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  • Member since
    January 2021
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Thursday, February 10, 2022 11:57 AM

alright, im going to start the thread

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Posted by Billwiz on Thursday, February 10, 2022 11:14 AM

rrebell
You would be better off starting a new thread with a specific question.

Please take this advice.  You have changed this thread multiple times but will get far better answers with a new topic thread.  As we said from your initial post, give us the chance to help you.

 

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Posted by John-NYBW on Thursday, February 10, 2022 10:41 AM

UPSD40-2_3612

Does anyone know a good sound decoder replacement for the dz 126 decoder from digitrax? i have a sdxh166d but i dont know if it will fit in my new loco

 

That would depend on the loco. 

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Posted by rrebell on Thursday, February 10, 2022 10:36 AM

UPSD40-2_3612

Does anyone know a good sound decoder replacement for the dz 126 decoder from digitrax? i have a sdxh166d but i dont know if it will fit in my new loco

 

You would be better off starting a new thread with a specific question.

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
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Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Thursday, February 10, 2022 10:12 AM

Does anyone know a good sound decoder replacement for the dz 126 decoder from digitrax? i have a sdxh166d but i dont know if it will fit in my new loco

  • Member since
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  • From: Shenandoah Valley
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Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, December 20, 2021 6:14 PM

Throwbar, sometimes I lack imagination.  Replacing the wire on tortoises with a heavier wire is common.  If your turnouts are on trestles, I don't think that helps you. 

UPSD40-2_3612
proper runs as in types of cars

  The book is more operational in the sense of track planning.  There have been threads in the past about how the type of cars has changed over time.  Boxcars used to carry grain and autos.  Your mix will be era dependant, and that is not discussed in the book

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
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Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Monday, December 20, 2021 9:39 AM

BigDaddy

 

 
UPSD40-2_3612
I can't find a throwbat for my Tortoise switch machines to switch it

 

I have never encountered the term "throwbat"  what does it mean?

it was a typo. i meant throwbar for a motorized switch

BigDaddy
 
UPSD40-2_3612
Also im doing somthing for my club, about time Zip it!(Caldwell Model Railroad Club in Idaho). Does anyone know some books that i can see about having that helps me with proper runs on a layout?

 

I am not sure what "proper runs" entails but John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operation may fit the bill

 

proper runs as in types of cars in a standard UP manifest rolling down the line, not different years of cars.

 

And thank you! i will have to check this out!

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Posted by crossthedog on Friday, December 17, 2021 7:35 PM

BigDaddy
I am not sure what "proper runs" entails but John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operation may fit the bill

Best book ever. I learned a ton.

Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.

  • Member since
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  • From: Shenandoah Valley
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Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, December 17, 2021 4:26 PM

UPSD40-2_3612
I can't find a throwbat for my Tortoise switch machines to switch it

I have never encountered the term "throwbat"  what does it mean?

UPSD40-2_3612
Also im doing somthing for my club, about time Zip it!(Caldwell Model Railroad Club in Idaho). Does anyone know some books that i can see about having that helps me with proper runs on a layout?

I am not sure what "proper runs" entails but John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operation may fit the bill

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Friday, December 17, 2021 2:49 PM

Thank you! This would surely help me with converting al my locomotives to dcc, so i can have multiple running!Yes

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Posted by NVSRR on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 10:28 AM

Never been over to northlandz. Is it even still there I know roadside America is gone.    

Northwestshortline.  Nwsl.com is where most go to get motors gears and such

 

shane

A pessimist sees a dark tunnel

An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel

A realist sees a frieght train

An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 10:46 AM

So, I actually have a question about Wiring and electronics. Does anyone here know a great place to buy hobby motors to replace pancake motors?  I would like to increase speed and power on my locos, and i want to install DCC because I am sooner or later getting a zepher. Also What is your guys' take on Northlandz? do you reccomend going? i would like to take my family there for a christmas "experience."

 

Thanks,

UP

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Friday, November 19, 2021 10:16 AM

York1

UP,

I can't help with your question, but I really liked the video of your club layout.  Nice work!

 

 

Thank you!

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Posted by York1 on Thursday, November 4, 2021 11:40 AM

UP,

I can't help with your question, but I really liked the video of your club layout.  Nice work!

York1 John       

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
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Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Thursday, November 4, 2021 10:56 AM

So, I got my package in the mail the other day, with my new switch, scenic glue, and green grass. I am excited to do some of my scenery today. I have restored an old GP40 loco and a Streetcar labeled "Peoria". Soon I will have new switches motorized, and I will have my layout wired. Does anybody know where i can get switch covers, so i can show if my switch is straight or to the side track?

 

Thanks, UP

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 12:55 PM

Oh, and im also getting into n scale for a closet layout possibly Whistling

Thanks,

UP

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
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Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 12:45 PM

BIG UPDATE! so the idea of a zepher went out the window, and the life like F7 dcc is still in progress, but i have a 4x8 DC system modeled after White Bird Pass and is 2 loops. 1 is the main outer loop, and in the tunnels is 2 switch to a overlapping loop that goes over a river in the middle a total of 3 times. but there is a problem. my switches are on elevated track, and I can't find a throwbat for my Tortoise switch machines to switch it. for reference, the standard switchbar just reaches the end of the wood base when I fit it. Does anyone know how to get over this, whether it be bought or created, I need ideas. Also im doing somthing for my club, about time Zip it!(Caldwell Model Railroad Club in Idaho). Does anyone know some books that i can see about having that helps me with proper runs on a layout?

Sorry about the "wait"

Thanks,

UP

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
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Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 9:42 AM

Also I will not be online for a bit, as my computer is going to get worked on for a bit, it doesn't function properly

 

Thanks,

UP

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 9:35 AM

Today is the day i might get my 2 BNSF locomotives. The guy was being nice and gave me an amzing offer for 150$, even though they are 300+$ a peice.

Don't worry, hes at my club, he ran it on the track, no ebay scam here Wink

 

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Sunday, May 23, 2021 3:34 PM

Lastspikemike

Well, if you're going to go big go G !!!!!!!

 

Thats what i told my mom!!!

she does not like the idea though.

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Posted by snjroy on Sunday, May 16, 2021 6:39 PM

Hey, maybe you'll end up doing both O and HO... Many HO scalers have a bit of O scale stuff, if only to set it up under the tree during the holidays. Don't forget to show us pictures when it's up an running!

Simon

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Friday, May 14, 2021 9:08 PM

So, update...

My dad came home after travelling for work, and he broght a surprise... an O scale expansion pack.... What he did not understand, is i do ho.....

 We plan to build a shelf for it

UP

  • Member since
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Posted by snjroy on Monday, May 10, 2021 3:18 PM

Ok, so if pen and paper is your preferred route, I strongly suggest you use graph paper, and pick a scale (e.g., 4 squares to a foot). You can then apply the planning by squares method (by John Armstrong). Basically, you choose a scale and plan your curves based on that. For example, if you choose to go for 24" radius, you will need a space of 24 by 48, or eight square feet to form a half circle. Of course, extra space is always needed for car overhang, but I think you can figure out what I mean.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with blank paper - you just need to do more measurements with a ruler.

Simon

  • Member since
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  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Monday, May 10, 2021 12:56 PM

snjroy

Hi there. I'm not too clear from what you mean by plan. For my layout at home, I drew a plan on paper, then I build my benchwork and did everything by eye based on the plan... I'm glad with the result, but I have a smallish shelf layout so that was not a problem.

At the club, we are planning for an entire new section, and I'll be using a CAD system due to the sheer size of the space (20X25 space). It's also a useful tool to draw up a few options for the members to pick and choose... As for transferring the plan, I plan on using paper templates transferred on wood supports. It will be open grid, no foam. If I was using foam, I would use paper templates and draw directly on the foam.

Simon 

 

oh, i was just meaning planning out the layout, but thanks for the input!

My mom is an office worker, she gets quite a lot of unused printer paper, so i could use that!

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Posted by snjroy on Monday, May 10, 2021 12:49 PM

Hi there. I'm not too clear from what you mean by plan. For my layout at home, I drew a plan on paper, then I build my benchwork and did everything by eye based on the plan... I'm glad with the result, but I have a smallish shelf layout so that was not a problem.

At the club, we are planning for an entire new section, and I'll be using a CAD system due to the sheer size of the space (20X25 space). It's also a useful tool to draw up a few options for the members to pick and choose... As for transferring the plan, I plan on using paper templates transferred on wood supports. It will be open grid, no foam. If I was using foam, I would use paper templates and draw directly on the foam.

Simon 

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Monday, May 10, 2021 12:37 PM

SeeYou190

 I built the entire layout in full size out of cardboard! I am not so good at track planning, and this 100% guaranteed that everything would fit and look good.

 

Really? Wow! i didn't even think of that.

That solves my problem!

Thanks,

UP

  • Member since
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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, May 10, 2021 9:19 AM

UPSD40-2_3612
Anyways, when you guys did your model railway planning, how did you plan it? did you plan it on paper, wood, foam, online, etc.

Funny you should ask...

I built the entire layout in full size out of cardboard! I am not so good at track planning, and this 100% guaranteed that everything would fit and look good.

All doubts were removed.

Just click here to read the thread about how I did it.

-Kevin

 

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2021
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
  • 47 posts
Posted by UPSD40-2_3612 on Sunday, May 9, 2021 11:28 PM

I just want to say, thank you to all who helped me along this journey, even though i havn't quite yet started.

Anyways, when you guys did your model railway planning, how did you plan it? did you plan it on paper, wood, foam, online, etc. Because here in idaho, wood is expensive, so i would like some advice on what to use.

My club is making a new section of the layout, and their using foam and paper, which made me ask you guys.

Thanks,

UP

  • Member since
    November 2013
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Posted by snjroy on Thursday, May 6, 2021 7:06 PM

Sounds like you found some good locos there.

Simon

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