I’m putting up a shelf next to my layout in a nook, on which I want to test and set up DCC locomotives, and prepare cars to meet the NMRA standards before going on the layout. I’m planning to include the following items. What else would you want on it if you were doing it?
Length of track, ballasted and hand laid matching my layout track.
Length of track on an incline (to check roll of cars).
Switch to connect DCC test voltage to the track.
Same switch above to connect DC test voltage to track for loco testing prior to DCC setup.
The plastic incline gismo mounted at end of track to easily get cars on the track.
Mounted ruler with NMRA car weights per inch marked on it.
16 oz spring postal scale for weighing cars (and supply of weights if needed).
Coupler height NMRA standards guage.
Under track coupler magnet (like on the layout) to check couple,uncouple action.
I suggest tracking down the excellent article “Rolling stock obstacle course” by Montford Switzer in July 1994 MR
Your ideas are close to his. He puts a strip of styrene the same height as the rails down the middle of his test track to find low hanging coupler hoses or detail parts. Another idea would be to just mount a crossing or turnout on the test track. I would also include insulated rail joiners and soldered rail joints IF you solder on the inside of the rail to hide it.
That’s my line! It seems my favorite past time (I spend more time doing it than model railroading) is “find the short circuit generated by leaving the coupler height gauge on the track.” Even though the gauge is in plain sight (but I don’t see plainly anymore, I guess), I always end up tracing wires underneath the layout first. My longest time record is slightly over 2 hours. [#oops]
I laughed right out loud on that one Fred! I remember troubleshooting an IBM 1419 check sorter all day that would not start, scoping to the stop treadle switch, and then notice my tool bag on the pedal.