Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout

David Popp sitting at workbench in the Model Railroader workshop

Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]

Read More…

DCC Programming: episode 7 – Programming modes

Operations mode, programming on the main.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader magazine’s Dana Kawala addresses basic DCC programming modes. Dana first talks through Operations mode programming on the main, as well as Service mode programming. As with every episode in this helpful DCC Programming series, Dana shows you the essential steps, while the […]

Read More…

DCC Programming: episode 7 – Programming modes

Operations mode, programming on the main.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Model Railroader magazine’s Dana Kawala addresses basic DCC programming modes. Dana first talks through Operations mode programming on the main, as well as Service mode programming. As with every episode in this helpful DCC Programming series, Dana shows you the essential steps, while […]

Read More…

Spring Mills Depot HO scale NACC PD3000 covered hopper

SpringMillsDepotHOscalecoveredhopper

Spring Mills Depot HO scale covered hopper Spring Mills Depot has released an interesting three-bay, 100-ton covered hopper that’s offered in 22 paint schemes. Of particular note, the model comes in numerous variations that have specific detailing to match the prototype paint schemes. Each of the cars is also offered in a variety of correct […]

Read More…

Operate turnouts with servo motors

Operatetunroutswithservomotors

Modified radio control servo motors operate the remote control turnouts on Jim Lomison’s HO layout. Turnout motors always seemed a bit pricey to me until I learned about servos from a friend who’s a radio control (RC) enthusiast. He uses servos in his aircraft, and they sell for less than $10 each. The “servo” name […]

Read More…

DCC Programming: episode 6 – Programming momentum

Adding momentum with CV 3 and CV 4.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Dana shows just how easy is it to add realism to a DCC-equipped locomotive simply by programming a momentum effect. In this demonstration, you’ll see how the momentum function eliminates those sudden starts and stops that occur when operating a locomotive straight out […]

Read More…

DCC Programming: episode 6 – Programming momentum

Adding momentum with CV 3 and CV 4.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Dana shows just how easy is it to add realism to a DCC-equipped locomotive simply by programming a momentum effect. In this demonstration, you’ll see how the momentum function eliminates those sudden starts and stops that occur when operating a locomotive straight […]

Read More…

Member video: Demonstration of Keep-Alive Digital Command Controler decoder in an HO scale short wheel base locomotive

Keep-Alive Digital Command Controler decoder in an HO scale short wheel base locomotive

Here’s a short demonstration showing how a DCC decoder with a Keep-Alive capacitor can help short wheel base locomotives get through complicated track work that they sometimes stall on. In this example, a TCS KAM4 decoder is installed in a Athearn SW1000 switcher. Operation of the switcher before and after installation is shown for comparison. […]

Read More…

Member video: Demonstration of Keep-Alive Digital Command Controler decoder in an HO scale short wheel base locomotive

Keep-Alive Digital Command Controler decoder in an HO scale short wheel base locomotive

Here’s a short demonstration showing how a DCC decoder with a Keep-Alive capacitor can help short wheel base locomotives get through complicated track work that they sometimes stall on. In this example, a TCS KAM4 decoder is installed in a Athearn SW1000 switcher. Operation of the switcher before and after installation is shown for comparison. […]

Read More…

MRC Tech7 Ampac 760 power pack

MRC Tech7 Ampac 760 power pack on a white background

Model Rectifier Corp. Tech7 Ampac 760 power pack Price: $99.98 Manufacturer Model Rectifier Corp. 80 Newfield Ave. Edison, NJ 08837 www.modelrectifier.com Comments: Model Rectifier Corp. has launched its latest set of direct-current power packs, the Tech7 line. The Ampac 760 includes built-in momentum and enough power to run even large scale locomotives. One of the […]

Read More…