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I'm thinking an 0-2-0 tank engine would be cool. A small switching loco for small industrial layouts with tight curves. Would definitely be cost effective too, with just one drive axle and no pilot truck or trailing truck. Admittedly, it might be pretty challenging to design. 🤪

Yep. Trip pin length & radius variations are quite normal, even when new. They all need to be checked, whether a brand new car already comes equipped with them, or you install them yourself. That's just the way it is. Some folks, who don't do magnetic uncoupling, will simply cut the trip...

Actually, Kadee trip pin clearance recommendations are really only necessary for optimal performance if you plan on using their uncoupling magnets. If you are not planning on using magnetic uncoupling, you might consider even more clearance yet to really avoid snagging on rerailers, turnouts...

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I keep trying to open the links, but they keep disappearing.

I got into the habit of using rerailers on my N-scale layouts, even though I am fully capable of doing proper track laying. I work them in as vehicle crossing pads, whether paved or gravel roads. Just extra insurance when running the trains. It seems like no matter how good your track work...

I've used old, dirty, enamel paint thinner as a stain before. Such as small bottles of Testors and Pactra enamel paint thinner, dirty from cleaning paint brushes of blacks, grays, browns, red oxides, whites, and any other flat, earthy colors. Shake the bottle up, apply the "stain", and enjoy.

I can almost imagine Emma the organic switcher rumbling out of the engine house.

I kinda' figured that is what you had in mind. I might have done the same thing.

You are correct. You can bypass the electrical switch and take the common wire straight to the center terminal of the turnout solenoids. Then run the hot wire to the electrical switches, and two hot wires from each switch to a turnout solenoid outer terminals, one for each direction of throw...

Yeah, I know. Disgusting, ain't I? 🤪

I have no problem with companies producing giant articulated locomotives and other massive behemoths that need fairly large minimum radius curves in order to be able to run them. I just don't buy them. No problem. :)👍 (And I have a whole 1,500+ sqr. ft. basement darned near all to myself, my...

Well, to be right honest, Bachmann EZ-Track isn't necessarily the greatest track system out there, in my opinion. For beginners and intermediates, Atlas N-scale Code 80 track would be a better choice, especially if you want to try ballasting your own track. Or if you prefer built-in roadbed...

I have a 4' x 8' N-scale layout that I built over 20 years ago with a cheap plywood top on 1 x 4 framing. And fully scenic'd with all water-based scenery supplies. It has held up just fine, even without sealing the substrate. Our local N-scale and HO-scale modular train clubs have modules...

Sorry, but I disagree with this. This wood is too hard, too heavy, and too expensive. Furniture grade plywoods are not necessary for model railroad benchwork, in my opinion. Regular ol' plywood with one side sanded is more than adequate enough for model railroad use. Heck, for larger scales...

Looks great!👍 Something to keep in mind as far as light bulbs go................ Don't pay extra for a 14 volt bulbs if you can find 12 volt automotive bulbs cheaper that will fit. Reason being: Automotive charging systems normally operate at right around 14+ volts anyway, the whole time the...

Yes, it will.

I had a couple of finger ends darned near burn off on one of my locos due to a stray metal particle that got into the E-unit and shorted it out. I cut and formed some new finger ends out of some phosphor bronze sheet and soldered them in place right over the top of the damaged fingers. After...

The best way to fasten your track down to the wood is with small screws or nails, whether you want to or not. It should only take one or two screws or nails per each section of track to secure it firmly to the wood. And easy enough (especially with screws) to remove the track later on for...

You've got that entire scene nailed to a tee! I'm lovin' it! 😍 I still see old, dilapidated buildings just like this while driving around the back roads here in NE Kansas!. So a perfect fit for your second generation diesel-era layout, in my opinion! And to get back on track (pun intended...