Author: traiNmaster

After spending 35 years in Malaysia, I have decided to spend the other 35 years outside Malaysia. First stop, Germany!
Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Track Clearances: NEM102 vs NMRA S-7

traiNmaster

I always wonder what are the differences in track clearances or loading gauge between the European and North American model railroads (and also in reality). Visually the American locos are larger and taller compared to its European counterpart. This photo (HO models) shows that. For those who want to run both the North American and European models on your layout, these measurements will help you. If you are sticking to European (or American), then it is good to know what the other side of the Atlantic have (just to satisfy your curiosity) The above dimensions did not take into account … Continue reading Track Clearances: NEM102 vs NMRA S-7

Product Review2 Comments

Atlas HO-scale Dash 8-32BW Diesel Loco

traiNmaster

Occasionally I would buy HO-scale models, mainly for the reason of liking the model for its aesthetic look and for display. This Amtrak California Dash 8-32BW from Atlas RR was purchased back in 2007/8 when I was still interested in American railroad (I still do). The Amtrak California runs in the state of California; my particular model is the San Joaquin, which runs from Bakersfield to Oakland/Sacramento. Since I bought the Piko BR 185, an European loco, I thought I should bring out my American model for comparison. You will notice stark differences between the American and European locos. The … Continue reading Atlas HO-scale Dash 8-32BW Diesel Loco

Product ReviewLeave a comment

Piko H0-scale BR 185 E-Loco

traiNmaster

Okay, this time it is not a lucky draw win. Can’t be that lucky 3 times in a row, can I? DB Schenker Rail was clearing their gift shop inventories and among others was this Piko H0-scale BR 185 E-Loco with the Railion (now DB Schenker Rail) red livery. It costs only 50 Euro (UP: 75 Euro) I have not been paying much attention to HO-scale models other than watching them on layouts. Perhaps a HO-scale steam loco next round? BR 052? Continue reading Piko H0-scale BR 185 E-Loco

Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Turnout Planning with Peco Template and NEM103

traiNmaster

PECO has finally updated their turnout templates and I managed to download all the N-scale turnout templates in code 55 (3,47MB) and code 80 (1,93MB). I intend to use mainly PECO turnouts but am open to try others such as those from Fleischmann and even at a later stage handlaid tracks from Fast Tracks. You can download the 1:1 templates here. An example of a code 80 template below. To print correctly, make sure there is no sizing of the printing (Print > Properties > … ) Once printed, the ruler on the right side allows you to check with your ruler … Continue reading Turnout Planning with Peco Template and NEM103

Exhibitions/Fairs2 Comments

Autograph Session with Hagen von Ortloff of SWR Eisenbahn Romantik

traiNmaster

Mr. Hagen von Ortloff is a familiar face among the railway fans in Germany. He is the moderator of the SWR Eisenbahn-Romantik program since its first airing in 1991. This was taken at Internationale Modellbahn Ausstellung 2012 in Köln Messe/Deutz. You can see his videos in SWR/Eisenbahn Romantik or in Youtube. Continue reading Autograph Session with Hagen von Ortloff of SWR Eisenbahn Romantik

Exhibitions/Fairs, Layout VisitsLeave a comment

Model Layout Visits

traiNmaster

My Model Layout Visits Collection Here are the growing number of model layouts that I have visited over the years. Those that are highly recommended are in asterisk (*) LOXX Berlin Miniaturwelt in Alexa shopping complex, Alexanderplatz, Berlin, Germany (*) York Model Railway in York central station, Yorkshire, UK Miniatur Wunderland Album 1 and 2 in Hamburg, Germany (*) Internationale Modellbahnaustellung (IMA) in Göppingen, Germany German Rail fair Album 1 and 2 in Hannover Messe, Germany Modellbahnwelt in Oberhausen, Germany (*) Modellbau Süd Album 1 and 2 in Stuttgart Messe, Germany Internationale Modellbahnausstellung (IMA) in Cologne Messe/Deutz, Germany Continue reading Model Layout Visits

Product ReviewLeave a comment

Tomix N-scale JNR SO 80ton Crane

traiNmaster

One thing I found lacking in N-scale was modern railway maintenance equipment such as Plasser & Theurer tamping machines, Gottwald 100ton cranes, etc. Some of these came in kit form but they looked horrible and expensive. For example, this Kibri Gottwald railway crane cost about 80 Euro and you have to fix it yourself. In the end, it looks crappy. I wished Kibri or someone would come out with a better version, perhaps a working version of this crane. In the meantime, I would have to settle for Tomix N-scale Japan National Railway (JNR) SO 80 crane, which cost me … Continue reading Tomix N-scale JNR SO 80ton Crane