Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: Irbricksceo on December 31, 2014, 06:23:18 PM

Title: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on December 31, 2014, 06:23:18 PM
so the info I found was off by a bit, how long is the number 6 crossover? I'm trying to find a combination of straights to match it. Thanks!
Title: Re: question
Post by: rogertra on December 31, 2014, 06:42:12 PM
Quote from: Irbricksceo on December 31, 2014, 06:23:18 PM
so the info I found was off by a bit, how long is the number 6 crossover? I'm trying to find a combination of straights to match it. Thanks!

You did not provide the name of who made your No. 6 crossover, so we cannot help.  :-)

Besides, if you Google the name of the switch manufacturer, their webiste will tell you everything you need to know.  Keep in mind, a switch, like any piece of track can be cut to shorten it's length, unless it's a set track switch like Bachmann E-Z track, can also be cut between the ties to make it somewhat flexible. 

I do both of the above with my Atlas track all the time.

Happy New Year.

Roger T.

Title: Re: question
Post by: Morgun 30 on December 31, 2014, 06:44:38 PM
what did you come up with? Anyrail shows 21 1/4"
Title: Re: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on December 31, 2014, 08:02:31 PM
Its the EZ track one. I dont have Anyrail, never heard of it. I used to use RTS from atlas but I mostly do hand-drawings on green paper.

I got 24 from the source I looked at, dont recall what it was. so, 21.25. I dont think there is any combination of ez-track that will add up to that unfortunatly but I suppose I can get it close, if It was 21 on the other side instead, I might be able to hide that half an inch in the curves, not an ideal solution but one that should work.
Title: Re: question
Post by: Hunt on December 31, 2014, 08:23:29 PM
HO #6 Remote Crossover Turnout -- 2-3/8" between centerlines, 21-1/4" long
Title: Re: question
Post by: Hunt on December 31, 2014, 09:46:50 PM
Bachmann HO E-Z Track
18.00" --  9" straight track, 2 pieces,  item 44511 
1.25" --  straight, 1 piece *
2.00" --  straight, 1 piece *
-------
21.25"

                   * Found in the Connector Track Assortment, item 44592


The HO Remote #6 Crossover Turnout (item 44575 and 44576) is wired for use in a DCC powered layout. Must be modified to use in a DC powered layout.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on December 31, 2014, 10:30:34 PM
After all the time you've spent here, you never heard of Anyrail?!?!? :o
Title: Re: question
Post by: rogertra on December 31, 2014, 10:48:28 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on December 31, 2014, 10:30:34 PM
After all the time you've spent here, you never heard of Anyrail?!?!? :o

30 seconds on Google.  :-)

Happy New Year.

Cheers

Roger T.

Title: Re: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on December 31, 2014, 11:39:15 PM
Yep, that 30 second yielded it. I installed it after it was mentioned. Neat software, steep price for a non-demo but it gives good info. As it turns out, I HAD seen it before, I just didn't recall it was called anyrail as It wasn't on my PC.

I'll ha veto find that connector pack In the mean time, I have enough track to make 2 21 inch sections as placeholders while I test fit the rest of the track.

Thanks
Title: Re: question
Post by: Joe Satnik on January 01, 2015, 09:56:25 AM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All.

It is handier to have both a left and a right crossover, as you don't have to back your train through a single crossover to get back to your original loop. 

If you put an other-handed crossover on the opposite side of your layout, your 21.25 length problem will be eliminated by symmetry.

See full maxx's layout photo in this thread:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,12474.0.html

Hope this helps. 

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik
Title: Re: question
Post by: electrical whiz kid on January 01, 2015, 11:49:20 AM
JBrock;
I never heard of "Anyrail" either.  Most of my trackwork has been Railcraft, Central valley, Shinohara.  A lot through Crusader.
RIch
SGT C.
Title: Re: question
Post by: Joe Satnik on January 01, 2015, 01:55:55 PM
EWK,

AnyRail.com is software, specifically a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program for laying sectional track.

(Free to download and use for the first 50 sections of track.) 

There are a ton of different (make and model) track libraries to choose from, including Bachmann HO Nickel-Silver E-Z Track.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik   
Title: Re: question
Post by: electrical whiz kid on January 01, 2015, 07:23:10 PM
Actually Joe;
I have never sought after "cadrail" or any other medium with an intent of designing my railroad. 
I choose a concept, time, geographical locale, and personality.  I have done some hand-laying, but am looking to do some work with Central valley ties.  I have a lot of turnouts, tie sections, etc.; I have amassed, and retirement looming large.  I hope it snows like hell this winter...
SGT C.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 01, 2015, 08:39:57 PM
I am shocked Rich :o  For the amount of time you have spent on this board that you have not at least read about it once; it seems like Anyrail gets mentioned in just about 1 out of every 5 threads :D
Title: Re: question
Post by: electrical whiz kid on January 02, 2015, 07:55:08 AM
Jim;
Nope.  Probably just never paid attention to it.
Then again, I have already several sources for track-work supplies, and am very happy with them, so why would I look?
SGT C.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 02, 2015, 06:10:56 PM
It is not so much looking as it is seeing.  Kinda like seeing the title of an article in a newspaper, even if you don't bother to read the article.  But I understand what you are saying Rich.  And I for one, DO NOT wish for it to snow like hell this winter.

Title: Re: question
Post by: electrical whiz kid on January 02, 2015, 07:37:33 PM
Well, Jim my friend;
guess what its' gonna do?  Did you see the 35-car pile up on I-93 by Nashua, NH on the news today?
Trackwise, as I have said, I like what I have been working with for all these years.  My endeavor now, however is to get going on my layout, using Central Valley turnouts in the yards, with code 70 and 55 rail.
SGT C.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 02, 2015, 08:32:35 PM
Ugh, snow?!?  Say it ain't so Joe!

No I did not see it.  From snow?  If it was, you would think those folks know how to drive in it ::).

You are a master craftsman-what more can be said?
Title: Re: question
Post by: electrical whiz kid on January 03, 2015, 07:42:51 AM
Jim;
I hope you meant Joe with that "master Craftsman" stuff.  All I am is a master electrician-it is what I know-and that is it!  I love this hobby, and enjoy when something I do comes out good; this, to me, is the way it should be, and to anyone on this board, I say to enjoy it-it is one heck of an elixir for the rigors of everyday life.
Thirty five cars.  Yep, and no one was killed!  This is an area I base my layout on; from Portsmouth NH, to Troy, New York, running the borders of a three-state area.  To me, it packs a wallop of modeling potential reminiscent of something Currier and Ives...
I got "lasties" on the bonus room over the garage after everyone has left; so size is really no issue.  I like the idea of using a smaller space effectively; so packing small New England/New York towns with a lot of small industries, built by the swift-flowing streams this area is blessed with, really appeals to me, and gives those smaller towns a reason for being as well.
SGT C. 
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 03, 2015, 08:29:15 AM
Delaware and Hudson run through Troy?  New York Central?  Rutland?
Title: Re: question
Post by: Len on January 03, 2015, 09:03:08 AM
Interesting video on the Troy Union RR in the 1956 - 1959 time period at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw8AnDnDmwI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw8AnDnDmwI)

A bit of history here too: http://penneyvanderbilt.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/troy-union-railroad/ (http://penneyvanderbilt.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/troy-union-railroad/)

Len
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 03, 2015, 10:09:14 AM
Thank you Len :).
Title: Re: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on January 03, 2015, 02:22:15 PM
I envy you, I also model Railroading in the NY, NJ, Pennslyvania area. Mostly the ares that the NYSW and Erie would have run through in the early 50's. Difference is, I'm a broke college student building on a 4*8 in his bedroom so I need to take some liberties an generalize it into something small. Still, one day.....

I lived in Bergen County New Jersey for almost 13 years, that area is so pretty I just had to model it! For now I just use roadnames that ran in the northeast even if not in that area specifically. I've got one or two locos from each the NYSW, Pere Marquette, NKP, B&O, and L&NE. Plus an NJ Transit F40 cause why not!

Shame that it will be a while before I can do scenery but for now, I can have fun running trains and that pretty good.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 03, 2015, 02:33:26 PM
Yep, it should be whatever you would like it to be and enjoy it!  Look at it as using time to your advantage; you will have plenty of time to gather info, make decisions and implement; instead of just throwing something together for the sake of having something to run trains around.

With all the malls, any hobby shops still around?
Title: Re: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on January 03, 2015, 04:26:55 PM
I moved down to Georgia a few years ago. Unfortunately, about a year we left a hobby shop that I frequented closed its doors. I actually managed to find a nice article about it by googling:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/hi-way-hobby-house-closing-ends-an-era-1.317788

Its sad but true what it says, how there just aren't enough young people entering the hobby. I was brought into this hobby by my grandfather who got me into trains before my second birthday. I look at the rods on a steam locomotive and think its one of the most amazing marvels of engineering ever created. But for every person like me, who really enjoys this, there are hundreds who wouldn't touch it with a  5 foot pole.

The guys who ran that shop were very nice people. Bearing in mind I was a nine year old the first time I entered that store and 12 the last time I ever had the chance, I was obviously not going to be some big spender yet they would be glad to answer any question or let me see any model, whether I was there to buy a piece of track, pick up a small locomotive, or just browse while passing though. I didn't get to go often in the two years I knew of that place, less than 50 times I bet, being young meant that where I went was largely dependent on where my parents were. But going there was always something I looked forwards to. Another thing I liked, when you bought a locomotive, they tested it before your eyes. If you had a question, they would answer it. When I came into a bunch of old tyco cars with X2F's, they set me up with an athearn box car that had one side X2F and one side Kadee for less than 10 bucks all set up since, after all, a 10 year old's budget makes mine look like a fortune.


The model train department had shrunk a lot by the time I got there, but it dominated the front of the store getting the first three isles, the front most display cases, and a nice HO and N display layout behind the counter. Its sad that it had to go but perfectly understandable. Its not cheap to live there (one of the reasons we moved).

I don't know if its really possible to be nostaligic at only 19, but if so, this is definitely one thing I'm nostalgic about. I dont know of any other stores like it, even here. Sure, we have a hobbytown USA, but it isnt the same.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 03, 2015, 05:29:16 PM
I know what you mean about it not being cheap to live there.  Franklin Lakes?  Ramsey? Oakland?  Faaghet about it.

Interesting the very beginning of the article mentioned the Internet having a hand in the downfall of the shop.  I would say that many of us are on the Internet a lot for both shopping and information.

I can't remember the name, but there is model train seller that is big on Ebay out of GA.  They have a warehouse or two worth of stuff.  Don't know if they have a storefront too.  I had won a Spectrum GP30 that I never got bc they could never locate the item after the win.
Title: Re: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on January 03, 2015, 06:14:44 PM
Yeah, I know that the owners of this shop also ran Standard hobby, their Mail order version of the store. I think it went with the store.

We lived in Ridgewood, the taxes were outrageous. I can only imagine how expensive it must have been to maintain a storefront.
Title: Re: question
Post by: the Bach-man on January 03, 2015, 11:55:36 PM
Hi, Guys,
I worked at Hi-Way from the mid 60s to the late 80s, and I miss it. Every time I drive by on 17 and see a fitness club it makes me sad...
I believe Anthony has a small shop in Sugar Loaf, NY.
the Bach-man
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 01:29:31 PM
B'man, I am guessing that was around the same time you were in Suffern?
Title: Re: question
Post by: Jerrys HO on January 04, 2015, 01:34:43 PM
A fitness club? what's that. I get enough work out working on my layout. Let's see leg crunch's (squatting under the table), leg stretch's ( leaning over the layout while standing on a ladder), jumping jack's ( when the train makes it all the way around the layout with no problems), who needs a fitness club!
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 01:51:56 PM
How about Fight Club?  I bet we could get into that? :D
Title: Re: question
Post by: Jerrys HO on January 04, 2015, 01:53:05 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 01:51:56 PM
How about Fight Club?  I bet we could get into that? :D

Nah you always get the last punch in! ???
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 01:55:27 PM
I don't know why you would say that...
Title: Re: question
Post by: Jerrys HO on January 04, 2015, 01:58:43 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 01:55:27 PM
I don't know why you would say that...

Lighten up, your taking things to seriously :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 01:59:29 PM
Ok
Title: Re: question
Post by: Jerrys HO on January 04, 2015, 02:00:23 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 01:59:29 PM
Ok

By George! I think you got it!
Title: Re: question
Post by: jward on January 04, 2015, 08:09:40 PM
Quote from: Jerrys HO on January 04, 2015, 01:34:43 PM
A fitness club? what's that. I get enough work out working on my layout. Let's see leg crunch's (squatting under the table), leg stretch's ( leaning over the layout while standing on a ladder), jumping jack's ( when the train makes it all the way around the layout with no problems), who needs a fitness club!

don't forget table thumping when it hits dirty track.
Title: Re: question
Post by: the Bach-man on January 04, 2015, 10:38:09 PM
jbrock,
I'm still in Suffern!
the Bach-man
Title: Re: question
Post by: Jerrys HO on January 04, 2015, 10:41:52 PM
What you sufferin from?
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 10:49:13 PM
..being in Suffern...

Thanks Bman.  Last time it came up, I had thought you said it in past tense.  Cold tomorrow.  Bundle up.
Title: Re: question
Post by: Jerrys HO on January 04, 2015, 10:52:48 PM
Heck I bet we get colder than you here. going to be below 30'sby WED.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 04, 2015, 11:09:24 PM
Heck I bet we get colder than you here.

R U kidding me?!?
Title: Re: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on January 05, 2015, 12:59:28 AM
Man, You are sorely mistaken. When I was In ridge wood, we could site below 30 for weeks no sweat. Went camping at glen gray in mahwah once, dropped to -5 at nights
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 05, 2015, 06:32:10 AM
I went on a 'Valley Forge' camp out once with the Boy Scouts as a scout.  It was the most miserable camping experience I ever had.  The scouts were outside in canvass tents while the Scoutmasters, assistants and any other adults got to stay in a lodge with a fireplace  >:(
Title: Re: question
Post by: WoundedBear on January 05, 2015, 09:30:20 AM
It's a balmy -26C here this morning. T shirt weather.....lmao.

You guys don't know what cold is ;D

Sid
Title: Re: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on January 05, 2015, 11:25:49 AM
I do not envy you...
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 05, 2015, 01:28:14 PM
Quote from: WoundedBear on January 05, 2015, 09:30:20 AM
It's a balmy -26C here this morning. T shirt weather.....lmao.

You guys don't know what cold is ;D

Sid

yea yea, blah blah

Don't blame us for living in the wrong part of the world ;D
Title: Re: question
Post by: Doneldon on January 05, 2015, 02:39:30 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on January 05, 2015, 06:32:10 AM
I went on a 'Valley Forge' camp out once with the Boy Scouts as a scout.  It was the most miserable camping experience I ever had.  The scouts were outside in canvass tents while the Scoutmasters, assistants and any other adults got to stay in a lodge with a fireplace  >:(

Jim-

I did a winter scout camp out similar to this in Minnesota. The adults (I was a Cubmaster) were supposed to sleep in a lodge but it was so cold the kids came into the lodge with the adults. We also put the kids on the bunks so most of the adults, including me, were on the floor. That wasn't too bad except that one kid or another went out or came back from the john about twice per minute all night, and I was about five feet from the door which only got fully closed about half the time. Man! That was one miserable night. I got a cold which didn't go away until my Cub Scout completed his Eagle.
                                                                                                                                         -- D
Title: Re: question
Post by: ACY on January 05, 2015, 02:43:04 PM
Don, colds are from being in close quarters with large groups of people such as the scout troop. Being outside or exposed to the cold can cause things like hypothermia but will not cause you to catch a cold. You may have known this but most people seem to think being outside on a really cold day will give them a cold when it is not the case at all.
Title: Re: question
Post by: Doneldon on January 05, 2015, 02:46:56 PM
Quote from: ACY on January 05, 2015, 02:43:04 PM
Don, colds are from being in close quarters with large groups of people such as the scout troop. Being outside or exposed to the cold can cause things like hypothermia but will not cause you to catch a cold. You may have known this but most people seem to think being outside on a really cold day will give them a cold when it is not the case at all.

ACY-

Of course I know that. But it's a better story if I don't.

                                                                        -- D

Title: Re: question
Post by: rogertra on January 05, 2015, 03:32:52 PM
Yes, the temperature has nothing at all to do about catching a cold.

You cannot catch cold at either the north or south poles during their winters.  Why?  Because it's too cold for the virus to survive.  :)

Cheers

Roger T.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jbrock27 on January 06, 2015, 07:02:51 AM
I like your story Doc :D.  While I note that ACY and Roger tend to be quite literal ::)
Title: Re: question
Post by: jward on January 06, 2015, 09:03:50 AM
roger I am unclear on what you just said.

if temperature has nothing to do with catching a cold, how can it be too cold for the virus to survive? obviously on some level temp does have something to do with it.
Title: Re: question
Post by: rogertra on January 06, 2015, 09:33:17 AM
Quote from: jward on January 06, 2015, 09:03:50 AM
roger I am unclear on what you just said.

if temperature has nothing to do with catching a cold, how can it be too cold for the virus to survive? obviously on some level temp does have something to do with it.

Sorry I was not clear.

What I meant was you cannot "catch cold" just by being cold.  Remember your mom saying something like "Wrap up warm or you'll catch cold."? Well that's not true, it's an old wives' tale.  

A common cold virus is typically transmitted via airborne droplets (aerosols), you walk past somebody with a cold who sneezes or, you simply breath in their exhaled breath, or by direct contact with infected nasal secretions, or by direct hand to hand contact or by touching an infected surface.  Like a door handle.  Antibiotics are of no use as the common cold is a virus, not a bacterial infection.

Therefore, as it's a virus, if it gets too cold, as in the polar regions during their winters and a virus lives mainly in living tissue, if it's too cold, the virus dies before it can reach it's next host.  At least, that's what I've read.

Is that better?

Cheers

Roger T.
Title: Re: question
Post by: jward on January 06, 2015, 10:03:51 AM
works for me.
Title: Re: question
Post by: Irbricksceo on January 06, 2015, 06:41:37 PM
got the spacer pieces today. Thought I'd show what I'm dealing with. I haven't fastened anything down since, as the small cache of various pieces in the middle suggests, I'm tinkering with it still (now that I can see it in real life rather than lines on paper) so I might think of a thing here or there that I want to improve but this is the gist of it.

(http://i.imgur.com/SmaotBZ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/JnhkkW5.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/nz2jPZk.jpg)