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Absolutely. I agree fully with that part, but I still don't like referring to a diode as a switch in a simple DC power model railroading context. It adds needless complexity to the discussion. My $.02. :D

Switch implies a selection of one thing versus another. While it may be technically accurate to refer to a diode as a switch, I think it will prove to be confusing to the average modeller who does not have an electronics background. I think it may be better to refer to a diode as a one way valve...

It isn't the DC versus AC that is the issue here. It is two rail versus three rail. Even if you had AC power on a two rail layout, you would still have to electrically isolate the reversing loops. :)

Locally, one of the railroads, CSX, I think, has its tracks on a waterfront easement. The easement is for railroad tracks. The railroad allowed companies like Quest to bury fiber along the ROW -- for a fee, of course. The property owners sued. They argue that the easement allows the railroad to...

You need a current source. Preferably a nice stable DC supply. 12 volts DC is fine. You need a current limitiing resistor in series with the LED. Most LEDs will look fine indoors with 10 to 20 milliamps of current, but it is a good idea to check the device's rating if you have a spec sheet for...

I agree. That rig was probably used in remote areas that could not easily be accessed by vehiclular construction equipment.

For those interested, here is a good write up on that SN trestle collapse, complete with pictures.

I guess the magic spells didn't quite do the job. :D:D:D

Credit Valley must be a Canadian chain, aye?

I think you are right. It was a collapse, not a fire. The old memory ain't what it used to be. :oops:

Good post. You just reminded me to add that movie to my NetFlix queue, which I keep forgetting to do. Thanks. :thumb::thumb::thumb: BTW, the movie title was originally "Emporer of the North Pole," but it was rereleased as just "Emporer of the North."

Current flows from negative to positive in solid, as opposed to liquid, metallic conductors (wires). The electrons move, not the 'protons.' The term conventional current flow is used when discussing positive charge movement, or hole flow as it is sometimes called, in non-metallic and liquid...

A similar trestle fire, also in Northern California, almost killed the Sacramento Northern back when it was a going interurban. That creosote soaked timber burns all too well.

Emphasis added. Does this mean you only ran the second train on the shop next door's track, but not the first, and it ran a different direction on that track compared to your company's track? If so, it strongly suggests that your two locos have their wiring reversed, either at the motors of the...

Trestle Fire disrupts UP and Amtrak.

Not to minimize whatever Wholesale Trains did or did not do right, but you were not treated properly by Athearn. You bought an Athearn product. You should not have to talk to their supplier to get it running right. That should be Athearn's direct responsibility. They are the manufacturer. It's...

I sold a $1,000+ item on EBay, which the buyer picked up in person. He showed up laughing and told me about a fake second chance offer he had received, supposedly from me. We both thought it was pretty dumb to try and scam the winner that way, since eBay lets everyone know who won. Later, I...

To the Land Shark theme from Saturday Nightl Live back in the good old days, Petsmart, Petsmart, Petsmart, Petsmart, Petsmart, Petsmart. :D:D:D:D:D

There is a law (I forget exactly which one) that protects forums such as this one, and the other one in question, from being held liable for what people say in postings. Basically, the venue cannot be punished for providing a free speech forum. However, it is my non-lawyerly guess that by...

And no terrorism, but a lot of inconvenience to the railroad and the authorities. It should be treated that way.