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Tunnel Construction Made Quick And Easy
Geof has very kindly agreed to share this idea for tunnel construction with readers:
Picture #1: This is a shot of the materials you’ll need for this project. The stapler OR the glue can be used to attach the liner to the layout table. I prefer the stapler myself but if the tunnel is already in place, you may have to use the glue instead.
I have come up with a quick and easy method of construction that yields a great visual result for any scale with less effort. The technique I am going to describe is best when used on tunnels currently under construction although it can be used on existing tunnels but it is a little difficult to install.
To start, go to your local grocery or household discount store and purchase some heavy duty disposable cookie trays or sheet pans (aluminum foil in the roll form is too flimsy). A sheet pan that is 12″ x 18″ should yield about six linings in HO scale, 8 or more in N Scale and at least two in O gauge.
Next, get the INSIDE measurement of the portal and its sides. I use a flexible measuring tape for doing this. A single track N scale portal arch is about five inches, other scales or portal types would be longer. Whatever this measurement is add at LEAST another inch. This extra amount will act as ‘feet’ to mount the lining.
Using using a pair of utility scissors, cut the foil into strips as wide as the measurement you got from the step above. The lining length (or depth) is up to you. Seven inches is a good length for N scale. If the portal is on a high location on your layout where people can look down it, you may want to extend this for better effect.
Next, gently crumple the foil to give the illusion of blasted rock. The tighter you crumple it, the more creases will form so, again, it is up to you how much of this you want. Avoid crumpling the foil too much because it may be difficult to straighten it out for the next step.
Once you are happy with the crumple effect, flatten the foil out and then curl it into an arch that roughly matches the shape of the portal. Next, fold the outside edges of the lining (about 1/2 inch worth) outward to make ‘feet’ that run the length of the lining on both sides. When looked at from the front, it should look like the Greek letter omega ( like this -> Ω ). These feet are used to attach the foil lining to the layout’s surface so it won’t shift about.
Next, using a spray paint that is similar in color to you layout’s mountain (although it doesn’t have to be exact), spray the inside of the lining with a few coats of paint (I use gray primer).
Once the paint is dry, place the lining in position behind the portal itself, making sure it is pressing up against the inside back face of the portal. Run a few trains though, particularly those with long engines or passenger cars to make sure that there is enough clearance and nothing hits. Once you are satisfied with the positioning, either staple or glue the lining feet to your table top. Run a train through once again just to be sure the lining didn’t shift.
This method also works for curved track coming out of tunnels but installation is a bit different. Once you have the lining arch and feet formed, cut the arch in half the long way, that is along the lining roof. You should now have two pieces that look almost like the letter ” J “. Using the scissors, make 1/2” cuts along the lining feet every inch or so. This will allow you to bend the lining to roughly match the radius of the curve.
The more slits or cuts you make will make the lining easier to bend. You may have to use this slit method along the top edge of the lining as well to prevent buckling. Don’t be too concerned with how the top of the lining looks since in most cases it will be out of sight anyway.
I hope this tip, albeit a long one, comes in handy for some of you out there.
>>> On behalf of readers, thanks Geof for your contribution.
If others would like to send in their clever ideas or tips for publication please use the form at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html
You can also comment on Geof’s idea by using the green Comments link below this posting. After clicking the link you need to register (if you haven’t yet done so). It is quick and easy (takes about 2 minutes), and then you can participate in future model train discussions.
Layout Voltages
Max has a question for those who know about voltages and asks:
“I’m building a z scale layout and need to know if Maklin locomotives and Micotrains or AZL locomotives should run on different voltage? If so, what voltage should I use, and what would happen if I use the wrong voltage?”
Add your comments by using the green Comments link below Max’s posting. After clicking the link you need to register (if you haven’t yet done so). It is quick and easy (takes about 2 minutes), and then you can participate in future model train discussions.
Wire Falls Off Engine?
Nick has a question for those who have experience wiring and asks:
“If a wire in any ho scale locomotive falls off, can I reattach it to where it belongs so the train runs again? What do I use to reattach the wire?”
It is a shame Nick hasn’t supplied more details to help those who are trying to help him.
Nick you can supply more details by using the green Comments link below your posting to add more info.
Others can use the same comments link to add a comment or possible answer. Note: after clicking the Comments link you will need to register (if you haven’t yet done so. It only takes about 2 minutes and then you can participate in future model train discussions.
The Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace
Candis emailed asking me to publish news of a train show in Maryland.
The Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace will be held at Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland on Saturday October 10 9AM-4PM and Sunday, October 11 between 10AM-4PM.
- Admission $9 * Under 15 FREE * Family $18
- Admission is good for both days and now includes $10 in coupons to shop at show vendors
- Dozens of operating layouts * 800 vendor stations
- Many hands-on exhibits
- Free train movies all day
- Special features for kids.
- “Thomas” Play Area
- Circus Train Displays & Circus Wagon
- Vintage Self-Propelled Handcar Rides (Additional Fee)
- One-of-a-kind full-size “McDonald’s Engine”
–Up to 400 vendor tables
–Door prizes all day, including “train show cash”
–Air-conditioned
–All scales
If you can, then do visit The Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace will be held at Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland.
Hopefully Candis will be kind enough to send in a couple of photos for publication after the event.
Clever Ideas For Scenery Props
John has kindly sent in these ideas to share with others in the hobby:
Here are a couple of things that I have found you can use for details that look fine and won’t cost a lot to do.
Making A Garden Hose
Firstly, take a bit of single wire green or black insulated coated wire and coil it up around a small dowel rod. Leave to the two ends sticking out. Then, attach one end to a house or a structure the other end to a HO figure and you have him or her holding a hose, washing a car of squirting a driveway.
Making A Fence
Next take an old piece of window insect screen. Lay it on an angle the cut about 1″ x 2″ long, or what ever you think you will need for a section of fence. After its cut into sections you will have very nice sections of cyclone fence. Then, attach some posts (usually just toothpicks or small match sticks), and paint it silver or crome and you have a pretty neat little fence.
Making Sign Posts & Telegraph Poles
Small match sticks make excellent sign posts. Just cut them to length and you have it.
Also, you can take bamboo skewers (they sell them at walmart for $1.00 for a hundred). These skewers make excellent telegraph poles. Just cut them to length and file down one end. Then flat drill a small hole in the flattened area and attach some black thread. Then string your telegraph poles in a row.
Thanks John for sharing your ideas. The hobby needs lots of people like you.
Resistor Instead of Diodes
Mike has a technical question for those in the know and asks:
“Can anyone tell me how to wire a Tomar drumhead kit using a resistor instead of diodes and a ballast bulb? What ohm resister do I need?”
Add you comments or suggestions using the green Comments link below.
Make Steam Engine Smoke
William is hoping someone with experience of making steam engines smoke will be able to help him. Unfortunately William hasn’t given any details of what he has tried so I imagine any answers from readers will be guess work.
“I would like to know why some steam engines smoke really well and mine do not. Both the steam and the diesel do smoke but not like real steam.”
William if you can provide more details it may help you get a more accurate answer. Use the Comments link to add your comments.
Wiring Up Lights To Houses
Carol has a question about wiring lights on a layout and is hoping some kind reader will give some advice:
“I have purchased street lights, outside house lights and lights that are put inside houses, close to the floor. NOW … how do I wire them to work (safely)?? “
Carol, it might be helpful for others if you used the green Comments link below to add some more details to your question. It is often hard for others to give a good answer without knowing all the facts – especially when safety is involved.
Argentine Yards
Reader Rob sent in this train memory:
In 1955 it was Lead switching in the class yard in snow and the rain. Feeling a tug on my coat one winter night while checking the skates in the bowl yard…it was a flat car rolling silently by…snow covered and all but invisible. Bucking the extra board w/8 hours off and lucking out getting a 11:45 pm transfer…beats lead switching. Having to pull a little waste from a journal to start the fire in the stove for the foreman after making up a train in the eastbound yard.
Doubling over tracks to make up a westbound in the departure yard…with all the cold and snow and sleet…I really don’t miss it all that much.
Broken Coupler
Phil has a memorable train journey to share with others and writes:
My most unusual train experience occurred west of Omaha, Nebraska on the Rio Grande. I had been reading about trains and the importance of a slow start until the slack was taken out of the couplers. At each station I could feel a jerk as the wooden coach I was in started. I wondered whether the engineer was in too big a hurry. Sure enough two stations later we started with a jerk and stopped. After a long wait the conductor told us that we were waiting for a coupler to be repaired.
Multi Train Layout
Ron is asking for help from others in the hobby and asks:
“I am having trouble finding examples of how to layout a multi train layout. I would a layout of three of more trains. Can someone help me please?”
Add your comments below.
Grand Trunk Western
Rick has sent in his memories of the Grand Trunk Western car ferries:
I was lucky enough when I was growing up to have my grandmother be employeed with the Grand Trunk Western as a matron on their car ferries. It always amazed me how the engineer had to work the loading and unloading of the cars from the ship to keep the rail in line. This of course was to keep the factor of derailment out of the picture and also keep the ship from capsize.
The train crew had to know the weight of every car in the consist along with order. But the work they had to go thru with every car once it was on the ship was unbelievable, every cars brakes had to be set plus every single car had to be latched to the rail front and rear. This was all a simple safty requirement due to the fact that if the ship should hit waves the cars could and or would bounce or slide on the rail that could create a great mess crossing Lake Michigan.
This was of great interest and enjoyment to watch as a child, but I believe I would have great difficulty copying it in n-scale!
Helix Construction
Nick wants to hear from any reader who has constructed a helix and asks:
“I want to build a helix, but am having difficulty getting comprehensive information. I have, however, discovered it will need to be a minimum diameter of 5 feet. I have also discovered that hardboard (subfloor sheeting) is the prefered substance to use. There are several schools of thought as to shape, risers, etc. So, the question is – Are there any plans for the construction, or will it BE, mostly trial & error?”
Add your comments below using the green Comments link. Then register if you haven’t yet done so. It is easy and takes just 2 minutes. Then you can participate in future train discussions for free.
Double-Crossover Switch
Leo has a question for experienced readers and asks:
“I have kato track with a doublecrossover switch. I’m trying to run 2 trains in different directions. How would I wire this track up so the two trains would go in two different directions. Someone please help me solve this problem.”
Add your comments below.
Double-Crossover Switch
Leo has a question for experienced readers and asks:
“I have kato track with a doublecrossover switch. I’m trying to run 2 trains in different directions. How would I wire this track up so the two trains would go in two different directions. Someone please help me solve this problem.”
Add your comments below.
Converting From DC To DCC
“I am thinking about going with DCC instead of DC and I would like to know which DCC system is favored for someone just getting into DCC. My layout will be 27′ X 17′ HO with upper and lower levels. What DCC system would others who use DCC recommend?”
Circuit Diagrams
John has a question for those experienced in DCC operation and asks:
“It is possible to wire the rail such that, when selected to do so, a train approaching a station will automatically slow down and stop. Does anyone know where to buy circuit diagrams for this action, or any other ‘special’ action for DCC control can be found? NB. I am a 69 year old retired electronics technician new to this wonderful hobby, designing my first and last 10 steam loco layout.”
Add your comments using the green Comments link below John’s posting. Then Register (if you haven’t yet done so). You can then participate in future model train discussions for free.
Classic Toy Trains
Skip has a question for fellow railroaders and asks:
“In a lost/misplaced issue of CLASSIC TOY TRAINS, there was an article depicting the Lionel Disappearing Train layout. I believe that it was a dealer display with a Scout set. The article went on to show not only the track plan, but also listed the required track pieces and the basic directions to re-create this amusing layout. Could someone please provide, or at least direct me to a source for this plan? I’m sure that I could manage to figure this out through trial and error, but I want it to be done CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for anyone’s assistance in this matter.”
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