I have some questions about installing decoders in HO brass locomotives.  These models do not have lighting installed which was not a problem with my earlier analog (CTC16e) command control system; the receivers (now called "decoders") only processed speed and direction signals.

I have been out of the hobby since before the advent of DCC and so DCC is "somewhat" new to me.

In looking over the decoder choices (my, how many there are!), I notice that all of even the simplest of them include leads for locomotive hookup/control.

Why a multi-level layout?

I understand that sometimes there is a need to do something that allows a longer track run but it seems to me that such a layout could seem strange. How does build a layout without strange pillars or structures to support the 'upper' deck? And, how would you access this upper deck?

My HO layout design (still in pipe smoke stage) seems to cry out for a longer run but I don't quite know how I would achieve this without it looking odd.

Durango, CO - Blackstone Models^tm has announced the release of their ready to run HOn3 versions of the UTLX Narrow Frame and Frameless Tank Cars. Available in both painted and unlettered as well as multiple road numbers, the cars are representative of those on the D&RGW between 1900 and the 1960s. The models are also available both non-weathered and weathered.

I have been asked to write a blog entry about operations and Easy Model Railroad Inventory. Before I do that I think it is appropriate for me to explain how I approached my research. I started on a number of model railroad forums where I found a number of threads, which lead to many others sources, both on the Internet and published books and articles.