Using strong, aggressive adhesives that result in a permanent unbreakable bond between track and the sub roadbed means the track is there forever and that it will be impossible to remove and reuse in the future.

When I was working in the smaller scales, I used a variety of small nails and / or relatively 'soft adhesives'. These adhesives can be used sparingly in 'spot' applications rather than running large, long continuous beads. This allows the (expensive) track to be lifted without destroying it when you want or need to revise the layout or build a new layout. Some of the contact type fabric adhesives are perfect for this application.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

S'Gene:

Keep listening and hoping, but probably no joy.

You do appear to have a valid complaint with the establishment. Try asking for a refund based on false advertising / promise!       

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Quote from: Nick Jr on September 19, 2007, 04:05:26 PM
Must be something new,  I received two flat cars late last month and both contained another set of couplers that had a lower profile.  Nick Jr

Nick:

I think you probably received the new 1:20.3 scale ready to run flat cars. They are shipped with both the new high level couplers and the older low level couplers. All is well with your RTR 1:20.3 cars.

The discussion above is regarding couplers in the 1:22.5 scale flatcar kits. They are normally supplied with only the older low level couplers, but it appears that some of the latest production of the kits were packaged and shipped without any couplers.

Happy RRing,

Jerry Bowers

I lubricate all my axle bearings with graphite powder. I get the stuff sold at hardware and home stores for lubricating locks. Kadee also sells a slightly finer powder version. I use that on the couplers

You could use oil, but it has a tendency to collect dirt, and many common oils will attack plastics. Not good.

Hope this helps.

Happy RRing,

Jerry Bowers

Jim:

To add to Jim Banner's comments:

German / EU sales taxes are in the 16-20% range. A buyer (even a visitor) in Germany generally is required to pay this tax. There is a method for non-EU residents to reclaim this tax, but it usually isn't worth the significant effort. This means an item manufactured in Germany might cost more to purchase in Germany than in the U.S.

Germany was historically known for precision mechanics, especially in mechanical models such as our model trains. While the overall concept of quality engineering is still a German national treasure, much of the actual production of model RR components is done 'overseas' (i.e. not in Germany).

Bottom line is unless you have a specific item that is only available in Germany or, as Jim wrote, an appealing German style keepsake, you will just end up paying more for Chinese / Asian / East European  made stuff and then still have to pay to get it home

BTW: I was resident in England and / or W. Germany from 1974 to 1979, traveling frequently between Europe and the U.S. During that time, I brought lots of model RR supplies, materials and rolling stock from the U.S. to my fellow modelers in the U.K. and Europe. I was never asked to bring something from the U.K. or Europe to the U.S.!!

Hope your brother enjoys his trip!! We really enjoyed our time in the U.K and Europe!!

Happy RRing,

Jerry Bowers

Quote from: zubi on September 05, 2007, 11:07:13 PM<snip> 'G' is an umbrella over many scales ranging from about 1:13 (feldbahn) to about 1:27 (standard gauge) but operating on 45mm track <snip>

Interesting that you include scales from 1:13 clear on up to 1:27 as comprising "G scale", but not include what is arguably the largest selling 1:29 scale. Is there something really special about Aristocraft and USA Trains that they are left out of your personal naming convention?

Happy RRing,

Jerry

It's interesting that one of the persons who has made the most public noise about not turning the new K-27 upside down for DCC installations has previously reported lots of gear failures on his equipment (not Bachmann). We can probably surmise that those failures were at least partly due to a lack of lubrication, as properly lubricating a locomotive also requires 'upside down'. Makes me wonder how long the new K-27 is gong to run without proper lubrication, regardless of the DCC installation.

This whole push to DCC is being done by a few folks who would rather work on computers, programming, codes and electronics rather than running a model railroad. Dealers and manufacturers of DCC components are strongly involved in this push. I fully respect that this computer control stuff is a small segment of the model RRing hobby, but just that, a small segment of a very large hobby.

As an example of some of the problems DCC brings, the so-called "hybrid' drive currently being pushed forward is the result of at least one proponent / supplier of DCC finding that the amount of track and wheel cleaning required to keep power and signal going to the target locomotive was even more than straight DC power required. Hybrid drive may be somewhat effective in solving part of this problem, but it really adds another level of complexity to an already unnecessary and overly complex solution to a simple problem. And largely done just so DCC supporters can sell more of their products.

Too bad that newcomers are being forced to participate in the push to fully DCC powered layouts. More so when outdoor running is considered. How many folks will want to get started in the model RRing hobby, read all the hype about DCC, try some of it (or even be forced to try it due to equipment availability), find out how much tech work is involved just to get a train around a circle, then give up the hobby.

I believe the folks pushing this as a universal solution do the hobby a great disservice, and manufacturers who are trying to make this a required standard / purchase also hurt all of us in the hobby.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Zubi:

I've been in model RRing for nearly 60 years and in LS model RRing since the early 1980s (well more than 20 years). I, like most of the modelers I know, have always worked to be reasonably precise in our model RRing language, as well as our speech and writing in general. If we are going to be able to have meaningful discussions, then we need to recognize that items like scale, gauge, dimensions, grades, colors, etc. have specific words to describe them. A brown boxcar isn't called 'Green' just because someone likes, or first learned, the letter "G".

I'm certain there are some folks who just don't care if they communicate clearly. They of course can call it anything they want without anyone's permission or correction. By doing so, they just show their lack of knowledge and understanding.

To educated folks, 'things' have specific words and symbols to describe them. That's how we communicate with each other. Those are the folks I respect and want to deal with.

I too hope the K27 will do well, but it still isn't ". . . G scale . . .".

Happy RRing,

Jerry Bowers

Quote from: taz-of-boyds on August 30, 2007, 11:00:42 PM
The 1:20 scale should be G scale narrow gauge...
Charles

Sorry, but it is NOT ". . . G scale . . .".

The K27, like all of Bachmann's "Spectrum" locomotives, is 1:20.3 scale, narrow gauge. That scale / gauge combination is named Fn3, where the "F" designates a 1:20.3 model scale, "n" designates narrow gauge, and "3" designates the prototype's 3 feet between the rails. This scale running on 45mm gauge track is an accurate scale / gauge combination.

Happy (F Scale) RRing,

Jerry Bowers

Bachmann / Kader didn't want to pay the $9.95 surcharge for hotel internet service. A couple of days of that and they would have to raise the price of that beautiful 1:20.3 scale K27 they just announced!!
 

Happy RRing,

Jerry Bowers

Jay:

Maybe too obvious, but have you tried disconnecting the wires at the power supply, then turning the power up? If that is OK, then try it with the wires disconnected at the track.

This will prove that the power pack is good and also test the wiring. Sometimes the wires can be 'frayed' and shorting at the connections.

Happy RRing,

Jerry Bowers

The 'fixed DC' output is for turnouts, lighting and other accessories that require a fixed voltage.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

With very few exceptions, mass produced plastic model trains such as Bachmann and Atlas really don't have significant collector value. Reasons being the obvious one of being mass produced, and secondly the fact that the construction and quality have gotten much better over the years.

Take an engine that sold for less than $25 years ago and compare the detail and running quality with one costing something less than $100 today and you will see a huge difference. Many times the older ones are sold by the lot at yard sales for practically nothing. BTW, one place to check the value of trains similar to yours is on ebay. The prices paid there are indicative of the highest price folks will pay.

Get those trains out and play with them as they were designed to do!!

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Jack:

Most folks have found the missing parts in the packaging or in the area where the cars were unpacked. Take a closer look.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Dry ice is very cold and thus the vapor coming from its sublimation (melting) is also very cold. The vapor really tends to go down toward the table, floor or ground rather than up like the hot exhaust from a steam or internal combustion engine. This makes much better ground fog than smoke / steam.

Happy RRing,

Jerry