Track and electrical/DCC

Spiking HO rail with N scale spikes

Many years ago I tried my hand at hand laying track on an 8' long switching layout. While a bit tedious the end result was very satisfying. My only complaint was I had to drill small holes in the ties or else the HO spikes would split them. That was double work as far as I was concerned. 

As I am planning the new Johnstown and Maryville, I have been toying with the idea of hand laying all the track again. But avoiding the tie issue. So I was wondering if I could use N scale spikes on Code 83 HO rail. Has anyone tried that and what was your result?

anteaum2666's picture

Fast Tracks Point Frog Tool - Wearing Out?

I've been building Fast Tracks #6 Switches for many years now, and have probably built in the neighborhood of 40 or 50 switches.  I've slowly been wearing down my #6 Point Frog filing jig.  The points aren't quite as sharp as they once were, but they seem to still function fine.  But the metal where the rail emerges from the jig has gotten very thin, bent, and I had to remove some of it.

Block detection in main yards

Another pondering of mine lol.   I am in the process of blocking out the Main and Yard of Handley for wiring purpose's.  The Mains will have detection.  My question is to do or not do individual block detection in the Yard proper. I am leaning towards not doing it as there would be a Yard master handling it so no reason for Dispatch to know if trains are occupying the tracks.  Note: I have done a search on the board and did not find much.  Thought's please.

kh25's picture

Added 3 feeders now everything is dead

I put in 2 short stub end sidings and dropped a feeder from each one and dropped a feeder from the main each feeder is connected to the bus wire using suit case connectors.I went to test the engine out, the whole layout is dead. I disconnected the feeders at the rail, still dead. I disconnected the new sidings ,still dead. I disconnected the switch to the sidings, still dead.
So any suggestions? Yes its DC only.

kh25's picture

2 electrical blocks no gaps

Wired for DC only. If I have to consecutive electrical blocks and i forget to cut the gaps between the blocks would this short out the layout

Sandflex Block

I found this Sandflex block in my local hardware store, Burbank Paint and Hardware.  It comes in coarse, medium and fine.  I bought the fine.  It isn't nearly as scratchy as a Brightboy.  It doesn't make any of the "hard" scraping sounds my brightboy does.  The Sandflex whispers over the track, and in a few strokes the rail is shiny.  When I run my finger over it, the track feels smooth as well.

railandsail's picture

Track Laying Tool?

Looking for the name and description of that 'wheeled type' tool that would mark the centerlines of track onto the subroadbed of plywood thru the paper pattern lying on the plywood.

I have most of my track plans drawn out full scale onto brown 'construction paper', and now I wish to start laying track onto the plywood deck, but can't leave the paper pattern under the track.
https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/35353

 

 

kirkifer's picture

circuit breakers between power supply and DCC command station or booster

I hate wiring and I hate electronics. I love trains, so I am willing to learn about this stuff.

I am finally wiring my stuff properly and I want to make sure this is an appropriate circuit breaker to go in between the power supply and the Command Station or Booster?  I am running a variety of Digitrax equipment and all are 5 amps.  I do have one DB200, but I am not sure I will use it. In that case, I will get an 8 amp breaker.  

Thanks for letting me know before I screw something up.

Block detection for signals on a DC layout

Kia ora fellow modelers,

Down here in New Zealand, I'm building a small DC layout recreating central California in the late 1950s, and want to set up an operating signal system that a) interlocks with turnout position b) shows red if the block ahead is assigned to another cab (remember this is DC). 

I have two DC controllers, with 12 blocks assigned by 3 Atlas 215 selectors.

smadanek's picture

Peco Code 70 Delays and CV Turnouts Today-What Have I Gotten Myself Into

The delays for Peco Code 70 and the Peco decision that the first turnout is a #6 have caused me to try and experiment with the somewhat long in tooth Central Valley turnout kits.  I received left and right #5 kits in the mail yesterday and have just finished 15 or more web pages preserved from 2007 on Joe F's experience with the CV turnout and modifications. 


>> Posts index Syndicate content


Journals/Blogs

Recent Blog posts: