Recent content by BobMcD

Harry, If you're in the US, the KATO Unitrack is an excellent choice, widely available and of fine quality. I'm not an N-gauger, but I've seen folks who've used Unitrack get excellent results quickly. I'd recommend trying a small project with some of it, and I expect you'll be pleased with it...

Bob Collins, I'm not an expert on the Union Pacific's steam locos, but they did have some huge "Northern" 4-8-4s with very tall drivers which I believe were about that size. Rivarossi and others make HO models of them. Bob McD

Bob, I grew up in St. Louis, but had 4 grandparents in Springfield. We took the train or drove there every month (on Highway 66/I-44) while I was a kid, either stopping in Rolla to change drivers, or riding through on the Frisco. Small world! The Ozark Mountains seem like the center of the...

Bob, Well, the sounds of a model train are pretty different from those of the real thing, so some folks like to provide their own sound effects, or at least not to promulgate the funny electric and gear sounds our models make. Of course, if one is modeling an electric cog railroad, maybe model...

Bob, No question is too simple, and I agree--it's MUCH more fun to be right the first time... When you're measuring a curve's radius, it's from the CENTER of the track to the radius point. One way folks lay the track with cork roadbed (which comes split into left and right pieces to facilitate...

Charlie, I have no experience with the 'microspikes', so all I can say is they might be worth a try if the glue gets too cumbersome. I do like your glue approach, though. I agree that I'd worry about flange clearance with spikes on code 55 track, too, but I guess folks are doing it. You're just...

Well George, I'm no expert at DCC, just studying and considering it for my own use. I like the idea of using wireless controllers so I can follow my train around the layout. That way I can control it while standing next to it, without me or someone having to throw electrical switches for track...

Art, That's good to hear. I have used Atlas products for about 40 years, and have always been impressed that they provide good value for the money, and a product line that seems to really consider a model railroader's needs, time, and budget. Glad they stood behind their product. I've always...

Great ideas! Even one small animation can really delight viewers because it is unexpected, as George pointed out. If it takes a couple of moments to spot, so much the better. Humans are very good at seeing motion (from our hunting days long ago, I suppose), and it will draw attention. So put...

Charlie, That's very cool! I'm glad it worked so well! I've been experimenting with styrofoam (I could only find the pink stuff at Home Depot), and I think you're on to something. I also tried out several of the products Woodland Scenics puts out. The WS stuff and methods DO work well, it's...

Virginian, Regarding the movie quote--I was waiting to give someone else a chance to ID it, but it's DEFINITELY Dan Ackroyd, after sliding down the fire pole in Ghostbusters. Come on guys, some of us have to get out more often! Bob

Charlie, I bet your track-laying will go well. I'm interested to hear if you do it with glue, instead of spikes. If narrow-gauge stuff IS harder to get, what better way to insulate yourself against the problem than to lay your own track? As long as you have trucks for the cars and the...

Charlie, Perhaps you're thinking of BK Enterprises. I've used their kits, and they're excellent. I see in my latest Walthers catalog that they now make code 40 frogs in #4, 5, and 6 angles, for about $11 each. You can (as I did) order one and use it as a template for making your own, or you may...

Yeah, I hear the Swiss have set a goal of building watches which run as well as the Bachman shay! Bob

Charlie, I have hand-laid track, but used spikes to do it. You can make beautiful and very authentic track hand-laying it, and it's not as difficult as many think. Glue one rail for a little distance to define the track direction, let the glue dry, then use several track gauges to hold the...