Trains in the Cascades

Beautiful Southern Pacific Cabforwards in action on a great layout. More on the layout can be found at:Southern Pacific in the Cascades. A must if you like the SP in the 1950's!



I believe it's this kind of single track mainline in mountain terrain atmosphere that we're trying to capture too on the new double sided layout of my local NMRA-BR South West division, the Western Union (see links), of which construction has recently started.

Sound, the next frontier.

I've been contemplating building in sound into loco's. The main issue stopping me from doing so initially was cost. A sound decoder cost around £80,- GBP, or around $120,- USD. For that kind of money, you could easily buy another (DC) loco. However, I've seen several sound loco's in operation, and it does add quite a bit to the illusion and fun. Also, since I am at the beginning stages of converting my loco's, I may as well do it right the first time. (any future new loco purchases are likely to include sound from factory, making it a more economical deal).

So I've decided to put a sound decoder into my CF7, currently under construction. This is a smaller diesel, and I think if I am successful in fitting it inside the CF7, then other diesels (I have a few C44-9W waiting to be detailed etc next) should be a lot easier.  For my first sound loco, I've opted for  a QSI Quantum Revolution (see pic). I've gone for the universal model and have the decoder pre-programmed with the correct sounds by DCC supplies, where I've bought it. (see list with links). I am also fitting a narrow bass-reflex speaker system inside for  better sound performance. Stay tuned for more on this in the near future! :-)

Another milestone

Here is my CF7 again, a couple days later, and all the handrails are now completed. Next up will be more details for the roof, pilots, and trucks before she'll hit the paint shop.

More CF7

Last month I updated you on the status of my CF7 project. Here's a picture on where I'm at now.
Both sides the long handrails have been fitted, along with a few other handrails, and internally, I've fitted the motor and driveshafts. This is a Mashima motor with two brass flywheels, and a driveshaft made from A-line universal coupling assortment parts. So things are slowly moving forward. A few more things to do, and then she's ready for the paint shop.

Turnout control

I've had a change of heart. I have started to build my layout with the intention to throw the turnouts by hand, as they are mostly within easy reach. However, I've changed my mind and am going to use Tortoise switch machines. These give a realistic slow motion action, and have a set of additional contacts that can be used to switch power to the frog of the turnout to avoid stalling loco's , and / or use to switch signals according to the position of the turnout.  To see a tortoise in action , see this short clip.

Signal placement

One item I'd like to get right on my layout is the use and placement of signals. Every country, and sometimes railroad have their own standards, depending on which side of the tracks (in case of double track main) the trains run in each direction, and other factors. I wasn't entirely sure where to put them in the case of US railroads. But after asking around, it turns out that signals , when not on a signal bridge, were usually placed on the right side of the track, a rule that was more strictly enforced until 1985. After that date, the placement can be on the left too, which is sometimes needed to facilitate access for maintenance crews, or geographical challenges etc.  So now my search is on to find a great looking model signals, and I think I have found some great looking ones in the range from BLMA models.

Everything Airbrush(ed)

A few posts back I reported that I received a new airbrush compressor, but could not get my airbrush connected to it. I've asked on several forums etc but got no further, due to the age and model of my airbrush. However, when I wrote Everything Airbrush they had a very elegant solution for me. The solution was to get a new hose with 1/8"BSP connections at either side, then a quick connection coupling attached to that, and finally a small quick release tail connected to the airbrush. (see picture , copyright Everything Airbrush) It has the advantage to quickly disconnect the airbrush from the hose to swap with another airbrush if needed. I ordered it, and received the order next day, and it all fits perfectly! So I can recommend them for anything you need for your airbrush! My thanks to them and particularly Tim from Everything Airbrush for their advice and help!