On this week’s episode of Midday Modeler, David and Cody answer numerous questions sent in from viewers. From train history to helpful modeling tips, various topics are covered. Plus, Cody shows off a cool new not-yet-released train model and a fun vintage find from the KMC library.
Midday Modeler – April 26th, 2023
See what you missed in the Model Railroader workshop!
Video Currently Unavailable
We have received your request for this missing video! We are working on uploading & replacing this file. Please visit the trains.com YouTube page to find other content you may enjoy in the mean time.
I have an operations related question for TT&TO ops. I understand that when a branchline train leaves a branch to go onto the main, it must first stop and check the train register to ensure all higher class trains have passed and the track is clear (assuming they are on schedule) for them to enter the main. Now the question in two parts. Do the higher priority trains have to physically stop at each register book to log in or is there someone waiting there for that purpose, esp on a lightly used junction? And second part, if the branchline train is out of it’s scheduled time, how does the crew get a time to use the main?
Hi David!
For the past few months, the Kalmbach store email shows the Model Railroader binders, but when you try to purchase them at the store, a message says they are out of stock and discontinued! Can we get more blue MR binders? Since the bound volumes have been discontinued, it would be nice to have a library quality alternative for our individual MR magazine issues.
Marc
Is there written or informal gouge on how to transition a turnout smoothly into a given radius of curved track? I’ve seen some guidance for adding a short piece of straight track to compensate for additional length at the 180-deg point, but I thought there might be a reference document somewhere that I’ve overlooked.
James
Do you ever use ultra-sound to clean items? I watch all your videos of Mid Day Modeler but have never heard the mention of ultra-sound cleaning, I know several modelers who swear by them for cleaning items.
Nealy
Hi David and Team! Here’s a non modeling question…. For several videos, I noticed that Cody doesn’t wear a shirt with a company logo! Is there a fun story to share? A second question, do you all still have the Beer Line layout? Looking forward to more Olympia videos! Thanks, Marcus
Do you know if there are any manufacturers that make ho scale modern streetcars like the Cincinnati Bell Connector?
You can still hear, see, and ride behind a Reading T1 4-8-4. Pennsylvania’s Reading and Northern regional railroad recently restored 2102 and has been running Iron Horse Rambles with it since the spring of 2022. There are three excursions planned for 2023.
There was a mention of letting you all know about any missing videos we come across. What is the best way to do this?
Hey there. If you find something that is missing from MRVP that didn’t make it to Trains.com, you can email me directly at dpopp@kalmbach.com. Thanks!
Would like to know if the Kalmbach Hobby Store is ever going to have more Model Railroader Bound volumes available? I once was able to get the 2020 bound volume but have never seen 2021 or 2022 ones available. It would be nice to replace my paper copies of Model Railroader with a nice bound volume instead.
Sorry Greg. We sold so few of them, it wasn’t cost effective to make any more, so we stopped a year ago. We miss them too, as we use them for reference around here all the time.
David and gang,
I did get my copy of the Chessie News from the CSHS and it says that I should get Aztec Gold and GM50 is still working as of 2022 as CSX 6063 (and I was lucky to get a pic of her in 2009 in Chattanooga and I also have the HO Genesis model from Athearn)
Thanks for the info, Jason. We were unable to verify if it indeed was preserved or not.
I am new to airbrushing and nervous. I see air brush ready paint all over the place is it really ready or do i still need to thin it some?
Hi Judd,
A lot depends upon the paint. We’ve had really good luck with Vallejo’s Model Air line of paints. Depending upon your brush, it will spray well between 20 and 30 psi. I used to be intimidated by airbrushing as well – until I tried it. Always best to practice with a new brush or new paint before applying it directly to a model. I keep scraps of cardboard handy for that – and it’s fairly easy to see if the paint is going on spotty or smooth as it hits the cardboard. Best wishes on the project!
Happy to help, Lee — The 3-D printing videos (3) you seek can be found amongst the Canadian Canyons Series here:
https://www.trains.com/vid/modeling/series/layout-builds/canadian-canyons/page/2/
Look for “Slide Sheds in SketchUp” (Part 1-3)
Questions for you guys.
Do diesel locomotives have to use DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) like every other diesel vehicles have to?
Dean