Recent content by fotoflojoe

That must be a major award!

Have you considered Microengineering flex? They definitely make a high-quality product, it's only a few cents more per foot than Atlas, and there's plenty available. Though ME flex track is stiffer than Atlas - it will hold the curve you set it to. Some people really don't like that. Good luck!

This is the best example of forced perspective in model railroading, that I've seen. (It's a static diorama.) http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=70528

Nothing to offer here other than good luck, and I'm in to see the build thread. If there were a vote, mine would go toward modelling the "B" line - I lived along the "B" line in Allston, Ma as a child.

My setup is very similar to the OP's. Terminal blocks directly feed power districts for now, but circuit breakers/block detection units will soon be placed in line. It's a simple 4x8, but I very much want to experiment with signalling. My feeders are soldered to track rails (one per track...

He's also selling these. What an odd set of listings. And hey, if you can get someone to pay you $500 for a pair of size 17 Chuck Taylors, more power to you...

Bob's correct and gave good advice. I'd add this: When experimenting with decoder programming, make only one change at a time, inspect the result, and be meticulous about recording which changes were made. Unless you already know what to expect, changing more than one value at a time can create...

Train Tek really are a great bunch of people. I too, am a stone's throw from their shop, and have spent many a work day lunch hour getting good advice on projects and happily giving them my money! :D Usual disclaimer: I'm in no way affiliated with Train Tek, other than being a satisfied customer.

Yes, use electronics soldering methods. (no acid!) In addition to using 60/40 solder with rosin core flux, I use a flux pen. I originally wanted flux paste, but these were available locally - now I won't use anything else. Just before applying heat, give the joint a little dab. It's...

Any updates on the layout? Summer's over, get back into the basement! :D

I subscribed to both MR and RMC this year. Most likely though, I won't renew. To me, it's simply not worth the cost, even at discounted subscription rates. Plus, my local library system gets both magazines, so I can borrow them for free.

Wow, once you are able to get through, Ben Arnold seems to be a pretty responsive chap.

CSX's Beacon Park yard in Boston, MA has one also.

If I'm reading your suggestion properly, that's a very interesting idea. I'm planning to scenic the lower part of the layout to look like a tiny bit of the town that "butts up" against the industrial area. Abandoned trackage/repurposed right-of-way would fit nicely into that theme. Thanks!

The spur curve is what initially caught my eye about the plan. So for me, visual interest is definitely the reason I used it - apart from having no idea that it may or may not be prototypical :D. Also, I'd like to try my hand at scratch-building the diamonds. Thanks for the comments!