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    Atlas 2-6-0 mogul doesn't run well on code 55?

    When I had the same issue with a couple of my Atlas diesels - I found that the wheels were out of gauge (too narrow, and ever so slightly off). When I adjusted them using an NMRA guage - the issue went away! I too thought it was the flanges until someone here suggested checking to see if my...
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    Brain Teaser / Diversion

    MARS (Haven't read all 2334 posts - hope it wasn't used before)
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    A very general/specific question

    I'm on my 3rd layout. For the first (HO), I followed a track plan from a book - and I looked for months before I chose the one I did. For this one and the last one (N), I designed them on the compter first. I'm one of those who needs a plan to keep motivated. I buy the trains I need to...
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    Some pics of my layout

    announce1Great pictures of a great layout!! I've just begun my 3'rd layout (1st in 'N'), and these kinds of pictures push me to keep going and get to the level that you and some others here are at. If mine looks 1/2 as good as yours someday I'll be very pleased.
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    Factory or 'Do-It-Yourself'

    I have only 4 locos (2 Atlas and 2 Kato because of the reputation each manufacturer has here). Do you folks prefer to get factory installed decoders, or put your own choice of decoder in (and why)? My 2 Atlas's have factory decoders in them, and I will be dropping my own into my Kato P42's...
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    Pat - you are correct. I will add those later, as I will be using Tortoises to control the 17 turnouts in my track plan. My fear was that I would need one right where one of the joists is, so I put them in flat as you can see. After I have installed the motors I'll do as you suggest. Also -...
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    Thanks guys! No weathering, painted track or ballasting yet - but I started playing around with my camera. It's amazing how much detail you can get out of this scale! Gotta get some dirt, dust, rust and gravel on this thing!!
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    The Trackplan and more details can be seen at my website. Just click the link in my signature to get there. This is great to be able to combine my modeling and computer hobbies like this. This layout is my third, first in N scale.
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    The mainline roadbed and track is done! The tunnel portal to the right will be where a mountain will start and cover most of the curve on this end of the table. The cork laying down the center of the table is roughly where I will have a view block. The scenes on either side of the view...
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    Shot of leg and top connection from the inside. Top top is connected to the frame in only 4 places with easily removed bolts and wing nuts. This makes it very easy to move when I need to. It's amazing how rock solid the whole thing is when connected, yet very light!
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    The joists are 1x3's.
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    The legs are "L" girders made from 1x2's and 1x3's. The cross braces are 1x2's.
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    Here is the completed 4'x8' bench with two 2" thick 2'x8' foam boards glued to the top. The cross braces are 1x2's. The color is 'Hazel Woods' (#460F-7), a Behr paint color purchased at Home Depot.
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    The Uxbridge Central Progress

    Well - I finally got up the nerve to actually show what I've been up to! This progress thread is not as awesome as Herc Driver's or as God-like as SD90's, but how is that possible for a newbie like me right now anyway? :thumb: Anyway - you all always say you like pictures - so here goes...
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    What to use for backdrop

    Haven't done it myself, but I've read where cheap linoleum has been used. It can be painted and of course it will bend around your corners. Maybe spakle in the seams......
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    track problems

    Not sure if this will help, but here goes........ Get at least one of each of your turnouts (1 left and 1 right). You can photocopy more actual size if you don't want to buy all of the ones in your plan right away. Put them ALL down on your benchwork where they will go, do this first! Then...
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    3 questions (help please)

    That did it!! It was as simple as spreading them a bit!!! With N stuff and my eyes, they seemed to be OK but they were not. And having never tried this before I was a little nervous. My engines were not cheap, as I bought them DCC equipped, si I was afraid to break something. I've been so...
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    3 questions (help please)

    MickeyHoldem - You & I must have been posting at the same time! Thanks! I'll try the screwdriver and see what happens. Dave
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    3 questions (help please)

    Thanks for all of your help! After thinking about it - and seeing most all of my rolling stock (about 25 cars) glide right through - it must be the wheels on the locos. What else can it be? They are either different or out of guage. I have a guage and they seem to be fine, but there is a...
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    3 questions (help please)

    Thanks guys - I'll check out the MT site and go from there. As far as the turnout question - I only have the issue where the "1" is in my photo. It's like the guide rail is too close to the stock rail. I hope I got my terminology correct..... Is there a tool you can use to widen the gap...