Recent content by ddavidv

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    Nightmare Experience With Wholesale Trains

    I thought I'd update in case anyone finds this thread via a search. It took a complaint filed with the area Better Business Bureau to light a fire under their posterior. 2 days after filing the complaint, I got a copy of a credit on their invoice paperwork for the missing items. However, it...
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    Nightmare Experience With Wholesale Trains

    An update with another horror story about this place, also known as Lantz's Hobby Shop. Coming up on a month ago I ordered On30 turnouts from these folks because they had a great price on them. They billed me for 8 but only sent 2, which is apparently all they had. I called the day I got my...
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    Starting out in N

    I have that exact loco. Those are probably some of the best Bachmann locos ever made, so it's a safe choice. B&O partially owned, and interchanged with, and crossed over/under the WM so you're pretty close. :mrgreen:
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    Help fill 5x8 space in N scale

    Ok, I photograhed my photocopy so I could post it. :mrgreen: I think it's probably too big to fit the page here, so clickable link to open it: http://mongrelmotorsports.homestead.com/files/trackplan.jpg At the upper right I would add a line 'off' the layout to staging tracks. The rest of it I...
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    Help fill 5x8 space in N scale

    Bringing this back from the dead with a progress report. My available size has shrunk a bit to 5'x7'. After laying out several different rough trackplans I'm finding many of them simply will not fit. The 'roval' I was thinking of doing is on the back burner as I don't feel a 1 foot wide right...
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    Starting out in N

    The concensus is usually that you should not buy a train 'set', as they are built to a price and the contents within are usually the bottom of the barrel. It can make for a frustrating experience if you have poor quality equipment. As usual, you get what you pay for. For a beginner with no...
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    Help fill 5x8 space in N scale

    Thanks, SS. I had seen that trackplan (I may even have it printed in my file) and considered it. My concern also was the lack of sidings. I don't know if I can cram all that into my space though, as 11" radius track is just inside my 'masked' lines. Additional curves in the ends (at least on the...
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    Help fill 5x8 space in N scale

    Okay, here's a photo of the area I have to use: http://mongrelmotorsports.homestead.com/files/rrfloorplan.JPG The blue outlines the inverted U shape I was considering. As you can see, the 11" radius just fits (I can make the actual layout slightly larger). I also elected to mask off a...
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    Help fill 5x8 space in N scale

    Thanks for the revisions. I agree, I don't like that 'yard' right there in the middle. I do, however, kind of like the crossover and access spur on the right side. I think I would use that to access the entire center portion for switching and do away with anything coming off the back line. This...
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    Ok, here is my 2nd attempt

    Makes perfect sense now. Continue...hamr
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    Ok, here is my 2nd attempt

    Interesting...I'm looking at doing something very similar (see my 5x8 thread). My question would be why the mainline at the back (where you have the gravel industry) isn't against the outer edge? Are you planning scenery there, or just allowing for that spur?
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    Help fill 5x8 space in N scale

    Here's my challenge: I have a utility room where I can use about 5 feet deep to the back wall by about 8 feet wide. The width will go from another wall to a door opening, so I can't change that. Depth can be shallower and possibly an inch or two larger if it becomes a problem. The layout will...
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    Considering a new switcher

    The Spectrum 2-8-0 I have pulls like, well, a locomotive. ;) No problem pulling a dozen or more cars on the flat. I haven't used it on any grades (none on N-trak modules). It runs well over switches. The only problem you will have with it for switching is the front coupler isn't functional the...
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    grade crossings

    One tip (I also used the drywall compound method with great success): don't feel compelled to make the 'road' perfectly level with and right against the rails. Running a track cleaner over your track at the crossing will result in your paint being removed and exposing the white beneath, which...
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    Strasburg PA Weekend

    The complaints about the 'service' at the Strasburg train shop are not uncommon. It's a shame, because they do have a pretty nice selection. If you are a newb to the hobby and live in the area, I highly recommend you travel the 30 or so minutes to Rules Model Trains. 2nd generation of hobbyists...
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