Tag: Peco

FREMO, Layout ConstructionLeave a comment

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Paper Turnouts for Fit-for-Purpose Tests

traiNmaster

Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken One thing I learned from my previous segment layout—and also from software design at work—is the value of prototyping. In simple terms, this means creating a draft or test model first and checking whether it actually fits its intended purpose. Something that looks perfectly fine on paper may still need adjustments once you start turning it into a physical model. I am a very visual person, so this approach helps me a lot. If you are using Peco turnouts like I am, I highly recommend printing out their turnout templates. For the Effem module, I … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Paper Turnouts for Fit-for-Purpose Tests

Diorama Development, German RailwaysLeave a comment

Mini Diorama for Office

traiNmaster

I found it therapeutic to work on a model railroad in spite of its size. While my larger segment layout is stowed in the cellar for the time being, I found a small piece of wood 46cm x 11cm that makes a nice mini diorama for my office desk. I took a piece of medium right Peco turnout and laid some concrete Peco flex-tracks to each end of the wood. I used a 3mm cork roadbed which was made from cork wall panels (available at hardware stores). The platform at top end is also made from cork. I am modelling … Continue reading Mini Diorama for Office

DCC and Electrical System, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Build #14: Turnouts Turned Out ….

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I am satisfied so far with the flex tracks that I have laid so far on Segments G, H and A as you can see in Build #12 and Build #13. Since then, I have spent about 10 minutes per day running my ICE 2 (Fleischmann) and ICE 3 (Arnold) models up and down the double tracks. The idea was to make sure that the track work does not cause any derailment. The track work was perfect. There was an “unintended” derailment, but not due to track work (see my Facebook report in germaN160 by traiNmaster on 25 June) Over … Continue reading Build #14: Turnouts Turned Out ….

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

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

Layout Planning, Planning Book, Product ReviewLeave a comment

2D-Turnout Rapid Prototyping with 3D Effect

traiNmaster

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

Layout Planning, Product Review2 Comments

Turnouts Jigsaw Puzzle

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I have convinced myself that I would go with Peco code 55 Universal Fine Streamline turnouts and tracks for my layout. Although code 55 is actually code 80 rails embedded onto the ties, Peco is the only manufacturer that makes flex tracks with concrete sleepers for N-scale. It is a pity that other such as Minitrix, Fleischmann, Piko and even Atlas have not being able to convince themselves to offer flex tracks with concrete sleeps. For the US model railroad manufacturer Atlas, it is understandable as most US tracks do not have concrete sleepers. But for the European/German manufacturers, hmm ….. … Continue reading Turnouts Jigsaw Puzzle

Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Turnout Planning with Peco Template and NEM103

traiNmaster

PECO has finally updated their turnout templates and I managed to download all the N-scale turnout templates in code 55 (3,47MB) and code 80 (1,93MB). I intend to use mainly PECO turnouts but am open to try others such as those from Fleischmann and even at a later stage handlaid tracks from Fast Tracks. You can download the 1:1 templates here. An example of a code 80 template below. To print correctly, make sure there is no sizing of the printing (Print > Properties > … ) Once printed, the ruler on the right side allows you to check with your ruler … Continue reading Turnout Planning with Peco Template and NEM103

Product Review2 Comments

Peco Streamline Universal Fine Turnouts

traiNmaster

Most N-scale manufacturers produced their own commercial ready-to-run N-scale tracks and turnouts but none came close to the quality produced by a few manufacturers such as Atlas, Fleischmann and Peco. As for the handlaid versions, Canadian Fast Tracks makes quality ones that worth the investment. Recently I bought all the Peco Streamline Universal Fine (N-scale code 55) turnouts and tracks that are available in the market. I am impressed with their quality and look forward to run them on my layout. I could not find a 1:1 Peco turnout template despite claimed to be sold or available online. Nonetheless, it … Continue reading Peco Streamline Universal Fine Turnouts