Category: Planning Book

Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Build #07: Flex Tracks as Planning Tool

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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

German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning Book4 Comments

Best Practices for Model Platform Constructions

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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

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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

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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

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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

Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book2 Comments

Standards on germaN160

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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

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book3 Comments

Build #02: Lots of Measuring and Cutting for Module Parts

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This year’s weather was rather unusual. It was a relatively “warm” winter, between 5C and 12C, and occasional shower. The last 2 weekends were wet; thus, disrupting my plan to work outdoor. I do not have a proper workshop (note to self: make sure there is a small room for workshop when looking for new house) so I have to be satisfied with a makeshift workshop under 5C. In 3 hours, I managed to measure and saw module parts for Segment F, G and H and base for Segment A. This was my second time using Dremel DSM20, still more … Continue reading Build #02: Lots of Measuring and Cutting for Module Parts

Diorama Development, Layout Planning, Planning Book, Product Review3 Comments

Dremel DSM20 Compact Saw – A Product Review

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I was fortunate to be one of the 200 selected test users from Germany to test Dremel’s latest compact saw Dremel DSM20. I was surprised and excited when I received the package last week, just as I was starting my Christmas holidays. I wanted to use this time to complete my ICE diorama rework, which you all know, has been moving rather slowly. Besides finding some time to work on it, I was also looking for the right tools. My colleague lent me his jigsaw, which is helpful for cutting curved shapes but to do straight cuts a circular saw could be helpful. … Continue reading Dremel DSM20 Compact Saw – A Product Review

Benchwork, Diorama Development, German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Teaser Photos from ICE Diorama Rework

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While finding the time to write more about my ICE diorama rework progress, I thought it would be nice to share some photos since Day 1, from to to Hey, what is that American doing on a German track? Importing US technology to Germany, a reversal from the ICE 1 Amtrak in the 1990s? Facebook Album (public view): germaN160 Model Railway Diorama Continue reading Teaser Photos from ICE Diorama Rework

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

Layout Progress: Preparing the Base for Module A

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After 2 weeks of non-activity (since the Modell Süd show in Stuttgart), I kicked myself on the butt (hmm how did I do that??!! :p) and started doing some work on my layout. Finally!! Last Saturday I sent to IKEA shopping and got myself a MALM chest of drawers with 4 drawers for 69 Euros. It fits nicely to the corner that I wanted for Module A, which will be the central railway station (Hauptbahnhof) and a siding for industry (Industrie Anschluss). Just in case you forgotten about my track plan, here it is again. Vacuumed clean and ready for … Continue reading Layout Progress: Preparing the Base for Module A