Modeling topic

N scale: Code 55 vs Code 80

Thu, 2018-01-11 16:19 — jarhead

For those who are in N scale, what do you prefer using code 55 or code 80 rails ? Pros and cons ? I am asking because I am planning to make an HOn30 layout. I am going to hand laid the tracks and before buying the rails I would like to get opinions from those that have experiences using the above tracks.

Thank You

13 comments

"Virtual" control panel for old-school DC layouts

Thu, 2018-01-11 12:16 — edwardstd

Time for another hair-brained idea involving computers and model railroads.

As an N gauger, it's tougher for me to go over to DCC than it is for the larger scales, so I've been doing some thinking about how implement some of the advantages of DCC. One of the first things that comes to mind is the increased independence from the traditional cab control / track block system.

Inexpensive best code 100 turnouts for staging?

Thu, 2018-01-11 07:17 — jimfitch

So I am in the very early planning stages for a new larger layout. I did save all the track from my last layout and most of it is in very good condition for re-use. On my last layout I used code 100 track in staging because it was less expensive and appearance isn't important there.

Electrical CAD

Wed, 2018-01-10 13:41 — mbursztein

I'm looking for recommendations for a simple, low cost , CAD program to draw simple electrical diagrams that include simple electronic component, switches, terminal blocks.

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Moe Bursztein

3 comments

Railcar positioner no. 3

Wed, 2018-01-10 13:33 — Nickeldiggers2

Dear friends.

We were not satisfied with our railcar positioner no. 2 (see our topic “Consolidated nickel Mines).

So, we scrapped the first 2 versions of the positioner, and went into a model railroading frenzy, first at the drawing table and then at our workshop.

Our railcar positioner no. 3 is an operational wire-rope system, composed of three 3-foot sections. We intend to take it at model railroading shows, as a stand-alone exhibit, together with our layout.

Herewith the “core” section, after an operational test.

Track Popping Up - Fixes?

Wed, 2018-01-10 11:48 — Chris Adams

Trackwork

As humidity levels go down, wood benchwork shrinks. And sometimes, it shrinks enough to cause track to pop up. Any suggestions on how best to fix this? Unfortunately, the track is on a bridge - and on a slight curve (so cutting in rail gaps will risk introducing lateral kinks in the rail). Maybe just push it back down and secure with contact cement?

Any tips/suggestions/guidance most welcome!

Staging camera help

Wed, 2018-01-10 08:27 — rwsnyder5

Layout design

Starting off the new year getting back on track with my layout. As I work on my staging level for my FWWR layout I've been trying to come up with ideas to handle trains on my hidden staging level. Seeing some YouTube videos of other modelers layouts I seem the use of cameras. Not knowing how this works, could anybody help a guy out.

This layout is in two rooms I could use two separate systems if need be. I'm thinking about 5 locations for cameras in one room and 3 in the other. What do I need to be looking for?

Wayne

Foundation for urban scenery: cork and/or styrene?

Wed, 2018-01-10 05:46 — Yannis

Hi all,

I am close to starting the work on the roadbed on my layout. Based on the prototype (Pasadena), the majority of it has the mainline on the same level as the surrounding terrain (ie roadbed / terrain on the same level) while in small parts the track is paved and the railhead is flush with the terrain (depot, crossings etc). Based on photos, even the sidings on the main depot area are on the same level as the mainline (while that is not the case in other industrial and/or passing sidings, in different areas of the layout)