Category: Product Review

AnyRail, Layout Planning, Product ReviewLeave a comment

Review: PowerPoint-like AnyRail Track Planner (Updated)

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Update 21.12. and 29.12.: I have updated this post with more information about the AnyRail features and changed the title from MS Office-like to PowerPoint-like. It was a coincidence that I discovered the AnyRail track planner software. I had previously used the licensed version of SCARM (Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller) for track planning. SCARM is a well-established layout planning program with a solid model train simulator and a 3D viewer. Some features take practice to master—just like any new software or hobby. I decided to give AnyRail a try to see how it compares and what, if anything, it … Continue reading Review: PowerPoint-like AnyRail Track Planner (Updated)

DCC and Electrical System, DCC-EX, Product ReviewLeave a comment

Review: World’s Smallest but Most Powerful All-in-One DCC/DC CommandStation

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Note: Reposted from my entry in germaN87AC blog The Hardware I think it is NOT preposterous to make the claim that the DCC-EX CommandStation/Booster 1 Express (EX-CSB1) is world’s smallest and most powerful all-in-one DCC/DC CommandStation/Booster. Its dimensions with the optional display case are L 73.6mm x W 70.7mm x H 19.5mm and weighs only 33 grams. After reading DCC-EX documentation, I was immediately convinced to get hold an EX-CSB1 to try out on my test track, module and eventually in-planning home layout. I owned Roco/Fleichmann z21 white CommandStation (it has since .been sold), a Märklin Central Station CS2 and … Continue reading Review: World’s Smallest but Most Powerful All-in-One DCC/DC CommandStation

DCC and Electrical System, Product ReviewLeave a comment

z21 Review: Booster Light and Detector

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It has been awhile (more than 1 year to be exact) since I touched my z21 digital controller. It lied packed neatly in the original packing. This means I have missed many firmware updates (hmm …. not a good thing to do). Anyway, even though I am not actively working on my layout, this does not mean that I have gave up the hobby. No, no way sir. You will just have to be a bit patient with my progress. This morning, I posted on a friend’s Facebook that I have 8 modules and if I work on one each … Continue reading z21 Review: Booster Light and Detector

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

When No Sound is A Good Sign

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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

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

Diorama Development, Product Review2 Comments

Second Gift from Dremel – A Dremel 3000 Multitool

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Yet another surprise from Dremel. At the end of the 2-week product test, my story about the model railway diorama using Dremel DSM20 was selected as one of the best 5 storyboards/videos. The 5 of us and 10 other active testers were given a Dremel 3000 multitool. It will be handy for me to work on my diorama and eventually the larger layout. I look forward to test this tool and give a review here. I have the earlier version, now retired Dremel 300, which I bought 2 years ago. Continue reading Second Gift from Dremel – A Dremel 3000 Multitool

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

Layout Planning, Planning Book, Product ReviewLeave a comment

2D-Turnout Rapid Prototyping with 3D Effect

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As you can see I am picking up speed with my layout. The track plan is decided and fixed. Yesterday I had a good chat with Dirk over parts of the track plan and we looking into many areas such as positions and configurations of turnouts, positioning of signals and turnout mechanisms, how to build the layout and special considerations for vertical distances, tight curves and superelevation. As explained before in my earlier post on turnouts jigsaw puzzle, I printed out all the 45 Peco turnouts for my layout from their drawings and cut them to shape. I tested with … Continue reading 2D-Turnout Rapid Prototyping with 3D Effect

German Railways, Product Review2 Comments

ICE/IC: Spot the Differences

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ICE (InterCity Express) and its sister IC (InterCity) would make regular appearances on my future layout. A common sight in Germany, it takes keen sight to spot the differences in various ICE classses (Baureihe in Deutsch); between ICE 1 and 2, variations in ICE 3 and even rarer sight of ICE (MET). Hope these drawings help you. ICE 1 ICE 2 ICE 3 Series 1 ICE 3 Series 2 ICE 3(M) ICE T ICE TD IC ICE (formerly MET (Metropolitan)) In 2014 we will see the new IC double-level coaches from Bombardier. Brawa will offer this model in H0- and … Continue reading ICE/IC: Spot the Differences

German Railways, Product ReviewLeave a comment

Prayer almost answered …. Fleischmann H0-scale ICE BR407

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At last, Fleischmann answered my prayer ….(almost). The 2013 catalog shows the new HO-scale construction of the DBAG ICE BR407. This basic set comes with 4 parts (with sound) with 2 versions of 2-part extensions. So, for those of you who are looking forward to have a new ICE on your layout, Fleischmann will have them in sometime this year. Fotos: Eisenbahn-Romantik Fleischmann ICE BR407 Test Report (only in Deutsch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPA7wPxyO2c For the N-scalers like myself, let’s continue to pray harder. I have ICE 2 from Fleischmann and I am happy with the craftmanship and finishing. Although I have not had a chance … Continue reading Prayer almost answered …. Fleischmann H0-scale ICE BR407