever get that thing known as "free time" again, I will be back working on it. 
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: KPack on April 04, 2018, 10:45:04 AM
I too have been crazy busy with life stuff, so not much time to work on trains.  I did go through and update all my locomotives to the most recent LM-2S and LM-3S revisions though.  And I've been weathering off and on every once in a while.  But now that spring is starting to come around my attention is going to be focused on the huge number of outdoor projects I need to get done.  And maybe if all goes well I will have a shop built this year that will house my train/layout room in part of it.  Fingers crossed!

-Kevin
Title: Re: Slow
Post by: nortoneye on April 05, 2018, 10:59:15 AM
Yes, I have also been updating LM's and some weathering experiments.  No spring yet in Minnesota-definitely have spring fever!!