Search results

I would install insulated railjoiners after each TO and the power to the midle of the rversing section. Tweet.

CV-29 adding 1 to the # already programmed is supposed to change the direction What decoder do you have installed? I don't think it makes any differnce. Tweet.

I actually solder my feeders (28 ga. phone wire) to 12 ga. stranded wire. They are very reliable and easy to install. I run my feeders to the edge of the layout for easy access and mount it under the fascia with some wire straps from Radio Shack. This works out OK because I,m in a...

I'd also wire as EngineerKyle said. I t looks like this would eliminate a problem when the engine crossed the insulated gap and caused a short. If you did not have a autoreversing unit, you could use a-double ( pole double throw switch) wire with the bottom wires crossed over from the top two...

The crossover needs insulated rail joiner after the turnout on each end of the siding. Install the poer feed from your autoreverser midway in between. I would solder any rail joins between there and the insulated rail joiners. Tweet.

Digitrax makes rhe AR-1. It list for about $30 I think. I have 1 on my turntable pit rail that works OK I know several other companies offer them. I would recommend the Digitrax though. you can also use a Double Pole Double Throw switch-DPDT. With the two wires from the source to the top...

I made mine with some styrene covered with the brick -patterned construction paper they sell at MicroMark It has an adhesive backing, but I use a little contact cement and wrap a rubber band aroubnd it until the glue sets. I may model a roud smokestack using a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" PVC pipe...

UP, I have plans of making some double deck modules. I have a10'X20' train room with a double track loop around the walls. It is a twice around loop that changes elevation to give 1' of clearance between levels. I'm in a wheelchair, so i have to have more room to move around. I want to...

I have converted several older units to dummies with sound. Most of these were poor performers usually with only one truck powered, but they still had good detail or were an oddball loco. I gave each its own address so it could be MU'ed with other diesels. This turned out better than I...

I worked at a plasticizer plant. Basically, similiar to a refinery, but they reacte chemicals to make synthetic oils. Inbound tankcars of alcohol such as hexanol were unloaded to storage tanks. 48" X 48" X 48" super sacks of powered chemicals came in on trucks and boxcars. Finished product...

How did you do the rail? The hopper is excellent, some of the best weathering I have seen.

I think you have the right idea. Just replace the smaller parts with sturdier stuff and use teh details. I make my trestle piles from 1/8" wooden dowel. A 36" stick sells for 29 cents at a local hardware store. 1/8" scales out to almost 11" in HO I use .035" X .175" coffee stirrers I found...

I'm still waiting on my replacement motor from Able Hobby ordered in October 2004. This engine is over 30 years old. It has the diecast boiler and I also replaced railings and a lot of the piping with music wire. I've got a digitrax sound unit on order as it will be DCC. I know this is alot...

The wild side indeed! I would suggest trying to find a used DSC-100 command station/booster for starters. This unit supports rread/write capabilities and has separate outputs for regular track wiring and program track. This is a site for a DIY throttle...

Mason, how did you do your drawings and display them? I have AutoCAD which does great for drawing modules, but I have been unable to post a drawing. I'm pretty good at using the program, but not that hot at using the computer online.

I'm repowering my Mantua 4-6-2 with Accurate Lighting's repower kit. It was about $45.00 and ia a can motor with a brass worm gear mounted on one end and a brass flywheel on the other. I'm waiting on the order to come in from Able Hobbies. I have had this locomotive since I was 5 years old...

This may be a little off topic, but does the Atlas Trainmaster feature the Fairbanks-Morse opposed piston prime mover sound. This motor had a unique sound to it. I read a Soundtrax review that said their decoder featured this unique sounding engine. I have not personally heard it...

The older locos you mentioned can be converted, but I would question whether it was worth it. Do these locos pull with all wheels. I have some old AHMs that only pulled with one truck. This severely limited the # of cars they could pull. With new Lifelike Proto 2000 locos listed as low as...

The Proto 1000 F-3's are great locomotives. They have a littl e more detail than the blue boxes. I think the C-liners and Erie-builts arethe same drive mechanism under different shells. MB Klein has a P2K GP-9 PhII in ATSF billboard paint for $29.99. I think one of the road #'s offered is...

Do what they did on the prototype and double the hill. When facing a short steep grade and no helpers, they broke the train down and pulled up half or even a third at a time. This and alot more information is in the John Armstrong book "Model Railroading for Realistic Operation." It is a...