DC - Electrical
Wire for DC layouts
My apologies if this has been answered again and again, Google couldn't find it and neither could YouTube.
I am building a HO DC layout with zero plans to go DCC down the road. My layout consists of a 6 track freight yard that merges into the main line loop that has one siding and an additional dead end. I am using a dual cab controller (MRC Twinpack from the 70s it was my dad's) and Atlas Connectors to create a total of 6 blocks (3 per cab) My layout is two4x8 tables and a 2x6 table in a U shape.
A Different Way to Install Touch Toggles
I’m redoing my control panel to use the Touch Toggle products from Berrett Hill (www.touchtoggle.com) but I’m not using the usual process of taping them to the back of my printed track schematic. So I decided to post what I’m doing as I go along knowing that I will get some good ideas from others and maybe be of help to someone else. DISCLAIMER: I have no relationship with Berrett Hill other than as a very satisfied customer.
I look forward to your comments!
Allen
Back to Basics DC Walk Around With Memory
Im thinking of going back to basics with layout control. My layout is a simple single track branchline. The locomotives on the layout will be mainly Geared steam brass hence my desire to keep it simple.
Im looking to build 2 controllers that are DC only but with memory for continued operation when un plugeed and moving to the next point of the layout.
Does anyone have a simple DC control schematic with memory that they can recomend?
ALPINE RAILROAD IN NJ-LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS
I am asking the MHR community for some help in solving a problem I created with my choice of layout scenery. My layout was originally conceptualized 25 yrs ago as a much smaller layout with no intention of adding a backdrop or anything like that. I started this current version with the old idea then expanded it because I had the room to do so. Although I do plan on adding a backdrop at some point, I didn't take this into consideration when I stuck with the basics of how I originally thought the scenery would look.
ALPINE RAILROAD IN NJ-EVOLUTION IN PICS PART VII
When I last posted I had just completed adding rocks to the newest section of my layout. I flew to CA for vacation on 12/27 and am still here now in LA on business until Feb. Of course that means I don't get to work on the layout but before I left I took a few more photos to share after I had colored all the remaining white plaster with Woodland Scenics earth pigment. It really makes a huge difference. Even without grass or trees the layout starts to look more realistic.
"Virtual" control panel for old-school DC layouts
Time for another hair-brained idea involving computers and model railroads.
As an N gauger, it's tougher for me to go over to DCC than it is for the larger scales, so I've been doing some thinking about how implement some of the advantages of DCC. One of the first things that comes to mind is the increased independence from the traditional cab control / track block system.
MAKE YOUR OWN SIGNAL SYSTEM
The recent articles in MRH about signals and signal circuits have a lot of useful information. I would like to describe some circuits that I have used on my home layout and also on the Crossroads Club layout in Vandalia OH. Also, some homemade signals that are not super detailed but will work and are good for a limited retirement budget. The are three parts needed for the system (1) detection , (2) signal lamp driver circuits and (3) signals themselves. All of the circuits are from the model magazines or from the internet. There are no computers or mini compute
stall and sputtering
i have section of track between two peco switches where my dcc engines will stall and sputter. the switches are peco non insulated Im thinking it is the rail the connects the frogs any ideas
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