Frank,

ReBox offers wheels in various axel lengths which might solve the problem.  Of course you could replace the tender trucks with KD trucks with metal wheels.

Robin

Hal,
Is there a switch on the loco somewhere to allow you to select Dc or DCC?  I'm in the dark other than that.  Might want to call the service dept.

Robin

Sheldon,

I'd like to see a copy of your passenger car instructions.  Thanks very much for sharing.  rhbarrows@centurytel.net

Regards,

Robin

Thanks for the suggestions folks.  This board has been an excellent source of information.

Regards,

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

Thanks Sheldon,

I've saved your notes to my model RR archives. 

Bachman:

I would think it would be in the company's intested to standardize tender connections - You'd sell more accessory tenders if the swap were plug and play.

Robin

Nigel is correct.  I noticed that DCC conversions with sound take a lot more voltage to move the loco - because you're powering additional electronics.  The same may be true to a lesser extent for non-sound DCC since now the motor gets it voltage via the decoder.

Robin

Chucknlead,

You may have already learned this but I would liken the NCE system to a Mac and Digitrax to Mirosoft as far as ease of use and learning the system.  The elimination of block controls alone is enough to justify DCC on any layout with more than one train in my opinion.  Tonys is a great place to call of visit for questions - although his staff is very busy at the major train shows.

Semi Conductor
SASS #51020

NevinW,

I would avoid the use of acetone on plastic - unless you are using it as a glue to weld two pieces together.  It will melt plastic, not to mention any finish upon it.  There are many different plastics and paint out there that no one chemical works for all.  When all other methods failed - I've resorted to 600 - 800 grit sandpaper used with soapy water and a sanding stick.  If you're careful you can sand away the paint and leave the base color behind.  You will see where the lettering used to be due to the tiny scratches left behind but that should disapear with the application of a new decal and dulcoat.

Robin

ogrodo,

There are numerous model train shows in your area.  You might be better off scouting for additional locos to use for parts.  Keep an eye out for boxes of parts on and under the tables that folks are trying to get rid of.  You might find just the parts you're looking for (and then some)

Robin

Tony's might recommend an N-scale decoder.  They are a lot easier to fit in cramped spaces.

Robin

Rich,

You're correct the Tortoises are a full stall machine that remain energized at each end of their throw.

Robin

Count me in - I'd love to see a couple of these on my layout.

Robin