My new Blog

Jim Six — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:40:12 +0000

MRH wish list

joef — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:41:38 +0000

Okay, we're looking at doing some new products with our launch into eBooks, and as always, we continue to be interested in doing new video projects.

So let's assume the sky's the limit. What would you like to see that would be most beneficial to you? Don't just throw out a title - give us a few sentences describing what the content would cover.

You never know, you might get your wish!

HH&J Logging Update # 5

jlrc47 — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 16:50:01 +0000

HH&J Logging peninsula is a switch back logging with a Shay and a Climax steam engines.

My theory is a modern day company has a Shay and a Climax steam engines and is logging this mountain and brings the logs to the saw mill and/or the interchange yard. From the interchange yard a local train will come and pickup the loads and bring them to a yard for classification to parts of the layout and staging.

The base level will be around 40" off the floor and camp #7 will be around 60" off the floor.

The swamp Diorama

JR59 — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 12:16:40 +0000

Hello Friends

I would like to show the progress of the Swamp Diorama build by my Friend Stefan Foerg from Germany. I've already a small Diorama from him and the Quality of his work is outstanding.

N scale Ontario Midland in Sodus, NY with no selective compression.

conrailandrew — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:35:03 +0000

The purpose of this blog is to document the building of my N scale Free-moN module. It will be an exact 1:160 copy of the prototype (or as close as I can reasonably get!)

The prototype is a small shortline railroad based in Sodus, NY, the Ontairio Midland Railroad; which I will refer to by it's reporting mark of OMID. The railroad is headquartered in Sodus, and there is a small yard, which I can model without any selective compression in sixteen feet.

Here is a link to Sodus on Google Maps:

A one-turnout layout

MRH — Sat, 04 May 2013 23:20:02 +0000

Black & White vintage pictures

Angelo — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:17:03 +0000

This is my passion: model trains and b&w photography.
All images are taken from my latest layouts ("freelanced" Hillbrook Yard and "from prototype" Redstone Branch) and various dioramas, all based on Pennsylvania Railroad.

ANGELO

G scale scratch built Howe timber truss bridge

Crusty Old Shellback — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:10:30 +0000

Having troubles getting paint thru air brush !!!

the_mighty_oz — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:50:26 +0000

This must be something silly stupid that I am overlooking.

Have a Badger Model 350 Bottom Feed Single Action External Mix Air Brush, and Badger Model 180-12 compressor.

Been using it sporadically over the past year. No matter the paint (Tru Color , PollyScale, Model Master, Floquil - - latex or lacquer), I have a hell of a time getting the paint to come thru the end of the nozzle and out for painting. I start out with perfectly clean fluid cap, fluid needle, air tip, and tube into the paint itself.

FWWR, Everman Branch Job

rwsnyder5 — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:01:13 +0000

Been a lurker her for a while and decided to post my layout here. The FWWR is a small short-line here in the N. Texas are based out of the DFW area. It interchanges with the BNSF, UP and KCS. The area that i have decided to model is a large industrial park that the railroad serves. Since I want to be able to learn operations and really like this railroad this area really appeals to me.

Lets talk about On30

dkaustin — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:55:55 +0000

I know that this is a bunch of questions, but I hope to open up a discussion here. I have hopes that Verne and several of the other On30 modelers here on the forum will join in on this discussion. I am at that point where N scale is just too small for the ol' eyes anymore. It is really getting hard to see the rail joiners lining up on N scale track. At this point I doubt I have to worry if more than one car has the same road number. I can't see it going by.

Floquil/Polly Scale Discontinued!!!

JodyG — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:33:19 +0000

I am still trying to pick myself up off the floor...but this is terrible news for us model railroad folks!

PSX 1 Demo Boxcar

ferroequinologist1 — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:12:33 +0000

To All: Anyone out there know the colors for the Ps-1 Demo Boxcar PSX 1. I have the decals and photo, but it is in black and white. Thanks ahead of time for your assistance. Yours, Elvin Howland

Tie plate 4 or 8 hole

alco251 — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:03:00 +0000

Which type are more common , this is purely for a scenic addtion to a yard area ('80s shortline) so just curious, as a websearch seems to show several variations in the number of holes. Incidently we call them chairs here in the UK and they are bolted to sleepers and hold down rail in 60ft lengths joined together with fishplates. Yes continuous welded rail is in common use now. Seems that only the gauge is the common link between us.

Some weathered Alco C420's

INRAIL — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:15:28 +0000

San Juan's Evolution Coupler in On30

On30guy — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:53:10 +0000

The Ruphe and Tumbelle Railway has a complete hodge podge of couplers on it's fleet. There is the Bachmann EZ Mate HO couplers that come with their stuff (although I do raise them up to the proper height), Kadee On3 couplers and a few other various and sundry models. The reason I'm in this mess is that all of these fool couplers actually couple! Though sometimes getting dissimilar ones apart is a trial. Because they all "work" together I have just left whatever came with the model on.

Locomotives of the E. St. Louis RailGroup, Part 2

ferroequinologist1 — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:33:53 +0000

PRR E-loc insolators

Dr Dirt — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:33:16 +0000

Hi all,

Does any one know a source of PRR insulators for E-loco pantos? I am doing both a L5 and L6 (HO) and having a supply on hand would be good(and save my knees!).These are brass models and it seems there are two different sizes,...

Thanks for any help,Dr Dirt

Reefers on the Erie

ErieMan47 — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:57:23 +0000

I am modeling the Erie Railroad, in HO, in 1951, its centennial year of operation. I am particularly interested in its fast freights dedicated to shipping perishables from Chicago to the NY metro area. From what I know, the Erie had a dominant position in this market, surpassing larger rivals NYC and PRR. A particular specialty seems to have been shipping California citrus to the east.

PAINTING BACKDROPS FOR LARGE LAYOUTS

LVN — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:46:39 +0000

A new set of videos focusing on how to paint backdrops in a quick and effective way. Really meant to help those that have large layouts with long narrow isle ways and lots of running space. I will take you through the whole process of one person painting 25 feet in less than three hours. It is something the whole club or team can do and there is no special skills required. Just some paint brushes and courage. Follow the series and give it a try.

Starting over, best DCC for me?

DKRickman — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:40:05 +0000

First and foremost, let me say that at this point I am not interested in RailPro or radio control systems in general. The Tam Valley system is interesting and something I would like to experiment with, but right now I don't see myself investing in it for every model, even if I could find the space and money (which I can't). While I am not opposed to the concept of systems other than DCC, it would take a lot to convince me that the investment in a different system is worthwhile and wise over the long term.

The situation at the moment:

Workin' on the Warehouse

jfmcnab — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:07:20 +0000

Kitbashing a pair Canadian Pacific gp35

Lucky_Luke — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:22:52 +0000

Hi,

I had a deal on a pair of Athearn rtr Canadian Pacific gp35. At first I thought that
a good weathering job and a few details here and there was all they
need. But when I started to look for some prototype reference picture
it doesn't take long to realize that those cp model are all wrong.

Fist the Bell and headlight are not at the right place.

Fine, that's an easy job. Let's do it and they will run again in a week.

Making Ditch Lights

pierre52 — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:48:03 +0000

Treelines - A Backdrop on the 8th Sub

wp8thsub — Sun, 12 May 2013 02:44:24 +0000

I was looking for another project of limited scope that would still deliver some impact, so settled on finishing the backdrop behind my Junction City yard. The yard is supposed to be on a valley floor adjacent to some river bottomland like the prototype UP yards at Riverdale and Ogden, UT, as well as the former D&RGW Ogden yard now used by a shortline. The basics of the trees are similar to those needed for backdrops for other prototypes as well.

Trackplan Database - MRH Forum Member Trackplans

Bill Brillinger — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:06:22 +0000

Post your trackplan. We want to see it!

Please include as much of the following with your plan as possible:

Prototype modeled (if any)
Scale
Minimum radius
Room size
Turnout sizes

No layout photos - just trackplans please.

A Discussion Tread for the Trackplan Database is here.

Multi-era layouts--ever been done? Any thoughts?

IrishRover — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:38:17 +0000

Has anyone ever built a layout or section of layout that can be quickly time-jumped a significant time with a few quick changes? Swap out the equipment, a few vehicles, and perhaps an easy-to-swap building or two and the layout's changed from the '70's to the 20's? New England towns often look like time's passed them by. I like both times, and have some equipment from both eras, and love building my own stuff. The setting will be northern Maine. (The freelance narrow gauge North Central has survived until the present.)

Fun Names for Your Railroad - Railroad Name, Towns, Businesses, etc

rtw3rd — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:25:27 +0000

Many people are very serious about the names of their railroad, towns, cities, and businesses - I'm not one of them. If you are strictly protoypical you may have to stick to actual names although many "real" names are humorous.

So here are a few of my favorites that I came up with:

"Hum-Drums" - "We're always trying to drum up business" (For a manufacturer / distributor of drums & barrels - owner Ima Drum)

Reverse Running - The "one-module" challenge

MRH — Sat, 04 May 2013 23:20:03 +0000

Radius curves: doubt!

Angelo — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:55:56 +0000

Condemned by spaces very limited (only 1,65 mt for the narrow side), I had to adapt my new layout in HO scale. My new project has been made up mostly to be photographed and make it appear as real as possible, but when I took this latest photo that I show you now (here below), I had a terrible doubt: the curve with a radius of 24" of Atlas Code 83 is too small to be real? And is small even for a branchline as this?
I made a big mistake?
Tell your opinions. Thank you in advance.

Ronny's Pawn completes the first block of Hammerjacks

Rustman — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:04:49 +0000

Well today I wrapped up "Ronny's Pawn". I had several issues with the door beginning with some frustrating problems with paints and paint removal products. Later I managed to break some glass. So for the time being Ron has duct taped the broken transom window and when his insurance claim cheque comes he'll get a new door from Tichy, maybe go with a modern door and have some brick work done. But at least the utilities are going in well. Note the manhole cover from VectorCut in the corner of the B&W photograph.

new chassis for an old brass Alco S1

Papatrain — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:58:04 +0000

I bought an old brass Alco S1- gorgeous paint job, but operationally - not really. Has the old drive shaft connecting the trucks and it decines from there. Since the shell is great I figure the easiest fix is to put it on a neww DCC (or DCCC ready engine and away I go. Has anyone done this and are the any recommendations on the engine to usr? I assume a new S-1 but open to learn from experience. I know the engine may wind up a little taller due to the plastic chassis but I can easily live with that.

All help greatly appreciated

DCC Impulses - Using Ohm's law

MRH — Sat, 04 May 2013 23:20:02 +0000

i think i have a problem

DougA — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:35:16 +0000

i think i have a problem. i really like the BIG mountain scenery. i really enjoy seeing model trains snaking around large mountains and across large bridges. but my problem is that i cant seem to find much on the internet. ive seen a few great photos, like those of earl smallshaw (google him, great web page) and w.l. rogers' southern pacific's cascade line. but, there just doesnt seem to be that much out there. i like these for inspiration, im planning something similar for my modeling.

Prototype vs. Freelance

stevezrx — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:43:48 +0000

Welcome to Cripple Creek. This is a town that was described in an HO layout you can build, but by the time I finished my 4 x 8 I had discovered Digitrax DCC and a few other things. Like shelf layouts. So my 4 x 8 became a 2 x 16 with a lot more room to grow in the same space as my old 4 x 8. While I can't run in circles I do have the opportunity to switch out industries and a train station in Cripple Creek. The Town of Cripple Creek is home to 4 rail serviced industries including:

GE E10B Steeple Cab

Bernd — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:16:53 +0000

I'm going to try and build 2 of these steeple cabs for me and a friend. Now I've searched the net and found every thing that has been put out there on these electric engines.

There were 7 of them built for the Niagara Junction Rwy., numbers 14 through 20. Pictures can be found here: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?mid=1200

Fascia Control Panels

Sugar Beet Guy — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:54:28 +0000

I needed some control panels at various locations on the layout to control powered switch machines. Panels on previous layouts were done with painted Masonite and colored tape. Workable but not very sophisticated, especially when labels were needed. My current control panels were created with a CAD package (Cadrail 9), printed on regular printer paper and laminated at a local Staples office supply store. Laminating provides needed protection and stiffness.

Tough switching ..or.. Shortest switchback ever...

Bill Brillinger — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:11:08 +0000

Noticed this along the BNML in Winnipeg:

I assume this is managed with a tractor.

Google MAPS Link

Digitrax 10 pin connector

wharader — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:15:44 +0000

The Digitrax 164 decoder has 2 connectors. One is the usual 9 pin everyone uses. The other is a 10 pin for the speaker and capacitor. I am looking for a source for that 10 pin connector.

CSX Big Flat Subdivision

mu26aeh — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:29:23 +0000

I have lived in the Gettysburg, PA area all my life, so my modeling preferences follow as so. Growing up, we lived about 300 yards from the Chessie System (former Western Maryland Dutch Line). I had a large rock, about the size of a small sedan, I would race to when I heard a train approach. Traffic along the line is numerous boxcars and covered hoppers with a few tankers and centerbeam cars thrown in as well. The line also has 3 interchanges, one at Highfield (Maryland Midland), Gettysburg (Gettysburg Railroad), and a third at Porters Siding (YorkRail).

Up Black Creek on the Narrow Gauge

Russell Postlewaight — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:29:08 +0000

Welcome to my blog covering my modelling adventure in 0n30

I have been an enthusiast of the 0n30 format more or less since Bachmann released their first models in 1998.

Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers

collin — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:36:17 +0000

In addition to the four Washington railroads Union Pacific,Milwaukee Road,Great Northern,and Northern Pacific, Does Puget Sound also runs non-Washington railroads as well.

Switch-Works Throw Bars

gregamer — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:31:20 +0000

This video shows how to build the throw bars for the Switch-Works "Ultimate" turnout. Switch-Works is a set of jigs for assembling "Museum Standard" track featuring wooden ties, metal tie plates, etched frogs and machined points.

Missing the weekend pictures!!

Bluesssman — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:06:45 +0000

Joe, I understand the need to close a thread due to anything you do not wish on your forum. However, the weekend photo fun thread by Driline each week helps keep my sanity since I have had to temporarily move to Las Vegas and can't work on my railroad. I so look forward to seeing everyone's fantastic work. Could you have just eliminated the poor content and allowed this great weekly thread to survive?

Thank you so much for listening...

The Colorado and Southern in Sn3

Ancient Modeler — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:31:55 +0000

I've been laid up with a foot injury of late which has given me allot of time to spend cruising the internet. Having now discovered this forum, I thought I would invite everyone to view my personal blog about my Sn3 exhibition layouts and modeling adventures. The link is : http://coloradosouthern.blogspot.com/

Thanks for your input. Darel

Looking for places for trainspotting/railfanning-NE Florida

IrishRover — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:29:53 +0000

I'm looking for a place to watch trains somewhere along Florida's east coast between Daytona and Jacksonville. It needs to be a place that you don't have to travel in groups for safety, at least by day. Now that there's nowhere for hundreds of miles to see steam, I'll have to adapt to diesels...

"Rutland Yard" Kitbashing Structures for a new HO scale layout. Track instalation & structure placement.

skiwiggy — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:00:46 +0000

The starting or ending point of any railroad is a yard! I decided to start a new layout by creating the yard and city first. The Track arrangement is based upon the Rutland Railways Rutland Vermont Yard. The Delaware & Hudson railroad being the other main railroad I model will share these facilities.

My goal is to kitbash and scratch build structures to closely match the prototype. Elements of both the Rutland & Delaware & Hudson Railroads will be combined to create the overall look of Rutland yard and the city of Rutland.

Stratch built plumbing supply store.

rrbob — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:08:49 +0000

Help with a switching layout

dwtc55 — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:52:55 +0000

This is my first post so hopefully I do not say anything too stupid lol

Looking for help with layout designing

I have made all the popular mistakes most importantly the 4x8 mistake.....ouch

Great Northern 4-8-4 Big Boy

nscaleuser — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:31:49 +0000

dullcote and not frosting windows

LPS L1 — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:18:45 +0000

how does one go about applying Testors dullcote and have it not fog up the windows and headlight lenses in my locomotives and buildings?????

I'd rather not have to remove the clear plastic windows/lenses

Thanks in advance,

Open side passenger cars for backlot tour layout.

Gabe — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:52:15 +0000

I'm looking for a recommendation on a manufacture that has open passenger cars for a motion picture tour lot layout my son and I are doing. I will be running diesels and other cars around the layout, but my son wants to find a small steam engine and tour cars. Kind of what is pictured here.

http://www.omahazoo.com/visit/rides/train/

Any recommendations?

We are modeling in HO scale. Thanks in advance for any help.

Locomotives of the E. St. Louis RailGroup

ferroequinologist1 — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:31:18 +0000

Genesis GP9's

Roundhousecat — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:54:49 +0000

Scooped a couple of these this weekend at 25% off. Got a pair of Southern Pacific's for my new Southern California shelf layout. I noticed in the manual they mention that installing a DCC decoder that on these Southern Pacific's have extra lights on the rear and I will have to solder them to the rear most pair of the tabs on the right hand side of the circuit board. I plan on using RailPro with these locos and not DCC at all. I'm starting out new and have decided that RailPro will be much easier for my layout.

Industry Ave - a modular switching layout

engineer — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:22:24 +0000

I'm working on a modular switching layout - the first module is nearly completed: Here is an impression of it:

BEST TRAIN WATCH VIDEO YET

arthurhouston — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:06:00 +0000

Ran across this on you tube, drone aircraft for train watching. What a view.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=bLb_99f_JSE

Switch-Works Rail & Frog

gregamer — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:06:24 +0000

This video shows how to lay stock rails, frog rails, closure rails and the frog for the Switch-Works "Ultimate" turnout. Switch-Works is a set of jigs for assembling "Museum Standard" track featuring wooden ties, metal tie plates, etched frogs and machined points.

Newbie and newbie's son starting the hobby.

Gabe — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:34:12 +0000

Hello all. Just starting in the hobby. My Son (10 years old) and I went to a trains expo in town and met a fellow MRH member, Bill Michales, to see his winning HO Saw mill. After talking to Bill for a bit and walking around the expo loaded with old, new, used and overwhelming amounts of "I want to do that"

DCC Change

ferroequinologist1 — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:59:22 +0000

To All: I have been operating with a Super Chief DCC System by Digitrax for a number of years now.

I seem to have problems with the system every time I use it!.I have come to the end. I am going

try out NCE's Pro Cab starter system and see if their system suits me better. I have no reason

Problems with a Genesis F-3

chesticus — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 03:58:27 +0000

I have a Genesis F-3. I pulled the MRC sound out of it, and replaced it with a TSU-GN 750. Well the engine before would run, lose sound, and start up again. I thought it was the decoder, but it is still doing it. I looked at the wheels and they do not look dirty, but tomorrow i will clean them. If it still does it, I will be at a loss. Has anyone ever experienced something like this?

If it still does it, I guess I will have to send it off to be repaired. Sigh... frustrating.

Jim Lowery

Overhauling Locomotives

gbcutter — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:45:50 +0000

Just over 2 years ago, my home was involved in a fire. The train room was not burned, and the insurance company compensated me generously for smoke and soot damage to the train room. I was able to recover many of the structures with Simple Green and De-Solv-It, but now that I am in the process of constructing a new layout, I find that only 2 or 3 of 27 locomotives will still run. I can't find any information on the internet about overhauling a smoke-damaged locomotive. I would even consider taking or mailing some of them to a repair shop. Any suggestions?

300 square inch challenge

Greslet — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:44:46 +0000

My railway club has given members a challenge to build a railway in 300square inches in time for our annual exhibition in November. I've been chronicling progress on my blog

You guys may want to take a look

http://www.railwayblog.kevinappleby.co.uk/category/300-inch-challenge/

Recent Rolling Stock Projects

ferroequinologist1 — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:17:52 +0000

New pictures of my Steel Mill (Blast Furnace)

don_csx — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:52:11 +0000

These are pictures of the Blast Furnace. It was built by me and has a few extra details added.

Building turnouts N scale-Bonneville and Guadalajara RR

ctxmf74 — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:20:01 +0000

Putting them all together

umauma railway — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:42:00 +0000

I suspected that there would be some issues with building sections apart from one another. After some judicious cutting and fitting, it seems that things will be looking good. It may not fit in my space, but another inch or two out of my aisle will only affect me. The side benefit of the lone wolf modeler.

Concrete (roads) tutorial...

jappe — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:48:31 +0000

Hi friends,

on general demand I'll give you a small concrete road painting tutorial. I made this afther receiving a mail from my down-under friend Jason. Only took me 30 minutes (more work to do the pictures then the painting infact). To speed up the drying time between coats I used a hair dryer. I used a piece of gatorboard laying around but it works the same for styrene.

ok here we go,

your secret weapon is woodlands scenics TOP COAT concrete ST1454

Anyone ever try 3-tab shingles for pavement?

TTX101 — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:03:22 +0000

I saw an opened bundle of 3-tab roofing at the home supply store, with single sheets of roofing shingle on sale for less than two bucks. The top surface was course, but the underside was a speckled dark color, looking a lot like new pavement. The roofing material is flexible, and even cracks if crumpled, leaving a good pattern for aging pavement. Has anyone here ever used this stuff for roadways and parking lots?

On30 Track Plans

seustis13 — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:53:42 +0000

Electromagnetic uncoupling ramp placement trackplanning question

George Saridakis — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:16:50 +0000

I am building some modules to operate with a club's portable layout. Most of the members enjoy running trains on the mainline, while I am planning modules for operational switching using Kadee couplers.

I plan for tall mountainous scenery to create more visual interest, but that makes manual uncoupling "impossible".

I have used XtrkCad to both develop and "proof" my trackplan for running trains.

My questions are:

Arduino based speed or light controller

Pelsea — Sat, 18 May 2013 02:48:08 +0000

This is an Arduino program that provides high speed pulse width modulation suitable (with appropriate electronic drivers) to control LEDS, lamps, DC motors and DC locos. So far I have tested it with LEDs and a small DC motor. I invite those so inclined to try it and point out the bugs and suggest improvements. (There's more than one way to code a cat.)

Jasper CNR

dreesthomas — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:13:25 +0000

I'm planning to be in Jasper Alberta very briefly next weekend (arrive 1600 Saturday on Via No2, leave 1430 Sunday for Vancouver on No 1). Anyone know of any interesting railfan sites within walking distance of the station?

David

Introduction & my TT-scale models

Arseny — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:19:03 +0000

Let me introduce myself.

I am Russian, but I am interested in American railroads and America of the 1950s at all. I collect railroad models in TT scale (1:120). I know that it is not too popular in the USA, but nevertheless there are some TT-scale modellers.

BTW, TT scale was invented in the USA in the 1940s! And today it is quite popular in Russia and some other European countries - Germany, Czechia, Poland, Ukraine, Estonia etc. In Russia TT is more popular than N.

45' or 48' containers ???

kirkifer — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:29:05 +0000

Hey Gang,

So, I think I understand that container sizes are based on Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEU). Apparently most container ship holds are based on these TEUs and so 45', 48' and 53' containers are used for North American transport only. I have seen where 45' containers are used in trans oceanic shipping but I do not have a source for that info.

I still see 48' well cars being used to haul 1 or 2 TEU units in the lower stack and anything as big as 53' on the double stack.

covering seams in foam

Roundhousecat — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:05:12 +0000

Question:

I'm doing a shelf layout and have decided to add blue foam as the base. My layout will be done in 4' sections so I can easily move them and change them if needed. I can get a 2'x8' sheet of blue 1/2" foam for $9.00. cutting the foam into 2' sections and butting them together would be easy instead of cutting the 4' section and having 12" of waste left over.

What do you use to hide the seams between the pieces of foam? is there a specific tape used to hide the seam?'

Rubber baby buggy bumpers

MikeM — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:05:52 +0000

A phrase I've never seen used on any model railroad blog so thought I'd try it out here. I'm looking for suggestions on how to pad the edges of benchwork to protect the heads (knees, elbows, ...) of those called upon to enter a layout through a duckunder or other obstruction that requires a bit of awkward maneuvering. Thought about the foam tubes used to insulate plumbing but was wondering if someone had come up with a more effective alternative.

Railfanning the Denver/Boulder/Fort COllins Corridor

kcsphil1 — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:14:30 +0000

Friends,

My professional travels will find me in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, CO for most of next week, flying in and out of Denver International. I'll have some spare time at different times during the trip, and so other then a return visit to Caboose Hobbies, I'm looking for railfanning opportunities.

MRH podcast

DT Train — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:15:24 +0000

Hi All,

Just wondering what happened to Paul, Ryan and the podcast. There haven't been any updates since Oct 2012.

Nightlight photoshots

Angelo — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:27:54 +0000

Hi friends,
today, I tried to make pictures with some types of light sources to simulate the night or late sunset lights.
I present here some photos. Are well accepted opinions and advices.
Angelo

Small Battery Powered Drill Motor

richhard01 — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:42:15 +0000

A while back someone had shown and talked about a small battery powered drill motor. Can anyone out there remember what brand is was and where a person might be able get one?

Richard

History of the Kilkenny Railroad Part II: The Androscoggin River

KilkennyRR — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 21:35:28 +0000

Along the corridor of the Kilkenny logging railroad the Androscoggin River flows eastward. The Androscoggin River is one of the largest rivers in New England spanning over 170 miles across New Hampshire and Maine. By the mid-1800’s the Androscoggin was home of some of the world’s largest paper mills.

Trackplan Database - Discussion

Bill Brillinger — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:53:13 +0000

Thanks everyone who has posted so far in the Trackplan Database Thread!

There has been a great response to this thread and there are many interesting plans posted.

Lets use this thread for discussion relating to the trackplans.

Please still post your trackplans in this other thread: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/13844

The evolution of the DDA40X engine

Silverbackman — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:16:16 +0000

Hi all.

I'm in the beginning stages of kitbashing a new engine and would like to know peoples opinions.

Background info.

In my world, GE has taken over where EMD left off with the engine. The latest build is based on the AC4400. The new engine still retains its roll as experimental, so it still retains the X designation. Here is my take on what it would look like.

Canadian Railway Convention, Port Hope, ON, Canada August 9-11, 2013

Steve Hoshel — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:37:06 +0000

The Canadian Association of Railway Modellers presents the 2013 Canadian Railway Convention "Bridges to the Future", in Port Hope ON, Canada.

The convention is being held at Trinity College School, 55 Deblaquire Street, North, Port Hope on August 9-11, 2013.

We are arranging to have some layouts open on Friday afternoon so people who are travelling from the east and the west may stop by to visit.

Friday night starts off with a Meet and Greet BBQ at the Port Hope Via Rail station. Clinics follow later at Trinity College School.

O scale water tower for a NG layout that doesn't require a bank loan?

p51 — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:46:07 +0000

I'm looking for at least one O scale water tower for my On30 layout. The problem is nobody apparently makes a simple smaller water tank that isn't a craftsman kit or costs more than most locomotives.

Frankly, I don't get why a water tower can't come in the form of a simple plastic kit. They do in other scales. I'm fine with doing some work on said kit to meet my needs, but I'd rather not take on a crastman kit if I can avoid it.

Anyone know of a decent slightly smaller than mainline size O scale water tank for their steam engines?

Any neat uses for train set bridges or trestles ???

kirkifer — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:41:55 +0000

Hey Gang,

I am working on,okay maybe more like "piddling with", some of those old train set "over and under" trestle bents. I have started to scrape the plastic with a razor saw to add wood grain and I have been refining some of the original molded pieces with appropriately sized and scraped styrene. Surprisingly, they are turning out pretty good.

Building a GE 85 ton steeple cab: available for printing.

tschwartz — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:10:40 +0000

The 85 ton is available for printing through Shapeways. It is amazing to see what others are designing from Z, N, TT, HO, S, O and possibly other scales. I am off for a visit with family in southern Manitoba so won't be working on any of my projects for awhile. Hopefully I can pick up some items I need and maybe my back ordered pantographs will get shipped by then.
Until later.

Tim Schwartz

D&M local to Aberdeen

DMRY — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 20:54:38 +0000

Follow the Dakota & Manitoba local from Caledonia to Aberdeen and return.

Stay tuned.

BUFFALO DIVISION - Snow equipment headed for storage....

jdhogg69 — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 01:43:28 +0000

It's been a light winter. The plow still needs work for next year, but is ready to go away because of more pressing needs. I think Erie is done dumping her "Lake Effect" for the year. "Push me - shove you."

A mixed bag this morning....CONRAIL NEVER HAPPENED....

jdhogg69 — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:44:22 +0000

Ran three units on the head pin of a pig this morning.....

Dash Nine, SD60, SD70M....

JL&T Railroad - L&T Branch - Photo Backdrops...

JLandT Railroad — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:19:39 +0000

Hi everyone, as part of my progression with the scenery on the L&T Branch I have started playing around with photo backdrops for the entrance to the L&T.

Over the last few days I have been scouring the internet looking for all manner of photos of industrial, commercial & residential areas to use as photo realistic backdrops. The method I have been using is to take a photo of the area on the layout viewed from its most common angle, then on Pixelmator (OSX equivalent of Photoshop) I have been placing the backdrop photo into the actual layout scene.

Cadillac Motors plant

pipopak — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:32:08 +0000

This is a view of the Cadillac Motors plant from the railroad spurs that served it. Looks like an ideal background structure:

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/544161_449774958440144_668...

Jose.

that's something classic... 4'x8' in N scale

jgiovenni — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:33:44 +0000

Hi to all,

first, I beg your pardon... english (or american english...) is not my native language!

Second, I've now ended the trackwork for a layout I'm building... Yes, it's the classic and conventional 4'x8' (ok, it is, 1,25 x 2,50 m if someone is reading the post from my side of the Atlantic!).

Here is the test train travelling on the layout.

LSR-NMRA MARKER LAMP IS ON THE STREET

arthurhouston — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:33:24 +0000

The latest news for the LSR-NMRA Region is now available in the latest electronic issue of the MARKER LAMP.

New and great information on the up coming Convention in Dallas-Ft Worth and more.

http://www.lonestarregion.com/documents/marker_lamp/marker_lamp_spring_13.pdf

Links in Magazine work just like MRH, PC, and IPad fine, if you use android table that downloads to My Library and places in Books you will have to cut and paste links into browser.

Private railcar "Montana" positioning move Toledo to Chicago videos added

robteed — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:01:53 +0000

This will be my first trip on "Private Varnish". The Toledo to Chicago leg of the journey will be May 15th 2013.

Weekend Photo Fun 5-17 to 5-20

Driline — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:09:01 +0000

Post photo's of your model railroad or railroad related projects here.

HOn30 Climax Build--my thoughts, and hopefully everyone else's ideas--please...More New Pics April 26

IrishRover — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 01:27:13 +0000

I have just started a freelanced HOn30 Class A Climax build--my first serious scratch-build project. I hope my successes and (many expected) problems will help others, and that some ideas will come my way. Main post below, so there isn't a huge first post repeated again and again.

Soundtraxx Tsunami - Success...

JLandT Railroad — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:57:59 +0000

Hi All,

Well today I decided to take another step in the evolution of the JL&T. I installed my first Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU-AT1000 DSD with a Soundtraxx Mini Oval 8 ohms, 1.0 Watt speaker into my Atlas MP15 - Conrail switcher.

Less Picky About Trackwork

LKandO — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:20:18 +0000

For all the discussion about how finicky model trains are about the track they run on it is amazing how tolerant the real ones are of their track work. Saw this elsewhere, thought it worthy of repeating.

Bushes and weeds in the Lynn Valley

Trevor at The Model Railway Show — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:03:13 +0000

I seem to post a lot of scenery updates here - I guess because I like the photos.

Here's a sample of some recent scenery work on my S scale layout. I've been adding bushes and more weeds to the layout, around the curve between the Lynn Valley and the terminal, Port Rowan.

You can read more about it in this posting on my blog:

Bushes and Weeds for the Lynn Valley

Enjoy if you visit!

- Trevor

---

Trevor Marshall

Recent posts

My new Blog

MRH wish list

HH&J Logging Update # 5

The swamp Diorama

N scale Ontario Midland in Sodus, NY with no selective compression.

A one-turnout layout

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Having troubles getting paint thru air brush !!!

FWWR, Everman Branch Job

Lets talk about On30

Floquil/Polly Scale Discontinued!!!

PSX 1 Demo Boxcar

Tie plate 4 or 8 hole

Some weathered Alco C420's

San Juan's Evolution Coupler in On30

Locomotives of the E. St. Louis RailGroup, Part 2

PRR E-loc insolators

Reefers on the Erie

PAINTING BACKDROPS FOR LARGE LAYOUTS

Starting over, best DCC for me?

Workin' on the Warehouse

Kitbashing a pair Canadian Pacific gp35

Making Ditch Lights

Treelines - A Backdrop on the 8th Sub

Trackplan Database - MRH Forum Member Trackplans

Multi-era layouts--ever been done? Any thoughts?

Fun Names for Your Railroad - Railroad Name, Towns, Businesses, etc

Reverse Running - The "one-module" challenge

Radius curves: doubt!

Ronny's Pawn completes the first block of Hammerjacks

new chassis for an old brass Alco S1

DCC Impulses - Using Ohm's law

i think i have a problem

Prototype vs. Freelance

GE E10B Steeple Cab

Fascia Control Panels

Tough switching ..or.. Shortest switchback ever...

Digitrax 10 pin connector

CSX Big Flat Subdivision

Up Black Creek on the Narrow Gauge

Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers

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Missing the weekend pictures!!

The Colorado and Southern in Sn3

Looking for places for trainspotting/railfanning-NE Florida

"Rutland Yard" Kitbashing Structures for a new HO scale layout. Track instalation & structure placement.

Stratch built plumbing supply store.

Help with a switching layout

Great Northern 4-8-4 Big Boy

dullcote and not frosting windows

Open side passenger cars for backlot tour layout.

Locomotives of the E. St. Louis RailGroup

Genesis GP9's

Industry Ave - a modular switching layout

BEST TRAIN WATCH VIDEO YET

Switch-Works Rail & Frog

Newbie and newbie's son starting the hobby.

DCC Change

Problems with a Genesis F-3

Overhauling Locomotives

300 square inch challenge

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New pictures of my Steel Mill (Blast Furnace)

Building turnouts N scale-Bonneville and Guadalajara RR

Putting them all together

Concrete (roads) tutorial...

Anyone ever try 3-tab shingles for pavement?

On30 Track Plans

Electromagnetic uncoupling ramp placement trackplanning question

Arduino based speed or light controller

Jasper CNR

Introduction & my TT-scale models

45' or 48' containers ???

covering seams in foam

Rubber baby buggy bumpers

Railfanning the Denver/Boulder/Fort COllins Corridor

MRH podcast

Nightlight photoshots