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Dave Goodson Note: These modifications are optional. They do not change the runability or performance of the locomotive. Modification #1: Front couplerThe couplers that come installed with some of these locomotives are short-shank units. The front coupler, if the jaw is open, has about a 1″ throw, side-to-side. With the jaw closed, it is about […]
Q: I know there are four variable voltage controls on my Lionel 275-watt ZW transformer, but how many trains can I effectively run at the same time? – D. O. A: The number of trains you can run with a ZW depends on the locomotives and what they’re pulling. Large steamers and dual-motored diesels use […]
Q: I have a Lionel no. 1033, 90-watt transformer that works fine. However, after abut 10 minutes of operation, any locomotive begins to slow considerably, eventually stopping altogether. The engine is okay, and I’ve used other transformers with it. Any idea what’s wrong? – S.B. A: The symptions you described lead me to believe your […]
Q: Could you please tell me how I can find parts for my Lionel trains, which were made from 1949-1965? I am trying to restore them for my son. Is there a place to order parts? Is it from Lionel? How do I go about contacting them? – J.S. A: Most parts are still available. […]
Track plan at a glance Name: Chicago, Milwaukee & North Western Scale: N (1:160) Size: 14′-9″ x 16′-6″ Prototype: Chicago & North Western and Milwaukee Road Era: 1950s to ’60s Style: walk-in Mainline run: 125 feet Minimum radius: 18″, 15″ in tunnels Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 2 percent Originally appeared in the February […]
Track plan at a glance Name: Smoky Valley RR Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 9 x 11 Prototype: ET&WNC, L&N, Southern, and others Era: 1950s to present Mainline run: 40 feet Minimum radius: 20″ Minimum turnouts: no. 6 Maximum grade: 2.2 percent Originally appeared in the February 2008 issue of Model Railroader. Also appeared in 102 […]
Track plan at a glance Name: Chicago Great Western Scale: N (1:160 proportion) Size: 11 x 24 feet Prototype: CGW’s Chicago-Oelwein, Iowa, main line Period: 1965-68 Style: walkaround Mainline run: 110 feet Minimum radius: 24″ Minimum turnout: Peco no. 6 Maximum grade: 0 percent Originally appeared in the 2003 issue of Great Model Railroads. See […]
Track plan at a glance Name: Bayport Division of the Soo Line Scale: HO (1:87) Size: 21 x 30 feet Prototype: free-lance division of the Soo Line Period: 1970s Style: around-the-walls walk-in with peninsulas Mainline run: 126 feet Minimum radius: 18″ (most mainline curves are 30″) Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: 3 percent Originally […]
Track plan at a glance Name: Boston MTA Scale: HO (1:87) Size: 7 x 12 feet Era: 1959 Style: walk in Minimum radius: 6″ Minimum turnout: no. 2 Maximum grade: 5 percent Originally appeared in the October 1999 issue of Model Railroader. See a PDF version of this track plan by clicking here. […]
Track plan at a glance Name: Cat Mountain & Santa Fe Scale: HO (1:87) Size: 30 x 36 feet Prototype: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Era: 1978 Style: linear walkaround Mainline run: 400 feet Minimum radius: 29″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 2.25 percent Originally appeared in the September 1999 issue of Model Railroader. […]
Track plan at a glance Name: Harlowton extension Scale: N (1:160) Size: 1 x 8 feet Prototype: North Montana branch of the Milwaukee Road’s Rocky Mountain Division Era: late 1950s Minimum turnout: no. 4 in yard; no. 6 on main Originally appeared in the October 1999 issue of Model Railroader. See a PDF version of […]
Track plan at a glance Name: Leamington Yard- L&HR Scale: HO Size: 4 x 16 feet Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Originally appeared in the October 1999 issue of Model Railroader. See a PDF version of this track plan by clicking her. […]
