When I built the Niagara Escarpment System (my first N scale layout) I rushed the track and regretted the decision later. I didn't bother to do a very satisfactory job weathering the rails - opting to give everything a quick spray of paint before ballasting. I had been more concerned with the colour of the [...]

Here are some more videos of the WHRC in action. I've also updated the earlier post to include preview images of the videos. [MEDIA=5] [MEDIA=6] [MEDIA=8] [MEDIA=9]

The WGR is progressing slowly - and that which is being done isn't really worth a feature here. In an effort to maintain some sort of publishing regime, I'm going to start uploading a series of videos of the Windsor Hantsport Railway Company. I want to extend a huge thank you to Kim "Grizzz" Little - [...]

Progress has been steady and I’ve completed the basic structure for the first bridge.  As mentioned, I’m attempting to pay better attention to non-train details - thus I’ve put a little more thought into this simple bridge then I would have in the past. I’ve decided to freelance the bridge design based on local examples, as [...]

So, after a few scratchbuilt and kitbashed log cars, I think I'm ready to try something more challenging. I want to build an Amtrak Cabbage for a Downeaster consist. I have all the other cars and this is the final one. I have some questions about the best way to complete some parts.

1. How would I best fill in the fan holes? Would it be better to put a strip of styrene under the openings and mount discs of plastic to it to make the holes flush, or would it be better to just make very snug fitting discs and glue the in?

Before I can proceed much further in the layout I need to finish the wiring, weather the track, and install the concrete bridges for the highway. My last layout taught me that while trains are number one, it’s important to give roads/houses/industries and their elevations equal thought. I have seen (and am guilty [...]

Wow! the excitement of being a new Model railroader.

Remember how it was when you first got into the MRR hobby. You would buy and stay up late, reading MRR magazines,  books on building/planning a RR, Manufactures catalogs and drawing layouts. 

Then when the Internet came along spend hours and hours pursing the the different MRR HS and sites. 

All the while dreaming of that super layout  you would buy and build.

Having completed the track I was eager to try running some trains. I had been rather cavalier when I installed the track work - not bothering to test each turnout etc., in favour of simply finishing the job. As such, I was eager to get trains running and see how I did. The verdict? I managed [...]

I'vew heard that the Kato GG-1s are supposed to be ariving in hobbyshops this week. Has anyone seen one yet? I have one on order but it hasn't come in yet.

Irv

Progress on the WGR has been slow of late, but I’ve managed to finally finish laying the track. As mentioned in an earlier post, the switch machine dilemma was one factor responsible for the summertime pause. However, once I was able to finalize the switch machine design, progress ramped-up considerably. I’ve yet to wire each of [...]

As a result of some suggestions made here I am including a hobo "camp" area in the current area being scenicked. (Alligator Lines Scenery Project 10: Suggestions Wanted!) In addition to the hobos, a couple of tents and a camp fire I thought an out house in the background might work well!

Several years ago, when I joined this board, I mentioned an idea I had for modeling terrain based on topographic mapping.

Since a few people have asked how to use powders and other weathering products i think i should give everyone a few ideas.

Firstly i am no expert at this but i try my best. I found myself first off looking at pictures of the real rail. The more you know about the cars the better. I am at work at the moment so there are no pics but maybe tonight i will get out some stuff and take some photos to show some of the steps.

Look for things like colour of the rust, the size of the shapes, where abouts it is on the car and other built up grime and where it occurs.

Location(s)

One of the challenges I’ve been trying to solve over the last few months is what to use as turnout controls on the WGR. While foam bench work offers many design advantages (ease of construction, weight etc.), its solid structure complicates installing switch machines – a practice greatly simplified in open-grid bench work designs. I wanted [...]

I generally steer clear of model railroading related philosophies, but after reading this post I thought the author deserved a mention. David K. Smith articulates some of the issues within the model railroading hobby quite eloquently. Titled “Members Only”, David discusses the apparent divide between ‘model railroaders’ and ‘modelers’ - discussing the difference between [...]

This is a basic description of some of the Railway Express Miniatures MOW cast metal kits. I decided to use some MOW equipment to enhance the short spur which is a part of Scenery Project 10 and which was decided upon with the help of the discussion which may be seen here: Alligator Lines Scenery Project 10: Suggestions Wanted!

Hi All,

     For some time now I've been struggling with how to install a Micro-Trains coupler on my Atlas 2-6-0 Mogul.  (ATL-41615, N-Scale of course)

   The coupler recommended by Micro-Trains on their web site is a 2004 body mount coupler.  I've looked at this one, but to me it would require a fair bit of milling and filing to get it mounted and I'd rather not mess up my tender.

     With a bit of experimentation, I've found that the following seems to work with no modification of the tender required:

Location(s)

See map: Google Maps

A topic of interest to everyone! The author, Jim Hediger, offers "12 ways to smoother operation". The article appears to be appropriate to all scales!

You may find it here: Banish derailments on your model railroad