Author: traiNmaster

After spending 35 years in Malaysia, I have decided to spend the other 35 years outside Malaysia. First stop, Germany!
Diorama Development, German RailwaysLeave a comment

First DCC Run on ICE Diorama

traiNmaster

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

German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning Book4 Comments

Best Practices for Model Platform Constructions

traiNmaster

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

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

Concept Development: S-Bahn Underground Station

traiNmaster

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

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

Build #06: Track Laying Visualisation

traiNmaster

We had good weather this weekend in Frankfurt. So it was worthwhile to go out and enjoyed the sun for one day. Strictly no construction. I was sure my neighbours enjoyed the peace and quiet Saturday that they did not have for 3 weekends. Despite no sawing and hammering, work still goes on in germaN160. In fact, it was back to the drawing board. I took out my track plans and examined the track arrangements and configurations at Segment A and its adjacent Segment H. I am now working on the bottom level aka Ground Minus 1, which is 110cm … Continue reading Build #06: Track Laying Visualisation

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

“The Cart Before The Horse” Syndrome

traiNmaster

I used to suffer occasional “the cart before the horse” syndrome. Really …. though lesser these days as I became older and wiser (?) hmm ……. Source: unknown I used to buy lots of rolling stocks and accessories such as tracks and turnouts but never had a chance to build a layout until now. I have a drawer full of rolling stocks waiting to roll. I am sure they would be rolling soon, at least in a few months time. What I wanted to talk about is the digital command control (DCC) system that I owned since 2005 – that’s … Continue reading “The Cart Before The Horse” Syndrome

Benchwork, Layout Construction7 Comments

Build #05: Up, Up and Awake ……

traiNmaster

After 3 weekends and countless back pain, I am glad that all modules for Segment E to H and Segment A were finally completed and ready for assembly. I took them out to the garden to enjoy early spring sun. I am happy how the overall construction turned out. Turning the Idea into Reality This weekend I built support legs for standard modules. The end modules do not need any support legs (other than Segment E end module, which will have a cross bar for support (see pics below). As I mentioned in my previous post, I was concerned about the stability of … Continue reading Build #05: Up, Up and Awake ……

Benchwork, Layout ConstructionLeave a comment

Build #04: First Stress Test, I Meant the Module

traiNmaster

Yes, it was about time to do some stress tests on my module. After spending 2 weekends cutting and putting the parts together, I should test my module construction before I proceed. I do not want to repeat the same mistakes that I made during the last 2 weeks. So here are my self-evaluations. If you could also evaluate through the photos that I have uploaded and what I have described, all the better. I welcome your comments. Standard Module per Segment B-D, F-H (92cm x 30cm x 15cm) This is how the segments would look like when I join … Continue reading Build #04: First Stress Test, I Meant the Module

Benchwork, Layout Construction2 Comments

Build #03: Working 9 to 5 for germaN160

traiNmaster

Oh, what a truly exhausting day, body and fingers now aching. Today I spent 9am to 5pm working outdoor. I still have some energy left to blog about it so here are a few thoughts that I wanted to offload. I started my day at 9 with a visit to the wood mart. I got an extra sheet of 10mm 2.5 x 1.7m plywood. This second sheet has been cut into 8 pieces for me so I could focus on cutting them to smaller sizes later. I wanted to get extra sheet now so that I do not need to … Continue reading Build #03: Working 9 to 5 for germaN160

Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book2 Comments

Standards on germaN160

traiNmaster

While waiting for the weekend to come and my second batch of plywoods (order sent), I decided to put down on print the standards that I am adopting on my layout – both as a reference for myself and for those who would like to adopt some forms of standards. I am following the recommendations from NEM as well as the best practices (after consulting many expert modellers in both HO- and N-scale). You might be wondering why all the fuss over conforming to some standards and take the fun off model railroading. Well, better to take the fun off now … Continue reading Standards on germaN160