Back to the turnouts topic, Joe is there any minimal chance they
will implement any power routing feature as well as Kato UNITrack
does? Is it at least under evaluation?

Thanks in advance,

Alex

Joe DAmato wrote:
> Tim,
>
> I'm working as fast as I can guys...lots to do, lots to make.  Our
> first switch is a #6 and I would like to do something in an #8 or #10
> range in the future.  A lot depends on how the #6 sells and we see
> profit potential in further units.  I don't think we will have any
> problems, the track is doing very well.  I expect that no matter what
> we do, some folks will want/need something else, and I understand
> that.
>
> As far as release dates, I don't know...and as far as being bullet
> proof, I can assure you that we have worked hard on the design and
> will test to death our first shots.  Loren will probably get first
> shot and if it survives him, we are golden.  I want to run this stuff
> too, and it doesn't do me any good if I have to mess with it at
> home...besides, the boss give me funnly looks when we make something
> that doesn't work!
>
> The next batch of GP-35's are about ready, I think the next two
> releases will make everyone (almost everyone) happy.
>
> Joe D'Amato
> MTL

--
Non temo Berlusconi in sè. Temo Berlusconi in me.

Well I finally did it.  I started my layout by completing the
benchwork last night of the future New York Central and Hudson River
Railroad, Western Branch, circa 1880-1890s.

For the benchwork I use two Woodland Scenic corner module 3' x 3'
kits (ST4791) and one straight module kit (ST4790) 1 1/2' x 3'.  The
benchwork is 9' long and is shaped like a dog-bone.  Photo is in the
Photo section titled New Bartolotto Layout.  I will post more photos
as I proceed with the layout.

The total assembly time putting the Woodland Scenic modules together
was 3 hours (that's with taking my time to make sure I assembled
them correctly, numerous interruptions and some minor modifications
to make them to my liking).  They are extremely sturdy and can be
disassembled (which in my line of work comes in handy with moving
every 1 to 3 years).  I highly recommend these to anyone who wants
to build benchwork quickly and does not like to do a lot of
measuring, cutting and wood-buying.

John Bartolotto

Also, will they be equipped with the Marklin like switch controls?

--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "Adam Amick" <aa5821@s...> wrote:
> Lionel,
>
> Outstanding work, sir!
>
> Take this stuff and go get your "Master Builder - Structures" merit
> award from NMRA (unless you already have it).
>
> Very inspiring!
>
> Adam
>
>

Thank you for the compliment Sir.

No, I don't have it, never even thought about it, wouldn't know how to
go about getting it.

To tell you the truth Adam, I didn't even know such a thing existed
!!! Do I have to join the Boy's Scouts to get my merit badge? :>)

Lionel

Robert,
This is only a guess. The bearings are there to provide tension to keep the
rails against the spikes to keep the rails from sliding. The holes are there to
cut down on friction (reduce contact surface area) while the rails are being
inserted.
Dan S.
P.S.- Loren- if those are actually bearings, it would be nearly impossible to
get them hot enough for solder to take without destroying the roadbed.
Hardened steel doesn't take to solder very well.

In a message dated 10/2/2005 12:22:01 PM Eastern Standard Time,
pray59@... writes:
Anyone have any ideas or speculation as to why there are 4 small ball
bearings contacting the rails under the new MTL track?

There are also holes in the plastic roadbed under the rails. What on
earth could they be for?

Curious don't you think?

-Robert


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

John,

I just looked at your new module picture on the forum and I'm concerned that
giant  Dearzilla will eat all of your vegetation

Loren

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Right on Dan.  I was told that they, (whatever they are) were to keep the
rail from sliding.

Loren

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That benchwork looks great, John!  I had no idea that WS offered
benchwork kits.  I've seen their scenic modules, etc., but didn't
realize that they also offered the supporting benchwork.  Living in an
apartment, at present, it's something worth looking into.

I have several boxes of Mianne benchwork that are still sealed and
stored.  I plan to use them for a larger On30 pike at some point, and
don't really want to make use of the components until after I get a
larger residence.  The WS components appear to be just what I might
need for a decent Z scale layout, so I'll have to explore that a bit more.

The era you're modeling is also pretty the era I'm interest in
pursuing.  I have the period items that Marklin has released to date,
and am just hoping they (or someone else) will have more offerings in
the years to come.

I also have a lot of the more contemporary stuff, as well, but will
likely be thinning that collection a bit at some point in the near
future since I have items representing too many roads and eras, and
really prefer to focus on a theme.

Please keep us up-to-date as work on your new layout progresses!



--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "John Bartolotto" <jsbart@p...> wrote:
> Well I finally did it.  I started my layout by completing the
> benchwork last night of the future New York Central and Hudson River
> Railroad, Western Branch, circa 1880-1890s.
>
> For the benchwork I use two Woodland Scenic corner module 3' x 3'
> kits (ST4791) and one straight module kit (ST4790) 1 1/2' x 3'.  The
> benchwork is 9' long and is shaped like a dog-bone.  Photo is in the
> Photo section titled New Bartolotto Layout.  I will post more photos
> as I proceed with the layout.
>
> The total assembly time putting the Woodland Scenic modules together
> was 3 hours (that's with taking my time to make sure I assembled
> them correctly, numerous interruptions and some minor modifications
> to make them to my liking).  They are extremely sturdy and can be
> disassembled (which in my line of work comes in handy with moving
> every 1 to 3 years).  I highly recommend these to anyone who wants
> to build benchwork quickly and does not like to do a lot of
> measuring, cutting and wood-buying.
>
> John Bartolotto

Loren,

Yes, by Woodland Scenics.  I haven't decided what approach to take on the
next part of the layout, whether I will cut the wood and lay it and the foam
board myself or use one ST4801 - Mod-U-Rail System - Straight Module Kit
(18"x36") and two ST4802 - Mod-U-Rail System - Corner Module Kits (36"x36").
I might just go the next step by myself because there are a lot of
components in both module kits that I will not use and for $124.98 and
$149.98 respectively that puts me at $425.00 total for just the next step of
the layout and I think I can build the next part by myself cheaper than
that.

I have the make the top of the layout removable and light so that I can
securely box the 3 sections when I move again.

John

Allan,

I am also getting ready to thin my collection over the next few months on
that auction web site that we can't mention.

Check out the Nn2 scale manufacturer Republic Locomotive Works
http://www.republiclocomotiveworks.com/  They have an enormous amount of
items that fit our era that with a little modification can be used in Z
scale.  The cabs on their locos are too large for Z but if you kitbash on of
their loco kits with either a cab from the Marklin 81419 Casey Jones loco or
from the 88035 D&RGW loco then you'll increase your late 1800's loco roster
considerably (which is a project I am working on now).

John

John,

I've been waiting for someone to try using these Woodland Scenics modules for Z
scale and develop a whole new modular standard around it.  BUT, wow!  I didn't
realize how expensive the pieces are.

I think the wood benchwork is the easiest and least expensive part to making
modules for me.  I still have 4 more completed module frames that I built 1 to 2
years ago but haven't made the time to finish yet.  Some of that is because I
know that the easy part is already done.

But then again, designing something that will withstand the kind of frequent
relocation you have to go through is a whole 'nother matter.

Take Care,
Randy Smidt

John & Sue Bartolotto <jsbart@...> wrote:
Loren,

Yes, by Woodland Scenics. I haven't decided what approach to take on the
next part of the layout, whether I will cut the wood and lay it and the foam
board myself or use one ST4801 - Mod-U-Rail System - Straight Module Kit
(18"x36") and two ST4802 - Mod-U-Rail System - Corner Module Kits (36"x36").
I might just go the next step by myself because there are a lot of
components in both module kits that I will not use and for $124.98 and
$149.98 respectively that puts me at $425.00 total for just the next step of
the layout and I think I can build the next part by myself cheaper than
that.

I have the make the top of the layout removable and light so that I can
securely box the 3 sections when I move again.

John






-Z- WARNING! HANDLE WITH CARE! Highly addictive in Small DoseZ!

Yahoo! Groups Links









[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi gang,

Can anyone tell me how the roadbed of the new MTL track compares to the IBL
cork roadbed in thickness and width?  What I'm wondering is if I can do a
relatively painless transition between MTL's sectional Micro-Track and flex
track that's on the IBL roadbed.  Has anyone done this yet?


Thanks,

Greg

I've completed the artwork for a colorful
collection of EMD SW-1 diesel switchers,
and prepared to take orders for the ready
to run models. Also, I've created a PDF
downloadable version of the available
models (SW-1 Collection).
http://www.zthek.com
The list will grow rapidly, as we're
preparing the artwork for many more
models. Also, several models will be
available with different road numbers.
The "built" kit and the ready to run
undecorated versions are available too,
and a shop service, the conversion of
the Marklin 0-6-0 steam locomotive
chassis has been added to the list.

Lajos

Great work, Lajos.  Not only is the model impressive, but the
instructions appear to be as well.

Hope sales are great!

Adam


--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "Lajos Thek" <olaj@d...> wrote:
> I've completed the artwork for a colorful
> collection of EMD SW-1 diesel switchers,
> and prepared to take orders for the ready
> to run models.

Hi everyone, I was hoping somebody could point me in the right
direction. I recently received a Marklin, B&O F7 AB unit. To my
dismay, the coupler pin and part of the B unit "gear tower were broken
off and nowhere to be found. I hope I am describing this correctly.
This is the part that attaches to the chassis and connects to the
wheel side frames. It is the same part on both the powered A units and
the dummy B units only the powered part has the electrical contacts
and wheel wipers attatched to it. I could use either version. I have
had no luck at my local Marklin dealers. If anyone can help me with
this it would be greatly appreciated.

John Grindlinger

The black finish on the MT PRR's didn't show the great details, so I decided to
give them
some weathering, then I added some faded red noses and finally added grime and
shoot
from years of neglect.  All in about 30 minutes without taking off the shells. 
I used water
based white and primer mixed in lots of water a few drops of detergent.  The
final black wash
was India ink in alcohol.  I used very thin washes with a hair dryer to speed up
the process.
They kinda look like SPs.  Can't wait till I get some clean UPs to age a bit.

Photos are in the photo directory "PRR Filthy".

These engines and some of our modules will be at the Maple Valley Train Show Oct
15-16th
near Maple Valley, WA just south of Seattle.  Here's how you get there- take
highway 18 to
the Covington turnoff and go east on Kent-Kangley (Hwy 516 or SE272nd, continue
past hwy
169 (4 corners) approximately 1 mi. to Landsburg Rd. SE and make a left
(Ravensdale Way),
Gracie Hansen Ctr. Will be on your left just past the fire station.

If you're in the area, come join us.

Thanks, tomg
www.tomgtomg.com/z

I'll be interested in how it goes and some photos along the way.  BTW, how high
did you
make the modules?

Thanks, tomg
www.tomgtomg.com/z



--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "John Bartolotto" <jsbart@p...> wrote:
> Well I finally did it.  I started my layout by completing the
> benchwork last night of the future New York Central and Hudson River
> Railroad, Western Branch, circa 1880-1890s.
>
> For the benchwork I use two Woodland Scenic corner module 3' x 3'
> kits (ST4791) and one straight module kit (ST4790) 1 1/2' x 3'.  The
> benchwork is 9' long and is shaped like a dog-bone.  Photo is in the
> Photo section titled New Bartolotto Layout.  I will post more photos
> as I proceed with the layout.
>
> The total assembly time putting the Woodland Scenic modules together
> was 3 hours (that's with taking my time to make sure I assembled
> them correctly, numerous interruptions and some minor modifications
> to make them to my liking).  They are extremely sturdy and can be
> disassembled (which in my line of work comes in handy with moving
> every 1 to 3 years).  I highly recommend these to anyone who wants
> to build benchwork quickly and does not like to do a lot of
> measuring, cutting and wood-buying.
>
> John Bartolotto

I strongly recommend and enthusiastically suggest you read
the two-part John McPhee article "Coal Train" beginning in
the current (October 3, 2005) issue of
the New Yorker magazine.

Jim
Harbormaster@...
Rail Served Heavy Industry Models
#366
Valley Ford, CA 94972
1-800-929-3361

Tom,

The modules come pre-set at a height of 35 1/2" and each leg has a
screw type foot in it so you can level the benchwork if required.

John

>Check out the Nn2 scale manufacturer Republic Locomotive Works

coff coff (Nn3) coff coff
V/R
Larry P. Card
Franklinton NC

Larry,

Thanks, my mistake, slip of the finer on the keyboard!  You might want
to see a doctor about that cough also.

John

--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "Larry Card" <lpcard@h...> wrote:
> >Check out the Nn2 scale manufacturer Republic Locomotive Works
>
> coff coff (Nn3) coff coff
> V/R
> Larry P. Card
> Franklinton NC

1.  From what kind of wood (solid vs ply; softwood vs.
hard) is the benchwork made?

2.  How are the pieces attached to one another?


--- Tom Gilchrist <tomg@...> wrote:

> I'll be interested in how it goes and some photos
> along the way.  BTW, how high did you
> make the modules?
>
> Thanks, tomg
> www.tomgtomg.com/z
>
>
>
> --- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "John Bartolotto"
> <jsbart@p...> wrote:
> > Well I finally did it.  I started my layout by
> completing the
> > benchwork last night of the future New York
> Central and Hudson River
> > Railroad, Western Branch, circa 1880-1890s.
> >
> > For the benchwork I use two Woodland Scenic corner
> module 3' x 3'
> > kits (ST4791) and one straight module kit (ST4790)
> 1 1/2' x 3'.  The
> > benchwork is 9' long and is shaped like a
> dog-bone.  Photo is in the
> > Photo section titled New Bartolotto Layout.  I
> will post more photos
> > as I proceed with the layout.
> >
> > The total assembly time putting the Woodland
> Scenic modules together
> > was 3 hours (that's with taking my time to make
> sure I assembled
> > them correctly, numerous interruptions and some
> minor modifications
> > to make them to my liking).  They are extremely
> sturdy and can be
> > disassembled (which in my line of work comes in
> handy with moving
> > every 1 to 3 years).  I highly recommend these to
> anyone who wants
> > to build benchwork quickly and does not like to do
> a lot of
> > measuring, cutting and wood-buying.
> >
> > John Bartolotto
>
>
>





______________________________________________________
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Donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
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Tom,

1.  From what kind of wood (solid vs ply; softwood vs. hard) is the
benchwork made?  A: The legs are made of semi-hard pine and the side braces
from hard press-wood.

2.  How are the pieces attached to one another?  A: The legs and side braces
are screwed together and then the modules are bolted together through
pre-drilled holes with bolts, washers and wing-nuts.  Screws, bolts, washers
and wing-nuts are all provided.

The entire thing is VERY sturdy.

John

John,

What are the module bases made from?  It isn't clear on the Woodland Scenics
site.

Also, how do the bases bolt together?  From their website it looks like the
bolts go through the module bases vertically to a connector tie plate underneath
rather than going through end pieces horizontally like on standard module
construction.

Thanks,
Randy Smidt

John & Sue Bartolotto <jsbart@...> wrote:
Tom,

1. From what kind of wood (solid vs ply; softwood vs. hard) is the
benchwork made? A: The legs are made of semi-hard pine and the side braces
from hard press-wood.

2. How are the pieces attached to one another? A: The legs and side braces
are screwed together and then the modules are bolted together through
pre-drilled holes with bolts, washers and wing-nuts. Screws, bolts, washers
and wing-nuts are all provided.

The entire thing is VERY sturdy.

John





-Z- WARNING! HANDLE WITH CARE! Highly addictive in Small DoseZ!

Yahoo! Groups Links








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Randy,

The module bases are made from plywood and then the different WS components
added as the modeler desires.

I'm not sure how the module bases bolt together?  Personally I will not be
bolting them together with anything fancy, just something to tie them
together, provide stability and is quick and easy to disassemble when I move
again.

John

John and other Pufferbellies,
I too am working on a very early RR layout. Western style. Keep us
posted on your progress. I'll show you mine if I can see yours.
Annonomous- Fred

Hello Fred,

Many of our products are designed to fit this era
while others are meant for the transition period.
Checkout our 1888 Capital City Depot, Metal Foundry,
buckboards, Crossing Watchman's Tower and our Yard Buildings.
All will fit nicely in the 1880 to 1898 period.

best regards,
Reynard
http://www.micronart.com
On Monday, October 3, 2005, at 03:58  PM, Fred Ladd wrote:

> John and other Pufferbellies,
> I too am working on a very early RR layout. Western style. Keep us
> posted on your progress. I'll show you mine if I can see yours.
> Annonomous- Fred
>
>
>
>
> -Z- WARNING! HANDLE WITH CARE!  Highly addictive in Small DoseZ!
>
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
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>
>
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>  
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>
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>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Way to go, Fred!  Mid- to late-19th century modeling is definitely the
most neglected area in the hobby in most scales, and certainly in Z.
That, in large part, is what makes it such an interesting and enticing
challenge.

In my opinion, Marklin deserves a whole lot of credit for taking a
chance and introducing at least a couple of early-period models.  I
have no idea how well they sold, but I can guarantee that I'll
continue buying whatever they produce in that line--locomotives and
rolling stock alike.

Like you, I've been considering a Western theme for my planned layout,
but I have a hard time breaking away from my own midwest roots and the
spectacular fall colors.  I'm still in the planning stage for that
pike though, so there's still time to make a firm decision.


--- In z_scale@yahoogroups.com, "Fred Ladd" <zeagle99@m...> wrote:
> John and other Pufferbellies,
> I too am working on a very early RR layout. Western style. Keep us
> posted on your progress. I'll show you mine if I can see yours.
> Annonomous- Fred

John,

You may want to try Helmuts Hobby Specialties. The our the best Märklin Z
scale service facility and can easily repair locos as well as obtain parts.
Their
ad appears on page 11 of the latest Ztrack. The phone number is 540 349 4910.
Good luck!

Rob Kluz



Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
6142 Northcliff Blvd.
Dublin, OH 43016
phone/fax: (614) 764-1703
http://www.ztrack.com/
Distributor for American Z Line


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey guys if you want to really see something outstanding, check out
trainboard.com
His pictures of his newly acquired GP35 are among the best I have ever seen.
C&O and Prr. hoppers truly make it outtasite. Great pics. Truly inspirational.
I feel like goin down in the basement right now and painting a GP35 for C&O.
                                     Harold Grady


---------------------------------
Yahoo! for Good
  Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]