Modeling topic
Neon fun
This hobby has a lot of facets. One I enjoy is the graphic design aspect with all the varied railroad heralds, paint schemes, and assorted signage – even graffiti.
The railroad I model, the Iowa Interstate, has a retro look in that they use the old Rock Island herald shape with spiffy colors of black, red, and yellow. I looked into what it would cost to have a custom neon sign made and discovered it wouldn’t be that expensive. So, I had one made and today I mounted it in the layout room above one of my work areas:
ATLAS (Roco) ALCO S-2 Sound install
Both Greg W. and I thought of this at almost the same time:
http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/29020
I used a Loksound Micro Select 73800 programmed for ALCO 539T 6 cylinder and TDS SuperSonic Mini Speaker (sugar cube) and enclosure. I am very happy with the sound qualities of this and the install in an old model like this wan't bad.
This video didn't turn out so great in the visual aspect, but you get the chance to hear the sound:
Chessie "Moonshine Hoppers" question.
Question for Chessie fans out there. Were the Chessie Moonshine hoppers only the 8 panel 2bay hoppers? I have searched the entire internet (except the dark web) to find any of these, but no success. I would like to get some Accurail open hoppers and make about six of them, if any of these hoppers could represent a moonshine hopper. Thanks.
Arduino-based DC Detection
Does anyone know how to use an Arduino to make a DC detector. I went to the idafruits and talked to a tech there. They offered me no help at all. I went to the forums and I got a ton of responses, unfortunately most were all in technoese and I never learned that language. The rest wanted to show me how to build a mountain when all I need is a mole hill. There was one guy who offered to help me so I sent him diagrams and specs but I never heard from him again. I can buy detection circuits but I can't afford to pay $42.00 each for them.
Inkjet photo backdrop for shelf-style layout
I have a somewhat unique predicament with my shelf layout. As you can see from the pictures below, I’m creating a shelf style layout that runs about 7 ½” below the ceiling. It’s quite basic, but also kind of large (14’ X 28’). My predicament is what to do for the backdrop. I’m pretty much sold on using a photo-type backdrop. However, the cost seems quite expensive based on the various photo-based backdrops available on the market. I could easily spend over $800 or more for my backdrop!
How to Model Tarmac using Metcalfe Tarmac Sheets or Printed Paper
I've started a little series on tarmac. This video is about using paper sheets to model it.
Kathy
manual switch throws
..Joe Fugate wanted ideas on manual switch control..here is what I use ..cheap and effective after you get the hang of it
Unique prototype structures
I recently visited Rochester, Minnesota, and traveling through the south part of town spotted one of the city’s unique landmarks – their ear of corn water tower.
Siskiyou Line lessons learned
Joe Fugate and Backshop host Rick Green discuss the lessons Joe learned on his first Siskiyou Line layout, now being dismantled. Joe wraps up with a sneak peek at how Siskiyou Line 2 will be different.
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