Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Dana Kawala, senior editor for Model Railroader magazine, recently got his hands on a unique product, the ProtoThrottle from Iowa Scaled Engineering. Watch this video to see how Dana uses the ProtoThrottle’s realistically modeled levers, buttons, and dials to enhance the operation of […]
Modeling Topic: DCC & Wiring
City Terminal & Transfer Series: Episode 5 – Track Attack
Kent Johnson and CTT’s Bob Keller lay it all on the line, as they work to assemble the main line using Lionel FasTrack O gauge components. Watch to see how they plot the course from the plan (printed in the pages of Classic Toy Trains magazine) to the pink foamboard tabletop, and then wire the […]
City Terminal & Transfer Series: Episode 5 – Track Attack
Kent Johnson and CTT’s Bob Keller lay it all on the line, as they work to assemble the main line using Lionel FasTrack O gauge components. Watch to see how they plot the course from the plan (printed in the pages of Classic Toy Trains magazine) to the pink foamboard tabletop, and then wire the […]
Special sneak preview: Iowa Scaled Engineering ProtoThrottle
Iowa Scaled Engineering ProtoThrottle Recently I tested a pre-production sample of the Iowa Scaled Engineering ProtoThrottle. This wireless Digital Command Control cab is designed to mimic a diesel-electric locomotive control stand in looks and operation. In both cases, the ProtoThrottle delivers. The receiver. The ProtoThrottle isn’t a standalone DCC system and doesn’t program decoders. The […]
Cornfield collision avoidance
A robot train script with automated reversal capability is shown in this video. Automated turnouts, signals and occupancy sensors are used. Train runs from a yard and returns after turning around using a WYE track topology. Stop spots are calculated to avoid fouling turnout points. Video by Tom Stack. […]
Cornfield collision avoidance
A robot train script with automated reversal capability is shown in this video. Automated turnouts, signals and occupancy sensors are used. Train runs from a yard and returns after turning around using a WYE track topology. Stop spots are calculated to avoid fouling turnout points. Video by Tom Stack. […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 35
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, host David Popp returns to a topic first addressed in the May 2018 show. Who knew there are so many ways to bend styrene? David demonstrates some of your suggestions, and then turns to other topics related to T-Trak modules, […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 35
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, host David Popp returns to a topic first addressed in the May 2018 show. Who knew there are so many ways to bend styrene? David demonstrates some of your suggestions, and then turns to other topics related to T-Trak modules, […]
How-to Library: Arduinos in Model Railroading – Part 4 Background Sounds
To conclude this MRVP mini-series, part 4 presents Gerry Leone’s tips and tricks for using an Arduino to add sound effects to his layout. As with other episodes in this series, Gerry walks and talks you through the steps you can follow to enhance your model railroad with sounds ranging from chirping birds to bustling […]
Quick Look: NCE Light-It and Iluminator lighting decoders
NCE Light-It and Illuminator lighting decoders Price: Light-It 3 pack, $19.95; 6 pack, $39.95; 15 pack, $99.95; Illuminator, $16.95; 5 pack, $79.95 Manufacturer NCE Corp. 82 E. Main St. Webster, NY 14580 www.ncedcc.com Comments: Lighting is one of the more basic forms of animation we can add to our model railroads, and NCE has released […]
Soundtraxx Tsunami 2
Kevin Strong Four-amp DCC sound/motor decoder Soundtraxx 141 Burnett Drive Durango CO 81301 Price: $179.95 Website: www.soundtraxx.com Soundtraxx Tsunami2 TSU-4400; many sounds to chose from; diesel, steam, and electric boards available; many control variables. Dimensions: 2 3⁄4″ x 1 3⁄16″ x 5⁄8″ Pros: Good sound fidelity; multiple options for various sounds programmed on the board; […]
Off The Rails: Episode 21
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this special episode of Off The Rails, you’ll get an insider look at the habitat of our mad genius, show host Gerry Leone. Tour Leone Labs, and you’ll see just how Gerry manages to keep his tools, supplies, and workspaces neat, orderly, […]