Modeling topic
Apr 2016-1 - Wireless Dead Rail™ loco control
Dead Rail™ or “Cold Rail”, wireless control and battery power for locomotives is new territory for many of us in the model railroad hobby. This month in The Backshop Clinic, Miles shows off a loco project that uses a Deltang receiver and a battery.
Era Drift
I got back from the Supertrain show in Calgary, Alberta on Monday. It was very enjoyable to catch up with people I haven't seen in a while. I had opportunity to see many excellent modular layouts as well as operate on a very nicely done N scale home layout. My photo sales were good as well, justifying the long trip. I drove to and from the show with my friend Chris. 11 hours of driving each way gives plenty of time to cover many subjects, sometimes several times.
Operating sessions.
I know nothing about the formal logistics of hosting an operating session, as my layout is small, an "L" shaped dog bone for a continuous run of about 50', with a yard, and trans load area, and 4 more industries on a spur, so it's not made for operating sessions with more than I person.
My question is, after watching some videos in TMTV, it seems that people who join in on sessions have to pay for the privilege. Is this the norm? Is the cost totally the discretion of the host? And if so, about how much does it cost?
Thanks,
Railpro sound questions?
Hi All, Still trying to decide if I want to try Railpro for my S layout. Todays question is about the sound modules. I've heard people say they are not as sweet sounding as Lok sound or Tsunamis but I'd guess they sound good enough for me , what I'm wondering though is how they react to dead spots on the track. Do they drop sound comparable to a DCC decoder or do they handle the tiny power gaps better? Can anyone tell any substantial difference in this respect?
New chassis for a Walthers Trainline Alco FA
Does anyone know if the Walthers TL Alco FA body will fit with little or no modification on the Bachmann FA2 chassis or the MTH FA1 chassis?
Figures and Scenery Items
I am looking for some help identifying sources for HO scale figures and scenery detail items. I have repeatedly searched the web and the advertisers for figures that I have seen in various photos both here and on Facebook. But I do not find anything but the "standard" Presser and Woodland Scenics people and building interior items like desks, chairs etc.
Respirator Filter Working Life
Can anyone advise what the working life of a respirator filter should be? I have bought a 3M respirator with their 6000 series organic filter cartridges. But I can't figure out how long they will be good for. There is a calculator on 3M's website, but to use it you have to do air sampling and figure out the PPM of the contaminants; I haven't got the least idea what values to enter.
Mar 2016-4 - Fired up: Ending the run
Explore the world of small-scale live steam with Fired up! We conclude this season with an discussion of what happens once a steaming session is over. Part six of six.
Watch it now on TrainMasters TV ....
Has anyone tried the new BlueRail Communications Board
Have been following this new product but am to timid too be an initial guinea pig.
Also I am waiting for the Android app to arrive. I will be using it with existing DCC decoders and DCC power on rails but control will not be through my existing NCE SB3a which will eventually become just a booster power source if this really works. Eliminates the cost and hassle of radio control throttles.
For my current 2 foot by 11 plank railroad that usually sees only one loco in steam at a time it appears to be an adequate solution.
Ken
Rapido Railcrew uncouplers issues
Has anyone tried the Rapido Railcrew uncouplers? I can't get mine to work. The magnets are supposed to rotate out of the uncoupling position and nothing moves when I activate the toggle switch. The LED lights up, and the panel LED stays lit, but no movement from the magnets.
I hard wired everything, since I could not figure out their connector plug. I used a 12V 300ma power supply at first, then replaced that with a 12V 500ma power supply. They say 500ma minimum. Maybe I need more power to the coils?
Any input appreciated.
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