PoNY Marine Shops Deliver Carfloater™ Prototype

In July of 2012 the PoNY RR Marine Shops proposed an operating carfloat service for interchange operations between pocket terminals. Today the Shops delivered the first working prototype for sea trials in the Port of New York.

Built using an old Metro Shelving TV cart, this first prototype of the Carfloater™ is manual drive with 4 large diameter swiveling rubber casters. The top portion that holds the car floats is constructed of lightweight pine 1x4s and oak 2x2 uprights, and it is affixed to the metal cart top with clamps. The upper portion is adjustable at the moment while the marine standards for the layout are being developed. The temporary float bridge at 149th (the white foam core) will be replaced with a Frenchman River float bridge that is to be installed "soon."

The large cart casters allow the float to easily navigate the carpet, and it is smooth enough that there is no fear of toppling the cars during careful movements at this point. A system for securing the cars on board needs to be developed. Later, the float carrier portion will be wider and modeled as harbor water, which will provide a place for sideways toppling cars to land instead of falling all the way to the floor. This prototype is designed to allow for up to a 36" long car float, and a locking mechanism will be developed during the testing period securing it for transfers.

All I need is a place for the Carfloater™ to sail back and forth to. In the operating scheme, traffic will be dispatched from Jersey City (this is a recent change from the originally planned modeling of Croxton yard) where there will be three lift bridges - no waiting! Jersey City could be thought of as a working staging yard, as this will be the main connection to the rest of the Erie and the United States. Until that is built, this gives me some push to start on the next pocket yard.

Sea trials are scheduled to begin later in the week and continue throughout the summer months.

Existing 149th car float slip.

An old Metro Shelving TV cart, some scrap lumber, screws and a few clamps are the only ingredients.

The temporary foam core float bridge is the only grade at the 1-4-9. A rail on the near track popped up from the ties shortly after installing and has been a rather rude bump while servicing floats. I'm looking forward to the new float bridge as much for eliminating the bump as for getting rid of the white foam core.

The existing car float landing is a piece of 1x4 cantilevered from the bench work providing a precarious perch for a wooden car float model. This 5 minute Jerry-rigged solution has actually worked pretty well.

The upside down float stand being drilled and screwed.

Two oak upright posts with a 1x4 serving as a car float pad. Clamps secure the posts allowing for height adjustment during sea trials and to the cart since this won't be a permanent member of the marine roster. The stand actually made a pretty good work bench while constructing the float carriage, so it may be re-purposed afterward.

There is a little warpage on the top piece simulating how the harbor can get a little choppy on windy days...

The existing float bridge track is laid to match the first float I acquired. You guessed it, this doesn't match the Frenchman River models' standards. Not sure if I simply can't use this nice scratch-built float anymore or if I try to modify it. My fear is that the eBay gods will be getting an offering at some point.

View from downstream. There is plenty of length for a three foot float.

Looking down the sights.

Overhead view of the 6-car scratch-built (by others) float. This is actually a pretty good size for the 149th street operations. Having 2-4 more cars to unload and load on a larger float might get tricky due to track lengths in on shore.

Continue reading →

Info N scale trains and track

Tips N scale trains and track

N scale trains - n gauge trains -tk train & hobby, N scale trains and accessories 1:160 64255 n scale bachmann alco rs3 diesel locomotive (dcc)-prr #5604 (black w/yellow lettering). N scale - wikipedia, Although trains and accessories of similar gauge and/or scale existed as early as 1927, modern commercially produced n scale models were first launched by the arnold. Factory direct trains - model trains, railroad accessories, Cheapest blueline, blue line, best prices on model trains, ho scale, n scale, broadway limited imports, bli, pcm, precision craft models, trackmobile, track mobile.

Yard sale trains n scale trains for n scale hobbyist and, Yard sale trains provides quality n scale trains, hobby supplies and products for the n scale train hobbyist..

Model trains & train sets ho, g, n scale trains, About us . mainline hobby supply is your one stop store for model trains in ho scale, n scale & o gauge. locomotives, rolling stock, track, train sets and more.

N scale : bachmann trains online store, N scale trains are scaled 1:160 ratio and run on 9mm track. analog versions run on dc track power. dcc versions run on dc or dcc..

There are five reasons why you must know N scale trains and track Detailed information about N scale trains and track very easy job this post is great for you know Before going further I found the following information was related to N scale trains and track check this article

one photo N scale trains and track

New N-Scale Train Layout From Start to Finish - Part 1 - YouTube

Testing 1: Kato N Scale Shinkansen (Bullet Trains) Unitrack - YouTube

Yuki Kazeful’s N-gauge Layout germaN160 by Trai-N-master

Made my own tunnel portals, and using the Southern Pacific's Donner

ATSF Paradigm Division (N-scale) - Staging Yards Model Railroad

HO scale New York Central Hudson Division ModelRailroader.com

Continue reading →

Authentic PoNY Merchandise

Most of my railroad time has been constrained to the keyboard lately (it just works out that way sometimes), so to have some fun, I created an online merchandise store (see the sidebar to the right). New products will be added, but I already have some basic items up for your amusement. You might want to do this for your own model railroad! It is a great way to create the mise en scène of your layout and augment its identity, and it is just fun creating and wearing your own herald!

I've gotten the Olive color t-shirt so far, and it turned out pretty well. The graphic could be a little more vivid, but it probably would have more contrast on a lighter color shirt. Personally I like the softer presentation that this affords so that the graphic isn't too loud since it is large. After a couple of washings, the ink is holding up well and there was only slight shrinkage. The version with the smaller logo should be really nice and sharp on a white t-shirt.

The next order will be the Stone color distressed hats for my wife and me. I'll report back on those when they come in.

Continue reading →

Guide What does ho train set mean

Photos are illustrative What does ho train set mean

Choosing the right model train set - about.com home, There are so many train sets out there today, how do you know which one is best? although you don't have to purchase a set to get started in model railroading, most. The flying scotsman train set - hornby us, Take charge of the most famous locomotive in the world, order the iconic hornby flying scotsman train set online now. visit hornby & shop the full range today.. Internet trains & hobbies largest online selection of, All products will have one of the following three availability status’s displayed above the add to cart button: ☺ this item is available to order.

China-australia year of tourism 2017: what does it mean, China-australia year of tourism 2017: what does it mean for australians?.

Pets - how to information ehow, Whether you're looking to train a new puppy, find the best toy this post is great for you knowr cat or set up a tropical aquarium, ehow has answers to all of your pet-related questions..

Santa claus - wikipedia, In the netherlands and belgium the character of santa claus has to compete with that of sinterklaas, santa's presumed progenitor. santa claus is known as de kerstman.

Hi there, It's the specifics of What does ho train set mean The ideal site i can exhibit back Many user search What does ho train set mean The information avaliable here In this post I quoted from official sources Knowledge available on this blog What does ho train set mean Related to this post is advantageous you

Continue reading →

Topic Ho hogwarts express train set

Ho hogwarts express train set

one photo Ho hogwarts express train set

Ho train set ebay, Find great deals on ebay for ho train set and lionel train set. shop with confidence.. Ho scale train set ebay, Find great deals on ebay for ho scale train set and n scale train set. shop with confidence.. Hogwarts lionchief™ ready-to-run train set - lionel.com, Get started; hobbyists; find a dealer; lionel store; support; hogwarts lionchief™ ready-to-run train set. let the magic begin! they've crossed through platform 9 ¾.

Strasburg train shop model trains and train accessories, Sku: product name: price : 83620: harry potter hogwarts express ready to ready lionchief set : they've crossed through platform 9 ¾, eyed the various goodies on the.

Polar express magic mountain disappearing train layout, This is the new longer updated version as of 4/28/10. enjoy the excitement as the train travels on a wonderful trip to the north pole best enjoyed by.

Train sets modeltrainstuff.com, Shop our online selection of train sets from your favorite manufacturers including lionel, mth, bachmann, athearn and many more..

Learn Ho hogwarts express train set maybe this article Make me almost know more to process the work without confusion.

Continue reading →

Best Thunderbolt express ho train set

This Thunderbolt express ho train set

Electric train set | ebay, Find great deals on ebay for electric train set and lionel electric train set. shop with confidence.. Mac - apple, Explore the world of mac. check out the new macbook pro, macbook, imac, and more. visit the apple site to learn, buy, and get support.. Ho/oo train packs - ajm railways, Don't take our word for it! it’s important to know who to trust when buying online . why not look over our ebay customer feedback to see our rating!.

Ajm railways site map, Ho & oo locomotives; ho/oo dcc sound fitted & dcc/analogue sound; oxford rail sound fitted locomotives; oxford rail adams radial east kent railway dcc sound 76ar005xs.

Reviews - sogoodreviews.com, Quick-take reviews: # n 01:00 a.m. 02:00 a.m. 7 grandmasters, the 10 magnificent killers 13 cold-blooded eagles, the.

Pokemon silver version faq/walkthrough for game boy color, For pokemon silver version on the game boy color, faq/walkthrough by donald..

There are four reasons why you must discuss Thunderbolt express ho train set Finding results for Thunderbolt express ho train set very easy job this post is great for you know Before going further I found the following information was related to Thunderbolt express ho train set here is some bit review

illustration Thunderbolt express ho train set

Continue reading →

6 Tips and Ideas to Customize Your Model Kit

So you've built a few model kits and you're ready to up your game and do something unique and different to your piece?

First, go check out your local hobby shop and get some ideas on what you may want to do to upgrade your model. Do you want to custom design and make your own decals? Change the interior? Add something completely different?

Ask yourself if this is for you or to enter in a show and what level you are building at. Be realistic with your skill level and remember with each kit you do, you're going to get better!

Painting is the most common way to make your model stand out. If you're brush painting, make sure to keep your brush strokes going in one direction for a better look.

When customizing your colours be sure to write down how much of each colour you're mixing so you can get an exact match each time. Who knows, someone may want that colour combo and ask you for the mix ratio. Use eyedroppers or pipettes to help with this.

Weathering can really add that "something special" to your custom build. It can make your piece look beat up and rusted or look as if it's just been though the mud. It can be used to create blaster marks on a Sci-fi kit, engine exhaust stains or peeling paint on a car.

It's all in how you use your paint and brush. For example for blaster marks use paint and brush to 'dry brush' the look you want. For a dusty look you can use chalks. Just make sure that after you create the weathered look you desire, seal it with a clear coat of Matte, Semi-Gloss or Gloss. You don't want to ruin that hard work.

Decals are a fun way to customize for beginner to intermediate builders. The majority of kits already have a sheet of decals ideal to your model choice, with sometimes two or three variant choices; But what if you want something unique to your imagination?  Decal sets and paper are just what you're looking for.

Basically decals are layers of paint built up on plastic film with a paper backing.  The glue is usually activated by water.  Your printer may be up to the task of creating your decals.

When using decals make sure to cut as close to the pattern as possible (nail or craft scissors work best for this). Dip your decal in water for the instructions set amount of time and add it to your model. You can use Microset to help the decal settle onto the model more snugly.  There are many articles and YouTube videos on how to use and apply decals. Practice makes perfect in this case.  Even the most expert model builders can have trouble with decals. Just take your time with it.

Finally, consider adding your model onto a Diorama to add dimension and truly get the feeling across to those looking at your creation. They can be as simple or complex as you want them to be. Ask your experienced local hobby shop for tips and ideas.

With the help of your local hobby shop's knowledgeable staff, checking out a few YouTube videos, researching articles like this one and your own imagination, you can create a potential masterpiece from a humble box of plastic and photo-etched parts.

Make sure to read these great blog articles too and share them with a friend:

• 10 Tips For Buying A Model Kit
• Basic Tips For Model Building

• Model Tips for Beginners - Part 2
• Model Kit Building And Painting Tips And Tricks

Please make sure to comment below if you have a tip to share!  Like our blog to get updates on the newest additions. We post every Thursday, alternating Trains and Model/Toys.

Also, make sure to check out our Website, Facebook and YouTube Channel for inspiration, learning and fun!

Thanks for reading

Happy Hobbying

Continue reading →