Modeling topic
Painting a Timber Overpass
For the structure gurus out there:
I recently completed the assembly of a Rix rural timber overpass. I plan to give it a creosote finish with a fairly heavy weathering to the roadway deck. My plan is to airbrush the base coat on the entire bridge structure, then go back with various washes and dry brushing to weather and add color to the bridge. Here's the manufacturer's photo of the structure:
Mix and Match Locomotives
Can you mix and match locomotives and rolling stock from different manufacturers (DCC/Sound engines) or is it advisable to stay with one manufacturer.
Car card boxes on curved fascia
I am beginning to design fascia-mounted car card holders and many of them need to be at locations where the fascia is curved (1/8" Masonite). I have seen many designs of card card holders that work beautifully on straight fascia. But what about curved fascia? My fascia radii are about 15-30".
Scribing and cutting the back of the holder to match the fascia radius sounds tedious and fraught with peril. I'm hoping many of you have other ideas.
Signal Naming in JMRI
I'm currently installing signals on my layout in JMRI. What naming convention would you recommend for each of the 6 signal masts (and the 8 heads) on a siding (other then just a number)?
Do full size railroad just number them or are they related to the siding name?
Digitrax DCS100 with SE8C, BDL168 and JMRI
(Southern Pacific Railroad)
Backdrop Construction - will this work?
Hi all,
I'm preparing to put the backdrops in on my Bradford Valley Lumber Co. layout, and I'd like to get your thoughts on how I'm planning to do it.
I'm planning to use 4.8mm (1/5") thick masonite, secured at each of the crossmembers, which are approximately 1' apart.
At the rear of the backdrop, a 12mm (1/2") plywood support will run up the entire height of the backdrop. These will be screwed directly to the frame. At the front, below the ground level, L-brackets will secure the masonite to the crossmembers - they'll be screwed along the top.
NCE Excellence
I chose NCE when I first went to DCC, 1st for the way their controller felt and worked, 2nd because of the expandability and accessories available, and of course, because they were an advertiser in MRH. I bought the PowerCab because I was still learning DCC, and this got me into it inexpensively. It worked well, was easy to use and program, and eased my transition into DCC. It performed so flawlessly, that I bought a ProCab system, but continued to use the PowerCab at my work bench to do addressing and test loco's.
Eye's bigger than my stomach, or, desires bigger than my motivation.
I initially thought that I would prepare a layout as modules based loosely on the railroad where I grew up. I had started to compile a decent amount of information and purchased a few structure kits and pieces of rolling stock to model. I even assembled a 'module' to start with. Then work got stressful and I wasn't even sure I'd still have a job at one point. The fear of being penny-less forced me to curtail my hobby spending and start putting money aside. Eventually things got better at work. I even got a promotion.
Paasche Air Eraser Mini Sandblast Gun Set
I am in the process of preparing some brass steam locos for paint. I was wondering if anyone has an experience with the Paasche Air Eraser Mini Sandblast Gun Set. I've read that aluminum oxide is the preferred medium. Does this have a grit rating? Or is aluminum oxide the grit rating (or type).
Don Cassler, B&O M&K Division passes away
MMR Don Cassler, modeler of the B&O M&K Division lost his battle with Prostate cancer May 2015. Don's layout was captured in Allen Keller's Great Model Railroads #5 and in the June, 1990 issue of Model Railroader. His layout featured hand-laid trackwork, beautiful mountain scenery, a working signaling system and some great operation in his monthly sessions. His passing places him with other icons of the hobby such as, John Allen, Linn Wescott, and Paul Mallery. His railroad lasted for almost 30 years and he hosted many open houses and op sessions for visiting modelers.
Basic Power Tools for Framing
Many modelers have little space and even less area to use as a work space. When building even a small or modular layout this lack of resources can present a problem. The home supply store can precut your lumber, but not always to your exact needs. Sometimes you only need a single cut. Also, in most layouts & modules, holes are needed for various reasons. Tools can be used in your living space. but can create a mess. With a set of cordless power tools many outside areas can be used for cutting and assembling a layout frame.
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