Modeling topic
Model Railroading and Lego blocks
In recent months I've run across several articles on using Lego blocks in making buildings from kits and scratch building them as well. Has anyone her actually used them? I would think they would come in handy in joining parts or keep walls straight when there is nothing else to support them. I've even come across an article which describes how cut up Lego blocks can be used in N-Scale Magazine.
So if you used them let me know> Even if you haven't there are probably some opinions that need to be aired so use this opportunity.
Irv

Am I miscalculating for DCC Booster Distict requirements
I had settled with building my own DCC 3 AMP Boosters (I found a couple different websites that offer kits or instructions to build them) but as I consider the power requirements I am concerned that 3 AMPS even for one train block will be insufficient based on maximum potential load. If I'm calculating things properly, I will need a Booster for each train block!

Old style drive-in restaurant by motel on mountain
As a boy I used to frequent drive-in restaurants - some with car hops, but most without. I figured that the motel needed someplace for it's customers to eat, so I'm building the Blair Line(tm) #182 "Dari-King drive-in. It will be viewed from 3 feet away, thus the less than stellar construction. It is still under construction with a bunch more to do, but is presentable at present.
Found a source for LocoNet cabling!
I have had trouble finding 6 conductor flat phone cable for LocoNet wiring (I can get Cat-5 in 6 conductor at Lowes, but not the flat wire). I found some at cmple.com - at very reasonable prices! ($1.79 for 25 foot; they have other lengths as well). I cut what I need to length and crimp on the ends. Lowes, Home Depot and places online have the 6-conductor plugs as well as crimping tools. Hopefully this helps others having the same problem.

Totally free, or royalty free loco & train sounds?
I've been looking for sources of loco & train sounds to use with my videos to add realism much like Charlie's excellent videos. Since I model the 1960's and 70's the loco sounds would need to be something that would be around during that timeframe.
I'd love to have "totally free" sound tracks that could be used without cost of license issues; however, I'm willing to purchase "royalty free" tracks if necessary.
Anybody know where I can find such tracks? Thanks in advance.
Rick
August 31, 2011 and it's back to work
Back to work day at CSI. It should been Monday but because of Irene all classes were cancelled since the buses in Staten Island (never mind the trains but this is Staten Island Rapid Transit) weren't ready to start rolling because of road flooding and downed trees and power lines.

Locomotive Roster Update
Washington Northern MP15DC #5033 is an example of the last switcher-type locomotive purchased by the WN in 1979, when they ordered 4 of these units numbered 5030-5033. It is assigned to Discovery Yard in Port Andrews and frequently can be seen in the Tideflats District.
Atlas Gold Series with Quantum Sound in custom paint and decals. Weathered with artist oils and airbrushing.
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