White River Line

Discussion in 'Freelance' started by dboone74, Mar 2, 2021.

  1. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Maybe weather and ballast that section now or make your coal tower removable. Nice coal tower by the way!
     
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  2. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Make the shed floor unattached to the shed walls.
     
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  3. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    Thanks! This is a simple enough solution. I'm ready to weather the tracks, but I'm still trying to figure out my ballast mixture.

    If it weren't already glued in place I might do this, but I don't really want to risk damaging it.

    I think I'll probably just wait. I think I'm being over eager.
     
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  4. Jim James

    Jim James Staff Member Staff Member

    Best to be over eager than under eager. I would take a razor saw and cut the floor of the shed out and lay/ballast and weather everything. Then make mounting surfaces for the tower. The shed should snug up around the track floor cut out. Rare earth magnets can help hold the coal tower in alignment.
    Just thinking off the top of my head here.
     
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  5. mark

    mark Staff Member Staff Member

    Drew,

    Not a fan of gluing structures in place.

    Experience has shown that locating pins, blocks, magnets as suggested or other foundation positive attachment / locating devices or methods work best.

    Scenery can be built up around the structure locating foundation to give the appearance it is grounded in place. The locating device then permits removing the structure for other area work, additional detailing, changes like signs, colors, added lighting, additions or details. Further, structures are also less likely to be destroyed if inadvertently bumped, simply replace over the locating device.

    If absolutely needed, short sections of track through the structure can be aligned with rail joiners that you can slide along the adjoining rail to lift the structure out. Not the best option as each and every piece of rail needs a direct wire connection to your power bus.

    In addition, if the need arises to move, adjust position or relocate a structure as the scene develops, an entirely new locating foundation can be created much easier that having to rebuild a structure that was damaged or destroyed because it was glued in place. In the case of your photograph, access to the turnouts behind the coal tower for adjustment, cleaning, repair or replacement will be important.

    One other thought, if you ever move, change the layout or just need a good cleaning, being able to remove the structures will be important.

    Keep up the good work! We appreciate your posts and keeping us informed on your progress.

    Hope this helps.

    Thanks!

    Mark
     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2023
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  6. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    You might be over estimating my skill with a razor saw. LOL
     
  7. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks!
     
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  8. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    Anyone here do any 3D printing?
     
  9. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    Let me know if you have any suggestions.

     
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  10. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

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  11. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

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  12. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    I installed a DCC decoder in my 2-8-0. Now I need to get to work on my DCC-EX system
     
  13. rjthomas909

    rjthomas909 Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Hey Drew,

    Let me know if you need any help with the DCC-EX. I have built one for my own layout. Also, I saw that you have a 3D printer. There is a download somewhere of a printable box for the DCC-EX enclosure.

    -Bob T.
     
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  14. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    I will definitely reach out. The DCC-EX build doesn't seem too tough since I've already done some arduino stuff. Programming the decoder feels more intimidating to me at this point.

    I found a 6" rack mount system on thingiverse and designed my own enclosure based on that. It'll be first big 3D printing project.
     
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  15. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    I, too, am a SoundTraxx Trained and Certified Installer. I can send you a list of settings for all the CV values that will make that puppy gurgle properly. All I need to know is do you want the braking function active?
    Otherwise, may I recommend at least downloading Decoder Pro onto your computer? You can at least create a roster entry for the locomotive and any others you might purchase and use the point and click ease of at least developing the settings for the CVs. If you purchase a Sprog, your programming setup would be complete. Be sure to reach out to me via email if you have questions.
     
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  16. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    That would be awesome, Keith. I'm so new to DCC I'm not sure I know what the braking function is. Could you tell me a little more and I can decide if I want it active.

    I plan on using JMRI, although I might not set it up immediately. My understanding is that I can connect JMRI to a DCC-EX system using the USB port on the Arduino. Would I still need a Sprog in that case?
     
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  17. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    With the Braking Function, all the throttle does it get the locomotive rolling, just like a car. If you back out of the throttle, the locomotive will drift or coast and will eventually stop after quite a long distance. If you want the locomotive to slow or stop, you apply the brakes by pressing and releasing a function key on your throttle; most often F6. Just like driving a car, there is a slight learning curve, but with steamers especially, the operation is very realistic.

    As you may be aware, Decoder Pro is a part of JMRI.

    With the serial connection to the DCC-EX system you will be able to make use of Decoder Pro to do Operations Mode (mainline) programming and Service Mode (programming track) programming. You can run your layout via JMRI WiFi connection to your smart phone (iPhone WiThrottle or Android Train Driver) and have Service mode and Operations mode programming capabilities. You could also connect a great throttle such as the TCS UWT-50 via WiFi to run your locomotive(s).

    With the USB connection to the Sprog 3 (and forget the DCC-EX), you could run your layout via JMRI WiFi connection to your smart phone (iPhone WiThrottle or Android Train Driver) and have Service mode and Operations mode programming capabilities. You could also connect a great throttle such as the TCS UWT-50 via WiFi to run your locomotive(s).

    The difference is that with the Sprog 3, you will have excellent support from Bill Chown (who is the U.S. distributor of the Sprog equipment and a ready-to-go system with no programming or debugging.

    Since I can't attach the JMRI Roster file I created for Frisco #1256 on this forum, I will send it and the settings printout to you via email.
     
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  18. mark

    mark Staff Member Staff Member

    Drew,

    Highly recommend using the braking function on all your locomotives.

    It greatly enhances the feel of prototype railroading. Just like operating a vehicle or locomotive, the throttle is for moving - accelerating and coasting. The brake is for slowing and stopping. Also like a vehicle, the brake function can be "pumped" on and off if needed to slow or stop.

    As Keith indicated, it can be mapped to the function key of your choice. Most folks we know standardize on the F6 key.

    Hope this helps.

    Thanks!

    Mark
     
  19. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    That sounds like a really wise and prudent choice, so naturally something I'd avoid LOL.
     
  20. dboone74

    dboone74 Member

    Thanks for the explanation. I think I'll turn that on.
     
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