Recent content by timlange3

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  1. timlange3

    Probably not as many lone model railroads out there; but if there are some

    For me, has nothing to do with the size of the railroad, all throttles are walk-around. More to do with how I want to control locos, I prefer just one loco per throttle, but all throttles are wireless. I don't carry more than one at a time, just lay the others down or in a fascia holder.
  2. timlange3

    I am new to model railroading

    I don't know what a power pack with switching levers is. I'll assume you have a DC power pack. To use that you will have to wire your railroad into multiple electrical blocks. For two trains a double pole, double throw switch will suffice. Your main track with a passing siding would be two...
  3. timlange3

    future planning, adding power to Digitrax DCS152

    I would think that would not be a problem, just setup the DB150 to be a booster only. I believe it can handle up to five amps. It will be half duplex but that should not be a problem. Oh and the phase will be switched so you probably will have to swap track power wires to get them to match.
  4. timlange3

    Layout is finished- now reliable operation questions

    Time for "Fun With NMRA Track / Wheel Gauge". Check your track and wheelsets with the NMRA gauge to see what the cause might be. If wheels are out of gauge should be easy to twist and push (or pull) to put the wheels in gauge. Track may be harder to fix or may need to be replaced.
  5. timlange3

    Sparks on my Lionel bump n go trolley

    Sparks are from having a small gap between two conductive surfaces, the roller and the track. Probably due to bits of dirt on both. Use some Goo Gone on a paper towel and clean the roller until you do not get any dirt on the towel. Then clean the track where you see sparks, then clean the...
  6. timlange3

    Stationary decoder.

    I'm looking for a decoder I can use to control a 1 - 2 AMP motor (0 - 12 VDC). Does not need to be a mobile decoder, so size is not an issue. Don't need any functions such as lights or horns. I could use a mobile decoder, but figured it would be a waste of functions and size. Any suggestions?
  7. timlange3

    Never too old?

    For getting close I would suggest an around the room shelf railroad, about 12" deep with lift out bridges for doors and windows. If you build it close to eye level it should not block any other uses of the room. The around the room shelf will allow for larger radius turns but still allow for...
  8. timlange3

    Bonding with Grandson

    I would tell not to use brass, just nickel silver, joiners and track.
  9. timlange3

    Bonding with Grandson

    It looks like brass, do you have brass track or nickel silver? Brass oxidizes over time whereas nickel silver oxide still conducts electricity.
  10. timlange3

    Bonding with Grandson

    I built the "Gum Stump & Snowshoe" for my kids when they were young. An operation session usually lasted about 30 minutes which was their attention limit.
  11. timlange3

    Body Mount Couplers... with superglue?

    Can you glue some styrene to the bottom of the car to provide a mounting surface for a screw fastened coupler box?
  12. timlange3

    Benchwork legs straight to floor or angled to wall

    I made my brackets with 2" x 2" and 1" x 4". I used lag bolts to secure the 2" x 2" to the wall into studs. I cut a notch in the 2" x 2" on the wall and then used another 2" x 2" angled from the notch up. Then the 1" x 4" was horizontal from the wall, three drywall screws in pre-drilled holes...
  13. timlange3

    Benchwork legs straight to floor or angled to wall

    Okay, I did 24" deep shelf with angled brackets. My shelf was 56" high and the bracket went down to about 12" off the floor. In your case I would suggest angled brackets to keep the floor clear. Makes it easier when searching for coupler springs!
  14. timlange3

    Shelf Layout Building

    What is your longest reach from where you can stand? Looks like the corner in the lower left will not be accessible. Do a Google search on "Heart Of Georgia" model railroad.
  15. timlange3

    Benchwork legs straight to floor or angled to wall

    Ken, what is the planned depth and height of the shelf? How much load will it carry?
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