My parents surprised me by sending me a Strobo-Spark for Christmas! I've been a coil rebuilder for quite a while, making both my electronic coils as well as refurbishing stock coils. I know all, or at least almost all, of the little nuances that come with rebuilding stock T coils. However, I had never had access to an HCCT or a Strobo-Spark to adjust the coils properly. Instead, I had to use all the equipment I had on hand to adjust them as best as I could. They seemed to work okay, but now, I can finally rebuild stock coils and adjust them properly!
Let me say that the Strobo-Spark is an incredible piece of equipment. It makes testing and adjusting stock coils a breeze. Plus, its small size and lightness make it very apartment and travel friendly. It's extremely well-made, and John even went through the effort of using period-correct brass screws. How great is that? The only downside I can see with it is that it won't check to see if the winding themselves show continuity. Of course, that can be seen easily with an VOM.
I still have a few more electronic coils to finish, but at least I can also rebuild and adjust stock coils now! At the museum I volunteer for, I've rebuilt 3 sets of stock coils for the Ts there, and all the cars that have them run very well. I'm going to drive all of them, see how they run, then use the Strobo-Spark to adjust the coils properly and see how they drive after that. I'll be shocked (no pun intended) if the Strobo-Spark shows that even one of them is adjusted properly!
Here's a picture of my new T tool:
Whoa there! What is the date where you live?
Over here it's December 11th and all presents are being wrapped to put under the tree for Christmas morning. That will be the 25th.
Instant gratification is not good for the soul; waiting is good!
Nice parents...they want to adopt a grandfather?
Have fun with it and good luck with it...
Chris,
Don't worry. They figured that I'd need this sooner rather than later!
I'm with Chris (OK, also with George, more gifts is better!), The Christmas Elves will not be happy with you!! John even used slotted screws--alright!!
I remember when I was about 11, I "accidentally" (HONEST, it really was an accident!) discovered my Christmas present about 2 weeks early-an HO train set. I had to fain surprise Christmas morning (I don't think I ever told my folks about it--too late to tell Dad, but I'll tell Mom when we visit next). Of course, I also had to act happy, BUT IT WASN'T AN AMERICAN FLYER (Like my Brother's trains, which by then I had sorta taken possession--and still have them!). OK Thread drift here, back on topic, NOW I know what to ask Linda for Christmas, thanks Cameron!!