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Rhinochugger

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I'm assuming (can't exactly be sure from the pics) that the yellow isolators have been replaced with the black plastic Massoth insulator clamps?


Jon.

Oo-er - technology advances without me :emo::emo::emo:
 
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dunnyrail

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I have just tried my gradients, and none were steeper than 4.7 degrees, averaging around 3 degrees, which seems odd as mine are 1:20 - 1:30??
Hm must be Europen Degrees rather than US ones, if I remember a lot of chat recently are they different! Or am I getting confused with Percent for grades again?
 
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I have just tried my gradients, and none were steeper than 4.7 degrees, averaging around 3 degrees, which seems odd as mine are 1:20 - 1:30??

Wheee... here we go again... :D

4.7 degrees is 8.2%... STEEP... 1:20 is 5:100 or 5%.... maybe part of the measuring process is not as accurate as you think?

https://rechneronline.de/winkel/percent.php

Greg
 

JimmyB

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But you've also taken out the insulation - you're not going over to the dark side are you, Jimmy ? :whew::whew:
Jon split jaw insulated clamps, and they seem to work!!
 

Rhinochugger

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Jon split jaw insulated clamps, and they seem to work!!
Yes, Jon suggested that might be the answer - I'm off to get my eyes tested :nerd::nerd:
 

BakerJohn

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Jon split jaw insulated clamps, and they seem to work!!
Do you like those, Jimmy? I can't decide between them or the plastic ones (either LGB or PIko).
 

PhilP

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I need to look at the Massoth ones though not sure they are as good

they are different:

DSC01688.JPG

The nuts pull-in to the plastic base.. Easier if you solder wires before bolting up to the track, but do any outside work on a tray of some sort. - Very easy to lose bits.
 
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PhilP

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Now why can't I see the picture??
Anyone else not see it??
 

PhilP

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Might be different size-settings on the new CDN??
I will try to replace the picture a little later..

Well, I have deleted the file (831K) and reloaded it, and it is still not showing..
I have done nothing different to posting other pictures.. :(
 
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dunnyrail

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Might be different size-settings on the new CDN??
I will try to replace the picture a little later..

Well, I have deleted the file (831K) and reloaded it, and it is still not showing..
I have done nothing different to posting other pictures.. :(
Oh er wonder what is wrong, must try a pic in the 'wot av u been doing today'.

EDIT, my test image only shows "image" in a box so looks like we do have some more issues. Hope the upgrade tomorrow sorts it.
 
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JimmyB

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I can see the photos, and the clamps are very similar in design to the all brass clamp, and I would think cheaper than the split jaw. Clamps are clamps and I am sure I will allow myself to mix and match clamp makes on my railway.
 

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Many thanks for your comments, thermolites for my incline is the way to go.
I love the look of your trackwork so far. Very impressive. I am thinking of laying track on blocks buried in the ground for the ground level sections of the line - are the Thermolite blocks available at Wickes or B&Q or do they have to be bought from a builders' merchant? Thanks.
 

Clive Tucker

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I love the look of your trackwork so far. Very impressive. I am thinking of laying track on blocks buried in the ground for the ground level sections of the line - are the Thermolite blocks available at Wickes or B&Q or do they have to be bought from a builders' merchant? Thanks.
At the risk of butting in, I can confirm that thermolites are available from b&q and Wickes, indeed any mainstream DIY outlet should stock them. I am currently using them for the very purpose you are proposing :)
 

dunnyrail

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Clamps are very much a "I prefer xxx" whatever you have been used to. I started with Hillman have the odd split jaw or two lurking somewhere. But if I were starting anew I would always go for Massoth as being a Top Screw fit are so much easier to use. Also I feel that they are just a little less obtrusive than the others. But as I said at the start that is my preference.
 

JimmyB

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Clamps are very much a "I prefer xxx" whatever you have been used to. I started with Hillman have the odd split jaw or two lurking somewhere. But if I were starting anew I would always go for Massoth as being a Top Screw fit are so much easier to use. Also I feel that they are just a little less obtrusive than the others. But as I said at the start that is my preference.
Massoth are definitely easier to fit, split jaw can be rather fiddly.
 

JimmyB

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Well last weekend saw initially fit clamps to my last point, then it was time to tackle the gradient.
First off make myself a simple jig:
View media item 3198
Two block half inch difference in height, and 12 1/2" apart (at the corners that touch) gives me 1:25, with the bubble touching one line (in the sight glass) it goes to 1:30, and the other line 1:20. The level was bought some time ago (new) from a long gone well know DIY store.

Next it was time to dis mantle the gradient already laid and accurately re-lay it, along with temporary fitting to the bridge, as you will see I used my LGB for this:


Next day saw permanent fitting of the rest of the gradient up to the bridge, and used my bachman for this, a little disappointed, no traction tyres, and not as good adhesion:


These test runs made my mind up about coupling types across my (very small) fleet.
 
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