Search found 401 matches

by Mike_R
Tue Oct 23, 2012 8:13 pm
Forum: Buildings and Scenery
Topic: Cheap Sources for Scenic Materials
Replies: 5
Views: 10438

Re: Cheap Sources for Scenic Materials

My little 3" bench sander makes really fine sawdust.
For the wood chips I use a rasp.

Mike Ruby
by Mike_R
Mon Oct 22, 2012 7:43 pm
Forum: DCC Topics
Topic: Slot Max?
Replies: 3
Views: 7931

Re: Slot Max?

I'm not a Digitrax user, but I think you need to dispatch locos from slots to free them.
Doesn't slot max just set the number of slots.
I think there is also an Opsw that clears the loco memory.

Mike Ruby
by Mike_R
Mon Oct 22, 2012 6:23 pm
Forum: Track
Topic: Handlaid Track
Replies: 8
Views: 25097

Re: Handlaid Track

Code 100 spike heads are a bit long for smaller rail. That was all I could get 25 years ago. When I did the logging line I cut the heads in half, you need the spike to go in close to the rail base to hold the rail in gauge. On plastic track I use the full head as the gauge is held by the ties. Yes I...
by Mike_R
Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:56 pm
Forum: Track
Topic: Handlaid Track
Replies: 8
Views: 25097

Re: Handlaid Track

My track on Pine Point Mill used balsa ties, cut from 4" wide sheets, spikes can be easily pushed through them. The rail is Shinohara code 70 and PECO code 75. http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm127/mikeruby_photos/Pine%20point/Pine-point12.jpg I find that you need to support a spike well whe...
by Mike_R
Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:17 pm
Forum: Buildings and Scenery
Topic: Cheap Sources for Scenic Materials
Replies: 5
Views: 10438

Re: Cheap Sources for Scenic Materials

I use both sawdust and wood chips. On my chip loader there are large chips going up the conveyor to the chipper and the results lie on the ground around the loader. These chips are used to make loads for the wood chip cars. The ballast (not much on these tracks!) is sieved from sharp sand and gives ...
by Mike_R
Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:32 pm
Forum: Track
Topic: Kato HO Unitrack
Replies: 4
Views: 18224

Re: Kato HO Unitrack

I didn't mean to say it was wrong to use set track, what ever works for you. I draw out my plans first that gives me an idea if it is possible, now I also do a plan in a CAD track planning program, they don't let you cheat as easily! Once I get to the actual track laying I lay track turnouts etc. in...
by Mike_R
Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:48 pm
Forum: Modular Topics
Topic: 11th Avenue
Replies: 53
Views: 120511

11th Avenue

11th Avenue was built over ten years ago. It was built to the NMRA(BR) three track standard. I'm now adding a board to convert it to the new single track standard. It was started when we still used D.C. so has a control panel to switch track power blocks, this is now useful to allow it to assign dif...
by Mike_R
Sat Oct 20, 2012 8:28 pm
Forum: Operations
Topic: Car Cards & way bills
Replies: 19
Views: 45830

Re: Car Cards & way bills

I make my car cards in Lotus, still haven't persuaded Open Office to handle photos in the data base. So have to run it in Parallels on my Mac. I do have an Open Office drawing that the photo and information are added manually. The photos and car information can all be altered. The Lotus version take...
by Mike_R
Sat Oct 20, 2012 8:07 pm
Forum: Loco & Rolling Stock
Topic: Kadees for KATO locos
Replies: 3
Views: 6858

Re: Kadees for KATO locos

I agree with Brian, I use Nos 58, just cut off the "ears" and the box fits the Kato mount.

Mike Ruby
by Mike_R
Sat Oct 20, 2012 7:55 pm
Forum: Track
Topic: Kato HO Unitrack
Replies: 4
Views: 18224

No fixed track

I'm not a fan of fixed track having last used sectional track when a teenager. I did hand lay one layout, Pine Point Mill, the rest are with PECO or Shinohara flex track. I do chop up turnouts and bend them to my requirements, having been known to straighten curved turnouts and bend straight ones! M...
by Mike_R
Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:33 pm
Forum: Painting, Decalling and Weathering
Topic: Paint Markers
Replies: 5
Views: 28430

Paint Markers

I have been weathering my trucks and wheels with acrylic paint markers.
I use dark brown or brown with 2mm tips. They are also good for painting structures, rails and ties.

http://www.londongraphics.co.uk/product ... /20/page/1

Mike Ruby