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Check Your Loco When You First Get It
Regular contributor John Mc Cabe kindly sent in this short article for publication:
Engines are an integral part of any layout, and should be checked out when you first bring it home from the hobby shop or get it in the mail from an online dealer. It’s real easy to do and it doesn’t take much time, but checking the engine, besides eye-balling it, is imperative, especially a new one.
What you are looking for is slow, continual running without stops and stutters. You can use the layout you already have, or set up a length of track, making sure it’s straight and on a level surface. Use your DCC or hook a power pack to the end of the track, make sure the wheels of the engine are on the track, and the engine is pointed front-to-back. Turn the power on slow, and watch that the movement runs slowly and smoothly in both directions. Do this also after the engine is picked up and turned around to run from back-to-front. This test can also be tried on curved track.
Awhile back, I was in a hobby shop that had long, straight test tracks for HO and N-Scale. The owner of the shop took a brand new Atlas N-Scale diesel engine out of the box, put it on the test track, and ran it slowly back and forth. He then stopped the engine completely, put a ruler next to the track, and turned up the power about two clicks, just so the engine was on slightly. In a half-hour time, the engine moved forward three-quarters of an inch! I would have bought it immediately if it wasn’t already spoken for, and if I had the money.
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Where’s The World’s Longest High Speed Rail Network?
AMAZING FACTS: China already has the longest high speed rail network in the world and by the end of 2015 China this will increase to 18,000 km (11,000 miles) of track. The coverage is planned to increase to 25,000 km (16,000 miles) by 2020. Although the Chinese bullet trains can comfortably reach speeds of 380 km/h (240 mph), for safety reasons most operate at around 300km/h. During a test run a train reached speeds of 487.3 km/h ( that’s 302.8 mph).
Step back to 1993 when average train speeds in China were 48 km/h (30 mph) and the railways were losing market share to the airlines and China’s fast expanding road expressway networks. Although not as fast as planes, the bullet trains are more environmentally friendly than motor vehicles. The Chinese high speed rail network of 1580 high-speed trains currently transports 1.33 million passengers every day.
Mike kindly sent in this video giving you a 5 minute condensed ride on a bullet train from Beijing to Hangzhou and then on another high speed train to Shanghai. Fascinating to watch.
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Bachmann 4-8-4 Steam Engine
Fletcher has a question for others in the hobby:
“A few years ago at a train show in Michigan City, IN I saw a Bachmann train set for sale that I am in search of for myself. It was the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac passenger train named the GEORGE WASHINGTON and included a 4-8-4 steam engine, ten heavyweight passenger cars, track and power pack. Is this set still available? I have checked on eBay and on the Bachmann website and have had no luck. Can anyone be of assistance in locating this train set?”
Why Does The Finished Solder Joint Appear Dull and Grainy?
Ewan sent in these tips to share:
This can happen when the soldered pieces get moved prior to the solder solidifying, or it could be because there wasn’t enough heat. To avoid this, you will need to hold the pieces in position until the solder completely solidifies. You will need enough heat for the solder to completely liquefy and flow between the surfaces.
What if the solder will not melt properly or flow?
This will happen when the soldering iron is not hot enough, or when the tip is dirty.
This can be avoided by having the soldering iron at full temperature and keeping the tip cleaned and tinned.
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Do You Operate Switcher Engines On Your Layout? – POLL RESULTS
Here are the results from the last poll which asked “Do you operate switcher engines on your layout?”
536 model railroaders took part in the poll and here is how they voted:
>> YES, I have several (32%, 171 Votes)
>> NO, I don’t operate switchers (22%, 116 Votes)
>> YES, I have ONE (18%, 95 Votes)
>> NO, I don’t have a layout yet (15%, 82 Votes)
>> YES, I have TWO (13%, 72 Votes)
So, it looks like 63% of us have at least one switcher.
Build A Grain Elevator Structure For Your Layout
Huge grain elevators where a one time reasonably commonplace across parts of the US and Canada. Some were positioned near the water’s edge ready for canal and lake freighters to load. Other older style grain elevators can still be seen in fields, most completely abandoned and often in a dilapidated state. Many have been replaced by modern versions that have more capacity and operate more efficiently. Whether you choose an older style model or a more modern grain elevator design, a grain elevator can be a interesting addition to a model railroad. It can be a a focal point or be used to add height, character, and function to a layout.
In basic terms a grain elevator is a very tall tower with a pneumatic conveyor or bucket elevator system to move the grain to the silo or storage area. These days they are constructed with more durable materials (reinforced concrete and steel), so are less prone to fire than were the old timber silos. The grain is emptied from the silo, usually weighed and blended, ready for transportation by rail, truck, or barge to a flour mill, distillery, a grain wholesaler, or for export.
Watch this short demonstration on hold to build a model grain elevator. The plan is available from http://www.modelbuildings.org/Grain-Elevator-B428.html
A Cheap Loco Wheel Cleaner
Roger sent in this tip for a cheap loco wheel cleaner.
“Take a copper brush, and cut out center bristles. Thread a copper wire through the bristle base, making each set one hairy conductor!
Add a jump lead and crocodile clip to each side. Power up your railway, clip one to each track. Hold the loco with wheels touching brushes and off it goes. Great for older loco’s that have been left standing.”
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Joining Flex and E Z Track Together
Louis has a question for experienced model railroaders and asks:
“Dear Fellow Train Modelers, I currently have two Bachmann N SCALE old west train sets. The track is Bachmann E Z track. I would like to join Flex track to my layout to make it appear more realistic. Questions, Kindly suggest the best manufacturers Flex track and code # I should use with the Bachmann e z track. Also,what should I use to mate the EZ and Flex track together. ex. cork? Thanks for any help you can render.”
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How Do You Handle Criticism In Model Railroading?
This young model railroader has obviously been the target of some tough criticism by some others in the hobby. In my opinion we should be encouraging the younger generation to get involved in the hobby rather than trying to make them feel inferior. Sure, many of us have considerable experience and do know the best methods to complete many tasks, but we should be focusing on passing on our skills to the next generation rather than putting them down. Do you agree?
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N Scale Layout Information
Barrie from Tasmania in Australia posted this:
“I’m wanting to start into N gauge and coming from an engineering background want to build a layout that does more than just go in circles. Basically I want to design a layout that I can work the trains. My preference is moving freight to different places as you would on a real system. I know little about railway administration and dont want to start a layout to find that Ive limited my options due to ignorance. I have spare room that measures 3.5 metres by 3.5 metres which will be the train room. Im hoping that will be enough room for a reasonable N gauge system.”
Barrie, if you look in the right column of this blog you will see a couple of excellent N scale ebooks that will be very useful to you.
Are Decoders Expensive?
Dave has a question for others in the hobby and asks:
“Why are decoders so darned expensive? Especially sound decoders? The technology has been out a long time but the prices don’t seem to be coming down at all!”
Add your thoughts to Dave’s posting.
Model Railroad Track Screws
Don has a question for readers:
“I am still planning my N scale layout, but I picked up 1000 track screws on eBay for around $30. So far I haven’t read of anybody using them but they should hopefully be easier to remove than track nails or glue. Does anybody have any comments on the use of these screws?”
Add your comments to Don’s posting.
Power Supply With Speed Regulator
Ravin has two questions for readers:
“Hi every body, if any one knows how to build a power supply including speed regulator for HO scale lay out please let me know. Many thanks.”
“Hi every body again what are the operating voltages for HO scale engines? Please let me know thanks.”
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HO Scale Terminal Connectors
Ed asks others in the hobby:
“I’m looking for some 3 pronged connectors for my electric switches on the switch itself. Bachmann sell one type that comes with a 10 foot cord for 13.00. I just need the connector with a little bit of wire. I can add my own wire on the connector. I think 13 dollars is a little high priced. Where can I buy them cheaper?”
British Rail Stock
Mike asks:
“Is it possible to purchase HO stock in HO SCALE,or can I only buy oo stock.”
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What Era Do You Model On Your Layout?
The last poll asked: What era do you model on your layout?
592 model railroaders responded in just a few days and here’s how they voted:
>> I have a mix of several eras (29%, 174 Votes)
>> Steam / Diesel (1941- 1955) (26%, 152 Votes)
>> Modern Diesel (1975 – present day) (13%, 77 Votes)
>> Early Diesel (1955 – 1975) (11%, 65 Votes)
>> I don’t have a layout yet (9%, 55 Votes)
>> Standard Steam (1918 – 1941) (9%, 52 Votes)
>> Early Steam ( pre1918) (3%, 17 Votes)
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Switcher Engine Types
Darren sent in this info to share:
A switcher or shunter is a train engine used for assembling/disassembling cars, and moving them around for short distances. It is used in staging yards and on branch lines. The vehicle is low powered but produces high torque. Switchers are classified as diesel, electric, steam and three-power.
Diesel: Diesel switchers operate in both directions, and have a high cab to increase visibility.
Electric: Electric switchers are powered by rail or internal batteries.
Steam: Steam switchers are operated on coal burners. They were elevated to increase visibility. Today almost all designs have been replaced by the diesel and electric types.
Three-Power: These switches are obsolete today. They were powered by diesel, internal batteries, and even the railway line.
This N scale eight wheel drive Bachmann GE 44 Ton Switcher switcher engine with a precision motor is DCC-equipped for direction, speed and lighting and has a dual mode NMRA compliant decoder.
The locomotive features LED headlights. The switcher operates well on 9-inch (or greater) radius curves.
Photo courtesy http://www.model-train-layouts.net
Easy To Assemble Engine Shed That’s Already Weathered
This very real looking engine shed can be made using foam core (or core flute) both available cheaply from a local hardware store. You can also use an old cereal pack instead (as demonstrated in this quick video). It will still be very strong and is just as easy to construct. Get the plan from http://www.modelbuildings.org/engine-shed-B435.html
The video also shows some different ways to make windows for model buildings.
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