Mike Reilley
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| 09 Feb 2010 11:30 AM |
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Posted By Dave Crocker on 08 Feb 2010 07:42 PM
Whoa Mike, have you gone over as well???
I've had an Accucraft Michigan Cal Shay for years. And there's an unbuilt Ruby kit out there somewhere. The question was just a leading question for the live steamers. Bending over, with my back, to run a live steamer would NOT be my cuppa tea. |
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NTCGRR
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| 09 Feb 2010 12:19 PM |
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I would buy a simple walk around video of the layout. Most folks take photos of the popular spots.
I also love the storage area. I am going to try to do that this year in the old shed behind the train shop.
Problem with most garages is they are more square. train shops need to be long and thin, two car deep. |
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 Marty Cozad
North Table Creek GRR
Nebraska City, NE
Is it "REAL" or just 1:29 th |
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toddalin
Foreman
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Posts:1775
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| 09 Feb 2010 03:00 PM |
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Posted By Mike Reilley on 09 Feb 2010 11:27 AM
Posted By John J on 08 Feb 2010 09:13 PM
I will come and hang around and eat pizza with you guys but I don't think I am going to bring a train to run
What!!!!! For those of us that can't get to Marty's...you need to do this. You need to run trains with us. So does Stan. We gotta see this. We'll even put up HD cameras all over the place to record the event and show it's not your fault. But I gotta tell ya...this place ain't like Marty's...it's got water hazards and such. Are ya up for the challenge?
One does not typically "run their own trains" at the Fairplex. One simply puts their trains on the staging tracks and lets the designated "engineer" run them from the booth while you watch. |
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aceinspp
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Conductor
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| 09 Feb 2010 05:18 PM |
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Well now Mike you also may want to think going to Marty's It's a challenge for sure. Later RJD |
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 RJD Chief Engr D & S RR SA# 2510 and the 200th member |
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Jim Francis
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| 09 Feb 2010 08:33 PM |
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During the show we wil be parking in the public lot near the Sheraton as that back gate is cloosest to the show buildings normally used. Will that gate still be open during the MLS hours at the Fairplex GRR?
Jim & Becky
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Skagit Valley Lines
Charter Member of The Roundhouse Irregulars |
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cjwalas
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| 09 Feb 2010 08:38 PM |
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Jim, I've been told that the appropriate gates will remain open for the MLS crowd and that the situation will be monitored accordingly. There are a number of entities that have to be dealt with on much of this, as I'm sure you're aware. But please keep posting any and all concerns as we get closer to the day. I don't want to see anything fall through the cracks. Chris PS. As to the MLSers operating their own trains; "We are making an exception for this special MLS day and evening. We will have one of our "qualified" control board operators there to supervise the MLS member on the control board. The same will be true for those wishing to run their trains on the Mountain line." So, yes, MLSers, you will definitely be able to run your own trains on the Fairplex layout!
Chris
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Chris Walas - Rogue County Rwy
Santa Barbra, California
( click here to visit the Rogue County Rwy ) |
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Mike Reilley
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Foreman
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| 09 Feb 2010 11:50 PM |
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Posted By toddalin on 09 Feb 2010 03:00 PM
.....One does not typically "run their own trains" at the Fairplex. One simply puts their trains on the staging tracks and lets the designated "engineer" run them from the booth while you watch.
Thanks. I wasn't aware that at all...and it brings up some questions.
a. Does this mean the trains we bring to this must be set up for straight DC track power? b. Can you run a battery/RC train on the layout? Is there a frequency control station?
c. Are there any pre-qualifications to be able to be an "engineer" and run a train?
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cjwalas
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| 10 Feb 2010 06:52 AM |
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Posted By Mike Reilley on 09 Feb 2010 11:50 PM
Thanks. I wasn't aware that at all...and it brings up some questions.
a. Does this mean the trains we bring to this must be set up for straight DC track power? b. Can you run a battery/RC train on the layout? Is there a frequency control station?
c. Are there any pre-qualifications to be able to be an "engineer" and run a train?
I think I know the answers to these, but I'll get official word before I say anything. This is great, the more questions now, the better. Chris
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Chris Walas - Rogue County Rwy
Santa Barbra, California
( click here to visit the Rogue County Rwy ) |
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cjwalas
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| 10 Feb 2010 08:58 AM |
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Here's your answers, Mike!
a. Does this mean the trains we bring to this must be set up for straight DC track power?
Battery power is also OK.
b. Can you run a battery/RC train on the layout?
Yes
Is there a frequency control station?
No
c. Are there any pre-qualifications to be able to be an "engineer" and run a train?
Not the way we have it planned. We will have a "qualified" member of the Fairplex crew with the MLS member and our person will show them what to do and answer any questions. |
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Chris Walas - Rogue County Rwy
Santa Barbra, California
( click here to visit the Rogue County Rwy ) |
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tmejia
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| 10 Feb 2010 09:38 AM |
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Chris,
If you are battery and R/C will you be able to walk around and follow (on the hardscape areas) your train?
Tommy
Rio Gracie |
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cjwalas
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| 10 Feb 2010 11:46 AM |
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Here's your answer, Tommy;
"They will be able to walk around using the side walks and roadway along the front. They will not be able to walk on any of the hardscape or scenes -- nor on the Mountain itself. If they have problems with their consists -- we will address the problems individually."
Chris |
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Chris Walas - Rogue County Rwy
Santa Barbra, California
( click here to visit the Rogue County Rwy ) |
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tmejia
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| 10 Feb 2010 03:26 PM |
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Thanks for the quick response. Looking forward to June.
Tommy
Rio Gracie |
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cabforward
Passenger
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Posts:150
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| 11 Feb 2010 11:32 AM |
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Chris
What is the minimum radius on the mainline at FGRR?
Also is it mainly flat or are the grades?
thanks
matt |
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John Wagner
Passenger
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Posts:16
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| 30 Mar 2010 07:37 AM |
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This is going to be a great opportunity for the group to enjoy the layout. Here is the official web site with photo's and info on the layout.
The layout has three main line runs. They are known as the Yellow, Orange and Blue lines. The Orange and Yellow lines parallel each other around the layout on level double track. The Blue is a double looping line that covers most of the layout with grades. Two trains can be run on the Orange with a automated system to keep the trains spaced safely apart. We run two trains of the same length on the Blue all the time. Keeps us on our toes if one is a little faster as every 10 laps we need to do a run by. Running the layout is not much different than any other standard DC layout with block's. The board has indicator lights letting us know where the trains are and all switches are air thrown across the layout. All big #6's everywhere now and the yard is easy to get trains in and out now.
The Mountain line is separate from the other loops and has its own controls. We run our 1:20 K27's and cars with out clearance issues. Its a folded loop with a easy grade around one end hill past the mines. Its a great place to run your steam loco's.
Here is a short video of the U50 pulling a 45 car coal train by herself up the steepest grade at the far corner of the layout. In the upper left corner you can see it as the head end drops down as the caboose passes. Such a great place to run trains.
Enjoy the time at the layout!
John |
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Dwight Ennis
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Conductor
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| 30 Mar 2010 08:24 AM |
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The two reasons I drive down south every June is (1) to see my friends and socialize, and (2) to run my steam locomotives. The split in shows this year has caused some heartburn in the latter area.
I'm told there will be a live steam track at SWGRS. I've also been told it won't be Bob Starr's track. Whose track will it be and how big is it? How long will it be set up and how many days will we have to run? |
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 Dwight Ennis
SA #21
http://www.NPCRR.com
http://www.SantaCruzLumberCo.com
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gscaleisfun
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| 30 Mar 2010 08:59 AM |
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Dan Hoag with Eaglewings Ironcraft and with the cooperation with Mark Johnson is adding to his live steam track. It will have 16 ft and 15ft diameter curves. I don't know the exact dimensions yet but it should be big enough for most live steam locomotives if not all. It will be set up at least Saturday and Sunday. If the demand is there maybe we can get it set up sometime for running on Friday.
As everyone should know by now, I do this for the fun, not the money. I also want this show to be an "event" not just a train show.
David |
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Dwight Ennis
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| 30 Mar 2010 10:22 AM |
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Thanks David. As I drive down from the Bay Area (6-1/2 hours each way), doing so for just Saturday and part of Sunday would hardly be worth it. Many of my friends aren't going to show up until Saturday morning. For the last several years I've driven down Wednesday, spent the night, and was there to help set up the track Thursday morning or early afternoon. We'd be running by mid-afternoon on Thursday, all day Friday and Saturday, and part of Sunday when I'd usually leave around two in the afternoon for the drive back. Flying down isn't an option if I want to bring any steam locomotives to run, so you can hopefully see my dilemma. |
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Dwight Ennis
SA #21
http://www.NPCRR.com
http://www.SantaCruzLumberCo.com
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gscaleisfun
Passenger
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| 30 Mar 2010 10:29 AM |
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I wonder what else we can do to make this more fun. Any ideas?
Last fall the steam track was indoors at the show. I don't get the hall until Friday. We probably could check on having it outside by the Garden Railroad for running extra days if people are interested.
I would have to check on that.
David |
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toddalin
Foreman
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| 30 Mar 2010 11:21 AM |
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Posted By gscaleisfun on 30 Mar 2010 10:29 AM
I wonder what else we can do to make this more fun. Any ideas?
We are hosting an open house on Sunday, June 6 from noon - 5:00 PM. I've also arranged for Dave Sheegog of the Castle Peak & Thunder (featured in last December's Garden Railways Magazine) to host open house the same day. His runs from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. We are about 9 miles apart by surface streets and about 45 minutes SE of the Pomona Fairplex and 45 minutes SW of the Ontario Convention Center so plan your timing accordingly.
We would also be open to hosting an MLS event on Saturday and let people run their trains, if the desire is there. We have about 600 feet of track with a minimum 8-foot diameter. We will accomodate track power, battery power, and live steam.
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livesteam53
Brakeman
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Posts:638
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| 19 Apr 2010 07:28 PM |
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Dave, Stan Cedarleaf and myself set up this past weekend a 16.5 x 46.5.
I got Dan making another 24' for sidings so we could make it close to a 70' long.
This will be the event to be at. A lot of Fun.
<a href="http://www.swgrs.com/modx-1.0.0-rc1/" target="_blank" title="Don't miss this one!"><font color="#000000"></font></a></div>
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Silver State Trains
Mark Johnson
SA #77
Steam'n in the backyard
V.R.R.R.
Vintage Rose Railroad |
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Dwight Ennis
Moderator
Conductor
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| 19 Apr 2010 08:39 PM |
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Mark - any idea exactly when you'll be setting up at SWGRS? Thursday? Friday? How soon can we be running? I need to schedule my trip and I want to know when to get there. |
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Dwight Ennis
SA #21
http://www.NPCRR.com
http://www.SantaCruzLumberCo.com
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curlyp
1st Class Member
Passenger
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| 19 Apr 2010 09:02 PM |
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I plan on going and will bring a train. Will the layout clearances support a 1:20 K-27?
Battery Power and Airwire/QSI
Paul |
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| Paul Deis
Paso Robles, CA
Modeling in 1:20.3 |
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Stan Cedarleaf
1st Class Member
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livesteam53
Brakeman
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Posts:638
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| 19 Apr 2010 10:02 PM |
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It's strong made of steel channel. Will handle the heavies with clearance. Dwight you can be running by Noon on Friday. |
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Silver State Trains
Mark Johnson
SA #77
Steam'n in the backyard
V.R.R.R.
Vintage Rose Railroad |
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Dwight Ennis
Moderator
Conductor
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Posts:4313
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