Recent content by Skammer

I have a slightly larger (6.5' x 10') layout with a Digitrax Zephyr and I'm really pleased with it. I don't remember what I paid but it was less than $200. Since I can't really operate one side of the layout while standing on the other, I'll be getting a small handheld throttle soon. What I...

Finally construction has started on the ER&ER, a fictional shortline in northern Ontario connecting to the CPR and serving industries near English River and nearby. My preliminary trackplan was posted in this thread: http://www.the-gauge.com/showpost.php?p=247580&postcount=9 The layout is...

Before going through the effort of painting it all, you might want to just give it a quick going over with some rough sandpaper. Don't apply much pressure, just lightly go over it to break the sheen and make it slightly rougher. A wire brush would also work but sandpaper is probably easier...

I don't think it matters that the engines run at slightly different speeds. Think of a big, strong man struggling to pull a heavy sled. Then imagine that his young boy grabs the rope and pulls on it to help him. Even though there is a great difference in the amount of power they are...

Hmmm -- very interesting idea. Since I wouldn't actually want to spoil the illusion by using the same scene twice, I see two options for going with one turntable: 1) At either A or C, have the engine disappear "offstage", turn on the table, and come back. 2) Have the turntable visible at...

I have seen pictures of those in the prototype -- I think in Track Planning for Realistic Operation - but I have never seen anything like it commercially made. I think it's called a gauntlet, though, so knowing the name might help you look for one. But I wouldn't be surprised if you'd have to...

No, actually, I've only got most of the benchwork built. I'm going to then put down two layers of blue foam for a base, and then start playing with the track to finalize the plan before I glue down the roadbed and track. So if I'm going to make any changes, this is the time to do it. Thanks...

Okay, I forgot to give dimensions. Each square = 12" The red lines are the edge of the benchwork; the blue lines are double-sided backdrops. All the turnouts are #6 except at the interchange, which are #4s. Minimum curve radius is 24", but I'm thinking of changing that to 22" with easements...

Okay, jr switch, here's my layout. It's a freelanced Canadian shortline, starting at an interchange yard (marked A) and going around counter-clockwise through the turn at B and goint to C, then back again. Along the way, it delivers cars from the interchange and picks up empties or deliveries to...

They have the advantage of taking less space than a loop, and the disadvantage of using three turnouts (with the associated switching and wiring) instead of just one. Also, it's easier to turn a whole train on a loop, wyes are usually only good for engines or very short trains. The other end...

Who makes that old stake pickup truck on the left side of the last photo? Is it a kit? I'm always looking for vehicles that would fit on a late 1930's layout.

I have an LC-100 sound decoder in an IHC Hudson with FOUR 3/4" speakers in the tender (two facing up through the coal load, two facing down through the floor). It sounds great, although I had to fiddle with the CV's to make adjustments. And it can be LOUD, although I don't usually keep the...

For the crossing, I would also check the height of your couplers, especially the clearance of the pin that curves down from it (assuming you are using a knuckle-type coupler). On my first layout, I had a lot of problems with the coupler pins catching on my crossing until I learned how to fix 'em.

Wow, that's a coincidence. I'm planning ( but haven't started building yet) a 6.5'x10' HO layout which will be a fictional shortline that interchanges with the CPR in the Thunder Bay (Ontario) area. I have five or six sidings to account four, plus the interchange and a team track. I'll be...

I have one and have not been too happy with it. I'm gathering the strength of will right now to pull it out of my module (HO) again and see what I can do to make it work better, but I'm not too hopeful.