Page 9 - November December 2001

CARS...
(All items by the Editor unless otherwise credited)
manufacturers. One member at the AGM asked what the next standards could be for now that DCC has been done. I have given this some thought and, in my opin- ion, the answer is nanotechnology. For those not familiar with this concept, nanotechnology is the production and use of programmed machines so small that they are invisible to the naked eye; a bit like Z gauge. Obviously, the introduc- tion of this type of technology into hob- bies is a few years away but, like computers and microchips, the spin offs from medical and industrial develop- ment will surely result in manufacturers of these minute machines looking for new markets.
In model railroading consider the possi- bilities; groups of nanobots could be programmed to clump together into the shapes of people or animals 1/87th or 1/160th of full size and then walk about, others could be programmed to fire or even drive live steam locomotives. Away from the possibilities of animation or op- eration, they could be programmed to clean track or pull wires through narrow spaces. When this technology reaches our hobby, standardisation will be re- quired. Track cleaning nanobots must be able to clean any track be it Peco, Atlas or any other manufacturer. Nanobot engi- neers must be able to drive an Athearn locomotive as well as a Kato or Bach- mann. Also, it will be essential for Nanobots to stick to their programming. Imagine the chaos that could ensue if a nanobot fireman started cleaning metal- work or a nanobot dog’s tail tried to drive a locomotive.
Once again, I am sure the NMRA will come to our rescue by standardising the performance and specifications of these machines so that we remain in control and they do not run wild.
Happy Modelling.
(Eds. Note. “Keep taking the tablets”.)
One careful owner
Forget about that ‘98 Mondeo Estate you’ve been after. Les Herriot sent in a photo taken in Hamilton Yard, Ontario in March 2001, of an ex C.N. MLW C420 up for sale! One careful owner from new, reasonable mileage (i.e. it hasn’t reached a million yet), distinctive two-tone colour scheme and per- sonalised registration (CN 3508), current MOT, and tow bar fitted. Put your caravan behind this pre-loved model - it’ll handle that, and then some!
Rivarossi, rivets and Welsh illumination...
A line from Tony Farrand, in “darkest south Wales” (Swansea isn’t THAT dark! he says) to the effect that Rivarossi parts and repairs are now handled by him, and he can supply rivets at £6 for 50 to NMRA members. Also he has one pair of the special riveting pliers which he will loan free to members except for postage both ways. Tony is on 01792-899168.
In response to last issue’s Uncoupled Cars...
Alan Corkill mentions his dislike of the NMRA label promotion, and suggests that some way be devised of finding out in advance if a member wants to be in- cluded or excluded - perhaps a small box on the renewal notice, to tick if the mem- ber wants to be left out of such promo- tions.
(Comments have also been made by Nobby Clark, and other members, who liked the label idea and felt it was a worthwhile exercise in fund raising. You can see the problems faced by organisa- tions like ours in pleasing all the mem- bers all the time.)
Regarding my Lifelike “boxcar with miss- ing parts”, Alan too has such cars which he has completed using bits from other cars. He finds too many passenger cars came with too many water tanks but no A/C equipment, or smoke jack but no dining car roof hatches or vents.
He would like to find a source of ice boxes, 7mm dia. brass handwheels (6 spoke) for baggage car ends.
On to Van Hobbies CPR Hudson and Royal Hudson varieties - these have coasting drive and very nice spring- loaded gates/vestibules between tender and cab. (Alan would like to see these marketed as spares or a standard acces- sory). The Hudsons have the usual very
hard driver and truck springs and a very short draw-bar which is a problem on
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2002
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sharp and super-elevated curves, but can be replaced with one from another model (here we go again!)
Finally, having run out of Triumph Mo- tors ‘Damson’ paint for CPR maroon, the local paintshop made Alan up Hyundai DS “Very Dark Red” as the nearest match. On his way out, Alan lost his
car’s side mirror - unfor- tunately he doesn’t have another car to borrow one from....!
DECEMBER 2001 9