Layout maintenance

geoffb's picture

A Modest DCC Proposal to Limit Shorts (with Apologies to Johnathan Swift)

Hi All,

I remain troubled after reading an MRH article not too long ago (MRH RE Dec 2018: Ah-Hah Moment: Making decoders more short-resistant) about modifying a DCC decoder's printed circuit board (PCB) which paralleled a thin trace on the board with a much thicker wire. The trace connected the two independent wheel wires from the forward and rear trucks (diesel loco). The author pointed out that when run into turnout points set in the wrong direction, the trace would virtually vaporize, carrying the full current of the DCC base station or booster as provided to the track.

Model Storage & Display

Hi all! I suppose many of us have a second hobby or other things aside from modelling which occupy our free time.  Mine is woodworking and building furniture.  I've ended up dedicating more time to this recently as I have a fully outfitted wood shop at my disposal, though I do enjoy working on detailing and weathering locomotives and rolling stock when I have the chance, as well as a few static diorama scenes approximately 12"x24".

Robin W's picture

Aunt Minnie's Farm, from memory....

Hello to Rail Road Modeler's !!!

This picture here is a corner diorama that has survived from the previous layout, I plan on adding this into the new layout i am currently building, and designing as i go. 

Jiffy Rerailer

Several years ago there was a discussion about retailers, specifically the Jiffy Rerailer. I gather from that discussion that Jiffy is no longer in business. I cannot find them anywhere on the web.

I am looking for a compact retailer to use in staging and before/after a lift out section as "insurance". Obviously the Atlas rerailer is readily available but it is has a high visual footprint.

Does anyone know if another manufacturer has picked up the Jiffy design?

Disillusioned...

So the short version of the story is I moved about a year ago into a condo and dismantled a good sized HO layout. I've always been a bit of a "rubber gauger" between HO and N scales. So to satisfy both itches I have built an N scale layout on a hollow core door, and a 16" x 96" HO shelf switching layout. Best of both worlds. One would hope...

Kadee couplers: springs versus whiskers

I'm approaching the point where I need another bulk pack of Kadee couplers.  

Traditionally, I get the ones with the stamped brass centering spring (because that's what I've been accustomed to since I adopted Kadee as my standard decades ago).  But there's been a move to "whisker" type couplers for more and more of their product.

So what are your thoughts on the performance of Kadee #5 centering spring couplers versus Kadee #148 whisker couplers?

Bigelov's picture

Problems when building the layout room

Its been a while since I posted about Building the layout room  (over a year!). I did mention in that blog that I would talk about the problems we encountered, so better late than never ;)

Problem 1: the Module was too long...

dapenguin's picture

My new Layout in my new House

Hi all;

For those who do not know.  I have been in a wheelchair for 30+ years after a work accident.  Since then I had a stroke in 2007 so have no balance.  Combined with a heart condition I absolutely can not do crawling around.


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