Harold,
What in the world is a reed switch?  I looked at the Horizon website you posted and I still don't know what they are or how they are used.

Bill

Wow, what a trip down memory lane.  Nigel, do you realize I actually had that issue?  I had all MR issues from about the middle of 1965 through 1968 before I went in the Navy.  My parents thought I had out grown trains and threw them all away.

Bill

WOW!  Absolutely.....go for it Jim.  Also, add schematics.  I would love to have such a book in my library.

And, think of this too.  If it's a great book, and I'm sure it will be, Kalmbach would buy the rights to it and you could retire a wealthy man!

Bill

You guys are absolutely hillarious.  Keep it up.

Bill

Jim and Jeffrey,

Thanks ever so much for your thoughts and ideas.  With that in mind I think I'll try your method.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Bill

Jeffry,
In another thread I started asking about Peco turnouts, you mentioned you hand lay your track.  Iam starting to build a cross over where a curved track crosses a straight section.  If you subscribe to MR, a picture of what I am trying to construct is on the cover page of the April 2009 issue.

I have started by using a sharp razor saw and cut the lengths from a section of Atlas 83 code, 22" radius curved section.  I remove most of the plastic ties, but keep some connected primarily to ensure the guage remains the same. I use the same technique on the straight portion of the crossover.

My question lies in how to wire the pieces of rail in between the gaps of the respective curved and straight rails.  The only way I can think of is to solder a small piece of wiring from the powered rails of the respective straight and curved sections to the interior rails of the crossover. Or, as I was typing this, I was wondering if I should remove all the ties, solder the individual pieces and then reassemble the rails to the ties.

If you or anyone else has any suggestions, I would certainly appreciae it.

Thanks again, Bill

Ray,
Thanks for the great response and website.  I have an ideal spot for a double curved turnout, but I noticed it's only offered in code 100 and I use code 83.  DRAT!!!

Peco offers both electro and insulfrog turnouts.  Can someone tell me the difference between the two?  I assume the wiring is different in some way.

Thanks, Bill

Tom,

I have one and they are a great running little locomotive.  If you get a chance be sure and get one.  I spray painted mine, repainted the engine crew, and weathered it and it looks great.  I, too, hope Bachmann brings them out again.

Signalman,
At one time there was a fabric dye available called "Dye Rite" or something like that.  It was used to change the color of clothing.  I don't know if it's still available or not because I haven't seen it in years. Perhaps you could check at a Wal Mart or some "big box" store down under to see if there is any available.

The trouble with the dye is that you would have to get a large pot of water boiling, add some white vinegar (to set the dye) and add the dye itself.  Putting your poly fibre through that process would undoubtedly change the texture and I'm afraid it would not look as realistic as you imagine.  Also the color would be of one shade or hue of green and not look very realistic.

I would opt for some Woodland Scenics clump bushes or foliage in various shades of green and apply it with some white glue.  The white glue like Elmers dries clear.

In another post I mentioned that I model the Rock Island as it ran through Little Rock in the early 1950s.  I use a DL109 [P1K]for passenger service which is replaced at times with an E-8 [P-2K] (both in Rocket livery) or a Budd RDC-3 [P1K].  The consist is comprised of a RPO car with 3 to 4 cars.  On freights I run a F-3 [Athearn] in the black and red livery or two RS-3s [Atlas] and a 4-8-2 [Spectrum]with any where from 10 to 15 cars of various types.

I also operate a fictitious railroad circa 1920s, named the Arkansas Central. It is comprised of 4-6-0s or 2-8-0s [Spectrums] pulling 3 to 4 Palace passenger cars or 3 to 4 heavy weights..  Freights consist of 2-8-0s [Spectrum] pulling mostly 36' box cars and wooden cabooses.  I also have a street car system running in a rounded off rectangle through my town.  For the early era I run a Riverossi (I think) street car and for the later era I run with a Peter Witt (Spectrum)

I've got around 150Sq Ft in a 16 x 24 dedicated building in the back yard.  It's comprised mostly of code 83 flex track with a small section of hand laid code 70 on some of my spurs.  I model the Rock Island as it was in Little Rock back in the late 40's and early 50's.  I run mostly Bachmann steamers (2--8-0, 2-8-2, 4-6-0, 4-8-2 & 4-6-2s)  diesels (RS-3, DL109, E-8, F-7 and a Budd RDC-3).  Currently in DC mode, but am planning DCC as soon as I decide on a brand.  I've just finished a streetcar line with 9" radii to run in my down town area. Buildings are mostly DPM with some Walther's pre-builts.  All are illuminated.

Bill

Thanks to all for your replies.  I'll wait until the Roundhouse version comes out.

Bill

I know the forum does not allow the bashing of a competitors products, and if my question violates this rule, I do apologize. However this issue has previously been posted on this board and I would like a clarification.  It concerns the running quality of their 4-6-2 Pacific. I understand from previous posts that this engine has problems with the running gear but I don't know if its a fixable item or not.
Question 1: What is the nature of the problem?
Question 2: Do all of the engines in the product line have the same problem or are there now current runs that do not have the problem?
Question 3: Does Athern offer any kind of fix to the problem even though the unit is out of warranty? (It's used)

Mr. B.  If I have violated your rule, I certainly apologize and you can delete this thread if you wish.

Thanks, Bill

I don't know the specific answer for your question, but I have both the Spectrum and Rivarossi heavy weights and their chassis are not interchangeable.