The On-Line Clearboard

Model Railroad Club News.

September, 1999

Club News

Dirt Problem Worsening
Solutions Sought

   Dirt in recent months has become a serous problem on the HO layout, hampering operations and leaving Club officials scrambling to find the cause and solution.
    While dirty wheels and track have always been a concern for the hobby in general, and the Club in particular, it has become apparent that the problem is worsening.  Part of the problem lies in the reduced level of track cleaning and other maintenance on the HO layout because of other projects.  Another factor is the construction of the addition.  As construction takes place dust and dirt accumulate and are deposited onto the layout - most commonly brought in through the door between the sections which is often left open.
    Cleaning techniques have also come into question.  Trenton Northern superintendent Peter Ezzard, among others, has postulated that certain cleaning fluids leave a residue along the rails.  This residue then acts as a conduit for dirt to be distributed throughout the entire layout as trains are operated.  On the Trenton Northern, a piece of equipment that had its wheels cleaned prior to the start of a operating session revealed dirty wheels when it was inspected after only one trip over the railroad.  The track had been cleaned with a cleaning fluid and wiped.  An abrasive track cleaner was used in particularly dirty areas.
    With the problem showing no signs of improving, other cleaning techniques are being explored.  An option under consideration is a comprehensive track and equipment cleaning and maintenance program.  Individually cleaning every piece of rolling stock currently on the layout has even been discussed.  This would require the participation of a number of members in order for it to be a viable option.

Sprinkler Installation
Commences in New Section

   Work on the sprinkler system began on September 2 as the contractor started hanging pipe around the perimeter of the new section.  One immediate concern was that the path of the pipe cut across the Pittsburgh loop tracks.  After careful measurement, it was found that there was plenty of clearance between the pipes and where the Pittsburgh loop tracks are to be built.  Installation of the sprinkler system should be completed by the end of October.

New Saturday Ticket
System Being Tested

   A new system designed to better administer Saturday public admissions has been developed and is currently undergoing testing.  A ticket has been designed based on the type used by New Jersey Transit conductors onboard trains.  This leads to an air of authenticity to the process.   A reconciliation form has also been designed.  Allowing for the first time an accurate accounting of Saturday admissions.

Work On H.D.&O., TN
Continues

   The Pittsburgh yard light tower replacement project is moving forward.  Another new tower has been completed and is awaiting paint.  There are two others awaiting lights before they are to be painted.   Once installed, Pittsburgh freight yard will be completely re-equipped.  A partially constructed tower on the west end of the freight yard is being tested with a "tilt" mechanism using fishing line and a weight.  This is based on a article that appeared in Model Railroad Craftsman several years ago.   Hopefully this will prevent the new light towers from becoming damaged like the previous towers.
    Meanwhile, work continues on the control panel for the Pittsburgh engine terminal.  The track work of the terminal was rebuilt recently allowing for easier access and servicing of locomotives.
    A replacement set of highway crossing signals has been obtained for installation near Harbourton on the Trenton Northern.  These signals have been slightly reworked and repainted to appear more prototypical.  Plans call for the signals to be operational in time for the show.

Jersey Shore & Western News
The N-Scale Report
By Jack Grasso

    The N-Scale Department held its July meeting on July 31, 1999.  This was a double session due to the cancellation of the June meeting.
    Claude Kelsoe gave us an update on the DCC operation, while John Sawyer cautioned the group that the DCC control will not stop a locomotive from frying if it is caught on a switch.  This control only stops the engine.  The locomotive must be removed from the layout.
    The Jersey Shore & Western operating nights are getting better and better.  Although derailments are still a problem.  More inspectors should cure this problem.  We are also hoping that attendance improves in the fall for the Tuesday night sessions.
    Concepts for the route of the J.S.&W. will be submitted at the next meeting.  One concept will show a map and list the communities the railroad will run through.  This is the now accepted route to Cleveland.  Another concept will have it run to Detroit via Buffalo and Canada.
    Everyone is reminded that Show time is not that far away.

August Building Expansion Report
Submitted by Rich Cornell

    City Fire Equipment has begun work on installing the sprinklers.  The alarm panel was also received.  An order was placed with Elizabethtown Water Company for a four inch tap off of the thirty six inch water line for the sprinkler system.  There will be a quarterly charge for the sprinkler system.   There will also be annual sprinkler inspection fees.  There is no charge for the sprinkler tap installation.
    Preliminary grading for the ADA ramp has been completed.  Plans for the ramp have been submitted to the Union Township Engineering and Building departments.  The header which attaches to the outside of the building was installed. This allowed the remaining sheetrock to be installed in the shop.  Concrete forms for the footings of the ramp have been delivered.
    John Morris is preparing an estimate and shop drawings for the stairwell handrails.  John has also completed waterproofing the floor of the northwest (men's) bathroom.
    In addition, an estimate for the ceiling and floor covering has been prepared.  Work has been completed on spackling, sanding and painting of the walls.
    Twenty six lamps that fit the Edison Price fixtures arrived along with five extra signs with emergency lights.
    Due to the drought the landscaping project will most likely be put off until next spring.
    Finally, no news concerning the shopping center to be built on Jefferson Avenue has been received from the developer, the county, or the township.

The One-Line Clearboard contains excerpts from the Model Railroad Club's membership newsletter The Clearboard.  All information published in The One-Line Clearboard is unofficial and is for reference and informal information.   No information contained within The One-Line Clearboard can be used without the express consent of The Model Railroad Club, Inc.