An example:

I purchased a Bachman locomotive from a dealer in the USA while on a vacation.

The same locomotive in a British Columbia LHS, after factoring in taxes and exchange rate, would have cost 299% more.

Other LHS's were 10% less, best price I could find locally.

I did avoid shipping charges, brokerage fees, and Canadian duty and taxes by importing under a travel exemption,

My choice becomes; buy 1 locally or 2 to 3 while on a trip?

Check Backwoods Miniatures, they show a Forney conversiopn Kit on thier web site.

http://www.backwoodsminiatures.com/

Dear Rob and the other 80+ readers of this thread.

G'day and hello.

Another article on electromagnet uncoupler construction is in Railroad Model Craftsman, 1997 October Pge.  58. This article is N scale but I am sure it can be scaled up to HO.

The advantage of electromagnetic uncouplers is the elimination of accidental uncoupling that can occur with fixed permanent magnets.

I have seen a commercial product that moves a magnet vertically within a plastic sleeve.

Another magazine article gives details to construct a drop magnet using a homemade hinge, fishing line, and a simple push rod. See Model Railroader 1997 October Pge. 92. Magnets available from Radio Shack were used.  I have purchased the same magnets in Canada from Princess Auto.

LED's buried in the ballast could be switched on to show uncoupler locations.

Merry Christmas

Joe & All

Thank you for a very informative tutorial.

An automotive test lamp, (looks like a screwdriver and has a pointed end, a lamp in the handle and a single clip terminated wire lead), will provide the same functions for anyone that is "do-it-yourself" challenged.

A volt meter, or a multi meter on the appropriate voltage scale, is very useful tool for locating open circuits. The meter (analog or digital) operates by taking a very small current from the host circuit.

A resistive open happens when "touch connectors"   (rail joiners) become resistive due to corrosion.

The voltage drop across a faulty connector is proportionate to the current flowing in the connection.

If you haven't already figured it out the volt meter by itself draws so little current through a resistance that it will not register a voltage change.

Loading a circuit will create a current flow that will reduce voltages across resistive connections and these voltage drops are now apparent using a volt meter.

If you are still confused you are now confused at a higher level, just ask as there is a lot of help on this board.

Pamardon
The "code #" for model RR rail is the height in Thousanths of an inch.
Multiplying by 160 (scale ratio) gives prototype size represented.
Code 40 = 6.4" Code 55 = 8.8" Code 83 = 13.3"
I am not aware of code 80 (12.8") rail

ta152h0 

To answer your original post.

It is a type of eraser containing an abrasive for metal polishing.

A major factor in establishing price is what people are willing to pay. ($5.59)

Try this link, from Jim Banner.

http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/TechNotes/reverser/index.html

The On30 Trolley set would be a "silver spoon" source.

EBTNut's gaudy Heisler can look good and show the suitability.

Copy & paste the photo into an editing program and convert it into black & white.

It is a good looking locomotive without the colour.

A smallish On30 Heisler is at the top of my list.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php takes me directly to the message board and may speed up loading.

Bob, my 'head against the wall" comment was intended to be humor. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

How does one become a "full" member from a guest with log in requirements?

Some ID must have changed during my upgrade to a new computer.

Thanks Jerry

You discovered one of my "seniors moments" that I am qualified for.

Cell phone technology now includes internet access. Does the Verizon system utilize the cell network or is it stand alone? What is the range and availability of this system?

It could be a viable option out on the open range.

Originally the telephone network was designed for and required to handle the major range of voice frequencies. (60-10K)

With the birth of the internet the telephone network became the main means of connecting by having a modem and dialing into a modem at the telephone exchange. The modems convert data (Digital) to analogue (voice range) and back again. This system functions wherever adequate voice communication is available.

The dialup connection is limited to a speed of 56K and has been superseded by DSL, Cable, and satellite higher speed (larger bandwidth) and more expensive connections.

DSL operates by extending the bandwidth (Frequency range) within the telephone distribution network. This creates a limitation in that the availability of this service is limited to a short distance from the telephone exchange due to signal loss. (3 miles /5 km typical) I lose 6% of my DSL speed as I am near the distance limit as the cable runs.

The availability of a cable TV connection is required for this option.

Satellite internet is the only available high speed option where cable and DSL is unavailable. My understanding of satellite internet operation is that it is only high speed down (incoming) and the up (outgoing) data utilizes dial up. This busies out the phone line and depending on the satellite providers modem location long distance charges can apply.

I agree with Yampa Bob as to the need in web site design to have all sites dial up friendly. This can be done by providing user ability to temporarily exclude high data enhancements thereby expediting the downloading.  These enhancements include animation, high resolution photos and graphics, and sound. This should be done in a manner that does not restrict the availability of the full content to those that can utilize this information.

I offer as an example the streaming audio web site I often use. Both the user software type and the appropriate download speed (bandwidth or fidelity) are user selectable.

Bob an important thing to remember is to stop banging your head against the wall when it starts to hurt.

Gene
Gyprock is a canadian description for what is known as sheetrock south of the 49th.

Gene
So far we know where the problem isn't.
With one probe of the meter on an input to the switches, and the switches on, measure voltage to every storage track rail. You should get 14 volts to the same side of each storage track.
Repeat for other input side.
One or both rails of tracks 2 & 3 will not have a voltage. Use the meter probe directly onto the soldered joint, if voltage exists redo soldering. Then suspect the continuity of the supply wire.
Good luck !

Gene
The #305 switches or their wiring is the likely source of your power problem.
I understand you are switching both rails; this could be 'overkill'.
We are going to trouble shoot an open circuit to find where the power is not getting through.
First you need a visual indication of power connected temporarily across the power at the input side of the #305 switches. (Multimeter on voltage scale or test lamp)
With power on the next step is to determine where the power is not going. Turn on the 305's to power all tracks. As you are switching both rails two switched outputs for each track should be wired.
Leaving one side of the input connected move the other test lead to each output of the 305's
You should get a power indication for one side of each track.
Repeat for other polarity of input of 305's to output to rails.
Operate the switches to verify their operation when power is going through them.
This should indentify the open circuit to tracks 2&3 and verify the operation of tracks 1&4.
Let us know what you find?
Please excuse over simplification as my response is designed to help other admitted electrically challenged members.

1/8 scale (1/8"=1') is a scale ratio of 1:96 or just over 10% smaller than HO scale.