Modeling topic
IAIS's West End - simple switch locks for push-pull turnout controls
I've long been intrigued by the idea of adding working switch locks to the layout as Lance Mindheim, Trevor Marshall, James McNab, and others have done. They'd slow down operations a bit, draw my crews and me deeper into thinking like our prototype counterparts, and prevent crews from operating on trackage that, on the 1:1 IAIS, is controlled by the Engineering (MOW) or Mechanical departments (diesel house/carmen). Up until now I've always decided against them since I thought they'd be a hassle when operating alone, requiring both hands to unlock them.
Free up your hands
Free up your hands when you're the engineer and conductor. Plug in a short phone jack to the throttle and attach to a neck lanyard. Works best with a radio unit, but may be adaptable to a tethered throttle as well.
Best Ballast Quest
Looking for detailed prototype ballast, I found Legacy Ballast from DCC Concepts in the UK. I was planning to have some Woodland "fine" grey blend, as the medium I had was too large for HO.
Has anyone used Legacy Ballast and how did you fine it.?
Model Masterpieces Ltd #122 - Brick Roundhouse - Pics or Addition Instruction Sheets?
All,
I just picked up a Model Masterpieces Ltd. 130' Roundhouse off of ebay. The model came with three double sided instruction pages and one 18 x 24 full size drawing. I was wondering if anyone has built this kit and if there were any additional instruction sheets?
I suspect no since this is an old kit, 1981 era. Not a problem if that's all there is for instructions, I'll figure it out.
Cutting down molded on ladder details
So, I have several old Athearn blue box 50' plug door boxcars that I'm modernizing to my 1980 era. I have removed the roofwalks, filled the holes and matched the roof contour with no problem. My problem is the molded on ladders. I tried once before to remove them and the outcome was not anything I was happy with. Does anyone have a method they use or tool or technique that they could share? Or is this just a practice makes perfect kind of thing?
Special Bridge/Tunnel Project
Special Tunnel Project
I have built my helix structure external to my train shed,...
Wiring Best Practices
HI Folks: Im getting ready to do some more track feeders this weekend, as well as re-working a section of my staging area over the next couple weeks / months. When I started the layout I was not careful about my wire runs etc, and now have a rats nest, so I am going to be re-working all the DCC Feeders etc to make it neat and functional. I'd like input on hows best to do it, in terms of routing wires and keeping them neat. any pics you can post would be appreciated as well
Thanks
TIM
San Luis and Rio Grande
Amherst Railroad Show
OK, Other than Joe and some/all of the MRH Staff, who's planning on being at the West Springfield Show? I'll be there helping Friday afternoon and Sunday after the show closes, and wandering around on Saturday and Sunday. I hope to see some of you there.
MRH NOTE: Corrected the misspelling of Amherst.
Getting younger people into the hobby.
I attend shows but not as often as I should. Fathers bringing children who just love model trains. I am sure very few children are active in the layout process. I allowed 2 children to help with 2 layouts. N Scale. They build 2 end table layouts based on their personal taste. I gave them the layouts as gifts. Later I began building very small layouts and giving them to parents to give to their child as Christmas gifts. ALL of these kids spend time now researching model trains and how-to videos.
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