- Do prototype locos have the same problem with model ones when lashing up in terms of gearing/power difference? Like lashing two locos which have slight power curve difference that having trouble stay lashed up?
- Who actually have their powered signals to conform with prototype rules? I was trying to but gees, the wires started to get a bit messy!
- Do people just model one specific RR or have a few in their bags? I have settled with BNSF and UP as main RR then CSX and all the associated subsidiaries…and did I mention Amtrak?
- I find myself stretching further and further with my railroad empire and racking up a huge credit card bill like Conrail did, anyone has the same problem?
- How many people actually bother to hook up the ditch lights in their N scale locos? I love ditch lights but even with the help of Opti-Visor, I am still struggling…
- I went a full circle with model RR; started with a bachmann Santa Fe 4-8-4 train set, then went to transition era then to full modern diesel and now I actually think about buying the new Kato Mikado’s and the new generation Proto 2-10-2 with sound?! Do I need professional help? LOL
- And does this happen to you? It was the weekend, you just spent the last 2 hours wiring up a pair of crossings with lights and sound. You tested and it all worked out great then you drop the wire stripper right on the light flashing module board and short the whole thing out! And did I mention it’s like 2am?
- Do you ever wonder that if you put all that time and money into something else like towards getting a medical degree, may be you are a famous brain surgeon by now? LOL
Iceman,
If you can hook up the ditch lights on an N-scale loco (#5), you’re probably qualified to do brain surgery (#8). That’s the only thoughtfood I can offer you right now.
Yes.
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yes the prototype has the same problem because no matter hard you try every motor electric or gas will run at slightly different speed.
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I currently model the santa fe and thomas the tank engine, but when I get my kato up, csx or another one will be added.
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Kato makes a mikado!?
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sounds like you are a resident of klutzdom.
I see myself in much of what you state. I model three roads on my layout, none of them properly since their terrains covered the continent. I have also spent a ton of money, but whether it was foolish or not depends on one’s prio
1-Don’t know
2-Not me
3-A few
4-Nope! Pay cash.
5-Don’t know. I’m HO.
6-No known cure anyhow.
7-All the time
8-All the time! But Oh Well! I still like trains!
Yes to all(you might need medical help [(-D]) but, I model HO so I can’t have Ditch lights, and I don’t have DCC so I cant run two locos at the same time[sigh]. I do model two railroad. Can you guss what ones ?(WC and SOO) I don’t have any other place to put that “extra Money”(if I have any).
[#ditto] I can identify but:
#1. Many prototypical locomotives could not run MUed with one another for this very reason.
#2. A little messy?
#3. One? I can’t count that low.
#4. That is just silly, what good is a bankrupt empire?
#5. Fortunately ditch lights did not exist in the 1950s.
#6. I would say that is the standard, “I like all trains scenario”.
#7. I think everyone has had a similar experience.
#8. No because the passion would not exist.
#2 My signals operate just like the prototype’s (at least as far as indications are concerned.)
HOWEVER - The prototype was running staff-and-ticket, signaled with lower-quadrant semaphores connected by mechanical tension cables to levers at the ticket office! Mine are operated from the zone control panel just like turnouts (clear or stop) and the associated electricals are mostly within the panel itself (which isn’t messy, since I am a neat freak when it comes to electrical installation.)
FWIW, for all you folks who obsess over getting your semaphore blades to move slowly, those cable connected lower quadrant type moved through 60 degrees faster than anyone but a speed reader can think 60! If you blink, you’ll miss the movement (but not the loud Clank! as the bellcrank goes past center.)
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
#6 - no silly, Gilbert & Sullivan made the Mikado!![:D]
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No problem, as far as I know the Ma & Pa never lashed up their diesels.
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Ma & Pa didn’t have signals.
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I am following the Ma & Pa in the early 50’s when they had 8 steamers and 4 diesel switchers (I have 3 plus 2 on order). Although I admit I have strayed and have a GG1 - but hey the PRR was a connecting road, I’ll work it in. Also have a B&O consolidation and a non descript 2-6-0. I also have some WWF and SRRL stuff, not sure how I’ll marry up New England with Mid Atlantic. So I am not always focused, but I like them.
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I no longer buy trains on credit. Been down that road and got burned before.
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No ditch lights on my 1st generation diesel switchers.
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No, you need another engine. [(-D]
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When the sun goes down so do I.
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I pass out at the sight of blood, so surgeon would have been a poor career choice.
Enjoy
Paul
DUDE!!! On #4 Do as Dave Ramsey says and take a scissors to your credit card !!! This is a hobby,save the card for groceries, You dont have to have everything at once.
1: Yes to a point
2: My friend’s layout’s signals are wired exactly to C&O Pratices…Though thats not suprising becuase he the Signal supervisor for CN in Michigan.
3:I model CNW and WC in HO. and NS and BNSF in N.
4: I can’t have a credit card yet I’m not old enough, and If I did I would only use it for gas and emergencies
5: I don’t
6: They don’t make enough help for us
7: Can’t say I have
8: Nope. I’m still a High School Student
Sorry guys for my bad grammer, if I confused you. I switched some words up and forgot the 't opps. I corrected it. [:I]