Search found 401 matches

by Mike_R
Sun Nov 11, 2012 11:05 pm
Forum: Track
Topic: Track level
Replies: 6
Views: 22748

Track level

After a bit of a problem with the super-elevation on my module at the Broadclyst meeting yesterday, I was trying to figure out how to measure it. I then remembered I had an app on my iPod to measure gradients. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/kevin-snow/id305581830 Placing the iPod on the track wa...
by Mike_R
Wed Nov 07, 2012 11:17 am
Forum: General modelling topics
Topic: Photos and Copyright
Replies: 6
Views: 11707

Re: Photos and Copyright

You could put a copyright on the photo. I don't let original versions out, they are cropped or resolution lowered. Then if I had to I could prove mine was the original. PECO allowed you to use their photos of your layout, so long as it was not for another publication and was attributed to PECO and t...
by Mike_R
Tue Nov 06, 2012 2:15 pm
Forum: DCC Topics
Topic: DCC loco decoders.
Replies: 23
Views: 29662

Re: DCC loco decoders.

Koos Turbo or non-turbo is definitely the biggest difference, number of cylinders and engine model (same manufacturer) is not as noticeable. In fact I've used the wrong engine because it sounds more like those on videos than the right one. Remember two of us in the WU have programmers. Probably all ...
by Mike_R
Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:01 pm
Forum: DCC Topics
Topic: DCC loco decoders.
Replies: 23
Views: 29662

Re: DCC loco decoders.

The GP35 is listed under the EMD 567 engine, it doesn't say if that has a turbo or number of cylinders. Some projects have multiple engine selections. Another possibility is the EMD645EF, which is turbo 16 cylinder but a more modern engine. A 16-567D is on the to do list. The good think with the Lok...
by Mike_R
Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:34 pm
Forum: DCC Topics
Topic: DCC loco decoders.
Replies: 23
Views: 29662

Re: DCC loco decoders.

I bought my Selects from Digitrains, but they are £90 for the six output version. They come as standard (4 or 6 outputs), micro or direct. The direct fits Athearn and others, see here: http://www.esu.eu/en/products/loksound/loksound-select-direct/ Check here for the sound projects available: http://...
by Mike_R
Sat Nov 03, 2012 3:11 pm
Forum: Loco & Rolling Stock
Topic: Indiana Railroad SD9043MACs
Replies: 9
Views: 14181

Re: Indiana Railroad SD9043MACs

My one UP SD90 has a speaker mounted in the dynamic brake area,with a large sealed area behind, makes a good sound. I'm not convinced by the use of stay-alives, it is rare that I have a loco cut out. If they do it is normally a pickup problem or very dirty wheel issue. I have re-worked pickups and t...
by Mike_R
Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:10 am
Forum: DCC Topics
Topic: RDC (P1K) Sound
Replies: 16
Views: 28935

Re: RDC (P1K) Sound

There are a few YouTube videos of RDCs, but I suspect not with original engines. I did ride them, Vancouver to Prince George and Vancouver Island, 25 years ago. If only I had a video camera back then! I do have a few stills. http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm127/mikeruby_photos/Prototype/Exeter-1...
by Mike_R
Thu Nov 01, 2012 2:51 pm
Forum: DCC Topics
Topic: RDC (P1K) Sound
Replies: 16
Views: 28935

Re: RDC (P1K) Sound

I think the diesel sound was from a German railcar. It is set up so stopped it idles, on pulling away it revs to a fixed speed, until it reaches a set speed when it drops revs and the revs then increase with speed. Slowing down it goes back to idle, with a bit of brake squeal as comes to a halt. I d...
by Mike_R
Sun Oct 28, 2012 8:58 pm
Forum: General modelling topics
Topic: Striving to being closer to the Prototype
Replies: 5
Views: 11236

Re: Striving to being closer to the Prototype

I'm trying to stay within the norm. I have commonly used cars and locos. My trains are shorter than the prototype, I don't have prototype space! My long trains are 20+ cars, locals are 10 to 12 cars, so about 25% of the prototype. If my operations become more frequent I may add occasional MOW trains...
by Mike_R
Sun Oct 28, 2012 7:51 pm
Forum: Modular Topics
Topic: Modules v Boards
Replies: 6
Views: 11773

Re: Modules v Boards

Interesting idea to make the boards so interchangeable. I'm not sure if that compromises the layout too much. Wouldn't it make scenery hard to do as all joins would have to be the same? All tracks would have to be the same standard, I would lay sidings and spurs to a lower standard than the mainline...
by Mike_R
Sat Oct 27, 2012 7:22 pm
Forum: Modular Topics
Topic: Modules v Boards
Replies: 6
Views: 11773

Re: Modules v Boards

There is another option, I suppose, and that is to arrange your track plan so that it's possible to be able to rearrange your boards within the module, so you have fixed module ends but variety in between. 11th Avenue was designed that way. The middle join has all tracks crossing at 90 degrees, so ...
by Mike_R
Fri Oct 26, 2012 10:44 pm
Forum: Modular Topics
Topic: Modules v Boards
Replies: 6
Views: 11773

Re: Modules v Boards

A track plan would give us a better idea.

My HO modules have a board added on one end (with several tracks) to one end to allow them to be used alone.

Mike Ruby
by Mike_R
Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:35 pm
Forum: My Layout
Topic: North Fork Springs
Replies: 32
Views: 72588

Lumber spur

Thanks Dan The old spur had a single track, the new two tracks, takes more cars. That improves the layout operation as the spur kept getting too many cars. The end of the buildings take up very little space, but give the impression of more. I'm going to a similar thing to the Quarry corner. The remo...
by Mike_R
Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:06 pm
Forum: My Layout
Topic: BNSF Horsethief Bridge N Scale
Replies: 7
Views: 17426

Re: BNSF Horsethief Bridge N Scale

I double checked that your layout was N!
Very impressed.

Mike Ruby
by Mike_R
Thu Oct 25, 2012 8:24 pm
Forum: My Layout
Topic: North Fork Springs
Replies: 32
Views: 72588

North Fork Springs

My layout North Fork Springs is based in Northern California / Oregon, with a mix of the ex-SP Cascade and Siskiyou lines. This will be the most scenic part. The top of the mountains are about 7' from the floor, the layout starts at 5' high. http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm127/mikeruby_photos/N...