Modeling topic

Bowser C636 - surprised nobody has mentioned it here

Mon, 2014-10-13 22:52 — WP282

I am surprised that nobody has posted anything about the new Bowser C636's and their attendant issues. Some other forums have literally exploded with comments about them. Here is my experience with the one I received last week:

N-land Pacific FreemoN at the Banning Train Fest 2014

Mon, 2014-10-13 21:25 — jhn_plsn

We were invited to set up at the Banning Train Fest this year and had a great time. Nine member took part and some modules from other members were included. We have been filling a 50x70 space, but this time 30x40 was all we could fill up. We were still able to run fairly long trains, have a container carrier score card game, and do some switching. Fun stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgN3LIZaqJs&list=UUjeuGmOG5bYF9RCxxVf3Kwg

There are two other Youtube videos if you are interested in the larger layouts.

2 comments

A noobee DCC decoder question

Mon, 2014-10-13 20:58 — Donato

I have a very basic question regarding DCC decoders. I have a bit of confusion when I read about sound decoders and control decoders. Do sound decoders control the train's movements as well as produce sounds? Do control decoders only control train movement? If I have a loco with a basic control decoder and I want sound, do I just add a sound decoder or remove the basic decoder first?

Thank you to any and all for their input.

6 comments

HO Minimum radius

Mon, 2014-10-13 11:59 — GregW66

I have recently been given the use of a room with overall dimensions shown below. I am working in HO standard guage. However it is an irregular sized room and I have to allow access to two parts of it. I am considering several benchwork options and want to know about minimum radius for 2nd generation diesels. Well, late first and early second. I have an Atlas Trainmaster that is my pride and joy and also am planning on having several of my favorite locomotives, the SD40-2.

Wire Guage

Mon, 2014-10-13 02:25 — swannert

I'm constructing an 4x8 N scale DCC layout. I have 12 rail joiners positioned throughout the layout. My plan is to run each joiner to a bus under the layout, then run the bus wire to the DCC power pack. My question is what size wire gauge should I use for the bus?

Thanks-Tim

12 comments

Homemade wood/cedar shingles - Thanks!

Sun, 2014-10-12 23:36 — erikm

I want to give a big thanks to G1000vista who posted the idea of how to create a shingle roof from brown paper bags. I struggled with several types of roofs and none seemed to work (for me) on this project. I think the brown paper bag trick turned out really good, especially since this is my second "real" attempt at building/weathering a structure. It is my first wooden structure and just had a smooth piece of wood for the roof.

More stuff sitting everywhere

Sun, 2014-10-12 19:42 — TTX101

Having noticed that the real world seems overrun with a wide variety of large bins and boxes strewn across almost any open parking lot or other area, I created three donation bins to occupy the lot surrounding my HO scale rural crossroads store.

Opinions - Central Valley Tie Strips

Sun, 2014-10-12 15:11 — MRL Trains

Have any of you laid track using Central Valley Tie Strips? If so, would you do it again? I'm seriously considering them for my new layout. Looking for advice from anyone who has. Thanks

Chris Heili

MRL Trains

28 comments

Staples Banner Sale

Sun, 2014-10-12 06:55 — doc-in-ct

Staples is having a big sale on 6ft by 2.5ft 10oz vinyl (indoor) banners; they are $10 per banner. Might be a good way to create some personalized backgrounds.

http://print.staples.com/custom-banners.aspx?PFID=016&GP=10%2f12%2f2014+10%3a41%3a55+AM&GPS=3303897044&GNF=0