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Theo Cobb illustration Theo Cobb illustration For each turnout, make sure that the check gauge — spacing between the guardrail and the frog — is correct. Paul J. Dolkos So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the second of […]
Check the track voltage using a multimeter. The voltage reading should be the same along each powered track section. Paul J. Dolkos So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the third of five quick articles on how to check […]
Theo Cobb illustration So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the fourth of five quick articles on how to check for and fix common mechanical and electrical track problems with model railroad track. Electrical problems in turnouts and switches […]
Some power-routing turnouts use thin metal tabs to provide contact between the stock rails and switch points. These tabs are often unreliable, especially on older turnouts, and can cause locomotives to stall. Paul J. Dolkos Theo Cobb illustration So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect […]
A simple track cleaning car inspired by John D. Allen and the master model railroader’s Gorre & Daphetid Railroad. Lou Sassi Being an admirer of the late John D. Allen, I read with interest every article I can find concerning his Gorre & Daphetid Railroad. In the process I’ve learned of an interesting device John […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Even with a nifty track plan in hand, David isn’t quite finished with layout development. In this episode, he mulls over the operating scheme that he’ll use to keep the appropriate type and volume of traffic routing over the HO scale model railroad. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In Part 4, Gerry Leone really starts to cover some ground… or in this case, pink foam insulation board! Watch and learn how easy it is to transform stark construction materials into a natural-looking setting. […]
1. Retired but still active, Jerry and Alison Ogden maintain their Possum Creek Railroad to stay lush, with wall-to-wall plants they bought from Miniature Plant Kingdom. At this stage, six years after its initial construction, the trackplan still works and access is easy, but several unruly or languishing plants have been replaced. Jerry started with […]
1. Near their back door in Nevada, a railyard introduces viewers to the theme of Joe and Mary Schrock’s highly detailed railway, Bulldog Junction. This picture communicates the teamwork necessary on railroads. All parts support the main theme. The distant backdrop of pointed dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’, Zones 4-8) suggests the scale world […]
Photo 1 Standing on Scott Gould’s lawn, visitors look up at Ballachulish & Pitlochry Railway. Structural spruce trees contrast low native moss that Scott transplanted onto riverbanks and lawns. We’re able to peek under the bridge for the reflected view of the truck farmer’s home as he loads up for deliveries. The paired detail of […]
Tom Knapp’s workshop now sports this N scale standard and narrow gauge model railroad test track that folds up. With the safety bolt retracted, Tom can lift the table out of its hangers and tip it up against the door. The test track folds flat against the door, where it’s held by a magnetic latch […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page You’ve been asking for a updated operating plan for the new and improved Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. In this installment, David not only delivers a scheme, but he also runs a few trains to demonstrate how it all comes together. As a […]
