G.E.C's layout pictures

That's not entirely true, GEC. Because of the fact that all the caternary locos run off of the rails at this point, if you were to switch them over, they'd only need one rail. As long as that one was the common negative, you'd have no problem running both types.
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
That's not entirely true, GEC. Because of the fact that all the caternary locos run off of the rails at this point, if you were to switch them over, they'd only need one rail. As long as that one was the common negative, you'd have no problem running both types.

You'd think that manufacturers would do that, but unfortuneately, when you flip the switch to pantograph power, the wheels become one polarity, the pans the other. You could try to run a diesel engine, but an electric locomotive model will not work or short out if it is in pantograph power mode.

Its technically possible for me to fiddle with the wiring to get the desired results, but its not worth the effort in most cases. This is fine by me. While i'd love to watch sparks jump from my pantograph shoe, the reality is that in the end, such a tiny thin wire has such a small ability to pick up current that its really not worth it anyway. the trains will run better off the rails.
 

CNWman

CNW Fan
Its technically possible for me to fiddle with the wiring to get the desired results, but its not worth the effort in most cases. This is fine by me. While i'd love to watch sparks jump from my pantograph shoe, the reality is that in the end, such a tiny thin wire has such a small ability to pick up current that its really not worth it anyway. the trains will run better off the rails.
Although it would be cool for your trains to actualy be true catenary powered, I think normal two rail power is best for your case.
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
yeah, Maybe one day though, i'll try and see what happens. Since my catenary is all metal, it should work if i ever decide to run it that way.
 

CNWman

CNW Fan
Those dang pesky kids! Nuthin' but a bunch of hooligans goin' round throwin' rocks at peoples windows!


sign1

That happened in a Thomas the Tank Engine episode, where some kids throw stones and break Henry's coaches windows. Henry retaliates by covering the boys in soot (the orginal story of this was the most contriversial of all of Awdry's stories)
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
Hmmmm.... MB klein has som MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) AEM7s locomotives. god knows that i already own half of Atlas's production run of AEM7 locomotives, but just today i saw a picture of the New York and Long Branch (AKA the North Jersey Coastline), with a NJ transit E60CH, and a MARC AEM7. I was super happy when i saw that the model and the pictured one had the same road number (4900). MARC AEM7s regularly end up in New Jersey, especially this time of the year. since NJ transit leased that unit, i'm wondering if its worth it to buy

I know where i can get MARC decals, but I don't think i'll be finding any of the cars anytime soon ( the undecorated horizon commuter cars are retired). I also don't model MARC or anywhere close to it.

It might be interesting though, and if i need spare parts, i'm set.
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
grrr, there is another E44 up on ebay, but i can't grab it. If anyones interested, its got until 10PM EST before its out. Ralph, you better go grab it!

I also need to start planning my oil refinery. I have most of the structures i need, but i need to have plans for benchwork if i'm going to build that part of my addition.
 

Ralph

Remember...it's for fun!
Ralph, you better go grab it!.

:wave: Thanks for the heads up but the big electrics aren't part of my scheme...although I did briefly consider including a continuous loop of track for a GG-1 passenger train when drawing my trackplan. I just couldn't fit it in so I put the idea aside. That said, I do admire the look of those big black machines under the pantographs!
Ralph
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
yeah, thats always a tough thing for me though. Penn Central ran even more of the electric locomotives, and some other cool stuff. Conrail barely ran the E40s, and other electrics.

anyways, picture time.

Not a model, but i finished my eagle project last week, and so i thought people would love to see the Pemberton's Purple Caboose. it will probably get painted sometime in the summer. for now, it is stabilized, and will not rot anymore.

lastworkday049wm3.jpg
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
Thanks!

Now to go off on another tangent...

What do you guys think about a Conrail C39-8 Project? I've been rolling it around itn eh back of my mind for some time now. I haven't really kitbashed a locomotive before, but this is starting to look like a good idea. I just need to grab som RPP C32-8 shells (another project i'll probably start simultaneously), and do some hacking. I have an old UP C44-9W that i can steal the 8 door midsection from ( the C32-8 only has 6 tall doors). This would put me ahead of the running, since nothing short of a brass C39-8 that i've seen has had this door detail correct. rather, most C39-8 models i've spotted seem to be C32s in disguise.

from there, only a few vents would really need to be removed.

My biggest concerns are wether or not the athearn and Rail power shells have the same width. I'm also worried about the frame lengths. I think the C39-8 may be longer than the C32, but i'm not entirely sure if the C40s and C39s are the same length. Can anyone help me find this info? I used to have a book that told me, but its been long gone for some reason.
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
I'm thinking i'll make my own GE unit out of the C44's remains. as far as the caboose goes, probably not. as it is, the caboose was stabilized, and so my project has been signed off as finished, and i can't say i want to go out there again for a long time, lol. I'd love to be involved with repainting it, but its still a touch job. I'd have to do it on my own as well, since i'll be out of scouting by then.
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
Well, i just got the last 4 Eagle Required Merit badged completed, and handed in. I just need to finish filling out my Eagle Application form, and get my Scout Master Reveiw, and i will be an Eagle scout!

This also means that i have more time for my favorite hobby! Expect some cool stuff this december as i get back in gear!
 

Triplex

Active Member
I think the C39-8 may be longer than the C32, but i'm not entirely sure if the C40s and C39s are the same length.
The C39-8E is the same length as the C40-8 as far as I know, and I think the earlier C39-8 is the same, but I'm not sure.
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
The C39-8E is the same length as the C40-8 as far as I know, and I think the earlier C39-8 is the same, but I'm not sure.


I'm pretty sure they'd have to be to accomdated the larger engine. Everything else but those tall doors is essentially the same, (other than a few vents) so it has to be a couple feet longer than a C32-8.
 

Triplex

Active Member
I think the length difference is around 3'. It's quite visible in photographs, mostly because it means they have different length fuel tanks.
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
I think the length difference is around 3'. It's quite visible in photographs, mostly because it means they have different length fuel tanks.

How do you think i could get a good frame for a C39-8 model? it doesn't look so tough to make the shell right, but if i have nothing to mount it to, that might be a problem.
 

Herc Driver

Active Member
Let me be the first to congratulate you on becoming an Eagle Scout...what a tremendous accomplishment I've always respected (and never attained). What a great way to start life - already proving you can be the guy that people can count on to get things done.
 
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