Well, it is never too late to ride the wave. So, I have created a dedicated page in Facebook called “germaN160 by traiNmaster”. I have shared all my railway-related photos and videos there and a summary of my weekly layout progress will also be posted there. Please click Continue reading germaN160 goes Facebooking
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
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
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
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?
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
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
I have not abandoned the ICE diorama at all. Yes, as I said before, the ICE diorama is a test bed for me to try out things before I put them on the larger segment layout. Finally, I took out my NCE PowerCab and gave it a trial run with Kato P42 Genesis #52. Sorry if you were expecting ICE on this run, despite the name of the diorama (note to self again: stop calling it ICE diorama). Anyway, #52 is the only loco that I have added a Digitrax decoder some 10 years back. I did some shopping at … Continue reading First DCC Run on ICE Diorama
The Federal Association of German Railway Friends (Bundesverband Deutscher Eisenbahn – Freunde e.V.) published best practices as guidelines for modellers of German railways. These best practices are not part of the the MOROP NEM standards; thus, modellers are not obligated to adopt them. Having said that, I read through their best practices and would adopt them on my layout. In particular, this best practice on platform and ramp constructions took into account the existing NEM 102 loading gauges/clearances. Additional clearances were recommended for platforms located at curves (NEM 103). Not all platforms are the same. Depending on its purposes and … Continue reading Best Practices for Model Platform Constructions
I am pretty satisfied with the results of the track laying visualisation. I made some adjustments to the track positions to ensure I have some buffer space between adjacent tracks. 4 of the 6 tracks would be elevated starting from the end of Segment A-H; thus, I made sure that I have some buffer when I saw them – I am using cookie cutter method, whereby you cut and lift a portion of the roadbed for elevation. One of the major adjustments was the tracks leading to the proposed S-Bahn underground station. This station could hold up to 3 coaches per track and with tighter than expected radius. … Continue reading Concept Development: S-Bahn Underground Station
germaN:160 by traiNmaster 