I am new to using foam on a layout and have learned a few things along the way. First the tools you need are pretty simple. About the only special tool you need is a Surform tool , but even then a heavy rasp may work just as well.    
I am using 1 inch foam for my layout it can be cut by scoring and snapping like styrene.        
It can also be cut with a hot knife, but that makes a lot of very stinky smoke that probably is not to good for you. "I try to avoid it."

Hi Guys,

I've been offered a Proto 2000 SW9/1200 IN U.P. paint and would like to know what do these locos perform like as several videos i've seen they look good especially with sound.

Has anyone done a hardwire decoder install on one and any problems with doing it ? i looked on the TCS site in the installs section and it looks pretty straightforward using an M1.

As some have you may have saw in a post im getting into steam locos with my wife. yup she done it, she wanted steam and after seeing pics on here i couldnt help myself yet i still want diesel....... So whats a railroader to do????? comprimise (transition era) hehehe. Problem i face is getting rail cars for that era (1940-1953) in n scale that is. Can any one help with this problem of getting cars around that era????

Many people don't understand the nature of the freedom we have. They think that if we are free, there shouldn't be an army, or any other military force. COME ON PEOPLE! WAKE UP! It's because of the army and other military forces the you have this precious commodity called freedom. There are people in other parts of the world who would give their lives to have just a little of the freedom you have. I'm a 48 year old disabled veteran and I love the USA. I would gladly give my life to keep this country free. I'm passing the torch of freedom to you. It's time for you to do your part to keep this country of ours free. Maybe after you have a taste of military life, you'll realize what kind of price has been paid for you to enjoy all this. Where else can you openly insult the leader of the nation you live in on national TV. I've lived in parts of the world where people are imprisoned simply for speaking out against taxes. Thank your lucky stars you don't live there. You live in the freest nation on the face of the earth. Enjoy it. But remember, a tremendous cost has been paid for you to do this. This Memorial Day weekend, please remember those who paid the ultimate price and those that are fighting for your freedom at this very moment.

I served in the US Army, 5th Infantry Division, 105th S&T Bn, Co B, Ft. Polk, Louisiana as a truck driver (64C10-70, light, heavy) and I'm proud of it!

I'm also listed on a memorial at the Vernon Parish Veteran's Park in Leesville, Louisiana.





My name is circled in red here.

My parents names are listed also.

Freedom Isn't free!

Inspired by Josh (Trucklover) and a sale on Walthers Modulars components, I am building a structure based on the 3-story building plans found here -> <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.walthers.com/exec/page/modulars/3story">http://www.walthers.com/exec/page/modulars/3story</a><!-- m -->

I have enlarged the building, giving it a bigger indoor unloading space for rail, and turned the "back" of the building into the front by moving the main entrance doors.

I need some suggestions for what this industry does. At this point in the planning process , it will feature:

• indoor loading/unloading for rail and trucks
  
• outdoor loading unloading for rail and trucks (no specific unloading dock for rail though)
  
• freight elevator from outside ground level
  
• outside winch from dock level
  
• chimneys
  
• roof vents
  
• skylights on some of the flat roof
  
• a water tower
  
• no other outbuidlings planned (not yet anyway)
  
• no onsite power supply (i.e. it's attached to power in the "regular" way)
  
• no special unloading facilities (e.g. tank car or hopper unloading) are visible - could be inside though

I was discussing superelevation of curves over on the Model Railroader site, and, after suggesting a method of achieving it, was asked to show a video demonstration of its affect on a train. I at first declined, as I'm not a big fan of videos, and unfamiliar with making them. However, the idea of how to best show the principle in action intrigued me, and, after several attempts, I came up with the following two offerings. The image quality is poor, and it's up to the viewer to decide if the effect is even noticeable:




If you're interested in the discussion, you can check it out HERE.

Wayne

...well, more like across the river. Caught these photos while attempting some fishing.

Anyway, a train of newly painted or newly re-painted cars heading east over the Maitland River. Paint is PollyScale, with C-D-S dry transfer lettering, except as noted, and Floquil weathering. Re-weigh/re-pack data from Champ.

The "lucky" 26 is on the point today:


along with the 27:


Accurail 7-panel boxcar, modified to a double door type:


Accurail 9-panel boxcar, with C-D-S custom lettering:


Train Miniature X-29-style boxcar, Champ decals:


Accurail:


A pair of Train Miniature 7-panel boxcars:




more Acccurail cars:






Train Miniature:




Accurail, again:








Train Miniature:


Accurail:


Some more Train Miniature:




An Athearn car:


Accurail:


Train Miniature:


Accurail:


Some more Train Miniature:










And, finally, Train Miniature, with Champ decals:




Now, to get back to the fishin'.

Wayne

Just wondering what the smallest prototypical curve is in HO? Is 18"R too tight to be realistic?

At this stage, I have no choice but to use 18"R and even 15 to 17"R curves (due to lack of space) but it would be nice, one day, to have more realistic curve radii on my layout.

Thanks,
Rob