Phoenix Sound System

Phoenix digital sound system

Phoenix digital sound system Kevin Strong Digital sound system for DC operationPhoenix Sound Systems3514 West Liberty Rd.Ann Arbor MI 48103Price: $245Web site: www.phoenixsound.com Phoenix PB9 sound board; can operate with DC track power, battery power, and DCC; several sound packages available; sounds configurable via CD (sold separately); includes speaker, 3.6V battery, sound board, volume-control switch, […]

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Workshop safety for large-scale railroaders

A messy work area is not only unsightly, it is unsafe. A shop floor needs to be kept clear of dust and debris. Losing your footing can result in a sprained ankle, not to mention hitting your head on your workbench. Sweeping up at the end of your work session is all that is needed […]

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Choosing rail for the garden railroad

Garden Railways

Rail comes in many different sizes and materials. Here’s a little background information to help you chose the one that’s right for you. Rail sizes The size of model-train rail in any scale is referred to by “code.” For instance, in large-scale railroading we commonly use code-332, code-250, or code-215 rail, although code 197 is […]

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Garden railroading/Large-scale railroading terms

Garden Railways

Annual refers to a plant that lives for only one season and must be replanted each year. Ballast is the medium, usually gravel of some sort, that provides a firm underlayment for track, helps to hold it in place, and drains water away from the ties. Battery power is another way of operating electrically powered […]

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Garden-railway etiquette for visitors

The Gateway Garden Railroad Club's modular layout

Bob Temper • Don’t arrive early. Most garden railroaders tend to work frantically up until the last minute getting their lines ready. Arriving early can be disruptive. • Don’t stay late. Our hosts are exhausted by the end of the day, so please leave by closing time. • Sign the guest book. Owners like to […]

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Build a 1:22.5-scale creamery car PDF

Build a 1:22.5-scale creamery car

Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. Despite our best […]

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Aristo-Craft Revolution system

Aristo-Craft Revolution system

Kevin Strong Wireless control system Aristo-Craft Trains698 S. 21st St.Irvington NJ 07111Web site: www.aristocraft.comPrice: $300; additional receivers, $105 2.4GHz wireless control system for use with track or battery power; receiver rated for 5 amps continuous, 8 amps peak power Pros: Can be used with either track or battery power; simple installation (plug-and-play in some instances; […]

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Irish narrow gauge in the garden

Neil Ramsay’s garden railway

Bo-bo diesel, built for the West Clare Railway in 1955, with two six-wheel saloon carriages in CIE livery, waits at the station on Neil Ramsay’s railway. Marc Horovitz avan and Leitrim train in the livery of the nationalized Irish transport system, Coras Iompair Eireann, or CIE. The sea of tiny, green leaves, replicating Ireland’s plains […]

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Build a 1:24-scale baggage car PDF

Build a 1:24-scale baggage car

Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. Despite our best […]

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