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February '12
This page describes work accomplished on the new TMRC layout during the month of February 2012, as taken from the descriptions posted to the club mailing list.
February 1

We start with some pictures for our far-flung members, to show certain features of benchwork as an aid to layout design. Here's a hole.
And here's another hole.
This is the cast-resin facade for Tuckerton station, which Andy Miller obtained some time ago. Even as a factory second, it's pretty impressive. Being from Andy, it is naturally a Pensylvania prototype--the station in Wilmington, Delaware. Dimensions as shown.
Mike Stunes did some very useful software, designed to deal with the vestigial "caboose hack" problem that occurs with switching across turnouts, when there is a crossover involved. Finally we have some code that makes use of the information on which blocks have locomotives in them!
John P continued with the unreasonable trackwork on Helix Section 14.
Speaking of layout design and distant members, David Lambeth has sent some very attractive plans.


February 8

Some electrical work took place, involving wiring under the tower.
A new red faceplate, indicating power always on.
Our collection of electrical components.
Andy worked on the road bridge to go above F-Yard.
John P continued with the unreasonable trackwork on Helix Section 14.
Would Eliza accept a processor-based flasher in her TV truck?


February 11

We had an operating session, which unfortunately didn't get photographed. But there was coupler damage to fix afterward.
Genya visited after operation ceased; there were multiple computers in use.
New member Christian did some scenery work.
The spur at Saurian Skin Care developed a short circuit, which was traced to a rail gap shorting out at the bumper. A little piece of styrene fixed it.
We've now got destination pockets for 4 different loading docks at Standard Hydrocarbon & Petrochemical, in the town of Kotocket. The pockets use a new color: yellow.


February 15

It seems Economy Hardware has reopened. Note "We're back" sign in window.
More work on helix Section 14.
This was a demonstration of a feedback mechanism. The sequence is:
1. Put soda cans in small refrigerator.
2. Turn up chilling to unknown (but high) level.
3. Wait for a frozen can to burst.
4. Bursting can sprays enough soda around to open the door.
5. Refrigerator now warms up, preventing more cans from bursting.
It's really quite an intriguing process. It is unknown where all the soda went.


February 29

Progress required drilling holes in the Institute, something we haven't done for a while. The concrete floor seems to need one new drill per hole.
The objective was to secure a new vertical post just outside the helix. See Dec 3 for its first placement.
Then the upper end of the 2x4 had to attached to the existing plywood, a job which forced the removal of Berkmannville's buildings, bridge and backdrop.
Once the 2x4 was secured, it was possible to make a mockup of helix Section 15, which has diverging and branching tracks on it.
On the other side of the room, Mike Stunes modified a poster design for a new recruiting campaign.



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Tech Model Railroad Club of MIT
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Cambridge, MA 02139

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Email: tmrc-web@mit.edu