DC - Electrical
Scratch Built Signals
I have begun building an HO scale model railroad on a dreaded 4 X 8, although my layout is actually 4' 10" X 8'. This post is really about the searchlight signals that I have built from scratch. Although I know how to solder electronics I have decided that it was about time that I learned how to work with brass. I have just finished making my first signal and I felt like sharing it with the community.
Using Specialty LEDs - Part 1
Here's the next installment in the e-book that I am writing dealing with electronics for model railroaders. This installment begins a chapter on specialty LEDs. Flashing, bi-color, surface mount, LED strips, etc. will all be covered in this chapter. This is the first part.
The material in this chapter will be old hat to those savvy in LEDs. Comments and questions are welcome.
TT
Would this cause a short?
I'm not exactly sure but wouldnt this piece of rolling stock cause a short with it's solid metal wheelsets?
Shouldn't the axle's be plastic?
12V DC Power Supply
I purchased this 12V DC 4 amp regulated power supply to power all accessories on my layout. It is listed as a 12V DC unit, however it also states its a: 13.8V DC 4 Amp regulated low ripple filtered. I dont know too much about electrical, so I'm wondering exactly what this means and if it is safe to use for LED's, signals 
Wiring a turnout
Howdy, I'm one of the new guys. I've resurrected a 30+ year old HO train set. Since I have no permanent place to set this up, it's on the kitchen island which has a granite top. SO, this is a temporary setup. Because of where it is, I have had to use Bachman EZ Track.. What I'm stuck with is this: How do I wire my turnouts? I have made three turnouts to park trains on but do not know how to do the wiring with this track or on this surface. I end&
Switch Tender Machines - I give up
OK nobody likes a quitter, but I've done just that. After wasting the better part of two afternoons attempting to get a pair of Micro Mark Switch Tender switch machines to throw a crossover, I removed them altogether and admitted defeat. These are the machines at issue: http://www.micromark.com/switch-tender-switch-machine,8394.html .
BussBar system foir under layout wiring
I have never used the bussbar system on my layout. I am starting a new one and am wondering what gage wire do you use? How do you set it up? What goes where and how do you attach the wires to the track? Solder? Clips.
Is there a document that goes through all this or can I get help ffrom those who have done it and worked thru the many pitfalls I see comming?
Thanks Ken
DC vs. single crossover
My layout wiring will be simple DC not DCC. When using a single crossover turnouts do gaps still need to be cut, or can trains pass by the crossover on each track without problems?
James
New Bright Holiday Express
I am a G scale modeler with a front yard layout. At the various holidays, I run my trains for the neighborhood kids. Halloween I ran a modified Bachmann 4-6-0 decorated for the evening. During the Christmas holidays I like to run a Santa train when my schedule allows. The last several years I have run a variety of trains, but mostly a USA Trains passenger set from 2000 that runs well.
DC throttle control with JMRI WiFi question
So, I'm wondering if its possible to control a DC layout with JMRI and a WiFi throttle. No DCC. So, if someone didnt have DCC is there an interface ( Easy and cheap ) that would allow them to use their smartphone to run a train. I have a large scale "Thomas the Tank Engine" train set and would like to use a computer to control it. Also use Virtual Sound Decoder for added excitement. I know VSD can run without DCC so thats not an issue. Would be cool though if the sounds were synced with the throttle.
Rob Teed
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