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Modelers Spotlight Video Inside Codys Office for February 2014
Cody, why use BLMA, instead of Fox Vally, or even the new Atlas wheel sets for the N scale model. Is their one you prefer? Does David Popp use metal wheels on his N scale cars? Please keep bring us more N scale goodies. Thank you
Cody, great episode as usual. Does MR have a video on how to add electrical pickups to the metal wheelsets to light the caboose?
Whenever I change out wheels, I find a place to put the old plastic ones in a yard or other spot where they would typically lay after a change-out. I give them a dab of rust or mud paint. Likewise with couplers. The ones that can’t be saved or repaired get put where someone would just let 'em lay after carrying the 80-lb replacement.
Appreciate the answers on the wheel sets. I am sure those numbers can help other scale modelers as well.
Can’t wait to hear more about the Red Oak, IA CB&Q project layout. When can we hope to hear more about it?
Keep up the great work!
Dan Rawers
Sugar Grove, IL
Cody, Great work as always, I have changed out all my wheel sets that were plastic, to metal wheels, I do not regret the change. They make all the difference in operation, yes they do sound great. You can buy them in bulk packs usually 100 wheels per box, this will accomadate 25 cars average. Intermountain sells these in the 100 pack bulk box.
Nice work on the wheel set replacement. Don’t know if there a handy journal box reamer for N scale, but it is a handy tool to have. There is one available either at your hobby store or through Micro-Mark for HO modelers. What it basically does is ream out the “journals” on plastic trucks removing any irregularities that could snag the axles and cause the wheels not to rotate smoothly and freely.
Informative instructive and no1
As always informative and interesting. Can’t wait for Metroliner to come out in N Scale. Thanks Cody
Cody, are you going to spring training this year, the Twins need you.
Thanks, Cody, for the information on DM Custom Decals. Jim Kerkam, Duxbury, Massachusetts
For the reader that asked about military railroads, Kalmbach Books will be publishing my book in 2014 on military railroads tentatively called. “The Model Railraod Goes to War.” It covers railroads at war from the Civil War to Desert Storm.
Cody,
I love the out takes. I was wondering if you use a teleprompter or cue cards to come across as smooth as you do? Had you thought about producing a bloopers episode?
Thank you, Cody, for the “O” scale info! Great show and interesting website references.
Another good place to find back issues of magazines is ebay. Cody, you look cold. is it cold up there?
Why do we need to replace the plastic wheel sets with metal ones? It’s still confessing for me to understand.
I have heard that one thing to check, when changing wheels, is to count the number of springs in the sideframe. If two, then you’re looking at a 70-ton car and should use the 33" wheels; if three springs, then your car is heavier and should use 36" wheels.
Also, one critical thing we N-scalers have to get right is that there are different axle lengths that are meant for different manufacturers of trucks. Be sure to buy the right axle! 0.540" for Micro Trains, 0.563" for Atlas, and I think there is one other.
Just today I picked up 16 years of Model Railroader, all neatly bound per year, from 1960 to 1975. All in all for 50 euros on our Dutch (and very modelrailroader friendly) version of e-bay: Marktplaats. My acquisition roughly comes down to 30 US cents per issue. A couple of years ago I bought some late Forties, early Fifties editions: in great condition and very neat, especialy for scratchbuilders. ‘Classic’ MRs are still out there, ready to be devoured by avid readers and collectors. Just grab 'em!!
Angelo, I use metal wheel sets for several reasons: they look more realistic, they have better roundness and balance, and finally they add more weight and help lower the center of gravity.