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    Walthers switch machines

    I have installed several of the switch machines and really like their ease of setup and adaptability. When using newer locomotives, they work flawlessly. My problem occurs when using my 60's versions of Rivarossi steam. I have several including the Big Boy. These locos will randomly cause the...
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    Dual controller question

    Well, I tried it with the dual control method and it worked nicely with newer dc locos which had all wheel pickup but older locos stalled at the insulators. They didn't like getting power from two transformers when they only had pickups from one wheel front and one rear. I wired a dpdt switch...
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    63 year old kid

    Mike, My grades are at 2.5% or less so that shouldn't be a problem. Thanks
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    63 year old kid

    When I bought the turntable I bought the Walthers 3 stall. I am planning to scratch build an extension. Trying to model 1930s Colorado foothills. Small town with dirt roads etc. My layout is fictitional but I have named it Deer Creek. I like your idea of burying ballast in wet plaster. I'll...
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    63 year old kid

    Another good idea. This might be cleaner and less chance of getting something unfriendly in the pit. I picked a couple rolls of 1/16" thick cork at the local Menards and was thinking of gluing that down and then painting. I'm not to the scenery stage yet but I need to allow for surface...
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    63 year old kid

    That looks really nice Dave and a great idea. I guess I was thinking in the roundhouse/turntable area associated with the tracks that more ballast or similar would be used. I was hoping to find a solution which would help to prevent the abrasive ballast from dropping into the pit.
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    63 year old kid

    My layout is progressing but trying to figure out what to use as groundcover around the turntable. I am not really wanting to use ballast in this area because of conflicts with the turntable mechanics. Any suggestions?
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    Dual controller question

    Ok. Aren't we saying the same thing here? If the main line is not reversed while the loco is on the reverse loop a short would occur when the main line is reached by the loco???
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    Dual controller question

    Hmm. Please explain more. If I forget to reverse the main loop controller while on the reverse loop I could see a problem but the double short circuit scenario I don't understand. Thanks
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    Dual controller question

    Thank you Dennis. This seems like the simplest solution rather trying to incorporate a dpdt switch and still having to reverse the main line.
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    Dual controller question

    Ok, this may be a stupid question but I'm going to ask anyway. My layout is a DC single track bent dog bone with two reverse loops which allow a train to run around the layout in either direction. If my reverse loops (the red ones) are isolated from the main loop electrically can't I run those...
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    63 year old kid

    Our girls are grown and have their own places but we need space for the grandkids. Who woulda thought?
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    63 year old kid

    Thank you for your thoughts. All very good points but often times, a layout must have compromises because of space or other concerns. This layout has several. The roundhouse will be visible to the operator as he/she will be sitting in the middle. The reason it is placed in that location is to...
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    Tight HO radius question

    I remember back in the day, my dad would shim under the outside rail to give it a slight bank on tight corners. It doesn't take much to make a huge difference.
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    63 year old kid

    You have a very good idea here and we must have similar thoughts as this is the plan to which I have switched . The turntable and roundhouse are items my Dad and I had dreams of some 50 years ago and they are a priority in this layout. I have negotiated with the wife and gained some...
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    63 year old kid

    Well I redesigned and was able to change my curve radius to a 24" minimum and the steepest incline is 2.5%. This is a pick of my latest design. Thanks to all for your help and suggestions.
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    63 year old kid

    I think i have 3 reverse loops...the red ones. Am I not thinking correctly?
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    63 year old kid

    I was under the impression that the red legs are reverse loops. Is that not correct? I still have a lot to learn.
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    63 year old kid

    Could be a problem. I was concerned about the 22r and even made a test track with that. Big boy will negotiate the curve flat but not pretty. Add an incline and it could be over the top.
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    63 year old kid

    That's exactly what I have done to get where I am now. A great trick to use on a small layout. We think alike.
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