I have a Rivarossi 2-8-8-2 that threw a crankpin a few days ago. My old eyes can't find it so I'm trying to locate a new one. It is on the left rear drive set and is the one on the geared wheelset. I believe the part number is either R04467 or P-122-017. It measures m1.4 x 3.2mm with a 3.0mm hex head. I've checked ebay and others without success. Any help would be appreciated.

Building a small Mom and Pop coal distributor and need a ramp up to 9 scale feet. So in doing the calculations for the grade up to the 9 foot deck I came across a % grade calculator.

www.inchcaculator.com

Rise over Run to Percent Calculator - Inch Calculator

Any way on with my question is 5% too much for a coal dump?

To obtain a 3% grade i will need 300 scale feet in HO. 200 ft is 4.5%.

Looking for information using flexible MDF panels ripped into strips and used for splined sub-roadbed. There was a layout builder who used this technique and I am looking for more info if anyone out there knows more.

This is the only reference photo I managed to save from several years ago. I wish I took better notes and could give the original poster credit for both the technique and the image!

I recall some very high recommendations for using mineral spirits for cleaning track (prior to any other coatings).

I picked some up the other day while in Walmart. When I went to use for cleaning something else it came out in a milky white color.

Is that really mineral spirits? I read the label and it appears to be one of those new fangled mixtures to protect ourselves.

Does anyone know if it is as effective as the old stuff??