Hi Frank!

Thanks for the additional info! I like the looks of the Moguls pertaining to this mini-topic.

All:

I have two Arbour Models "Brooks" Mogul kits that have 56" drivers (it would be nice to have a 56' driver Mogul), but I'm thinking of staying with MDC-based mechanisms, which means either 51" or Mantua 60". (I don't think I'm interested in using MDC's oversized/larger than "63 inch" drivers.)

Thought about using the Arbour boilers on MDC mechanisms... but I'm uncertain if I'll do that. I may just sell the Arbour Moguls and put the funds from their sales into my MDC-based bashes.

Andre

I realize I've gone silent... but that shouldn't be mistaken for lack of link n' pin modeling. However, as I get ready to shift gears and start on a motorcycle restoration as well as significqant revision and work on my Ozark diesel layout, I've been enjoying one of my link n' pin "route" projects in V scale: My Frisco Line route project, circa 1889 (sort'a).

I've actually accomplished quite a bit on it, but the biggest news is that I am sharing it with a group of guys that are essentially beta testing the route as they enjoy the "activities" (i.e. "operating session" in model railroad parlance) that I am creating for it. SO, it's like hosting operating sessions as I create an activity, then share it with my beta group! Kind of fun.

Here's a pic taken at the small Hackett City, Ark engine service area...



Unfortunately, I have to reduce the size of the pics to tiny dimensions so this forum software will display it without forcing left/right scrolling.

Anyway, my Frisco Line effort is based on the Frisco's history in the region and over the years this V scale project has been a great way to relax and piddle.

All fer now!

Andre

nice, very dramatic drawing. looks like a lot of work.

Bob

Andre,

Nice still shot! Do you turn the turntable and set the switches with a gaming controller?

Did you build the locos and buildings, or can you down load them?

Scott

Bob:

It can be. Depending on how accurate you want it to be, and/or how extensive the route is, and such as that. I've learned how to throw in scenery much quicker than when I first started. Plus, build an item once... then reuse it. You simply cannot populate a route of any size with each scenic object (structure, tree, trees, etc) being unique. The trick is to trick the eye. V scale isn't for everybody. This particular V scale fling has lasted about 3-4 weeks, and since re-indulging in, my hobby expenditures have been $0.00. You can thank $100 Mil Scale turntables and the like for helping to cool my HO TOC19 fires for now.

Hi Scott:

Thanks. Glad you liked it. Photo ops are endless in V scale.

You asked:

"Do you turn the turntable and set the switches with a gaming controller?"

Turntables:

My chosen medium is the ancient Microsoft "Train Simulator" ("MSTS" for short), which doesn't feature functioning turntables. I could use Open Rails Simulator, which can run MSTS content, and it does have functioning turntables, but I'm too lazy to learn the new software. I have a work around: A hidden reversing loop at turntable locations. That works fine to physically turn the locomotive, but it's not like a functioning turntable.

Switches:

MSTS is PC-based, so I use a key board. Yes, you throw switches with keys. To throw the switch in front of the engine you hit the "G" key. To throw behind the engine you hit "Shift(hold) +G". The reverser is "W" to increase cut-off and "S" to reduce. Increase throttle is the "D" key, reduce throttle is the "A" key. There's train air (if the rolling stock/engines are are set up for air) and/or engine brakes (again, if modeling an era that had engine brakes and if the eng file is set up for engine brakes), handbrakes... so many aspects one can delve into.

I built everything within the scene except for the locomotives. I commissioned those to be built by a very talented 3D artist way back in my commercial V scale days.

V scale thoughts:

You will never be able to pick up any items with your hands and look it over. That is not possible. Strictly tactile-oriented enthusiasts can not accept that.

What IS possible is for an entire world to exist within your PC as well as the ability to model one's favorite line (or lines... simply point/click and open whatever routes you have installed). The above is from my long time favorite line the "St.Louis & San Francisco", or "Frisco" for short. I have modeled two subdivisions of the main line of the Arkansas Division: Monett, MO to Chester, AR, and Chester AR to Talihina, Indian Territory. That's right at 200 miles (virtually!) worth of main line. I've also laid the track for the 43 mile St. Paul Branch of the Frisco, the 18 mile Mansfield Branch (the branch where the above picture was taken), along with some short lines that existed, like the wonderfully rugged Black Mountain & Eastern, as well as portions of connecting/competing lines such as the Midland Valley and the Iron Mountain & Southern.

V scale can be very addictive.

All fer now!

Andre

Scott:

Forgot to mention: For me, one of the most compelling features of V scale via MSTS is the very convincing physics for the train handling. You really DO have to manage your steam, as well as use sand when needed, learn to use air (if equipped), etc, etc! It's quite convincing, and this from a retired engineer that has run multitudes of diesels, and even some steam engines!

Love the train handling aspect of V scale via MSTS.

Andre

There are a couple of people working on ways to simulate these things in our models. One group is designing a throttle and the other is working on a decoder. Both approaches look promising.
Bob

Hi All:

Just an update. Still messin' around in V scale.

However, I did purchased this off eBay a day or so ago. Seller claims it's all there sans instructions. I hope he's right. But, I got it a low price (for these) so if I need to purchase a couple pieces of strip wood... still came out pretty good.



I'll find out if its all there when it arrives!

All fer now.

Andre

Andre,

I'm not sure if you remember, but I posted the turn table instructions on page 64. If you look at the page closely, you will see letters marking the different parts.

Nice catch BTW.

Scott

Way to go, Andre!

Mike

Scott:

No, I had totally forgotten! Thanks for the jog. That will come in very handy when the time comes to assemble.

Mike:

I was actually watching two TT's from the same seller. The other one was this one:



However, it looks awfully short, and I was concerned that it would not make the 55' minimum I will need to hold the longest engine/tender's I'll be using.

All fer now!

Andre

It looks like you got the important parts. Everything else can be easily replaced with strip wood. Didn't you get one from Hagan?

Bob

Hi Bob!

The TT I purchased from Hakan was a Sequoia Models "Laws Turntable". I will need to cut it down, too. I need them to be about 55' in diameter so as to fit where they were designed (on the track plan) to be installed.

Fingers crossed the important stuff is there!

If not... well... that's probably why the other bidders weren't bidding and I was just too ignorant to know there were parts missing!

Andre

Andre,

Appears to me that the critical bits are cast metal parts in the plastic envelope i.e. the pedestal etc. As Bob said, the wood can be replaced.

Mike

Mike:

I hope so, that would be great.

In looking at the plans that Scott shared, I don't see a heavy stringer running atop the ties as is typical construction for wooden suspension-type TT's. Instead, it looks like smaller thickness strips that are layered. We'll see what it is once here. Plus, when the time comes to build it, I know I'll have to modify it to be 55' or so, but I may end up modifying it in other ways, too. We shall see?

Bringing my V scale modeling to a close with an upcoming update to my current Frisco Line project, then I need to shift emphasis and start getting two summer projects underway:

* Make the revisions on the HO Ozark layout as well as get the backdrop boards in and painted blue, as well as fascia.

* Start on my last motorcycle restoration.

I really need to have the HO Ozark layout work accomplished and a good handle on the motorcycle project before I can seriously consider tackling my Colorado & Pacific mini-layout. Oh, and among all this is going to be some tree/brush removal and a whole host of other home-owner tasks to get done. Going to be a busy summer!

Andre