I'm glad I've routinely added Kadee couplers and metal wheelsets on my freight rolling stock and many (wheelsets, that is) of the fewer passenger cars.
On the process side, I wish I took photos and better notes for each loco (e.g., did I change these LL axle gears?) as I opened it and/or did DC to DCC conversion.
On the glad I didn't side, I'm glad I didn't keep count of the number of locos I was acquiring as I enjoyed finding types for my UP layout that were new for my roster and/or an opportunity for a DCC conversion.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
I've done a decent job of defining a set of wiring colors and sticking to it, but it's not perfect. There are places where it's a confusing mess under there. I should also have drilled more small holes for wire runs instead of just running wires under the benchwork in a straight line, leaving me with a rats nest.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I've done it from pretty close to the beginning.
Kadee coupler gauge and NMRA standards gauge. Use them early and often on all new bulds and when issues crop us.
What is the one thing you wish you would have made a standard practice for your railroad as soon as you started building it?
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For me, I would have used A-Line metal stirrup steps on all of my freight cars from the very beginning. I am so sick of replacing broken stirrups.
What are your lessons learned?
-Kevin
Living the dream.