Search results

The length of cars and engines, and how you operate will be a factor. For my equipment, 11" radius was too tight, but that was with Nn3/Z couplers on GP7s and 40 foot cars, with alot of switching. N couplers should have a better chance, but to be sure, I would set up a temporary test track...

While it's something that can be worked around, the grade on the inner track on the left side might be pretty severe. The lower you can make that bridge in the center of the layout, the less severe that grade will be. Make sure that you allow some kind of access to every tunnel. ---jps

That has been my experience too. You have found me, sir! I have been able to do delayed uncoupling with all of my rolling stock and engines (my detailed engines have Z-scale couplers at that), on my layout with 9 3/4" radius curves, using Kadee's undertrack permanent uncoupling magnets. I...

As others have said, yes, this is how it works. "Directional Lighting" on most N-scale locomotives will turn on a rear light when in reverse, but there was no room for such on this particular locomotive (at least there was no way to do so AND keep the unit in a decent price range). The...

While I haven't inspected a Brite-Boy close-up, the Peco eraser type cleaner is made with material that isn't going to "dig in" like sand. I personally wouldn't use 600 grit even. Some people report success with metal polish, which smooths the rail well beyond 600 (and then occasionally clean...

I would advise that you don't use sandpaper to clean track. The very small scratches that sandpaper puts in the railhead actually captures dirt, and the track gets dirty much much quicker. The smoother you can get the railhead, the longer it will stay clean. ---jps

Good progress. I hope to put my 2 1/2'x5' layout in a glass coffee table setup sometime down the line, and I will have to do something similar, so I will be very interested in how you handle that. ---jps

Personally, I would avoid that double-slip. Not due to reliability, but due to the awkwardness. I would remove the switch that goes from the mainline to the existing two-track spur. I would then connect two-track spur to the yard lead via the track that currently crosses the "seam" (and not...

My first thought is that there are compound "S"es in your yard ladder design. Trains are most apt to derail when being pushed, and "S"es make it even worse, especially as tight as some of those raddii are. You might find yourself more frustrated than having fun with that kind of setup. I...

I agree that one should be careful about trying to take on something too challenging. One could find themselves frustrated and putting it down altogether if they bite off a little too much. It's simply a matter of learning things step by step. Some will move through steps faster than others...

I don't think so. To explain further, I did not disassemble the Peco switch in any way. I first permantently mounted the turnout machine to the turnout and tested it's operation. Then I slipped the Peco switch onto the turnout machine (there are two types of Peco switches that attach to the...

I had a similar problem with a couple of them (I use the same switches to route power). Before I secured the switches to the turnout machines, I tested them, and I turned the malfunctioning switches around, and things worked well after that. Other than getting glue in one of them, I have had...

Thanks for the pics! Quite enjoyable. ---jps

Yeah, with that trestlework for the top loop being a very unique item, I immediately recognized it from those articles. But there is certainly nothing wrong with that, you're doing it justice. ---jps

I assume that you already have an industry planned for that spur? The idea of a truck yard is cool, but is that going to disguise the backdrop? Maybe just another brick multi-story building with an interesting front, which might bring attention away from the backdrop? ---jps

Yes, Peco code 55 is compatible with Peco/Atlas/Kato/etc. code 80 track. The reason why Peco code 55 works, is because Peco code 55 is basically code 80 height rail that is embedded some .025 inches into the ties, leaving .055 inches of rail showing (code 80 rail is .080 inches high, code 55...

Well, maybe you can build a small switching style layout, to practice techniques and get a feel for what it's about. Something like 6"x36". Or, you could start with a small 2x4, or even 2x3 oval with a few spurs. You don't have to make these complete or highly detailed if you don't want to...

I agree. It takes to all sorts of paint schemes very well, IMO. ---jps