Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Model Railroad Hobbyist 2017-03
Articles Listing

Publisher's Musings

The author is considering not using any under-the-layout turnout throwing mechanisms for his new layout, but rather flicking the turnout by hand using an embedded spring. Power-routing will be done with frog juicers.

MRH 2016 Survey, Are You Building a Layout?

They report that 80% of their readers are somehow involved in the building of a layout.

MRH Q-A-T

Topics covered are, materials used to fabricate electrical pickups, unknown items on a steam locomotive (reference photo included), and broken rail-cutting pliers.

DCC Impulses

The author starts a series on wireless DCC, covering radio-frequency-based controllers. The author covers the CVP Airwire system and using their T5000 throttle, the Tam Valley Depot DRS1 system, and the Stanton S-CAB system (the last one the author has no real experience with).

What's Neat with Ken Patterson

The supplement to his online video, this article covers the Woodland Scenics Just Plug system and installing it on his wharf/dock scene, an interview with James Wright (YouTube train product reviewer), and the SoundTraxx Tsunami 2 DCC sound decoder for steam engines.

Imagineering Column

The author describes how he scratchbuilt his freelance depot using Sintra PVC board and styrene, but not a step-by-step process, but rather as a means of showing how to start building something from scratch, and continue to learn. Many different examples are shown, such as engines, vehicles, detailing parts, etc.

Re-work a Plastic Steam Locomotive

The author describes a series of compromises he had to make to eventually create a 2-6-0 engine that ran well on his layout. Includes lots of construction detail photos. Once the engine ran well, he added many details, many of which were built from scratch, such as the cylinders. Prototype WI&M photos are included at the end of the article.

Nickerson Switching Puzzle

A theoretical switching scheme based on the author's real-world experience.

Modeling the B-27 Baggage Car

Using the Model Railroad Warehouse etched brass sides and ends for the B-27 Horse-Baggage car, and several other parts, the author describes how he built this B&O car (some prototype history is included). Includes many construction photos.

DCC Projects Using the Arduino

This article covers more advanced projects. Included are the DCC++ project with two Arduino boards to build a complete DCC command station, and a set of DCC decoders that you can build yourself (and using them for lights, motor, and animation control). Covers how to get printed circuit boards made. Includes a sidebar on what JMRI is.

First Look Column

Reviewed is the LogicRail Fusee PRO/M.