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Graded on a curve: The Westie Line
Section: Modeling
Focused on camera cars
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How to check track gauge and rail alignment
So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the first of five quick articles on how to check for and fix common mechanical and electrical track problems with model railroad track. First, you’ll need to run a test train over […]
Track troubleshooting tips and tricks, Part 2: Avoiding derailments at turnouts
Theo Cobb illustration Theo Cobb illustration For each turnout, make sure that the check gauge — spacing between the guardrail and the frog — is correct. Paul J. Dolkos So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the second of […]
Track troubleshooting tips and tricks, Part 3: Checking track power
Check the track voltage using a multimeter. The voltage reading should be the same along each powered track section. Paul J. Dolkos So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the third of five quick articles on how to check […]
Track troubleshooting tips and tricks, Part 4: Fixing power losses through turnouts
Theo Cobb illustration So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the fourth of five quick articles on how to check for and fix common mechanical and electrical track problems with model railroad track. Electrical problems in turnouts and switches […]
Track troubleshooting tips and tricks, Part 5: Tune-up tips for power-routing turnouts
Some power-routing turnouts use thin metal tabs to provide contact between the stock rails and switch points. These tabs are often unreliable, especially on older turnouts, and can cause locomotives to stall. Paul J. Dolkos Theo Cobb illustration So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect […]
Building a track cleaning car rooted in the Gorre & Daphetid
A simple track cleaning car inspired by John D. Allen and the master model railroader’s Gorre & Daphetid Railroad. Lou Sassi Being an admirer of the late John D. Allen, I read with interest every article I can find concerning his Gorre & Daphetid Railroad. In the process I’ve learned of an interesting device John […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 9
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Even with a nifty track plan in hand, David isn’t quite finished with layout development. In this episode, he mulls over the operating scheme that he’ll use to keep the appropriate type and volume of traffic routing over the HO scale model railroad. […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 9
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Even with a nifty track plan in hand, David isn’t quite finished with layout development. In this episode, he mulls over the operating scheme that he’ll use to keep the appropriate type and volume of traffic routing over the HO scale model […]
Modeler’s Spotlight Video — Inside Cody’s Office for April 2019
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno heads down to the layout for a quick demo of the ESU LokSound-equipped Walthers HO scale GP9. He’ll also show you a selection of other HO and N scale products in this episode of Cody’s Office. Down in […]
Modeler’s Spotlight Video — Inside Cody’s Office for April 2019
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno heads down to the layout for a quick demo of the ESU LokSound-equipped Walthers HO scale GP9. He’ll also show you a selection of other HO and N scale products in this episode of Cody’s Office. Down in […]
