What's New on the PRR Panhandle 2.0?

[G3750]

Updated 10/29/2021:

Again, this week has been a mixed bag - some progress along many fronts but no real breakthroughs or major accomplishments. Here's the list:

• Watched 8 different Arduino videos on YouTube. I've taken some notes about how I want to program several simulations. I have also narrowed my choices as to the types of hardware required.
• Exchanged e-mails with a potential supplier of a smoke generator for my Open Hearth. Power and control options are now solidifying; I expect to pull the trigger on this purchase next week.
• Decided that I will scrap the Lionel Industrial Smokestacks earmarked for my Open Hearth and replace them will 2.5" PVC pipe. They will be appropriately scribed, painted, and equipped with ladders (cages) and blinking LEDs. One of the Lionel versions will be moved to a powerhouse and the other will go to Federal Paperboard in Steubenville - at least that's my current thinking.
• I acquired a number of sound effects for the simulations.
• Also downloaded a audio editing tool for mixing the sound effect files.
• Cut the top & bottom of the duct work and applied primer. Cut the side of duct from acrylic sheet. Assembly to begin shortly.
• Determined that the reinforcements to the cat gate were a success.
• Updated my inventory spreadsheet after York.
• Conducted some research on the Open Hearth steel-making process using my father's 1957 edition of The Making, Shaping and Treating of Steel The time-line of processing will be used in the simulation.
• Explored the feasibility of building my own fast clock and tying it into simulations.

That's it for now. Sorry about the lack of photos, but most of this is just thought processes.

George

[healey36]

That's quite a list. Makes me feel guilty for my lack of progress on a far simpler list.

[G3750]

That's quite a list. Makes me feel guilty for my lack of progress on a far simpler list.

Yeah Paul, but making lists is my other hobby.

I still feel like I'm trying to run in waist deep mud.

George

[healey36]

I don't know, seems to me you've made some significant progress over the past 90 days or so, not only on the layout, but on the surrounding infrastructure as well.

BTW, if you hear hammering and sawing in the closet, don't pay any attention. It's likely the cat working on the siege-tower I sent plans for.

[G3750]

I don't know, seems to me you've made some significant progress over the past 90 days or so, not only on the layout, but on the surrounding infrastructure as well.

BTW, if you hear hammering and sawing in the closet, don't pay any attention. It's likely the cat working on the siege-tower I sent plans for.

Thank you. Upon reflection, I am making forward progress.

The infrastructure is, unfortunately, a necessary evil. I really can't run the type of smoke units I want in the Open Hearth without the fan and the duct work to safely remove its smoke. And moving forward with the rest of the layout with this incomplete would require major re-work later. Been there, done that. No thanks.


Never a good idea to give the cat access to your eBay or Amazon accounts. Don't ask me how I know.

George

[Rufus T. Firefly]

BTW, if you hear hammering and sawing in the closet, don't pay any attention. It's likely the cat working on the siege-tower I sent plans for.

Better a constructive cat with aspirations than a simple destructive one.

[G3750]

BTW, if you hear hammering and sawing in the closet, don't pay any attention. It's likely the cat working on the siege-tower I sent plans for.

Better a constructive cat with aspirations than a simple destructive one.

Rufus, you clearly don't understand cats. There is only one driving force in the nature of felines - dominance.

Check out the photos. You'll see exactly what I mean.

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0mGdFryYOJhje



George

[Rufus T. Firefly]

BTW, if you hear hammering and sawing in the closet, don't pay any attention. It's likely the cat working on the siege-tower I sent plans for.

Better a constructive cat with aspirations than a simple destructive one.

Rufus, you clearly don't understand cats. There is only one driving force in the nature of felines - dominance.

No.....we "had" 3 and they clearly were in charge. But there is constructive dominance and then there's destructive dominance. Any good sub knows the difference,

[G3750]

Ever take on a project and wish you had left well enough alone?

This duct work construction is clearly above my pay grade or skill level or intelligence or something.

The frustration is compounded by having to work in a small space: measuring, cutting, test-fitting, removing and then repeating, apparently ad nauseum.

George

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Duct work is a PITA unless you actually do know what you are doing.

[G3750]

Duct work is a PITA unless you actually do know what you are doing.

Oh, that's my problem!

I am happy to report that I've made a few tweaks to the project and it is moving along much better!

George

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Duct work is a PITA unless you actually do know what you are doing.

Oh, that's my problem!

I am happy to report that I've made a few tweaks to the project and it is moving along much better!

Well, I was taught a lot about ductwork installation by an HVAC guy when I was a kid.......goofy stuff, but not hard once you're taught the tricks of the trade, not unlike many other jobs. Still, not one I'd like to have as a primary job.

[G3750]

Updated 11/03/2021:

After much effort, fitting, cutting, re-fitting, and working in the cramped Staging Area, the duct work is finished!! I've got a tiny bit of effort left - weatherstripping and possibly some final fit-and-finish work, but the major effort is over!

Sorry, no photos or details because the effort is being teed up for a future magazine article.

I am expecting the smoke generator in the next 4-5 days and then we'll give the entire system a serious test.

More when I know it.

George

[healey36]

Where the heck is Chuck? He usually has some good input for these types of things...

[G3750]

Where the heck is Chuck? He usually has some good input for these types of things...

Great question!!!!

Hope he's OK.

George