Computer desktop wallpaper from the June 2019 Model Railroader

ModelRailroaderJune2019_thumb

Click on the links at left to download the image sized appropriately for your computer screen. Engineer Ed West checks ahead as he eases his outside-frame Baldwin 2-8-0 – a recent acquisition for the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes – and its local freight up to the platform at Strong, Maine. Model Railroader contributing editor […]

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More ideas for kid-friendly garden railroading

child next to garden railway

More ideas for kid-friendly garden railroading   Don’t miss the companion article, Kid-friendly garden railroading. How have you made a difference for kids in railways? Zones are USDA Hardiness Zones This longer version of Regional gardening reports from “Greening your railway” (Summer 2019 issue) includes nine reports, many photos and a variety of themes. Some […]

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How to check track gauge and rail alignment

Track troubleshooting Boston Maine

So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the first of five quick articles on how to check for and fix common mechanical and electrical track problems with model railroad track. First, you’ll need to run a test train over […]

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Track troubleshooting tips and tricks, Part 2: Avoiding derailments at turnouts

Track Troubleshooting Diagram 2

Theo Cobb illustration Theo Cobb illustration For each turnout, make sure that the check gauge — spacing between the guardrail and the frog — is correct. Paul J. Dolkos So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the second of […]

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Track troubleshooting tips and tricks, Part 3: Checking track power

Track troubleshooting Volt meter

Check the track voltage using a multimeter. The voltage reading should be the same along each powered track section. Paul J. Dolkos So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the third of five quick articles on how to check […]

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Track troubleshooting tips and tricks, Part 4: Fixing power losses through turnouts

Track Troubleshooting Diagram 3

Theo Cobb illustration So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the fourth of five quick articles on how to check for and fix common mechanical and electrical track problems with model railroad track. Electrical problems in turnouts and switches […]

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Track troubleshooting tips and tricks, Part 5: Tune-up tips for power-routing turnouts

Track troubleshooting switch

Some power-routing turnouts use thin metal tabs to provide contact between the stock rails and switch points. These tabs are often unreliable, especially on older turnouts, and can cause locomotives to stall. Paul J. Dolkos Theo Cobb illustration So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect […]

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