Author: traiNmaster

After spending 35 years in Malaysia, I have decided to spend the other 35 years outside Malaysia. First stop, Germany!
Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book2 Comments

Build #10: Staging Yard

traiNmaster

I have now reached the staging yard, one of the critical part of my layout, after months of weekend construction. This yard is important, although it would be hidden, as it would consist of 6 tracks – 3 per direction – and hold low priority trains. The initial plan was 7 tracks but I decided to forego this track for cost consideration. Just like a real railroad, any track extension involves cost and whether it is economically viable to do so. Furthermore, the tight radius at first track resulted in me pushing the positions of all 6 tracks further up … Continue reading Build #10: Staging Yard

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Planning Book1 Comment

Build #09: Rise, My Child, Riseee!

traiNmaster

Today was a beautiful sunny weather here in Frankfurt. A good time to spend outdoor, and outdoor I did spend. A good 8 hours working on my layout. Part 1: Foundation of germaN160 completed! Finally, I have completed the standard modules for Segment B to D. These standard modules would be the final pieces, which connected Segment A end module to Segment E end module. Segment D Segment C, which is at the entrance to the balcony Segment B I built Segment B and Segment D modules first and then positioned them. Then I measured the space between them. Normally, a standard module is … Continue reading Build #09: Rise, My Child, Riseee!

DCC and Electrical System, Layout Construction, Planning Book, Product ReviewLeave a comment

When No Sound is A Good Sign

traiNmaster

Wiring for a DCC layout will be top on my germaN160 layout construction program. Everywhere I read about DCC wiring, one of the essential tools to have is a audible short tester. How does this tester function? In short (sorry, pun intended here), the buzzer will be audible when you connect the feeders to the wrong track bus polarities. Model Railroad Hobbyist (MRH) magazine provides an excellent explanation and video on how this work and how to build one. Source: MRH March 2012 – Issue #25 So I bought my parts from Conrad for less than 10 Euro and soldered … Continue reading When No Sound is A Good Sign

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book4 Comments

Build #08: Heading Towards the First Milestone

traiNmaster

For the last 2 weeks, I had not been seriously working on my layout, for the fact that I had other personal commitments to attend to. During their period, I allowed my layout to “take a rest” and “absorb some sun and humidity”. I think it is important to allow the wood to so-call “breath and adjust to the new environment”. As my friend and fellow N-scale modeller from UK said “that once you have cut your wood I wouldn’t leave it unsupported or leaning on anything. Try and keep it on as flat a surface as you can. Wood has … Continue reading Build #08: Heading Towards the First Milestone

EducationLeave a comment

N#3: Choices of N-scale Models

traiNmaster

A series of write-up on N-scale (Ngage and Njoy in Nscale): N#3: Choices of N-scale models In the first two series, I introduced the N-scale model railroading and the attraction that it offers. In this series, I will introduce the vast selections of N-scale models and its manufacturers. Although Arnold was one of the first to introduce this scale, there are many more who offer N-scale models parallel to their HO-, TT- or G-scale models. At times, you will see the introduction of N-scale models 6 months to 1 year after its bigger brother models; sometimes, only in one scale. … Continue reading N#3: Choices of N-scale Models

EducationLeave a comment

N#2: The Attraction of N-scale

traiNmaster

A series of write-up on N-scale (Ngage and Njoy in Nscale): N#2: The Attraction of N-scale N-scale has been the second popular choice since its introduction more than half a century ago due to its smaller size. Some details especially smaller parts such as handrails, rivets, etc. that modellers look forward to in HO-scale would not be present in N-scale. In exchange for such compromises, N-scale offers more space – both in terms of length of trains and area for modelling. For example, 8-car freight train in HO-scale would give you 15-car freight train on the same length of track, … Continue reading N#2: The Attraction of N-scale

EducationLeave a comment

N#1: What is N-scale?

traiNmaster

Note to readers: N-scale has often been a misunderstood scale, either new comers not aware of its existence, ignorance or misinformation. Thus, I will write a series of articles on this scale in hope to educate and encourage more adopters. I consider myself a beginner to this hobby although I have done a lot of research, reading and learning and contributing in forums for last 10 years. Please share with others. If you would like to post in your blog, go ahead. If you want to me write about something, please email me. This is the first of a series of … Continue reading N#1: What is N-scale?

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Improving Gradients

traiNmaster

I read in many forums as well as from various modular standards such as FREMO, Ntrak, etc., it was uncommon to have multi-levels. In fact, gradients were typically kept to minimal (please correct me if I erred). Ntrak did specify a “mountain division” track . On the other hand, segmented layout is actually a layout broken up into many equal or unequal sections without common end-profiles that allow for interchangeability. In essence, this is what my layout germaN160 is. I have in total 8 modules – 6 standard modules and 2 end modules. Each module supports 2 levels. My challenge … Continue reading Improving Gradients

Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Build #07: Flex Tracks as Planning Tool

traiNmaster

In my previous post – Build #06 Track Laying Visualisation – I started working on the track laying for 2 segments, or to be exact, marking the lines for the tracks. This might should overboard or too much planning but I liked the overall process of the hobby. The hobby is not just about collecting trains and running them in circles or whatever configurations. As I build my layout, I am also learning more about railway operations and how for example tracks were laid and why they were laid in certain ways. I do some research and talk to modellers … Continue reading Build #07: Flex Tracks as Planning Tool