Modeling topic
Rapido RDC SP-10 -- shell removal
Just got the Rapido RDC, SP-10 version.
To open it: on a cradle, remove the coupler screw and pull the coupler box out. Repeat for both couplers. It all stayed together, which was nice.
Looking for ideas for a small 8x8
I have a side room on my basement that has a 8ft x 7 ft 8 inches space to put a layout. 8 feet is the depth of this alcove, so slighty longer than 8 feet is possible, but there are walls on the 7'8" sides.
I currently have a 4x8 table setup with a double mainline, in work. Primary industry is a coal mine using some walthers kits, and set in Appalachia ~1980's (flexible). I have realized that once finished, I will not be satisfied with all the compromises a 4x8 has.
DCC track power
I am helping a friend build a new layout with about 500 linear feet of track. We are using a Digitrax system and are planning using two DB150s. My question is when running the main bus cables should half the bus wiring go to just one DB and the other half of the wiring go to the other DB? That is, do we keep the bus wiring totally separate for the two electrical districts? If so, will a train seamlessly slip from one district to another? Thanks for your comments.
Marking clearance points at turnouts
I am wondering if prototype railroads had any physical indications along the tracks to indicate clearance points at turnouts: the place beyond which a piece of rolling stock would not clear rolling stock passing by on the other route of the turnout. I have looked at lots of railroad photographs and can't see anything that seems to serve this purpose. When I ride the local commuter rail, I don't see anything like this either. On the subway platforms and on some passenger platforms, I see markings to let the engineer know where to stop if the train is X cars long.&nb
DCC Help with Bachmann RTR
DCC Bachmann Questions I am not sure if this is the correct desk to help us with this problem?
The following in quotes was sent to Bachmann and they did not provide a schematic, did not answer any of the questions, they also refused to cooperate.
How to choose a sound decoder by LokSound
I am in N scale and have one of the beautiful Kato 4-8-4 FEF steam engine which I bought in standard DC but later I converted it to DCC by installing a P&P decoder.
I have seen some FEFs in YouTube converted to sound and the ones I liked best are those with LokSound decoders.
I have successfully converted some "no sound-ready” steam engines to sound buy never with a LokSound. I would like now to install one of these in my N scale Kato 4-8-4 but it has been hard to me to determine which item number should be the correct sound decoder.
IR Sensor location - Computer Control/Signalling
I'm designing my layout for automated computer control of the mainline and passing sidings. I am using electrical block occupancy, but I want the computer to stop the engine in front of the signals if they drop to red. I plan on using Iowa Scaled IRSense between the ties to trigger the engine to stop. The question I have is how far back from the signal should I place the sensor. It is safe to assume that the train will be approaching at restricted speed.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Ryan
What is the best material for electrical pickups wipers
Once again I find myself throwing my bucket into the great well of knowledge.
I am interested in making electrical wiper pickups to get power off metal wheels on rolling stock. I have several ideas of how to make a set from wiper on metal axles to wipers on the back of the wheel. I am not really asking how to design them. The question I have is what to make them out of? I have heard of using stainless steal or phosphor bronze. Are these the best two choices? Does anyone help me pick the best material?
Art
Mainline and staging return loop connected, Golden Spike installed!
I added a little gold paint onto a track spike and a commemorative note to mark the acheivement. While there is still plenty of work to put in sidings and switches, the mainline, staging yards, and returns are complete and trains can run continuously from Duluth to Two Harbors, then sneak around the "back way" to be ready once more.
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