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 […]

Read More…

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 […]

Read More…

Olympia Logging Series: Part 11 – Backdrop painting preparation

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The stark styrene backdrop on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout is in desperate need of paint. But before Kent Johnson can roll on a covering coat of sky blue latex paint, he first walks through a couple quick steps for building up […]

Read More…

Olympia Logging Series: Part 10 – painting trackwork

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Adding weathering effects to the trackwork of MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout can be just as beneficial as adding them to locomotives, rolling stock and structures. In this video, Cody Grivno walks through the steps for giving the rails and ties a […]

Read More…

Olympia Logging Series: Part 9 – laying track

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page All the prep work is done, so now David can get down to the task of installing flexible On30 track and turnouts on MRVP’s Olympia Logging Co. layout. David demonstrates all of the essential tracklaying steps, including how to cut and trim the […]

Read More…

Olympia Logging Series: Part 8 – installing cork roadbed

David Popp laying cork roadbed.

Installing cork roadbed is the first step to laying reliable trackwork on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. In this video, David shows you basic techniques for preparing, cutting, fitting, and securing the HO scale roadbed along the main line, sidings, and on the sector plate. Plus, David also demonstrates how one specific product […]

Read More…

Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout

David Popp sitting at workbench in the Model Railroader workshop

Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]

Read More…

Olympia Logging Series: Part 6 – building a sector plate

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The sector plate used to transfer trains from one track to another is just one of the many intriguing features included on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. David Popp walks you through sector plate and base assembly, installation, and alignment steps, […]

Read More…

Olympia Logging Series: Part 5 – installing subroadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Now that the framework and backdrop are in place on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout, work can continue on installing the plywood surface used to support track and scenery. In this video, David takes you through the cutting, fitting, and assembling steps, […]

Read More…