Build your own wireless DCC system

locomotive_decoder

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 […]

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Make some programmable crossing signal lights

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 […]

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Modeler’s Spotlight Video–Inside Cody’s Office for June 2014

Inside Cody's Office for June 2014

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this month’s episode of Cody’s Office, you’ll get a handy tip for weathering model railroad ballast using an airbrush. Associate editor Cody Grivno demonstrates his favorite techniques on the Model Railroader staff’s N scale Red Oak project layout, which won’t appear in print until […]

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Modeler’s Spotlight Video–Inside Cody’s Office for June 2014

Inside Cody's Office for June 2014

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this month’s episode of Cody’s Office, you’ll get a handy tip for weathering model railroad ballast using an airbrush. Associate editor Cody Grivno demonstrates his favorite techniques on the Model Railroader staff’s N scale Red Oak project layout, which won’t appear in print until […]

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HO scale AHM helium car decals

HOscaleAHMHeliumcarsdecals

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 […]

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HO scale Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Division of the Southern Ry.

HOscaleCincinnatiNewOrleansTexasPacificDivisionoftheSouthernRy

Name: Southern Ry. RatholeDivision Layout designer: Bob Lawson Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 32 x 52 feet Prototype: Southern Ry. Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Division Locale: Cincinnati, central Kentucky, and eastern Tennessee Era: 1945 to early 1950s Style: around-the-walls with attached center island Mainline run: 200 feet (Southern) Minimum radius: 48″ Minimum turnout: no. […]

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HO scale Hudson Delaware Lehigh RR

HOscaleHudsonDelawareLehigh

Name: Hudson, Delaware & Lehigh Layout designer: Gary Schaff Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 13′-6″ x 35′-0″ Prototype: Central of New Jersey and Pennsylvania RR Locale: Jersey City, N.J., to Mauch Chunk, Pa. Era: early 1950s Style: walk-in Mainline run: CNJ, 170 feet; PRR, 108 feet Minimum radius: 27″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: 3.5 […]

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