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 Posted - September 01 2014 : 7:21:23 PM
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One of the things missing on modular HO train layouts is some serious action accessories. S gauge and Lionel modular guys all seem to have operating accessories as part of their build, but the HO guys seem to be WAY too serious about realistic modeling for the most part. 
I intend to remedy that by building a set of modules that will be populated with some action items by Bachmann, Life-Like, and of course Tyco. I'd love to add a Tyco slot car set-up as welll, I may do that, will have to see how much room is left once the pieces are in place. Years ago, I saved some Desktop PC side panels, my company would gut the computers and mount them in special frames, so the case would get tossed. I saved these 17 x 15 inch panels, they have a grainy surface perfect for asphalt or concrete detailing, I was planning on using them for an Airport module set-up, and still might. But, my priorities have changed right now, and I want to add something different to the HO genre currently being shown. 
Hopefully I can bring a little DC action to the DCC arena, I intend to wire the single-track loop so it can be used for either DCC or DC. At any rate, the planning is still ongoing, but I have started the first module top, by nailing down a 1/4 round molding to butt the modular PC panels to, and the backboards will hold the rear of the PC panels in due to a molded on tab. So it will be doubly modular, I will be able to substitute other "action modules" as I make them, and can vary the arrangement however I like. That is the concept, anyway. Here's my first 2x4 module top with some panels on it.
 
I think I will have to build two special 2' modules, one for each side, so I can loop back the track through the scenery boards, and then have 3 more modules behind the front ones, so it will be a continuous loop, and I can run different trains with the different action cars ( Tyco boxcar crate unloader, coal dump, pipe dump, etc ) with whatever action accessory I use. And I can also set up a small yard to hold any trains or cars I need. I may not build full modules for the rear, will have to see how this design progresses. Carrying 6 modules to a show will be a tight fit in my HHR, so I may need to run a minimal modular design in the back.
This is a rather ambitious concept for me, but then again, I like to think outside the Tyco box. I shook up my club when I first joined around 2006? , asking about non-standard module designs, etc. as more than one club member had deviated from the 2x4 design, some had 3x4, etc. This will only break new ground by having a separate loop that runs independently of the main lines, and could run either DC or DCC trains, for show or action work. Usually my ideas outrun my actual efforts, but I hope to forge ahead, probably not this season, but hopefully for next year, I could have this set-up ready to show off. Because not only do I have to build the modules, although I've already got frames built in the basement I can use, but I have to populate the action sub-modules and get them operating as well. So I won't be promising <myself> that I"ll be doing Christmas shows this year with them, but maybe next year, or I could at least have the front modules ready, and just do a back and forth train on them. Again, much more work to be done, but at least the concept is off the ground and on the hot tub and deck table ) Lets see what I can find in the basement storage to put on these new action modules. 
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - September 02 2014 : 10:51:15 AM
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I'm interested to see where you'll go with this one.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - September 02 2014 : 3:25:13 PM
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That's an interesting use for PC tower panels! And I think it's a great idea to put some Tyco, Life Like and Bachmann operating accessories on train show modules (as you say, the HO modelers seem WAAY too serious sometimes). It could be a way to really get the kids interested in the hobby if they could actually see the stuff in action and possibly play with it at shows. I've never really noticed, but I imagine the AF and Lionel guys are (understandably) protective of their equipment, so little chance for hands-on for little hands.
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
Edited by - gmoney on September 02 2014 3:25:52 PM
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Posted - September 02 2014 : 6:07:05 PM
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quote: I've never really noticed, but I imagine the AF and Lionel guys are (understandably) protective of their equipment, so little chance for hands-on for little hands.
Originally posted by gmoney - September 02 2014 : 3:25:13 PM
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One place I have seen the S-scalers figuring that out is at the George Washington Train Show in Clifton Forge. They set up a HUGE S-scale layout at this show, and it is loaded with action accessories that are controlled by buttons on the outside edge of the layout. The kids (and kids like me) can walk around and punch the red buttons and watch the accessories spring into action. It's a lot of fun for everyone.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - September 02 2014 : 8:22:51 PM
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quote:
One place I have seen the S-scalers figuring that out is at the George Washington Train Show in Clifton Forge. They set up a HUGE S-scale layout at this show, and it is loaded with action accessories that are controlled by buttons on the outside edge of the layout. The kids (and kids like me) can walk around and punch the red buttons and watch the accessories spring into action. It's a lot of fun for everyone.
Originally posted by JNXT 7707Â -Â September 02 2014Â :Â 6:07:05 PM
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Yes, that's the idea, to have the sub-modules be remotely operated, so that the little fingers don't have to touch the accessories. Something like the Tyco Crane is a manual-only, as is a coal loader, but others have button-operated electric motors, so I may can do both. :) Here is my concept with 2 of the HO modules set up for 6 action modules, and then two 2-foot extensions to loop the track back around the back in a continous loop onto two more modules, or maybe partial modules.
I think I can make this work, why should the bigger scales have ALL the fun? I think the HO guys can get way too serious sometimes, and trains aren't just for adults, they started off as a kids toy, and I think some of that play value has been lost with HO. Nothing wrong with scale modeling, but I'm just not into it that way, myself. While I wouldn't mind having a nice scale layout someday, I'd take a playful one any day.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - September 02 2014 : 8:30:20 PM
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looking good
I actually have the crane part for the USS Steel I figure since I has a few of the trailer loaders missing clamp
Why not paint one to match the crane?
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Posted - September 02 2014 : 10:21:39 PM
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quote: quote: I've never really noticed, but I imagine the AF and Lionel guys are (understandably) protective of their equipment, so little chance for hands-on for little hands.
Originally posted by gmoney - September 02 2014 : 3:25:13 PM
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One place I have seen the S-scalers figuring that out is at the George Washington Train Show in Clifton Forge. They set up a HUGE S-scale layout at this show, and it is loaded with action accessories that are controlled by buttons on the outside edge of the layout. The kids (and kids like me) can walk around and punch the red buttons and watch the accessories spring into action. It's a lot of fun for everyone.
Originally posted by JNXT 7707Â -Â September 02 2014Â :Â 6:07:05 PM
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Now that you mention it, I have seen (and played with) the red buttons on the S gauge layouts at train shows.
Glenn
I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"
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Posted - September 28 2014 : 10:58:08 PM
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quote:One of the things missing on modular HO train layouts is some serious action accessories. S gauge and Lionel modular guys all seem to have operating accessories as part of their build, but the HO guys seem to be WAY too serious about realistic modeling for the most part.
Originally posted by AMC_Gremlin_GTÂ -Â September 01 2014Â :Â 7:21:23 PM
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Oh, yes! I remember when TYCO initially ruled with the HO action accessories (no wonder some called them the Lionel of HO back in the 1970s!), and then soon A.H.M., Bachmann and Life-Like all had an ample amount as well. Certainly adds to the play factor of HO trains. Plus, at least Life-Like still has sets that come with such accessories!
(Since it's on sale for only $109 from Walthers, I might buy one for the model railroad museum I'm helping out with to set up as an operating hands-on layout for kids to play with!)
The only ones Bachmann currently has are the Gandy Dancer handcar, that "horse car," the blinking oil tank, their lousy diesel "horn" storage tank (that sounds like an alarm clock) and the electronic steam whistle building (never heard it.)
My current HO train layout seems to be a mix of realistic and "toy train" operation. It's got DCC locomotives and control, nice landscaping, knuckle couplers and the like, but also several classic TYCO and Life-Like action accessories (it helps I grew up with Life-Like's trains when I was a kid.)
/tyco/forum/uploaded/wiley209/20140928223018_layoutoverview91314.jpg
I've got the TYCO operating box car, freight unloading depot, container loader/unloader and pipe loader, Life-Like dump station and lighted yard tower, TYCO crossing gate and lighted buildings on my layout, and I am also getting the TYCO operating signal man (basically TYCO's version of the Lionel gateman.)
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Posted - September 28 2014 : 11:58:31 PM
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| oh everyone copied that Signal Man from the lowest train manufacter to the USSR
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Posted - September 29 2014 : 12:52:11 AM
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which begs the question, who made it first??
just me Ray... and just because I have Tyco doesn't mean I am not a model railroader
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Posted - September 29 2014 : 09:51:37 AM
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quote:which begs the question, who made it first??
Originally posted by rgcw5Â -Â September 29 2014Â :Â 12:52:11 AM
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I'm pretty sure it was Lionel. The only HO-scale equivalent I know that's still on the market is Life-Like's, but it only works with Power-Loc track. I actually have one, even though it's not being used on my layout.
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Posted - November 12 2014 : 10:27:09 AM
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AMC:
I like this idea! I might end up doing something similar, too. A local MRer is trying to revive a defunct modular club, and I've already told him that Tyco accessories will happen...I've got to do somethign with the ones I can't fit on my small home layout...
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