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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2020 12:41:55 GMT
Harry called me Friday and was in an educational mood. He gets that way at break time some days. We started talking about roundhouses, etc and then I mostly listened and learned. This is a non-technical and incomplete version of what he said.KEEP READING because at the end there is an opportunity to get something for your layout that few people have. Back in the day, steam engines weren’t turned on and off with a key and, once fired up, were often left fired up. Hostlers were men who had the job of watching over the herd of engines of which the N and W had a lot. This produced a minor pollution problem (imagine 10 engines all quietly puffing away). Soon localities passed smoke abatement laws which did things such as ban steam from Grand Central Station, etc and something had to be done. How to solve the problem? Build a large vacuum cleaner to inhale the smoke thru a big scoop over the stack, pipe the smoke thru a water filter, and much of the problem was solved. Obviously there was more to it but you get the picture. These contraptions were christened SMOKE CONSUMERS, and consume they did. They were features in many places, especially roundhouses, engine yards, and terminals where an engine might have to sit for a day. Speaking of picture, here is one, courtesy of Harry’s collection. ” Hey Bill, you know, you need one of these on your layout. I could make one easy and it would create a lot of conversation.” Hooked again. “ Harry, what would it cost?” That evening I got a text with the picture and a note... “ Maybe you could check with the OGF guys and see who might be interested in one. The more I make, the lower the cost. So, who is interested in having a Smoke Collector on their layout, assuming a reasonable price? PTC doesn’t know it yet but, if we have interest, he will be asked to negotiate the price with Harry. He is really good at it. Please reply.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2020 12:57:11 GMT
Leave it to Harry's wonderful imagination to bring us something prototypical and visually appealing. I believe this would be a great addition to one's layout. Placed beside a roundhouse or close to the coal supply and coal chutes would make for a fantastic model scene. Go Harry Go!!
Gary.
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Post by Joe Saggese on Mar 15, 2020 12:58:28 GMT
I would definitely get one!!!!!
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Post by harborbelt70 on Mar 15, 2020 13:03:03 GMT
I would definitely get one!!!!! Me too. I have some early TMCC engines where this would be an ideal accessory, if only as a conversation piece.
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Post by josef on Mar 15, 2020 13:47:52 GMT
This is really interesting> I remember seeing such a structure at the EJ&E Roundhouse and never knew what it was till yea after when the roundhouse was abandoned as well as the turntable and trackage removed, leaving the pit, roundhouse and this structure still there. Tuthill Spring Company bought the land, building, etc and moved this structure over their furnace forge quench pits in which oil vapors would otherwise go into the air and factory. Another on of those I wished I had photographed.
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Post by laz57 on Mar 15, 2020 14:06:39 GMT
Very nice accessory for your layout indeed. Great for conversation too. But how good to eliminate all the smoke on the layout when running engines? My WIFE would want me to have it if it really did eliminate it.
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Post by Adam on Mar 15, 2020 14:16:27 GMT
I might be interested in one depending he price, especially after seeing how much smoke my Southern Pacific puts out. Of course, I know it wouldn't actually be functional. Still unique and would be a fun addition to the layout.
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Post by ptc on Mar 15, 2020 14:41:47 GMT
Harry is a real pioneer for our O-Gauge hobby. Who in the world would have thought of this. Anyone with a steam engine facility would be an excellent candidate for this new acessory. Certaily a conversation piece.
And the good news, the members and guests of the OGF get to see it first.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2020 0:57:12 GMT
Harry texted us and said the measurements will be @ 5 X 2 X 6 and the approximate cost will be $50. Postage and Handling needs to be added; I would guess $10-12
I plan to ask him to build one so that we can see what it will look like. Assuming that the smoke collector looks realistic, is this price reasonable for everyone.
Now let me clear this with the boss in the North country. It is above my pay grade.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2020 2:26:04 GMT
That history of this is very interesting. I'm a diesel guy and it would not work for me.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2020 10:15:08 GMT
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Post by harborbelt70 on Mar 16, 2020 11:27:10 GMT
Harry texted us and said the measurements will be @ 5 X 2 X 6 and the approximate cost will be $50. Postage and Handling needs to be added; I would guess $10-12 I plan to ask him to build one so that we can see what it will look like. Assuming that the smoke collector looks realistic, is this price reasonable for everyone. Now let me clear this with the boss in the North country. It is above my pay grade. That would qualify as reasonable. I’d certainly be interested in one if Harry needs some start-up orders.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2020 15:11:02 GMT
The price is ENTIRELY reasonable!! Kudos to Harry.
Gary.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2020 20:15:07 GMT
After hearing from several members, I contacted Harry about the possibility of including operating fans in the collector.
A few minutes ago, he called back and has contracted for high velocity turbo fans to be in each unit. They will turn at 7500 RPM, are capable of moving 4 cubic feet of air/minute hopefully. This will add further authenticity to the project. He has scheduled a time to conclude the design phase and to begin production and will determine the optimal cost for a unit. The first estimate of $50 did not include the operating feature.
As far as we are aware, this will be another first in the industry.
Harry mentioned that he received six more Js this week. They seem to be a gift that keeps on giving.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2020 16:30:34 GMT
After hearing from several members, I contacted Harry about the possibility of including operating fans in the collector. A few minutes ago, he called back and has contracted for high velocity turbo fans to be in each unit. They will turn at 7500 RPM, are capable of moving 4 cubic feet of air/minute hopefully. This will add further authenticity to the project. He has scheduled a time to conclude the design phase and to begin production and will determine the optimal cost for a unit. The first estimate of $50 did not include the operating feature. As far as we are aware, this will be another first in the industry. Harry mentioned that he received six more Js this week. They seem to be a gift that keeps on giving. Definitely would want one or more of Harry's Smoke Eaters!! Lionel has to be on Harry's Christmas Card List this year! Gary.
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