About a year ago, a club member mentioned that Michael’s was selling a wooden tray about the same size as a T-TRAK “single” module. We were in the middle of our busy season (both personally, and with the club), so I didn’t have a chance to go searching for one at the time. Earlier this
An Auxiliary Tender For Something Special – Part One
Recently, Broadway Limited Imports released an N scale Chessie Steam Special locomotive with tender. It is absolutely beautiful, and it runs very smoothly. Even the sound is great, which is something I’ve been pretty picky about when it comes to DCC sound decoders and factory speakers. I should be 100% happy with it, right? (Image
Defect Detectors
One of the more interesting things I’ve discovered about railroads is their defect detectors; small little trackside sensors that look for problems on passing trains. In many cases, the reports are audibly broadcast over the standard railroad frequencies. Each railroad seems to have their own unique style of reporting these, and it sometimes varies by
Atlas S-2 Gets A 6-Pin Decoder
Yes, once again, first post in a long time. Sorry folks, I’ve been busy! I had picked up an Atlas S-2 switcher back in March of 2022 from Neal of Neal’s N-Gauging Trains. It was DC off the shelf, but was DCC-ready, supporting a standard 6-pin decoder. Neal didn’t have any of the decoders handy
Flipping a Kato NW2 to DCC
It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything new, and I’ve been so overwhelmed with where to start, I found it easier to just not post anything. So, let’s break the ice by taking about this little Kato NW2 that I have. I picked up Kato 176-4367 NW2 CB&Q #9205 from one of Tim
More Prototypes – CO 903192
I had so much fun comparing pictures of the Chessie switcher I picked up for my girlfriend, I’ve decided to make a whole category for prototype comparison photos. While browsing for some specific track sections at the Switch Stand today, I noticed a Chessie caboose. I fought with my cell phone signal (note to self:
Chessie Prototype Switcher – BO 9412
I think one of the most exciting aspects of model railroading is seeing real pictures of the exact same engines and rolling stock you’re using. When I was younger, it was REALLY difficult to find pictures of specific road numbers, but thanks to the Internet, it has become a lot easier. Take this one, for
A lot of.. nothing?
The last couple of weeks have seen a lot of incoming shipments, and me not posting about any of them. I guess I need to get into the habit of doing that. I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube videos, trying to get the inspiration juices flowing. No actual work on the modules at this
Awesome eBay Sellers
Just a quick shout-out to the eBay seller “amuse-me-toys” (https://www.ebay.com/usr/amuse-me-toys). I had picked up a bunch of little items from them all at once, and in the package, they included some cars, which I’m quite certain my kids will enjoy driving around the layout (whenever it gets assembled, decorated, etc). Yay for freebies! =)
Going Modular
Having worked in the computer industry for my entire career, I value portability and flexibility in every aspect of my life. I generally buy things more for function, and less for form. I made one compromise when I bought this house; I bought it knowing it didn’t have a basement. That meant no permanent place