- New Product Reviews and opinions

Plug for Clever Models

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 23:55:12 +0000

Haven't scoured the forums on this site to see if anyone else has discovered Clever Models structures http://www.clevermodels.net/. These are print your own paper models in any scale (to O). There is some initial investment (card stock, an inkjet printer, some sharp blades, gap filling Insta-Cure glue, some Sharpies), but once you have those basics, you order your design, print it, cut and assemble. I'd love if they had more kits, but their stuff is very adaptable and scratchbuild ready. Prices are really quite reasonable, and if you don't like what you've built, print it and try again (FOR FREE!) - make as many of the same thing as you like. I've attached some pictures of some of my builds.
paper2.jpg (Size: 359.16 KB / Downloads: 1114) - is their small machine shop I think - adapted the LVRR sign on the front by sizing something I found on the internet.

paper1.jpg (Size: 302.72 KB / Downloads: 948) both the garage on the left, the Oil and Fuel tanks (got those as Freebies on the site) and the green house in the background are Clever kits.

Are there better examples? Sure! I'm just getting started building these kits, and that's one of the beauties of the kits, you can always decide you can do better and print out another one to hone your skills.

Dwarvin Lighting System

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 23:16:18 +0000

Has anyone had experience with the new fiber optic Dwarvin lighting system? I'm interested in your take on it and how it's performing for you.

Thanks!

Walthers Plymouth ML-8 in DC version

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 23:42:43 +0000

Thought I'd share some info on this.
All the reviews I found on line were for the DCC equipped model, which looks to operate very nicely.
I wasn't sure whether it would operate alright on DC, couldn't find any specific info on that.
My layout is DC, and I'm just not ready to convert my locos to DCC just yet.

Saw this DC version at Pacific Rim Hobbies in Port Angeles WA, and got to test one. I ended up buying it. I also tested a Trackmobile model, but it only had one end with an operating coupler. Physically, the ML8 is a nice little model. As a tiny switcher, it will most likely be used at slow speed moving only a couple cars. The DCC videos look great, but what about DC?

Some observations on the DC version:
This model prefers clean track.
I use Code 83 atlas snap track and snap switches. There are some pickup issues in switches between points and frog. The demo track I tested at the shop was wired for both DC and DCC; it had feeder wires soldered to every rail joiner. I suspect my performance would improve with more consistent power in the moveable points. Also the short wheelbase allows for it sometimes not riding straight along the rails. The little critter can be rotated slightly when setting on straight track. This can affect electrical pickup.

I've run it a bit over an hour total in break in mode on my own layout.
Following that, here are the timed performances as follows:

7 volts: 18.6 mph (scale)
6 volts: 16.3 mph --runs ok thru snap switches
5 volts: 12.8 mph --usually runs ok thru snap switches
4 volts: 7.8 mph --some stalls in 11 trials, usually ok if going thru the straight part
3.75 V: 6.0 mph --some stuttering on straight track; stalled 2 out of 6 runs, between points and frogs.

Speed was estimated by stop watch over 35 inches, with turnouts at each end.
Calcs based on multiple runs, using this formula from a Bachmann forum:
Scale MPH = ((L x F/12)/5280) x 3600/T; where
L is length of travel in inches
F is scale factor (e.g. 87.1)
T is time in seconds

If I knew the DCC model one could be run on DC ok, I probably would have gotten the DCC one if only for the keep-alive capacitor. But I do like the loco, I'll just have to nurse it through switches with a little more power. It's a very attractive little thing. Actually, amazingly tiny next to regular rolling stock.

Hope this is useful.

Organ Mountain Models

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 16:48:45 +0000

Hello all, Thanks for looking at this post and I have put up a video and a new channel on YouTube.
Take a look if you would.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ofZLY_0iWw

Thanks , Mike

Bullfrog snott

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 02:58:25 +0000

The only problem I have with this product is it has to cure over night before it can be put to the rails, It is a liqud silicon rubber used to make traction tires, it is easy to apply as you do not have to disassemble the locomotive just take a tiny glob with a tooth pick and put into the traction tire groove make sure you get it all around the wheel by powering up just enough to turn the wheels. Strange name but it works great.

Monster Model & Laser Works

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:17:04 +0000

I was at the Western Prototype Modeler's meet in San Bernardino on Saturday. I met a new vendor there who has some really amazing laser engraved products. His brick sheets are engraved in bass wood, and they show the grain when "naked", but as I watched him add various colored acrylic washes and blend them the grain disappeared and the brick work "came to life". He also makes laser cut security bars for windows out of a flexible material. Here is a link to the web site.

http://monstermodelworks.com/

Lone Star Models - Great customer service!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:01:14 +0000

I just had to share this, I bought a Lone Star models HO scale flat bed trailer via a shop in the UK through Walthers.

I bought it a while back but have only just opened it, it was factory built not a kit. The trailer had curve in the deck, so not a very flat, flat bed.

I emailed Lone Star, a couple of days later they came back, a quick couple questions to make sure they had the right product and they have already put a new one in the post.

They where not worried about sending it to the UK and from myself replying it was in the post 2 hours later!

Modern Image Buildings

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:58:14 +0000

One for UK based members only I'm afraid as the seller does not list overseas postage.

I've recently bought a couple of low relief warehouses on a well known internet auction site. They are card and scratch built so I only ordered one at first but when it arrived on Tuesday I was very pleased with the standard and had no hesitation in ordering a second one, which arrived this morning.

They are very well made with good clean cuts and square corners, what really impressed me is the texturing on the corrugated 'steel' upper sections of the warehouses.

This kind of industrial building can be seen on both sides of the Atlantic so I have no hesitation using these warehouses on an American layout even though they are made for the British market.

Note that the long thin building has cut-outs for doors. I emailed the seller to ask if he could supply this building without doors because it will be close to the running line and he said he had one in stock which would fit my needs, even though it was not listed on Ebay at the time. The models are reasonably priced, especially given the standard of modelling, and I would certainly recommend both the models and the standard of customer service too.

The link below will take you to the maker's listing on Ebay, at the time of writing this there are only N scale models listed but I'm led to understand that he also makes models in OO scale as well, which would make them useful on HO layouts.

Modern Image Buildings

Usual disclaimer - I have no connection with the vendor other than as a satified customer.

New Athearn announcement

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:59:07 +0000

Anyone care to guess what this will be? I am hoping for a GP38-2 :-)

Picture 4.png (Size: 170.5 KB / Downloads: 2018)

Athearn writes:

This Saturday, Athearn will announce an all-new Genesis® model at the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, MA. If you plan to attend the show, we invite you to join us at 10:00am EST in the Better Living Center – Section 127 for the unveiling. If you can’t make the show, check out the Athearn® Facebook® page (no need to join Facebook to view) Saturday morning for details including an in-depth video. Additional information including detailed product pictures along with the regularly scheduled January announcements will be available this Sunday at Athearn.com. We’ll also be sending a special AthearnNews.

Koos

iCar from Minuteman Scale Models

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:01:17 +0000

I've discovered yet another use for my iPhone - on car videos. This is pretty cool.

I found out about this car on the Model Rail Radio mailing list and podcast last year. Jason Reis from Des Moines, Iowa gave a sneak peak last autumn and I pestered him about it until Minuteman Scale Models finally released the design late last year. I went up to Trainfest in Milwaukee WI in November. Motrak models had a sample on display and was taking orders - so I ordered! Thanks Jeff! It finally arrived early this month.

It's a clever design that holds the iPhone (iPhone 4 or 4S will fit) on it's edge - an adjustable mirror then reflects down-track views into the camera on the back of the phone. The kit is laser cut and was pretty straight-forward to assemble, though I had to study the drawings a bit more than expected due to some unusual shapes related to the phone cradle being at an angle to the centerline of the car. It came with trucks, wheels and couplers - a nice addition. The kit was $27.95 - the manufactuers site is: http://www.minutemanscalemodels.com/product_p/87-10.htm.

This will probably replace my homemade carrier that I'd made to hold the phone for a level application (viewtopic.php?f=25&t=541). The phone not being inline with the track will introduce some error to the level indication, but not much.

My first video from the car and some photos:
Gallery:
http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/p605670246
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl31Idwr ... ature=plcp

Edits: added price and website links and some additional assembly information.

How to operate... by Lance

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:25:38 +0000

The new book "How to operate a modern era switching layout" by Lance Mindheim arrived today.
The book has the usual format and is 104 pages. The style of text composing, graphics and photos is also unchanged from previous books written by Lance.

The content of the book is an absolute "must know" if you want to do realistic operation. Most of the topics have been discussed here during the last month. I love the book because it puts all the lessons taught to me in hundreds of scattered forum posting in one easy to read book. I wish I would have had it at hand when I started US model railroading.
In my opinion Lance did a great job

Bowser C630 Alco engines

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:25:21 +0000

Do any of you have any comments from observations on the recent Bowser Executive line of the Alco C630 engines? Besides being a wonderfully detailed engine, I understand the motors are a bit noisey! Will additonial gear lube quite them down?
Eric

Athearn Genesis GP 15T-review

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 02:20:42 +0000

After months and months of waiting...finally i was able to purchase the CSX version of the Athearn genesis GP15T.I must say i am quite pleased with the detail of this engine.I don't think their is a detail part that this engine doesn't have.Performance wise,she's a very smooth runner,very nice slow speed operation,and suprisingly no gear noise at all.This engine is equipped with the Soundtraxx Tsunami 645 and the sound is excellent,but could be louder(IMHO).Their was a couple of issues with the engine itself,the bell was misaligned(see photo),and one of the top raidiator grilles was loose.

I was hesitant to purchase this engine because of the bad expierence i had when i purchased a Missouri pacific undecorated version.The speaker was installed "upside down,and their was alot of gear noise,so i sent it back to my supplier.

athearn gp15t-2.jpg (Size: 58.43 KB / Downloads: 1300)

athearn gp15t.jpg (Size: 58.71 KB / Downloads: 1281)

STEEL MILL COLOR GUIDE VOLUME TWO

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:22:16 +0000

Hi All

wanted to post this in case anyone is interested.I know there are a few steel mill modelers on here and wanted to share this. Yesterday I just picked up the new Morning Book entitled STEEL MILL COLOR GUIDE VOLUME TWO. It was just recently released this month.

The book is one fantastic read. It covers Steel Mills them self as well as other industries associated with the mills, such as mining, shipping and other type facilities. there are numerous photos of locomotives and rolling stock found in the mills too . The photos are all color and are absolutely fantastic and the captions are easy to read and informative. the book contains both old and newer types locomotives and rolling stock as well. i was pleased to see there a lot of the rare type equipment that is seldom seen or even photographed that is found in a mill type setting. Granted it is not a history type book of the mills , it is more of a book that if your just interested in seeing photos of the mills and other equipment used in the industry you will will really enjoy it .

Personally i think if you are a steel mill modeler or just interested in the industry itself or industries associated with it this book is well worth it and you will not be disappointed. as they always do Morning Sun did a great job on this book it's the type of book once you start to read it , its hard to put down.

Todd

TANK CARS VOLUME TWO BOOK

Wed, 11 May 2011 18:01:53 +0000

Just got the new book out from Morning Sun Books entitled "TANK CAR COLOR GUIDE VOLUME TWO". it is a very nice book , great photos and has some good information on the cars themself. this volume has primarily newer tank cars in it and is a great souce for modeling as well . volume one was very good but i think volume two is better.

Todd