Staining them like poles is an excellant idea. I'm going to be a copy cat. I'm also ordering some more Kadee couplers to replace the few none Kadees. I had a train come apart after a stop and start on a curve and it was where a Kadee was coupled to a whatever brand plastic coupler. They just don't move freely enough. It's also easier to uncouple between Kadees.
Hey look. It's a Google map image of Zalma from way back and you can see some switching going on. Must be winter by the looks of things.
I use the Kadee 148 Whiskers. I order them either in the 148, two car pack, or I order the 140, which is the 148 Whisker, 50 pairs. I can't stand the spring in the No. 5. That lil brass booger is horrible in many of the old Blue Box Athearns, Walthers/Train Miniature, and roundhouse cars. Always needed trimming if you used the molded on coupler boxes. No more worries with the Whisker!
ya sure it wasn't from one of them new fangled ballon thingies and a photgrapher with a steady hand? I can see the pot holes filled with water. I never saw such a thing with Google.
Spent the last hour, cleaning repairing and operating my railroad. Finally a little cooler weather so tha the garage is tolerable. It has been many months since I have operated and I have forgotten just how stress relieving it is. In total I spotted a couple of cars and picked up four. Later (after I get my evening orders from the boss) I will make up an outbound train or two. I am unable to fully operate my layout at the moment due to a decision to change part of my layout. (Sounds familure eh Katyslug) I will rectify that soon so that I can add further switching to my layout. In the mean time I will concentrate on switching my East and West bottoms areas of my layout. I really need the stress relief. Hope all of you are enjoying our hobby. Have Fun!
Right on, Bob! I'm new to operations and it's so cool. Today I bought a third shop light to increas my layout lighting. I also moved my little 4x8 to allow easier access around it. There's always a way to keep this hobby fresh. I am surprised at how often I need to clean my track and wheels, especially for flawless DCC operation. I'm looking into buying the Woodland Scenics track cleaning kit.
Google's newest product, Google Timeview, allows you to see not only WHERE you want, but WHEN! (It wouldn't surprise me all that much, considering everything else they're up to.) Bradley A. Scott
Seriously: that's some wonderful scenery work. I'll be happy if my someday-layout looks half that good. Bradley A. Scott
Gosh, thanks Bradley. Google Timeview is a great idea. Speaking of operations I made another adjustment this evening besides adding a shop light. I raised the the layout to 50" above the floor. What a dramatic change in overall appearance! It's sturdier than it looks and it's so nice to follow the train around at a much better viewing angle. A regular chair is too low but a barstool makes a great seat with a view. Now I can put my laptop on the table under the layout and everything is out of the way. Best improvement so far.
Jim, DO NOT TRUST those containers to hold the weight. The plastic won't and it will collapse. Fill them with a steady material to hold their shape or get them out of there. You will here your layout crash. Ask me how I know. Learn from my mistake. It'll take some time, but the containers will cave. Manny
Thanks for the advice, Manny. Now that I have it completely leveled I think I'll add wooden legs underneath with some bracing. Make it free standing. Maybe put casters under the legs. Hmmmmm
Jim Like you, I have seen the brackets, that can be attach to a blank door and will also fold up for storage. I am sure we all have been to meetings where these tables were at HHMM? Like Manny has said, you need to be able to maintain a steady platform, as well as make adjustments to maintain the height you need, they be inexpensive and work pretty good. I chose 54" minimum layout height for this outfit.|-||-| Tom Holley
Well done, sir. I too, find that a higher layout makes for a more realistic, immersive experience. On our Northern Division, "Phase I," Olathe is approximately 48" above layout room datum. I'd aimed for that for two reasons: (a) I had a good number of 48" long 2"x2"s for legs where needed, and (b) I thought this would serve better for my son, who was showing a strong interest in model railroading. Of course, he has now hit a growth spurt and is approximately 5'7" in 7th grade. However, my shorter daughter has taken a strong interest in ballast spreading and scenery. So, 48" still works well for us, I believe. As you've noted, a barstool with a couple of inches cut off of the legs gives me a nice eye-level view along the east team track. Best Regards,
