Again...thanks so much for the very helpful info. And what do you know...over the weekend I ordered the latest Atlas wiring book and a number of Atlas a-b switches...time to "get wired!"

oneancientone

Thanks so much for the info!
oneancientone

Hello to all! I'm in the process of constructing a Sodor Island layout with my grandson. I was thinking of going DCC (EZ Command), but after reading some posts here and on other forums re: (1) the need to "do it yourself" in modifying the locomotives (I hate soldering; I'm no good at it!); and (2) reported troubles with the shorter wheelbase locomotives performing properly, I'm not so sure about going that route (no pun intended.) Now, I'm thinking about going "old school," i.e., dividing the layout into several insulated (from each other) sections,  with each section accessible to multiple operators, via an "A-B" or "A-B-C" type switch panel (one operator per section, at any given time.)

My questions: Is anybody on this  forum using this kind of wiring system? If so, what brand of insulated rail joiners and A-B switch panels (or similar devices) are being used? I know that Atlas used to have all of this stuff; maybe they still do. I've been searching the Bachmann on-line store, but I can't seem to locate these items (I have found quite a few insulated rail joiner resources, but if Bachmann makes them, then I'd rather use Bachmann's.)

Thanks for any assistance!

oneancientone

Thank you very much, to all who responded. Very, very helpful!

oneancientone

Hello! I'm new to this forum. I was really into model railroading about 40 (yes...40!) years ago. I've always wanted to get back into it some day. My five year-old grandson is CRAZY about Thomas and his friends (me too!). So...here we go again! I do have two questions (and I apologize if I somehow looked past the answers elsewhere on this forum). First, what is the recommended minimum radius curve for the larger H.O. locomotives, like Gordon? Second, what is the minimum recommended rail height for these particular H.O. locos and cars? Forty years ago, Code 100 was pretty common; Code 70 was starting to make inroads. Now I see quite a bit of Code 83. What's best for Thomas and friends? Thanks!

oneancientone