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Offline DaleSchultz  
#1 Posted : 02 November 2007 04:01:51(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
I have two Märklin roundhouse 7288 kits that will not be adjacent to each other, as can be seen at http://layout.mixmox.com/1/Engine_yard

Before I start building them I thought I would ask if there are any special things to pay attention to...

1) I will try and make the entire roof removable.
2) I will probably add interior lights
3) I will probably fill the silly gaps in the floor between the tracks
4) I use k-Track
5) I will probably add some interior details in one of them

Do the automatic door opening mechanisms work or are they a waste of time?

What good way is there to fill in the gaps between floor and tracks?

What is the best way to raise the track to the correct height?

Should I number the bays according to the tracks off the turntable or 1-2-3 then 4-5-6 ? I suspect I should skip numbers for the tracks that don't have sheds... Eg 2-3-4 then skip 5 then 10-11-12

Obviously some ideas come to mind right away but it would be good to learn from other's mistakes, regrets and successes...
Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
Offline Pianne  
#2 Posted : 02 November 2007 10:45:55(UTC)
Pianne


Joined: 26/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 461
Location: Bruges,
Looking forward to you report Dale, as I have a 7288 kit waiting to be assembled myself.Cool
Kind regards,
Pieter-Jan
Bruges, Belgium.
Offline Maxi  
#3 Posted : 02 November 2007 16:12:18(UTC)
Maxi


Joined: 28/04/2003(UTC)
Posts: 757
Location: Wawa, Ontario
I have assembled this unit for my layout and have installed lighting in it. I just used solid wire used in network installations, this way I could position the lights where I wanted to. A total of 6 lights were used, three evenly spaced out along each of the inner support sturctures.

Based on where my roundhouse is located, adding scenery to the inside was not required as the viewing angle doesn't show the interior.

As for the door mechanism, I have to say the it would need a modification so that the doors are motorized. The only way the doors close is to have the locomotive push the back plate which is directly attached to the doors with a spring type wire. This design requires a fair deal of force to move, there is nothing smooth as silk about it.

Your idea of trying to have the roof removeable would be a good idea for detailing and servicing. The roof window assembly is removeable but the amount of space available is of not much help as compared to having the entire roof removed for access.

Maxi
Offline rschaffr  
#4 Posted : 02 November 2007 17:43:12(UTC)
rschaffr

United States   
Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC)
Posts: 5,176
Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
I am in the process of motorizing my two bay Vollmer diesel/electric shed. I have taken 3/32" brass tubing and ran it on the top from the door to the back, bent it to go downward and super-glued it in place. the I ran a stiff wire up through the floor, through the tube and attached it to the door opening mechanism. I only yet need to attach a motor to the wire under the board to operate them. They work great by hand so far. I will post some pictures when I get the motors. I plan to do the same to my 3 bay roundhouse on my era III layout when this is finished.
-Ron
Digital, Epoch IV-V(K-track/IB), Epoch III(C-track/6021/6036/6051)
http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/trains.html
Offline steventrain  
#5 Posted : 03 November 2007 10:03:39(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,601
Location: United Kingdom
Keep posted soon when you have more report, Dale.
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline rschaffr  
#6 Posted : 04 November 2007 03:34:21(UTC)
rschaffr

United States   
Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC)
Posts: 5,176
Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
Dale: Here are some pictures of my door openers for my 2 bay shed. I entend to do the same thing with my roundhouse shed on my era III layout.

Here is the "business end" where the wire comes out of the brass tube and attaches to the door mechanism.

[image]http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/images/sheddoors1.jpg[/image]

Here is the tube bent to carry the wire down through the floor.:

[image]http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/images/sheddoors2.jpg[/image]


This is what it ollks like. Note that I used Viessmann LED lighting strips to light the shed. I used the white ones since I wanted a florescent lighting effect.

[image]http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/images/sheddoors3.jpg[/image]

I am still waiting for the servo motors to drive them.
-Ron
Digital, Epoch IV-V(K-track/IB), Epoch III(C-track/6021/6036/6051)
http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/trains.html
Offline DaleSchultz  
#7 Posted : 04 November 2007 04:15:31(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
thanks Ron. Pretty much matches what I understood from your description.

I have decided to not install the door mechanism at all and rather go for some interior detailing.

I am also thinking of leaving the side wall removable so the observer can see in.

Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
Offline Macfire  
#8 Posted : 04 November 2007 04:24:52(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
Dale,
Leah built ours (a 72281 so I can compare the differences that I am aware of), I will get her comments and get back to you - or she can reply direct.
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline Macfire  
#9 Posted : 05 November 2007 16:38:55(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by DaleSchultz
<br />I have two Märklin roundhouse 7288 kits that will not be adjacent to each other, as can be seen at http://layout.mixmox.com/1/Engine_yard

Before I start building them I thought I would ask if there are any special things to pay attention to...

1) I will try and make the entire roof removable.
We looked at that possibility but decided to assemble as per instructions (for structural integrity) and have had no problems accessing the interior. Also if we were to accidently drop the roof - a repair job could be required.

2) I will probably add interior lights
72886 came with 6 LED's. IMHO just the right amount of light. Not too dark not to light. We did not want a flouro effect. Interesting aside is that the 2 LED's on the left are close to the wall and the light shines through. So we added external imitation wall-mounted lights and the downward glow showing through now looks like it comes from these. "Grains of Wheat" lighting would be suitable for the interior.

3) I will probably fill the silly gaps in the floor between the tracks
We used black tar paper (or builders paper). From memory this is about .005" thick. The dull side up. Looks OK and save fiddling around (in our opinion) cutting out pits or painting same. On our permanent layout we <u>may</u> add <u>one</u> pit c/w lighting just for effects.

4) I use k-Track
So do we.

5) I will probably add some interior details in one of them
We have fitted a Viessmann 5020 Arc Welding light in our Faller Backshop. Looks great and may work in the roundhouse.

Do the automatic door opening mechanisms work or are they a waste of time?
Ours work just fine. We followed the instructions carefully, still mucked up our first attempt though. dry assembled first and when satisfied, then glued the appropriate pieces together.
What good way is there to fill in the gaps between floor and tracks?
See above.

What is the best way to raise the track to the correct height?
Ours is mounted on the baseboard - as is the turntable. Track height is not an issue, especially after we fitted the tar paper.

Should I number the bays according to the tracks off the turntable or 1-2-3 then 4-5-6 ? I suspect I should skip numbers for the tracks that don't have sheds... Eg 2-3-4 then skip 5 then 10-11-12
Personal choice. I would number them as track spokes myself though.

Obviously some ideas come to mind right away but it would be good to learn from other's mistakes, regrets and successes...
Very happy with our results.
The only real hassle was the circuit board not seating properly so I altered the wiring positions.
Another point was - READ the instructions FULLY for each section. Simple really but we did ASSUME, wrongly as we found out. Luckily this was on the dry assembly stage and not during the glueing.
To help with the automatic door operation we rubbed the moving parts with candle wax. We swear by it. Doors work perfectly

Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline DaleSchultz  
#10 Posted : 05 November 2007 22:34:49(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:72886 came with 6 LED's

I suspect you must be talking about the new version kit. I am talking about the old 7288 kit that was available in the 1980s and has no LEDs. I think Märklin replaced the old 7288 with some new kit in recent years. Possibly 72881.

See http://www.rjftrains.com..._4-04/mhi_4-04.htm#72881

In the interests of making the inside look decent I will not be installing the automatic door openers. I may leave the side wall loose for viewing.

Thanks

Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
Offline Macfire  
#11 Posted : 06 November 2007 17:42:37(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
Sorry,
Thought we were helping.
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#12 Posted : 07 November 2007 09:30:31(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Hey, the forum is back! Nothing wrong with your comments Tony & Leah, some very good suggestions there.
Offline steventrain  
#13 Posted : 07 November 2007 10:14:29(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,601
Location: United Kingdom
Very good, Thanks for the tip Ron.
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline DaleSchultz  
#14 Posted : 07 November 2007 15:56:57(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
Last night I scanned the inside surface of the walls into an image file. My daughter is editing the image to create a brick texture of the wall that has been painted white but gets progressivly dirty towards the ceiling. To that we will add signs, posters, tool racks etc and then print that out and glue onto cardboard and then onto the walls. So far results look very good.
Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
Offline rschaffr  
#15 Posted : 07 November 2007 17:06:07(UTC)
rschaffr

United States   
Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC)
Posts: 5,176
Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
Hmm. Would you be willing to share the image, Dale? I also have that roundhouse.
-Ron
Digital, Epoch IV-V(K-track/IB), Epoch III(C-track/6021/6036/6051)
http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/trains.html
Offline DaleSchultz  
#16 Posted : 18 November 2007 04:42:10(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
Hi Ron

yes sure. This evening I found that I needed to make them a bit wider, and I have also decided that trying to get images between the windows is just asking too much so I am changing the images to have fewer signs, and add the signs after the wall is done - that will also give them a bit more 3d effect - and when I have finished I will email the high res images to anyone who needs them...

For the long walls I am planning on adding 2 ridges - columns of brick, so I have already made those images a bit wider.

I also found some workshop machinery at my local dealer today... - I'll post a review on them soon.
Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
Offline DaleSchultz  
#17 Posted : 23 November 2007 03:47:18(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
Roundhouse status:
I have spent the day designing and constructing smoke collectors to go over each track. Pictures will be forthcoming later.
Window glass has been installed. (Clear styrene foil instead of the crappy plastic that came with the 7288 kit)
The inside walls have all been made and glued to the outer walls.
Lights have been installed on the inside of the long side walls.

I need to do the interior detailing work before I attach the walls.
I have created a hose pipe, and have been painting pallets, railway ties and wooden crates in preparation.
Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
Offline aos  
#18 Posted : 18 September 2008 22:13:17(UTC)
aos

Scotland   
Joined: 03/08/2008(UTC)
Posts: 524
Location: Livingston, Scotland
For years, my collection has remained unused in a cupboard. I am now in the process of building my layout. I bought a 7288 shed years ago.

I have only just completed the assembly of the shed and discovered that I have lost the door springs. [:(]

Can anyone please provide me with an illustration of the shape and size of the springs?

I would require a fully detailed description if possible as I imagine it would be rather tedious attempting to design them using a hit and miss basis. P.S. I am not a techie!

What swg is the wire?

Another question if I may: I see that the Marklin screws for fastening down the track are for the new C track. Will these screws also do the job for the metal track that I have? Are they the same size?

And finally, I have tried ordering equipment from Gaugemaster in Arundel, England (I live in Scotland) and they seem to be extremely slow at providing the goods. [:0] Can anyone recommend a good Marklin dealer in the UK or failing that, Holland/Germany. I am prepared to take a short holiday break to stock up. I would like to visit the factory. Would others recommend a visit? Smile

Thanks in advance.
Offline DaleSchultz  
#19 Posted : 18 September 2008 23:20:37(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
Hi

I did not install the door opener or the springs so you can have mine.
You should consider leaving them off anyway. It nice to have the doors stand open so people can see inside.
My finished results
http://layout.mixmox.com/1/Roundhouse-2
http://layout.mixmox.com/1/second-roundhouse

Let me know if you would like me to mail you mine...

Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by DaleSchultz
Offline Macfire  
#20 Posted : 19 September 2008 00:19:53(UTC)
Macfire


Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,652
Location: New Zealand
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:[i]Originally posted by DaleSchultz
I did not install the door opener or the springs


Tell you what Dale, I so enjoyed your articles and comments that we "may" be extending our roundhouse when we build the layout and if we do I will be leaving the door openers off on the extension.
Lord Macca
New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
Offline David Dewar  
#21 Posted : 19 September 2008 01:22:10(UTC)
David Dewar

Scotland   
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 7,332
Location: Scotland
I find that the doors are not too reliable at opening and shutting as they should.
Leaving them open is best and still keeps the dust from the locos inside.

David
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by David Dewar
Offline aos  
#22 Posted : 19 September 2008 13:17:49(UTC)
aos

Scotland   
Joined: 03/08/2008(UTC)
Posts: 524
Location: Livingston, Scotland
Dale - Many thanks for such a generous offer. I took a looksee at your layout and was extremely impressed with it. How long has it actually taken to create such a delightful layout? I can see why you have not installed the door springs as you have created a very realistic workshop environment within. [^]

I have noted what others say about the actual door mechanism. There seems to be mixed feelings as to the reliability.

I have decided therefore that I shall not install the springs after all. Once again however, thank you for the offer.
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by aos
Offline zev kahn  
#23 Posted : 23 January 2022 18:43:02(UTC)
zev kahn

United States   
Joined: 04/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 13
Location: Dublin California
I am purchasing the new C-Track Marklin round house. Has anyone scanned the pieces as PDF full size?
Much appreciated any thoughts.
Zev
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by zev kahn
Offline DaleSchultz  
#24 Posted : 23 January 2022 20:27:55(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
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