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Well, the planning wasn't the greatest. This is my first layout. I had to pull some tricks for clearance, and everything works fine. But I'm sure they aren't up to NMRA standards. As a matter of fact, I know they aren't, I measured.

I just finished the mountain and thought that this was about enough progress to ask for some feedback. Comments? I plan on putting a hard shell of plaster stuff on it when I have time. The track isn't much, but I am more into the modeling aspect of this hobby. Of course I enjoy running the...

Be glad your worst option is 25 minutes away. I think AB Charles and Sons in Dormont is a great store, and I drive from Washington, PA to go there about once a month for supplies. The fellow there is always busy and it is hard to get his attention, but I think that is because he has a popular...

I have split cork roadbed, so I spread a bead of glue with my finger along each side and got ballast on it. Then I got ballast everywhere else I needed it and worked it the way I wanted it to appear. Then I just sprayed a straight 50/50 alcohol wetting agent until the ballast was soaked. I...

Thanks for the help/replies. This website is a wealth of information. I will let you know what I buy and how it works out. (Still waiting for a reply on how many gallons I need to cover 50 sqaure feet. I don't expect that it would be over a 1/4 inch thick)

I was wondering how many square feet the standard jug of hydrocal will cover. It seems that it will mix up into about 1 gallon. I need about 50 sq. ft. Anyone know this? It isn't estimated on the box, or their website (Woodland Scenics). Thanks.

I don't want to order it online, and I don't want Woodland Scenics. Does anyone know of any stores like Michaels or Lowe's that sell this stuff? I would like to be able to just go get some of it. Thanks.

I want to buy a Dash 9 Loco like the ones I see around here, but some of my corners are pretty tight. I'm not sure of my smallest radius, but have to know: what is the tightest radius of curve that an HO Dash 9 can handle without derailing? I don't know, pretty much a newbie. Thanks!

that my ballast went so well. I have learned so much from this site and the NMRA website. I love the internet. I can find help on anything. This site in particular has helped me avoid pitfalls. I always read up on anything that I am doing and this site has been a wealth of information...

I have a Proto2000 Gp38-2 that is painted CSX. I want it to be Norfolk Southern. Does any company sell shells that can just be switched? I looked around but can't seem to find just shells. Thanks.

solution I finally got a chance to take a close look at my track and weigh my cars before I did anything drastic. Turns out my trucks were on too tight. I assume they should be able to move somewhat freely (rocking side to side), which they were not. No more derailments. Still some coupler...

My coal hoppers weigh 4oz like they should according to NMRA standards. I want to increase the weight to try to fix some minor derailments. I want to add 2oz of weight. I will be pulling twelve of these cars with a Proto 2000 dc GP38-2. At what point is enough enough and too much stress on...

Thanks for the help guys. I got my layout pretty much wired this weekend. I got a Tech4 220 and have the turnouts hooked up to the AC on that. And I ran a test bus line and that worked well. Now I just have to run more feeders and the bus.

I am wiring my layout as "DCC" ready, i.e., no blocks, common rail (no reverse loops) or whatever. At this point I just want a decent throttle to run one train. I am more into the modeling than the train aspect, but I do want to be able to run a train nicely. I am running 14 guage bus...

I haven't picked out a throttle yet, but does it connect directly to the bus wires? Also, what power pack (volts and amps) do I need to power lights and turn outs? Thanks for the help guys/gals.

reply I have a 10' x 4' bench built. I was thinking about going N scale, but decided not to, since this is my first "major layout", I figured I should stick to HO for now. Plus I want to model a dirt track raceway on my layout, and the cars I have are 1/64 scale, a little larger than 1/87...

I am going to the show at Oglebay this weekend and I am looking to buy. I need some advice on DCC and engines, how much I should be looking to pay, what type of engine I might need,etc. I am a newbie, but very serious about this hobby. I am also probably going to wire my layout with DCC, but...