Hello Everyone---Canadians have a lot to be proud of,in particular the sacrifices that our Armed Forces have made in trying to preserve freedom in those parts of the world where democracy is non-existent.Tonight as I sit in front of my television watching the hockey game,I am reminded of all members of our Armed Forces (and our Allies ) who have made the supreme sacrifice to make nights like this possible---Thank you and God speed to all our valiant heroes from both Canada and the United States
For those that own this loco, would you be able to let me know if it's just me, or is it really supposed to be THIS quiet.
I've had the loco for about a year now and I've always been concerned about the volume. At max volume on my layout, the internal gearing is LOUDER than the speaker. BY A LOT! I can't even hear the loco working unless I'm right up next to it. Even my wife asks me if it's supposed to have sound.
I plugged my Weller 35watt soldering iron in on 2/1 to do some work on my N&W cabooses, and discovered 15 days later (after I got back from Europe) that IT WAS STILL PLUGGED IN! hock: :oops:
After it cooled down I found some heat-related changes, but no functional damage. More importantly, my house wasn't burned down! That would have irritated my wife!
The hot side of these photos was facing up in the stand. Notice the discoloration of the "Weller" ring
Apart you can see a white heat streak up the handle, the disassembly ring damage noted above, absolutely no damage to the heating element or it's wiring leads, and a spot of rust on the tip itself (and another 180 degrees removed). Not certain what would have caused that.
A crust of oxidation formed on the tip - easily knocked off with a file.
The iron is still functional - this is a good unit if it can survive a user like me...
Well, I'm finally working on a layout in ernest. I have 'started' at least four layouts in the past but never really got too far. You know, lack of time, space, patience. About a year ago my wife suggested a change. She suggested I start over and build in the patio enclosure instead of the basement. I could go from 10' x 18' to 16' x 20'. Hum, not a bad idea, especially since we never use the patio for anything but storing junk. So I cleaned out the area and started building. Here are a few photos of my work so far.
Here I go again.
This one I am pleased with, but I fell it can be better. If you all would please look and give me your opinions, It would be appreciated.
Gauge is ho and all turnouts are #6. Solo operation. Curves are 22 or better. Table size is 24 ft on top and 20 ft down the side, 2 ft wide. I plan on running 10 car trains usually. The island is the 12 x 2 layout that I have in the house now. Boss said she likes it, so I need to keep it
Industries will be a mixture, mainly manufacturing. Three sidings can be change to passing tracks in case I find an RDC someday. Or, I might just use a couple little Overton coaches for a daily passenger run.
Any questions or comments are more then welcome.
Oh, and to save room, the staging track will be in the yard, I plan on removing the engine when it is not running.
The interchange will be for that area only, which will have its own switcher. I figure the yard switcher can take cars to the interchange as part of its duties.
This place is looking cool!! 
hock: 
