I remembered that there is a local train show every september that I really like going to, so friday I looked it up only to find out it was the next day, but I still made it and am happy with my loot. I got a New BNSF GP38-2 with a decoder installed for $50 for my new smaller layout, and a DMIR SD-9 unpowered loco that needs a little work for $15, and lastly I got a latge DMIR NO TRESSPASSING sign. Ill post pics when I take some later.

Just wondering how often folks lubricate (or service) their locos? In my case I'm thinking of my HO and (similar scale 00) British locos.

Usually, I just place 1-2 small drops of Wahl oil or Labelle Oil on the gears that are visible on the bottom of the loco. Sometimes, I will place some white grease (that I bought at a railway LHS) inside on the gears. A different LHS charges $20 to $25 to lubricate locos -- is this worth it as I'm sure I could do most of this myself? I have 1-2 locos that are difficult to service (because they're older or are tender-drive) that I take to this LHS for servicing. But otherwise, I usually I lubricate them myself as above.

Thanks,
Rob

I had to test my new workbench, so decided to see how buildable a simple signal would be. I guess I should warn you of the poor graphics and photography.

The plan:
Making use of the directionality of LEDs, one needs only two wires to have two leds light up in two different ways, by changing polarity. As building in N makes it difficult to hide unnecessary wiring, this seems like a good thing. LEDs have the nice tendency to come with legs which could double as a post to put the signal on, they are a bit on the short side, but I guess they could be repaced by brass rod without too much trouble. As these signals are mostly for testing and practising purposes, I didn't worry about that. Also the bottom LED is sunnywhite (too bright, too) and not green as it should. The two posts are connected with bits of styrene rod which especially after painting hides the fact that they are only pieces of the LED.
   

Here proof that the signals work. Also proof that they are a bit too short next to the coach.
   

Hi All,

After seeing a plan ( MR Oct 2007 N scale Great Northern Ry) layout size 21'' X 42'' iwuold like to do something similar for the living room in a coffee table no bigger than 4FT X 2ft and am looking for ideas of other plans and layouts .... using a table anyone ideas where best to find designs and ideas ?

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Can you tell I am never done fixing my plans?

My last plan was something I really could of done things with, but ran intoa few problems: lack of experience with laying flex made my layout incredibly unreliable. Nothing could get around the layout with derailing at least 3 times. Not to mention I put in an Sbend that really messed up passenger traffic.... Then, I started getting sick of the duck under to get into the room.

So the above plan is how I combat it.

This is currently in the concept stages. And the track is pretty much all gonna be Kato Unitrack due to the reliability.


blue = mainline
green = coach yard
red = freight yard
yellow = engine mtc

I'm finding Winrail9 to be a real pain in the arse... What has been laid out physically (coach yard, mainline) does not work properly in Winrail9.... ITS SNAP TRACK!!!!!!


Anyways, it will give you a decent idea of what I'm doing here.


The engine mtc facility is largely incomplete. There is one track off the main line that is the "coal" track for the coaling tower. There will be a separate track off the turntable that will switch into a pair of running tracks into the coal tower that does not connect to the rest of the layout.... for space reasons unfortunately.


The green coach yard is where Winrail9 does its dirty dead and really messes things up. There should be two tracks that are connected on both ends, then a stub end track as well.

The mainline is going to lead to a helix that will take it to a second level. But I got this awesome 2x9 area that I wanna put a town in, some hills, and even have the track cross over itself. So I'm thinking a branch line... but I'm at a loss of how to get there... the white tracks is where i'm starting my concept.

The freight section is going to be peco turnouts and atlas flex track, code 80 all the way around. Being straight and level track, I should have no problems with the flex. But it should also give me enough room to put down most of my rolling stock or all of it.


The orange section is the benchwork as its constructed currently. I can squeeze the north section to a 30" depth if I need too... but right now I'm pretty happy with the reaches.

how do I post in the gallery?

India ink. What's up with this stuff? I've heard a lot of modelers refer to it but as of yet, I've never used it and so am unfamiliar with it. I'm nearly finished with three structures for my layout and I'm at the point where I'm starting to think about how best to weather them. Let's hear your opinion and see some examples of your work using it!