Acme, an N Scale HCD Layout

logging loco Feb 5, 2021

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  1. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    I didn't realize that until you quoted me. :) What a shame as "K"lein is a very well respected tool company. Glad my last name isn't that either! :whistle:
     
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  2. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    Today I noticed 1973 stamped on one transformer. That sounds about right for the date. The other one was miss-struck and just had a couple short vertical lines.
     
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  3. sams

    sams TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, These old school tools make me feel like I'm in my grandfathers garage! Very neat and awesome that you are using them.


    I dig it !! Best friday nights are always in PJs and the garage haha Cheers! Looking forward to see what happens.

    What does HCD stand for ?
     
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  4. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    Sams,
    HCD = hollow core door.
    I'm glad you are enjoying the thread.
     
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  5. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    While working on the temp control panel, I realized I had made the Engine No.1 label when I was a kid. Part of the paper is peeled off making the I look like a J.
    20210212_121720.jpg

    It was cut from paper I had typed on an Underwood like this.
    il_794xN.638513782_99hu.jpg

    My sister still has it. Maybe I can talk her out of it for typing train orders!
     
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  6. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    If you can't, maybe you could download a typewriter font and do it on your PC.

    We had a similar typewriter to that one when I was a kid as well. Will never forget how excited mom was when dad got her a new IBM selectric typewriter. I used both to create some car cards for the little bit of HO I had at the time. No idea what became of those old cards.
     
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  7. umtrr-author

    umtrr-author TrainBoard Member

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    "Courier New" is essentially a typewriter font.
     
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  8. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    I learned how to type on an IBM electric typewriter I think was called the Electroline... can’t remember exactly it it was a god awful heavy thing with swing arms to stamp out the letters. Moms work eventually switched to the newer IBMs with the ball type head... still heavy but they would not jam if you typed too fast.
     
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  9. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks!
     
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  10. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    The ball-head IBM typewriters were called "Selectric".

    Interestingly, the motor drives for manipuating that Selectric ball head were noisy in radio frequency. The Soviets figured out how to detect that noise signal remotely, and translate the signals to drive their own Selectric typewriter that would duplicate whatever was being typed on the Selectric to which they were listening!
     
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  11. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    thanks for reminding me of the name of the ball type. The first one we had was a swinging arm type, I can’t remember for sure but I remember the name being something like Electroline, or something fancy sounding like that. My mom hated it, she was a fast enough typer that she would occasionally get the arms to collide and sometimes stick together with certain words. I never had that issue, unless I was just speed typing gibberish.
     
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  12. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    ONE STEP FORWARD, THREE STEPS BACK

    1) After experiencing the control panel having problems with peeling wire labels, I was expecting to find the same with the layout wiring.

    Well, I flipped the layout on edge, had a seat in my comfy lab chair, grabbed my coffee and took a look.

    20210213_171314.jpg

    OH $#*+! (Nice self censor eh!)
    I spent a lot of time with the nail polish again. Time to circular file that pack of labels.

    2) I thought I had some 16/4 SJ cord for short throttle tethers. I dug it out only to discover it is only three conductor. I wound up mounting the throttles with tape and hard wiring for now.

    3) I must have misread the jacket imprint on parallel port pigtail. My swiss cheese like memory told me it's 22ga. When cleaning out the workbench catch tray I noticed it's 26ga, rated at 2.2 amps not 7 amps. Good thing I doubled up the leads to the parallel conectors. I only plan on running dc, maybe one double header. If I would convert to DCC the 26ga would be out of the picture.


    Sometimes you've got Improvise Adapt and Overcome

    Now I have two things to consider
    1) Expected current across the common rail return wiring. Any input would be appreciated.
    2) Look into over current protection.
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2021
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  13. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    We here use the woo woo woo as the common sensor for bad words. If you don’t type it that was the forum will for you.

    for current loss, not much, I wouldn’t worry too much over it, this is a small layout. Current loss is an issue when you get bigger, therefore more feeders are needed.

    for short protection, try the NCE EB1 I have used these before and they are happy with DC or DCC.

    https://www.ncedcc.com/online-store...ctronic-Circuit-Breaker-New-Version-p38322161
     
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  14. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks Massey I've already experienced the woo woo woo first hand.

    I've mostly forgotten my electrical training. I use it so rarely anymore.

    My amperage concern is this. If I use two transformers with common rail, is the amperage on the common return conductor the sum of the amperage output of the two transformers?
     
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  15. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    No, So if your loco needs .25 amps then the transformer feeding the non common rail will be the one taking the load. The only time both transformer will share the load is when they are both tied into the same section of rail, then each will share the .25A as .125A given they are both set to the exact same throttle position.

    common rail wiring really only changes the number of wires going to the switch panel by half.
     
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  16. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    20210214_130113.jpg

    READY FOR SMOKE CHECK


    Control panel & layout wiring rough in complete.
    Continuity tested sat. except for one track feeder.
    Power packs plugged in.
    Extension cord thumb wheel switch in hand.
    Fingers crossed.
     
  17. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    And the verdict is?...
     
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  18. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    SMOKE FREE!

    I still have it proped up on it's side. I checked voltage from one transformer through the throttle and all the block switches to the track feeder TB. Then I took a break.

    I'm going to check the other transformer through the switches then I'll put the layout back up right and run a locomotive around.

    A couple weeks ago I made a field change to the block designation numbers and combined a couple small blocks. I never updated my drawing. This resulted in one terminal board location having a track feeder going out but no power fed to it. This should be an easy fix once I get the layout upright and see which block has no power.

    I'm thinking I might add another load (weight) bearing point on the control panel so the parallel conector isn't supporting half the weight.

    There isn't enough clearance underneath for another thumbscrew. I'm thinking some type of removable dowel pin on the layout and a blind hole in the control panel.

    I'm looking forward to moving onto roughing in some scenery
     
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  19. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    CONTROL PANEL TESTED SAT.

    So I've got the layout back in place and the control panel mounted. The first time with both powerpacks installed. Panel will definitely need additional support. I've a heavy plastic 3' straight edge propping it up for now.

    The track feeder with no power is a non issue. A simple jumper link will fix it.
     
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  20. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Excellent progress sir!!!!(y)(y)(y)
     
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