Large Scale Central

The Mass Coastal RR has acquired a Schnabel

Videos
#1

The Schnabel was out on a revenue run the other day and I was there to capture the action on video.

I still have a few spots on the layout to make it Schnabel compliant such as moving a bridge a couple of inches, done, building 2 wider portals that are on curves which I wanted to do anyways, but sadly the Schnabel will not fit through Pinchpoint tunnel. The tunnel is 15’ long and shaped like a horseshoe. It is built round a 6.5 diameter curve track. The trouble is the arm swing on the Schnabel hits the tunnels concrete walls. Maybe I can get in there with a grinder? I do think it would make it without the load but haven’t tried yet.

5 Likes
#2

WOW… Nice train…really a good looking consist…!!

#3

Thanks Dave. I thought about setting it up with the idler flats like the real deal does but then I imagined the leading flat string lining and the schnabel rolling down grade 100’ to its doom.

#4

Todd;

Great video. It does look like you may need to trim some volunteer saplings and other vegetation to clear the Schnabel when it makes a journey. Just another item to add to the list. My old layout was under some white pines, so most vegetation preferred not to grow on a thick bed of pine needles. Made a mess for operations, though. Lots of sessions with a drywall sander!

Best, David Meashey

#5

Thanks Dave. It’s all about the constant trimming in the Summer but I do like the greenery.
I should make one of those cars that use RC plane propellers to chop up intruding weeds on the main line.

1 Like
#6

Todd;

A battery Dremel with a model airplane prop epoxy glued to a brass or aluminum rod of proper diameter, then mounted on a flat car will work. (You can shove the flat car with a switch engine.) I know because I have tried it. Actually, I was doing a feasibility test for my Fast Mail jet rail car. The trimming was kind of a side effect.
FastMail051
Regards, David Meashey

#7

A good idea Dave M.
Your fast mail must really fly.

#8

train looks great, thanks for posting

#9

Echoing what the others said Todd, and you kinda mentioned it yourself…

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Been so much fun watching this from the napkin through to revenue service

Cheers
N