Welcome back to the “Hobo”! Mark and his family are scheduled to visit us at the end of June from “down under” in Australia. We are anxiously awaiting his arrival and looking forward to all the excitement, camaraderie, and fresh new ideas Mark always brings with him. It is refreshing to get a different perspective on things, especially model railroading things, and Mark certainly is noted for his different perspective.

Mark has been in Australia for over ten years now and is firmly established as a citizen and resident there but his roots are back here in the good ‘ol USA. Hopefully, he can get to see many of the things that make this country so interesting and great and show his family the better side of America. There is much to offer for visitors and residents alike in nearly every nook and cranny of this great country. In our little nook we have a rich history of baseball with numerous teams which originated in New York to the Hall of Fame here in Cooperstown. To support this great sport over the years the railroad transported many of the fans from upstate areas to the city where the games were played. This continues even today with Amtrak being one of the best means of travel for convenience to the games in New York City. More often than not the close proximity of the train stations to desirable landmarks makes them the logical choice for getting to your destination. Besides the tourism industry, trains are also a mainstay of transportation for goods. It is one of the least expensive ways of shipping large quantities of goods over long distances available to industry today. This real life diversity makes modeling the railroad industry both challenging and exciting. It maintains a keen interest in the details of recreating a miniature world of travel and adventure for those involved in the hobby. This is where Mark’s outlook shines.

He finds the details many overlook and shines his own light on the obvious to the amazement of others. This introspection makes Mark’s models stand out over similar models where the details he incorporates are not found elsewhere. Mark’s willingness to share his observations and ideas with others makes him one of model railroading’s true giants. Mark is always ready to help in any way he can if you have a problem or idea that needs to be expanded. He often shares some of his ideas with FUNTRAK when he occasionally writes a column for Hobos Fire. FUNTRAK wishes Mark well and hopes he not only has a great time during his visit, but also gains some valuable insight to develop new ideas to incorporate into his own model railroading and further share some of these ideas with us in the future.

Brian

The second annual Fisher Elementary Traintastic Show sponsored by FUNTRAK and the Parent Teacher Organization has come and gone and has been regarded as a resounding success. Along with cooperative weather, the crowds were bigger, the layouts were different and upgraded from the last show, vendors were in attendance, the food was plentiful, the children delighted, and the adults had a great time. What more could one ask for?

This year, the show layouts expanded and included many new scenes, as well as modules for the public to peruse and enjoy. Multiple scales were represented so visitors could compare and appreciate the different model trains. The local news media came to enjoy our family-oriented activities and report on the educational value of the model railroad hobby. With the many skills necessary to construct a model railroad, the opportunity to learn a number of these skills is readily available to anyone willing to partake of the knowledge available from the experts at these shows. From art to construction, electricity to carpentry, math, history, and English, model railroading encompasses all these areas into one excellent, family-oriented hobby where everyone can participate and get hands on experience.

With today’s technology, many of these things can be accomplished with a computer. The research, development, and designing of the railroad can all be done via the many programs available, as well as utilizing the Internet to help. Videos for “how to” are available for nearly every facet of the hobby and the results of other’s efforts can be appreciated through this medium. We are truly in the middle of the “Information Age” where almost anything you want to know about can be easily found with the tools of technology we have at our disposal. Communication is remarkably fast. There is very little lag time between asking a question and getting an answer today. If you are looking for a satisfying hobby that not only can you enjoy individually, but also with friends and family, then model railroading may be the avenue you should consider. It will enhance the skills you already possess and allow you to learn new ones to keep you interested in the hobby. Help from others is always available from multiple sources and most often willingly supplied by the members of the model railroad community. Clubs always welcome new members where expertise abounds and camaraderie is the order of the day. So, in answering the question of what more could one ask for, why not a new and exciting hobby that the entire family can participate in and have a fabulous time?

Brian

Welcome to winter! The weather outside is NOT delightful, as the old song goes. It has been cold for the major portion of January and does not look like it will warm up to close out the month. So what have FUNTRAK’s members been doing to counter this atrocious weather? Why, attending old shows for the first time in many moons, and continuing to build new, exciting, different, and novel ttrak modules, of course!

For the first time since 2006, FUNTRAK was invited to attend the January Toy Train Collectors Society annual show at Union Station. FUNTRAK provided a small t-trak layout for the public’s enjoyment to augment the large contingent of Lionel trains at the show. This little layout generated a lot of interest among the spectators and pleased the vendors, since now their customers interested in something other than the Lionel O scale trains could actually see something else operating. All went well and everyone had a great time. The layout ran well after some initial adjustments were made to correct for some minor oversights. FUNTRAK anticipates that we will be back again next year now that the promoters realize we no longer need huge amounts of space to accommodate our small empires.

Speaking of small empires, the newest modules FUNTRAK have been constructing involve only a single loop when assembled as a point to point layout. One end of the loop is a crossing loop while the opposite end is a balloon shaped circle. This arrangement limits the size of trains to a restricted length as well as allowable motive power that is able to traverse the small radius curves. However, it does make it easy to assemble layouts in unusual shapes if desired. This simplified design also means that one person should have no problem in maintaining the layout alone, if necessary, since only one train will usually be running around the layout. The crossing loop is visually exciting because it looks like the train is going to collide with itself, but it doesn’t! This is just another example of where FUNTRAK has been at the forefront of design for this newest venue of N scale model railroading by designing, building, and operating some of the most unique t-trak modules to be displayed anywhere.

Other areas where FUNTRAK is moving forward include the HO division, which Greg Brockway has overseen exceptionally well. His dedication and ambition have made the HO modules more and more popular and are ever expanding. Because of his efforts, FUNTRAK is more visible to the general public and able to attract more people into the fold.

Finally, January saw the annual show at Springfield have its usual huge attendance, but was noticeably missing any t-trak participation. We believe this will soon be rectified when the promoters are approached by some of the t-trak interested modelers next year. This may lead to FUNTRAK becoming a participant again, albeit not with the larger n-trak modules but rather, the smaller, more convenient t-trak modules, at this huge event. Time will tell. Next up this month will see FUNTRAK back at Fisher Elementary in support of the PTO over the weekend of February 22nd . Make a point to come out and support both FUNTRAK and the PTO. Bring the family. After all, our first name is FUN! See you there.

Brian

Welcome to the new year! FUNTRAK has had an interesting year in 2013. New members, new venues, new modules, new scales, repeat shows, and old friends.

This all began in February when FUNTRAK returned to Fisher Elementary in support of their PTO show. This was followed up in March with a rescheduled meeting at the Family Fun Center at the end of the month. This meeting saw the presentation of FUNTRAK ‘s transition tee for the one trak proposition. The reverse loop is still a work in progress but is getting ever so close to
completion. It is amazing how such a “simple” concept can turn into such a complicated project. David King from Canada ans Mark Bean from Australia have both been providing me with all kinds of help. This has turned out to be quite the project! Hopefully, the end is in sight and this concept will work as advertised.

Our annual “Valley Rail Sights” was next on the FUNTRAK agenda. This is always a popular show and 2013 was no exception. This netted the club not only a satisfied vendor, but a new member as well. Our annual fund raiser provided enough funds to support the club’s activities for the remainder of the year and some future events, too.

The summer months brought out the construction crew. New modules for both the N scale and HO scale t-trak layouts were built. John Fleming and Lorenzo Franchi pretty much finished the N scale modules while Greg Brockway tackled the HO modules. Many of these modules were incorporated into the layouts set up at the annual PicNik. This year was rather significant since it was the tenth anniversary of the PicNik as well as Brian and Roseanne’s fortieth wedding anniversary. It also marked Brian’s second retirement, this time from the teaching profession. All in all, a very special event!

Next on the agenda was the Fonda Fair. Again, FUNTRAK provided a large portion of the layouts for the public to admire. This week long event draws big crowds and keeps the FUNTRAK members busy. September brought FUNTRAK to Clayton. This year, John and Lorenzo made the trip and represented FUNTRAK with both N trak modules and a t trak complete layout. Each year, FUNTRAK brings a few N trak modules and joins up with our Canadian friends and folks from the Syracuse area. This show is laid back and enjoyable for everyone. Rich Petitto puts on a smorgasbord on Saturday evening at the motel and everyone joins in for the camaraderie.

FUNTRAK‘s annual dinner in October was a bittersweet occurrence this year. A small layout was set up with some of the recently constructed new modules for testing and the major players were in attendance for the dinner itself. Everything went well and much was learned about the “simple” automatic reversing loop. Unfortunately, after dinner, club member Jim Domser never made it home. After being taken to the hospital, Jim succumbed to his afflictions and went to the big railroad in the sky. FUNTRAK will sorely miss Jim’s help and support.

November brought the annual show in Syracuse first, then Fulton the following weekend. Both of these shows went extremely well. FUNTRAK joined up with Genesee ‘N Ontario at Syracuse for a large N scale t-trak layout running DCC on the red line. Fulton found a smaller N scale t-trak layout at the show.

The beginning of December found John and Lorenzo back in Amsterdam for the Riverfront show again this year. Then onward to the newest show for FUNTRAK , R.I.T. Again, FUNTRAK joined up with Genesee ‘N Ontario to assemble a small “C” shaped layout. Rounding out the year, FUNTRAK was at the Oneida County Historical Society for the nineteenth year! Here, both the N and HO scale t-trak layouts were set up and entertained the adoring holiday crowds for nearly a week. News coverage by the local newspaper and television stations help bring the model railroads to the public’s attention.

FUNTRAK is anxiously looking forward to a most rewarding upcoming year. Come join us for the fun!

Brian

A Banner Year!

It’s that time once more! The summer season is coming to a close, school is getting ready to reopen, and I am retired. No more school for me! FUNTRAK has completed the annual PicNik with the usual great success. Fun, food, games, prizes, trains, and people all gathered together for a fabulous time again this year. So now is the time to reflect on the results of all this activity and to review future plans for FUNTRAK. New this year for the PicNik were some innovations to attract attention and interest. The banner pictured above was designed and finished by Brandon White, long time supporter of model railroading and FUNTRAK. This beautiful banner is over ten feet wide and easily visible from nearly anywhere. There is finally a flag pole to hold the American flag, and after some searching, a Canadian flag, in recognition of our Canadian friends and participants for the past ten years with the PicNik. In recognition of the importance of this tenth anniversary, LED flashlights engraved with 10th PicNik were distributed to all guests. Besides the grand prize of half the proceeds in the fifty-fifty raffle, prizes were awarded as tickets were drawn from the hat. This gave many more participants a chance to win a prize and was very popular.

The usual food supply was wonderful and our great Canadian friend David King cooked everything to perfection. The littlest guests also had a great time. Games with squirt guns, balloons, hoops, and pylons kept the smaller participants busy and entertained all day. Even the weather cooperated! After an initial rain for a short time, the sky cleared up and the rest of the day was beautiful. Finally, trains were up and running in both N scale and HO scale thanks to club members John Fleming and Greg Brockway, who coordinated the layouts with the help of other FUNTRAK members and guests Al Wheeler and Mike LaCasse from Albany. Al and Mike brought some new modules to test and see how they operated in a T-Trak layout. Although not sceniked yet, the modules did operate flawlessly and were a welcome addition to FUNTRAK’s N scale T-Trak layout. These new modules presented some new advanced ideas as to construction and transport methods. T-Trak continues to grow and move forward in numerous areas.

FUNTRAK is currently developing a one-trak concept for an automated reverse loop using an Arduino micro controller. Revision 2 of the plan is shown in the pictures on page three. The loop can be used in multiple ways. The end spacing allows it to be used with the specialty reverse loop module or as a regular module that can connect to the two standard 33mm centered modules. This arrangement allows for increasing the size of the reverse loop but does limit the ability of handling larger motive power because of the radius of the curves. It also allows the use of a single tee module without a matching tee on the other side of the layout. Of course, a special length matching straight module is required to make the layout even, but FUNTRAK has two of those!

FUNTRAK’s next event is the Fonda Fair followed by Clayton and then Syracuse. Hopefully, the reverse loop project will be ready to test and operate at Syracuse. Come on out and join us for all the fun at these scheduled events. See you there!
Brian

Well, we’re getting into summer now! The setup scheduled for Dave’s Diner on June 25th fell through due to the inclement weather. It’s summer–such things happen. Members showed up all ready to set up and run trains, alas the rain started falling out of the sky and put an end to that idea. In spite of the bad weather, club members had a splendid dinner. Dave has always supported the club and we look forward to setting up at a future date when the weather will hopefully cooperate better.

FUNTRAK had a great work session this month, with Greg making vast strides in moving us ahead with HO t-trak. Hopefully, it will be up and running fornext months PicNik!

In addition to layout builds, Brian and team have been steadily persevering at the software program to operate the reverse loop for the N scale T-trak one trak project. With continued efforts the reverse loop may be ready for operation at the upcoming PicNik.

It’s time to celebrate! The 10th Annual PicNik will take place at Brian’s on Sunday, August 4. Everyone is welcome. Bring the family and plan to stay the day. It’s going to be a great time with food, games, and socializing.

Welcome to Spring, replete with eighty degree weather one day and snow the next. At least this gives FUNTRAK members a reason to try and keep warm and build new modules. That’s exactly what members John Fleming, Jim Domser, Lorenzo Franchi, and Brian King did on Sunday, May 19th. After a highly successful meeting on May 7th, which included new members Bill Whittaker and Bill McComb, plans were finalized to construct the new reverse end loop for the N scale one trak t-trak layouts. Future plans for building more HO scale t-trak modules were decided and construction on those will begin in the near future. A general consensus found that most people favored the double length modules for HO since the single modules were more difficult to scenic. Sometimes, more is better. Construction of the N scale loop modules went well and track was laid on the three corner modules. The specialty module could not have track laid yet because all the sensors and electrical devices were not finalized at this time. This project has entailed getting help and advice from Canada, Australia, Syracuse, and Rochester. There is a lot more to automating a conventional reverse loop than at first meets the eye.

FUNTRAK will be using an Arduino micro controller to control all the necessary electrical and electronic actions involved in this endeavor. Brian has been tasked with coordinating all the programming and installation of the required devices to make this project work. Without the assistance of Mark Bean in Australia, the programming would not have progressed as far as it has. David King from Canada lent his expertise in overcoming some of the electrical anomalies while Jeff Faust in Rochester has contribute his knowledge to help out with the project. Of course, our friend Rich Pettito in Syracuse contributed to the beginning of all this when he donated a beautifully scenicked diorama that has the single track of one trak on it. This is what got most of this started. Thanks Rich!

As the pictures show, the construction went very well. The modules were cut, assembled, and the track laid down in relatively short order. Some minor adjustments and everything was ready to be tested. The small locomotives designed to be operated on the tight radius loop were tested and a few cars were run around the loop to make sure the track work was satisfactory. All seemed to work properly for the tests. Now we will see how everything goes when all the other equipment is installed. The critical part will be getting the software to do the right things in the right order. Time will tell. It seems FUNTRAK is not the only club with that ever had lenient “rules”. Club member John Quinn provided some insight into the “rules” of one of the former clubs he was a member of a few years back.

“Ties and Rail” Railroad Club Rules were as follows:

1) Anyone who loves trains, and agrees to these rules, is immediately created a vice-president.

2) Meetings are held whenever two members are sober enough to recognize each other.

3) Any member who tries to create any more rules or hold a business meeting is automatically expelled.

Seems reasonable to me. A little tongue in cheek is always nice to keep things on the light-hearted side. Thanks for sharing these rules with us, John. Maybe FUNTRAK can incorporate some of them into our constitution.

Upcoming events include a small HO setup at Dave’s Diner on June 25th. This is always a fun show for FUNTRAK since it is held outdoors and there are lots of other activities going on at the same time. The old cars, the DJ and music, the food, as well as the trains and camaraderie all contribute to a great evening of fun. Come on down and enjoy all the fun with us. See you there!

Brian

Innovation! What a great idea. Unfortunately, as Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration.” So I am ambitiously pursuing my brilliant idea of how to do a simple job with the least complicated solution. Developing a means of having a train go down a single track, traverse a reverse loop, and return to its origin with minimal human intervention. Seems simple enough, doesn’t it? Whoa! Let me tell you what I have done so far and what I foresee as yet to come in this “simple” endeavor.

First, I had to overcome the skepticism of my fellow helpers who all claim this is way too complicated to be done simply and efficiently. To do this I sent a preliminary drawing out and asked for help. This at least convinced them that I was serious, even if they thought I was still crazy. Now that the communication exchange had begun, the ideas and answers began to pop up. Some of the simple things that needed to be solved included how to automatically change the polarity of the tracks in the loop without having to stop the train, how to notify the engineer when the main throttle direction should be changed, how to protect the mainline from having the train go against itself when coming out of the loop, and the list goes on. Control of these functions is dependent upon knowing the location of the train at any given time. Here we go again!

Now I have to find some way of sensing the position of the train and relaying it to some sort of control mechanism. I decided that an Arduino microcontroller should do the job of providing a control mechanism for all the operations necessary to control the power supply for the trains in this section. I also decided to see if Hall effect sensors would work as the means of providing the necessary position indicators to feed this information to the Arduino. Again, simple ideas but complicated answers. How many Gauss does an electric train motor radiate? What, you say. So did I. I need to know something about these little motors in order to use the Hall sensors as a sensing mechanism.

How many relays does it take to control the polarity of the power being fed to the track? Simple suddenly doesn’t seem so simple any more. To answer these questions, I ordered the parts I would need to complete my experiment and test my brilliant ideas. Now all I have to do is wait for them to arrive.

Meanwhile, I am trying to figure out the magnetic pattern of my little locomotives so I know how to position the Hall sensors in the track, if in fact they will work at all, to detect the little trains. If, and that is a BIG if, this all works out as planned, I then need to delve into programming the Arduino to control the necessary hardware to accomplish my end desire. As you can see, what Edison was alluding to is that as each solution for a simple problem comes up, so does another problem required to be solved to support the original idea. Nothing is as simple as it at first appears.

I will keep plugging away at my problem and eventually either come up with a satisfactory solution or realize that it “simply” cannot be done.
Until next time, keep training.

Brian

Welcome to March! Usually March is a busy month for FUNTRAK, but this year activities seem to have been pushed back a month, so many things are moving into April. However, we do have a new meeting place; the Columbia Town Barn thanks to club member Tim Brien. FUNTRAK club members are eagerly looking forward to the new location and setting up a small t-trak layout for the meeting. Variety is the spice of life as the saying goes, so a new venue is always a welcome addition to FUNTRAK
’s list of meeting places.

February saw meetings at Fisher Elementary School to support the Parent Teacher Organization and at Brian’s to work on some of the modules that required some tender loving care to keep them operating in the usual flawless fashion at the shows.

Work is also progressing, albeit slowly, on the new one-trak modules. Hopefully these will be ready for public display in the near future. These modules will add a new dimension to the N scale t-trak displays by allowing unusual configurations of the layouts and reducing the need for modules to be restricted to standards to conform and fit in a defined layout. These new modules will also lend themselves to operations by providing destinations for the trains where industry tourism can be serviced. FUNTRAK envisions increased interest by both club members and the general public when the trains have a “purpose” other than running in a defined circle. These proposed ideas will enhance the functions of the railroad and increase the fascination with the model railroad for both observers and participants. Necessary new requirements for these actions include scheduling, train assignments, work orders, job directives, and timetables. Again, all this contributes to more attention to the goings on of the railroad.

As FUNTRAK grows, so does the involvement of club members in the new and exciting activities. Hopefully, some of these ideas can be implemented at FUNTRAK’s annual “Valley Rail Sights” show in April. Planning for this show is in the works and another show at Fisher Elementary School is also planned for the weekend following the “Valley Rail Sights” show. The weather should be more cooperative by that time and the attendance should pick up to some extent. If you are at all interested in model railroading, grab the kids and come on out to join us in the fun at any of these shows. See you there!

Meanwhile, keep on training.
Brian

Here it is February again and the same old problem persists; no activities to report. The Springfield show was last weekend, but FUNTRAK did not participate as a club and I did not attend. The Utica Toy Train Collectors Society show has come and gone, again FUNTRAK did not participate. Consequently, there is little to report for January. So what to write about?

Upcoming events that FUNTRAK will participate in. February brings in a new show this year at the Fisher Elementary School in Mohawk sponsored by FUNTRAK and the local Parent Teacher Organization over the weekend of February 9th and February 10th. This inaugural event should prove to be an exciting event for all involved. The residents of Mohawk, especially the children, have been exceptionally supportive of FUNTRAK in the past and have enjoyed the many displays provided by the club. FUNTRAK hopes to lure in many new visitors for this show to help support the Parent Teacher Organization and FUNTRAK as well as promoting model railroading to the public in general. This will be an excellent opportunity for families to come and enjoy the many aspects of model railroading from history to construction to modeling of railroads of all kinds. Do not miss this chance to see what model railroading can offer to you and your family.

March looks to be a quiet month but April is fairly active. First up is the 25th Anniversary of RailRun in Boston over the first weekend in April. FUNTRAK club members Greg Brockway, John Fleming, and Brian King are scheduled to attend with our old friend from Canada, David King. This is always a fantastic occasion that everyone enjoys. The layouts are not only wonderfully scenicked, but extremely well organized and professional in their operation, which is the main reason for attending in the first place.

Following this will be FUNTRAK’s annual Valley Rail Sights Show at the Masonic Lodge in Ilion again this year. Even this is an historic happening as this marks the fifth year FUNTRAK has been associated with the Masons in Ilion. This has proven to be a great venue for FUNTRAK and the Masons as both benefit from the event. Participation by other clubs has made this show a favorite for FUNTRAK club members and those who join us in the fun. We look forward to seeing our friends from Syracuse, Rochester, Canada, Albany, and other places who help with this show each year. The layouts change each year and the excitement at seeing what is new keeps the spectators coming back for more. They won’t be disappointed this year as FUNTRAK will be bringing the HO T-trak layout for the first time to Ilion. People have been clamoring for an HO display and this year FUNTRAK will be able to accommodate their wishes. Additionally, the other scales will also be represented from G, to N, to Z and the ever popular Lionel layout the public operates.

Future activities are in the works and the PicNik this year is going to be a BIG DEAL! Mark your calendars for the first Sunday in August (the fourth) and don’t miss this one! Meanwhile, keep on training. See you next time.

Brian