Z scale Intermodal group

RSmidt Mar 30, 2006

  1. shamoo737

    shamoo737 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Fred, just click under download, then choose different size of containers.

    Tim, looking forward to new items from TNT-Z.
    One question. Could the trailers be made so that it can be used for the well cars and flat cars by simply not attaching the wheels, or is it simply the case where they are just too different? I would like a little variety on the shape of the containers.

    I guess no matter how tired I am, I always find running trains to be very relaxing, especially when all the when all the wheels are metal. Clik, Click, Clik, Click.
     
  2. HoboTim

    HoboTim TrainBoard Supporter

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    The 48' & 53' trailers would be for use on the 89' Alan Curtis flat cars. Either place two 48' trailers on each flat car or rig a draw bar between two and make two 89' flats into a "Long Runner". Long Runners carried three 53' trailers. The middle trailer road on both flat cars with the pivoting point being the fifth wheel attachment point. Very nice concept.

    For those interested in obtaining an Ottawa Yard Mule for their module or layout, please let me know how many you want. I can make them with or without a driver inside.

    Here is a couple of photos.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Just a few photos I have on file!

    Let me know!

    [​IMG] Tim
     
  3. HoboTim

    HoboTim TrainBoard Supporter

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    Just to let everyone know, the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Z_Intermodal/
    is still accepting memberships at this time! :D

    Actually, their is no cut off date as when or if you can join, just trying to rustle up anyone who has an intermodal interest in Z scale and also to keep this thread up to date!

    [​IMG] Tim
     
  4. shamoo737

    shamoo737 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I wish someone that runs European intermodal operation would join. I would love to see a European intermodal layout in Z scale.
     
  5. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    Back in 1986 I toured Rotterdam harbor, and they had some very impressive intermodal operations.

    I could not believe how big that harbor was, and how many container operations I seen.

    The funny thing was, their operations looked just like the intermodal operations I see in Oakland today. Maybe European intermodal looks the same with exception to the railcars?


    -Robert
     
  6. Mark4

    Mark4 TrainBoard Member

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    I would like to model New Zealand intermodal in Z but I can't see it happening. I would need a track gauge of 4.85 mm. Nn3.5 could be a starter though - Z scale track is very close.

    No TOFC or double stacks here but containers are used for all manner of loads including coal (special 20' coal containers for small mines) and wood chips (high cube side dump containers/swap bodies).

    Many of the container chassis incorporate hydraulic side loaders so that they can load/unload or trans-load without any other equipment.
    http://www.swinglift.co.nz/about.htm
     
  7. shamoo737

    shamoo737 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Mark, you have one advantage that most of us dont have. A RP machine. Look at Robert. He makes a lot of his cars with his light saber( Star Wars). You can do it if you want it bad enought. Maybe one of this years I will see a Kiwi Z scale intermodal yard made by Mark4D.
     
  8. Gordon Werner

    Gordon Werner TrainBoard Member

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    Here in Seattle we have the daily Rabanco Trash Train ... which is a doublestack train of trash containers that have had their roofs removed (they have tarps over the tops)

    not sure exactly what is in them ... they don't smell too good when they go by, however it goes to show that other things are sent in containers here too.

    I am surprised that noone has started shipping livestock in livestock containers yet. Imagine the double-stack pig car ...
     
  9. Gordon Werner

    Gordon Werner TrainBoard Member

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    actually ... what I would like to see FR produce/release would be another set of the Maxi-III 5-unit artic's ... done up in the colors of the newest user: Northwest Container (they bought 24 5-unit sets)

    here is a photo of the Athearn HO-scale version:

    [​IMG]

    http://www.nwcontainer.com/webpages/03c_services_intermodal_web.shtml


    I wouldn't mind seeing a z-scale model of Gunderson's Auto-max car as well ... would go nicely with AZL's forthcoming Auto-rack cars
    more info: http://www.gbrx.com/Technical%20Bulletins/AutoMax.pdf
     
  10. Mark4

    Mark4 TrainBoard Member

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    I have taken a look at the Automax cars. A couple of points I would be wary of:

    The articulated joint will mean wide curves only.

    The diaphragm will be tricky to do well - it will have to have very little resistance to bending if derailments are to be avoided.

    Apart from that it would be an easy car to model.
     
  11. Gordon Werner

    Gordon Werner TrainBoard Member

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    Mark ...

    I'm thinking that you would have a black rubbery insert that would sit on top of the truck and inside the two-shells ... this might make the appearance of the diaphragm without the problems associated with making a working one at 1:220 scale ...

    this way, the shells could flex ... and as long as the "plug" was longer than the widest gap, it would keep the appearance of being contiguous ... this would also allow for wider-than-prototypical bending (for unscale z-curves) ...
     
  12. HoboTim

    HoboTim TrainBoard Supporter

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    Intermodal Entry Point

    Where do your Trucks pass thru to take containers to & fro your intermodal yard? Here is a look at mine!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I have bollards and signs made, just not assembled yet. Should look good when finished.

    Micro-Trains, where are those turnouts!!! Need them badly!

    Hobo Tim
     
  13. shamoo737

    shamoo737 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Tim, the guard house looks great. Looks like you have everything to build the intermodal yard.
     
  14. HoboTim

    HoboTim TrainBoard Supporter

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    Intermodal Interests!

    I just wanted to let everyone who reads this to know that this thread was started for all the Z scalers that have an interest in Intermodal Operations.

    Randy Smidt has started a group in Yahoo called the Z_Intermodal group. If you have an interest in Intermodal Operations I encourage you to join this group if you haven't already done so. We are going to see many more advances in Intermodal buildings and equipment in the future. Come join us in all the excitement.

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Z_Intermodal/

    :lightning: Hobo Tim
     

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