Post by: pjdog350 on January 18, 2021, 04:49:18 AM
Anyway - I did a search to see if there was any information that maybe someone had put out on the net showing how they did it. The MTH was easy but the old Lionel don't really have the steam chest for it. The first thing that came up on the internet search was a guy named dsmith. He had a super coupler made up that attached to the pilot wheels. I have everything except a extra set of pilot wheels. I'll call my friend in New York today and order a set of 224 pilot wheels. This should be a fun project.
On the 10th post on the following link you will see pictures of the coupler build.
He posted an article in Classic toy train back in 2010. http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95/t/172006.aspx
Post by: starfire700 on January 19, 2021, 04:35:22 AM
I am currently working on a video that will feature all unit trains and double-headers, steam/diesel, prewar and postwar.
You can see this at my channel link
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCUfhIqTj6nbDLmY3rXzvn7g
Post by: pjdog350 on January 19, 2021, 05:18:51 AM
The latest movie with all the scale Hudsons was superb. I didn’t know there where people that ran these super valuable old Lionel trains. I’m jealous!!
Post by: starfire700 on January 20, 2021, 04:47:28 AM
The Double-header and unit trains video is coming along, hope to have it published this week. It will have a mix of Prewar and Postwar.
Post by: pjdog350 on January 20, 2021, 05:22:58 AM
Is it a private editor you use or can to share what you use for your movies. Is it just you or do you have a team of folks that help with the production process? It must take allot of time to do one of your productions?
I have a new Lionel 224E pilot trucks coming. Should be here today. I can start the fabrication of the coupler. Then do a double headed postwar. I think I’m going to use a 675 & 224e. May get an other 224? I’ve been thinking of getting another 675 so I could have smoke with the double headed set. It sure is fun messing with these old trains.
Post by: starfire700 on January 21, 2021, 05:09:31 AM
Glad to hear that someone noticed!
I use a GoPro Black 8 camera, can mount it to a tripod, set between tracks on benchwork or mount to a car that I push past the "action". I also use my android phone for still photos on the layout and outside (I like our natural environment and show it as much as possible).
I use HD Movie maker Pro, a program bought in the Microsoft app store, I think it was $10, don't bother with the free ones.
The program lets me add and edit video and still photo clips, has neat transitions, text-overlay feature, other features like slo-motion that I still need to explore. Also can record sounds to my phone, add separate to the video, sound can be edited. You tube has an audio library with more free music than you would think. Occasionally I am required to give credit on the last clip.
It is a lot of work, moving trains and lights around and setting-up the camera. The Gopro has a wide field of vision, so it can be difficult to keep undesirable elements, like MYSELF out of the scene. I do have an occasional helper, but do most myself. Please ask anytime, if I can answer any questions. Jim
Post by: pjdog350 on January 21, 2021, 05:31:52 AM
A good idea to put the camera on a flat car to record a train run.
thanks again.
Post by: starfire700 on January 22, 2021, 04:53:24 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on January 22, 2021, 06:42:22 AM
I need to check my GoPro. It may be a Hero 3.
I do aim to down load the editor you told me about today.
I ran into a little trouble doing the double heading of the 675 & 224. The 224 just stops with a short but the Z4000 does not identify the short? So it will be a little bench time with the 224. It’s a sweet engine. I’ve always liked the 224. It was my first train in 1946. I have 2 of them at my daughters house. Also a 226 & 225. I think they all use the same motor. But my 224’s seem to run a little slower than the others?
Post by: starfire700 on January 23, 2021, 04:36:30 AM
The motors in the prewar 224E, 225E and 226E look all the same, but do not always interchange as you would think.
Post by: pjdog350 on January 23, 2021, 08:58:46 AM
I was loading up some pictures and my desktop computer died. I was trying to resize a picture. Guess I need to call the geek squad.
Another problem is there a place where the 224 has a hole in the back top of the casting for a 4/40 bolt to hold the back of the motor to the casting. However my 224 has the receiver for the bolt to far to the left. That tells me the motor in my 224 looks correct but is not a 224 motor.
Post by: starfire700 on January 23, 2021, 01:58:49 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on January 24, 2021, 04:03:45 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on January 24, 2021, 05:03:46 AM
https://youtu.be/-C-3-iTv-K8
Post by: pjdog350 on January 27, 2021, 01:47:46 PM
Tried the run the 675 by itself. Red light. Tried the 224 by it self. Red light??????? Turned off the Z4000. Tried the 224 by it self. It ran about ten feet and red light. Now I thinking I broke the MTH Z4000. Turned off the Z4000 for a while. Maybe 5 minutes. Put a modern Lionel Mikado. Ran fine? Tried the modern Hudson. Ran fine. Tired the Modern Hudson with the passenger cars. Draws 2.5 Amps but runs fine. 675 or 224 red light?
Maybe in the morning I switch out the MTH Z4000 for a tried and true Lionel 1952 ZW.
Post by: CNJRR on January 28, 2021, 01:47:40 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on January 28, 2021, 03:07:09 PM
After the failure the Z4000 seemed upset with postwar locomotive but would run modern.
I was surprised that the circuit breaker was not tripped which also tells me that there was NOT a short to the center rail. It’s just high amp old LIONEL engines can’t do double heading on an MTH transformer? maybe?
Post by: starfire700 on January 29, 2021, 10:10:11 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on January 29, 2021, 10:14:11 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on January 29, 2021, 10:17:21 AM
So I still don’t understand why my 675 & 224 failed?
Post by: pjdog350 on February 04, 2021, 03:38:37 PM
Post by: starfire700 on February 06, 2021, 04:25:09 AM
Any ideas on a better method????
Post by: pjdog350 on February 06, 2021, 05:42:04 AM
As a software engineer I learned never change more than one thing at a time when working a problem. But I did. As I age my level of tolerance is much shorter than when I was 40 years old. I got frustrated and and put it all aside for while. I do my best work when asleep. I decided one morning I should get two matching engines (675’s) so they may be paired up better. Make a bracket coming from the top of the steam chest. Drill a 256 hole in the top of the steam chest and tap it. Use a black round headed bolt with a collar so the bracket can swivel. Have the bracket step down so the coupler can match the proceeding tenders coupler. With it all painted black and close to the teeth it should look fairly good. Of course the coupler will be to large but that’s what we have.
When not doing the double heading you can remove the coupler from the steam chest and put the bolt back as not to have a hole in the steam chest.
By have the assembly on top you don’t have to worry about hitting the center rail.
I ran the new 675 all morning and got it running as good as my first 675. I want to repaint it with the same paint as my first engine. Replace the smoke unit with a liquid unit which arrived two days ago.
Currently I Have three projects going. The double heading, the M10000 1700 which is not going well, and the 259E which is having paint problems just like the 1700. Also my parts guy is not taking care of my parts orders. I’m real worried about him as he is always been perfect sense the mid 1980’s. I hope he is oK. Something is not right with him? But I’m not going to pester him anymore. He will get my parts when he can?
Please keep us posted on your progress with the double heading. I think your 225E’s have a coupler mount on the top of a steam chest. I’ve watched your 225E’s many times.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 06, 2021, 01:36:21 PM
Rather than cutting the teeth off why not slot the teeth at the top in order to slide the mount in and then pin the mount to the underside of the pilot? Food for thought, maybe.
I think I may try that! Think I’ll get a spare steam chest and give it a go?
Post by: starfire700 on February 07, 2021, 06:56:48 AM
If you try this, take it slow so the pilot does not crack like mine did.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 07, 2021, 10:29:41 AM
Thanks for your progress. I was thinking of going to a machine shop and requesting the work. I left my good drill press in Louisiana when we moved. I think my dremel press is to small for the job. A picture is worth a 1000 words. Picture of the results.
I ordered a 675 pilot on ebay. I think I’ll wait for it rather than screw up the current pilot that’s on the 675.
Post by: starfire700 on February 08, 2021, 05:53:27 AM
Pix show
drilling into pilot in and around the simulated coupler box
the slot with holes connected by hand-filing (a slow process, but also caused the stress crack)
the stress crack at meeting point between thickness on top and bottom of the pilot platform
slot from underside
my 226E, acquired with front coupler installed by another. It has the crack and brass strip repair, but he also added a pivot slot for better action on curves
Post by: starfire700 on February 08, 2021, 05:56:41 AM
Post by: starfire700 on February 08, 2021, 06:09:32 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 08, 2021, 09:21:31 AM
I Would think a little JBweld would work for the stress crack. I know a guy back in the 80’s that repaired a Iron Duke 4 cylinder motor in a boat that had a large hole in the exhaust manifold. I knew it would fail but much to my surprise it worked for years.
I will make a brass link with a coupler doing just what you have shown!
Post by: pjdog350 on February 09, 2021, 12:10:15 PM
Post by: starfire700 on February 09, 2021, 04:06:41 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 09, 2021, 05:06:17 PM
I did install a liquid unit. Smoke like a WWII destroyer. I do have several new smoke units that are repo’s like the originals. Also several originals. I use proto smoke that has the Christmas tree sent? I like it. The. SP pills are hard to find and over priced.
Ordered a new boiler front. Got more sand to finish the stripping. I hope to primer the new 675 tomorrow. I’ve painted the 259E tender 4 times and it’s still messed up. I’ll give it another go tomorrow also.
Post by: starfire700 on February 10, 2021, 05:02:56 AM
For several York train shows, at the hotel pre-meet, we were set-up in the hallway, where the MTH display was. Constant inhaling of the liquid smoke, turned me off to that smell, even the scented ones.
The coil type diecast and metal units can be rebuilt. I think all the liquid ones are plastic, not sure if they can be repaired.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 10, 2021, 05:23:23 AM
The only thing plastic with the new liquid unit is the very top on the smoke unit.
Post by: starfire700 on February 10, 2021, 05:45:22 AM
Last night I published a new video, part 2 of Lionel and Marx Unit Trains and Double headers on the LSRR. No smoke in this one, just some long prewar freights and some Marx.
Link to the new video.
https://youtu.be/gvERYzj78kw
Post by: pjdog350 on February 10, 2021, 07:33:03 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 11, 2021, 04:56:37 AM
Post by: starfire700 on February 12, 2021, 04:40:58 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 12, 2021, 05:27:15 AM
I’m going to used the pilot on the left in the above picture. I have the new 675 painted. It came out very well. I’m real happy with it. However my transfer numbers didn’t work. This has happed before to me. I think the transfers if not kept sealed will age and fail. I’ll order more today.
Also the original 675 I was going to mate to the new one had a smoke unit failure. It’s one of the new liquid smoke units. It gave a very thin line of smoke but that’s not what the new units are about. They should be real thick. I found after removing the unit that the resistor was covered with thick burnt stuff. I cleaned the resistor covering and flipped the pad over to put the burnt part on the bottom. Checked everything else and all looked good. Put it back together and still not much smoke? I had another parts kit so I just replaced it? Smokes great now
Ran the new 675 with 22 two bay postwar hoppers (6456 I think). It did manage to put them but my curves are 031. On start up I almost always get a car to derail. SO even if I manage to get a double header I think my little layout is going to be trouble. I need more room and 042 to 054 curves. That means a new layout. I don’t have trouble when running a modern Hudson or Mikado as they start up very slow. They are really sweet locomotives and are easy on the pocketbook.
I ask Miss Sharon if I can move the dining room furniture out in the garage and build a new layout in the dining room. I have 042 & 054 MTH realtrax.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 13, 2021, 05:25:11 AM
There where two little elevations coming out of the top of the pilot that I remover with a Dremel sanding disk. I needed to remove these as they will cause problems with the coupler assembly moving back and forth as the couplers are making turns. Used the Dremel sanding disks (Two doubled up) and came from behind and made a slot where the holes where. That removed almost all the material between the three holes. Then using a very small file I leveled every thing out. I happy with what I have. However I did break my little file. Need a new one!
I cut a piece of copper to use as a place to attach to the pilot and a place to attach the coupler. I will now drill and tap a hole behind the teeth of the pilot for a 6/32 bolt. From here on it's going to be trial and error to get the coupler level with the tenders coupler that will be the lead engines tender.
Post by: starfire700 on February 14, 2021, 04:44:33 AM
A layout with wider radius curves is always desirable, but (just a wild guess) Valentines Day would not be a good day to ask about building a layout in the dining room. Let me know how those negotiations go!
We have been dealing with weather and other issues. I have to get back to my 675 pilot-coupler project.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 14, 2021, 05:08:54 AM
I never heard such language come out of a women before!
I thought I would make the bracket smaller at the place where it will be attached to the pilot. I was going to use a 2/56 bolt to attach it. I thought I would make the place where it attach’s to the coupler as wide as the coupler. Maybe solder some wire along the sides to make it strong enough?
I was going to attach the coupler to the tender and push it through the 031 curves. Then make adjustment as required. I’ve found a attachment to the Dremel that is perfect for making the slot wider. It seems to be going well.
I didn’t get a chance to work on it this morning. Miss Sharon had a bad night. She has lung issues and this time of year with all the pollen in the air is hard for her.
Looking forward to your efforts with pictures or a video.
Post by: starfire700 on February 14, 2021, 10:54:15 AM
I first filed the small support struts from just above the pilot teeth.
Then drilled 5 holes with a 7/64 bit (+/- a size would have been OK). Holes drilled as close as possible in straight line up as high as possible, below pilot beam.
I connect the holes by holding the pilot and twisting back and forth "gently" along the horizontal line of the holes. The casting is soft and allows this, but still have to be careful not to jam or break the bit.
I finish up by gentle filing with a small file. This time I was more careful and did not crack the pilot beam, like I did with the 226E pilot.
I had to do some creative bending of the shank on the Irvington coupler to raise it about 1/4" to mate with the tender coupler. I may re-do this step at a different location. I bent at the existing bend up against the coupler head, the plunger fell out and the coupler no longer stays closed. I could make a new back-stop and solder-attach it, or bend farther back so the back-stop is not compromised. I may be able to make this a working coupler, but would need to install a centering spring........maybe getting too complicated. Anyway, the pictures show my progress and all should be sound information up to the point of bending the coupler shank.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 14, 2021, 11:03:19 AM
One thing I’m doing while making the bracket attachment is to slid the pilot truck back and forth. It occurred to me that the spring loaded front truck may hit the coupler bracket? The pilot extra casting I got on EBay came with a pilot truck!
I must add that you do very nice work!
Post by: starfire700 on February 14, 2021, 11:06:57 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 14, 2021, 11:32:52 AM
Post by: starfire700 on February 14, 2021, 01:37:11 PM
I slightly bent the pilot truck to shorten it, have to watch other clearances when you do this.
I re-bent another Irvington coupler, so now it is at the right level and does not let the coupler plunger and spring escape.
I mounted the coupler from underside with the same type screw as the pilot truck is mounted with. I think it is 6-32, has a shoulder and a beveled small head.
I had to modify a fiber washer with a flat side, so it fit up against the back of the pilot.
Some minor bending of the shank for correct height and touch-up with black-oxide blackener and done!
The coil coupler could still be energized, as the power lug is there, if I want to make it operate.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 14, 2021, 02:08:17 PM
Can’t wait for your movie of the 675’s.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 15, 2021, 05:14:49 AM
I should add that the pilot truck clears the 2/56 bolt well. I think I have enough pivot for the coupler. I'll need to mount to the engine to be sure. Was allot harder than I thought it would be.
Post by: starfire700 on February 15, 2021, 05:53:47 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 15, 2021, 08:07:26 AM
My coupler stays shut cause there’s a pin up the bottom. I think It will stay shut? Time will tell. Just a few minutes ago I soldered some wire to help support the copper. I think this will also work out? Painted it all flat black. Waiting for the paint to dry and I’ll put everything back together and get it on the 675. I also need to look at the second 675 smoke unit. It’s not putting out enough like all the other liquid units?
Pictures to follow.
Post by: starfire700 on February 15, 2021, 01:52:40 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 16, 2021, 03:21:36 AM
Post by: starfire700 on February 16, 2021, 04:51:38 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 16, 2021, 05:26:05 AM
I can’t compete with you Jim. You have an enormous parts supply. I wish I had the Irvington bracket you have. And to think you have more? Plus I think you have more time to do trains. I’m a nurse most of the day. Plus I’m no dog duty all day. Benjamin is very demanding. Plus he’s a super friend. A black & white sheltie.
I’m no hold right now as I’m waiting on the lock tight to set up. The keeps my 2/56 bolt in place. I didn’t have an extra collared bolt to use so I’m setting my bolt with lock tight. This pilot will not be used for anything else but the double heading so lock tight will work for this job.
Now to put everything back together on the engine and give it a go!
Post by: pjdog350 on February 16, 2021, 08:44:18 AM
Using a drill bit I enlarged the opening for the coupler bracket. I just did a test by just pushing the engine through the 031 curve and watched the leading tender trailing truck very closely. It worked fine I think now I have it. Now repaint the pilot. Then reassemble the engine.
Post by: starfire700 on February 17, 2021, 04:42:59 AM
I had 2 of the long-shank coil couplers in my parts box. I wrecked the first one, you can only bend it so many times, lucky to have the second one.
The weather and projects have made me neglect our Ebay business. Social Security barely pays the bills, so I have to get back to that. I work in a garage that has heat, but bad insulation, so I can not raise the temp past 50 degrees when it is this cold, or I get condensation drips all over everything. We finally have some 50 degree temps in the long-range forecast, but still only 13 degrees this AM. Also more snow coming today.
In June we will complain that it is 95 degrees and 100% humidity.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 17, 2021, 07:51:56 AM
I'm ready to give it a go with the two 675's. I make pictures and a video but I'm going to find another pilot and do this over. The way David Smith did it the pilot truck is always following the tender in front. I had one of these but the MTH Z4000 gave me trouble driving two post war locomotives on the same track? But now that I'm back using ZW's I should be good with the smith option! maybe!
Post by: pjdog350 on February 17, 2021, 08:19:59 AM
This should be fun not frustrating. I already have enough frustration in my life.
Another thing that happened. As I put the 675 plus the lead tender on the track when I applied the power the ZW gave me a short. I moved the engine & tender and gave it power again and it ran a couple feet and shorted again? I thought what has the engine, coupler and tender have to do with a short if your on straight track. I messed with if a few minutes then saw a spark. A power wire from the tenders collector to the whistle had come lose and was hitting the wheel? Now I realize the train Gods are messing with me. Damn this is fun!
Post by: pjdog350 on February 17, 2021, 10:16:46 AM
That would say that there is some kind of obstruction on the pilot that does not allow the coupler return to straight. I’ve polished many times and still have the problem.
So I’m going to make another bracket and come for the pilot truck as David Smith did. Guess I’m starting over again.
Post by: Terry on February 17, 2021, 01:22:48 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 17, 2021, 01:36:55 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 18, 2021, 02:10:02 PM
Post by: starfire700 on February 18, 2021, 05:53:41 PM
Post by: starfire700 on February 18, 2021, 05:59:54 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 18, 2021, 06:06:44 PM
Looking forward to your video.
Post by: starfire700 on February 18, 2021, 06:17:50 PM
Post by: Terry on February 18, 2021, 06:19:18 PM
If you're like me, you should lok at it, then take the dog for a walk or take a nap. After a few hours maybe you'll see what you're missing.
I once spent 15 minutes putting a new cord on a 1033 transformer and washing the case just to realize the post for the handle was broken off when I started putting it back together again. I get so focused that I end up missing things.
Jim's idea with the pilot hitting is also good. Turning them over might show that. How about doing a video of it running and derailing. It should derail in about the same place so you know where to stand with the camera.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 18, 2021, 06:25:58 PM
I just think 031 track is killing me here. Also I’ve cut so much pilot material off I’m afraid the pilot is going to fail.
It’s frustrating cause I have 042 & 054 I was just short on space so I used 031!
Post by: pjdog350 on February 18, 2021, 06:33:13 PM
I remember seeing that there almost NO room between the couplers for slipping around. It’s real tight. I even have trouble getting them to couple they are so tight!!!
I think I’ll put on another coupler!
I just checked they coupler on my trailing 675. The coupler is real tight. There is not hardly any play between the two couplers. In the morning I’m going to swap out a coupler. I’ll make a video also.
Post by: starfire700 on February 19, 2021, 04:23:53 AM
You have a lot of time invested, so some tweaking may be all that you need. Let me know. Some of this may be duplication of what has already been discussed, just trying to cover the bases. Jim
Post by: pjdog350 on February 19, 2021, 04:32:57 AM
Turns out it appears that I had several problems. First the trailing engine front coupler is to tight with the tender coupler. Second problem is the trailing engines pilot truck is hitting the 2/56 bolt holding the coupler bracket to the pilot.
I made a run without the trailing engines pilot truck and had a good run EXCEPT now my two bay hopper cars are not staying coupled. I've had this before. If I oil the wheels it will stay together I hope. Does not happen when I use the modern Mikado?
As Terry had said I made many videos to find the problem.
https://youtu.be/Fos4TUcmRBg
Post by: pjdog350 on February 19, 2021, 04:51:47 AM
Wish I had ball bearings to put on all the car axles?
https://youtu.be/s3tipz_zUaw
The ugly guy in the beginning of this video is me?
I need to get a good video editor!
I oiled all the wheels on the Lionel two bay hoppers and the caboose. Everybody stays together now. Tonight I'll fix the pilot truck on the trailing 675. Probably just drill and tap the 2/56 bolt forward a smiggen!
https://youtu.be/bnGRIu69RZw
Post by: starfire700 on February 19, 2021, 02:39:34 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 19, 2021, 03:18:34 PM
I have 15 6456 two bay hoppers. I also pull a postwar caboose 6457. One of the hoppers developed a coupler problem so he’s on the bench waiting for a repair. I didn’t get a chance to put the pilot truck on the trailing 675 but I’ll get it in the morning. I’m also going to make the front coupler look a little better. However I’m glad to have it working thanks to you and Terry. I also have 15 two dome Sunoco tank cars. The tank cars are in much better shape than the hoppers.
I’d like to get 15 flat cars with Sherman tanks on them. That would fit in the time period that I’m doing.
Now I can get the two 16?? Passenger cars done and get the 259E back together. I think my parts guy sent me the wrong drive wheels for the 259E as there’s no post to put the side rods that push on the steam cylinders? I have another new set but they are stuck in Tampa Florida. Sooner or later I’ll get some wheels? Been a real struggle!!
I’ve been watching for your double header video on your you tube channel. I know. It will be a good one I’m sure.
Once I get catch up I think I’ll get another 224E for another double header. One going east and one going west.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 20, 2021, 04:38:42 AM
Life is good today!
Started working on the prewar Lionel 16?? (Something) red passenger cars.
Post by: Terry on February 20, 2021, 04:30:06 PM
I used a 225E that had the cab window broken, but I think the pilot/cowcatcher is the same for a 226E. It turns out a high coupler taken off a beat up 2800 series freight car truck is the right height to mate with a low coupler on a 2224W 2235W or in the video below a 2226WX tender.
The coupler shank is shortened and then drilled with the same size hole as a siderod. The hex head screw is a shouldered driverod screw.
I need to blacken the file marks on the coupler shaft and put a hood on it, but I wanted to see if it would work first.
It does:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBJ2caCnEcw
Post by: pjdog350 on February 20, 2021, 06:45:25 PM
Jim has a super video. On his YouTube channel!
Post by: starfire700 on February 21, 2021, 03:44:29 AM
I modified my camera car so I could have a coupler on both ends.
The camera car is between the 2025 and the 675, and I switch between forward and back to get the smoke from both locos.
I noticed an increase in the smoke volume after several trips around the track.
The only malfunction I had was shorting tender wiring, which I removed to correct the problem.
Most of the video only shows one of the locos, but it was too much fun filming the smoke and varying the puff-volume.
Welcome Terry to the double-header club. I will watch your video now.
Here is a link to my video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmgAOIgfriA
Post by: starfire700 on February 21, 2021, 03:48:45 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 21, 2021, 05:51:34 AM
Jim’s idea to also have a pair of diesels was great. I think that’s one of Jims best videos.
Thought Terry’s was great.
My Diesels are MTH. Bad thing about them is you have to be sure your battery is charged or you kill the electronics which leaves you with only a head light. So Mine is on charge. I want to be in the diesel & Steam double heading team.
Post by: Terry on February 21, 2021, 02:04:50 PM
Jim's layout is neat because of the clutter. Specifically the closeup views.
"Hot Tip" when you want lots of smoke a short shot of WD-40 into the stack works well. I give all the postwar locos a shot of WD-40 and then run them for a minute. Then I run them for a few minutes upside down over a garbage can to clean out the old remains of smoke pills. It seems to help clear the hole to the air ram cup.
Post by: starfire700 on February 22, 2021, 04:46:36 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on February 22, 2021, 09:52:17 AM
Maybe a Little Nitrous would give a little more power?
Post by: starfire700 on February 22, 2021, 10:46:24 AM
Post by: Terry on February 22, 2021, 08:23:12 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVFt3IBASw8
I bought some trains today and got a plastic 027 loco with liquid smoke unit so I ran that one first with a shot of WD-40. Then I ran a 682 Turbine with pills and WD-40.
I always buy those little cans of WD-40 because the big cans have hoses on them that spray all over and make a mess if you don't get it lined up just right.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 23, 2021, 03:49:01 AM
I believe you say the WD40 cleans out the smoke unit?
Post by: Terry on February 23, 2021, 12:43:45 PM
You can take it all apart and clean it - that's where the dish of smoke pill crumbs in the video came from.
For locos that smoke poorly a quick fix is to flush them out. You put leads on them and spray WD-40 into the stack and set them upside down over a garbage can or a tray.
The heat and the wd-40 will liquify the smoke pills, and it will drip out of the stack.
Post by: starfire700 on February 23, 2021, 03:44:32 PM
Also, what does WD40 smoke smell like? WD40? After cleaning, does the WD40 smell eventually go away and revert to just the SP pellet smell again?
Post by: Terry on February 23, 2021, 04:21:23 PM
Otherwise I don't smell it. I can't stand any of the flavored smoke fluids.
You can test the smell by trying it in a 675 just before you're done for the day. If it bothers you, by the time you're back the next day it will be gone. Just do a real short squirt. That will burn out in a few minutes.
I've been using it for 30 years and never had a problem.
Post by: pjdog350 on February 23, 2021, 06:28:07 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on March 07, 2021, 04:01:34 AM
A cup of hot coffee and an hour to enjoy them working is very relaxing to me. I just watch them. I don’t have any coal loaders or log loaders or stuff like that anymore. I my old age I’m just a watcher. I guess I should tell the CDC that the smoke fluid is killing the CV-19 and that’s why I have not got it all these months. Maybe?
Post by: pjdog350 on March 14, 2021, 06:01:42 AM
I’m now working on a new coupler that with not flex as much. I’m a real fan of double heading steamers. Also working on two 224’s to double head. That project is waiting on parts. I need a complete rear truck assembly (224E-21) for a 224 I got on EBay. Things are getting sloppy on EBay. Guy said it didn’t run but didn’t say anything about the rear truck being destroyed. These parts use to be available. They where all over the place but a search on EBay didn’t show a complete assembly. The bought one then they came back and said they didn’t have the part.
Post by: pjdog350 on March 14, 2021, 03:54:15 PM
Thanks Jim. I would have embarrassed myself again.
Post by: Terry on March 14, 2021, 08:50:39 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on March 15, 2021, 04:51:37 AM
Post by: pjdog350 on March 16, 2021, 09:23:28 AM
Test running the new steel arm using my new 224 is working out well. I’m going to shorten the arm up a little bit at a time to find the perfect length!
Pictures to follow tonight!
I have to get back to my day job before the wife calls the cops!
Post by: pjdog350 on March 16, 2021, 03:54:28 PM
Anyway I have some pictures here. I'm just real sure this is going to work out very well. I'll copy this arm for the 675's which I've got parked right now sense the copper arm is not staying where it needs to be and the lead 675 is getting away.
I'll paint the new 224 casting in the morning and by Thursday I should have 675's & 224's double headed. I'm also doing a 2-8-4 front coupler but I've got some things I need to complete that. A bigger layout would be nice too.
Post by: starfire700 on March 17, 2021, 04:28:34 AM
I am working on double-heading Lionel Generals, as I had an 1862 already "messed-up" with the cow-catcher broken off. I will post some pix.
I wish it was an 1872 5-star because the sight of 2 of these great smokers pulling together sends a tingle up my spine.
How easily we are amused in our advanced years!
Post by: pjdog350 on March 17, 2021, 05:22:58 AM
I was working on the 224”s this morning. Had them hooked up with 17 6456 (bought two more) & a 6457 caboose then I heard noise from the house. In case of an emergency inside I always leave the door from the house to the garage open. Miss Sharon was real upset. I found our dog (Benjamin) had thrown up again. He gets into Miss Sharon’s meds and one is toxic. It causes him problems with his liver. So I do allot of things to protect against this problem but his a dog. My best friend. I think of him as a 4 legged kid not a dog. He is so pretty and smart but he loves to lick the meds??? I cleaned up the mess again but Sharon is awake now so my trains are on hold.
When all this happened I was ready for 224 double heading. I had just got the GoPro and heading to the layout for a basic video. I still don’t have a good video editor or the knowledge on how to use one. I was OK with movie maker but you tube does not like the movie maker format anymore??? That’s the trouble with computers and cell phones. They keep moving forward and I’m stuck in 2002 skills.
Maybe later Miss Sharon, Benjamin and I will go out to the garage with the GoPro and see if we can get a video. I don’t like the long arm on the coupler but with 031 curves it’s a must di thing. The 675 arm didn’t look so long because it’s up inside the pilot. However you really have to butcher the pilot to do it that way. I’m expecting the cow catcher to break at any time there is so little material left holding it together.
Once I get the 224’s working, the 675 new arm I’m going to map out an upper level using 042 or 054 track. Just track nothing else. Track and railing. I’ll do double heading on the upper level.
Post by: pjdog350 on March 17, 2021, 08:55:20 AM
https://youtu.be/-0wEF7kRt4o
Post by: starfire700 on March 18, 2021, 04:42:50 AM
Anyway, hope Miss Sharon and Benjamin are doing well, and let me know if you need any help.
I am working on a PRR video with a coal train and heavyweight cars, both double headed, have added lots of lights to stations and lamp posts.
Jim
Post by: pjdog350 on March 18, 2021, 11:45:12 AM
I found my manual and I’ll look it over to see what’s available for the hero 3.
Post by: starfire700 on March 18, 2021, 05:15:30 PM
I have found that lighting the scene with flood or spotlights works better that overhead lighting.
I just published a new video "Lionel Pennsy Power on the Lake Shore Railway". It has GG1's with Irvington cars and my 225 / 226 double-head steamers with a string of 2816 hoppers.
Also contains some surprises, always trying to have fun.
You will also note that most of my videos have dog figures in the close-ups. I know you are a dog lover.
Post by: pjdog350 on March 18, 2021, 05:48:34 PM
Been through the hero 3 manual but no cinematic function! Just a bunch of resolution settings?
Post by: pjdog350 on March 20, 2021, 04:07:36 PM
So I got my nursing duties done at 6:23 PM and told Miss Sharon I was going to see if I could run both the 224’s and the 675’s double headed. I did a repair on the trailing 675’s drawbar and it failed ASAP. Rather than try to fix it again and not being sure I had the correct rivet I just replaced the trailing truck assembly. Tried the two double headers again. Then one of the 224’s E-Unit was giving me trouble. It didn’t want to cycle. After getting the both 224’s on the same page we took off. It’s a rush to have two double headed postwar steamers running on the same layout.
I’m working on another double headed project. I have a 2026 and I have a bid in on another one that looks like it will not require and restoration. Just the normal tune up stuff. We will see what happens there! I did bid pretty high!
Post by: starfire700 on March 21, 2021, 05:03:04 AM
We also have 3 big dogs in our house, Debby's sisters's, a 165lb Gt Dane, a cattle-dog mix and another mix.
Post by: pjdog350 on March 21, 2021, 05:11:36 AM
I made a new video with the GoPro hero 3. I've been messing with the settings and really have it messed up bad!!! But I did make a video running 675's & 224's. I did add some lighting to the mancave to help with the darkness of my videos. I think It helped allot.
It's a long video but I was really enjoying sitting there watching the 4 engines working. It's loud too!
I started another front coupler on an other postwar Lionel engine! This coupler will be different. Shorter!
https://youtu.be/V8rHXPvHl6Q
Post by: pjdog350 on March 21, 2021, 05:21:13 AM
Post by: starfire700 on March 21, 2021, 05:34:27 AM
My GoPro is an 8 black. It has the linear function, called cinematic on the camera. I can sync it to be controlled by my Samsung phone, so I have remote control of start/stop and a larger screen to watch. Since the gopro 9 is out, there may be some good deals on the 8. I got an extra battery and remote charger, plus some extra chips.
Not being critical, just helpful, but mounting your camera, instead of holding it will give much better results. Then you can set-up scenes, get lighting right where you want it and run trains past the stationary camera. Extra mounts for tripod or stick-on bases are inexpensive, available from Amazon.
I am 70 today and it surprises me that I have been able to learn this modern technology, so don't underestimate yourself!
Post by: pjdog350 on March 21, 2021, 05:53:02 AM
I need to hire a nurse and take life easier while there’s still time.
I had fun with the double headers this morning.
Bet you dog food bill is a big one with the 165 lb dogs?
Post by: starfire700 on March 21, 2021, 06:06:52 AM
Post by: starfire700 on March 21, 2021, 06:12:02 AM
Post by: starfire700 on March 21, 2021, 06:53:01 AM
I am watching the Twilight Zone episode about Willoughby, a town where a frustrated city worker jumps off his commuter train in his dream, to return to a simpler life.
We lost a special Westie named Willow a year ago, so I changed the name to Willowby and made a billboard for my suburb on the layout.
Post by: starfire700 on April 20, 2021, 05:28:01 AM
No sense doing this project without SMOKE!
I recently got a 1862 with a broken pilot, and this gave me the idea to do a DH General project.
Post by: pjdog350 on April 20, 2021, 06:09:08 AM
I’m stalled on my 2026 triple header. I’m tired. I was going to do some work this morning but could not get up. I have all the material and I’ve made two brackets I just need to attach them to the pilot truck and be sure they match up correctly. It this works out I’ll do the same to the 675’s which I run every morning I can get my butt out of bed.
Love the hole in the wall layout. More of that if you have some more movies. Hope you have that on you tube for us!!!!
Post by: pjdog350 on April 20, 2021, 11:22:19 AM
Attached are some pictures of the progress. Should be able to test them tonight or in the morning. If all goes well I'll make four more of these for the 675's and the other two 2026's. Going to see if the 2026's will triple head?
Post by: pjdog350 on April 20, 2021, 04:40:59 PM
Only the lead (terry's) 2026 has a liquid smoke unit so it starts almost at once. the second 2026 is a normal Lionel smoke unit. I'll fix that ASAP. Right now I'm only pulling 10 6456 hoppers but in the morning I'll add 9 more.
https://youtu.be/EN0Q8djJecY
Post by: starfire700 on April 20, 2021, 06:00:23 PM
Post by: pjdog350 on April 21, 2021, 05:17:05 AM
I made a template so the next arm I make should be allot faster.
These old Lionel O gauge trains sure are allot of fun. Keeps out of trouble as I’m always at home!
Post by: pjdog350 on April 21, 2021, 12:25:59 PM
Just ran the 675 doubled and it was great.. Now I have 2026, 675 and 224 doubled.
Wonder if I could work out a pair of prewar 1700 JR’s doubled headed? That would be really cool!
Post by: starfire700 on April 22, 2021, 05:00:43 AM
The Lionel 1700 AA units is a good idea, if you have some spare power units around.
You could also make a push-pull train, like American Flyer's Comet, with a power car both ends of a train with articulated coaches between.
Post by: pjdog350 on April 22, 2021, 05:10:43 AM
Post by: starfire700 on April 25, 2021, 03:55:39 PM
https://youtu.be/WQYUk1mZBAg
Post by: pjdog350 on April 25, 2021, 04:08:44 PM
Post by: starfire700 on May 19, 2021, 04:55:49 AM
It is a loco developed and actually built by Wm Mason in 1871. The Janus Is a "Double-ender" two 0-6-0 locos spliced together at the cab. The 0-6-6-0 was actually in service a short time, article attached, but no others were built.
Next time I have 2 General locos with broken cab roof corners, I am definitely trying this concept, but will be 2-4-4-2 wheel configuration. Locos would have to be connected and both motors wired to one E-unit.
Post by: pjdog350 on May 19, 2021, 04:59:28 AM