mkl194
Trainmaster
accelerating rust on purpose
Posts: 131 
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Post by mkl194 on Mar 10, 2016 15:46:46 GMT -5
Is it just me or do you guys think that the price of centerbeams and bulkheads is getting out of control, especially considering they are so tough to keep on the track?
Please weigh in with some thoughts on these two cars and your experience with them.....
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Post by annarborfan on Mar 10, 2016 16:19:47 GMT -5
I haven't had any problem with running the various Bulkheads and Centerbeams (even kit built McKeans) as long as some pre-trip inspections are made like adjusting truck screws and getting rid of junk couplers. I used to belong to a modular club and never had any issues even over some pretty gnarly joiner tracks. I used to enjoy building InterMountain 60' flats and those don't have supplied weights, I've crammed mouldable lead into the center sill of some and left others light and never had any problems after replacing trucks with Kadee. I'm pretty finicky about track work I do, so I can eliminate that from "why something happens to something" head scratching sessions.
As for pricing, Yes stuff is getting more expensive but the buy it built over build it types pay and manufactures are happy to oblige.
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mkl194
Trainmaster
accelerating rust on purpose
Posts: 131
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Post by mkl194 on Mar 10, 2016 16:24:33 GMT -5
I see the usual solution for most people is to load them down, but what if you want to run them empty? I do the same with adding weight underneath, but someone remarked that "what about the underframe details?"
Are underframe details that important to pieces you plan on running and not entering in a contest?
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Post by annarborfan on Mar 10, 2016 16:38:14 GMT -5
I run stuff empty, I like adding tie down cables to Centerbeams in different patterns like the prototypes. Contest builders are in their own category, I admire their talent but would rather focus on the big picture than minutiae. I build solid dependable runners with good detail that doesn't become a liability.
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EMDX6043
Chairman
Future ex-modeler
Posts: 837
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Post by EMDX6043 on Mar 10, 2016 17:38:06 GMT -5
I run stuff empty, I like adding tie down cables to Centerbeams in different patterns like the prototypes. Contest builders are in their own category, I admire their talent but would rather focus on the big picture than minutiae. I build solid dependable runners with good detail that doesn't become a liability. Don't forget "it's a ready to run hobby", PAL. |
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mkl194
Trainmaster
accelerating rust on purpose
Posts: 131
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Post by mkl194 on Mar 10, 2016 17:42:03 GMT -5
I'm tired of getting ready to run.... I want to run now
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Post by kfallsbn on Mar 12, 2016 12:11:30 GMT -5
I usually place empties(light cars) on the rear of the train to reduce derailments.
As for Under frame details:
I subscribe to the (modified) three foot rule.
If I can't see 'em when the train is rolling - I don't need 'em.
"I don't care what other people think... now what do ya think about that?"
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Post by emd16645 on Mar 12, 2016 12:30:11 GMT -5
Prototypically light cars like empty centerbeams are handled at the rear of the train.
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Post by annarborfan on Mar 12, 2016 12:52:57 GMT -5
I've handled plenty of trains with an oddball empty in the middle of a cut of loaded cars courtesy of the BRC to know there's a prototype for everything. The company I used to work for was great for putting a block of loaded scrap gons on the rear too.
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Post by emd16645 on Mar 12, 2016 14:27:03 GMT -5
I've handled plenty of trains with an oddball empty in the middle of a cut of loaded cars courtesy of the BRC to know there's a prototype for everything. The company I used to work for was great for putting a block of loaded scrap gons on the rear too. I agree there is a prototype for everything, I was commenting on what I've seen locally. A favorite of mine was seeing a 40' covered hopper in the middle of a string of 89' auto racks. That looked strange. |
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Post by slowfreight on Mar 13, 2016 22:58:32 GMT -5
I've handled plenty of trains with an oddball empty in the middle of a cut of loaded cars courtesy of the BRC to know there's a prototype for everything. The company I used to work for was great for putting a block of loaded scrap gons on the rear too. I agree there is a prototype for everything, I was commenting on what I've seen locally. A favorite of mine was seeing a 40' covered hopper in the middle of a string of 89' auto racks. That looked strange. I have an old ETT that explicitly prohibits train crews from placing a single 28' ore jennie between 2 89' auto racks. Not sure who actually tried it to require a prohibition... |
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Post by annarborfan on Mar 13, 2016 23:26:45 GMT -5
I agree there is a prototype for everything, I was commenting on what I've seen locally. A favorite of mine was seeing a 40' covered hopper in the middle of a string of 89' auto racks. That looked strange. I have an old ETT that explicitly prohibits train crews from placing a single 28' ore jennie between 2 89' auto racks. Not sure who actually tried it to require a prohibition... Where there's a will, there's a way or a lazy crew. |
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EMDX6043
Chairman
Future ex-modeler
Posts: 837
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Post by EMDX6043 on Mar 14, 2016 9:11:55 GMT -5
Is it just me or do you guys think that the price of centerbeams and bulkheads is getting out of control, especially considering they are so tough to keep on the track? Please weigh in with some thoughts on these two cars and your experience with them..... Maybe the easiest thing to do is slow the operation down. I'd have to verify, but I'm pretty sure there's a speed restriction given to empty centerbeams and similar equipment...at least in the BNSF Special Instructions. |
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fr8kar
Chairman
Little man raise the cotton, beer joints get the money
Posts: 309
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Post by fr8kar on Mar 14, 2016 13:36:26 GMT -5
Is it just me or do you guys think that the price of centerbeams and bulkheads is getting out of control, especially considering they are so tough to keep on the track? Please weigh in with some thoughts on these two cars and your experience with them..... Maybe the easiest thing to do is slow the operation down. I'd have to verify, but I'm pretty sure there's a speed restriction given to empty centerbeams and similar equipment...at least in the BNSF Special Instructions. UP's SSI restricts speed by car kind and may specify different maximum speeds depending on whether the car is loaded or empty. Like BNSF, UP also has a list of equipment and its maximum speed. Often, the maximum speed is informed by the presence or absence of constant contact side bearings. If the car's trucks are not equipped with CCSB, the car can experience oscillation at high speed which can cause derailments or damage to or loss of the load. There are also the speed requirements for key trains and PIH/TIH trains on certain territories. Bottom line: know the territory and rules governing your train. Speeding on the rails isn't like speeding on the highway. There is very little tolerance and violations are dealt with harshly. |
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fr8kar
Chairman
Little man raise the cotton, beer joints get the money
Posts: 309
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Post by fr8kar on Mar 14, 2016 13:40:44 GMT -5
I agree there is a prototype for everything, I was commenting on what I've seen locally. A favorite of mine was seeing a 40' covered hopper in the middle of a string of 89' auto racks. That looked strange. I have an old ETT that explicitly prohibits train crews from placing a single 28' ore jennie between 2 89' auto racks. Not sure who actually tried it to require a prohibition... We don't handle ore cars here, but we do see the occasional short FXE coil gondola, in addition to the scads of cement and sand hoppers that dominate the landscape. When the train is set in the computer, any long-short conflict is flagged and the train must be switched into compliance before departure. I'm sure this is one of those rules written in blood, so to speak. |
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fr8kar
Chairman
Little man raise the cotton, beer joints get the money
Posts: 309
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Post by fr8kar on Mar 14, 2016 13:47:45 GMT -5
Prototypically light cars like empty centerbeams are handled at the rear of the train. There are some cars that cannot be placed ahead of n trailing tons, where n may vary by subdivision. Generally, originating trains should have 10 loads on the head end, if available, in addition to complying with hazmat restrictions and restrictions governing cars with EOC cushioning. However, in some cases locals, road switchers and transfer trains may be exempt from train makeup restrictions. Though it may not be ideal to run a train with empty flats near the front, it happens. |
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fr8kar
Chairman
Little man raise the cotton, beer joints get the money
Posts: 309
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Post by fr8kar on Mar 14, 2016 13:49:40 GMT -5
I've handled plenty of trains with an oddball empty in the middle of a cut of loaded cars courtesy of the BRC to know there's a prototype for everything. The company I used to work for was great for putting a block of loaded scrap gons on the rear too. My favorite is when they tack on 20+ loaded tanks on the rear but you're just under the DP tonnage requirement. Those trips are literally a beating. |
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Post by m a y o r 79 on Mar 19, 2016 13:43:07 GMT -5
I've handled plenty of trains with an oddball empty in the middle of a cut of loaded cars courtesy of the BRC to know there's a prototype for everything. The company I used to work for was great for putting a block of loaded scrap gons on the rear too. I agree there is a prototype for everything, I was commenting on what I've seen locally. A favorite of mine was seeing a 40' covered hopper in the middle of a string of 89' auto racks. That looked strange. Its actually common enough around here to see empty well cars or flat cars on the middle or at the front of a train that I dont even take notice anymore. I used to think it was really strange though. Ive run essentially empty centerbeams near the middle of trains before. Sometimes with the Walthers snap in load but that doesnt add much weight. I do change out all wheel sets to Intermountains and adjust the truck screw tightness to allow a little rocking but not much. Never had many problems running them. Now the price of severything is a different issue.... |
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mkl194
Trainmaster
accelerating rust on purpose
Posts: 131
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Post by mkl194 on Mar 26, 2016 11:21:47 GMT -5
Does anyone take the time and effort to actually scratchbuild cars anymore? I've been working on some scratch built cars for my MP40 project, and so far they've turned out nice. I had to do away with all the details underneath so I could fit some pinewood derby car weights.
I'm going to try taking my ball peen hammer and shaping discarded wheel balancing weights and using those. You can get 40 pounds of those weights for $35 on ebay, but I'm going to get a bag full from a friend who works at a shop.
I'd be interested to know if anyone has tried scratch building a bulkhead flat car or centerbeam....
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fr8kar
Chairman
Little man raise the cotton, beer joints get the money
Posts: 309
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Post by fr8kar on Mar 26, 2016 13:13:57 GMT -5
Definitely! Just today I started disassembling a Walthers bulkhead flat to see what I can work with to change out ends, tops and especially the center section to try out different variations on the bracing. I got the ends and top off, but still working on getting the center section out. I might have to search out some undecorated versions. As far as other flats are concerned, I'm still working on the bulkhead design for ATSF bulkhead flats in the classes Ft-28, Ft-32, Ft-33 and Ft-45. I've got the basic underframe already done and have successfully printed one of each version, though the examples I've printed will be built as the later repurposed TOFC versions. Here are some photos:    |
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