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- - Summer is here (in Maine), and I've cut a hole in my house to connect my indoor staging to the outdoors. The first 10' of track require some really fussy alignment, going around a 60" radius curve a little more than 90º, while transitioning into a -2.2º grade to get down to the yard. This will eventually be at grade level, but I decided to build a bridge supported by footings below the frost line, set it to where I need it, and then backfill. I was give...
    
    SP Kittery Sub build
    Last reply by Greg Elmassian on July 21
    
    General Discussion
    
    7,135 topics
    
    115,178 posts
    
    Train related talk that doesn't fit in another forum.
    
    Time to replace a bad dry rotted retaining wall and add a second main line. Setting peeler post in and drill holes for Rebar. Addi roofing materiel to help from dry rot. This area gets a lot of watering from our walker sprinkler. Wall pulled out the original main line to re level the area and set up two main lines. Had to remover more of the small Mt. and shrubs to make a better run. Forgot to post why the soldering...
    
    Install & repairing track S.F & ...
    Last reply by Noel Wilson on July 21
    
    Track and Trestles
    
    1,397 topics
    
    30,927 posts
    
    Track and Trestles
    
    Heading to Clarkdale pretty soon to ride the Verde Canyon Railroad. Photos later. https://verdecanyonrr.com
    
    Verde Canyon Railroad
    Last reply by Stan Cedarleaf on July 19
    
    Prototypes
    
    1,201 topics
    
    14,139 posts
    
    Talk about prototypes here. It's not just trains through the tulips!
    
    While others have been posting great looking Spring layout and garden photos, I've been in a funk about mine. For starters, we have had such a cold and rainy spring that what little good weather we have had was taken by other tasks. The railroad is still in winter slumber and a mess. Adding to my depression, I lost all but one of my Dwarf Alberta Spruce trees. I don't know if it was the odd winter; local cats or a disgruntled neighbor spraying them. I've never had healthy trees...
    
    Reclaiming the Outdoor Railroad
    Last reply by Sean McGillicuddy on July 9
    
    Gardening
    
    268 topics
    
    4,243 posts
    
    Gardening
    
    At Rooster's request. . A few photos from yesterday at Dan's steam-up. Jerry's Emma and tippers: I was running my big K4 Pacific: There was a debate about the "green" of this loco. I guess this photo settles that - you just need some sunshine: After lunch it got cloudy, and I got my EBT #15 out for a last run on Dan's "small" track:
    
    Summer Photo Thread
    Last reply by Joe Zullo on July 18
    
    Model Photography
    
    254 topics
    
    4,917 posts
    
    Discuss your camera, your techniques, and other things pertaining to photographing your models, or your layout.
    
    I had a little free time and it wasn't raining for once. I am hoping the weather will cooperate so I can get some work done on the layout soon.
    
    CSX Coal Train on my layout
    Last reply by mike dorsch on July 20
    
    Videos
    
    827 topics
    
    6,600 posts
    
    Links to videos of trains, garden or otherwise
    
    Wow. It's been a LONG time since I hosted any sort of operations session. Ken came down today, but I do believe that it will be harder to get him back. He ran into our usual "traffic" in the area - an accident on the beltway prevented him from getting to my house at a reasonable hour. Of course, it DID give me time to set everything out... Early Wednesday morning and it's already HOT and HUMID, but the cars are set out, ready to depart from Green Spr...
    
    It's been awhile...
    Last reply by David Maynard on July 4
    
    Operations
    
    272 topics
    
    4,380 posts
    
    Into more than running your trains around the patio? Discuss here!
    
    I stumbled upon this Australian company when I was searching for iPad panel options, and I'm intrigued. I am working on a yard with a dozen turnouts, and am contemplating pneumatic control with solenoids and an iPad panel of some sort. These guys have an app that looks to be really elegant. http://controlpaneldesigns.com The other option, of course, is JMRI. Anyone have experience with Control Panel Designs?
    
    Experience with "Control Panel Desi...
    Last reply by Greg Elmassian on July 21
    
    Train Operations Software
    
    62 topics
    
    838 posts
    
    For discussion of operations software. Includes TrainOps, JMRI, RailOp, etc...
    
    Hello Fellow Hobbyists - I'm doing a DCC conversion on someone's older LGB 20851 Two Motor Block Mallet which has a Phoenix Model 97 DC/DCC Sound Decoder previously installed. The person knew he striped the idler gear in the rear motor block during a railway crash, and when I removed the motor, the damaged idler gears were obvious. I've done the following: Installed a Massoth XL Power Decoder; installed Massoth DCC Pulsed Smoke Generator; Installed 2 new Idler Gears in each motor bloc...
    
    Dead End - DCC Upgrade to LGB 20851 Mall...
    Last reply by Thomas White on July 13
    
    Problem Solving
    
    392 topics
    
    5,022 posts
    
    Have an issue with something you've bought? Ask here! Know how to fix a problem, post!
    
    Finally got a place I could actually set things up, while temporary, for the first time since I was sleeping through trigonometry. Here are some highlights from last summer/fall and hoping to expand as that raised flowerbed allows.
    
    Farwell, Lafayette, Irving, & Prospe...
    Last reply by Bill Sakalaucks on July 16
    
    Indoor and Micro
    
    85 topics
    
    2,714 posts
    
    Not all of us have a yard, or want an outdoor empire.
    
    Tonight, I thought I'd take a break from my usual practice of using others' experiences and add to the body of knowledge instead with Clan Mueller's experience with PIKO's "Clean Machine" variant of its new GE 25 Tonner. BOTTOM LINE: This is a fun little fire-and-forget loco that looks good pulling short trains around our small layout (~100 feet of track) while providing at least rudimentary cleaning service. It would probably be most appreciated by folks with similar small,...
    
    PIKO Clean Machine -- A Tropical Take
    Last reply by Eric Mueller on April 15
    
    Reviews
    
    315 topics
    
    3,944 posts
    
    Just buy something, and want to tell us all what you think about it? Post your reviews here.
    
    At the request of Sean I have started an article on my layout build http://largescalecentral.com/articles/165/build-log-building-the-cr-n-a-first-timer-s-layout So I guess we can move the discussion about my layout here. Its as good a place as any to keep getting the great help I have been getting.
    
    Building the CR&N Deadline:July 20...
    Last reply by Devon Sinsley on May 20
    
    Articles
    
    77 topics
    
    3,768 posts
    
    Discuss articles here
    
    Bachmann 1:20.3 3 Truck Shay. Loco has Revolution battery r/c control and Phoenix P-8 sound. Tx not included in sale. Painted unlettered. Black with red and white trim. $475.00 or best offer + shipping. Can be delivered to Bob's open house for free.
    
    Bachmann 1:20.3 3 Truck Shay, battery rc...
    Last reply by Dennis Tetreault on July 21
    
    For Sale/Trade
    
    2,108 topics
    
    10,603 posts
    
    Have something train related for sale? Post it here! (Don't take advantage of it, please, or I'll want a %age!)
    
    I just finished editing and uploading a fun little video composed of some off-road clips and scenes from my 2016 Mojave/Nevada trip, and featuring my Toyota 4Runner "Megaweapon". Let me know what you think: [url]https://www.youtube.com/embed/e4hgXMvgqS0[/url]
    
    Megaweapon Hits The Trail
    Last reply by Dan Hilyer on 44 minutes ago
    
    Other Hobbies
    
    356 topics
    
    5,516 posts
    
    What else are you interested in besides trains?

Modeling
- - Off and on, over a few years, I've been researching and computer-modeling a derrick car that the V&T used in the late 1800's. It's a long story, and I'm not sure where to start, so I'll just dive in. Here's a couple images of the design model. There's gobs of hardware on this thing, so lots of 3d printed parts. Lots of individual boards, lots of holes to drill. I'll post on all those in weeks ahead. I finally began construction on the project last we...
    
    V&T Derrick 50
    Last reply by Dan Hilyer on 49 minutes ago
    
    Modeling
    
    2,560 topics
    
    48,561 posts
    
    What have you built lately?
    
    Guys, Show me your body mounted KD ideas you came up with for your USA well cars. Again, asking for a friend....................
    
    USA container cars
    Last reply by John Crayton on July 12
    
    Rolling stock
    
    1,090 topics
    
    18,464 posts
    
    Rolling stock
    
    OK, The ho'oilo (rainy season) is nigh, and it is time to go from the garden to the lanai as the frigid 70-degree weather descends upon O'ahu... Seriously, after "Rooster" offered the requisite detail parts to resurrect a shattered LGB M2075 shell my kids named "Little Thomas," I ran out of excuses to put off an effort to turn this: Into a side tank approximation of this (photo courtesy of "Rooster" from an overview of the Oahu Sugar Co.): I had hashed this idea around privately previous...
    
    Challenge Accepted - Large Scale Fantasy...
    Last reply by Joe Zullo on 27 minutes ago
    
    Motive Power
    
    304 topics
    
    5,049 posts
    
    Talk about your locomotives here.
    
    So came across this track ballasting car while looking for work train stuff. Pretty cool and a fun project to add to the work train. Patent Track Construction book * if you can't tell there are two links. The one that says Patent has the description and all the drawings of the spreader. The language of the patent does a good job of describing what it does and how the part work together. I think with some creativity a person could make this from the patent information.
    
    Scott Ballasting Car
    Last reply by Devon Sinsley on January 7
    
    Reference
    
    57 topics
    
    449 posts
    
    Discussion area for reference drawings and information.
    
    Over the last few weeks I've been toying with the idea of making my own archbar trucks. So I sat down at the puter, fired up Fusion 360 and started drawing. After several iterations, I've come up with a prototype. They are printed in 3 parts and then put together with the wheel sets to make a complete truck. The bolster is inserted in the pocket of the side frames and then it is screwed in at the top. Here is the first print. I've...
    
    3D Printed Trucks
    Last reply by Dan Hilyer on June 17
    
    Technical Modeling
    
    139 topics
    
    3,654 posts
    
    Discussing techniques for using 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and other computer-driven modeling tools
    
    For the new year I decided to find out just how well figures will hold up in a hostile climate. Or possibly I just like to torture figures.... Since New Mexico has some of the highest background radiation and UV levels in the country I would say that most of you should get as good or better results than this from your people. If not I highly recommend torturing them until performance and moral improve.. I have attached factory painted figures from 8 different manufacturers to a 2X4. Be...
    
    Figues Durability Test 2019
    Last reply by David Marconi,FOGC... on July 10
    
    Figures
    
    188 topics
    
    1,658 posts
    
    Make your own figures, or modify existing ones? Share your techniques with the rest of us.
    
    Ok guys, If I can still participate, this is what I decided to build. This will be going to friends railroad when done...It is a water tower. I had on hand a section of 6 inch dia pvc pipe I cut of at 8 inches long it will be cladded with wood. below is a start of what I have....... Here is what I have started.......
    
    Travis's Mik challenge 2019
    Last reply by Sean McGillicuddy on March 20
    
    Annual Build Challenge
    
    151 topics
    
    9,541 posts
    
    Every year LSC has a build challenge, in memory of a long term member Mik
    
    Well, this has been an interesting weekend. Photo bucket which had hosted my pictures since 2008 has become ransomeware and is requesting $500 to allow them to post here and the other fora I participate on. Now that is the cost of a very nice On30 locomotive with DCC and sound. I would rather use the money to purchase a locomotive. So................. I am restarting the thread for the original Kittom Lumber Company, a backwoods logging railroad set in 1910 on the Kentucky/ Tennessee border. I ...
    
    The "Original" Kittom Lumber C...
    Last reply by Tom Grabenstein on June 24
    
    O / On30
    
    89 topics
    
    1,777 posts
    
    The smallest Large Scale
    
    Chuck Inlow had asked me a few months ago to get photos posted of our 1/8th scale trains. I told him I would as soon as I built a railroad on which to photograph them. Well a few days ago, I started building the track for this "little" layout around our house. I had some rail leftover from a 7-1/2 inch gauge railroad for my kids from thirty years ago. But the problem was the wood ties. I found the solution to that problem from a company called Northwest Foundry and Railroad Supply in...
    
    Building a BIG "little" shortl...
    Last reply by Gary Armitstead on May 3
    
    Other Scales
    
    96 topics
    
    1,509 posts
    
    For discussion of any other scales. N? 1 1/2"? Sn3?
    
    I recently painted a loco shell with Rustoleum spray paint. The paint job came out just fine, but I decided I didn't like the finish and wanted a different color. So, I need to strip it. I assume most of you would recommend Alcohol for the task, but a well known loco painter claimed that if using Alcohol, it could take a month to completely strip. But what about using Super Clean or Purple Power? Have any of you had success with these products?
    
    Spray Paint Stripping Options
    Last reply by Ross Mansell on June 30
    
    Tools and Tips
    
    251 topics
    
    2,654 posts
    
    Tips and Tricks for everything from X-Acto knives to Zona saws.

Power and Sound
- - Not wanting to get into big debate and side taking, but I've been reading both the recent Airwire and RailBoss threads, which transformed into a battery discussion. I've done other research and watched videos, etc. So I decided to try to get a specifics thread. As a background, I started with track power and LocoLinc based on looking at specs and my own lack of experience. We are now in the process of down sizing and relocating to the mountains of western Colorado. I'v...
    
    Rail boss vs Airwire
    Last reply by Tony Walsham on 7 hours ago
    
    I've been playing with Airwire a bit in my spare time and I've come across a very cheap way to build an Airwire compatible receiver. It will drive any large scale DCC decoder using battery power. No programming, just hookup a few modules that you can get from Ebay and Amazon and it works. All together it costs about $30 (without the decoder obviously) It does require a bit of soldering and a voltmeter but it's pretty easy. If you are interested, I've put together a se...
    
    Cheap Airwire DCC Receiver
    Last reply by Greg Elmassian on July 20
    
    Power and Sound
    
    1,177 topics
    
    13,679 posts
    
    Battery? Track Power? Sound? Lights? Talk about it here.
    
    DCC
    
    I have managed to trade for the wild west style live steamer that I wanted. But she has been sleeping in a display case for many years. So a bit of going over will be in order once she arrives here in Indiana from the west coast. He did have the correct drawbar for her, so a home brew one is doing the duties for now, but I will make up one from sheet brass that fits in the proper place. I also plan to box in the drivers in the cab and install proper wood plank wood ...
    
    Awakening an Aster Reno + upgrades
    Last reply by Mike Toney on May 5
    
    Live Steam
    
    586 topics
    
    5,196 posts
    
    For those of you that like to burn your fingers while you run your trains
    
    This is from a guy who only knows enough not to stick his finger into a light socket! I recently purchased a New Orleans Streetcar. In the description it said: This unit had a bad mother board and has wired without it. So MTS will not work. 1. Will this work fine with my track power? 2. What is MTS, and what features am I losing?
    
    Electronics Help
    Last reply by Lou Luczu on June 28
    
    Electronics
    
    213 topics
    
    2,330 posts
    
    MARS lights? Crossing signals? Switch circuits? Signals? Discuss them here

Shows and Conventions
- - As usual, the annual INVASION of Friends starts on Thursday, July 18th... It would be nice to hear from those planning to attend, so that planning can be completed. The Railroad is in great shape, with several major upgrades, and improvements in the operations. Fred Mills
    
    Invasion of Friends, 2019
    Last reply by Fred Mills. on 1 hour ago
    
    Conventions, Shows, Clubs and Get-Togethers
    
    706 topics
    
    11,608 posts
    
    Conventions, Shows and Clubs news

Vendors and Manufacturers
This section is for vendors and manufacturers that help support the website.
- - MTH G Scale New Announcements! SD70ACe And GS4 With LED Lights!
    
    MTH G Scale New Announcements! SD70ACe A...
    Last reply by Ken Bianco on April 19
    
    I have been commissioned to do 2 Baldwin Sharks from Facebook, I figured the one that I scratch built a few years ago is lonely I can do 1 for me as well I started with a reference drawing, the guys measurements aren't 100% compared to the D&H unit i'm modeling but I can correct those issues later and here is the 3d model that's being extruded from that drawwing I should be able to start printing parts by the end of next week if all goes as planned The frame w...
    
    RF-16 Baldwin Shark - Design Phase
    Last reply by Sean McGillicuddy on August 22, 2016
    
    I recently had the opportunity to fit a new RCS R/C system and Fosworks COBRA-260 ESC to a latest run USAT GP38-2. Knowing that USAT diesels have in the past been very susceptible to gear failure I very carefully checked out this example.All the axles were perfect. This particular installation was to be fitted with a Centre OFF 100 Watt COBRA-260 ESC. These are virtually identical to my new Low OFF RCS # OMEGA-10 100 Watt ESC.The owner wanted to use one Tx hand-piece to be able to control...
    
    RCS fits new battery R/C to a USAT GP38-...
    Last reply by Tony Walsham on June 20
    
    In this section look for links to RailPro users videos, new products and install suggestions.
    
    RailPro Updates
    Last reply by Don Sweet on July 21
    
    Am I missing a link to the web site ? It would be nice to have one hear. Sean
    
    Link to web site
    Last reply by Greg Elmassian on March 29, 2018
    
    Ads and Announcements
    
    115 topics
    
    1,060 posts
    
    A place for announcements and specials, for advertisers that do not have a sub-forum on LSC.
    
    Mark's 3d Printing
    
    Remote Control Syste...
    
    RCS of New England
    
    RLD Hobbies

Website
- - This topic has to be re-mastered every time the site owner makes an upgrade to the software. For this incarnation the procedure is... Grab the embed code from the YouTube video (directly on the video): right click in OPERA (copy embed code); right click in FireFox (Copy embed code); right click in Chrome (get embed code);right click in IE (get embed code). In the reply window click on "insert/edit video" button in the top row (looks like a movie frame), and select "Embed". Paste the embed c...
    
    YouTube Video Embedding Instructions
    Last reply by " Rooster &qu... on July 19
    
    This pic was in my FB Photo Album. I want to see how long it stays here on LSC.
    
    Pic test from FB
    Last reply by John Passaro on April 30
    
    Website
    
    923 topics
    
    9,509 posts
    
    Announcements about the site will be posted here. Got a question? Ask.
    
    Testing Forum

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