Screwy Nick

YES, Do you bring the structures in for the winter? They look great.

I'm in awe of anyone who can weather properly. Last time I tried took me two days to make rust streaks down the side of a barge, and then not so good.

Just may inspire someone to become interested in the hobby. Especially with the accurate samples you brought.

Chuck, you do find some interesting stuff, THANK YOU.

Great lil helper.

Jan, THANK YOU, ya know I love those news reels. Will watch this one several times. It mentioned updates to the 'train control' that were added. The 6 second time limit to respond to the alert, the automatic train slowing feature and the tape graphic record of the trains actions. That could be considered the origin of today's Flight Data Recorders. Amazing stuff for the time period.

I read the entire document and found it captivating. To sum it up: The signal was transmitted down the rails with AC of different cycles in blocks. It activated the wire spring relays and the resulting signal sent to the cab and caboose. Also activated an audible alarm to alert the engineer if he had to slow the train. I started in telecommunications with wire spring relays so am familiar, and may not be widly known, Disney's animated figures orignated using relays. I was told Walt lured techs from the Bell system to install and maintain the equipment. Of course today a totally different story.

No you weren't wrong, you posted the pic of the K4 that did have poppet valve control in that same location. I understand it was the only one like that, and it showed some real potential.

This explains it better:

Someone on another forum answered my ??. Over simplified: it duplicates the track side signal into the cab of the locomotive, ALSO allowed communications between trains, control towers and the caboose. Included in the info was this pic showing the actual relays and components. SEE NEXT POST

Chuck, bag of chips and bottle of soda I could watch those news reels all day, THANK YOU AGAIN. Only watched this one 2 SO FAR, a few more in my future.

Chuck, THANK YOU, that makes a lot of sense. PRR was definitely a pioneer in many ways, yea I'm partial.

Jan, the poppet valve control on 5399 looks quite different than the control box on the 3863, wonder what's in that one and what does it control??

Good point, so far have not seen any pics of what actually is IN the box.

Jen, Thank You. After reading the attached info it seems not to be train control as I had originally thought, but valve control for the rotary poppets. Can see why the box is locked.

Jan, I believe it is referred to as a 'control box'. Don't know what is in it, or what it controls.

Can you give some specifics like brand etc.??

Jan, this is the closest pic I could find. Looks like it has stay bolts along the sides. Wish I would have seen this sooner, would have soldered them to the sides not interfering with the open/close of the lid.

Jerry, just to dumb too know when I am beat, same with the clock kit. Jan, my sense of humor needs some polishing, the idea of chains? I looked for a miniature hasp to no avail.

Sean, thank you, I enjoyed the project.

I FINALLY finished the K4, and am pleased with the outcome. Pic is on the brightly lit workbench, so the markers will definately visible in day light. The switch is secured to the side of the box, the holders are wired in parallel and can be easily lifted out to replace the batteries. Think I found the perfect spot for the ground strap, rear of the box, close to the edge, so it is visible. EDIT: have since straightened the box. EDIT 2: Jan, the strap fell apart as I attempted to attach it, will make another this time using solder to keep the weave together.

I don't understand, if the customer is willing to pay the additional VAT and Duties, why not ship to EU??? Have seen, on line of course, American style trains posted from there.

but on the bright side, maybe to a place with more TRAIN room??

I knew if I was patient I'd see a video of your FEF belching away. GREAT JOB. Is there a large enough section of your layout where we can see it pulling and belching??

Brian, your post got me curious, so set up my Hudson. YES the volume switch should get the volume all the way off. Could Phoenix have revised the newer boards where the sound won't go completely off with the volume switch? Does your's Chuck??