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To all,
The Great Basin Lego Train Club (GBLT&C) located in and around Salt Lake City,
Utah is pleased to unveil our new LOGO ...
We based the LOGO on the 1970-1997 Rio Grande LOGO ...
GBLT&C has been functioning in one capacity or another since 2000.
In 2006 ULUG (Utah LUG) was created and merged with GBLT&C.
Since the merger both clubs have experienced phenomenal internal growth and
overwhelming support from the community.
In 2007, we attended 9 shows in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Nevada.
To date in 2008, we have attended two shows with 6 more shows scheduled and
another 3 shows in the planning stages.
--Brian
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To all,
ULUG will be attending the Wasatch Rails Train Show in Salt Lake City this
weekend. This show officially kicks off our train year. Ironically, this will
be our first year anniversary train show. Reed, as President of GBLT&C, has
been attending train shows for years.
Here are the details:
SHOW - Wasatch Rails 2007 Train Show
DATE - November 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2007
LOCATION - Grand Building at the Utah State Fairpark
155 North 1000 West in Salt Lake City
HOURS - Friday 5PM to 9PM - Saturday 9AM to 6PM - Sunday 10AM - 4PM
COST - Adults $5.00 - Children 12 and under are FREE!
If you are in the area, please stop by.
--Brian
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In lugnet.robotics, Brian Pilati wrote:
> 1- Power the train simply using the NXT and the
> converter cables. Too much battery drain during
> the show.
Are you using the NXT on batteries alone, or using the Li-ion battery pack so
you can plug the NXT into a wall for more consistant power?
> 2- Isolate a section of track via a switch and power
> the train via a converter cable only when the train
> is on the isolated section. This has probably been
> the best approach.
As others have noted, this has worked well with the RCX. It's essentially how
the GBC trains are controled (except there the entire track ends up powered by
RCXs, just multiple RCXs with multipl segments per RCX :-) ).
> 3- Attached a servo motor to the 9v modulator and then
> programmed rotations from the NXT to the servo motor to
> determine speed. There was much difficulty
> attaching the servo to the modulator.
Have you looked at this?
http://news.lugnet.com/trains/?n=26726&t=i&v=a
> Is there a better way?
I don't think anyone has ported LDDC to the NXT... yet... but i would think that
any solution that worked with the RCX (like direct-powering the trains, at least
small ones) would work with the NXT only perhaps better (the 500 mA limit being
raised on the output ports).
--
Brian Davis
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In lugnet.robotics, Brian Pilati wrote:
> To all,
>
> I would like to find a way (simple way that is) to power our LTC 9v trains using
> both the standard LEGO 9v train modulator and the NXT.
>
> We have attempted the following:
> 1- Power the train simply using the NXT and the converter cables. Too much
> battery drain during the show.
> 2- Isolate a section of track via a switch and power the train via a converter
> cable only when the train is on the isolated section. This has probably been
> the best approach.
> 3- Attached a servo motor to the 9v modulator and then programmed rotations from
> the NXT to the servo motor to determine speed. There was much difficulty
> attaching the servo to the modulator.
>
> Is there a better way?
>
> Thank you,
> --Brian ULUG/GBLTC
I'm not sure if there's a better way, and I haven't tried it with an NXT, but
I've had good luck with option 2 using an RCX. I isolated the track by putting
a bit of clear tape over the ends that connect to the other track sections.
-Elroy
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To all,
I would like to find a way (simple way that is) to power our LTC 9v trains using
both the standard LEGO 9v train modulator and the NXT.
We have attempted the following:
1- Power the train simply using the NXT and the converter cables. Too much
battery drain during the show.
2- Isolate a section of track via a switch and power the train via a converter
cable only when the train is on the isolated section. This has probably been
the best approach.
3- Attached a servo motor to the 9v modulator and then programmed rotations from
the NXT to the servo motor to determine speed. There was much difficulty
attaching the servo to the modulator.
Is there a better way?
Thank you,
--Brian ULUG/GBLTC
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In lugnet.trains, Brian Pilati wrote:
> To all,
>
> ULUG received a late and surprising invitation to attend a train show in Idaho
> Falls, Idaho over the weekend.
>
> Brian
The show was a success! In the end only Reed and I were able to attend.
Attempting to set-up and take down a 10 table lay-out with only two people
turned out to be quite a task! We were exhausted but well rewarded by the
enthusiasm of the show attendees.
The Idaho Falls show is well run and we are treated very well as a LUG.
Please enjoy the following folder:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=280268
--Brian
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To all,
ULUG received a lated and surprising invitation to attend a train show in Idaho
Falls, Idaho over the weekend. So Reed, David and I will be traveling to Idaho
today to set-up.
If you are in the area or attending BYU-Idaho, stop by and say "Hello".
Here are the details:
Sat, 10/13/2007 - Sun, 10/14/2007
Location
Idaho Falls Recreation Center
520 Memorial Drive
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Times
9 AM to 5 PM Sat, 10 AM to 2 PM Sun
Admission Fees
$3 per adult, under 12 free
http://www.trains.com/trc/community/events/event-info.asp?eventid=10641
Thank you,
Brian
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To all,
ULUG will be attending the 10th annual Roundhouse Festival in Evanston, Wyoming
August 4th and 5th.
Whereas Evanston is about 90 minutes from Salt Lake City all of the members will
be staying in hotels.
If you live in or around Evanston, please come out and support the LUG and meet
the members.
Here is a more in depth write-up of the festival:
Wyoming, Evanston — The 10th Annual Roundhouse Festival will be held August
4-5th, at the renovated machine shop, 1440 Main Street. Festival hours will be
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on
Sunday. Attractions will include a model train show, train vendors, roundhouse
tours, turntable rides, entertainment, and raffles. Refreshments will be
available. Admission is free. For more information, contact: Jane Law, (307)
783-6320; e-mail: jlaw@evanstonwy.org; or call the Evanston Chamber of Commerce,
(800) 328-9708.
Thank you,
Brian
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To all,
We will be holding our monthly meeting this Saturday at Jason's home at 4 pm.
If you are new and would like directions, please e-mail me at:
ttd@sfcn<nospam>.org
See you there.
-Brian
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To all,
It is time for my annual (3rd year) Summer LEGO Camp through my local Parks and
Rec program. Since the last camp http://news.lugnet.com/edu/?n=247 I have
relocated from Cedar City, Utah to Spanish Fork, Utah.
After the move, I found that Spanish Fork had a more advanced Parks and Rec
program than Cedar City! I presented the camp about 5 months ago to the
organizers and they agreed, after the customary jiggles about Adults and LEGO.
Part of the agreement was that I assumed the risk of pre-purchasing the sets.
No problem, one can always use more LEGO.
Another round of laughs were generated when I presented my available time slots
for the camp which included three 5-day sessions with 9 participants in each
session.
The laughs shortly ended after the first 2 days of registration; 27 children
signed up filling all three classes and a waiting list was generated. I am
hoping for a 4th class in August.
Anyway, please read the thread too, http://news.lugnet.com/edu/?n=247, for a
better idea of the previous camps.
Once again, I am using the “Creator” line for the bulk of the sets. 3 of the
days and the take home set are from “Creator”. I am going to try Andrew Cross’
suggestion http://news.lugnet.com/edu/?n=251 to create a city on one of the
days.
Again, I am pre-separating the models for ease of building.
Here is the outline of events:
Day 1: Mini Pod Collection
5 Minutes – Micro Building (Cutebot)
5 Minutes - Introductions - Get to know the participants and me
10 Minutes - LEGO Part Lingo - I hand out a paper with printed LDraw parts and
we discuss how to ask for and name a part, such as, 2 x 3 plate, 2 x 2 cone,
etc. 40 Minutes - Set Building (Build 1-4 Models from the set)
Day 2: Wild Hunters
5 Minutes – Micro Building (Seagull) (Optional)
5 Minutes - MOC Presentations
10 Minutes - LEGO Part Lingo
10 Minutes – Speed build. Time Participants on building a frog made of 11
pieces. 30-35 Minutes - Set Building (Build 1-3 Models from the set)
Day 3: Highway Haulers (4891)
5 Minutes – Micro Building (Car) (Optional)
5 Minutes - MOC Presentations
10 Minutes - LEGO Part Lingo
15 Minutes - Back to Back Building. Two participants are given two different
models. One model is completed and the other model is just pieces. They sit back
to back and one participant using the completed model and Parts Lingo tells the
other participant how to put their pieces together without looking at the model.
Then they trade roles. It is a blast to get back together and see how the models
turn out. 20 Minutes - Set Building (Build 1-2 Models from the set) 10 Minutes
- Double Elimination Racing. I bring in some planks of wood and we race the cars
down the planks. Most times the wheels are too small and the model too light to
race in a straight line every time. Anxiety is high just trying to get past the
finish line!!
Day 4: City Building (5482)
5 Minutes - MOC Presentations
10 Minutes - LEGO Part Lingo
45 Minutes – I will design a city using LEGO road plates and then ask the
participants to create buildings, houses, etc. to populate the city
Day 5: Robo Platoon (4881)
5 Minutes - MOC Presentations
15 Minutes - LEGO Part Quiz - Follow-up from the Part Lingo. I hand out a paper
with new printed LDraw parts and the participants need to match the part with
the name. 30 Minutes - Set Building (Build 1-3 Models from the set) 15 Minutes
- Free Building (Participants can use the remaining bricks to MOC)
I will be taking pictures but I am unsure, at the moment, where I will place
them.
Suggestions and Feedback are appreciated.
Thank you,
Brian Pilati
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In lugnet.org.us.ulug, Brian Pilati wrote:
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In lugnet.org.us.ulug, Jonathan Lopes wrote:
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Excellent stuff! I think the monorail looks really cool here. I find that
lots of times, though I am sure crowds like monorails, they look out of
place on many layouts. Not here though IMO.
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Spencer and Isaac have gone to great lengths to successfully incorporate the
monorails into the layout.
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Mostly I am just bursting with pride that THE Jonathan Lopes had nice things to
say about our layout. I aspire to eventually be able to build as well as he
does.
Spencer
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In lugnet.org.us.ulug, Jonathan Lopes wrote:
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Excellent stuff! I think the monorail looks really cool here. I find that
lots of times, though I am sure crowds like monorails, they look out of place
on many layouts. Not here though IMO.
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Spencer and Isaac have gone to great lengths to successfully incorporate the
monorails into the layout.
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Little details like the telephone poles along the tracks are a great touch as
well.
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We have received a lot of positive feed back over the telephone poles. People
really notice those. Being on the edge of the layout though, they really take a
beating.
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I found the vikings taking their plunder from the man on the street funny as
well. Reminded me of a line from one of my favorite goofy movies of the
80’s: “We plunered! And we . . . pruned . . the hedges . . of many small
villages”
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That little scene is my personal ode to “Capital One”!!
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In lugnet.trains, Brian Pilati wrote:
Excellent stuff! I think the monorail looks really cool here. I find that lots
of times, though I am sure crowds like monorails, they look out of place on many
layouts. Not here though IMO. Little details like the telephone poles along
the tracks are a great touch as well.
I found the vikings taking their plunder from the man on the street funny as
well. Reminded me of a line from one of my favorite goofy movies of the 80’s:
“We plunered! And we . . . pruned . . the hedges . . of many small villages”
Best,
Jonathan
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I especially liked the skyscraper ;) it was over 5 feet tall!
I noticed a cafe corner in the layout from the pictures that I didn’t even see
when I was there. one time I saw a comment that the cafe corner would dominate
more simple buildings that you find at shows. but really it isn’t that big of a
problem now that I passed over it at a show myself. or maybe it is just that
brian makes buildings of similar quality and detail so that te cafe corner just
‘fits’.
Spencer
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To all,
ULUG participated in a weekend Scout Jamborall in Weber County.
The show was a great success but incredibly exhausting and short. 7 of us, as
everyone knows who goes to train shows, spent 10 hours setting up and two hour
taking down for a 6 hour show. :0.
However, during the 6 hours we were mobbed by scouts! The ages were 8-16, the
perfect age group, and they loved every inch.
Most of the reason we considered participating was the available space. Usually
at train shows, we are fighting for space, but at the Jamborall we were given
40’ x 50’ which was our largest lay-out by about two times. It was sweet to
just have space.
As a LUG we have been concentrating on transitions and unique buildings for our
city. We feel that this lay-out was our personal best and are excited about our
upcoming show this weekend in Heber at the “Day out with Thomas” event.
Here is the main gallery:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=254600
Some of the highlights for the show were:
1- SNOT Roads
2- Our First Skyscraper
3- An event Build
4- Our LUG has specialized in the “I Spy..” game were we have lists of items to
find in our lay-out posted on the rope barriers. For this show 12 of the 100
items were scouts in various places
Comments are welcome.
--Brian
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To all,
ULUG will be having our monthly meeting at the Scout Jamborall where we will be
displaying our train layout.
The layout will run from Saturday May 19th at 9 am to 3 pm.
The directions are as follow:
Weber County Fairgrounds in Ogden, Utah.
The address is 1000 North 1200 West, Ogden, Utah 84404.
If anyone is in the area and would like to join us, please come on over.
Thanks,
-- Brian
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To all,
Well, ULUG had a great train show in March. I am extremely late getting the
pictures posted. I forgot my camera and had to use a family members and then we
had a baby ...
ULUG has made some really great strides from show-to-show.
We have improved the following:
1- the overall content
. a- At this show we had two new member attend (David and Spencer)
. b- David is a train enthusiast and about double our track total
. c- Spencer is a brick enthusiast. He supplied a double helix monorail and
built a mountain at the show
. d- In all we had two monorails.
2- the layout itself
. a- The club is learning how to use TrackDraw and we are inventoring our
baseplates to make better transitions
3- the transitions.
. a- Still a little shaky but we are improving
Anyway without further ado, here is the gallery:
Comments are always welcome.
Thanks,
Brian
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In lugnet.org.us.ulug, Spencer Fuller wrote:
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This months meeting was a madhouse. I brought a 280 pound unsorted lot of
legos for everyone to sift through and buy the pieces they needed/wanted from
me and somehow it trumped all the other activites we had planned.
Spencer
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The meeting was great fun. 280 lbs of LEGO is a lot of LEGO. I image that we
will be sorting LEGO at meetings for months to come.
Here are the couple of pictures that I was able to take until I was drawn back
to the sorting
Pictured from Left to Right in the first picture:
Bill
Isaac
Jordan
Jason
Spencer
Brian
Reed
David
See you in Ogden!
Brian
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This months meeting was a madhouse. I brought a 280 pound unsorted lot of legos
for everyone to sift through and buy the pieces they needed/wanted from me and
somehow it trumped all the other activites we had planned. plus the meeting
went about 2 hours longer than it was scheduled for. As reed said, 'it was like
kids in a candy store.' from my perspective it was really nice of everyone to
do as much work sorting and removing non lego pieces for me. I think the best
deal of the day was when Neilsons found a rotation sensor for which they paid me
about a dime for since I was selling it strictly by weight.
also there were a lot of people picking out pieces and saying, 'wow I have never
seen this part before', or 'wow this one is like 1960s old'
It was really fun. Reed showed off his big bens bricks Wheels and his steam
drive that he has added to his little black steam engine and it looks great.
with all the parts he got by the next show he will have a half dozen of them!
Added another member to the roster again this month. Brian, who took every
spacey piece that jason didn't get to first.
we got a couple pics that brian will post shortly.
Thanks to Jordan for hosting the meeting.
Spencer
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