Recent content by Billybob Reuben

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    to DCC or not to DCC - that is the question

    The benefits of using DCC do not, repeat, DO NOT, outweigh the disadvantages, and the larger the layout and number of locomotives being run, the worse it gets. Consider the following: 1. With every inch of track on your layout wired together, how do you locate a short circuit when one...
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    Walk-around controller

    Yes, and that's the whole point of it. But the big advantage of the AristroCraft system over DCC is that it does not require the installation of a module in each locomotive you have which for somone with more than a dozen or more locos becomes prohibitively expensive, if nothing else. Another...
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    Walk-around controller

    Hi Gary....In answer to your question, it changes the power to the track or, more precisely, to the blocks of track that are connected to the power pack at the time. So whatever train is on that track or blocks will be controlled. Trains on other blocks can be controlled by another throttle in...
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    Walk-around controller

    The best system to come down the pike by far is the "Train Engineer" by Aristocraft. It is compatible with DCC but unlike DCC it does not require the addition of a receiver in each locomotive being controlled. "Train Engineer" features a wireless, hand-held walk-around throttle that works with...
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    Q&D Scale Speed Estimates

    The best way I've seen to calculate the actual scale speed of a model is with a small hand held timer that I believe is called a "speed chronograph". It is what coaches and trainers use to time the speed of runners over a measured distance. It is also used by horse trainers at race tracks for...
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    Couplers

    Another point I forgot to mention yesterday is that if you are thinking of using the new so-called Kadee "scale" type couplers, which, of course, are not really scale at all, the uncoupling and derailment problems become potentially worse because of the fact that the vertical mating surfaces...
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    Couplers

    Kadee! A name associated with the best and the worst in coupling! Unfortunately, the Kadees are the best couplers around so we have to put up with their faults.....AND THEY HAVE MANY! But Jim-d is right! The Kadee coupler height gauge and the pliers that adjust the uncoupling levers are both...
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    Building Curved Backdrops

    What do the experts use to make those nice smooth curved backdrops you see on layouts in the magazines? I think 1/4" plywood is too stiff to curve around a corner like that. What other materials can be used for that? Also, are there any magazine articles available that specifically cover the...
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    Sound Absorbing Layout Materials

    Before I forget to mention it again, yes, I did put 1x4 inch pine stiffeners under the 3/4 inch ply and spaced them about every 16 inches, so that should at least help eliminate the "drum" effect that unsupported plywood can create.
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    Sound Absorbing Layout Materials

    Yes, I laid Shinhara flex track directly on the Woodland Scenics foam roadbed on top of 3/4" ply, and when the glue dried, running a train on it was very noisy. Since I use only metal wheels, no plastic, the noise seems excessive. Before I decided to use the foam roadbed, I went to our local...
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    Sound Absorbing Layout Materials

    I am building my first layout and started laying flex track on Woodland Scenics foam roadbed which was placed directly on the 3/4" plywood benchwork. The combination seemed to be very quiet until I glued it all together. Once the glue dried, the sound of a running train increased significantly...
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    Designing a Control Panel

    Thank you for the swift responses. The Academy article was very helpful. Now I will try to locate those from MR and RMC. Billybob
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    seeking passenger cars 20th Century Ltd.

    1938 20th Century If you are looking for accuracy and detail, you will not find it in plastic. It does not exist. The most accurate, highly-detailed 1938 and 1940 20th Century consists were imported by Challenger Imports last year but they are in brass, cost over $400 per car and were totally...
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    Designing a Control Panel

    I am building my first layout and need information on how to design the control panel. I would like it to look like the real thing with the track schematic, switches, lights, etc. Has there been any article in the magazines describing this, or can anyone suggest where I might look? I need all...
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