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I have this image of a styrene/stripwood cutter on my computer and I can't seem to figure out who makes it or if anything similar is for sale anywhere? Any ideas? Thanks, Scott

I'm looking for advice on this track plan. I have a few 3x8 and 3x6 sections from an old layout that I am looking to reuse, thus the shape. Theme is an On30 logging line. There are three logging camps. Locos visit the camps, bringing logs back to the sawmill. Rib Lake area also has engine...

This looks like a fun scale. I was looking for something larger than HO for the basement (would love to do G but $$$$$), and I have a bunch of Atlas code 83 flextrack laying around. Walla -- how about On30? Question: I know a lot of guys just use the Atlas flextrack straight up, but how do...

I am contemplating a point to point logging layout and am stuck on a question: Did actual railroads run their locos backward coming down the mountain? I am guessing at many railroads there was no room to turn the loco around, so the answer seems obvious. But I was hoping someone could provide...

For the holiday eBay buyers / bidders: After buying anything on eBay, if you pay with Paypal, enter coupon code C11-GIFTGUIDE to save 10% on your purchase. I just used it to save $10 on a new loco. I have heard an expiration date of 12/18 but it is unverified, and I take no responsibility if...

Hey all, Just bought a new HO Bachmann 3-truck shay that needs a decoder. I know Soundtraxx has a low cost drop in sound decoder ($60 at Loys), but I have heard mixed reviews on the quality of the sound. Just wondering if anyone has opinions on this decoder. My other options would be to just...

I just got a brand new Spectrum 2-8-0 with DCC on board. But at low speeds (it's a 28 speed step decoder) - until about speed step 9, the motor buzzes like nothing else, but it does move properly. Speed 10 and above, runs and sounds just fine. Is this normal for Bachmann? I don't have any...

The quest for info on various DCC systems continues... I have heard that Broadway Limited locomotives have been difficult to program on some DCC systems (the Zephyr in particular), requiring Tony's booster to help out. I was wondering if anyone has any experience programming BLI locos with the...

A few sites online talk about the use of "zip texturing" but none seem to describe exactly what it is. I was hoping someone at The Gauge might be able to help out. Best I can tell, it involves dry poster paint and plaster? I appreciate any help! Scott

OK, the first tracks are about to be laid but a quick question. My layout is a loop to loop. The "main" section connecting the two loops is less than one train length. The two reverse loops are large and comprise the remainder of the layout, and each loop has a few sidings. In my limited...

Both have similar pricing and features. In fact, on some websites, NCE is actually priced slightly cheaper. I'm debating between the two and was wondering what you all think. There is plenty of info on Digitrax on this site, but not so much on NCE. My layout is (slowly becomming) a 12x18...

Hey all, 2" foam resting on "bed frame" benchwork (95% of the foam is accessible from below) Atlas #65 (or #66) switch machines. Idea #1) Extending the throw pin somehow, but was not sure what the best way to do this was. Idea #2) Digging into the foam about 1 1/2". Not sure...

Anyone who can help, Things are progressing well on my layout, but I have hit a snag. I am using 2" foam as a base and need to cut a downward grade into it. Kind of like a small canyon. It will not extend to the edge of the foam, just a 4" (or so) groove in the middle, where the sides are...

Hey all, I just got home with a few 1x4s, 1x2s, and 2x2s to get started on my benchwork. From Linn Wescott's book "How To Build Model Railroad Benchwork" I was debating between L-girder and Butt-joint style. The problem is that my 1x4s are very slightly twisted. If I try to make an...

Hey all. I am at the very beginning of starting a railroad with my grandfather's old HO scale trains. The locomotives I have confirmed working are all made by Life-Like and AHM, are all diesels, and were manufactured in the 70s. I am very interested in creating a layout run by DCC. The big...

Hello all! I just joined this forum and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Scott and I live in Wisconsin. When I was a kid and my grandfather passed away, I inherited all his model train stuff. Quite a bit of Lionel stuff from the 60s and a lot of HO scale from the 70s. My brother and...