NTS&B Does the NTS&B like Post War Trains?

Sounds like a simple enough question. But the answer kept me busy all day on 2 switch tracks. Many post war operating cars have slide shoes that pick up power form an extra set of extra rails between the standard rails (yes that makes 5 rails). These shoes hand down a little between the tracks, and some brand of switch tracks will catch the shoes and try to pull them off. So far, I used all Gargraves 0-42 switch tracks, and Ross Switches for the bigger radius switches. After having many problems with modern engines with the Gargraves turnouts, I decided to try 2 Ross 0-42 switches. The Gargraves switches have all been repaired, and I have not had problems with post war shoes on the 4 postwar cars I tested, or with modern equipment.

The Ross 0-42 switches both had the 'pull off the shoe' feature. Per Ross, the postwar power pickup shoes catch on sharp points in the black rails in the switch. Their recommended fix is to taper black rails with a file, or insert track pins and bend them down like a ramp. I decided to use pins to reduce metal filings, but ended up having plenty anyway.

I also discovered an additional feature with the Ross switches. The power rollers on my post war trains are wider than the modern ones, and kept shorting out on the switches. Per Ross website, extra power rail was used to make it easier for them to supply power through the switch. The problem is, the rails are close enough to the ground rail that the wider roller creates a short circuit. I decided to insulate and cut the extra rail. Below are slides that showed where cuts had to be made to fix both problems.

Although I can't say for certain that all shoes and rollers will now work, I can say that the cars I tested now should work an my whole layout, except on the unmodified main line switches.

NTS&B TMCC Signal Work Started

The Lionel TMCC (remote control) has problems when 1 track passes over another, unless extra earth grounding is provided. Some engines will remain at a constant speed when they lose the TMCC signal. Others, such as my K-Line Allegheny either stops, crawls, or goes wide open.

North Pole Loop: Helix Portion: Today I started working on the North Pole loop, to see if I could get it running properly. My Polar Express and PA1 run fine, but indicates the lose of signal. The Allegheny wont run at all. It runs fine on the ceiling portion, but wont run at all on the Helix and graduated trestle, and has a little problem on the lower return loop. I first started on the helix, with a ground wire ran up and down the 4 inner posts. This helped the inside loop tremendously with the Polar Express. It had signal at all points on the inside rail (where it lost most of it before), but still had a couple dead spots on the outside loop. I next tried the suggestion of a club member, and dropped only a single line down the center of the Helix (and removed the others). This had about the same effect as the original attempt. The Polar Express and PA-1 had no problems on the inside, and a couple weak spots on the outside. In either case, the Allegheny would not run. I finally ended up using 85 feet of 2 inch wide aluminum furnace tape and attaching that to the earth ground. Although the Allegheny won't take commands at all locations, now at least it has enough signal to remain at the programmed speed and not stop or take off wide open.



Trestle and Lower Loop: I still have more work to do on the trestle, since the Allegheny won't respond to any commands on most of it. I ran a strip of aluminum tape under the winter level under the trestle, but apparently that is still to far away from the track to fix the problem. I then ran a 30 Gauge wire through each trestle riser down one side, laid it next to the track and under the carpet on the lower loop and then through the trestle on the other side. That didn't help the North Pole loop, but the PA1 ran better through the mainline yard underneath it. I then attached the dropped ceiling framework to the ground. No help. Lastly, I ran an earth ground on top of the platform of the cable stay bridge. No help there either. It appears the Allegheny is going to be as good as it gets.

Of course, even though the trains are running well, that doesn't mean the engineer is paying attention. While testing the TMCC on the GG1, I lost track (no pun intended) of where the Polar Express was. Looks like I need to revisit the end-of-train warning car I was working on :(. At lease it proved out my theory on how the trains would derail on the Helix.

Mainline Yard: The PA-1 is now behaving very well, but the Allegheny won't run very much at all on the mainline. It went from ignoring commands in the yard, to going wide open on one of the raised portions with nothing above it. Oh well, that'll have to wait for another day (or month)

NTS&B "Under Ground Lego" Station under construction

A friend at work is big into Legos, and is helping me design and build my "Under Ground Lego" station (actually its more like I'm helping him). Preliminary designs have been completed, and construction will soon be started. The worker on the right is admiring his handwork for the station so far, that new commuters are already standing in line to use.

NTS&B Starting Year 4

Its hard to believe that I started the first (non helix) module of the actual layout 3 years ago. Last year saw progress with Tinsel Town and the 'spring time' sections. which are about done (for now). It was also the first time the layout was opened up to the club. Progress is getting a little slower, because we've also been having some 'play' sessions with some club members, instead of just working on it.


This coming year, the progress will be less noticeable. The main thrust will be in taking the old layout down, and finishing the other side of the basement. The main goal for the NTS&B this year is to get the TMCC signal working correctly, the 'spring time' power station and controls completed, and working on the subway and mainline stations. Its doubtful any new bench work will be started this year, but who knows, stranger things have happened :) This year is also going to be the first time it is opened up to the public, by participating in the Piedmont Pilgrimage in mid Oct.