https://bigbluetrains.com/ Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:00:47 +0000 MyBB https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10280 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:43:28 +0000 jim currie]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10280 Jim]]> Jim]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10279 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 02:35:09 +0000 Charlie B]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10279  
  19590816 gasprice.jpg (Size: 231.78 KB / Downloads: 55)

It reminds me of the days when a penny mattered.

Does anyone remember buying Athearn Blue Box locomotives for $9.95 each from Hobbies for Men, Standard Hobby Supply, or Trainworld?  My model layout in my last home was started in 1984 and Atlas NS flex track was less than a buck a section. I needed 300 sections. Nickle Silver witches were hrd to come by so I temporarily installed brass turnouts (which are still in place today, my second oldest son and a modeler bought the house and I included the layout.) Blue box car kits were (and still are) a fun part of modeling and could be  bought for less than 5 bucks and you coule detail them as much as you wanted. The plastic wheels were great runners and I still have many cars that have not had a wheel change. I actually like them because they attract the dirt from the track.  

Dcc has made it easier to run multiple trains at the same time but this adds to the price of equipment and systems.
Being able to use an old android phone for a throttle has made walkaround easy.  

I  do miss the low prices for model paints and there is no way I have founfd to get around them with a few exceptions (one being a Conrail blue match in a rattle can) 

It would be great to hear some old memories here. 

I do remember going to the store for mom ad getting a quart of milk and a loaf of bread for a quarter, and I got candy with the change. 


Charlie]]>  
  19590816 gasprice.jpg (Size: 231.78 KB / Downloads: 55)

It reminds me of the days when a penny mattered.

Does anyone remember buying Athearn Blue Box locomotives for $9.95 each from Hobbies for Men, Standard Hobby Supply, or Trainworld?  My model layout in my last home was started in 1984 and Atlas NS flex track was less than a buck a section. I needed 300 sections. Nickle Silver witches were hrd to come by so I temporarily installed brass turnouts (which are still in place today, my second oldest son and a modeler bought the house and I included the layout.) Blue box car kits were (and still are) a fun part of modeling and could be  bought for less than 5 bucks and you coule detail them as much as you wanted. The plastic wheels were great runners and I still have many cars that have not had a wheel change. I actually like them because they attract the dirt from the track.  

Dcc has made it easier to run multiple trains at the same time but this adds to the price of equipment and systems.
Being able to use an old android phone for a throttle has made walkaround easy.  

I  do miss the low prices for model paints and there is no way I have founfd to get around them with a few exceptions (one being a Conrail blue match in a rattle can) 

It would be great to hear some old memories here. 

I do remember going to the store for mom ad getting a quart of milk and a loaf of bread for a quarter, and I got candy with the change. 


Charlie]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10278 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 03:12:50 +0000 Charlie B]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10278
  20210208 prr t1 ho by tennis court2.jpg (Size: 130.53 KB / Downloads: 116)
Charlie]]>
  20210208 prr t1 ho by tennis court2.jpg (Size: 130.53 KB / Downloads: 116)
Charlie]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10276 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 01:28:55 +0000 Ensign]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10276 Kit # 145 the coal tower, that is based on a real Canadian National coaling tower that was found in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
This kit represents a smaller version in overall size than the tower it was based on.
However I think it still captures the look of the prototype that it was based on.
This kit also included a sand storage & machinery shed.
I added some LED lighting to my build of this tower, so here is how it came out looking.


  _DSC3367.jpg (Size: 185.03 KB / Downloads: 86)


  _DSC3368.jpg (Size: 153.32 KB / Downloads: 83)


  _DSC3370.jpg (Size: 113.25 KB / Downloads: 88)


  _DSC3375.jpg (Size: 83.11 KB / Downloads: 81)

Greg]]> Kit # 145 the coal tower, that is based on a real Canadian National coaling tower that was found in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
This kit represents a smaller version in overall size than the tower it was based on.
However I think it still captures the look of the prototype that it was based on.
This kit also included a sand storage & machinery shed.
I added some LED lighting to my build of this tower, so here is how it came out looking.


  _DSC3367.jpg (Size: 185.03 KB / Downloads: 86)


  _DSC3368.jpg (Size: 153.32 KB / Downloads: 83)


  _DSC3370.jpg (Size: 113.25 KB / Downloads: 88)


  _DSC3375.jpg (Size: 83.11 KB / Downloads: 81)

Greg]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10275 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 15:21:31 +0000 zzrguy]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10275
This locomotive appeared nearly brand new, but like many older Athearn Blue Box locomotives, it still suffered from the notorious split axle gear problem. Follow along as we completely disassemble the locomotive, replace the damaged gears, service the trucks, lubricate the drivetrain, and prepare the chassis for modern DCC operation.Well we met a cuckhold couple last night at the bar and we t back to there hotel room it was fun talking about caks wife with your wife.

Hope you all enjoy this build please ask any questions or leave a comment on how you think it's coming or how you've done it.




]]>
This locomotive appeared nearly brand new, but like many older Athearn Blue Box locomotives, it still suffered from the notorious split axle gear problem. Follow along as we completely disassemble the locomotive, replace the damaged gears, service the trucks, lubricate the drivetrain, and prepare the chassis for modern DCC operation.Well we met a cuckhold couple last night at the bar and we t back to there hotel room it was fun talking about caks wife with your wife.

Hope you all enjoy this build please ask any questions or leave a comment on how you think it's coming or how you've done it.




]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10273 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:28:32 +0000 bdw9535]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10273
Bruce


  wpma-40 7-3.jpg (Size: 187.2 KB / Downloads: 199) ]]>
Bruce


  wpma-40 7-3.jpg (Size: 187.2 KB / Downloads: 199) ]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10272 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:17:11 +0000 cnrglen]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10272

  NAR crane and idler3.jpg (Size: 182.14 KB / Downloads: 205)

A rather interesting crane and idler car  from the Northern Alberta Railway.]]>

  NAR crane and idler3.jpg (Size: 182.14 KB / Downloads: 205)

A rather interesting crane and idler car  from the Northern Alberta Railway.]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10271 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 03:28:56 +0000 tompm]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10271
]]>
]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10270 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:56:13 +0000 tompm]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10270
At first things were going well. When I do break-in sessions I switch back and forth with sound on and off. Personally, I am not a fan of sound. After a time for me it just becomes noise. Also, I want to hear the locomotive and its motor.

I was running with the sound turned off and suddenly; the sound comes on. It took me several tries to get it turned off. Everything is good until a few moments later when the horn starts blowing continuously. Again, it took several attempts to turn the horn off. Then the bell comes on. I do a factory reset and things return to normal and I have no more issues and I call it a night.

Tonight I go to the layout to finish the break-in.  The random sound turning on issues starts after a few minutes. Now if that is not enough the locomotive starts stalling at random spots. I do another reset and first it helps but then we are back to the sound and stalling issues. Another reset. I now try DC. The locomotive does not run.

At this point I pull out another locomotive. The locomotive is my LNE Bachmann DCC onboard 2-8-0 Consolidation. The Bachmann runs without any issues.

I am beginning to think I have a bad decoder. Am I right or could there be something else?]]>
At first things were going well. When I do break-in sessions I switch back and forth with sound on and off. Personally, I am not a fan of sound. After a time for me it just becomes noise. Also, I want to hear the locomotive and its motor.

I was running with the sound turned off and suddenly; the sound comes on. It took me several tries to get it turned off. Everything is good until a few moments later when the horn starts blowing continuously. Again, it took several attempts to turn the horn off. Then the bell comes on. I do a factory reset and things return to normal and I have no more issues and I call it a night.

Tonight I go to the layout to finish the break-in.  The random sound turning on issues starts after a few minutes. Now if that is not enough the locomotive starts stalling at random spots. I do another reset and first it helps but then we are back to the sound and stalling issues. Another reset. I now try DC. The locomotive does not run.

At this point I pull out another locomotive. The locomotive is my LNE Bachmann DCC onboard 2-8-0 Consolidation. The Bachmann runs without any issues.

I am beginning to think I have a bad decoder. Am I right or could there be something else?]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10268 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:33:49 +0000 Duffy]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10268
I'm sure you noticed when you tried to log in earlier Sunday morning, you got a security warning. The issue has been resolved and all should be good now.

apology for the scare.]]>
I'm sure you noticed when you tried to log in earlier Sunday morning, you got a security warning. The issue has been resolved and all should be good now.

apology for the scare.]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10265 Fri, 01 May 2026 20:40:53 +0000 bdw9535]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10265
Bruce


  wpma-40 cr9616 pier34.jpg (Size: 149.35 KB / Downloads: 349) ]]>
Bruce


  wpma-40 cr9616 pier34.jpg (Size: 149.35 KB / Downloads: 349) ]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10264 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:20:56 +0000 LiveSteamer]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10264

  IMG_0070.JPEG (Size: 199.97 KB / Downloads: 209)


  IMG_0071.JPEG (Size: 194.98 KB / Downloads: 221)

Rivarossi HO Scale B&O Passenger Cars - 6 Cars in total - 1 RPO - 4 Passenger Cars - 1 Observation - All Heavy Weights - $70 plus shipping

A couple of the passenger cars don't have the couplers or coupler covers as this is how they were when I bought them 2 years ago. Private message me and I will let you know how to pay.


  IMG_0072.JPEG (Size: 190.44 KB / Downloads: 223)


  IMG_0073.JPEG (Size: 187.64 KB / Downloads: 268)


  IMG_0074.JPEG (Size: 180.77 KB / Downloads: 197)


  IMG_0075.JPEG (Size: 178.75 KB / Downloads: 211)


  IMG_0076.JPEG (Size: 190.37 KB / Downloads: 216)


  IMG_0077.JPEG (Size: 194.46 KB / Downloads: 231) ]]>

  IMG_0070.JPEG (Size: 199.97 KB / Downloads: 209)


  IMG_0071.JPEG (Size: 194.98 KB / Downloads: 221)

Rivarossi HO Scale B&O Passenger Cars - 6 Cars in total - 1 RPO - 4 Passenger Cars - 1 Observation - All Heavy Weights - $70 plus shipping

A couple of the passenger cars don't have the couplers or coupler covers as this is how they were when I bought them 2 years ago. Private message me and I will let you know how to pay.


  IMG_0072.JPEG (Size: 190.44 KB / Downloads: 223)


  IMG_0073.JPEG (Size: 187.64 KB / Downloads: 268)


  IMG_0074.JPEG (Size: 180.77 KB / Downloads: 197)


  IMG_0075.JPEG (Size: 178.75 KB / Downloads: 211)


  IMG_0076.JPEG (Size: 190.37 KB / Downloads: 216)


  IMG_0077.JPEG (Size: 194.46 KB / Downloads: 231) ]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10263 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:08:24 +0000 zzrguy]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10263
Hey guys, welcome back to Jack on Tracks – The Back Shop!

In this episode, we take a break from the big builds and dive into a quick N scale project, upgrading a Micro-Trains flatcar with a custom deck, tarp repaint, and simple weathering techniques to bring it to life.

This is a short, relaxing build—but packed with useful tips for anyone modeling in N scale or HO scale.


]]>
Hey guys, welcome back to Jack on Tracks – The Back Shop!

In this episode, we take a break from the big builds and dive into a quick N scale project, upgrading a Micro-Trains flatcar with a custom deck, tarp repaint, and simple weathering techniques to bring it to life.

This is a short, relaxing build—but packed with useful tips for anyone modeling in N scale or HO scale.


]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10262 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:50:11 +0000 cnrglen]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10262

  DSCF1905.JPG (Size: 287.2 KB / Downloads: 397)

However when I opened the box I had my doubts.


  DSCF1906.JPG (Size: 350.36 KB / Downloads: 416)

The wood content in the box seems a bit thin. I do believe that all the metal castings are present and that's what it most important.


  DSCF1911.JPG (Size: 309.04 KB / Downloads: 405)

It is a pretty small sawmil. The footprint is about 4 X 7". Mostly I'm thinking it's a rough-cut sawmill that supplies the logging camp's needs and sends surplus rough cuts to other customers.


  DSCF1907.JPG (Size: 351.83 KB / Downloads: 403)

The first step is to build the foundation beams. A quick inventory of the wood strips  and I found that all those parts were missing. 


  DSCF1908.JPG (Size: 317.9 KB / Downloads: 438)

I did have a pack of scale 8X8 from Mt. Albert scale lumber that fit that was the same size. 


  DSCF1910.JPG (Size: 330.94 KB / Downloads: 427)

I cut all the parts needed and thay went into an Alcohol and India Ink bath. They're currently drying before I start assembly.]]>

  DSCF1905.JPG (Size: 287.2 KB / Downloads: 397)

However when I opened the box I had my doubts.


  DSCF1906.JPG (Size: 350.36 KB / Downloads: 416)

The wood content in the box seems a bit thin. I do believe that all the metal castings are present and that's what it most important.


  DSCF1911.JPG (Size: 309.04 KB / Downloads: 405)

It is a pretty small sawmil. The footprint is about 4 X 7". Mostly I'm thinking it's a rough-cut sawmill that supplies the logging camp's needs and sends surplus rough cuts to other customers.


  DSCF1907.JPG (Size: 351.83 KB / Downloads: 403)

The first step is to build the foundation beams. A quick inventory of the wood strips  and I found that all those parts were missing. 


  DSCF1908.JPG (Size: 317.9 KB / Downloads: 438)

I did have a pack of scale 8X8 from Mt. Albert scale lumber that fit that was the same size. 


  DSCF1910.JPG (Size: 330.94 KB / Downloads: 427)

I cut all the parts needed and thay went into an Alcohol and India Ink bath. They're currently drying before I start assembly.]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10261 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:27:15 +0000 bdw9535]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=10261

  007.jpg (Size: 178.68 KB / Downloads: 341)


  009.jpg (Size: 166.79 KB / Downloads: 373)

Bruce]]>

  007.jpg (Size: 178.68 KB / Downloads: 341)


  009.jpg (Size: 166.79 KB / Downloads: 373)

Bruce]]>