Modeling topic
DCC Turnouts
Hello fellow modellers,
Finally done with the turnout DCC decoders, programming and including them in the Railroad Controller Bronze (this is available from www.freiwald.com). I also tried to use JMRI, but so far I am only comfortable with it for loco decoder programming.
The decoder for the switches was constructed using Dr. Geoff Bunza's proposal. Unfortunately as far as I know these Arduino decoders up till now only work in the 2 digit range.
Decoder for Con-Cor HO scale Galloping Goose
I just got a HO scale Con-Cor Galloping Goose (DC) and I'm interested in installing a DCC decoder and possibly sound as well. I'm a novice so I don't have any idea on the best and/or most economical decoder. Plus how realistic is it for someone with no experience to attempt the installation? Any advice out there?

Scratchbuilding a Transfer Caboose Part 1
https://northcountrytrains.wordpress.com/2019/02/06/scratchbuilding-a-transfer-caboose-part-1-the-body/
point to point vs continuous run
do any small to medium sized point to point layout owners regret not having continuous run ability?
do any continuous run folks wish they went point to point design?
Shenware Software (MiTrains and Waybills)
Has anyone else worked with this remarkable software program and understand how it all works? At my remarkable old age, I cannot decipher how to get waybills to print out correctly, even when you prompt them to be printed blank.
I will be forever grateful for any and all help with regards to get me going in the right direction with this program. Thank you.
Jim Schulte
Otis S Smith's Railroad Videos Part 4 of 4
Video from 1954 includes: California Western Colton Golden State Etc. Note: Otis S. Smith is my grandfather that worked for Southern Pacific Railroad.
lift outs, duck unders, hinged bridges
I have the need for 2 duck unders or 2 lift outs or 2 hinged bridges to access the layout and to exit the layout into the garage, the layout room is 7 x 21, I need some advice or input from experience, I am getting older duck under not so comfortable especially for guests, so its lift out or hinged bridges?? the other option is to dismantle the along the walls layout and rebuild a long narrow 4 x 16 ish layout that centers the room allowing walk around and trough to other door to garage...

Slowly but Surely
More progress on Red Eye Saloon. Those little board ends are tricky for an unsteady hand!
First Operations Test Report
Had my first real operations test today. I'll give it a B. Had a few minor issues crop up. Nothing serious and easy to fix. I decided, after going back and forth with myself over what system to use, I decided on Ship It. I have used it in the past with limited success so this week I really studied the manual until I had a good understanding of how to make it work so cars move on and off the layout the way they are supposed to.
Tichy 50 Ton Flat Car ProtoTypes
I'm just finishing off a bulk pack of tichy 40' 50 ton flat car kits that will be heading to the paint shop in coming weeks.
I planned to decal these for the major western prototypes such as SP&S, SP, GN and the like but having trouble finding prototype images of the cars.
Can anyone out there help provide some accurate prototype photos of 50 ton flatcars that the tichy kits may reflect closely?
Or even if your able to confirm what roads i should be looking at....
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