Has any one any experience with using an air filter sometimes called a dust collector similar to what woodworking shops use on their ceilings?  These machines, usually hung on the ceiling, are simply boxes that draw air threw a furnace type filter with a fan.  They are designed to mitigate dust left in the air after a woodworking session.  I'm just finishing a part of my basement with a concrete ceiling and need to add some additional supports if I am to hang one of these filters from the ceiling. 

I may be solving a problem I don't have but thought I'd see if anyone has had success doing this.

Regards,

Robin

Hello,

I'm in the planning stage of a Southern Pacific layout circa 1920s set in California.  My plan is to model portions of Ft MacArthur and Mare Island shipyard from that era.  Another portion of the layout will have mountain scenery.  My dilemma is finding period correct SP locomotives capable of pulling 25 + car freight trains up a 2% grade.  I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on motive power.  SP used quite a few 2-10-2s which would be ideal.  Heavy 2-8-2s would work also as long as I can attach a Vanderbilt oil tender to the locomotive.

Thanks,

Robin

I have finally reached the point where my basement walls are defined enough to begin layout planning.  I have 80% of the studs up and will be able to begin wiring in a few weeks.  Although oddly shaped the two rooms contain a lot of space for trains - about 1500 square feet. My happy dilemma is; do I design the mainline first with the largest possible radius or do I plan the scenes and industries then draw a track plan to support them.  Rough sketches indicate that 40-42 inch radius curves will be possible.  John Armstrong's book doesn't cover this type of issue so I thought I'd put the question before the forum.

Thanks,

Robin

Does anyone know where I could find decals suitable for rolling stock circa 1950?  Microscale only lists the Civil War era USMRR and a set for diesels.  I'm looking to decorate some flat and box cars for a neighbor boy.  Any help would be appreciated.

Robin

Hello,

I'm moving to a new layout next month and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good track planning book?  I've heard the John Armstrong book is good - are there others?  It will take me about a year to finish the basement and I'd like to have some idea for the general track plan by the time I'm ready for benchwork.

I plan to model two eras, 1952 and 1914 in separate rooms that will share a common main line.  I have too much invested in 1950's rolling stock and motive power to backdate it all to 1914, plus I want to model a 1952 national guard airfield.  I love the railway guns and coastal artillery from 1914, ergo the earlier era.  No need for multiple levels - I have about 1500 square feet to play with.

At some point in the distant future I'd like to operate using one or both eras and am looking for recommendations for planning resources.
Thanks,

Robin