Yeah, I have a 1995 Webster and the word newbie is not even in it.

To All,

Last night I went to what I think will be my last meeting of the model railroad club I'm a member of.  It's comprised of bunch of disfunctional know-it-alls who do nothing but argue and very little operation. The argument last night revolved around the issue of why did the prototype railroads place the baggage/express cars right behind the engines. Specifically, if a baggage or express car had to be cut out of the consist, did the road engine disconnect from the consist, spot the car, and reconnect to the consist, OR did a switch engine approach the consist from the rear, disconnect the passenger cars, spot them, then return to baggage/express car, remove it and then reconnect the passenger cars? This argument went on for 1 1/2 hours before I left and went home.  I would just like some outside opinions not that I will even go back and tell them.

This is a sad bunch that argues and argues all the time...that's why I'm thinking of dropping out.

EBNUT,

Thanks for the tip.  I checked the Wallther's catalog and sure enough there is a Street Track Insert Set offered through their Cornerstone Series.  The smallest radius they provide is 15 inches.  Unfortunately they no longer have it in stock.  So, I guess I'm back to square one. I don't have the room for a 15" radius turn in my downtown area.  Thanks agin though.

Bill

BJW,

I was checking through the Walther's on-line catalog for some other items and found an Automatic Reversing Unit #564-525. It is described as "automatically reverses train direction without the need for track switches, optical sensors, special lights or other devices". It can be used for automatic single or multitrac point-to point operation. The product is on sale today for $59.98.  I don't know if this will meet your needs, but check their catalog for a picture.  It's made by Peerless Industries and operates on any 12V DC power supply.

Bill

I'm from Little Rock where I've lived all my life. Been everywhere except the electric chair and seen everything but the wind.  I'll be retiring in 53 days and will start my third major HO layout.  After years of false starts and many mistakes, I think I now have the knowledge and confidence to build a great looking pike. Well at least I hope I do.  In seeing some of the pictures others have posted on this site....I wonder. 

Chaos,

Looks like a really cool layout. Watch out for your reversing loop, it will require special insulation and wiring.  Also be aware you will have to match your 3 stall roundhouse to the indexing of your turntable.  That's assuming its a powered turntable.  If it's manual, you won't have much of a problem. 

Ducky,

Thanks for the information.  That will give me something to plan for. My town will be going through a major urban renewal this coming summer and I'll make sure I have enough room at my intersections.

I like your idea of overhead power, but I have a tendency to wreck havoc with my overhead telephone lines, so I'll use track power with a seperate block.

Thanks again,
Bill

Darkcurves,

Click on the Service/Parts link above.  It has a link for e-mail and their 1-800 telphone number.

Jim,

I had the same thought.  The new board will take a little getting used to, but I think I'm going to like it.  The only down side is that it appears we have lost all the old posts under the old board.  Some were over two years old, and some posts were by members who have since died.  Well, so goes the march of progress.

Bill

Good point, Jim.  I'll be retired in two months so I'll be staying on the board a good part of the day then....you know, gotta do something with all that spare time.

Mr. B,

Looks like all of us are newbies.  When will this designation change? I just can't believe that people like Nigel, TOC, Hunt, and many, many others are newbies.

Love the new board!!!!

Bill

I'm glad to hear about the up scale motor on the Brill. 

One question I would like to ask at large.  Has anyone ever incorporated a trolly line on their HO scale city streets?  I'm wanting to make a large loop around my downtown area, but I want it to follow the city streets and make a 90 degree turn at the intersections.  I figure it would have to be quite sharp, around a 5" to 7" turn radius.  I know the Brill can negotiate 15" radius track, but considering its' short wheel base, could it negotiate a 5 or 7 inch turn?

Thanks for any input,
Bill