As a professional firefighter, I would have to agree with you. A CO2 fire extinguisher will not kill you, yet the fire will kill you and take all your belongings with it! I think it's a great idea to have a fire extinguisher in the layout room. The only extinguisher that is dangerous to your health is a Halotron extinguisher, which is mostly used in areas where there are a lot of computers. Not for domestic use. I learned a lot about how to use a multi meter, thanks for your help on this video. Lots of great things in it!
Also the fine powder from a dry powder extinguisher will get in everywhere else and eventually over time damage or ruin all the surviving electronics circuits etc. in the rets of the room/house.
As a retired fire officer with 30 years service and now another 20 years as a fire safety consultant i thought i would add something to Charlie's advice regarding the placement of an extinguisher. By the door is a common location but it is rarely the best placement for any extinguisher simply because it encourages the "go to the door and think about it" strategy. If you have got to the door in an emergency the best course of action is to use the door and leave rather than return to the fire and then do something about it. It follows that the better placement for a fire extinguisher is closer to where the action is, or in a more central location where it can be used immediately. Obviously, rooms and spaces vary but the principal is always the same - make sure the extinguisher is in a place where it can be used as soon as possible rather than somewhere that means it has to be fetched and brought back to the scene of the fire. i know this is a small point but I hope it is worth a bit of thought. And yes, a CO2 extinguisher will be fine as long as you remember to use it and leave, for a while. Also it is worth bearing in mind that if you do use it it will be VERY noisy and don't hold the discharge horn unless you fancy a cold burn and being stuck to the frosted horn! Love your channel, Charlie. i really enjoy your videos.......and I don't even have a model railway!
I would like to comment purely on the use of extinguishers from experience......28 years in the Fire Service. Yes, if used in a small space a CO2 extinguisher of the size you have could be a problem as the gas does displace oxygen. A dry powder extinguisher does cause a huge amount of mess, and is also unpleasant to breathe in a confined space. A Foam extinguisher also causes a lot of mess but doesn't affect breathing. However, not having an extinguisher at all could well result in not only a total loss of model railway, but the house as well, particularly if in a basement or loft. I can assure everybody that the Fire Service responds promptly to all calls. However, the time taken to attend an incident varies greatly. In most urban areas you would be looking at 6 to 8 minutes on average.....rural areas could be as much as 15 minutes plus. I can assure you that within even 6 minutes a small fire can develop to completely engulf a loft space or basement. I would suggest as a minimum a small CO2 extinguisher, which will deal with most small fires. If the layout is in the house then a largish foam or dry powder extinguisher would be a good backup. As for a foam extinguisher being a hazard on household electrics....well I spent 28 years spraying water onto household electrics at hundreds of house fires and never got an electric shock ( And a lot of those never had RCD fuses ). The bottom line is, it is reasonable to take minimal risk to stop a fire early, but if in doubt just leave....BUT make sure everyone is out the house....AND please phone for the fire service. By taking a few seconds to put out a fire you could literally stop your house being destroyed, so a model railway covered in dry powder or foam is a price worth paying!
Total agree. I speak from experience , having a fire on my railway when the power supply went faulty sending too much current to the lamps in the houses , and the cable insulation caught light. My co2 extinguisher saved my loft and house., I would not be using foam where live electrics are present unless they can be isolated. Dry powder makes far to much mess (if you are dealing with a small fire ). Bcf extinguishers were great , but not good for the environment . Great video btw.
Charlie - a fire extinguisher is a great idea - I've gone out and bought a small one. With all the slightly iffy wiring, hot soldering irons, aerosols and solvents knocking about - it's a no-brainer - once someone wise has pointed it out! Thank you for your earlier videos - it gave the courage to rip up my TMD and re-incorporate the parts into a 'more interesting' layout. After a 35 year break in modelling I'm loving that it's such a community these days - with loads of online help and inspiration. Happy modelling!
As you seem to be still mourning the demise of Maplins - have you tried CPC, online shop that sells almost everything electrical, and cheaply too! And with free delivery - usually next day. For example... cpc.farnell.com/search/prl/results?st=cable%20tie%20mount&sort=P_PRICE
Very well explained on the multimeter. You have a very calm way of presenting your subject. I like that. Lots of people talk at you, while you talk to people. I'm living in Florida, US. and just recently set up my 1950's O gauge trains, mostly for my granddaughter. OK I'm lying. Love it myself, and it gives me something to do while waiting for this hideous covid to go away.
Had the house and model railway annexe checked this year on a free pensioner check. They fitted fire alarms F.O.C. Thanks Charlie for the info on tools. Most I knew, but you always learn something new. Cheers, Bob
Hi Charlie, I totally agree with what Andy has said. I am an x-firefighter and having spoken to my mates who are still in the job they have said you are both right. After all you dont want to lose your home let alone your layout and a Co2 extinguisher would be ideal under those circumstances. Short bursts, dont stay to long if fire not out. After all caravans come equipped with a small fire extinguisher and they are small confined spaces, likewise a lot of people have one in the kitchen or garage and of course you should carry one in your car although they tend to be small compact BCpowder fire extinguishers. So the points they brought up regarding this issue were 1/ Good idea having the extinguisher at the exit so not going past fire hopefully. 2/ If you have to use all of your extinguisher Charlie you are staying a dangerous area far too long, a smaller one is ideal, lighter to carry and will do the job just as good, after all your going to be aware hopefully of a fire very quickly in your railway room. 3/ My lights are on a different circuit so its ideal to have an isolator on your railway electrics so you can trip it on your way out if it hasn't tripped straight away. 4/ Companies have there fire fighting equipment checked every year and recharged if necessary, whereas home ones have an expiry date which you should check and renew when required. 5/ We in this hobby tend to be of the older variety and hopefully have an abundance of commonsense but people still make mistakes so know your limitations, those of the extinguisher and the fire itself. Hope this helps. Regards Chris
Hi Charlie, I now 60 and started to Model again in OO scale during lockdown. I have followed many of your videos and always find them highly informative. I also like the way you 'just tell it as it is'. Keep up the good work and thanks again.
I must agree with you on the subject of fire extinguishers. They are a must in any modeling room or workshop. I have been building and exhibiting layouts for years and in 1976 I have had a fire in my modelling room which by the time the fire brigade arrived had affected the whole first floor of my house. I now have an extinguisher always within reach.
One of the most useful "tools" that I have is the rear bogie off a very old Hornby Dublo 3-rail standard tank which I two-railed back in the '80's... It's fantastic for clearing balast out of flange ways and off the sides of rails after ballasting - just press on it while pushing it up and down the track and through the point work. It takes seconds to do a job that can take the best part of an hour with a screwdriver.
Thanks for this Charlie. As an (almost) total neophyte I really appreciate the chance to find out what is actually useful rather than what I think, or the manufacturers say, is going to be useful. Less money wasted so more to spend on rolling stock :)
Thank you Charlie. I have had a multi meter for a while but can never remember which is DC scale and which is AC scale. Always have to look at instructions. Now you have explained the wavy and straight lines, obvious really, using it is going to be so much easier. Great video as always.
I will be investing in a log cabin for my retirement next year, Charlie (to house a new layout). I had (ridiculously) not even considered an extinguisher - but it makes total sense now you've raised the issue. Thank you. a great and timely tip.
Great video as always Charlie, good to see you use the RTFM acronym, one of my favourites, and the pause on expalining what it meant was brilliant! Cheers Steve
I listen to Health & Safety people all over the place. I used to work in Electronics and we had various fire extinguishers all over the factory and I am surprised nobody has suggested a fire blanket just to go absolutely off the page. Health & safety is very good but does tend to go silly after awhile . For instance people preach not to handle the DCC chips, (over handle perhaps) but you are not going to blow a chip while putting it in a locomotive without earthing yourself, believe me I know because I have tried and have not managed to blow one yet. One other thing if you require button cell batteries try Poundland they do cards of them for a couple of quid and they work well. Thank you for another informative video you always make me chuckle and that's how it should be. Cheers Frank
Hi Backdrop Charlie, the other option is you could use your old backdrop as a fire blanket and smother the fire. But all jokes aside I am health and safety and it is great to see you have got the conversation started. Just getting people to think about the issue can only have benefits, well done. Whether people choose to get a fire extinguisher or not hopefully they will develop a plan of what to do in the event of something going wrong and that can only be a good thing.
Thank you Charlie for your fantastic videos, i am also a child of the fifties. love you tongue in cheek approach. Living in the Netherlands everything is flat so it was nice seeing viaduct. we dont have many hills or mountains we do have kingfishers (great photo's)
A good few years ago. I had my layout in the loft. I was told that a well known manufacturer was producing their own chip, But it was really a rebranded Lenz chip and it was a lot cheaper. I bought one and tried it in one of my Locos. I had my back to it as it ran around the back side of my layout. It had burst into flames before it shorted out the electric supply. I realised then that a small extinguisher was a must. (It was not a rebranded Lenz chip. That was why it was a lot cheaper)
Excellent video. Safety can never be adequately emphasized. We all need to develop a safety culture at work and at home. Thanks for the brief on the fire extinguishers. Eye protection, solvent-resistant gloves, safety masks when dealing with solvents and solvent-based paints all come to mind as well. I always look forward to your videos and learn something new. Kennedy
Totally agree on the fire extinguisher and having it close to the exit so if you do use the entire thing you can go out and not suffocate. Some people have no common sense saying not to have one and if that's how they think then they shouldn't be doing anything that might cause a fire in the first place.
I've got a top tip... Get in the habit of always retracting your Stanley blade when you put it to one side, then you may not have to use the first aid kit so often :-)
Chadwick Model Railway i totally agree there I had an accident with a Stanley knife about 12 years ago and cut deep into the palm of my hand almost from my fingers to my wrist. The knife in question was one that couldn’t retract unless you took out the screw. That one went in the bin (blameless) for bin operative safety and I got a new one. Every time I put down the knife my thumb is retracting the blade before I let go btw I was healed after about 4 weeks and al is good
Couldn't agree more re fire extinguisher - always worth having. I'd also recommend that a smoke detector be fitted. Basic advice, but lots of us forget these things - I know I've done it.
I always had an extinguisher luckily I never had to use it. They don't cost a fortune and a quick action could save the day. Put it on your Christmas list.
Evening Charlie. Yes safty first always and just by you talking about will hopefully make us hobbyists take something out of it and keep us all safe.......🤔 Great as always and love the old railway lamp in the background 😄 Cheers Stevie 😎
Once again Charlie your video was very useful. I was one of those that had bought a multimeter and then thought what do I do next so I was very grateful for your video
I agree with you Charlie. Too many people take fire safety for granted. In addition to a fire extinguisher a fire blanket could make the difference between a house or no house. Even with the excellent fire service in the UK, by the time the fire brigade turn up the house you may be minus both the layout and house.... just take into account some of the materials being used...paints, thinners, foam and newspaper to name a few. And finally a smoke detector should be installed in the room.
Putting a carriage on the track was driving me nuts, so for me, a railer is essential for my sanity lol. The sleeper spacer tool is a great idea too. As for the fire extinguisher, I totally agree with you. It’s not as if they’re going to make a safety appliance that would kill you.
Charlie, When you said, You gave up smoking at 31. I thought you were going to say like the rest of us you gave up at 13.At school around the back of the bike sheds everybody was smoking up a storm back in 1961. Happy day's.Cheers, Chris Perry.
Nice one Charlie! In the day (40+ years ago) I made my track for a club layout and we used a hand made jig and copper clad sleepers. This principal could be adapted to reposition Peco track, but hard work!
Hi Charlie, totally agree with you regarding fire extinguishers. I have a small CO2 one as I'm in a shed, albeit 16x8 Dutch Barn style. Wouldn't dream of being without one. Have 2 dry powder ones in my house as I came home to a fire in a previous house and managed to put it out whilst waiting for the fire brigade. Glad I came home earlier than anticipated that day !!
Hi Charlie, you are the first person to use a phrase I have been using for years...’RTFM’... I have to explain that to all when I use it too!! Great video and safety first all the way for me too...cheers, Chris
Another great video. Wow, I still have my old multi meter that has a needle that bounces across the screen, (remember them?) It has solved so many wiring issues over the years.
I wish I could find my fathers old Avo mini (he was a wireless mech in the RAF pre electronics) but I have lost track of it. You are quite right about them they are the best
Thanks, Charlie, for another fun, informative video. I have taken up your advice regarding the fire extinguisher and now always make sure I've got my mobile with me although getting any help might be interesting. If incapacitated I would be unable to open the front door but even once inside the emergency services would have fun finding me. The stairs to the loft area are inside a wardrobe in the master bedroom (Narnia style), the kids love it. I've gone for dry powder, it might make a mess but that’s what vacuum cleaners are for, rather that then no house. Another thing I've done is put all the power outlets switchable from the top of the stairs so that by turning off that one switch all sockets are dead, including the lighting. Much better than having to go around and unplugging various sockets. Keep up the good work, hope you have a great Christmas.
I agree with you about the CO2 fire extinguisher. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and tends to drop after squirting and for most minor fires it is quite adequate without becoming asphyxiated. Having lost my cousin to a heart attack when he was in his shed, I think a mobile phone is an excellent idea when working remotely.
Hi Charlie, Just watched you TH-cam video. I Totally agree along with yourself regarding the fire extinguisher, it sounds like someone is just being facetious. Your mainly giving viewers some safety pointers for there wellbeing. You present your videos really well, love watching your TH-cam channel. Many thanks Brian
Rock on Charlie, I have a fire extinguisher in the railway room. This is a room within the garage which also has a large fire extinguisher by that door too.
Another very useful and informative video Charlie, I remember watching your original video and have to say that I totally agreed with you then. As you say depending on the severity you don't actually have to fight any fire but it makes sense to have the option available...
hi Charlie, another great video first thing i bought for the loft was a smoke alarm next job is getting a fire extinguisher better safe than sorry as for mister grumpy there is always one
Oh just to add, I have fitted a fire extinguisher 2kg CO2 as you recommend & on my son in laws say so as he is a fire fighter also. Man 76, electrical wiring with a learner plus a soldering iron! sounds the safest way to me. I want to spend my children's inheritance before i go on trains.
Great video Charlie. You gave some sound advice on safety. Great job on the tools, i have the rolling stock device to get them on the rails, I love it. Thanks for sharing. Ken
Good idea about fire extinguishers, (any type), first aid, phones etc I have a small plant sprayer, and a 2L milk container, filled with water. Then if you ignite something accidently, you can wet and extinquish immediately before serious damage is done or a fire extinguisher is needed.. Also if you burn yourself with solder, hot glue etc, water is the best first aid to reduce the pain.. x The Bigfella x
I'm with you regarding a fire extinguisher, Charlie My layout is a 'duck-under' in a large garage, with one exit. The extinguisher is there to help make sure I can get out sharpish if needed.
Another excellent video Charlie, I agree with you about the CO2 extinguisher, you will only be tackling a very small fire with a couple of short burst so there wont be any danger of suffocating, if the fire is large enough that you have to use the whole bottle on it then it has already gotten out of hand and you should have left several minutes ago and rung for the Fire Service. Nice mention of the sleeper spacer, I will definitely be buying a couple of them. If this is the last video before that Christmassy thing then may I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hi Charlie, another great video in the bag I'd say. But, sadly I must pull you up on being an advocate of using a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire on the layout. I have a fire station modelled on my layout who's crews are more than competent to deal with any situation like that if it did occur! I also have a well used first aid kit in the loft where the layout is situated and I can wholeheartedly agree with you that stanley knives always make a beeline for fingers! In fact I have put some of the kits items on my Christmas list for replenishment.
I think the fire extinguisher was an excellent suggestion, because you must always hope for the best prepare for the worst. Anybody who would criticize that, is not thinking clearly.
On the side of the multi meter where the probes are stored. They can be used another way. Place the probe in with the test point outwards it will hold its self. This way you hold the meter and use the probe fixed to the side as one point of test the other is the free probe. This way you have the meter at one end of the testing point so don’t need to look round too often.
What i have as standard tools: A big old transformer with overload/ short circuit indicators. Those LM317 ones might have protection built in but no indications at all Multiple Laptop power supplies modified to a 2,1 or 2,5 mm connector which is sort of the standard plug size, useable for about everything. Kit built DCC booster that gives extra short circuit protection LM317 in a box as a variable voltage power supply
@@ChadwickModelRailway I haven't built a fixed layout yet, so I'm trying to keep it on the safe side of the amperage range for the tinkering. But I will certainly buy one when the building work advances, as the average power of a Dcc booster is about double that of a normal speed controller with the spark size and heat potential to match.
Hi cHARLIE.....Des Davis from down under......just one point I would like to make re cleaning wheels.I have used several types of wheel cleaning systems and the best by far is paper towel and wetted down with track cleaning fluid ie. peco electro lube or the smoke fluid/track cleaning fluid and just run the loco backwards and forwards making sure electrical contact is made to at least one set of pickups.This works well with the dreaded traction tyres used on some manufactures locos and it does"nt damage the traction tyres and better still it will not scratch the wheel surface which in turn leads to more grunge on the wheel treads.I know that method you demonstrated works ....but does have that one drawback.Just thought I would pass it on for what it"s worth.I really enjoy your videos and look forward to seeing more in the ensuing months.Kindest regards Des Davis......and a Merry Christmas to you and all your subscribers.
Personally I would also say a smoke alarm might be an idea in a model room too. For example you have a dodgy mains outlet or something, and a transformer starts to melt. You should hear the alarm before you smell it and pass out from the plastic smoke fumes. We used to have several smoke alarms on a club layout for that reason. And I remember once a loco straight up burnt out in the storage yard behind me and i didnt notice till the alarm started screaming abuse at me.
Charlie, your multi-meter has a diode position on it, near the bottom. It should beep when you have continuity. Try it. Also, a CO fire bottle is what you want to use on an electrical fire - purple K and foam don't play well with electrical fires, let alone around model railroads.
Hi Charley just going back on your first part you might like to know that Maplins is still going but only online another thing you might want to look at is the right angle attachment they sell for Dremmels it allows you to get in tighter to cut rails straight even with a smaller disc
The main reason for having a fire extinguish is to help you safely exit the area you are in. Take the extinguisher with you to extinguish any fires you encounter blocking your exit route. Especially important for those of us who have loft or shed layouts with limited access / egress. Of course you can fight small fires with them if you are confident and know what you are doing.
very informative as always... As for powder fire extinguishers, I had an apprentice who decided to move mine in my work van for some reason.. it fell off the racking and went off... WHAT a mess!! agree though, an extinguisher is definitely something that people overlook
Hi Charlie, find your video's very informative for someone like me starting out at 76 for the first time. In your video you show the back to back measure of 14.6 for wagons & coaches which was so helpful. As some of the stuff I have dates back to my sons Triang/Hornby from around 1970 all needs checking for modern day track & points thats why I'm using Peco streamline 100 in the hope it helps derailments. Where can I get the back to back you showed as it's not on your list of items used? You explain things very well & show the process you go through in getting to your final end. My plan is to go DCC which frightens the hell out of me but in for a penny ah! no one ever learned anything without mistakes. Just hope they are not too expensive. How about some articles on converting older Lima models to DCC & the pitfalls or even the old Triang/Hornby there are a lot of us out there with minimal cash to spend. have taken your advice on so much, THANKS, Robin, Llanelli, S Wales.
Hi Robyn, I think you can buy the back to back gauge, from squirestools.com. Regarding converting old locos, I must confess it’s probably more trouble than it’s worth. Regards Charlie
Have to agree with you Charlie with regards the extinguisher. A couple of quick blasts in a loft is not going to kill you. My last choice of extinguisher would be the powder, if you have ever used one you will know it pretty much ruins anything the powder comes into contact with. Foam not so bad, but still something that is pretty much guaranteed to destroy your layout. C02 is the best option, but you do need to be aware of the dangers associated with using it in an enclosed space, a quick blast or two is not a problem, but standing there with your fingers pulling the trigger until the extinguisher was empty is certainly a very stupid idea.
Hi there Charlie. Regarding continuity and measuring resistance. As you quite rightly state, continuity uses resistance. But speakers are an interesting one. Resistance measurements use DC but speakers use AC to drive the 'voice coil'. Where you got your lower resistance than you expected on your speaker; this is because speakers, whilst stated as Ohms use AC and so you are not measuring resistance but are measuring imepedance. Impedance (symbol Z) is also stated in Ohms just to confuse matters (so a speaker is not 8 Ohms resistance, it is 8 Ohms impedance). If you take for example an 8 Ohm rated speaker and measure the resistance it will always be less than the 8 Ohms by in the order of a couple of Ohms. The difference is called the 'reactance' or 'inductive reactance' (x). This is because a speaker uses AC to drive it so not only has the current passing through the wire (the voice coil) got the resistance of the wire to overcome, it also has to overcome the energy field which is caused by passing a magnet (the speaker magnet) through a coil (the speaker 'voice coil') - the Reactance (x) or Counter EMF - as the speaker cone moves in and out to vibrate the air and make a sound, the energy in the magnetic field changes so the impedance changes. As you will recall from your Physics 'O' and 'A' levels, when you pass a magnet through a coil an energy field is created so the current driving the speaker has to overcome this energy field too (the reactance). So in actual fact the reading you got on your multimeter across your speaker was in the 'ball park near enough' as the apparatus to accurately measure impedance (Z) will set you back a few thousand quid. Here is a link but it gets heavy and lots of maths go straight to inductive reactance - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_reactance
@@ChadwickModelRailway: I'm retired Charlie and I was brought up with an interesting philosophy by my parents, "If you want to be a layabout, better be an educated layabout than an uneducated one." An intersting 'mantra'. (I did get a distinction in Calculus at undergraduate level though!!)
Charlie. When working with electrics electronics Co2 is the only option available to most people as halon is restricted. Fome or water fire extinguishers are water-based, water and electric do not match. Water with some batteries will cause an explosion, remember your 12 to 24v supplies run on the mains supply. So pointing a water-based fire extinguisher at the fire it might contact mains voltage. Next is electric shock. Next speaker impedance is worked out at a frequency, not DC as per your meter.
I've been watching a few track building videos on TH-cam, and thought the same thing... Layouts are a potential fire risk. Nothing wrong with getting a fire extinguisher and speaking to your local fire prevention officer.
What an informative video. Thanks for all those tips. Being ham-fisted my main cause of irritation is cutting plain track accurately to fit in between two sets of points, e.g. a loco release road. I measure, measure again, mark up where the cut should be, cut rail with the Dremel, and whaddya know...it's 2mm short or a fraction too long. Every ruddy time! How does everyone else get it bang on?
I'm not going to get into the fire extinguisher debate. A few TH-cam railway modellers mention them or have them in a prominent position and they are generally a good idea. Top tip on the buffer stop lights - especially as I have a shunting layout - never thought of them as a basic continuity tester before. I shall be buying some before long. Cheers
Hey Charlie loving the little interaction video going on mate! Be it extinguishers or what, it’s like becoming a very good personal channel and has a bygone tv programs like Blue Peter and Magpie feel. John
Charlie, An alternative to a mobile is an Echo (Alexa) or Google hub (?) or iPad (Siri) that you can speak to for help, even if you have glued your fingers to something! I too like the Railer; there was a recent version that is powered, so you can drive a loco onto the track. Use the Peco version, and stick tin-foil over each wheel-well, not forgetting to wrap each side over the end to pick up the power from the track. Voila, a 30 gbp powered railer for pennies more than the basic version. And I like the re-railer/uncoupled ramp bit of track, that will catch a bogie that is not properly railed, and put it back onto the track. Put one inside a tunnel entrance, for safety. Someone we both know is getting a couple for Xmas! And for the larger locos, you can separate the brush blocks, so you have one per bogie. No need to clean the parts of the loco that don’t have wheels! See you in three weeks! Tom
Chadwick Model Railway Charlie, it’s a home build, and I’ve not seen anyone doing a similar. Perhaps I’ll have to make another, if I can beat skilled videographers like you... The idea I followed is the Proses (P)RLR-01, which is currently 45 quid.
Cheers Charlie, interesting stuff ! I’ll bear in mind the railer tool and wheel cleaner especially. I’ve still got a really great digital Avo meter from my days as a telecommunications technician on good old British Rail, it’s got to be thirty years old but still an excellent meter. As you say, you get what you pay for, but I’d really recommend Avo meters. I’d love to be able to use Tracksetta, but unfortunately there’s a gap in the available sizes where my track plans are concerned. I’ll be using 450mm, 510mm, 570mm and 630mm for my upcoming project to be called Pevenbourne. I’m a recent subscriber to your channel and enjoying your videos and your presentation. Keep up the good work !
Hi Charlie great video mate I have two fire extinguisher in the loft I would not be without it mate I all ways check the back to backs on my wheels and I do use a multimeter and the track setter are a godsend mate the sleeper tool looks great Charlie I think I will get one and a first aid box I am now 65 years old now and taking a phone in to the loft is a good idea clive
Another great video Charlie, I don't know where you get the time for them considering your own modelling as well as helping out on McKinley. I have always believed in having fire extinguishers and have 1 in the kitchen, 1 in hobby room and 1 in the shed and wouldn't be without them. I had to clear my throat when you made the comment about medium radius bull head points, I'm a modern image modeller and have the grand choice of medium radius points L & R, we have been waiting for any addition to the range since 2010 😒. It amazes me that "people in the trade" still believe and use the old excuse that they have been using since Noah built the ark that, "most pointwork on the network is still on wooden sleepers" and fob us off. The "bullhead" fraternity really should consider themselves lucky that a "niche" product is supported as well as it is.
I was looking into a auto wheel cleaner, mainly the one that woodland scenics do.. tidy wheels or in those lines, I think it's called.. That said the gaugemaster one looks and sounds far better - never crossed my mind to look at anything else than the WS one. Glad you mentioned it. I do like gaugemaster products so will look into those.
I am in the loft doing a railway layout too. I will be going CO2 Too. Because a few puffs of CO2 will snuff out most fires. And as Charley says keep your back to the exit. Regards Al...
Hi Charlie, enjoyed your video, you certainly raised some interesting points and let your viewers see some interesting items for use in railway modelling.. May I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will look forward to more great videos in 2020 Cheers Greg
Safety first, Charlie. I agree with you there. If I cut myself I bleed like mad if I cut myself, and I have a phone in the loft as well as I have had a 'stroke'. My wife would not appreciate me nicking her mirrors! A great article.
Another very instructive video Charlie thank you. Keep up the good work please. Totalluy agree with you about the fire extinguisher etc. RTFM. Read the Manual LOL. Out of your area I understand but really looking forward to visiting tthe Manchester Show over the weekend.
I left a soldering iron on in my garage. Fortunately nothing caught fire to burn it down. But Z I did find evidence that a fire almost could have started. Yes have a fire extinguisher handy.
Another excellent video Charlie. Good advice on the extinguisher and first aid kit, I have two fire extinguisher in my workshop and first aid kit ( I make use of the first aid kit daily :( ). Better looking at it than looking for it Charlie is my opinion.
Informative video as always Charlie. Fire extinguisher is very important to have I’d much prefer to have one and not use it then take a risk without I also have one mounted on the wall in the kitchen as well as a fire blanket
I used a powder extinguisher to put out a flatmates pan fire when I was a university student some years ago. It took nearly 3 hours to completely clean a small kitchen between two of us! Not related to the discussion but I thought it might amuse you... The managment company wanted *me* to pay for the fire extinguisher since I was the one who used it! I asked them if they were insured in case of a fire destroying the property. They said they were indeed insured. "So the message you're sending me is next time there's a fire I should just ignore it and let the place burn if I don't want to be out of pocket?" "Err... No charge for using the fire extinguisher, sir."
As a professional firefighter, I would have to agree with you. A CO2 fire extinguisher will not kill you, yet the fire will kill you and take all your belongings with it! I think it's a great idea to have a fire extinguisher in the layout room. The only extinguisher that is dangerous to your health is a Halotron extinguisher, which is mostly used in areas where there are a lot of computers. Not for domestic use.
I learned a lot about how to use a multi meter, thanks for your help on this video. Lots of great things in it!
Thanks Joe, I’m so pleased that a professional firefighter can add his weight to what I believe is common sense.
Also the fine powder from a dry powder extinguisher will get in everywhere else and eventually over time damage or ruin all the surviving electronics circuits etc. in the rets of the room/house.
As a retired fire officer with 30 years service and now another 20 years as a fire safety consultant i thought i would add something to Charlie's advice regarding the placement of an extinguisher.
By the door is a common location but it is rarely the best placement for any extinguisher simply because it encourages the "go to the door and think about it" strategy. If you have got to the door in an emergency the best course of action is to use the door and leave rather than return to the fire and then do something about it. It follows that the better placement for a fire extinguisher is closer to where the action is, or in a more central location where it can be used immediately. Obviously, rooms and spaces vary but the principal is always the same - make sure the extinguisher is in a place where it can be used as soon as possible rather than somewhere that means it has to be fetched and brought back to the scene of the fire.
i know this is a small point but I hope it is worth a bit of thought. And yes, a CO2 extinguisher will be fine as long as you remember to use it and leave, for a while. Also it is worth bearing in mind that if you do use it it will be VERY noisy and don't hold the discharge horn unless you fancy a cold burn and being stuck to the frosted horn!
Love your channel, Charlie. i really enjoy your videos.......and I don't even have a model railway!
I would like to comment purely on the use of extinguishers from experience......28 years in the Fire Service. Yes, if used in a small space a CO2 extinguisher of the size you have could be a problem as the gas does displace oxygen. A dry powder extinguisher does cause a huge amount of mess, and is also unpleasant to breathe in a confined space. A Foam extinguisher also causes a lot of mess but doesn't affect breathing. However, not having an extinguisher at all could well result in not only a total loss of model railway, but the house as well, particularly if in a basement or loft. I can assure everybody that the Fire Service responds promptly to all calls. However, the time taken to attend an incident varies greatly. In most urban areas you would be looking at 6 to 8 minutes on average.....rural areas could be as much as 15 minutes plus. I can assure you that within even 6 minutes a small fire can develop to completely engulf a loft space or basement.
I would suggest as a minimum a small CO2 extinguisher, which will deal with most small fires. If the layout is in the house then a largish foam or dry powder extinguisher would be a good backup. As for a foam extinguisher being a hazard on household electrics....well I spent 28 years spraying water onto household electrics at hundreds of house fires and never got an electric shock ( And a lot of those never had RCD fuses ).
The bottom line is, it is reasonable to take minimal risk to stop a fire early, but if in doubt just leave....BUT make sure everyone is out the house....AND please phone for the fire service. By taking a few seconds to put out a fire you could literally stop your house being destroyed, so a model railway covered in dry powder or foam is a price worth paying!
Such a valuable comment Andy
Safety first Charlie, its something I think we all take for granted and I'm with you all the way on fire safety.
I’m so pleased that you agree Mark.
Total agree. I speak from experience , having a fire on my railway when the power supply went faulty sending too much current to the lamps in the houses , and the cable insulation caught light. My co2 extinguisher saved my loft and house., I would not be using foam where live electrics are present unless they can be isolated.
Dry powder makes far to much mess (if you are dealing with a small fire ).
Bcf extinguishers were great , but not good for the environment .
Great video btw.
You do make me smile Charlie… as usual a very informative guide for us mortals.
Thanks for posting 😀
Thanks Ross, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway
Charlie - a fire extinguisher is a great idea - I've gone out and bought a small one. With all the slightly iffy wiring, hot soldering irons, aerosols and solvents knocking about - it's a no-brainer - once someone wise has pointed it out!
Thank you for your earlier videos - it gave the courage to rip up my TMD and re-incorporate the parts into a 'more interesting' layout. After a 35 year break in modelling I'm loving that it's such a community these days - with loads of online help and inspiration.
Happy modelling!
Hi Clive, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
As you seem to be still mourning the demise of Maplins - have you tried CPC, online shop that sells almost everything electrical, and cheaply too! And with free delivery - usually next day. For example... cpc.farnell.com/search/prl/results?st=cable%20tie%20mount&sort=P_PRICE
I’ll check it out Clive, thanks.
Very well explained on the multimeter. You have a very calm way of presenting your subject. I like that. Lots of people talk at you, while you talk to people. I'm living in Florida, US. and just recently set up my 1950's O gauge trains, mostly for my granddaughter. OK I'm lying. Love it myself, and it gives me something to do while waiting for this hideous covid to go away.
Great comment Dennis, good luck with your project mate. Regards Charlie
Had the house and model railway annexe checked this year on a free pensioner check. They fitted fire alarms F.O.C.
Thanks Charlie for the info on tools. Most I knew, but you always learn something new. Cheers, Bob
I’m so pleased that you found it useful Bob.
Hi Charlie, I totally agree with what Andy has said. I am an x-firefighter and having spoken to my mates who are still in the job they have said you are both right. After all you dont want to lose your home let alone your layout and a Co2 extinguisher would be ideal under those circumstances. Short bursts, dont stay to long if fire not out. After all caravans come equipped with a small fire extinguisher and they are small confined spaces, likewise a lot of people have one in the kitchen or garage and of course you should carry one in your car although they tend to be small compact BCpowder fire extinguishers. So the points they brought up regarding this issue were 1/ Good idea having the extinguisher at the exit so not going past fire hopefully. 2/ If you have to use all of your extinguisher Charlie you are staying a dangerous area far too long, a smaller one is ideal, lighter to carry and will do the job just as good, after all your going to be aware hopefully of a fire very quickly in your railway room. 3/ My lights are on a different circuit so its ideal to have an isolator on your railway electrics so you can trip it on your way out if it hasn't tripped straight away. 4/ Companies have there fire fighting equipment checked every year and recharged if necessary, whereas home ones have an expiry date which you should check and renew when required. 5/ We in this hobby tend to be of the older variety and hopefully have an abundance of commonsense but people still make mistakes so know your limitations, those of the extinguisher and the fire itself. Hope this helps.
Regards Chris
I’m in total agreement Clive. As a carrier sailor (aircraft carriers etc) I’m only too aware of the risks of fire and ones realistic abilities.
Who is this Clive you speak of !!!
Oh bugger, so sorry Chris.
Hi Charlie, I now 60 and started to Model again in OO scale during lockdown. I have followed many of your videos and always find them highly informative. I also like the way you 'just tell it as it is'. Keep up the good work and thanks again.
That’s very kind of you to say so Richard, regards Charlie
I must agree with you on the subject of fire extinguishers. They are a must in any modeling room or workshop. I have been building and exhibiting layouts for years and in 1976 I have had a fire in my modelling room which by the time the fire brigade arrived had affected the whole first floor of my house. I now have an extinguisher always within reach.
I can only totally agree Lynne, my only surprise was that some folks disagreed!
Thankyou Charlie. I enjoy listening to you talk. I dont have the time or money to get into this hobby but I like seeing what you do here
Thanks Yup Yup, you’re too kind.
One of the most useful "tools" that I have is the rear bogie off a very old Hornby Dublo 3-rail standard tank which I two-railed back in the '80's... It's fantastic for clearing balast out of flange ways and off the sides of rails after ballasting - just press on it while pushing it up and down the track and through the point work. It takes seconds to do a job that can take the best part of an hour with a screwdriver.
A great tip K31, many thanks.
Thanks for this Charlie. As an (almost) total neophyte I really appreciate the chance to find out what is actually useful rather than what I think, or the manufacturers say, is going to be useful. Less money wasted so more to spend on rolling stock :)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it OM
Thank you Charlie. I have had a multi meter for a while but can never remember which is DC scale and which is AC scale. Always have to look at instructions. Now you have explained the wavy and straight lines, obvious really, using it is going to be so much easier. Great video as always.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Greg.
I will be investing in a log cabin for my retirement next year, Charlie (to house a new layout). I had (ridiculously) not even considered an extinguisher - but it makes total sense now you've raised the issue. Thank you. a great and timely tip.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and found it useful Marc.
Great advice Charlie. Fire extinguisher was one of the first items I bought for my loft layout.
A good move Justin.
Great video as always Charlie, good to see you use the RTFM acronym, one of my favourites, and the pause on expalining what it meant was brilliant! Cheers Steve
Thanks Steve, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Read the...fine...manual !
I listen to Health & Safety people all over the place. I used to work in Electronics and we had various fire extinguishers all over the factory and I am surprised nobody has suggested a fire blanket just to go absolutely off the page. Health & safety is very good but does tend to go silly after awhile . For instance people preach not to handle the DCC chips, (over handle perhaps) but you are not going to blow a chip while putting it in a locomotive without earthing yourself, believe me I know because I have tried and have not managed to blow one yet. One other thing if you require button cell batteries try Poundland they do cards of them for a couple of quid and they work well. Thank you for another informative video you always make me chuckle and that's how it should be. Cheers Frank
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Frank, keep smiling.
Hi Backdrop Charlie, the other option is you could use your old backdrop as a fire blanket and smother the fire. But all jokes aside I am health and safety and it is great to see you have got the conversation started. Just getting people to think about the issue can only have benefits, well done. Whether people choose to get a fire extinguisher or not hopefully they will develop a plan of what to do in the event of something going wrong and that can only be a good thing.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Onky, and it was certainly worth getting folks thinking.
Thank you Charlie for your fantastic videos, i am also a child of the fifties. love you tongue in cheek approach. Living in the Netherlands everything is flat so it was nice seeing viaduct. we dont have many hills or mountains we do have kingfishers (great photo's)
Thanks Peter, I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos.
A good few years ago. I had my layout in the loft. I was told that a well known manufacturer was producing their own chip, But it was really a rebranded Lenz chip and it was a lot cheaper. I bought one and tried it in one of my Locos. I had my back to it as it ran around the back side of my layout. It had burst into flames before it shorted out the electric supply. I realised then that a small extinguisher was a must. (It was not a rebranded Lenz chip. That was why it was a lot cheaper)
A lesson well learned Philip. You can’t save money on safety. Regards, Charlie.
Excellent video. Safety can never be adequately emphasized. We all need to develop a safety culture at work and at home. Thanks for the brief on the fire extinguishers. Eye protection, solvent-resistant gloves, safety masks when dealing with solvents and solvent-based paints all come to mind as well. I always look forward to your videos and learn something new. Kennedy
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Kennedy.
Charlie, you are absolutely correct in regards to the Fire Ext. being in the layout room. Thank you for this heads up.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Totally agree on the fire extinguisher and having it close to the exit so if you do use the entire thing you can go out and not suffocate. Some people have no common sense saying not to have one and if that's how they think then they shouldn't be doing anything that might cause a fire in the first place.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it WB.
Great video, lots of tools shown, some I had not thought about and will need. Thanks Charlie
I’m so pleased that you found it useful Wayne. Regards, Charlie
I've got a top tip... Get in the habit of always retracting your Stanley blade when you put it to one side, then you may not have to use the first aid kit so often :-)
Excellent point, I feel correctly re-briefed.
Chadwick Model Railway i totally agree there I had an accident with a Stanley knife about 12 years ago and cut deep into the palm of my hand almost from my fingers to my wrist. The knife in question was one that couldn’t retract unless you took out the screw. That one went in the bin (blameless) for bin operative safety and I got a new one. Every time I put down the knife my thumb is retracting the blade before I let go btw I was healed after about 4 weeks and al is good
Couldn't agree more re fire extinguisher - always worth having. I'd also recommend that a smoke detector be fitted. Basic advice, but lots of us forget these things - I know I've done it.
I think you’re right Paul . I probably need to put a couple of smoke detectors underneath the boards just in case, regards Charlie
I always had an extinguisher luckily I never had to use it. They don't cost a fortune and a quick action could save the day. Put it on your Christmas list.
I think I paid less than $30 US on Amazon for mine. It's foam and rated for all 3 fire types.
I’m so pleased that you’re onside R1.
It's always nice to watch your movies. I like your likeable way.
You’re too kind mate.
Evening Charlie. Yes safty first always and just by you talking about will hopefully make us hobbyists take something out of it and keep us all safe.......🤔 Great as always and love the old railway lamp in the background 😄 Cheers Stevie 😎
Thanks Stevie, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Once again Charlie your video was very useful. I was one of those that had bought a multimeter and then thought what do I do next so I was very grateful for your video
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it MT
I agree with you Charlie. Too many people take fire safety for granted. In addition to a fire extinguisher a fire blanket could make the difference between a house or no house.
Even with the excellent fire service in the UK, by the time the fire brigade turn up the house you may be minus both the layout and house.... just take into account some of the materials being used...paints, thinners, foam and newspaper to name a few. And finally a smoke detector should be installed in the room.
An excellent comment and good suggestions too.
Well done Charlie. As for the fire extinguisher!!! Well!!! common sense I think it's a good idea. Keep the videos coming. Thanks Kevin
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Kevin.
Enjoyed the update. Made me chuckle a few times . Happy Friday. Cheers Charlie
Thanks Jim, keep smiling.
Putting a carriage on the track was driving me nuts, so for me, a railer is essential for my sanity lol. The sleeper spacer tool is a great idea too. As for the fire extinguisher, I totally agree with you. It’s not as if they’re going to make a safety appliance that would kill you.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it JM
Charlie, When you said, You gave up smoking at 31. I thought you were going to say like the rest of us you gave up at 13.At school around the back of the bike sheds everybody was smoking up a storm back in 1961. Happy day's.Cheers, Chris Perry.
Thanks Perry, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Nice one Charlie! In the day (40+ years ago) I made my track for a club layout and we used a hand made jig and copper clad sleepers. This principal could be adapted to reposition Peco track, but hard work!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Chris.
Hi Charlie, totally agree with you regarding fire extinguishers. I have a small CO2 one as I'm in a shed, albeit 16x8 Dutch Barn style. Wouldn't dream of being without one. Have 2 dry powder ones in my house as I came home to a fire in a previous house and managed to put it out whilst waiting for the fire brigade. Glad I came home earlier than anticipated that day !!
A lucky escape by the sounds of it Richard. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, you are the first person to use a phrase I have been using for years...’RTFM’... I have to explain that to all when I use it too!! Great video and safety first all the way for me too...cheers, Chris
Chris, we sing from the same song sheet.
Another great video. Wow, I still have my old multi meter that has a needle that bounces across the screen, (remember them?) It has solved so many wiring issues over the years.
I’m sure the old AVO’s are still the best.
I wish I could find my fathers old Avo mini (he was a wireless mech in the RAF pre electronics) but I have lost track of it. You are quite right about them they are the best
Thanks, Charlie, for another fun, informative video. I have taken up your advice regarding the fire extinguisher and now always make sure I've got my mobile with me although getting any help might be interesting. If incapacitated I would be unable to open the front door but even once inside the emergency services would have fun finding me. The stairs to the loft area are inside a wardrobe in the master bedroom (Narnia style), the kids love it.
I've gone for dry powder, it might make a mess but that’s what vacuum cleaners are for, rather that then no house. Another thing I've done is put all the power outlets switchable from the top of the stairs so that by turning off that one switch all sockets are dead, including the lighting. Much better than having to go around and unplugging various sockets.
Keep up the good work, hope you have a great Christmas.
David, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Your more than welcome.
I agree with you about the CO2 fire extinguisher. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and tends to drop after squirting and for most minor fires it is quite adequate without becoming asphyxiated. Having lost my cousin to a heart attack when he was in his shed, I think a mobile phone is an excellent idea when working remotely.
I’m so pleased that we are in total agreement Don
Great video Charlie, with you all the way with the fire extinguishe.
We’re all here to help each other Kevin.
RTFM made me chuckle,nice one Charlie
I’m here to please BB.
Hi Charlie,
Just watched you TH-cam video.
I Totally agree along with yourself regarding the fire extinguisher, it sounds like someone is just being facetious. Your mainly giving viewers some safety pointers for there wellbeing.
You present your videos really well, love watching your TH-cam channel.
Many thanks Brian
Thanks Brian, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Rock on Charlie, I have a fire extinguisher in the railway room. This is a room within the garage which also has a large fire extinguisher by that door too.
Sensible options Ian.
Another very useful and informative video Charlie, I remember watching your original video and have to say that I totally agreed with you then. As you say depending on the severity you don't actually have to fight any fire but it makes sense to have the option available...
I’m so pleased that you found the video useful Chris.
I have cleaners for 00 and 009. They are really helpful. I couldn't be without the re-railers again both 00 and 009.
It seems that you’ve got it sorted MRN.
hi Charlie, another great video first thing i bought for the loft was a smoke alarm next job is getting a fire extinguisher better safe than sorry
as for mister grumpy there is always one
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Dave.
Great video Charlie, your hints, tips and guides are invaluable, I love the tongue & cheek as always.
I'm so pleased that you find the channel useful Kevin.
Enjoyed that Charlie, texts notwithstanding lol. Cheers Paul at Sandling Junction
Hi Paul, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and hopefully you’ve sorted out your software issue too.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi chum sadly not yet though for now a work around in place until I can get sorted . cheers Paul
Oh just to add, I have fitted a fire extinguisher 2kg CO2 as you recommend & on my son in laws say so as he is a fire fighter also. Man 76, electrical wiring with a learner plus a soldering iron! sounds the safest way to me. I want to spend my children's inheritance before i go on trains.
Good for you Robbie, good luck with your new adventure. Regards Charlie
Great video Charlie. You gave some sound advice on safety. Great job on the tools, i have the rolling stock device to get them on the rails, I love it. Thanks for sharing. Ken
Thanks Ken, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Good idea about fire extinguishers, (any type), first aid, phones etc
I have a small plant sprayer, and a 2L milk container, filled with water.
Then if you ignite something accidently, you can wet and extinquish immediately before serious damage is done or a fire extinguisher is needed..
Also if you burn yourself with solder, hot glue etc, water is the best first aid to reduce the pain..
x The Bigfella x
Great tips BF.
I'm with you regarding a fire extinguisher, Charlie My layout is a 'duck-under' in a large garage, with one exit. The extinguisher is there to help make sure I can get out sharpish if needed.
Safety first 🚂🚂👍
Awesome video. Loaded with tools and tips. Thank you. Have a great weekend. - Drew
Thanks Drew, your too kind.
@@ChadwickModelRailway - welcome.
Another excellent video Charlie, I agree with you about the CO2 extinguisher, you will only be tackling a very small fire with a couple of short burst so there wont be any danger of suffocating, if the fire is large enough that you have to use the whole bottle on it then it has already gotten out of hand and you should have left several minutes ago and rung for the Fire Service. Nice mention of the sleeper spacer, I will definitely be buying a couple of them. If this is the last video before that Christmassy thing then may I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Mike and there should be one more before we celebrate the birth of Santa!
Hi Charlie, another great video in the bag I'd say. But, sadly I must pull you up on being an advocate of using a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire on the layout. I have a fire station modelled on my layout who's crews are more than competent to deal with any situation like that if it did occur! I also have a well used first aid kit in the loft where the layout is situated and I can wholeheartedly agree with you that stanley knives always make a beeline for fingers! In fact I have put some of the kits items on my Christmas list for replenishment.
Great stuff Nick and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Love the video Charlie, great information as always.
Thanks Rod, much appreciated.
I think the fire extinguisher was an excellent suggestion, because you must always hope for the best prepare for the worst. Anybody who would criticize that, is not thinking clearly.
Great comment, and surprisingly there have been criticisms!
On the side of the multi meter where the probes are stored. They can be used another way. Place the probe in with the test point outwards it will hold its self. This way you hold the meter and use the probe fixed to the side as one point of test the other is the free probe. This way you have the meter at one end of the testing point so don’t need to look round too often.
What an excellent suggestion.
Much appreciated, regards Charlie
What i have as standard tools:
A big old transformer with overload/ short circuit indicators. Those LM317 ones might have protection built in but no indications at all
Multiple Laptop power supplies modified to a 2,1 or 2,5 mm connector which is sort of the standard plug size, useable for about everything.
Kit built DCC booster that gives extra short circuit protection
LM317 in a box as a variable voltage power supply
And a smoke detector or fire extinguisher?
@@ChadwickModelRailway I haven't built a fixed layout yet, so I'm trying to keep it on the safe side of the amperage range for the tinkering. But I will certainly buy one when the building work advances, as the average power of a Dcc booster is about double that of a normal speed controller with the spark size and heat potential to match.
Great video charlie, some fantastic tools.
I think the sleeper spacing jig from steve is a fantastic tool, and a multimeter is a must for anyone.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Alex.
Hi cHARLIE.....Des Davis from down under......just one point I would like to make re cleaning wheels.I have used several types of wheel cleaning systems and the best by far is paper towel and wetted down with track cleaning fluid ie. peco electro lube or the smoke fluid/track cleaning fluid and just run the loco backwards and forwards making sure electrical contact is made to at least one set of pickups.This works well with the dreaded traction tyres used on some manufactures locos and it does"nt damage the traction tyres and better still it will not scratch the wheel surface which in turn leads to more grunge on the wheel treads.I know that method you demonstrated works ....but does have that one drawback.Just thought I would pass it on for what it"s worth.I really enjoy your videos and look forward to seeing more in the ensuing months.Kindest regards Des Davis......and a Merry Christmas to you and all your subscribers.
Thanks Des, a useful tip and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Another great video Charlie keep them coming
Thanks Adam, you’re too kind mate.
Personally I would also say a smoke alarm might be an idea in a model room too. For example you have a dodgy mains outlet or something, and a transformer starts to melt. You should hear the alarm before you smell it and pass out from the plastic smoke fumes.
We used to have several smoke alarms on a club layout for that reason. And I remember once a loco straight up burnt out in the storage yard behind me and i didnt notice till the alarm started screaming abuse at me.
A very important point NKP and one on which I will take action. I’ll fit another smoke alarm directly above the layout.
Charlie, your multi-meter has a diode position on it, near the bottom. It should beep when you have continuity. Try it. Also, a CO fire bottle is what you want to use on an electrical fire - purple K and foam don't play well with electrical fires, let alone around model railroads.
Great points Chuck, many thanks.
Hi Charley just going back on your first part you might like to know that Maplins is still going but only online another thing you might want to look at is the right angle attachment they sell for Dremmels it allows you to get in tighter to cut rails straight even with a smaller disc
Great info , thanks.
The main reason for having a fire extinguish is to help you safely exit the area you are in.
Take the extinguisher with you to extinguish any fires you encounter blocking your exit route.
Especially important for those of us who have loft or shed layouts with limited access / egress.
Of course you can fight small fires with them if you are confident and know what you are doing.
Safety never sleeps Mark, I’m pleased that you’re on the ball.
Hi Charlie, I found the multimeter tutorial really useful-i've had one a while but never really understood it! Take care now, Regards, Terry.
Thanks Terry, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
very informative as always... As for powder fire extinguishers, I had an apprentice who decided to move mine in my work van for some reason.. it fell off the racking and went off... WHAT a mess!! agree though, an extinguisher is definitely something that people overlook
I’m so pleased that you found it useful TVMR
Hi Charlie, find your video's very informative for someone like me starting out at 76 for the first time. In your video you show the back to back measure of 14.6 for wagons & coaches which was so helpful. As some of the stuff I have dates back to my sons Triang/Hornby from around 1970 all needs checking for modern day track & points thats why I'm using Peco streamline 100 in the hope it helps derailments. Where can I get the back to back you showed as it's not on your list of items used?
You explain things very well & show the process you go through in getting to your final end. My plan is to go DCC which frightens the hell out of me but in for a penny ah! no one ever learned anything without mistakes. Just hope they are not too expensive. How about some articles on converting older Lima models to DCC & the pitfalls or even the old Triang/Hornby there are a lot of us out there with minimal cash to spend. have taken your advice on so much, THANKS, Robin, Llanelli, S Wales.
Hi Robyn, I think you can buy the back to back gauge, from squirestools.com. Regarding converting old locos, I must confess it’s probably more trouble than it’s worth. Regards Charlie
Have to agree with you Charlie with regards the extinguisher. A couple of quick blasts in a loft is not going to kill you. My last choice of extinguisher would be the powder, if you have ever used one you will know it pretty much ruins anything the powder comes into contact with. Foam not so bad, but still something that is pretty much guaranteed to destroy your layout. C02 is the best option, but you do need to be aware of the dangers associated with using it in an enclosed space, a quick blast or two is not a problem, but standing there with your fingers pulling the trigger until the extinguisher was empty is certainly a very stupid idea.
It’s all common sense really mate.
You have many good ideas Charlie, which I mostly have.
Thanks James.
Excellent video as usual Charlie! Keep up the great work thank you for your efforts and God bless
Thanks SA, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Hallo Charlie , never seen these tracksetter in the Netherlands , great video , nice tips.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Bert.
Very informative .fire extinguisher is vital.I have one as my layout is in the garage as are the house electrics . No brainer
I’m so pleased that you agree David.
Hi there Charlie. Regarding continuity and measuring resistance. As you quite rightly state, continuity uses resistance. But speakers are an interesting one. Resistance measurements use DC but speakers use AC to drive the 'voice coil'. Where you got your lower resistance than you expected on your speaker; this is because speakers, whilst stated as Ohms use AC and so you are not measuring resistance but are measuring imepedance. Impedance (symbol Z) is also stated in Ohms just to confuse matters (so a speaker is not 8 Ohms resistance, it is 8 Ohms impedance). If you take for example an 8 Ohm rated speaker and measure the resistance it will always be less than the 8 Ohms by in the order of a couple of Ohms. The difference is called the 'reactance' or 'inductive reactance' (x). This is because a speaker uses AC to drive it so not only has the current passing through the wire (the voice coil) got the resistance of the wire to overcome, it also has to overcome the energy field which is caused by passing a magnet (the speaker magnet) through a coil (the speaker 'voice coil') - the Reactance (x) or Counter EMF - as the speaker cone moves in and out to vibrate the air and make a sound, the energy in the magnetic field changes so the impedance changes. As you will recall from your Physics 'O' and 'A' levels, when you pass a magnet through a coil an energy field is created so the current driving the speaker has to overcome this energy field too (the reactance). So in actual fact the reading you got on your multimeter across your speaker was in the 'ball park near enough' as the apparatus to accurately measure impedance (Z) will set you back a few thousand quid.
Here is a link but it gets heavy and lots of maths go straight to inductive reactance - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_reactance
Wow David, what detail, I’m humbled.
@@ChadwickModelRailway: I'm retired Charlie and I was brought up with an interesting philosophy by my parents, "If you want to be a layabout, better be an educated layabout than an uneducated one." An intersting 'mantra'. (I did get a distinction in Calculus at undergraduate level though!!)
Wise parental guidance, if you ask me.
Good idea with the fire prevention equipment Best regards Andrew
Thanks Andrew
Charlie. When working with electrics electronics Co2 is the only option available to most people as halon is restricted. Fome or water fire extinguishers are water-based, water and electric do not match.
Water with some batteries will cause an explosion, remember your 12 to 24v supplies run on the mains supply. So pointing a water-based fire extinguisher at the fire it might contact mains voltage. Next is electric shock.
Next speaker impedance is worked out at a frequency, not DC as per your meter.
Interesting points AJ.
I've been watching a few track building videos on TH-cam, and thought the same thing... Layouts are a potential fire risk. Nothing wrong with getting a fire extinguisher and speaking to your local fire prevention officer.
Sound advice Joe.
What an informative video. Thanks for all those tips. Being ham-fisted my main cause of irritation is cutting plain track accurately to fit in between two sets of points, e.g. a loco release road. I measure, measure again, mark up where the cut should be, cut rail with the Dremel, and whaddya know...it's 2mm short or a fraction too long. Every ruddy time! How does everyone else get it bang on?
Everyone gets it wrong, it’s an honesty problem.
I'm not going to get into the fire extinguisher debate. A few TH-cam railway modellers mention them or have them in a prominent position and they are generally a good idea. Top tip on the buffer stop lights - especially as I have a shunting layout - never thought of them as a basic continuity tester before. I shall be buying some before long. Cheers
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Davie.
Hey Charlie loving the little interaction video going on mate! Be it extinguishers or what, it’s like becoming a very good personal channel and has a bygone tv programs like Blue Peter and Magpie feel. John
It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile E.
Charlie,
An alternative to a mobile is an Echo (Alexa) or Google hub (?) or iPad (Siri) that you can speak to for help, even if you have glued your fingers to something!
I too like the Railer; there was a recent version that is powered, so you can drive a loco onto the track. Use the Peco version, and stick tin-foil over each wheel-well, not forgetting to wrap each side over the end to pick up the power from the track. Voila, a 30 gbp powered railer for pennies more than the basic version.
And I like the re-railer/uncoupled ramp bit of track, that will catch a bogie that is not properly railed, and put it back onto the track. Put one inside a tunnel entrance, for safety. Someone we both know is getting a couple for Xmas!
And for the larger locos, you can separate the brush blocks, so you have one per bogie. No need to clean the parts of the loco that don’t have wheels!
See you in three weeks!
Tom
Hi Tom, I’m very interested in the Voila railer. Do you have a link etc.
Chadwick Model Railway
Charlie, it’s a home build, and I’ve not seen anyone doing a similar.
Perhaps I’ll have to make another, if I can beat skilled videographers like you...
The idea I followed is the Proses (P)RLR-01, which is currently 45 quid.
Ah, a challenge Tom.
Cheers Charlie, interesting stuff ! I’ll bear in mind the railer tool and wheel cleaner especially. I’ve still got a really great digital Avo meter from my days as a telecommunications technician on good old British Rail, it’s got to be thirty years old but still an excellent meter. As you say, you get what you pay for, but I’d really recommend Avo meters. I’d love to be able to use Tracksetta, but unfortunately there’s a gap in the available sizes where my track plans are concerned. I’ll be using 450mm, 510mm, 570mm and 630mm for my upcoming project to be called Pevenbourne. I’m a recent subscriber to your channel and enjoying your videos and your presentation. Keep up the good work !
I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos Bryan.
Hi Charlie great video mate I have two fire extinguisher in the loft I would not be without it mate I all ways check the back to backs on my wheels and I do use a multimeter and the track setter are a godsend mate the sleeper tool looks great Charlie I think I will get one and a first aid box I am now 65 years old now and taking a phone in to the loft is a good idea clive
We are in total agreement Clive.
Another great video Charlie, I don't know where you get the time for them considering your own modelling as well as helping out on McKinley.
I have always believed in having fire extinguishers and have 1 in the kitchen, 1 in hobby room and 1 in the shed and wouldn't be without them.
I had to clear my throat when you made the comment about medium radius bull head points, I'm a modern image modeller and have the grand choice of medium radius points L & R, we have been waiting for any addition to the range since 2010 😒. It amazes me that "people in the trade" still believe and use the old excuse that they have been using since Noah built the ark that, "most pointwork on the network is still on wooden sleepers" and fob us off. The "bullhead" fraternity really should consider themselves lucky that a "niche" product is supported as well as it is.
Interesting observation Warnz and pretty accurate too.
I was looking into a auto wheel cleaner, mainly the one that woodland scenics do.. tidy wheels or in those lines, I think it's called..
That said the gaugemaster one looks and sounds far better - never crossed my mind to look at anything else than the WS one. Glad you mentioned it. I do like gaugemaster products so will look into those.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video TSL.
I am in the loft doing a railway layout too. I will be going CO2 Too. Because a few puffs of CO2 will snuff out most fires. And as Charley says keep your back to the exit. Regards Al...
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Alan.
Mobile phone for emergency.... whats not to love, great idea!
Thanks Ian, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hi Charlie, enjoyed your video, you certainly raised some interesting points and let your viewers see some interesting items for use in railway modelling.. May I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will look forward to more great videos in 2020 Cheers Greg
Thanks Greg, you’re too kind.
Enjoyed video, looking forward to seeing that lamp......
Give me time Richard.
Safety first, Charlie. I agree with you there. If I cut myself I bleed like mad if I cut myself, and I have a phone in the loft as well as I have had a 'stroke'. My wife would not appreciate me nicking her mirrors! A great article.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Nigel.
Another very instructive video Charlie thank you. Keep up the good work please. Totalluy agree with you about the fire extinguisher etc. RTFM. Read the Manual LOL. Out of your area I understand but really looking forward to visiting tthe Manchester Show over the weekend.
Tony, I only wish I could attend
Some very good advice Charlie thanks.
Thanks GCC
I left a soldering iron on in my garage. Fortunately nothing caught fire to burn it down. But Z I did find evidence that a fire almost could have started. Yes have a fire extinguisher handy.
Good for you Charles
Another excellent video Charlie. Good advice on the extinguisher and first aid kit, I have two fire extinguisher in my workshop and first aid kit ( I make use of the first aid kit daily :( ). Better looking at it than looking for it Charlie is my opinion.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it AM
Informative video as always Charlie. Fire extinguisher is very important to have I’d much prefer to have one and not use it then take a risk without I also have one mounted on the wall in the kitchen as well as a fire blanket
Thanks Alex, I’m so pleased that you found it useful.
I used a powder extinguisher to put out a flatmates pan fire when I was a university student some years ago. It took nearly 3 hours to completely clean a small kitchen between two of us!
Not related to the discussion but I thought it might amuse you... The managment company wanted *me* to pay for the fire extinguisher since I was the one who used it! I asked them if they were insured in case of a fire destroying the property. They said they were indeed insured. "So the message you're sending me is next time there's a fire I should just ignore it and let the place burn if I don't want to be out of pocket?" "Err... No charge for using the fire extinguisher, sir."
A very interesting experience, thanks for sharing.