Rich
Manufacturer's web sites don't have details on their products.  Maybe they assume that everyone has used every single item they make. so why bother with details. I'm not referring to OEM replacements for locos or cars, just universal detail parts.  I'm sure they have shop drawings for the production, they should post a small version with specifications, or offer a downloadable PDF.

I hate buying anything sight unseen.  I don't expect the LHS to carry everything, but the factories should supply them with specification sheets.  Am I wrong?

Anyway, thanks to Don Tichy and Precision Scale, I now have most items I need. As for the stanchions, score a big 10 for the LHS.  Without them I'd still be looking. 

As you said, I can get away with a little "selective compression or expansion" of scale on HO, it usually looks better than the original thick styrene parts.  I have a digital caliper that keeps me within reasonable scale limits.  I sometimes use .020 instead of .015, it works for me.

I wouldn't call my work super detailing in the sense of making everything exactly proto, I just like dressing up or customizing my locos and cars a little. 

I had Precision bookmarked once, but now I can't seem to find them by Google.  Do you have a link for them?

Thanks
Bob


   

Might as well get the rest of my nickel in before this thread is pulled.

Bachmann cares about the future of trains.  They have something for every taste and pocketbook.  I'm anxious to get their new 275 page catalog, last years was 219.  They are modelers serving modelers.

I don't even read the ads for other locos anymore, I have 10 now, all Bachmann.  They are all DCC equipped, but I'm still running them DC.  I have a choice.

Quality at a reasonable price, best warranty in the business.  Am I missing out on something?   Not that I've noticed. 

My eyes are old, but I believe it says "Bachmann Message Board" at the top.     

Bob

Another MTH announcement?  Lasted about 5 minutes.

Counting down

Yampa

"Original " fans as you call them are getting older, that's true.  But there are more older people now, longer life expectancy.  Retired men, like myself, looking for something to occupy our time after 50 years of hard work.  And while it may be less "Father and Son", there is a lot more "Grandpa and Grandson".

My son is 48, a Grandpa himself.  I sent him all the trains and track to start a layout, and he is building one now.  During the last year I spent over $3,000 on train stuff.  I call that an investment, the returns will be priceless. 

Younger men are facing greater challenges of survival in a tough world.  I made it through, my son has finally built up a good vocation as a Diesel mechanic, helped send 4 kids through college.  His son is now hooked on trains and helping with the layout. 

Trains are here to stay, trains for the young kids, and trains for us old kids. 

Bob

The February 2007 issue of Model Railroad Craftsman has a 5 page article on the QJ, with great pictures.  Check their site for back issues.  Impressive.

Bob

Chug
Congratulations.  You just won the award for the least amount of capitalization, punctuation,  and otherwise breaking every rule of English grammar and sentence structure.  In other words:
LOL

Yampa

Hi Steve
I limit my cars to 40' on our 18", when we expand to 22" will limit to 50'.  Will probably work, maybe, but as the drunk said "Oh the hangover"  LOL

Bob

I could be wrong, but I don't think the crossover frog is powered.  There should be a 3 wire cable that plugs into the slide switch, just like the turnouts. The slide switch requires a two wire cable to the AC side of your controller.

It's so simple that I guess they don't feel instructions are necessary, but there should at least be a small diagram. 

Bob

I  searched every recommended source, but couldn't find a particular  item I needed:  Tiny brass stanchions in various lengths.

During a recent trip to Grand Junction I stopped at the LHS and asked for stanchions, expecting the usual "Don't have any"...Surprise...they had 6 different lengths from 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm for all scales.     

The hole in the 1.5mm  is a precision fit for .020 PB wire.  I use .015 for grabs and stirrups but like the looks of .020 for handrails. 

The manufacturer should come to no surprise: Precision Scale.  You won't find them in the Walther's catalog but are listed on their website.  Part #585-370 for the smallest, they are  a bit short for  Bachmann boiler stanchions, other sizes may work.   I didn't check the hole size of other lengths, I was just excited to get the smaller for the cut levers and handrails on my Bachmann "Green Goat" project. 

I also like the caption on the package:  Made in Montana, USA

Bob

I use Paint Shop Pro V7 for both raster and vector.  However, JASC was bought out by Corel and the newer versions are now high end "Photo Editing".  I guess we artists are a dying breed.   So now I recommend Irfanview.  You can't get a better price then "free".

My first digital was also a 5 mpx Olympus, it takes great pictures.  I recently bought a couple of higher end units, but the pictures are too harsh for my taste, I mean who wants to see skin pores and ear fuzz.

Haven't seen  you before, if you are new then Welcome and have fun.

Bob

You been a baaaaaaaad boy. lol
Bob

Tom
My compliments to you on the excellent photography, and courteous posting of small images.  They loaded instantly.  I just checked the properties of the images, and they are right on.  (right click, "properties")

Did you read my thread on "Image Management" in this section by any chance?

If not then you already had it figured out. 

Thank you for sharing and caring.

Bob

 I know where 318 is, takes off from Maybell....Check my thread  "yampa valley railroad"....in this section.   Post a reply if you like...

My layout is very basic but it suits me just fine and I have a lot of fun with it.   

Bob

Gary

Seems like the Atlas joiners actually fit better on the EZ track rail.  I had some loose joints using the EZ joiners and replaced them. 

Use sharp nippers to separate the jointers, and be sure the square end isn't bent down or it will try to dig into the tie.

Bob

Mike
EZ track is fully compatible with regular Code 100 track and accessories.  I suppose if you found a covered version you could modify it for your needs.

Bob