Building With WS Foam Risers

[ginzokid]

As I mentioned in the other group, I am going to build my new layout with Woodland Scenic foam risers. You can see in the pictures that I have posted that the open grid bench work, which you can't see, is covered with acoustic ceiling tiles. This gives me the flat surface I need without having to cut a lot of plywood sub-roadbed and risers. Not much fun as you probably already know, especially on the curved pieces. And all those risers to cut and the splices to make. The WS system has to be simpler. Now comes the fun. Figuring out how much and of what pieces I needed. Well, I have a lot of foam coming. The real fun was figuring out the inclined risers needed to allow the proper clearance at the overpasses. I am using two different slopes, the 2% and the 3%, to get up to the clearance I need. What I also had to do was combine several different thicknesses of riser plus incline to get to the proper height. As soon as I get started and take some pictures, I'll post my progress. Meanwhile, if anyone has questions about the WS foam system, ask away. I think I have a good handle on it. Pete

[ginzokid]

If you can actually read any of what I wrote on that sketch, you will see why I retired from architecture. Can't even write my own name anymore. This is a good idea Mike. We are all not draftsman but any attempt at a sketch would be a help. Just remember, you have to open an album yourself to post the picture and then you refer to it in the discussion with the link at the bottom before you post. I put this sketch in my album because Gene can not seem to get into the albums. Can anyone figure that problem out for us? Pete

[ginzokid]

There is a thread going in G1 that I want to incorporate here. Marc was talking about seeing the 3% riser set for the first time and realizing that he had to revamp his mountain because if a height difference. I may be all off on this, but I think, Marc, that you can use just part of the 3% set to get up to your second level and forget the rest of the set or use it in another place. I may be wrong, but didn't you say you had 2" difference to the upper track? Well just use the 3% risers to get you up to there and back down again. You will rise faster that the 2% and in a shorter distance which I know is what you want. If I have misinterpreted your other postings, well I tried. It seems to me that you need to get up and down in a short distance and that is why you chose the 3%. Right? Hope this helps and I have the problem diagnosed correctly. Pete

[trmwf]

Pete, If what you're saying about Marc already having a 2 inch difference in his sub-roadbed then I think you are right. He can just cut off any excess of the WS riser when he reaches the edge of his height difference. The only trouble may be that he is going up so steep then going completely flat that there will be a noticeable and possibly hindering bend or bow vertically in the track when it reaches the top of the climb then levels off abruptly. This situation would probably be even worse if there is a curve involved due to crosslevel or reverse crosslevel if I'm picturing things right in this feeble brain of mine. Mike PS: Am I in the middle of a screwy deal with a screwy guy in England over a pound note. Can't wait to see how this deal turns out. What a riot!!!!!!

[ginzokid]

Mike, You are always here when I am. Kim deals with the pound sterling every day. Go to the Fed Reserve bank web site for today's conversion rates. Then you can talk turkey to the guy. By the way, say "pip pip" and "jolly good" a few times and he will know you are an idiot, "say what!, oh, good show, old boy." Yes the dreaded reverse curve at the top. Well, if Marc, are you listening here Marc, hot glues the top of the 2" section to his flat and then shims the WS slightly to lessen the arc, as I have done many times, the transition should not be too severe. I think you know what I mean Mike. Pete

[trmwf]

There is always more then one way...... and it always gets covered up with plaster so no one sees the "engineering" job right? Mike It's not the conversion rate, it's one little old pound all by itself what ever it is worth. I'll try to make this short. Yesterday I asked him about shipping charges from there to here. He didn't answer. This morning I asked him again as item was coming up in 2 hrs. 30 min before the end he answers and says 2 pounds. I bid and win and he sends an invoice immediately after for the total. I'm on line and pay immediately with Paypal. Later, when I get my receipt I notice there was only 1 lb shipping charge so I write and ask if he can cancel first invoice and send another. 5 hours later he writes and says I must be getting a good deal as he didn't up the price 5% to cover paypal(which was his preferred method not mine), that he didn't up the price to cover his handling and that he didn't add the 50p (what ever that is??) for the box and then I go around and "up" him for a lb on shipping. Remember, I'm the guy that noticed "his" mistake and offered to make it good however he seems fit. I've even asked for his address so I could send him a couple of bucks: without deducting the cost of the money order, without deducting the price of the postage and without even deducting the cost of the envelope. The whole affair is so stupid it is almost funny. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[g-pa1]

Mike I think the 50p is 50 pence. Gene

[ginzokid]

Mike, Regardless of the exchange rate, this guy admits to upping the price by 5% to cover Paypal fees. This is strictly illegal according to eBay and he should be reported if you have any proof that he did it to you. Also in group 1, Gene wants to know if there is such a thing as trainaholics? See the photo below, newly posted in my photo album. Pete

[trmwf]

Great cartoon Pete. The guy did not up the price 5%. Basically, he sent a bill. I paid the bill. He screwed up and made it a lb less. I caught his mistake and offered to make it good anyway. He rants about the good deal I got because he didn't raise to cover PP, didn't raise the shipping to cover his expense, and didn't even charge me the 50 cents for the box, then I stiff him for a lb on shipping when he is the one who made the mistake not me. Still haven't heard back from him. Mike

[untabubba]

Here's my response to Gene's question about "Trainaholics Anonymous". Are you KIDDING? I found an auction for a Life Like N scale layout IN A SUITCASE!! It's totally complete with lighted buildings, a tunnel and a three car train. The power pack is tucked neatly in one corner. Train-a-holics Anonymous INDEED!! You HAVE to KNOW guys are taking these things to work and running them in their office, or where ever! I actually put a bid on it, but it went for WAY more than I was willing to pay......kind of silly at $50! Marc

[70novahound]

Great cartoon Dad! CJ

[beastranger]

Pete it looks just like you. :-) Marc $50 seems a little on the low side for one of those suitcase sets. I think they go for over $300 new but don't hold me to that. Doug

[untabubba]

Doug, I believe you're thinking Z scale, Doug. To tell the truth, I've never seen this before. It's VERY "toy-like". I just tried to research it and can't find it anywhere. It might be an OOP item that these guys are selling out of stock. At any rate, I'm not paying over $50.00 for a novelty item like that. Marc

[g-pa1]

Pete sign me up for your TA meeting. 12 steps to a better layout is the motto! Gene

[trmwf]

Marc, Is your 3% WS foam riser problem from this thread solved? Mike

[untabubba]

Refer to post #39. Here's the suitcase layout for TOTAL addicts to take their choo-choo to work, OR on the road. Remember the Hanson brothers and their slot cars in SlapShot? Check the $115.00 price tag (MSRP $149.99)....WHO IS BUYING THESE?!?! http://www.firsthobby.com/store1/Product.asp?ProductID=LIF7537&SN=2003072119182286 Mr. Breeze-a-holic