https://bigbluetrains.com/ Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:35:05 +0000 MyBB 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: 145) ]]>
Bruce


  wpma-40 7-3.jpg (Size: 187.2 KB / Downloads: 145) ]]> 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: 99)

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

  NAR crane and idler3.jpg (Size: 182.14 KB / Downloads: 99)

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
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]]> 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: 282) ]]>
Bruce


  wpma-40 cr9616 pier34.jpg (Size: 149.35 KB / Downloads: 282) ]]> 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: 163)


  IMG_0071.JPEG (Size: 194.98 KB / Downloads: 163)

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: 176)


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  IMG_0075.JPEG (Size: 178.75 KB / Downloads: 164)


  IMG_0076.JPEG (Size: 190.37 KB / Downloads: 168)


  IMG_0077.JPEG (Size: 194.46 KB / Downloads: 169) ]]>

  IMG_0070.JPEG (Size: 199.97 KB / Downloads: 163)


  IMG_0071.JPEG (Size: 194.98 KB / Downloads: 163)

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: 176)


  IMG_0073.JPEG (Size: 187.64 KB / Downloads: 184)


  IMG_0074.JPEG (Size: 180.77 KB / Downloads: 157)


  IMG_0075.JPEG (Size: 178.75 KB / Downloads: 164)


  IMG_0076.JPEG (Size: 190.37 KB / Downloads: 168)


  IMG_0077.JPEG (Size: 194.46 KB / Downloads: 169) ]]> 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: 351)

However when I opened the box I had my doubts.


  DSCF1906.JPG (Size: 350.36 KB / Downloads: 343)

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: 357)

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: 353)

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: 366)

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: 371)

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: 351)

However when I opened the box I had my doubts.


  DSCF1906.JPG (Size: 350.36 KB / Downloads: 343)

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: 357)

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: 353)

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: 366)

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: 371)

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: 293)


  009.jpg (Size: 166.79 KB / Downloads: 299)

Bruce]]>

  007.jpg (Size: 178.68 KB / Downloads: 293)


  009.jpg (Size: 166.79 KB / Downloads: 299)

Bruce]]>