A Day At the Alberta Railway Museum - Part 1

July 1st, 2015 we had a chance to visit the Alberta Railway Museum. First we went through the open air museum, then we got a special behind the scenes tour.  So on behalf of Chinook & Hobby West, the Gale family and of course, the Alberta Railway Museum - enjoy!

What's greeting you at the beginning?

CP  GP30 - 1 of only 2 that CP owned this one is just a husk and very cool to see one live and not just in photos

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Once we got into the park No. 73 was waiting to greet us. It's a NAR 2-8-0 Consolidation: missing a drive gear, but impressive sitting at the front of a boom car and bay window caboose.

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The next on our tour was the NAR (Northern Alberta Railway) 40' Flanger (Val's fav).  #16601 built in 1914 by National Steel Car Company in Hamilton, ON.

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The NAR Cook Car #17062. Built in 1917 - this 40' wood sheathed cook car was originally built as a box car and was converted in 1944 to a kitchen car.

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Then we were distracted by  CN #9000 - Canadian Nationals very first F-3 delivered in 1948. For Canada Day it sported Canadian flags. It was the first run of the season. Followed by coaches that were in service until  1975. They're light weight coaches used for daytime commuters, back East.

On this run the conductor was Hans Huzinga. It was fascinating listening to all the history of the park and the different trains that he was sharing with us all.

The engineer was Graham Wood. He worked for CN as an engineer before retiring and volunteering to help run the #9000 at the Alberta Railway Museum.

The tail end brakeman for the day was Joel Mullan. He was great with the kids, encouraging them to come and try the whistle that was at the back of the car.

The ride itself takes you back and forth along a shortline. Graham, the engineer, made sure we had a smooth ride with no jolts, hesitations or bumps. He said 'the Old Lady needs to be treated gently so everyone can have a fun ride'.

On our short trip we pass by an old set of trucks and some prime movers that were donated to the museum by Northern Alberta Railway and Western CNR.

Our conductor shared how this shortline connected to the main line that was once used for runs to Lac La Biche.

As Hans shares all his wealth of knowledge the whistle blows twice.  Then as the train comes to a stop and then smoothly shifts to traveling in reverse, the whistle then blows three times.  Hans lets us know that when the train travels forward on a main line it blasts its whistle twice.  If it travels in reverse, that's three blasts.

After the train ride ends, we pull into the St. Albert station that houses a fun gift shop and the telegraph office which leads into a mini museum of the history of the telegraph.  Both are a must see before you leave this great museum.

After a couple of hours taking our time through all the wonderful pieces - all with differing degrees of restoration; we were given a behind the scenes look in the car sheds and engine shops.

But that's for next week.........

Come back and check out our next post and feel free to comment on this one.  Share thoughts, memories or what you may want to see.


Val & Rob

Rocketry Tips- Recovery Wadding, Why Do I Need It?

Summer is a great time to take up Model Rocketry.  Who wouldn't want to see something get 'blown-up'.*

Flame resistant recovery wadding protects the recovery system and is necessary to launch model rockets.  Although it looks like toilet paper or thin paper towel, it is NOT the same!  Wadding is specially treated to protect your parachute and rocket from melting or exploding so you get the maximum enjoyment out of your model rocket.


#3556 - Pro Series II™ Recovery Wadding

Flame resistant recovery wadding is necessary for launching model rockets. It prevents melting and destruction of your rocket and parachute.

Enough wadding for 10-12 Pro Series II launches.

Can also be used with any Estes rockets!

#2274 - Recovery Wadding

The flame resistant wadding is required in most Estes rockets unless they are tumble recovery.

Contains 75 sheets, enough for about 18-25 flights and is absolutely necessary to launch model rockets.

Come on down to Chinook & Hobby West - It's Where The Fun Begins!
http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/

hobbywest@shaw.ca

1-403-243-1997


If you're in Calgary, AB or area here is a great site with a calendar so you can see rockets of all sizes being launched.  They also have the info on the by-laws you need to stick with so you don't get a ticket launching those rockets  Calgary Rocketry Association
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* please be careful when using any rocketry supplies or engines. You can get seriously injured if you do not follow the instructions.  Chinook & Hobby West is not responsible for loss, injury or death that may be caused by using any products we may or may not feature.

Guide to a Simple Train Around the Christmas Tree

Since the first model train came into existence (Lionel in Germany in the 1830's) , kids and adults alike have dreamed of a Train around the Christmas Tree. It has become a special Holiday Tradition in many homes.

Remember the simple track you used when you were a kid?  Remember the train stopping or not running properly around the tree?  This was most likely because of all the dust, pet fur and other nasty surprises that can get drawn into the wheels and gears of the Locomotive.
 The train sets today have EZ Track (HO & N scale sets) or FasTrack (O scale sets) so you can put the track directly on the floor or on fabric and not have to worry too much about this problem. Although learning to maintain your locomotive is a good idea. Cleaning the wheels and gears weekly if you run it frequently, just to have that uninterrupted level of fun!

N & HO EZ-Track, O Lionel FasTrack

So let's get to why you are here:  Setting up a Simple track and train around your Christmas Tree!
Things You'll Need:

• Electric Train Set, with  track and power pack (choose a scale suited for the area you have- the most popular are HO (1:87 scale), O (1:48 scale), and G (1:22.5 - 1:25)
• piece of plywood (optional)
• Christmas Tree with a stand

1. Your Train - After a year in storage, your trains may need a little cleaning. In addition to brushing off the dust, the track and wheels need to be thoroughly cleaned. Older, steel track is prone to rusting if stored in humid locations. If your track shows signs of rust, save your time and just replace it. Clean wheels with paper towels and cleaning fluids.
   After extended periods in storage, it may be necessary to disassemble, clean and re-oil locomotive gearboxes. Do not over-lubricate.  (If you bring in your Train, we can teach you how to do this. There is no cost unless replacement parts are needed) Check power supplies and wires for any signs of wear or distress. Replace if needed.  There are many different sets with Steam and Diesel Locomotives, in different scales to choose from should you need to purchase one.
2. Track - See how much track you have (most sets for HO come with a minimum of a 36" circle or 36"x 48" oval- which is usually enough for a simple 'around the tree' layout). Most O scale sets come with a 40"x 60" oval- but check the box first!)  When adding more track into your oval or circle, you MUST add two.  Meaning, if you add a rerailer track that's 9" to one side, you must add an equal size to the opposite side so the layout doesn't bend and break. This is the same for curves.  If your track does not have roadbed built into it, place down a piece of plywood first.                                                       
3. Measure the area from the base of the tree out to make sure you have enough track for around the base of the tree. Keep in mind where the presents will go.  We usually have a space to either side of the track (on the outside) so we can run the train while opening gifts.                                                              
4. Keep It Simple - If you are only running the train for the Christmas Season, keep your track plan simple (to an oval or circle). If you want it a little more than just the traditional track plan, try these: 

   

   HO  Oval with incline

   
   

   

   HO  or O  plan

   
   

   

   Twice Around The Tree plan

   
   

   

   Twice Around The Tree Finished in O scale

   
   

   

   For small tree - HO scale plan.     For a larger tree- O or G scale plan

   
   
5. Assembling the Track and Testing the Train - Assemble the track, Make sure your electrical connector track is in an accessible position with the wire hookups facing the outer rim of the track circle.
   Connect the power pack to the track as directed by the instructions and test the flow of current using the model engine. Make sure it can circle the track at half speed without hitting a bump or falling off.
   Test the train one more time before putting the tree in place and decorating.                                          
6. Make it Kid Friendly - Christmas trains are meant to be enjoyed by all ages, and they are a great introduction into the hobby for children. One easy way to make any model train display more kid-friendly is to make them part of the action. In addition to running the trains, kids will want to help build and decorate the layout. Incorporating kid's toys into the display is a great way to make it personal and still keep a holiday feel.                                                                                                                         
7. 
8. Cleaning - If your trains are running beneath a Christmas tree, you'll probably find yourself pulling needles off the tracks by the end of the season. There is no great secret to keeping needles off the tracks (even an artificial tree will probably lose a few.) 
   Make sure you can reach all the way around the tree to clean. Make sure vacuming needles won't result in losing other scenic material or details.
   One additional concern for under-tree-trains is the power supply. Make sure your electrical circuit can handle the needs of both the trains and the tree lights. And make sure the cords for both don't interfere with the tracks.

9. Packing and Storing

   ©2010 Ryan C Kunkle, licensed to About.com, Inc.
   Next year's display begins when you put this year's away.

   • Before you pack, take the time to clean track and wheels again.
   • Pack trains, tracks, power supplies and all accessories carefully. Use original boxes if possible.
   • Store your trains in a dry place. Store fragile items where they will be safe.
   • If possible, give your locomotive a brief break-in run periodically throughout the year.

Some Final Tips to keep in mind:

• The lower branches of your tree will need to be trimmed up to allow enough room for the train to circle as well.
• The temptation may be to get a big train with lots of buildings, switches, figures and lights, but under a Christmas tree, limited space makes this impractical.
• For the same reasons, a Christmas train should be limited to a single engine and four cars.
• If your train set comes with securely locking tracks, you can avoid using plywood as long as the track will stay steady (for example, on a hard wood floor). Carpeting can create problems.
• If your train wobbles or comes off the track easily, disassemble the rail cars and glue weights inside to keep pressure on the track.
• Experiment with speed, but remember, a train flying around the track will also fly right off.
• If children will be operating the train, very young kids may have more success with a larger train gauge like 0 or G. It will be easier for them to hook the cars and place them on the track.
• While the voltage of a train power pack is not great enough to cause real damage, you should use a watering can with a long spout if you are using a live or cut tree. Water can damage the train and cause a short.

Thank you for reading our blog. Please feel free to leave a comment or email us a comment. 
Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and our Website!

Happy Hobbying!

Want to learn more:
First Model Railroad
Maintaining Your Locomotive
Replacing Model Train Wheels
Small Layout Holiday Ideas
Twice Around The Tree- Full Article

source 1
source 2

National Aviation History Month - Part 3 The Futuristic

National Aviation History Month -

What Does the Future Hold?

When you were a child what ideas of the future did you have?  Did you watch the Jetsons and think that by the time you were an adult we would have flying cars and moving sidewalks?

The Jetsons

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jetsons

What about your hobbies?  Were you building models of Lost In Space, Star Wars or Star Trek ships and robots? Did you fashion a space ship out of boxes? Tell stories to your friends about space adventures you would have? Or did you stay on the earth and fantasize about homes that would read your thoughts and turn on the lights automatically, cook your favourite meal in seconds, or shower and dress you in minutes?

Enterprise Model Kit

Annekin's Jedi Starfighter

A glimpse into the future of aviation

Fuel is getting ever more expensive. If we still want to be able to fly in the future, we'll need new and more efficient planes. Aviation pioneers are working on concepts on how the planes of the future might look like.

draft plane of the German Aerospace Center blends cabin with wings to create a "blended-wing body."

Green aviation

Aviation causes around 3 percent of CO2 emissions worldwide. For the EU commission, this is too much: it's calling for a reduction by 25 percent by 2050. Visionary new aviation projects could help realize this ambitious goal. The plane pictured here, built by Bauhaus-Luftfahrt, uses electricity to get off the ground.

What do you thing the future will hold for Aviation?

Let us know by commenting on this blog or on one of our other medias.  Thank you for reading our blog, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Chinook & Hobby West

Where The Fun Begins!

South:

5011 Macleod Tr. SW

Calgary, AB   T2G 0A9

PH- 403-243-1997

toll free- 877-525-5785

hobbywest@shaw.ca

Don't Forget To Join Our Collectors Club! http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/collectors-club.html

website: http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/

blog:      http://chinookhobbytalk.blogspot.ca/

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My Favorite Part of Aviation History - An Interview with Glenn K.

November is National Aviation History Month:

This is an interview with one of our staff members who's hobby is aviation history.  Glenn has many passions, although his want for knowledge (especially Aviation History) is massive and unquenchable. Come by and talk to him sometime.

Glenn K.

 Valerie:   Have you always been interested in Airplanes?  

Glenn: Not really.  I am more of a history buff and I became interested in aircraft after watching an old black and white documentary about the Avro Arrow on TV when I was a teenager.  I was intrigued with the history of the aircraft and over time, I read everything I could get my hands on about the Arrow.  In those days, not much was available.  In 1997 (I think), CBC produced a movie about the Avro Arrow starring Dan Aykroyd as Crawford Gordon.  Gordon was the President of A.V. Roe Canada, the aircraft manufacturer that produced the Arrow.  Although it is a movie, it does have a lot of history facts about the building of and the ultimate demise of the Arrow.  And, for the record, nooooo . . . an Arrow was not “spirited away” !!!!!!!!! 

Interesting Video Clip

 Valerie:  What was the first Aircraft you became enamored with and why? 
 Glenn: Well of course it is the CF-105 or more commonly known as the Avro Arrow.  The key reason why is because it was a totally Canadian built jet-fighter interceptor and was head and shoulders above anything else in the world.  It is unfortunate the Arrow program was terminated and all existing aircraft were cut up and sold as scrap.  Almost all of the drawings, plans and tooling were destroyed and no sales of the Iroquois engine were ever allowed, even though the French government wished to purchase at least 400 of the them.  One can only imagine what kind of an aircraft industry Canada would have developed, had the government not terminated the program.     

Versions of The Avro Arrow

  
Valerie:  Why is the Avro Arrow your passion when it comes to Aircraft?
 Glenn: It was the most advanced jet-fighter interceptor in the world at the time.  In the end, A.V. Roe not only designed, developed and built the Delta wing airframe but also developed and produced one of the most powerful jet engine of its time (26,000 pounds of thrust).  Eventually, A.V. Roe, Canada even took over the development of the firing system to be used in the Arrow. 
A very bold step for a single aircraft manufacturer to design and develop all three major components of an aircraft. 

A. V. Roe

 Valerie:  What two facts about the Avro Arrow do you find the most interesting?
 Glenn:  One of the most interesting facts about the Arrow is that it had “fly-by-wire” technology in 1958.  This technology was not used in military aircraft until 1971 and even then it was limited.  I’m not quite sure but I believe commercial aircraft (Airbus being the first) did not use this type of technology until the 1980’s!!  A second significant fact is the aircraft was not built as a prototype, that is, for testing purposes only.  Every single aircraft was designed to be built and put directly into service.  This was and still is something not normally done by aircraft manufacturers.
        Something not specific to the Arrow but significant nonetheless, was the “Brain Drain”.  When the program was terminated in 1959, many Avro workers were recruited to work for major British and US aircraft manufacturers as well as for NASA.  Some of NASA’s space  research and development technology, such as the Apollo lunar orbiter and the Canadarm, were developed with the help of key Canadian engineers and scientists that came from A.V. Roe Canada. 

  

Valerie:   Do you have a favourite pilot? Why do you find him/her interesting?  
Glenn:   I guess Max Ward comes to mind.  He was a Canadian pilot who originally flew bush planes in the north.  He was a pioneer in aviation and also an excellent pilot.  He went on to form his own commercial airline called Wardair Canada.  It began as a simple but quality charter airline (which I had the distinct pleasure of flying to Europe on in 1968).  Wardair grew to become an independent transatlantic airline, the 3^rd largest in Canada behind Air Canada and Canadian Pacific (CP Air).  Wardair was eventually acquired by Canadian Pacific Airlines

Max Ward

Valerie:  Have you built any model airplanes? Which one? Do you have a photo? 

  Glenn:As a teenager, I built several aircraft, mostly military jets.  Interestingly, I built a Lancaster bomber, which ironically was manufactured during WWII under license to A.V. Roe Canada, in Malton Ontario.  Unfortunately, those models have long since disappeared however, I still have an old Avro Arrow kicking around.  Not in the best of shape but I probably built it more than 20 years ago.  I have attached a couple of photos for you – don’t laugh.

There are quite a few links for you to enjoy on this post.  We hope you will check them out to learn even more about some of Aviation Histories interesting events and people

Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow

The Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow was a delta-winged interceptor aircraft, designed and built by Avro Canada as the culmination of a design study that began in 1953. Wikipedia

First flight: March 25, 1958

Length: 24 m

Wingspan: 15 m

Designer: James C. Floyd

Manufacturer: Avro Canada

Engine types: Turbojet, Pratt & Whitney J75

We hope you enjoyed this blog, please leave a comment to let us know what you thought about this blog.

Chinook & Hobby West

Where The Fun Begins!

5011 Macleod Tr. SW

Calgary, AB   T2G 0A9

PH- 403-243-1997

toll free- 877-525-5785

hobbywest@shaw.ca

Don't Forget To Join Our Collectors Club! http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/collectors-club.html

website: http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/

blog:      http://chinookhobbytalk.blogspot.ca/

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChinookAndHobbyWest

twitter:   https://twitter.com/HobbyandToy

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/valerie-gale/39/7a1/990

Why I Love Aviation - An Interview With John H.

November is National Aviation Month:

This is an interview with a former staff member who's hobby is aviation.  John is now a pilot and loves getting air under his wings whenever he can.

John Hunter

 Valerie:   Have you always been interested in Airplanes?  

John:  I've always liked airplanes.  My dad travels a lot and I really liked to be at the airport and would watch airplanes take off and land.

 Valerie:  What was the first Aircraft you became enamored with and why? 

John:  My first aircraft that I loved was the Lancaster bomber.  There was an airshow some time ago that I went to that you could get inside and look around it was pretty cool.

Lancaster Bomber   (click photo for more info)

Valerie:   When did you know you wanted to become a pilot?

John:  In high school the high river pilot school came down and gave a presentation I pretty much decided then.

Valerie:  When did you take your first flying class?  What did that first flight feel like?

John:  My first flight was in the summer right after high school. It takes a minute for you to really grasp that your are actually flying.

Valerie:  What two facts about flying an aircraft do you find the most interesting? 

 John:  Just look up a video about aircraft spins that can really be 10 interesting and terrifying things.

 Valerie:  Do you have a favourite pilot? Why do you find him/her interesting?

  John:  Alan Shepard the first american in space.  I really found his story interesting because he wasn't chosen because of his background or piloting skill there were better choices out there.  He was picked because all those pilots really liked and respected him.

 Valerie:  Have you built any model airplanes? Which one? Do you have a photo?

   John: I have a few models airplanes my favorite being the SR-71 or the blackbird.

SR-71 Blackbird   

Valerie:   What plane do you fly?

 John:  The aircraft i do most my flying in is the Diamond DA20

Diamond DA20

The Diamond DA20 is a two-seat tricycle gear general aviation aircraft designed for flight training. In addition to its role as a civil and military training aircraft, it is also used for personal flying by pilot-owners. Wikipedia

Cruise speed: 256 km/h

Range: 1,013 km

Length: 7.16 m

Unit cost: 198,800–238,375 USD (2013)

Engine type: Aircraft engine

Manufacturer: Diamond Aircraft Industries

We hope you enjoyed this blog and we would like to know what you think.

Chinook & Hobby West

Where The Fun Begins!

5011 Macleod Tr. SW

Calgary, AB   T2G 0A9

PH- 403-243-1997

toll free- 877-525-5785

hobbywest@shaw.ca

Don't Forget To Join Our Collectors Club! http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/collectors-club.html

website: http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/

blog:      http://chinookhobbytalk.blogspot.ca/

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChinookAndHobbyWest

twitter:   https://twitter.com/HobbyandToy

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/valerie-gale/39/7a1/990