You know…I’ve always wondered that. I hope you got your I.Q. data from the smart half [:D]
whose the bigger idiot, the idiot, or the person who gets their IQ tested by an idiot?
LMFAO, I love it, great thread, hey while I am here What do you guys think about Bachmann? Mike
Best thing since Tyco!
Hi Geared Steam,
I realise that you are joking about running an HO Big Boy around 15" radius curves, but guess what, There is one that WILL DO IT. The first release of the Trix BB, without sound according to the owner’s manual will handle I believe it was a 14 3/16" radius, never tried it, but the manual said it could do it, have to look goofy as all get out though. The later Trix BB with sound, the manual said 18" radius though, I don’t know why the difference they appear to be mechanically identical, just the sound system installed in the later version.
In 3-Rail O-Gauge I have 3 Big Boys, a Cab-Forward and 2 Challengers that will all run 15 1/2" radius (O-31 curves) I don’t normally run them on that sharp of curve, and there are things hanging out in space that ought not be, but they WILL run those curves all day long without complaint.
Doug
I didn’t see anything in this thread about favorite train movies. Does that mean the hobby is dying?
If it IS indeed DCC compatible, will the ballast work with my Bachmann EZ Command DCC system???
How many tracks of ballast can I run at the same time with a typical DCC system???
And is this new ballast sound equiped?
-G
That brings up a good point! Do I need to install blocks of insulated ballast if I’m just running DC?? Are ballast jumpers necessary?
The answer to all the above is a resounding YES!! (except that the Acela looks better double-headed with a Yellowstone or an Allegheney). However, do try and attach your WS fine ballast to the track with something. Testor’s non-toxic plastic cement works well–the stuff that smells like a wild-flower patch. Or if you can’t find that, Shellac will do very nicely.
Tom [:P]
[#ditto] Also, will the sound system work on DC?? If so, count me in! [:D]
Really? Splurge a little, Loathar, and get yourself some high quality AHM products! Only the best for my brass rails[;)].
While were on the subject(?), is it difficult to change out a standard grass mat for astro turf, I really want the tall prairie grass look. I found some on E-Bay for $500 a Sq. Ft., shipped in an empty Lionel box, is that a deal…anyone?
Good question.[bow] Loather brought it up too.[bow] What kind of insulation should I use? I was thinking of the blue foam board but I know how to get the Pink Panther fiberglass much cheaper[2c]. Can cotton candy be used because it looks the same? [:O] What R value is best? Bob Vila said to use the stuff that will cost you more up front because it will pay [2c]off in the long run, but I can’t remember what he was talking about. I was planning on using a router with a three eighths carbide bit to cut the gaps, is that going to be big enough? Oh, I forgot to say that all my track is glued down with contact cement. Will it be OK if some of the ties are on top in some places?[X-)] I think that covers all my questions?
P.S. I thought of a new and time saving way to paint my rail. I will use a 9" roller (I only can get the textured kind at my local Hue Jazz Home Improvement & Hardware store). Has anybody else thought of this yet?
If that is an EMPTY LIONEL box it comes shipped in, SAVE that box! It will be worth $$$ to some Lionel collector. You could sell IT on e-bay and get your $500 sq/ft back easily!
Astro turf! now why didn’t I think of that? That will solve all my problems and it isn’t pink or blue!!!(It does come in other colors???)
Is there a good source for foam rubber? I think it will go great with my new ballast!!! Can I get that on E-bay too? I think I can grind it up with a blender. It comes in a green color, but maybe I can add paint to make ground cover!!! Can I get it at Wally world? Has anyone tried this? I can save lots of $$$!!!
Has anybody learned THIS secret??? I plan to use REAL dirt on MY layout!!! It should look great with my new ballast, too. NOw if I can find a good close supplier who is cheap…
And, has ANYBODY found a GOOD souce where I can buy DCC READY boxcars and hoppers and flat cars? These freight cars MUST be DCC compatible as I only want to run DCC with my new ballast now!!!
Thanks in advance for all your help, I’m a nubee and don’t know a loco from a stock car!!!
-G
Make sure that AstroTurf wasn’t made with the Chinese lead based paint…[:-^]
Anybody ever try using saw dust for grass???(I might be on to something here…)
[:)]
My magic solution. I paint my cork roadbed gray and I leave my foam roadbed unadorned.
I won’t make you rich that way, but imagine the free time I have.
Thanks.
[:)] [:)]
Saw dust for grass? Might be worth a try, but I think the smoke might be too harsh. What kind of trees do you think will get you baked the best?
There is an easy way to tell if your grass matt or AstroTurf doesn’t have lead in it. When it is rolled out and lays down flat after 8 - 10hrs. most likely it contains lead. BTW, anybody Know what the NMRA specs for the weight of ballast, AstroTurf and grass matts? I didn’t get that info when I requested it from them. I think it is because they don’t recognize me as a 10th. degree master modeler yet. Jerks![banghead]
[#offtopic]A little off topic, but have you noticed now that some of the model rr cars painted in China with lead free paint are 0.25oz. or more lighter? It may be the reason your New loco doesn’t pull as hard too.
Is there any special ballast that will let me run HOn3 and On30 at the same time? Also, will the coupler heights match up? And will I need to change the size of my tunnel portals? I scratchbuilt about 20 portals that are in the way of 1" wide and 1 1/2" tall. [(-D] Also, will Woodland Scenics water cause any problems with my E-Z Command?!? What about their trees?!
-Jake (Yes, I’m done…lol) S.
Don’t you know by now that eBay sucks?!
Toast (remember THAT one?) can make great insulated ballast blocks in a variety of toast colors. Scrape the toast for foliage which can be secured by dipping in softened butter.
Indeed. Scottish model railroaders frequently use toast for tunnel portals, so their trains can be seen comin’ through the rye.