Modeling topic
Proto 1000 DCC installation
Has anyone on the forum tried to use the plug in 8 pin type of decoders in the Proto 1000/2000 Models? The printed circuit board inside of these models clearly show where to cut traces in the copper, in order to isolate the motor and be able to plug in the 8 pin decoder, 6 pins are all that's used on FT, F3, F7, and so on due to no rear headlight. I am just curious if anyone has had success with doing an installation that way as opposed to completely replacing the existing printed circuit board with the solder tab type of decoder board.
Sealing wood benchwork
I am about to buy lumber to build my small layout. I am using pine lumber and 1/2 fir plywood. I want to make it look good from the start so am considering staining and applying polyurethane to the bench work frame and legs. Would it also be worthwhile to prime and paint the plywood on top and bottom? I am thinking a light grey colour. The layout is small enough that it wouldn't be a major outlay of cash or time but I am wondering if there would be any benefits to doing so.
GregW66
https://gregstrainyard.com
Let’s see your fascia!
A WPF recently got sidetracked over fascia design and color. I really found everyone’s design and choices interesting. Please post yours here or ideas for making it more attractive, efficient, useful, etc.
Thanks!
Neil
History: From the ARA to the ARA to the AAR
Just what or who merged joined with the ARA in 1919? Enquiring minds want to know:)
I know that MCB and others merged / joined with the ARA in 1919 possibly as a reaction to USRA control.
edit: See below post of news from 1919. The American Railway Association became the American Railroad Association at the order of the USRA
I know this so far about the ARA and AAR:
All wheel pick up challenge
I turned over the loco I intend to make all wheel pick up, and to my dismay, found all this detail that will definitely make it a major challenge.
Led Circuit Board for LED wiring
I have been looking for a circuit board on to which I can solder surface mount resistors. On one side I could solder the wire from a decoder, on the other side I could solder the wire to an LED. Between the wires are two pads to solder a surface mount resistor. I think I've seen this advertised before, and I'm simply not finding it. Any help?
smooth rolling trucks
Occasionally I splurge and spend what I call high end prices on rolling stock- $35 to $50 a car, however I mostly stay within the $25 to $35 range when purchasing rolling stock due to budget etc., Now I know the old saying is you get what you pay for, I have purchased Walther's "mainline" 50ft box cars $24, on a scale of 1 to 10 in roll ability I give them a 3 or 4 at best, on a slight grade and a small nudge they stop within the grade, that's great if my spur is on a grade but not so great when creating drag during operating.
Painting Trains
Early on in my modeling life, there wasn't a box car or a locomotive on my layout that I did not personally paint and decal. I thought it looked more realistic, and it was something i could do in one evening or when i didn't have a layout. Its been some time since i looked for paint - decals (and dry transfers) I have more than i will ever use - but paint i find now is so very hard to find. Floquil is gone, and i don't know where Scalecoat is now.
Stephan Cavanaugh WP Mushroom layout -questions
Stephan Cavanuagh's (Tracy, Calif.) Western Pacific MUSHROOM layout was shown in the January 2011 MRH. I just learned that Steve passed away in early January 2018. Does anybody know what happened to his layout? Was it dismantled or portions (Keddie Wye) sold or donated to a MR club or Museum. It was large layout (~20'x!30' with four levels). He built it in his 3 car garage.
Maybe other Western Pacific layout builders may know the situation. These are modelers like Jim Dias, Jim Providenza, Tommy Holt, etc.
Skills and Tools
There has been quite a bit of discussion recently about the skills needed by a person in the hobby and the possible demise of some of these skills over time. I think that there is another aspect of this issue that could stand some examination, and that is the area of the tools needed for participating in the hobby and the impact of their cost and availability.
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