Completely agree. Also the ability to bring more detail in comparison to larger scales is a huge pre for me. No hijack but… I am planning to purchase x-tool but still contemplating CO2 vs Diode Laser Unit. I would like to leverage this to design and build my own models. Do you have any thoughts on CO2 vs Diode unit? -Tiest Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
For home use the diode laser at 20W or more would be a good home laser. If CO2, it would have to be an expensive metal tube model to do good Z scale projects. Don't buy a CO2 glass tube laser unless you just want to cut out plywood module parts, because they don't focus as nice for Z scale brick lines or other fine stuff.
As I am reading the standards on the TTZ module dimension on TTrak Wiki I read the following: “width: multiple of 220mm, with 2mm slop subtracted (example: single = 218mm, double = 438mm)” Can someone tell me what the word ‘slop’ means, should this be slope? As always, your response(s) are appreciated. -Tiest Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
They want you to make your module 2mm shorter so the adjacent module's track will connect. If everyone builds their modules shorter, then the standard Rokuhan track pieces used will hang over the edges of your modules, and the guy who's module expanded or twisted, or for whatever reason needs an extra millimeter of track to connect will be able to connect his module. I believe it's overkill and causes an unsightly gap between modules, so I build my modules without any gap, then sand 250 micrometers off each side, then water seal my modules so they cannot warp. This leaves a 500um gap between my modules which looks better than 2000um! So in the context used, the word "Slop" means Hysteresis, a mechanical build hysteresis. In the context it is used it means some people's modules will be too short, and some people's modules will be too long when trying to setup modules from different builders, but by having all the modules slightly shorter than multiples of 220mm, and by using the Rokuhan standard tracks on all modules, then everyone who brings a module to connect will be able to fit their module in the overall layout.
Damn! What do you not know. Thanks for the lesson in mechanical engineering! I agree with you on the 500um, 2000um seems too much between two TTZ modules. I understand the rationale but for home usage and viewing it would not be good enough for me. -Tiest Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So today I engraved the new track diagram labels, and starting with the Hotel Module, I applied the new label, re-programmed it's 4 turnout decoder addresses to match, installed the Fire Box #5 sign on it's fire box, and decided I want to have just a bit of fun. I know it's not prototypical, but there were residence structures up on the hill behind the Lester Hotel was Block 15, which has 6 lots. So I put a fun structure on lot 6, that you have to take the trail in the woods to get to: And with that, my supper is ready. I smoked some boneless skinless Chicken Breasts, that I breaded in a combination of Corn Meal, KC Masterpiece Rub, Paprika, and Italian Seasoning, then sat in some olive oil in the baking pan. I smoked it low and slow with Mesquite pellets at 220F until the internal temp reached 165F then flipped all the breasts and ramped the heat up to 350 for 15 minutes to get a good crust all around:
Rob, The hotel module is lookin great! That building in the woods looks familiar, is that a house of ill repute? Mmmmmm, that chicken sounds and looks good! Scott
Still making progress, I have finished all modifications on the Hotel Module, Depot Roundhouse Module, and the Coal Dock module. And I am working on the Water Fuel Tanks Module. Here are some progress pictures:
Another planet... awesome and thanks so much for sharing. On ask; can you share a close up of the structure next to the hotel? Would like to see the foundation up close upon which the structure is build. Tiest Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The static grass makes the scene really complete. All those pictures of the real thing you see it. But you don’t notice til you notice. And of course that steamer is just perfect!
On the water and fuel tower module I installed a switch machine, added a turnout and track, then painted and ballasted in place: And I wired in the new turnout indicator LED, then applied the updated track diagram sticker. Now all 4 modules tracks are installed, but not yet debugged.
So I finished my last of 4 Lester WA modules to complete the set, and I submitted an article to Ztrack Magazine. Here is the 4th nodule, the Water an Fuel Oil module: A few days later a couple guys from the NMRA came over, and I submitted the paperwork for mt Model Railroad Author certificate, because they count a "Submission received with intent to publish" from a publisher as counting points towards the certificate. I also submitted paperwork for the completion of 7 master certificates towards my MMR. All paperwork submitted including Author, was for just the Z Scale work, making it a 100% Z Scale Achievement. Today Clyde came over and handed me a certificate signed by the Achievement Program Chairman, and the President of the NMRA naming me Robert Ray MMR #761. I was a little bit dizzy when I posed for the shot, but after all these decades of participating in module building, train show displaying, model kit manufacturing, and model railroading, I finally achieved my endgame. Thanks to all of you for tolerating my antics all these years, -Robert
