Recent content by CraigN

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    Hills and Mountains

    I am using foam board. I have a mix of the blue/pink stuff and some of the white stuff that everyone says to stay away from. The white stuff is easy to shape but makes a heck of a mess! Once I get the basic shape I want, I used to coat with plaster, now I just coat it with thin layers of joint...
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    Good N Scale "Starter Sets?"

    You can Pre-Order the new Atlas Trainman sets for $104.95 from 4Nscale.com. They will be coming with the new Atlas GP-15-1 Each Atlas N Trainman® Train Set includes: • Locomotive • Power Pack • 24” x 30” Oval True-Track® Assortment: 16 pcs. 11” radius curve, 1 pc. 6” straight, 1 pc. 6”...
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    Help : My loco has a death wish

    Buy an NMRA N scale standards gauge. With the gauge you can check to see if your wheels have the correct spacing. You can check other stuff with it too. Craig
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    Here we go! Gotta start somewhere.

    It's been fun watching all the progress on this layout! Talk about a railroad that grows! Craig
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    any advice on nailing track to cork roadbed on 5/8 plywood

    The latest and greatest way to lay track and cork is with latex caulk. Just buy a tube of the cheap stuff and go at it. Latex caulk cleans up easy. To lay cork: A. Draw out track plan on plywood or foam board. B. Lay a bead of caulk on the lines. C. Spread thin with a putty knife. D. Lay...
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    My Scenic Ridge so far

    You have a very nice layout there. I can't wait to see it with buildings on it. Craig
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    Scenic & Relaxed update: not much but...

    You do fantastic work! The weathered rail and different colored ties really sets it off!! I just hope that I can do as good a job when the time comes. Craig
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    Newbie Makes Decision!!

    Flex track is definetly the way to go. When using around curves, keep the sliding rail to the inside of the curve.Just make sure you buy some rail nippers- they are best for cutting track! Measure twice, cut once. I make a mark with a fine point sharpie marker so I know where to cut. I use the...
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    Newbie Makes Decision!!

    Take your time when planning your empire. One mistake alot of people make when building their 1st layout is that they try to cram in as much track as they can. Then they try to make their industries and other scenery fit the spaces that are left. Been there, done that, tore it up. If it's...
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    Well this is the best place to start

    For the plan you have drawn I would not build it against a wall. That 5 foot reach will be impossible to fix problems let alone build scenery without crawling onto your layout. Fot the size of the space you plan on using, you should be able to layout a trackplan that has smaller than 4% grades...
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    low proffile wheels?

    I haven't had any problems with mine yet, but I have only had them on for about a month. One thing for me that is fact- the cars I have the metal wheelsets on roll alot better. If I uncouple on a grade- they roll away. Craig
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    low proffile wheels?

    You didn't say if they were metal wheelsets or plastic. Some people change to metal wheel sets to keep the track cleaner. All the M-T wheelsets I have are plastic and they seem to collect the dirt. I have changed alot of mine to the new Atlas metal wheelsets because I use Atlas code 55 track...
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    Here's my first N Gauge Layout

    I think it looks pretty good. A couple of ideas here: Add some stains to the roof- you can also add some more detail to it like air moving equipment. I have even glued down extra fine ballast onto my roofs before I paint them to take away the smooth look. I've heard of some people gluing down...
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    Father son project

    Now that's a father and son project!! Nice work! Craig
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    shortline RR in woods

    Very nice job - and nice pics too!
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