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Well I used Walthers code 83 on my last two layouts and I liked it. You can mix it to some extent with code 100, Walthers makes some (or used to anyway) some 'transition tracks) that are straight sections about 5" long, code 83 on one end and code 100 on the other. But unless you have a lot of...

I'm surprised Spitfire didn't have this problem pop up sooner, I had a spot in my trackwork when I started my current layout where I had a similar no.4 S-curve and several of my locomotives couldn't go thru it without derailing. Since then I only use a no. 5 or larger where there would be an...

A good to place to start is reading up a little on the history of the area you're modelling. I was able (for Minnesota) to find a cheap paperbound book that covered all the RR's in MN history, including a listing of all those that were chartered but never actually built. I came across the...

Interesting idea, back in 'olden days' (40's-50's) a lot of model railroaders were involved in letters that worked like that, there'd be say a 'narrow guage letter' that went around, you'd read it and add comments and forward it all to the next guy. Guess this is the "hi-tech" version of that !!

I have done at least a little with 1 and 2, my layout is small enough (and only operated by me) that I don't really need to do switchlists or card systems - hey, if there are two hopper cars filled with coal in the train, they must be going to the coal dealer !! But I have been thinking more...

Could this be the Reserve Mining SD-38 that Progressive Rail just bought and repainted as I think it's no. 42??

Gary, you'll have to do like me and rotate the eras you're modelling !! Anybody have links to the Athearn MP-15, couldn't find it on their website (not that it's easy to find ANYTHING on their website of course).

Well almost all model rail curves are too tight compared to real trains, I think about the tightest prototype curve (which would require trains to slow down to 10-15 MPH max) would be like 36" radius in HO scale. An HO line built to prototype curves (like for a passenger train to take at speed)...

Kalmbach publishes "The Model Railroader's Guide to Locomotive Servicing Terminals" by Marty McGuirk, it should be at your local hobby shop now. Good place to start.

Best thing might be to e-mail the company that posted the advert, or check out their webpage (if they have one) and ask them. Coil steel cars were built for the Pennsylvania RR so they go back at least before 1968..... http://crcyc.railfan.net/crrs/coil/coilindex.html

Probably 99% of HO engines will go around 22" radius curves, and maybe 95+% will take 18" curves...but the bigger the radius, the better it will look doing it, especially a big engine.

As far as power for a new DCC unit, it depends on what you buy. Some come with a power supply (usually a "wall wart" adapter like many radios etc. have nowadays) included with the unit. I would check loy's toys or tony's trains websites to see all the starter sets available. "Turnout" is...

According to the Bachmann website, the bag is 'cinders' to be used as scenic detailing to the coal load, in the cab etc. Apparently the same bag o cinders was included in the 2-6-6-2. So it is SAFE to open and use it !! :)

I think some of the Model Power buildings are pretty good. Some are made for them by Pola(??) or somebody in Germany and are nice. I ended up buying one of the pre-built HO coaling towers (couldn't find the kit version), with some weathering and a little detailing I think it looks good.

I assume it was this one ??:) www.northlandz.com I believe Mark I has a video available about it. Quite impressive RR !!

It isn't really powder, it's kinda chunky...about like Woodland Scenics 'medium cinders' ballast. Pretty sure it's coal, silica doesn't come in a clear plastic bag !! Guess I can pop over to the Bachmann website and post the question there. BTW the "Bach-man" says they didn't offer it in other...

I still have the June '72 MR with that ad...geez Louise I'm old !!

It should be fine unless it's very old Mantua. I have a Mantua 2-8-2 that I bought shortly after changing over to HO (1989) and I've had code 83 track the whole time, and it hasn't had any problems with it. BTW it does have a can motor, most of the higher priced Mantua engines (2-8-2, 4-6-2...

Back to the original question :) I've never owned a Rivarossi Hudson but I did see a streamlined NYC one running on a display layout at the Great American Train Show a year or two back, and I remember being impressed at it's smooth, steady and quiet running. Having a plastic boiler I would worry...

Russ - I think you're not on the right track here. :) First, putting the owner's name on the reefer was not outlawed, it was the size - Swift used to use huge S W I F T letters that were like 6'+ in size, covering the entire side of the car. The ICC ruled that lettering had to be 12"...