Mark Buccini In the August 2014 issue, Mark and Vince Buccini wrap up a three-part series on building a simple DCC system. This part explains how to program and install a locomotive decoder. Cut-and-paste the code for the decoder here or download the attached .txt file. And don’t miss parts one and two (April and […]
In the August 2014 issue, David Bodnar shows us how to program a Picaxe to make realistic signal lights. Cut-and-paste the code here for six different projects. Program 1: A simple crossing signal #TERMINAL 4800 ‘set the speed of the terminal SYMBOL LED1 = b.2 ‘pin 11 SYMBOL LED2 = b.4 ‘pin 9 SERTXD (13,10,”Crossing […]
In the August 2014 issue, Bob Santos shows us an easy way to make signs for your buildings using decals. Bob has compiled a sheet of sample signs for you to download! […]
To elevate or not to elevate? That is the question we address while deciding on a style for our garden railway. Proponents of the “box” style like to raise the trains closer to view and say they don’t have to bend over so much, but it may surprise you to know that plenty of folks […]
Dave Goodson 1:29 scale, gauge-1 trolley car Bachmann Industries 1400 E. Erie Avenue Philadelphia PA 19124 Price: $419 Website: www.bachmanntrains.com Mostly plastic model of a Los Angeles Transit streetcar (#91702); also available: Toronto, (#91703), Chicago Surface Line (#91704), Baltimore Transit (#91701); single-end car; all-metal gears; two powered trucks; all axles powered; DCC ready; working trolley […]
Kevin Strong Ballast/binder mix Locomotion Works 205 Mountside Drive Columbus NC 28722 Price: 2 gallons, $29.95; 5 gallons, $59.95; +s&h Website: www.locomotionworks.com Stone ballast mixed with binder for permanent outdoor use Pros: Prototypical appearance; easy to apply Cons: Track must be on a solid foundation for best results—binder has insufficient strength to hold track solid […]
Marc Horovitz DC power pack Model Rectifier Corporation 80 Newfield Avenue Edison NJ 08837 Price: $279.98 Website: www.modelrectifier.com Throttlepack 9950 controller; 15-18V variable DC output; accessory output—15/18V DC fixed; “scale switch” to provide power for N/HO (15V) or 0/large scale (18V) trains; rheostat; LCD screen shows voltage, amperage, and other information; on-off switch; buttons for […]
Alan Olson R/C transmitter for live steam Remote Control Systems PO Box 578 Casino NSW 2470 Australia Price: A$99 (US$93) + A$15 air postage Website: http://rcs-rc.com TX-3 three channel, 2.4GHz, radio-control transmitter for operation of live-steam locomotives Pros: 2.4 GHz spread-spectrum technology; smooth, simple control; small; lightweight; excellent range Cons: None Many years […]
FULL SCREEN St. Paul Dispatch-Pioneer Press, Minnesota Historical Society Collection Burlington’s Zephyr‘s gather at St. Paul Union Depot on Sept. 29, 1948. FULL SCREEN Ronald Lundstrom Freshly painted SD45s Nos. 407 and 412 power a Great Northern director’s special at St. Paul Union Depot in the mid 1960s. FULL SCREEN Byron D. Olsen The Milwaukee […]
AHM helium tank car The unusual-looking helium tank car might seem like a fantasy model to some, but it’s based on a real prototype. General American, American Car & Foundry, and Magor built about 200 helium cars from 1930 to 1962. The early cars were lettered for the U.S. Navy (with USNX reporting marks), then […]
Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale Alco RS-3 diesel locomotive Atlas Model Railroad Co. is releasing new HO scale versions of the RS-3, Alco’s most successful road switcher. The RS‑3, powered by a 1,600-hp, 12-cylinder 244 engine, was a reliable and versatile locomotive. Though it didn’t come close to the popularity of its rival, Electro-Motive […]
Kato HO scale Amtrak Budd baggage car Price: $85 Manufacturer: Kato USA Inc 100 Remington Road Schaumburg. Ill, 60173 www.katousa.com Era: 1978 to present Comments: A typical Amtrak 73-foot streamlined baggage car has been released by Kato USA for use with the firm’s Superliner passenger cars.The model represents one of the Budd baggage cars originally […]
