Trackwork
Rapido RailCrew switch machine mounting experiences
I was finally able to pick up a pair of the new Rapido RailCrew switch machines from my LHS for testing and noticed an issue that is mentioned in their demonstration video but does not appear in the instructions.
Peco Insulfrog/Electrofrog wiring video
I stumbled across this video while researching another subject and thought folks who like Peco products might find it useful.
ALPINE RAILROAD IN NJ-EVOLUTION IN PICS PART VI
Since my last post I had glued hydrocal rock castings to the mountains on the newer section and colored them after having glued the tunnel portals and retaining walls in place. The next set of photos shows the progress.
This is the newest section I mentioned in a previous post with the mountains and portals in place.
Out-of-the-box reliable N Scale turnouts???
With my new layout, I want more reliable running, and so I have been planning on powered frogs and not counting on point rail contact for power to the closure rails. I am in n scale, and my track from the last layout is all Peco. So this weekend I started working on the modifications to my Electrofrog turnouts:
1) Removing spring since I will use tortoise slow motion switch machines
2) Cutting gaps between the closure rails and the frog (I believe some Electrofrogs come with the gap already present, but mine do not have the gaps cut)
A New Beginning, Chapter 7
A very good first train test run around the entire layout including the lift out bridge.
Mark II Servo Mount
I have finished a video showing the easiest method I have found to mount servo`s for controlling turnouts. I am using code 55 rail for my HOn3 turnouts with one piece point/closure rails.
I selected the Tam Valley Depot Octo III controller for ease of use and to be able to install quickly. I was tempted to build Geoff Bunza's Arduino servo controller and someday I'm sure I will when I have more time.
By using EBay to purchase most of the items you can build the mount and add the servo for under $4
Ross A
What to do with old brass rail?
I seem to have become a dumping ground for coworkers who are downsizing their lives and moving, either out of state or to smaller homes. Today a coworker dumped 5 boxes of HO gauge stuff in my lap. 5 older power supply packs - still in decent shape, so I can make use of them, if only for non-variable power for accessories. A bunch of old Tyco and Bachmann freight cars (not sure what to do with these, honestly). Two old Tyco (?) C6xx locomotives (one broken, one working). A trio of older Bachmann (cheapy cheap) GPs. Some nickel-silver switches and track. 2 Bachmann EZ-Track switches.
ALPINE RAILROAD IN NJ-EVOLUTION IN PICS PART V
Now that I have gone over most of the build for my layout up to present day (I will take pics of the newest table with the mountains and rock faces in place and post them soon), I thought I would show some of the details I have been working on like tunnel portals, bridges and structures. Since I didn't take any before pics of the portals or bridges before I painted/weathered them, I found pics online of what they look like out of the box.
A New Beginning, Chapter 6
After going back and forth with myself several times, I finally decided I did want a removable bridge for continuous running. Mostly when I am working at the work bench and just want to see the train go by. So here it is. Yes it's ugly. But it's functional. I will paint it dark brown and maybe add some type of bridge like structure, but it works. It's snug. Doesn't move at all.
ALPINE RAILROAD IN NJ-EVOLUTION IN PICS PART IV
After fixing my problem with getting my locos up a 2% + grade (it was never consistent for the entire run) I then saw another aspect of my original plan that I never really loved. At that point I had my loco run up hill about 4 inches over the course of 8-10 feet or so but coming back down hill was done inside another tunnel on the opposite end of the layout in about 3 feet. Needless to say it was a steep hill downward though a few tests showed that locos would not fly off the track or even move that much faster so it was doable but I didn't love it.
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