Model Railroading

Winter is Model Railroading Season!

2012-01-22T15:53:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas and FLL robotics is out of the way, its time to get back into the model railroading mood. I've laid the foundation of the second major side of my model railroad and put in an order for some Woodland Scenics 4% raiser to start building the Gum Stump like section of the railroad which will feature a town, dock and more buildings than the more mountainous scenic side.

It will also have a lot less curves which I've grown to hate with a passion. I've given up on the idea of a continuous run (at least in the short term), in favor of a more operational layout.

The family is going to kick it into high gear with a two hour ride down 91 to Massachusetts to see the Amherst Railway Society train show. One vendor I'm very interested in is Backwoods Miniatures. Hope to spend some cash!

Every year late in January or early in February, the Amherst Railway Society holds its Railroad Hobby Show at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds (The home of The Big E) in West Springfield Massachusetts. More than 25,000 railfans and public attended the Show each of the past three years.

The event features real life railroads and scale model railroads, historical societies, travel agencies, art shows, flea market dealers, importers, manufacturers and photographers. Modelers' exhibits will display outstanding handiwork on layouts ranging from the tiny Z scale which fits on a coffee table to a monster 80 foot N-Trak system. The Amherst Belt Lines, an HO scale model railroad empire, has become a show highlight. As of the 2011 show layout, It has grown to over 11 scale miles of mainline (650+ feet of mainline track) on 96 modules and has the capacity of multiple train operation. The Southern New England O Scalers will show its huge O gauge railroad with 100 car freight trains and 7 unit diesels. Live steam will also be shown. The Dry Hill Club will once again break records with 250+ car trains!

Commercial vendors and hobbyists will sell model railroad equipment, photos, slides, video tapes, books and other railroad memorabilia. New and antique railroad items will be on display and for sale. Major national manufacturers and publishers will attend this Show which was rated number one of the top three in the nation in a recent Model Railroad Industry Association manufacturer's survey. Watch for new product releases by many of our fantastic manufacturers!

Proceeds from the show are used to promote interest in railroads. Donations have been made to various rail museums, historical societies, restoration projects and scholarship funds. Over $575,000 has been awarded since 1991. Organizations that have received donations include: the Fall River and Old Colony Museum, the 470 Club's Boston and Maine diesel locomotive restoration project, the Boston and Maine Railroad Historical Society, the Chester Foundation Station Project and the Wiscasset Waterville and Farmington Building and Car Fund, just to name a few recipients. Trolley museums in the following towns have also received donations: Shelburne Falls MA, Warehouse Point CT, Branford CT and Kennebunk ME. We have also made contributions to the Boston and Maine 3713 restoration fund and the Flying Yankee restoration. If you wish to learn more about our grant program, please visit the Amherst Railway Society web site.

Show History

In the mid 1960's, the few members of the newly formed Amherst Railway Society thought that there should be some type of "get together" for folks (other than the members) to experience the hobby of Model Railroading.

Feb. 20, 1968 - This notation was logged into the minutes - “unusually large collection of locomotives and cars displayed; 68 members."

Feb. 18, 1969 - This evening was called “Modeler Night.” This evening included displays, models and photos. Extra tables and flood lights were provided. The meeting was in Goessman Hall on the UMASS Amherst campus.

Feb. 17, 1970 - This evening was called “Annual Model RR Night” and included displays, models, auction, tape/slide clinic. The event met in Skinner Auditorium on the UMASS Amherst campus. The meeting began at 7:45 p.m. and lasted for 90 minutes.

Feb. 16, 1971 - The evening was called “Model RR Night” and included an auction, displays and more. The evening began at 8:00 p.m. and was held at Engineering East on the campus of UMASS Amherst.

Feb. 15, 1972 - Again, the evening was called “Model RR Night” and included everything from the previous year. This year, however, the meeting was moved to the second floor of Memorial Hall.

Feb. 20. 1973 - For a third consecutive year, the evening was called “Model RR Night” and the meeting was held in the Commonwealth Room of the Student Union.

Feb. 19, 1974 - This would be the final year for “Model RR Night,” which changed its venue slightly with displays and films. New to this year was a tag sale and not an auction. It was once again held in the Commonwealth Room of the Student Union on the UMASS Amherst campus.

Feb.18, 1975 - The first “Model RR Day” consisted of displays, films, a tag sale and more. It began at 2:00 p.m. and lasted to 5pm, again in the Commonwealth Room of the Student Union. This Annual show would continue with the same venue in the same location until 1978.

Feb. 18, 1979 - The first “Big RR Hobby Show” was held with the first preliminary coupon in January which included a meeting notice that highlighted layouts, displays, clinics, films, live steam, flea market, and more; 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Ballroom and Commonwealth Room, Student Union. The Amherst Railway Society's HO Scale Modular Layout made its first appearance.

Feb. 17, 1980 - In 1980, the “Big RR Hobby Show” had its first N-Trak modular layout along with displays and more. At this point in time, the show was still a 4 hour, one day show.

Feb. 15, 1981 - This would be the final year of the “Big RR Hobby Show” in the Ballroom and Commonwealth Room in the Student Union on the UMASS Amherst Campus. Up to and including this show, the admission was free and the Amherst Railway Society only asked for a small donation at the door.

Feb. 21, 1982 - The “Big RR Hobby Show” outgrows the space at the UMASS Student Union. The Show moves to the New England Center Building, on the Eastern States Exposition Grounds. This first show lasts for a whopping 5 hours (noon - 5:00pm) and because of the increased expenses of the new location, an admission is charged for the first time: $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. This first show is called the "Train Collectors’ Showcase."

February 26, 1983 - For the next three years, the "Big RR Hobby Show" continues to be held in the New England Center. 1985 would be the last year that the Show was held in the New England Center.

In 1986, the Show moved to the much larger Better Living Center, but still remained a one day event.

In 1991, the Show expanded to two days.

In 1995, the Show increased in size to exhibit in the Better Living Center and Young Building.

In 2000, the Show increased again to now include the Stroh Building. The venue has not changed until 2008.

In 2007, the Show is formally renamed, "Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show."

In 2008, the Show expanded to include the front portion of the Mallary Complex known as Mallary North.

In 2010, the Show expanded to include the "north half" of the huge Mallary Complex directly connected to Mallary North, bringing the total square footage of floor space to over 300,000 square feet or just over 7 acres of exhibit area!

In 2011, the Show took a few more square feet in the Mallary Complex (15,000), bringing the total square footage to just over a third of a million square feet!

In 2012, the Show reconfigured some of the buildings to accommodate the new....

On3 Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Express

2012-01-08T13:59:00.001-08:00

New Bachmann Porters with DCC and Sound

2011-12-14T13:10:00.001-08:00

With technology involved with model railroading ever increasing, getting smaller and smaller and becoming less expensive, DCC control and sound technology is in demand from hobbyists. Bachmann Industries the worlds largest model train manufacturer and the leading force behind the increasingly popular On30 scale (O Scale narrow gauge equipment running on HO scale track) has just upped the ante with its redesign of its smallest, lightest engines - the Porters.

I have several of the non-DCC and non-Sound Bachmann Porters which can be picked up for as little as $40 off eBay and they are Spectrum level trains which means they are quiet running and dependable. The only down side of them is the low number of wheels for electrical pick up. Hobbyists has have been modifying these engines and out fitting them with DCC control and sound for years but now you don't have to go through the extremes of trying to fit sound and control chips into the tiny engines.

Now for about $100 more then the original Porters you can now get factory installed DCC control and sound in the Porters and they come in a exciting new paint schemes like the maroon version shown in the video below.

Bachman's new On30 Porters with Sound and DCC are here!

2011-12-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

Full info about Bachmann's newest On30 offerings including a video run of the Maroon version of the Porter with sound and DCC control.

New DVD from The Coast Line R.R.

2011-12-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

Link

I just ordered a copy of this much anticipated new DVD of the techniques of artist Troels Kirk and his explaining how he obtains the realistic coloring of his On30 Coast Line RR model railroad, using only acrylics and pastel chalks. Learn to look at real life color, choosing a suitable range of colors, mixing color and the various applications for structures, rolling stock, scenery etc.

Buy this train photograph from Bigstock starting at $2.99

2011-10-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Link

Steam Train RF Collection

2011-10-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.dreamstime.com/steam-trains-rcollection16609-resi3635552

More New Hampshire Railroading Sites to Visit

2011-10-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some more off the beaten trail type of train attractions for the true rail fan.

These sites are in the Tilton, New Hampshire area right off Route 93. Tilton is know for its Tanger Outlet Stores so if you drop the wife off for a little shopping, you'll have plenty of time to check out these sites...

Link to the full article on New Hampshire fan sites to visit.

The Flying Yankee Restoration Group was featured on the show Chronicle.

2011-10-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.flyingyankee.com/

A trip to Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum!

2011-09-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

What a great way to spend the labor day weekend especially with all of the bad weather we've been having lately in New Hampshire and Vermont. Read my review of Exporail which has a stunning railcar, the John Molson, a Flying Scottman and over 150 trains and cars. Its a true treasure of Canada and should be on any train buffs must see list. Its in the suburbs of Montreal so if you ever find yourself up that way check it out.

Link to review of Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum with photos and video.

Old Great Western #3 at the World Mining Museum Butte, MT

2011-07-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

In its previous life this steam locomotive was one of several of the last steam locomotives to actually see service in the United States as part of a fleet of small steam locomotives operated by the Great Western Sugar Company. Great Western processed sugar from sugar beets until imported cane sugar became cheap and basically pull the rug out from under the sugar beet industry...
More

Purchase cards and framed prints of this locomotive here

The Seabreeze Route

2011-07-10T14:06:00.001-07:00

Back in 1905 the Shore Line Electric Railway received a charter from the State of Connecticut to build and operate a trolley line from Stony Creek to Ivoryton. Along its route it would connect the communities of Stony Creek, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook and follow the Connecticut River to Ivoryton. Five years later the Seabreeze Route was in operation.

At its peak the Shore Line Electric system boasted over one hundred cars and ran on 250 miles of track.

Power came from overhead feed lines which could run up to two connected cars at once. The cars used on the line used twice the amount of power as typical city trolleys so the cars of the Shore Line Electric Railway were capable of speeds up...

MORE

Fire Ant Hill On30 Layout

2011-06-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

Coast Line RR

2011-06-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

More about this amazing model railroad - click here.

Tough Day?

2011-06-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Train Wreck by Edward Fielding Buy this image on a postcard or framed. Click here for more information.

Awesome Model T Railcar in action

2011-06-06T14:49:00.001-07:00

Rail-fanning in Connecticut

2011-06-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

For a small state, Connecticut offers a lot of opportunities for the rail fan. Here is a complete overview of all of the railway (steam and trolley) and railroad and trolley museums in Connecticut. Most of them offer train or trolley rides as well as exhibits. These are live museums which restore our railroad heritage. Donate to them if you can! Links to the article about rail fanning in Connecticut.

The Porter Fireless on display in Conn.

2011-05-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

Was down in Westbrook, CT this weekend and spotted this restored Porter Fireless - the last steam locomotive that saw real work in Connecticut. I wrote up a small article on this locomotive that includes video of a similar locomotive in action.

More info

Dolly Varden Mines Layout

2011-05-23T06:33:00.001-07:00

Article: H. K. Porter

2011-05-20T03:59:00.000-07:00

Getting excited about a future Bachmann Porter with DCC and sound, I decided to write an article about H.K. Porter.

Link to H. K. Porter article

Coming soon! Bachmann Porter with Sound and DCC

2011-05-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of the non-DCC Bachmann Porters. The latest catalog from Micro-Mark is advertising upcoming Bachmann Porters with DCC and SOUND! That should be sweet as long as the prices are not out of the stratosphere. Right now the Porters are a very cheap way to get into On30 if you don't mind installing your own (and buying) decoders or running them on non-DCC layouts.

Meanwhile here is the real deal.

Using Free Plans for Model Railroad Structures

2011-05-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

In this article I describe how to use free plans to scratch build model railroad buildings. More

Article: Just for Fun - World's Smallest Trains

2011-05-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

The title of world's smallest working train layout as far as I know goes to a creation by David K. Smith. He created a super, nearly microscopic tiny layout, The "White River and Northern Model Railroad". It was designed for a toy store window on his layout. More...

Mine Office

2011-05-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

Testing out my new camera, a Panasonic Lumix G2 using the kit 14 - 42 mm lens on macro setting.

Interior shot of my mine office using the a Panasonic Lumix G2.

Article: Bachmann Trains

2011-05-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

All about the world's largest model train manufacturer - from humble beginnings to mega company. Link

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2K - Micro Four Thirds Camera

2011-05-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

Move over Fujifilm FinePix Z5 point and shoot. I just received my new camera, a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2K - Micro Four Thirds Camera. Now I have to figure it out and try to take some model pictures.

My review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2K - Micro Four Thirds Camera

The Ultimate Backyard Railroads

2011-05-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

Taken at Kaj Pindal's place in Oakville Ontario Canada. He has a 15" gauge electric tram system in his yard. Kaj just recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the "PET" Pindal Electric Tramway.

1939 Stores

2011-05-07T05:23:00.001-07:00

Love this picture. Reference for the future town area of my railroad.

Muskrat Ramble Railroad - Bayou Fish & Greens

2011-05-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

Here's an awe inspiring layout called the Muskrat Ramble Railroad. Its an On30 scale exhibition railroad shown at the Narrow Gauge Convention in Sydney, Australia and has been featured in at least two issues of Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette and surely in other publications.

The layout is set in the Louisiana Swamps 1925. This building was based on a Walker Evans photograph.

More pictures of the Muskrat Ramble Railroad here.

My On18 Battery Storage Loco

2011-05-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Built on the top of a Kato N-gauge 11-103 motorized unit, I'm building this loco basically around this Grandt Line "Porter Engineer" metal casting. I want him to appear to be at the controls. I've seen too many models where the driver seems ill fitted to the model or after the fact the modeler tries to find a figure that fits. This time the engineer will have a custom cab build around him!

Some of the detail parts I'm getting off a Tichy Train Group HO scale COALING TOWER LIFT MECHANISM (Part Number: 8008).

It has lots of neat parts that can represent controls.

More On18 mining layouts

2011-05-04T10:10:00.001-07:00

Fred Miller's Guano Mine or "Layout in a Plastic Tote" is awesome. It kind of like what I was planning for my mine operation minus the bat guano.

Here is the whole story: link

On18 "Slug" loco

2011-05-04T08:11:00.001-07:00

Jeff Law's Owen Firty Timber Co using this On18 gas-mechanical, built to move logs on the company's triple-switchback. Named 'The Slug' (because it spends it's days slugging up-and-down the steep switchback), it has a Kato 11-103 power-truck, and a Digitrax DZ143 decoder. The purpose-built log-trailer rides on a re-gauged Kadee HOn3 truck.

Some other On18 builds using the Kato 11-103

2011-05-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

On18 Mining Micro Layout - Testing the Kato 11-103

2011-05-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

Update on the On18 (O scale running on N scale track) mining micro layout that I'll be adding to my On30 layout. Testing the power truck.

This is my first time working with N scale and the first time building a micro layout. I want to keep things nice and simple. The Kato 11-103 power truck is very light weight so I didn't want to attempt any grades.

The plan is to build the Kato 11-103 into a battery storage loco for the mine area. The loco will travel in and out of the mine. The mining area will be visible on two sides with a mountain ridge dividing it in two sections.

On30 Mining Office

2011-05-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the "final" result of my mining office showing the weathering from the salt process. I say "final" because I can think of a few more details to add (like a bucket for under the water pump). The office has a full interior. I didn't have room for a wood stove. Maybe I'll give it a little electric heat unit. The mining area is going to include some power generation. Plus I'll need to light the interior so all of my interior goodies show.

I build the "stone" foundation using cork tiles. I wrote about the process here.

I'm in the search for a better digital camera!

On18 Mining Mini-layout: Mining Office

2011-04-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here is my little O scale mining office so far. I'm using styrene representing corrugated metal. I'm trying out the salt method of weathering but not with an airbrush so I'm not sure how it will come out. I'm wanted plenty of window openings so that views can see the full interior I'm planning.

On18 Mining Mini-layout: Mining Office Interior

2011-04-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Some various parts of the office model's interior. The desk was built upon two resin crate castings. The desktop is thick styrene, the pencil holder cut from a styrene tube and the paper sorter is angle cut from a styrene beam.

The file cabinet is scratch built from a piece of wood and styrene. Dime store novel created in Photoshop. O scale figure, safe, chair commercially available.

Example of the "Salt" weathering method for rusty relics

2011-04-20T07:30:00.001-07:00

http://www.migproductionsforums.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=3115

Explosives Shack

2011-04-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

On30 Dynamite Shack for the Hardscrabble mining area of my layout.

Crawford Notch, NH - Switchman's shack

2011-04-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Located at Crawford Notch, NH just before the switchyard.

The Brass Caboose Hobby Shop and Hartmann Model Railroad Museum

2011-04-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

Update: We checked in on the HMRM on Sun. April 17th, 2011. The museum was closed but the hobby store was open with two pleasant ladies busy putting together a puzzle. Any kids who came to the store were warned to stay with their parents and signs around the store state "you break it, you buy it". Intimidating to say the least but then again the store is filled with very high end, expensive trains mostly from Germany (lots of Marklin and LGB).

You have to wonder how about the future of this hobby when everything is off limits to kids. I think a store like this one should have created an area where kids could touch stuff, maybe a big Thomas the Train layout. You'd think with all of the families who come to the North Conway area that they would sell a lot of that kind of stuff.

The store is huge yet it is mostly filled with train sets and not so much with buildings, kits or scratch building supplies. No surprise the majority of the items are HO. G scale is very well represented. One whole room has an amazing collection of G or Large Scale trains. There is also quite a bit for the N Scale modeler also.

Alas, O Scale is barely represented. There are the Lionel sets for the toy collectors but next to nothing for the O Scale modeler. I saw two On30 locomotives and that was it for On30. No O scale details parts.

I did manage to find some scratch building supplies and a Logging and Mining Annual in the book area.

Also they did have a big die cast car model selection and some hobby stuff like rockets. With all the space available I'd think they'd have a couple of trains set up for display like a G Scale train going around the room or something. I just get the impression that the owners are more into collecting stuff than modeling.

----

Heading back to the Hartmann Model Railroad Museum after a few years. Last time time our son who was around six at the time seemed to make the owners nervous. Maybe we'll just hit the hobby store this time. They have a lot of European trains like the Fleismann one I had growing up. We'll see if they have good O scale parts.

http://www.hartmannrr.com/hartman3.htm

26th Annual Upper Valley Train Show

2011-04-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

Update - Well this show was rather disappointing. It cost $11 to get in for the family and the only operating layouts was a local modular club layout that we've seen at least three times this year at other events, a coffee table layout under construction and a small n scale layout. The location was dark and dingy. There were about eight vendors (the website claimed 80!). Mostly HO stuff, books, DVDs, a laser cut model kit company and no sign of the local hobby store. How could the only hobby store in town, located about two minutes from the site, not participate?

There were door prices and food available but there wasn't much of a reason to stay very long. Here is what their web site said we'd see at the show:

"We will have:

Cash door prizes! (yes)
Model railroad layouts and displays in N, HO, O and large scales! (I didn't see low or large scale)
Various layouts in virtually every scale. (again no O or large scale)
'How To' workshops teaching scenery building skills (didn't see any)
Video hall with railroad themed videos playing all day (missed this?)
Over 80 dealer tables with a variety of items for sale including:
-railroad models
-railroadiana
-original artwork
-tools
-electronics (including the latest in train control and neat gadgets)
-detail parts
-consignment items for sale
-railroad-themed toys
-scales from the Z to G.

Unless we missed a whole other room of stuff we didn't more than eight vendors.

I did ended up buying an O Scale Flag Stop station, some apple trees and an HO 70 Ton GE switcher that I'm going to kitbash into On30. Decent prices. But overall a disappointing show especially when you consider it as an introduction to people wanting to get into the hobby. Except for one vendor the people at the show were rather zombie like and non-engaging. I felt bad for a family I knew coming into the show. I was just thinking how they'd pay their $12 and then wonder why they did.

-------------------
We'll be checking this out this weekend.

http://cvrr.railfan.net/cvmrr/shows/show2011.htm

Tichy Train Group Review

2011-04-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

I'm giving two thumbs up to the Tichy Train Group for great service and O scale parts. I recently ordered some scale windows and doors from Tichy. Online ordering was very easy, shipping was free for orders over $25 and my package arrived within two days of ordering! Excellent. I wish the Grandt Line web site worked as well.

One of the items I ordered was this neat assortment of windows, doors and detail parts. Its very handy to have around when scratch building.

I also ordered some rivets and I appreciate that Tichy casts their rivets in rust colored plastic.

Tichy Train Group

The Mine Models of Junior Yamachi

2011-03-30T05:26:00.000-07:00

I'm inspired by the models of Japanese modeler Junior Yamachi. His mining buildings in particular intrigue me. I think it has a lot to do with the originality of design. He seems to capture the essence of these mine buildings without totally copying a prototype. I get a bit tired of seeing the same mining models over and over. It seems that American modelers are so focused on creating exact copies of prototypes where as some of the best European and Japanese modelers I've seen seem to approach modeling from more of a Hollywood set design approach. The buildings suggest what might have been instead of making a statement of this is what it was - exactly. I guess you might call it a bit of whimsy.

See more of Junior's modeling

Make Your Own Corrugated Roofing

2011-03-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

The recipe:

ArtEmboss Aluminium Medium weight embossing sheets.
Evergreen Scale models metal siding sheets in the 6 x 12" size, .040 spacing and .040 thick.

More detail from David D. Free Rails.

Farm Stand Part 3

2011-03-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Update on my Farm Stand project. I found out the over sized skids I used make the whole building too high for the wee folk. I sanded down the skids to bring the whole thing down.

Added signage (notice the poster for the Yee Haw County Fair with Earl the Singing Chicken and the poster for a Tent Revival) and some veggies. I'll still be adding a lot more veggies.

Moveable Road Side Stand - O Scale - Part 2

2011-03-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Moving along...

I'm using 2x4's and coffee stirrers. The beams on the bottom are rather over sized but that's old barn beams Farmer Joe had laying around.

I'm covering the roof with corrugated metal.

Now to find/make some signs. Still have to make a door for the back.

Movable Road Side Stand - O Scale

2011-03-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last summer my 10 year old son wanted to sell some extra veggies at the end of our driveway. I looked around on the web for some plans for a farm stand and I found these plans from 1949 for a Movable Roadside Stand from the USDA. You can probably ask your local agricultural department for these plans.

I never made a full size version but I did think it would make a neat model for my On30 layout. The plans are actually in 1/2 scale or O scale. But unfortunately my print out was smaller than actual size. So I had to print out a scale ruler and take it from there.

For a little building this model actually has a lot of parts to it but fortunately there are no windows to deal with.

Resources:

Movable RoadSide Stand Plans
http://msucares.com/pubs/plans/5699.pdf

Building and Construction Plans from MSU
http://msucares.com/pubs/plans

Farm Building Plans from Colorado State Extention:
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/blueprints/farmbuildings.html

Wiring for Peco On30 Electrofrog

2011-02-11T06:46:00.001-08:00

Click image to see fully.

Shelf Layout

2011-02-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

This guy is doing what I am planning to do on the other side of my layout:

Peco 0n30

2011-02-11T04:32:00.000-08:00

For On30 track there are basically four options. One take Atlas flex track and cut every other tie out. This makes it tough to use Atlas switches. Second you can hand lay track. Third use Micro Engineering On30 Flex Track. This track looks good, has a lighter rail and can be orders pre-weathered. The flex track itself kind of stays bent when you bend it which can be good and bad. Its hard to unbend but if you bend it right the first time it stays put. The fourth option is Peco On30 flex track and On30 Electro Frog switches. The Peco On30 is also known as crazy track, it is code 100 and has short fat ties with random lengths(Micro Engineering track is code 80 I believe and has long skinny ties).

I've been using the Peco track and switches the mountainous side of my layout. On the lower part I'm using the Peco switches with Blue Point manual turnout controls. I had them from my last layout and I wanted this lower area for kids to be able to help out with the controls. I can't say that using the Peco switches with the Blue Points is a good idea. You have to modify the switches by taking out the spring so the Blue Points can move the turnouts.

One good thing about the Blue Points is that they provide contacts for frog power routing and for indicator lights. I also used on LIT On30 switch on the lower level which works better than the Peco but looks more like the Micro Engineering track. I think I might end up using Micro Engineering rail on the other side of my layout with a few LIT switches I have from my last layout. I think I'll also use slow motion Tortoise motors because I think at this point I'm convinced that the Blue Point controls after buying all the parts are about the same price.

On the top of my mountain area I have two hard to reach switches. I'm using the Peco On30 switches here. One is a turn around loop that I'm auto reversing the power using the DigiTrack AR1 auto reversing circuit. This is a very simple device and its only about $25. I have on the turntable at the loco service area also.

I automated the reversing turnout using and automatic circuit that is triggered by infrared reflection. When a train approaches the switch, it triggers automatically.

One major boo boo on my part was installing the upper switches with out thinking about frog polarity. I used Peco PL-10 switch motors and they don't come with any accessory contacts. Out of the package you can't attach indicator lights or change the polarity. You have to purchase their PL-13 switch to the bottom and wire it to control your LED indicators or use it to change the frog polarity. The pin of the motor extends upward (to move the turnout points) and downward (allowing it to move the PL-13 switch).

Muskrat Ramble 2010 Geoff Nott

2011-02-10T11:28:00.001-08:00

Using Peco 0n30 Track and Switches - Wiring

2011-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

You learn best by doing and unfortunately sometimes that means doing it over and over.

The bottom section of my layout is Peco On30 and LIT Co. switches operated by hand via Blue Point and flex rods. The Blue Points handle frog polarity.

On the top level of my layout I decided to use Peco On30 and the PL10 switch motors. For some reason I didn't think about how to handle frog polarity. I now realize I have to purchase some PL 13 accessory switches. Of course I had every glued down!

Of well, in the good news department I've ordered a NCE PowerCab and a C6 circuit breaker. I've made one zone out of the bottom layout and one zone for the top. I'll use the other zones on the other side of layout.

Note: The links have great pages for wiring Electrofrog switches for DCC.

Automatic Turnaround Loop

2011-02-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

To automate my turn around loop I have two devices. One for turnout control this optical sensor:

http://www.azatrax.com/dual-train-detector.html

For reversing the DCC I'm using the Digitrax AR1.

Trackwork makes me crazy!

2011-02-04T09:38:00.001-08:00

I really can't stand laying track. Well maybe that is harsh, I really can't stand ballast. It just seems to be there to muck everything up.

Here is what I have found after laying a lot of track.

1. Use track nails to hold things in place. I've had so many problems trying to get flex track to line up and stay lined up on tight curves. The only way that seem to work is to drill a small hole in the ties and put down some tiny nails at crucial points.

2. Use a Dremel tool and cut off discs to cut track. Using rail nippers is for the birds. Rail nippers never give a nice cut. The Dremel can cut nice straight cuts and you can even use it to sand off any nasty bits.

3. Solder on the outside of the rails. If you use too much solder on the inside rails then you might be creating a derailment point.

New Rail Bus Coming

2011-01-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I asked Santa (my wife) for a Bachmann ON30 Rail Truck. I'm not a big fan of the looks of the rail car but there are a lot of cool kits and examples of what you can do to customize one.

MicroMark was having a big clearance sale on them so they were only $49. Xmas morning I was delighted to find one under the tree. Unfortunately it only worked for about three minutes. Searching the web I found the their is a serious flaw with the gearing on these rail trucks.

So I contacted MicroMark and found out I had two options. One send it back to them for a refund but pay for restocking and postage (rip off!) or send it back to Bachmann for repair which I did.

About a month later I got a call from a nice guy at Bachmann who said the rail truck is being redesigned and it might be six months to get a new one! Yikes! But the good news is they offered me their new Rail Bus in exchange. Awesome. I can't wait. I like the looks of the rail bus and it can handle the low volume of passenger traffic on my railroad. Nice of Bachmann to offer the upgrade! Boo to Micro Mark for dumping the product on the market and then charging customers for returns.

Some scenery going in...

2011-01-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big fan of pre planning. It drives me crazy with all the options. I'd rather start out with a general plan and start laying track!

Of course the downside is when one gets a new bright idea after stuff is laid out! Originally I had planned for this lower track to be independent of the upper, larger track. One at kid level, one for the adults.

But I've since reconsidered. The background you see behind and above the trestle has just been demoed a bit to make room for a climbing grade. The trains will circle this mountain twice to reach the upper level. Yeah I know I should have planned it better in the first place but then again I might not have even started.

On30 Trestles

2010-09-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

The worst part of building a model train layout is all of the work that needs to be done prior to the running of your trains. If you are like me you can't wait to get your trains running on at least on part of the track. I enjoy having my trains run around while I work on parts of the layout.

So the only thing stopping me from getting my trains to run around the lower loop is trestle building. For the major trestle on the lower layout I used this free O Scale trestle template.

http://on30annual.com/extra/on30_extra_washbasinbridge.php

I printed out the template and glued it to a spare piece of plywood. I then glued some bits of scrap dowels down to hold the pieces in. Next I started assembling the parts using 1/4 inch square dowels from Home Depot and craft sticks. I found it to be lots of fun! It took many nights of work but it certainly is a project anyone can try.

The only thing left on my first tresle is the NBW (nut, bolt, washer) castings I ordered from Grandt Line.

On30 Logging and Mining Railroad

2010-09-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

After dismantling my On30 layout that I had just started in Maine, moving, renting and then settling into the new house in Etna, NH I've finally got started on my new layout.

The new house has a great loft area that has more space for a layout. Not a huge amount of space but enough to have some interesting scenery. Plus its not overly large so I can actually finish it. Not like some layouts that seem to be under construction for decades.

I've been inspired by Rusty Rails On30 layout -http://www.rustyrail.com/MyLayout.htm

What I like about this layout is that it packs a lot of great scenery in a moderate amount of space. I like the two level approach that allows one to run two trains at once without a lot of worry that they are going to crash into each other. Its really like having one layout on top of another.

I plan on my bottom level so that kids can easily view it and the top level is going to be high enough that if at some later date I want to run it around to the room or have a point to point at some other part of the run, I can expand.

I plan on having the lower level represent a logging line while the top will have a mining operation.

Gn15 Scratchbuilt Gas Mech

2009-02-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

The loco is built onto a Bachmann Gas Mech chassis.

Centercab Bash On30

2009-02-06T10:27:00.001-08:00

Bachmann On30 Davenport on a steep grade

2009-02-06T10:20:00.001-08:00

Miniatures by Eric Brookville Diesel Kit

2007-03-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Turn your Bachmann Gas Mech into a 3 Ton Diesel with this neat kit from Miniatures by Eric. Kit includes frame, cab, hood, brass wheel bearings brass screen for vents, optional side exhaust. This coversion requires narrowing the Bachmann 0-4-0 diesel frame. The DCC is also taken out but counld be wired in a sevice car. This is very similar to a Brookville industrial engine.

“PLANET” LOCOMOTIVES

2007-03-22T04:55:00.000-07:00

The origin of the "Planet" locomotive can be traced back to the Kent Construction & Engineering Co. Ltd., which had a works in Victoria Road, Ashford, Kent, rented from the South Eastern & Chatham Railway (and later from the Southern Railway). There was a standard gauge private siding connecting with the SE&CR, and a narrow gauge test track ran from the works into a nearby field; on the latter many of the firm's products such as skips and locomotives were tested and displayed.

Kent Construction's first excursion into the light railway locomotive market was after the 1914-1918 War, when they purchased from the Government a large number of petrol locomotives and associated spares. These locomotives were of two makes, the familiar Motor Bail "Simplex" and those built to the (American) Baldwin Locomotive Works design. Some had seen service in Europe but others were in new condition and had probably never been used. All were given a thorough overhaul by Kent Construction before being offered for sale in "as new" condition as reconditioned "Simplex" or "Baldwin" locomotives. catalogue covering the "Simplex" locomotives had official Motor Rail photographs of the three types offered - 2½ ton narrow gauge 20hp; 6 ton narrow gauge 40hp; and 8 ton standard gauge 40hp. Examples of the 6 ton and 8 ton units were fitted with armour plating, and all three types had their engines set across the frames. Another catalogue covered the one Baldwin design offered which was a 7½ ton narrow gauge 45hp machine of the same type as the now much rebuilt MOELWYN on the Festiniog Railway.

More Info

Cane Mech

2007-03-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

Sentinel Motor

2007-03-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

Sentinel Motor by Graeme Brown, Victoria, Australia.

BullAnt HO gauge, 25mm wheelbase & 9.6mm disc wheels and MHK1020 motor.

Gas Mech Track Cleaner

2007-03-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

This broom device is used to clear the fallen leaves from the track on this garden railroad.

More info

Model: Large Scale Mighty Mack

2007-02-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

Mack Truck realized the need for railroad equipment and started producing
self-powered rail cars, rail buses, and locomotives, In May of 1921, Locomotive #1 rolled from the plant in Allentown, PA, and with its two AC gasoline engines,
it proved to be just what was needed.
Hartland's Mack is sure to become a staple in the Large Scale world.
It is durable, attractive, and priced right!

More info

Model: No. 32

2007-02-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

No.32
Simplex 5 ton
Wrightlines kit.

More info

Model: On30 Gas/Diesel Switcher

2007-02-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

48-10, Gas/Diesel Switcher, Round Roof, $34.99 This kits use the Bachmann HO MDT
switcher, part number series 6000x

From Mocalova Model Works - More info

Prototype: Davenport Besler Locomotive

2007-01-22T06:10:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bruce Evans

Model: Convert a On30 Gas Mech to Gn15

2007-01-22T06:07:00.000-08:00

Instructions

Prototype: Davenport

2007-01-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

Locomotive No. 57 on a work train at sunset.

Prototype: Lister 'R' Type Rail Trucks

2007-01-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

Stoke-on-Trent once had a large number of small sewage works with many having their own narrow gauge railway. Several used Lister 'R' Type Rail Trucks to move the wagons containing the sludge around the works and one, number 39419, is now located at Mill Meece.

The Rail Truck is the rail version of the Lister Auto Truck, first produced by R.A. Lister & Company Limited in the spring of 1926. The original Auto Truck was a simple three wheeled vehicle with a single wheel at the front driven by an air cooled J.A. Prestwich (JAP) 600cc petrol engine.

Following the success of the Auto Truck a petrol locomotive was designed in 1928. These used the same JAP engine, oil and fuel tanks and front housing as the Auto Truck. The latter comprised a cast iron grille carrying the words ‘Lister’ and ‘Auto Truck’ at the front with a plain sheet steel curved bonnet top and sides.

Model: On30 Green Diesel Critter

2007-01-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

Model by Marc Reusser from a Grandt Line 5-ton Plymouth. More Info

Model: Red Stag Lumber Company

2007-01-11T11:45:00.000-08:00

More Info

Prototype: Baldwin Sugar Mill Gas Loco

2007-01-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

Model: BVM's On30 Critter Bashing Parts

2007-01-09T05:22:00.000-08:00

New side-door cab for critter bashing - Continuing the Kitbasher's Delight series, BVM's added a new side-door cab to expand kitbashing options. This cab can be used to bash the Spectrum HO 70-ton loco or to bash the Model Power Porter Hustler.

More info

Prototype: Pine Creek Railway

2007-01-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

A narrow gauge locomotive at the Pine Creek Railway. The PCRR is located at the New Jersey Museum of Transportation in Allaire New Jersey.

Photographer: Bobber Gibbs

Model: On30 Critter

2007-01-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

On30 Critter
by Jerry Lawrence

(Photos Russ Reinberg/Finescale Railroader)

More Info

Prototype: World War I - 60cm Trench Trains

2007-01-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

Prototype: 1949 Ruston 20DL loco

2007-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Moseley Railway Trust

Worked at the ICI Nobel explosives plant at Shevington near Wigan.
Fleet No. 36
Manufacturer: Ruston & Hornsby Ltd.
Type: 20DL
Engine: Ruston 2VSH diesel
Weight: 2.75 Tons
Year Built: 1949
Makers' No. 280865

Prototype: 1918 MRTC 40HP War Service

2007-01-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

Moseley Railway Trust

Fleet No. 47
Manufacturer: MRTC
Type: 40HP "Weather Protected"
Engine: Dorman 4JO petrol
Weight: 6 Tons
Year Built: 1918

Built for war service but again never left England. It was sold as surplus to Leeds City Corporation, who used it at their Knostrop sewage works. It is currently on long-term loan from Armley Mills Industrial Museum, Leeds.

Current Status: Operational

History: Baldwin Locomotive Works Stock Certificate

2007-01-07T05:26:00.000-08:00

Beautifully engraved certificate from the Baldwin Locomotive Works issued no later than 1950. This historic document was printed by the American Banknote Company and has an ornate border around it with a vignette of the company's founder, Matthias W. Baldwin. This item has the printed signatures of the Company’s President and Secretary and is over 53 years old.

The Baldwin Locomotive Works, at Philadelphia, had a humble beginning. Matthias W. Baldwin, the founder, was a jeweler and silversmith, who, in 1825, formed a partnership with a machinist, and engaged in the manufacture of bookbinders' tools and cylinders for calico printing. Mr. Baldwin then designed and constructed for his own use a small stationary engine, the workmanship of which was so excellent and its efficiency so great that he was solicited to build others like it for various parties, and thus led to turn his attention to steam engineering. In 1831 he built a miniature locomotive, for exhibition, which was so much of a success that he that year received an order from a railway company for a locomotive to run on a short line to the suburbs of Philadelphia. The difficulties attending the execution of this first order were such as our mechanics now cannot easily comprehend. Tools were not easily obtainable; the cylinders were bored by a chisel fixed in a block of wood and turned by hand; the workmen had to be taught how to do nearly all the work; and Mr. Baldwin himself did a great deal of it with his own hands. It was under such circumstances that his first locomotive, christened Old Ironsides, was completed and tried on the road, November 23, 1832. It was at once put in active service, and did duty for over a score of years. It was a four-wheeled engine, weighing a little over five tons; the driving wheels were 54 inches in diameter, and the cylinders 9½ inches in diameter by 18 inches stroke. The wheels were of heavy cast iron hubs, with wooden spokes and rims, and wrought iron tires, and the frame was of wood placed outside the wheels.

From the time the company began to when this certificate was issued, they built over 60,000 locomotives.

Critter Plan

2007-01-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

Model: My Mod of the Gas Mech

2007-01-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here is my modification of the Bachmann On30 Side Rod Gas Mech so far. Not everything is glued in place yet and I have a lot more of detailing planned - driver, sun screen in the back, clip board, tools, driver etc.

I removed the cab. Cut away most of the cabin just leaving the bottom panels. On the roof I filed off the ridges and plan to add a metal roof. The new roof supports are painted plastic lollipop sticks. - EMF

Model: Open Cab Conversion Kit for Bachmann's On30 Gas-Mechanical

2007-01-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

This Backwoods Miniatures kit contains all the components from their earlier Gas-Mechanical dress-up kit plus further new etched parts, pre-cut, jig-drilled brass angle and pre-cut basswood parts to construct the model pictured. Designed for easy ACC 'superglue' assembly. More info

Model: Davenport Spotted On The Owen Firty Timber Co

2007-01-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

This loco is based upon the Bachmann #25899 0-4-0 Davenport, with the addition of a Backwoods Miniatures dress-up kit.

The Davenport has been fitted with a Umelec ATL-2064 Sound Decoder, with it's speaker behind the grille. More Info

History: Gas Mech & W.W.I. Trench Warfare

2007-01-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

For the first time in history, million-man armies faced each other across a front encompassing multiple countries. This huge endeavor had an insatiable appetite for ammunition, food, and material. A heavy duty road network was years in the future, and cargo trucks were just beginning to be developed. Military planners of the late 19th century turned to lightly laid narrow gauge railroads similar to those used so successfully on plantations in colonial areas of the world. This technology was quickly adapted to the requirements of the Western Front. More than 10,000 diminutive locomotives and uncounted cars moved millions of tons of material forward to the trenches and returned with tens of thousands of wounded soldiers. All the major combatants - The United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany - used very similar equipment and shared the same 60cm (23-5/8") gauge. Many U.S. companies such as Baldwin, Alco, Davenport, Vulcan, Magor, Kilbourne&Jacobs, etc. produced 60cm equipment for all the allied countries in addition to a significant amount of 75cm for Russia. At the end of the conflict, most of this equipment quickly disappeared. Much was scrapped, sold as surplus, or shipped to remote locations.

Model: On30 BACHMANN GAS-MECHANICAL 0-4-0 DRESS-UP KIT

2007-01-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

Backwoods Miniatures offers this dress up kit for the Bachmann Gas Mech. The kit contains etched parts for the following: Cab doors, Cab front window frames, Side window shades, Side skirts, Access doors for skirts, Radiator guard, Radiator emblems (three types), Handrail brackets, Fuel filler, Hood door louvre panels, Cabside numbers (4 through 8), Fluted rods, Works plate.Cast metal parts include: Replacement exhaust muffler, Air filter, Roof hatch, Sandboxes, Back-up light, Horn, Fuel tank, Stowage box, Ballast blocks and oil can. Miscellaneous fittings include turned brass handrail stanchions, brass handrail wire and glazing material.

Model: "Specs" on the Bachmann On30 Side Rod Gas Mech

2007-01-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

Davenport 0-4-0 Side Rod Gas-Mechanical Diesel Locomotive is a Spectrum® On30 Scale Model from Bachmann®. Suitable for Ages 8 & Older FEATURES: Based on a 1940's stock model from the Davenport catalog, the counterweight & side rod configuration are accurately reproduced. DCC equipped and 100% backwards-compatible with standard DC railroad layouts. Equipped with a 28-speed step decoder. With the DCC On Board technology, you can control the direction, speed, and lighting of this locomotive using the Bachmann® E-Z Command® Digital Command Control System . Heavy die cast chassis with side steps. Die cast side rods and counterweights. Skew-wound motor. Low-speed gearing. E-Z Mate® Mark II knuckle couplers. Operating headlight. Interior with stool and exquisitely detailed controls. Footboards with wood-grain detail. Accurately molded plastic body shell painted yellow with crisp black printing: Pocahontas Lumber Co., Davenport. INCLUDES: Diesel Locomotive Dummy Plugs REQUIRES: Assembly of Detail Parts SPECS: Scale: O 1:48 Length: 3-1/4 Width: 1-5/8 Height: 2-1/8 COMMENTS: This On30 locomotive is a prototypically accurate O scale narrow gauge unit that runs on space-saving HO track.

Prototype: A Davenport "Critter"

2007-01-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

History: Fine Scale Railroader

2007-01-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Finescale Railroader June 2004, by Russ Reinberg

"DAVENPORT LOCOMOTIVE WORKS, in
Davenport, Iowa, built locomotives between
1902 and 1956. In 1950, after nearly half a
century of producing its own line of steam locomotives,
Davenport acquired H. K. Porter Company and added that
manufacturer’s designs to its catalog.
Davenport’s first gas mechanical locomotive appeared
in 1924 and its first diesel in 1927. In the early 1930s, the
company was a pioneer manufacturer of small diesel-
electric locomotives. Its line ranged from 4 ton gas
mechanicals to 112 ton diesels and ultimately proved quite
successful. Industries of all kinds purchased the engines.
Commercial railroads also bought Davenport loco-
motives. Its 44 tonners were the most popular because that
was the heaviest locomotive union rules allowed one man
to operate. The major railroads owning Davenport diesels
included the Rock Island, Milwaukee Road, Santa Fe,
Frisco, and Missouri Pacific. Davenport also built a number
of locomotives for the United States Army during and after
World War Two. In 1963, a narrow gauge Davenport
diesel-mechanical from the Sumpter Valley Railroad
became the Rio Grande’s well known 0-4-0 Durango
switcher Number 50."

Check out the PDF file for a great article by Allen K. Littlefield called "Modify The Davenport".

History: Davenport Locomotive Works

2007-01-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

The Bachmann Side Rod Gas Mechanical model is based on a 1940's loco from the Davenport Locomotive Works.

Davenport Locomotive Works of Davenport, IA, built locomotives from 1902 to 1956. It soon became a thriving builder of small steam tank locomotives. From 1950 to 1956, Davenport produced Porter designs as well as it' own. They built their first gasoline locomotive in 1924 and their first diesel, a 30-ton for Northern Illinois Coal co. of Boonville, IN, in 1927. The line included 4ton gas to 112ton diesels, with mechanical torque converter (hydraulic) or electric transmission.

Model: A Rainbow of Colors

2007-01-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

Bachmann trains offers its Davenport gas mech in a variety of colors, road names and as undecorated units.

Model: Banta Modelworks Boxcab or Crew Cab

2007-01-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

BM also offers a kit to convert the Bachmann ON30 Gas Mech into this nifty Boxcab Diesel or Crew Cab. Retail price for the kit - $29.95

Model: Round Roof Cab

2007-01-04T05:28:00.000-08:00

Here is Banta Modelworks Round Roof Cab laser cut wood kit for the Bachmann Gas Mechanical.

Model: Banta Modelworks Wood Cab Kits

2007-01-04T05:24:00.000-08:00

One of the attractions to gas mechanicals is the variety of detailing kits available. Banta Modelworks offers laser cut wood kits to convert the On30 Bachman Gas Mechanical to other than stock cabs. The Cabs are designed for a precise fit with interlocking precise fit sides and laser cut glazing.

Here is the T-2107 Peaked Roof Cab.

Model: Another G Scale Gas Mech

2007-01-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

Model: G Scale Gas Mechanical

2007-01-04T05:14:00.000-08:00