baby grand on the bountyland - discover live steam article

[uncle bob]

This engine is 9 1/2 feet long, 4 feet tall by 28 inches wide and yes, it runs on 7 1/2 gauge.
(see bottom of page 2)
Bob Springs

[uncle bob]

Another look at our baby!

[Harlock]

Nice job on the outline engine, glad to see you are still going at it. Electric is the way to go for outlines. You have lots of room for a nice sound system in there if you wanted to do that, as well as a smoke generator.

I'm knee deep in learning about electrics for a speeder I am building. Fun stuff.

[uncle bob]

Here is a link to a video of our Forney in operation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX0sLZc ... e=youtu.be

[Solar1953]

I gotta admit...that is pretty darn COOL!!!!!

[Harlock]

nice job. What's happening when the light is dim? controller firmware initializing?

[uncle bob]

I suppose.
I understand the engine; I built it...but the power truck (under the cab) and control unit are off-the-shelf items from Roll Models Trains in LA.
The dim-to-bright sequence only occurs at initial power on.

BTW--THANKS, Y'ALL!!

[Harlock]

I suppose.
I understand the engine; I built it...but the power truck (under the cab) and control unit are off-the-shelf items from Roll Models Trains in LA.
The dim-to-bright sequence only occurs at initial power on.

BTW--THANKS, Y'ALL!!

OK interesting. I don't ever recall the RMI controllers having a boot up phase like that. You just had to zero out the throttle as a safety interlock, and then you could start.

[uncle bob]

It may because we made our own throttle. Saved quite a bit. Only took one 5K pot and an LED. I had the controller programmed to run only one side of the pot (no reversing on throttle). Reversing is done in the power lead to the motor. This was to separate the throttle and the Johnson bar. As it is, I have way to much swing on the throttle but it does make for very precise control.

[uncle bob]

Here's a preview of our next piece of equipment.
I've just returned from the shop, working on it. It's about 1/2 complete at this point.

[Harlock]

Glad to see you are back on the ride-in caboose project.

[uncle bob]

Mike, I rebuilt the side door coach into a caboose--then sold it.
With the Forney, I'm working with less height and a more scale-like appearance. (Also more WIDTH)

Here's where we are on the caboose project as of tonight. Note that 308 is a bobber caboose. I had four, 8 inch spoked wheels and decided to use them. At some point (when I can afford it) I'll likely convert it to standard 8 wheels.

I test ran the frame extensively to be sure the 2 axle layout would work OK. I had to space the axles closely account of sharp (25 foot rad.) curves.

This car is 30 inches wide.

Bob