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Build your own wireless DCC system
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 […]
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 […]
Make some signs for your buildings
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! […]
Access into your ground-level garden railway
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 […]
Bachmann trolley car
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 […]
Locomotion Works ballast and binder mix update
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 […]
Model Rectifier Corporation DC power pack
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 […]
Remote Control Systems R/C transmitter for live steam
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 […]
PDF: Build a 1:20.3-scale railbus
Download the PDF of this project here. Note: This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. Also, despite […]
Enhance your Bachmann 4-6-0 part 2
Bill Canelos In the April and June 2014 issues of Garden Railways, author Bill Canelos shows you how to modify a Bachmann 4-6-0 locomotive. In this video, he demonstrates the sound system he’s installed. […]
Build Warwick Railroad station in 1:29 scale
Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. PLEASE NOTE: This […]
