Recent content by UP2CSX

Chris, that's a pretty good summary of both the pros and cons of E-Z Track. The switches are the main downfall. I have a few of them on my layout, and they took a lot of work to make them run reliably. The main problem is the lack of positive latching of the stock rail to the running rail. I've...

Joe, as Chip said, no one layout plan will be exactly right for you. I think I used bits an pieces from about 10 plans for my layout. Don't get hooked on what a track plan shows as scenery. It's easy to substitute more industries for a downtown area just be rearranging and adding some tracks...

Alan, nice model and a superb paint job. You even got the red on the cab roof right, with the black extending part of the way over the roof curve. I did a few of these in my younger days, but they didn't come out as nice as yours.

Nice shot and models as usual, DJ. Do you know how the PRR came with the term "cabin car" for a caboose? I assume it's something that goes way back in history, since I've seen PRR cabooses called cabin cars in literature from the 1870's, but I never found a definitive answer on how the term came...

Jeffrey, nice use for a scrap tank car. Mike, that's a cool 0-8-0. Looks like maybe an AHM model? Now you just have to figure out a way to mount a Kadee couple to the front pilot. :) Gary, a toll collector/watchman's shack makes perfect sense. Most early auto bridges were toll bridges...

Yes, as I said, any connection between the two loops becomes a reversing loop, because a train can enter and leave the same track by the same route. Auto reversers make it pretty painless to handle a single point of entry/exit loop. Without some kind of crossover, you'd have to run a train all...

Check http://www.trains.com/trc/community/events/. They usually have a fairly complete list of all the train related events and shows around the country.

No, you don't really need it, but I'd recommend you use it. With the typical grades of plywood used for benchwork, it's not smooth or level. Using a subroadbed allows you to level the track with shims, or sanding down the high spots. The fact that you'll be laying the track on a hidden grade is...

Afternoon, everyone. Matt, grass carp probably won't be very successful in controlling the weeds, and it usually takes two to five years before they make much of an impact, so I wouldn't give up on your job just yet. They only feed when the water temperatures are above 68, so they don't have...

Tooter, you have the vote of approval. My daughter thinks your train is "cute" and she hates trains. :) That engine is really a tank engine, so the tender isn't very prototypical, not that that matters on the Tooter Lines. :D One thing you might try is replacing the couplers with a shorter...

I agree with Jerome. Nice job on a very complicated paint scheme.

Joe, welcome to the hobby! Check out the layouts at http://www.gatewaynmra.org/project.htm. I think one or more of them would be near perfect for what you're trying to do. The nice thing is you get to see the track plan and what it looks like when it's all built.

Dang, LOS, you nailed those two cars. Even though they're O scale, your attention to detail really shows in those pictures. Excellent work.

This should be good. PVC buildings backed up by old air purifiers converted to skyscrapers. I can't wait to see what your inventive mind comes up with next. :)

Howdy, and welcome aboard. Do you have a real first name we can use? Calling you an automobile just doesn't seem right. :) Bowser is discontinuing their cast metal steam engine kits, but they still have some left in stock. The link to the L1 is http://bowser-trains.com/holocos/l1/l1.htm. Give...