Gentlemen:

As far as Loco electrical contact problems, as a DCC decoder installer running my own business, I've encountered this on many engines! Mostly Bachmann Steam (4-8-2's, K4-4-6-2's), Athearn-Genesis Diesels, and even some of the older Atlas-Kato, and Stewart diesels(both made by Kato, or Bowser)!

The for the Bachmann  4-8-2 Steam, is to remove the wipers, that curve down toward the rail, and ad spring loaded "pin" wipers on the bottom axle cover, that line up 90 degrees directly with the backs of the wheel flanges!

One of the more interesting parts of building this thing has been different styles of electrical connections. Quite frankly I can really appreciate the simplicity of IDC connections and ribbon cable. A lot less work than crimping RJ connectors on the end of a cable -- and a small vice is a good clamping tool.

If you wish to see real railroads in operation in the USA, Canada and around the world, check this out:

http://www.railserve.com/RailCams/

G. T.

I was interested in some of the new blended static grass products form Scenery Express.  They come with different lengths and colors in one container.  Was shocked to see the shipping charges were almost as much as the product.  I suspect that they are shipping in Flat Rate Boxes which are a total rip off.  The same item in your own generic box is about a third the cost.  You're paying for their convenience and UPS is just as expensive.  Does anyone know of suppliers who will treat us more fairly?  I've found stock on popular colors sold out in a f

As construction of helix #3 continues, waiting for glue joints to dry gave me a chance to work on other aspects of the layout. So, with the main deck bench work and cork road bed complete, I decided to lay some of the mainline track and get some experience super-elevating curves. I've never done this before, but after a few trials, here's what I've come up with.

LSR NMRA President Steve Barkley's Northern Pacific Railroad.  What do you do with the playroom when the kids are gone?

Today is the start of "The Neenah Project." This will be a model railroad built in a rented home that comes with some design issues. Stairs come down in  to the center of the space. The "east" Half the basement is finished the "west half" is roughed "roughed in." The east side is wide open with a space of 11 foot 6 inch wide by 27 feet long. The west side is split into 2 separate areas the left a unfinished room and the right side the utility room which includes furnace/water heater/ washer dryer.

read about it here
http://nkp765fanprrfan.blogspot.com/2015/03/cvtr-model-railroad-club.htm...