Hunt,

Roger that. Will check specs and install as instructed by the mfr.

Best Wishes, Jack

Jim,

Thanks for the very good timely reply.

Just as in the experiment that shows why a 50# bag of sand will not be knocked off a plank by a 180 gr .30-06 bullet with 2500 ft-lb of kinetic energy, but easily pushed off by a small child, the answer is time.

Hunt,

As usual, a very precise answer.

Thanks all for very good info. Looks like my layout will be served with a PM-42 and sub-districts.

However, Hunt, is it wise to use this Digitraxx component with CVP or other mfr's components, or is that not an issue?

Best Wishes, Jack

Dear bnsf,

I have found many adequate ideas and plans from Atlas. You can check out several of their books at the library and see what you like. They have several plans for your dimensions. Too, I like Gene's idea of expanding a smaller plan with straights. Atlas has a 6' x 10' that is two 4' x 6's put together or something like that. If you would combine two 4' x 8's (plywood sheets, that is) that would give you 8' x 12' I believe.

Too, at work today sitting on my desk, there was a folded rubber band that was removed from a parcel that looked like a pretty darn good candidate, sort of like a folded dogbone with all the loops connected with a central wye. Intriguing!

Best, Jack

Dear Nut,

Why didn't I think of that?  Wonderful idea!

But, and there is always a but, I believe there is a monthly tank rental charge, that would eventually offset the cost of purchasing a compressor.

Best, Jack

Dear Gene,

Muchos Garcias!  That is just the ticket for me.

Best, Jack

Jim,

My Father-in-law plumbed a line from  his compressor into the  basement where he does his model spraying. Seems like it might be a good idea.

Could you send me a description or picture of your propane tank setup via email, so to limit your liability. I would like to see if I might want to do that. Sounds like a good idea. 

Best, Jack

Jim,

Too, I believe Chas. Goodyear's homestead has been transported and reassembled at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI, not too far for a Canadian friend if he rides the rods from "wherever the heck it is you are."  lol

The Ford Museum, to my knowledge is the only one of its kind that makes the transition from the American agricultural to the industrial age. Their very large single cylinder steam engines with huge flywheels are a sight to see.

Best, Jack

Hunt and Jim,

Not knowing anything about electronics or wiring, what is the worst case that could happen with improper wiring of this beastie?

Thanks in advance.

Best, Jack

Gene et al,

I will have a similar setup near year's end.  I understand that one power district would suffice.

Is it practical or advised to use one 5 amp booster for two power districts, or do you need two boosters?  Lionel Strang shows how to do two power districts with one booster and some sort of electronics, of which I forget, probably something from Tony's.

Best, Jack

Dear Sheldon,

I did remember that you do not use DCC. Thanks for the info. Several others on this site have mentioned Easy DCC, too. Looks like a leading candidate.

Best Wishes,

Jack

Dear Sheldon and "Virg,"

Very impressive, to me, your knowledge. Thanks a million for your posts over the years.

I have been in the planning stages for a few years and am finally taking the plunge.  I have been promised an 11' x 22' HO layout based on the Erie Lackawanna from a friend who has gotten out of the hobby. Just have to hack it apart and reassemble it. I hope to do something similar to what "Virg" is doing, i.e. putting a peninsula in there somewhere. It will be rewired for DCC.  I have yet to decide which mfr to use for the DCC.

Will keep you informed, if you would like. Looks like the end summer is when the transfer will occur. I can send pix via e-mail if you would like.

Best, Jack

Glenn,

The 4x6 is N scale, I think and is about 280. The 4x8 comes in two different kits and is about $350+.  If you catch WS at a train show you can haggle with them. 

Best, Jack

Dear Friends,

Sorry to beat a dead horse about EZ Track, but it is better and safer than kicking the family dog!!!

Is it feasible to use a #5 or #6 turnout for easment into a lesser radius curve?

Here is my inexperience.

Or do you not use a turnout to initiate a curved area on one's layout?

Best Wishes to All,

Jack from Altoona, PA.  We will be watching and filming the choo choo's tomorrow with the kids!!!

Check out Lionel Strang's book on "DCC Made Easy."  One chapter is devoted to a decoder installation in an Atlas diesel.

Best, Jack

Sunday am, Palm Sunday,

Dear Friends,

This friend who is giving me his old Erie Lackawanna HO RR has a NIB Badger airbrush and compresser.  I will cut my teeth on that, then possible move up to a Paasche. My main interest is running trains, not counting rivets. I do enjoy a nice layout. At my stage in life, I am content to troll around after my children and do their stuff, from elementary to high school!  Like the old farmer said when asked if he and Maw were going have  more than their already 13 children: "Why, we just figgered out what is causing them!"

Should get the layout mid to late summer. Will keep you upgraded.

Best, Jack