Tune Ups

Is this covered in the Runs Like a Dream book?

It has also been covered a lot in the print press. MR having done it quite often. When I was taking apart all my old mags, I kept 2 of them and tossed 3-5 more.

Anyway new modelers will find it useful.

Jack

Unsolicited Endorsement Inbound

I'd recommend springing for Joe Fugate's "Make It Run Like A Dream" series, specifically the ebook version.  For the price, you can't beat the convenience of all that info collected in one spot.  Someone could say "A lot of that is out there already."  Yeah, but it's scattered across dozens of back issues of model railroading magazines and forums, and even valuing your time at 50 cents an hour, it's far cheaper (not to mention faster) to pick up that series of 3 books and have it right there at your fingertips. 

I pre-ordered the trilogy way back when it was first announced.  Just what I've gleaned from the trackwork and rolling stock books already has paid dividends for me.  I'm waiting for the final ebook on locomotives and have no doubt it's going to be just as worthwhile.

Janet N.

Another vote for the "Run Like A Dream" eBooks

Like Janet, I pre-ordered the three volume set. Absolutely worth it.

I also ordered the run like a

I also ordered the run like a dream series when it was first offered and recommend them with out reservation. I have found that most of the things I do were covered in the books as well as a few things I did not do like the tip test. I run my cars heavier than the NMRA recommended practice by 1 to 2 oz and have no issues with my trains performance wise. I run long trains. One test I did after correcting some flaws in my equipment was to run a train backward on the club layout. The train in question was 45 cars in length and powered by 2 atlas diesel locomotives that I tuned up. I continued to increase the speed till the train was running at full speed in reverse on our club layout. I let that continue at Lionel speed for around 30 minutes and became quite happy with my standards. Our resident rivet counter was standing next to me and said, "Rob that is unbelievable."

The greatest thing about those books so far is the collection of data in one place. Before that series one had to do lots of trial and error as well as hunt through all kinds of magazines etc. to get some of the tips and tricks to make equipment perform at its best. There is literally years worth of skill in those volumes. 

One more point regarding the books, in many cases there are several views on a topic. I don't know that I can say all views are presented but I suspect if not all it will be most of the differing views are presented. You then get to decide what is best for you and your application.