Tyke - I agree with you and found some atlas 56 switches on ebay and at a train show. Here's the slide-out control panel I built for my steel ez-track 5'x9' layout. It took a little planning but my young son and his friends have no problems operating it.



Panel is made of 1/8 inch plywood.

Have fun!  Derek

Check out this multi-part video series on carving styrofoam scenery - it really helped me understand carving, applying latex as a base paint then improving the look with earth coloured acrylic washes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1D4KBB_GC4

Its easy and fun to do!

Derek

Quote from: tonycook1966 on March 28, 2007, 12:45:05 PM
You may have read about the second group of 1/87th Fresh Cherries vehicles, but I have some info that is freshier and differs from earlier announcements.

Read about the next batch of 1/87th Fresh Cherries, plus see pics of the original cars and info regarding their prototypes and model designs...

http://ho-scaletrains.net/id26.html

I asked the manufacturer about Canadian retail availability and was informed "Wal-Mart will have these by August.Right now you probably need to shop online.  Try www.houseofhobbies.com"

Derek

My son wanted his colourful Bachmann cars converted to body mounted Kadee #5's for shunting.

I used the Kadee #246 tap & drill set, a 2/56 plastic screw and where needed on the gondola cars shims cut from plastic tabs off bread bags. Snap off the talgo mount from the trucks, trim the round eyes from the top of the kadee gear box (allows trucks to turn properly), cut the screw and shims to size with pliers and you're ready to go.

Derek

Terry - Great - I see you posted the info. Thanks. Derek

Terry - I wonder that too. Of course, there's only so many versions of 'classic' layouts that you can make so the book will probably have some repetition.

I certainly learned from you and others from the old board that most layout design follows basic principles. The best lesson I learned was not to follow one curve with an immediate curve in the opposite direction - thank goodness you showed me that before I spent time and money designing turnouts on my layout that would cause derailments!

Did you keep any of these old posts and layout pictures? I get the impression from all the recent questions these would be beneficial.

Derek

Ouch - now what are we going to do! Guess I'll have to startup my saw again. You would think the new EZ track layout book would call for some 2" straights - I mean how could you not need some! (I still like my earlier idea of bundling 2" straights with the layout book)

....geez - there's only so many 90 degree crossings you can sell on ebay!

Derek

Zanthian - With respect to books, I mentioned the name Robert Schleicher in an earlier post. He's authored numerous books including previous Bachmann EZ track layout book. His HO Model Railroading Handbook (3rd edition published by Krause publications) gives several layouts and discussion on EZ track geometry. I see there's a copy's on ebay and amazon.com right now.

I started my EZ track layout on 4x8 but changed to 5x9 and stayed with steel EZ track and standard remote turnouts. If you're using the Atlas freeware to design your layout and want some .ral files to look at, just email me offsite.

Once the posts from the original forum are available you'll find several threads on e-z track layouts. There are also a couple of 'master EZ track designers' that are lurking in this forum! (not me - I'm just learning too).
If you post a specific design question or challenge, you're sure to get some great help!

Derek

Congrats Bach-man, you're really on a roll with all the announcements, new website, WGH layouts - WOW!

You'll knock our sox off if you arrange to 'FREE the 2" straights' (in conjunction with releasing the book; that'll make the EZ track book a real winner - or why not bundle the book with 2" straights - lol).

By the way, who is authoring the book this time?? Also, do you have an email address so I can send a note to your previous author Robert Schleicher?

Thanks Bach-man
Derek O

Quote from: John Murphy on February 03, 2007, 10:36:25 PM
I'm also using the HO Plasticville Suburban Station (heavily modified, painted, lighted) to be another focal point....

John - I'd love to see how you customized the station; can you post a picture? I'm just starting on one myself.

Derek