Building the Pinacle Creek Mining & Timber Co. RR

[tootnkumin]

I hope you don't mind me putting in this link here Jim, but seeing there's been this discussion about turnout control, for those that might be interested in a manual, fully interlocking system (turnouts, semaphores, signal lights), this Australian maker does this http://modratec.com/ . I have seen this in action on his stand at our train show.

[skillman]

In this day of electronic gizzmo's I find it good that the mechanical operation of devices is still understood and used. Pushrods, bellcranks and overcenter locks still are simple and cheap to make and use. I'm afraid sometimes that this simple technology is lost or not thought of in our rush to use all the new electronic devises.

Steve

[joed2323]

I totally understand if you have enough money and do not care how much you spend on your layout then yes, go out and buy switch machines.

For me, im like jim, I want to be a budget modeler, I like to watch what i spend my money on, so I can save my money for the more expensive items like dcc locos for example. If theres a way to make something cheap, with whats available around the house, or just spending alittle bit of money needed to get the job finished and its just as reliable then why not right!!

[HOexplorer]

Toot, No worries. Good link that can be of value to most of us.

Thanks, Steve and Joe. Why spend $20 when you can build the same operating quality for $5? Jim

[HOexplorer]

Next step. Tangled webs we weave. This all the netting I could salvage from the tear down. I love this stuff, but Lowe's is out of it right now and I will do the rest of the layout, not much, using the file folder paper stock criss-cross webbing method. So take a peek and see if you can figure this photo out. Jim

[HOexplorer]

FUN CONTEST TOMORROW (Sun.) BEGINS AT 0900 PDT. First person with the answer wins. No I can't tell you what the prize is. Jim

PS The contest has nothing to do with the photo posted above. Jim

[tootnkumin]

Awww! Jim! How could you, I'll have to get up at (or stay up till) 2:00 AM Monday morning to get a shot at this. Awwwww. (have to see if there's any good late night movies on TV to keep me awake)

[HOexplorer]

Toot, Sorry, my bad. I never gave time differences a thought! It was all about getting a contest in before NFL football at 0930. Jim

[HOexplorer]

OK! About an hour and a half to contest time. Here's the rules.

1. Tell me/us the answer! This is not Jeopardy. Don't ask a question.

2. First correct answer wins. There can't be a tie because of order received in the thread.

3. You will be presented with a picture. All objects in the picture EXCEPT ONE you have seen on the PCM&T before. Tell me/us the answer.

Have fun. Jim

[HOexplorer]

Contest Photo: What have you never seen on this layout before? Good luck, Jim