Builder Jack Burgess uses two layout decks on his HO scale Yosemite Valley RR to yield a long main line. Author Tony Koester discusses the key points he, Jack, and other successful builders considered before they began constructing double-deck layouts. Jack Burgess photo Why would anyone want, let alone need, a model railroad with more […]
A Santa Fe RSD15, SD24, and two SD45s curve toward Summit with an eastbound freight on November 14, 1970. Jay Potter People used to say that railroads held the country together. They were the proverbial ribbons of steel that kept commerce and people moving and made a lot of things possible. Today — as I […]
A simple and straight forward way to slow down those freight cars rolling down the grade, 1950s-type hump yard operations. […]
MTH HO scale Union Pacific no. 4006 Big Boy 4-8-8-4 hauling a reefer block around a model train layout set in 1954. […]
A simple and straight forward way to slow down those freight cars rolling down the grade, 1950s-type hump yard operations. […]
MTH HO scale Union Pacific no. 4006 Big Boy 4-8-8-4 hauling a reefer block around a model train layout set in 1954. […]
1. The Sierras. From Little Truckee River’s sawmill, trains pass several towns all the way to Lake Tahoe’s mines in the distance. Thirty years ago, Don and Sue Watters planted more redwoods in their already woodsy backyard to remind them of their favorite recreational area. The effect is quite dwarfing for viewers, who can picture […]
Kevin Strong Remote-controlled coupler Phoenix Sound Systems, Inc. 3514 West Liberty Rd. Ann Arbor MI 48103 Price: $47 Website: www.phoenixsound.com Large scale, remotely controlled coupler; online instruction manual Pros: Simple installation and hook-up; compatible with a variety of manufacturers’ couplers Cons: Available in truck-mounted configuration only Kevin Strong With today’s advanced electronic controls (DCC, battery […]
Alan Olson 2.4Ghz R/C system for track-powered trains G-Scale Graphics 4118 Clayton Ct. Fort Collins CO 80525 Price: $209 + s&h Website: www.GScaleGraphics.net RailBoss 4 Trackside; 2.4Ghz system for controlling track-powered trains via radio; includes transmitter, receiving base station, online instruction manual Pros: 10amp power; pocket sized transmitter; easy-to-program features; excellent range; smooth operating […]
Kevin Strong Remote coupler-control board Phoenix Sound Systems, Inc. 3514 West Liberty Rd. Ann Arbor MI 48103 Price: $75 Website: www.phoenixsound.com DCC and R/C-compatible control for remote-controlled couplers Pros: Able to control two couplers independently; controls both servo- and solenoid-based uncouplers Cons: Programming (fine-tuning) controls via DCC interface only Phoenix Sound Systems, long known for […]
Marc Horovitz 1:20.3 scale, gauge-1 wheelsets The Train Department 26 Coral Drive Hazlet NJ 07730 Price: $9.50 per axle Website: www.thetraindepartment.com Cast metal, gauge-1 wheelsets; stainless-steel axles; raised letters on face and back of wheels; raised fins on inside of wheels; coned tread; long or short journals available (see text); wheels insulated at hub. Dimensions: […]
Name: Adam Matthews Railroad Name: The New Layout at Stockyard Express Location: Oberlin, Ohio Scale: O Theme: Freelanced hi-rail Description: Take a ride around the New Layout at Stockyard Express LLC. The layout features FasTrack but all the trains are from MTH. […]
