Recent content by garyn

Seeing as how your question has not been answered. I've used Unimates on anything that is a unit train, which for me are passenger cars and A/B or A/A engine sets, and as front couplers on A units. There are 3 shank lengths; short, medium, long. I have all 3 lengths (its pretty...

While not prototypical, welcome to the reality of a small layout. I have the infamous 4ft x 8ft layout, with an upper level that I reach via a 4% grade. And yes this grade does impact the pulling ability of the engine, so you will NEED more engines to deal with the grade...just like the...

I got mine last week :-) Maybe I need another one for my branchline.

I have seen a layout where the electric motor is powered at 2 voltages. #1 standard speed, to move the bridge close to the track #2 slow speed, reduced voltage, to SLOWLY align the bridge "by eyeball" The guys told me that at the slow speed it was easy to eyeball position the bridge. Gary

mix manual and remote Stephen As has been mention you might try a mix of turnouts. I use Atlas MANUAL turnouts where I can reach them, and use Caboose Hobbies, ground throws to control the turnout. I use Atlas REMOTE turnouts where I cannot easily reach them. This mix of manual...

The local auto parts store (Kragen) has a Coleman compressor w a 2 gal tank for $70. That's cheaper than my old binks diaphram compressor. And w the tank you don't the pulsation of the diaphram compressor. All you need to add is a moisture trap, fittings, hose and you're all set. The 2 gal...

Since you don't intend to setup as part of an NTrack setup, you might look into the alternate placement for the branch line. I know that a bunch of people were unhappy that the branch line in the original NTrak spec was so close to the 2 mainlines that it looked like a 3-track mainline. NTrak...

I never did understand how the Wahl Oil works. Seems like it would make the track slippery, messing up traction.

GooGone seems to leave a residue. As Iais mentioned, use alcohol. But check the ingredients. You want the alcohol that uses water as the inert ingredient, or you could be putting stuff back on the rails. And change the rag often, or follow the wet cleaning car with a dry car to pick up the...

Now all you have to do is wait for the Atlas Shay. Only problem is they have not announced estimated price nor delivery date. Gary

Jim What are you using at the business end, a probe or tweezer? I use a tweezer-like unit. I simply grab the item between the tips, put the rosin core solder against the rail, and hit the foot switch for a couple seconds...and its done. Other than that, you follow standard soldering...

I think they do mean the SPECTRUM 2-8-0. I have 2 of them, one is going back for repair/replacement. I also have 2 more on order. Shows how much I like them. Well and there is nothing else in a decent 2-8-0.

I dunno Mark. I did a long search and could not find a dealer that is selling the LL mallet for $150. Can you put me in touch with your LHS? Gary

While mine was not quite that bad, it could not pull 6 cars up a 4% grade. I've heard that it could pull 25 to 30 cars on level track. There is rumor here of either LL or a 3rd party producing a driver wheel w traction tires. Until that wheel is available, another option I read in an old...

Good job Ray Another option for shaft coupling is the flexible fuel hose for R/C gas models. I used that for a couple remotor jobs.