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Doug Johnson - 07/18/99
16:32:23
My Email:dojojo@aol.com
Comments:
Aluminum siding. I use aluminium offset printing plates from the local
newspaper. Can be cut with a utility knife. I use the grooves in a saw
table for ridges for some rooofomg, but will look for the paper roller.
Keep up the good
Comments:
Good site. Do you have any comments about the Barry's Big Train engine
and wheel conversion for Bachmann big Haulers. One of our members has
one and there is difficulty going over switches. (Vermont GRs
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excellent - very helpful tips on Shays and Climaxes. keep up the good
work!
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Thanks for all the help you have given us.Your site is the best thing
since canned beer.
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Greetings from the Eternity Diamond mines and Logging RR here in York,
England. Both the line and web page are still under construction. The
line is G scale and so far does the 2 short sides of the garden. Not
much runs yet as I am concentrating on earthworks and have been digging
and mixing concrete for weeks now. The fleet so far: No1 Annie a
detailed, weathered and sound fitted bachmann shay. No2 Glypta a climax
still as it came (only had a couple of weeks) A goose accucraft (owned
by my partner who has running powers Progress is slow because I help
run the Festiniog Railway in Norht Wales which takes up a lot of my
spare time Regards Paul
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Your articles have been a real help, thanks!
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I appreciate all of your posted information. It has been a great help!
Thanx
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Geo. Ihaven't seen anything on your site about B'mass's fix for the
Climax. I.E., the problem with the drive shafts, binding, and
squeaking. B'mann now has a replacement drive shaft that in effect
allows the shaft to free wheel and eliminates torque transfer etween
the front and rear truck thru the gear box. My climax would slow down
markedly on curves along with developing the squeak reported by others.
After installing the new redesigned rear drive shaft the binding on
curves has been cured along with the squeak. Irv at B'mann can supply
the replacement drive shaft. By the way, thanks for your tips on
improving the Lionel Atlantic. I've used most of your suggestions on 2
of these engines with good result and now have a couple of engines that
run and pull well.
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Great! I never before found so many useful hints and tips about model
railroads in one site. Greetings from Germany Bernd
Comments:
Thank you for your efforts. You have a very nice site!
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Great web site! I have read, copied and used many of your LS tips I was
in HO for many years and your tips have helped in my transition to G
scale. Thanks
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Thanks for an interesting sight. I am just contemplating rebuilding my
fiance's 10 wheeler and found your article most helpful. I'll let you
know how i get on Paul
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Just starting a Civil War era G-Scale layout in my garden. Have plenty
of plants need just about everything else, plus help. Interested in
kits, or plans for scratch built structures. Like the American 4-4-0
but not sure it falls within this era proper y. E-Mail picked up
regularly. Thanks
Comments:
What a fantastic site!!! An absolute Godsend for a
new-garden-railway-bulilder such as myself. Thanks VERY much,
George!
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You've helped me a lot in the last 2-3 years, thanks. Ian
Comments:
George Apologies for the geographically confused PS on my last - the
snow bamboozled me into thinking Green Valley Lake was a lot further
north! Rod
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G'day from Down Under! I came across your site as a link from the
Toenail Ridge Shortline - the more I check out sites like yours, the
more tempted I am to give up my HO layout and get Large! I bought my
elder daughter one of the original Big Haulers for her 2nd birthday
(she' now 12) and it has done sterling service around the Xmas Tree
each year, but seeing layouts like yours make me want to head outdoors.
I am a geared engine freak, and the Bachmann Shay and Climax are cruel
temptations, especially for someone whose eyesigh is failing and whose
HO Shays, Climaxes and Heislers are getting very fuzzy around the
edges! Thanks for your inspirational site - I shall outdo Macarthur and
return more than once to explore further. Regards in Railroading Rod
Tier PS My daughters' Choir is hosting an Alaskan Children's Choir on
their visit to Canberra in a few weeks - I shall ask the girls
billetted with us if they know of Green Lake.
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Great Page! Thanks for the advice!
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I am a recent convert from HO-scale to G-scale, and I can't thank you
enough for all the valuable and helpful information I have received
from your Web site and from your postings at LSOL. Jim C.
Comments:
Depend on your site for most technical issues. Find them very easy to
understand and follow. i have only been in the hobby 2 years and
probably would not be enjoying it as much without your tips. I have
used to many of them to name. Also enjoyed traveling to Alaska with
you.
Comments:
Great Site!! I have the Bachmann R/C Big hauler, which I found
second-hand for only £20!! Your tips on It were facinating, and I
have installed the capacitor which makes the sound better, it works
great!! I am re-painting the loco in Rio Grande Black, It ooks much
better than the Green it came in. As i am from the UK I was wondering
if you have any other information on the R/C locos? As mine works
great.
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Really nice site. I am a newcomer to the hobby and started with an old
RC Big Hauler. I have had the RC control upgraded and I worked on the
front trucks the front and rear wheels now swivel independently. Will
sure be trying some of your Tips. Thanks a l t...Tom
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Just looking for help on Arist Streamline passenger cars. The distance
between the cars is too great. I would like to get them a little
closer. Is this possible?
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George, I've been to your site so often in the past six months, I
finally printed it out and filled a binder with it. The info you and
others put out really helps us newbies get started. Keep up the good
work. I intend to check back weekly. Randy
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Cool page dude. Need some more pictures though.
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Great site, but I can't find your tips section. I previously checked
out your constant lighting tip, but seem to have lost the link to it.
You have great tips and I'd like to be able to find them. Thanks.
Geoff
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Neat site
Comments:
Thanks very much for so much helpful information. one question, do you
have the circuit for the aristo/rogers 2-4-2 tender sound unit or do
you have a source for the bachman 4-6-0 unit. AJW
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Hi George, I really enjoyed surfing through your pages. I have seen
quite a few details on your layouts which are worth beeing transferred
on my own rolling stock. (I especially like the weathering of your
stuff!) That's all for now! God bless you all! From Germany Manfred
Comments:
Hallo, George, you have a very nice Site, very nice and interesting.
Best greetings from the old Germany and good luck to you all days !!
Your R.Steckmest
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After 50 trips to your site, I felt guilty for using you without
signin' in. Thanks again.
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Great site. Found some very helpful infoemation here. I am glad there
are people like you in large scale that are willing to share your
experteze with thoes of us that are new to large scale. I will visit
this site again. Keep up the good work. Without so e one like you many
newcommers to largs scale would not stay. Thanks for this site. John
Corradini
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Just like to thank you for taking the time to offer this valuable info
to the hobbyist. It has beem bookmarked
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I am looking for web sites that have pics and info of the steam trains.
I once found a listing that contained many of the trains built, their
status, location and heritage, but I seem to misplaced its location. If
mabye you know of a similuar site pleas e mail me. PS I loved youre
pics, and youre whole page is fantastic!
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Thanks for the great information site. I found it when I visited large
scale on line. I found some very helpful information here. Will surely
come back again amd again. Once more thanks for your time and effort to
be helpful to all large scalers. Well don keep up the good work. Thanks
John Corradini
Comments:
Thanks for the great information site. I found it when I visited large
scale on line. I found some very helpful information here. Will surely
come back again amd again. Once more thanks for your time and effort to
be helpful to all large scalers. Well don keep up the good work. Thanks
John Corradini
Comments:
Thanks for the great information site. I found it when I visited large
scale on line. I found some very helpful information here. Will surely
come back again amd again. Once more thanks for your time and effort to
be helpful to all large scalers. Well don keep up the good work. Thanks
John Corradini
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Thanks for publishing the plans for the truss bridge. I built one just
under 4 feet long during the Memorial Day weekend. Right now, it
doesn't go over anything, since my tracks are laid flat on a deck. Some
time this summer the layout will be moved in o the garden, and I'll dig
a gully for it. Thanks again. --Wayne J.
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Hi George, I contacted you re tips on a Lionel Atlantic and you
e-mailed me a link to your site. I have spent several hours enjoying
the mass of material you have compiled. Thank you for giving so much of
your time in making this amount of information t all of us. I printed
off a number of your articles to enjoy later. I'll be sure to check in
periodically to browse some more and to swipe some more good ideas.
Thanks again.
Comments:
Thanks for all the great tips. I'm just starting out in large scale and
have learned a lot from your pages! One question though... I followed
your methods for "Better Bachmann Sound" and now the speaker emits a
constant very low level of noise. I've tripl checked the work and it's
correct. Any thoughts on what might be causing the static? Thanks.
Comments:
George, very nice web site. I used your plans for the Howe Truss and
built a 6 foot bridge out of redwood and stained with redwood stain. I
also blackened all the brass so it looks more realistic. I can send you
a picture if you can use it. Many thank for a beautiful job.
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Enjoyed visiting your site. It's full of useful information and great
pictures. Although my G scale layout has been removed from my yard, It
will be rebuilt in the loft of my barn in the future in the hope that
it will lessen the maintenance load on me. hanks for the nice web
site.
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Unbelievable! I'm in awe of everything; the scope, knowledge, pictures,
writing, EVERTHING! I'm just thinking about getting started with large
scale trains. If I take the plunge, I'll certainly be back to take
advantage of your site.
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Great site. A real plus to a novice like myself. First place I look to
answer questions and get ideas. Thanks for making this info available
to me
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Great site George, keep up the good work. This is one of the best sites
I have been at. I have you in my Favorites folder. Thanks, Dylan
Comments:
Wonderful site, full of useful information and interesting pictures of
your work. Looks like you enjoy the getting there as much as the
arrival. Good train philosophy! Except for a train running around my
son's bedroom, I haven't set up my REAL Railroad yet, so I enjoy all
your notes on equipment. I have purchased two pacifics with
heavyweights for the eventual road, But I am still deciding on power,
track & etc. Righ now I am focusing on Aristo Craft track and some
form of DCC. I like operations. Thanks again for the ehospitality.
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George, I want to set up a G scale railroad in my garden and would like
to know what is the best material to use to so that I can attach my
track track to it. Any help that you can provide will be appreciated.
Thanks.
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Former Private Car owner: UP 6105,(Dorm. Lounge); UP Natl. Prog.(6
rmete, 4 bdrm, 6 sect. Pullman); UP 6009,(Dorm. Baggage); ATSF,
(Business Car #9). Interested in HO, G, 1.5 inch scales, live steam.
Amateur Radio Opr., W6QLB. Like old Pontiacs. Work as a Conductor on
the UPRR (former SP).
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George; Iam just starting in large scale & use your tips befor
buying anything Thank YOU SO MUCH BOBBIE R. ALLEN JR.
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Thanks for the Shay info pages. Very useful. I'm just getting into G
scale railroading, but only plan to have a round the room above the
doors version. Cheers!
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George, you made my day. I've been trying to solve the mystery of
connectivity on an outdoor G gauge layout I'm in the process of laying.
Finding your "Large Scale Soldering Tips" is just what I needed after a
couple of weeks of frustrating answers to que tions and trying several
non-solutions. You are absolutely right about the 100 watt soldering
iron. Thanks for a VERY professionally written and well detailed
solution to my problem of today. Now I plan on scanning every inch of
your site for similar gold n tips.
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Hey george great site !! I own five aristo pacific's 3 blue comets +
1prr k-4 = 1 sr cresent (witch feel in my new pond last summer) and I
run the k-4 & blue comet togher pulling my prr heavy weight coaches
on close to a 2.5% grade horseshoe curve and the perform falwesely
without slipping!!!
larry kastriba - 04/06/99
00:23:26
My Email:strib@epix.net
Comments:
this is the best large scale site on the web i have got more helpful
hints from your site than i have from 5 years of GR,BTO,and all the
other large scale pubs out there Your site is booked marked on my
computer keep up the good work
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A great mirror to see the world of Large Scale in. It's my second
favorite site! All the best, Lewis Polk
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I've been into G-gauge for just a couple of years now and every single
time I find a problem or have a question, I find myself refering to
your pages. Now I just check in to see what's new. Thank you very much
for all the effort you've put in for all of u .
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You folks might be interested in my site: http://www.choochoocam.com
This is my track powered, TV quality, full color video camera for model
electric trains For further info contact me through the site or at
sgreiner@wwnet.com Skip Greiner
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Comments:
Built your Howe truss bridge and scaled the sides in half for
another.(no upper cross beams, of course) I have 3 wyes and am
wondering if something can be added a, to slow the train down before it
reverses and b, to stop it for some time(5-15 secs) before reversing?
SUPER SITE!!!
Comments:
I have been in trains over 35 years but am new to large scale.I like
your artical on the Aristo C 16 and think this will be my next loco.
the quarter inch to hi is ok with me
Comments:
Love your page. I have just started a 1:20.3 indoor layout with B-man
Shay & Climax after 25 years of HO. Thanks for the plans for the
Howe truss bridge, have been looking for good plans.
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back again, great site ! I'm working on a way to trigger crossing
signs, looking at infrared beam, or for a better way... anythoughts ? I
dont like the "Lifelike" pressure switch, plus we have 2 main lines, it
gets complicated doesn't it ?
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A very remarkable site. Keep up the good work. Thank You
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This is the best site that I've found on the internet, other than the
NMRA site. Very informative, as I keep coming back to it for more
information. I've had my G scale around my living room ceiling for two
years, as I hope to start my Garden Railway outd ors this summer.
Trenton, N.J. isn't really into this growing hobby yet.
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i wood like to see pictures
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I am enjoying your site. Keep up the good work. I have two G Scale
Bachmann trains sets and I am trying to figure out how to set up a
display in a small room. Any ideas on where to find layouts for a room
(possibly suspended)?
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very interesting and useful ps have you had any trouble with the
electrical pickup from the wheels on the bachmann shay?
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THANKS GEORGE, GREAT STUFF. JUST STARTED THIS BIG STUFF AFTER DECADES
OF HO. WHAT FUN! I BOOKMARKED YOUR PAGE FOR EASY CONTINUED REFERENCE
FOR MY NEW PARDEE AND CURTIN SHAY. THANKS AGAIN
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George, Great site, many hours of reading ahead of me. all the best
from Down Under Steve Omant, Tasmania, Australia
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George THANKS A MILLION for your site and tips. I found that the new
onboard 5490 has a 12 v regulator in addition to a 5v regulator. The
problem with the new 5490 is that the input current goes from appox
20ma with an input voltage greater than 14 volts to appox 200ma (.2A)
when the input voltage is l ss than 14 volts thereby draining my
battery much faster when it is below 14 volts.I cut traces and bypassed
the 12 reg. to fix the problem. Chuck Haverlah 805 493 1737
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At long last I found a price on a Shay that I could afford. Thanks for
all your tips and information. How about some input on sound units that
you might suggest? Richard Dahlke Round Rock, Texas
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George: Your site is one of my favorites!! Great information and very
nicely presented!! Keep up the great work!! Rich Muth
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George: What is the color of the rerailer on WP&Y #109? The shovel
noses have orange rerailers, but from your color pix, it seems to be
red or red orange -- definitely much darker/redder color than the
shovel noses! thanks Bill Dippert
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Appreciated your pictures of the WP&Y diesels. They confirmed what
I saw in Railfan & Railroad magazine about the painting of #109. My
LGB version still needs more areas painted green. I appreciated your
technical tips section. Even though I have been in model railroading
since 1947, there is always something new to learn, particularly in a
brand new scale/gage such as I am now in with the outdoor G railway.
Bill, the iconoclast, Dippert MMR #93
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Hints on Shay are very helpful.
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Thank you for putting together such a helpful site ! I just started
into model railroading this past December and your site certainly
addresses quite a few areas not answered from other sources.
Comments:
Great site George. As a newcomer to this hobby, I have been able to
learn an awful lot about it from your site, as well as reading the
workshops at LSOL. Keep up the great work. Jay
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I'm new at this scale and already you have provided valuable tips and
guidance. Thanks
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I.m new to the web, so I ope I have the above boxes correct, I like the
Wrecks and relics page, I wil see if I can find one for you. Graham
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GREAT
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Love all your info on LSOL and finally had time to visit this site for
a moment. Especially like the FAIRPLEX page. I hope that this year my
wife and I will get involved with FairPlex. Dwight
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THE BEST LARGE SCALE SITE ON THE NET!!!!!!
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Some of your ideas have been a great help. I put an ell on the blower
of my U-25B's to take care of the kinks in the blower tube. Made them
from fish tank parts. Keep up the good work.
Comments:
I would appreciate some suggestions about making casting molds. I
bought 2 lbs of CULINART silicone plastique, haven't tried it yet. I've
scratch built a dozen or so logging related cars in 20.3 scale. Photos
in Dec. issue of Finescale Railroader, letters to Ed.I want to
duplicate hand carved parts."HELP" Thanks DJ
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Thanks for the page!
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Thanks for maintaining your web site. I don't have a garden railroad
yet but, am planning to start one this spring. I can tell that your
site will be very informative to me - you're bookmarked!
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Not only well organized and thought out but very informative too. Well
done!
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Great Site! I'm new at this having just bought a Lionel "G" scale
Christmas train, Dec'98, when my wife said we should get 1 car for
every year since my daughter was born. As she is only 4, I didn't have
much trouble finding Christmas cars dating back o ly a few years. .
.but what started as a Christmas train has blossomed!!! We found
Marklin MAXI and bought a 1998 Christmas car from them, that was the
start of my trouble. There is very little information on the various
scales that actually make up what is called "G" scale. WHY?!? Marklin
Maxi cars are true Guage 1, with a cale of 1:32. My Aristo Christmas
Car is a 1:29 "G" scale. Lionel & LGB seem to be true narrow scale
trains at 1:20 to 1:22.3 "G" scale. I don't have a Bachmann car, but I
have a USA Trains car which appears to be about 1:29. I love them all,
but have started to buy Marklin Maxi cars. We picked up all the Museum
Cars they made and plan to keep that up, as well as their Christmas
cars which were first produced in '98. I now have 2 locos and some
other Marklin Maxi cars. I don't regret the money I spent on other the
narrow guage "G" scales, but I don't understand why such an obscure
& arbitrary designation is used to describe all these different
scales of trains. Why not just call them what they are? Or perhaps we
could adopt the european terms of Guage 1, Guage 11m, etc. Anyway,
great page, keep it up.
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Hi George- Great Web site!! I'm really just getting started in G scale.
We got a Bachmann Big Hauler set several years ago for the kids to use
around the Christmas Tree. This last Christmas, I got tired of fighting
problems with bad track and electrical connectio problems so I started
to search the Web for answers and found your page. What a wonderful
find! You have all the answers I'm looking for. Taking your advice, my
plans right now are to get some new track (Aristo Brass) probably from
San Val unless you can suggest someplace better. I want to overhaul the
engine and incorporate most of the tips you suggest. I guess the other
thing I need to o is start replacing the plastic wheels with metal
ones. It's my dream to be able to start a garden railroad set-up in my
back yard sometime in the future. Anyway, thanks for the information,
I'll be visiting the Web site many times in the near future. Terry
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You have a terrific site. I am a newcomer to large scale and find your
observations the best source of just about everything......
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As a newcomer to large scale, it's great to have your site to check out
and learn from. Keep up the great work. Greg
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Great pictures from the garden layout at the LA fairgrounds. Wished I
lived in a warmer climate to do it all year, hard to do in Upstate New
York with several feet of snow on the ground. Thanx, Scooter
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Enjoyed the photos and am anxious to come back for more info from your
tips. You have an exellent website!
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You must be The authority on everything there is to know in G scale. I
have seen your comments on the Aristo Forum and truly enjoy reading
everything you have to comment on. You are sincerely a huge asset to
this hobby.Please keep up the excellent work. I look forward to meeting
you someday in my travels. We have an RV and will be in the Las Vegas
area for about a week between Feb14 through the 20th. I live in
Vancouver BC. Look forward to hearing from you ! John
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so far I have enjoyed most of the work. As a beginner anything others
have been through helps. How about advice on what wires to use
underground?
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I really enjoyed to tour and have downloaded some of your notes and
plan to download more. I have some aristo stuff and am in the planning
stages. I have made a decision to go R/C and am going to use aluminum
track. Your notes will be extremely helpful. I live in the midwest and
my only contact with others sharing the same interests is the Internet.
Thank you and it is a learning experience. Paul
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Spent some time lookin' at your new wreck and relics page... great
pics... love the old stuff but haven't got any on page (yet) though
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A great Web Site. Keep up the good work!
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real nice site enjoyed the tips, picked up a few pointers. tks
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DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS, CITY OF McALLEN,MEMBER OF THE, RIO GRANDE
VALLEY MODEL RAILROAD CLUB, ABOUT 40 MEMBERS. HAVE INJOYED CHECKING
YOUR WEB SITE, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.SEE YOU LATER, LYLE.
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Very impressed with your work. Will come back later for a more detailed
look, especially at the layout drawings. Thanks for sharing your work
via WWW.
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Pas mal du tout et les photos s'ouvrent vite. Leon Dochy Pecq
Belgium
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Just satup my own web page was hopin you would link to it . Thanks
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I really liked you website. I too have thought of a garden train, but
being that I am into N scale, my backyard would look more like it were
mouse infected than a railroad! Good work!
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Just had to drop you a line about your page.I am new to this and just
installed a layout in the backyard in the middle of December and have
to say your site is the best and most informative,I use mostly aristo
products and your page is the cats meow as far as aristo info goes
thanks again. Rodney Benner
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Holly %^%$#@, what an IMPRESSIVE site; an excellent job. Keep up the
good work. A+ David
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Your information is very interesting and of course enjoy news of other
Railroaders. I am starting this spring my second garden railroad.
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Extremely good info, thanks George
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Great technical info. Thanks for the help.
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Great site, George. I've learned a lot and have your site bookmarked
for continued reference. Tried out your method of shortening inter-car
distance on AC heavywts and it works fine. Need to study your method of
programmng TE more...I'm an electronic doof s, I'm afraid.
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Great site, the information is great, and your recent DCC experiences
have been a real help!
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best thing i have found yet thanks from a new large scale modeler
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Hi George, What a great site. The tech tips are invaluable. I keep
coming back to it when in need. You provide a wonderful service to the
model railroad community. Keep up the great work.
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Just wanted to thank you for providing such an extensive body of
information for those of us new to large scale. Without your tech tips
I am sure many would leave the hobby in frustration. Thanks again.
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Have a starter set. I'm trying to learn all I can about garding/outside
trains. I have a small backyard and my train is on my bank in the back
yard. The train travels most up more than 2% grades. Any suggestions on
weight or traction.
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Very nice. Full of helpfull tips and suggestions.
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thanks, excelent info . in ref to shay. i purchased one 12/97 took it
apart as per video screw holes where the cover screw are were ckacked
or broken. i glued them back. also after some use the pick up balls
sticking in the melting plastic that holds them. i have e=mailed bachma
n about problem requesting a power truck housing. thanks again for a
GREAT site thomas s. wagner 516 emerson st. phila. pa. 19111 fax
215-745-1370
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Wow!!! great pictures, neat basement, great digest on couplers. I will
have to come back to this site to get more information. thanks r
Comments:
I've modeled in N and HO, but large scale is new to me. Your site is
the most useful I've found so far. I have a couple of Bachman 4-10-0's
and a Bachman Climax. Your tips on these will be particularly helpful.
Thanks!
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Great site I,m new to this hoppy, and you have a lot of great info that
easy to find and follow. I know I will come back here over the next
months to help me plan and understand what I need to do to get what I
want. Keep up the great work Regards wolfgang
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Just starting out in G Scale and picking up all the imformation I can.
I especially appreciate all your work and articles. My backround is an
Airline Pilot, USAirways 34 years, A & P Mechanic and Electrician.
Using all your information Thanks Eric
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Thanks from one of the newbes--I've been in H.O. for several years but
now have the Garden Bug. Your info is quite helpful as I find there are
many things that are different between the two scales. I live near Las
Vegas,Nv. so if you ever take a trip to " in City" look me up and i'll
show you the town. Thanks Again Joe Raines
Comments:
Perfect timing. Miriam and I were just wondering why our batteries died
so quickly. I'm an electrical engineer, so I think I can handle the
power conversion on the passenger cars. We have just recently gotten
into model railroading and have the perfect ba kyard (with two fish
ponds and a stream) to make a garden. Granted the fish are a bit out of
scale for the train, but we'll work that out later. Steve
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I have been working on a Bachmann smoke unit from a Big Hauler. Now I
know what may have started the problem. I had left power on the unit
and ran it dry. After reading your tip I will have to figure out what
next. Nice page and the information is very usefull to newbes like my
self. Thanks, Bob
Comments:
Im new to the hobby I don't even own any trains at this moment but
after seeing your page i have the bug now. thanks for all your support
to the hobby p.s. the link to tried and true trains won't connect i
think because it starts with wwV instead of www.
Comments:
Like your site many usefull tips .Iwell be visting your site often. As
anote I have the USA trains locomotive GP9 in Great Northen colors it
to has steam genertor vent Had same gear noise after runing a little
bit things cleared up ok .Locomotive runs wel pulls good I am very
happy with it
Comments:
Thank you for sharing all this great info with those of us just
starting out. It's great!
Comments:
I found this site very interesting with lots of information about model
trains. As a beginner to this hobby the most interesting stuff is the
maintenance and your personal experiences eith different manufacturers
. Currently I have Backmann Gold Rush trai set. I am in a process of
installing it in my sons bedroom along the walls below a foot from the
celing. The room is 10x12 feet. Please let me know, if there is any
manufacture faults in the train set that you are aware-of. Thanks
Comments:
Just found your site. Very interesting especially for someone who is
brand new to the hobby. I am sure I will return often in the future.
John Wilcox jbwilcox@hotmail.com
Comments:
Great Site. I am SEARCHING IN VAIN for Lionel L.S. Christmas boxcars
from 1995, 1996 & 1997 for my daughter's train. If you have one to
sell, or know where I could find any one, please email me.
Comments:
Your tips have been extremly helpfull.I am doing battery power with the
TRAIN Engineer. I am experimenting with three 6volt lead acid batteries
in a FA/FB combo in order to have more speed than a 12volt lead acid
battery. It works but appears to be to he vy. Problems keep cropping up
with shorts. Please keep up your excellent work. Thanks!
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Comments:
Re: Alaska I spent a month in Alaska last summer and also rode the
WP&YR and Alaska RR. Those GE diesels on the White Pass were built
especially for the WP&YR. The conductor on the train was a walking
history book, but unfortunately I forgot most of the history of the
GE's. As I recall several were sold off during tough financial times.
Outside of Fairbanks there is a bed and breakfast "Forget Me Not
Lodge/The Aurora Express". In addition to a modern house and an
excellent breakfast, Susan and Mike Wilson have aquired two Pullman
cars (I believe they were orginally on the UPRR and then he Alaska RR)
that had been previously used for hotel rooms by the Denali State Park
Hotel. These cars and a caboose have been converted in elegant suites.
They have a very interesting video of the overland move of these cars
to there current site. We also traveled by car ferry from Valdez to
Whittier. To get from Whittier to Portage and the main (only)
Anchorage-Seward highway is by an eighteen mile auto ferry. You exit
the car ferry and drive on to a series of connected flat cars and have
a shor ride thru two long and dark tunnels. Very unique. Enjoy your
site.
Comments:
Have learned a lot from your site, and keep coming back to pages on
turnout control, FA-1/FB tuneups, etc.. Remember reading about diode
matrices in Model Railroader at least 20 yrs ago. Keep up the good
work, you have helped a lot of people.
Comments:
George, a very nice site. I have an outdoor G layout with 120 m. of
rails. I run only LGB (up to now). On your page rls/rls_shays.html, I
think the second photo is a Class A Climax (see
http://members.xoom.com/climaxloco) Greetings from Belgium Patrick
Comments:
Comments:
Thank you for some very informative articles on the Shey. I ,purchased
it for my wife last season and am afraid to really touch it. I am a
lionel/ mth person myself. My son is into HO. Thanks again.
Comments:
Enjoyed your trip on the AR. In Aug '88, we took a Westour on MS
Noordam, Vancouver to Juneau, flew to Anchorage, AR'd in front seat
first full dome via Denali sightseeing to Fairbanks, motorcoached to
Prudhoe Bay. Videotaped VHS the entire rail trip. ...FYI... Enjoying my
visit to your homepage et al. Mark
Comments:
George, have read many of your "tips" on operational improvements,
great work ! I also like doing M/u lash ups, using a "sub-mini" plug
and jack system. To deal with directional/polarity problems I installed
a switch to reverse jumper polarity only. This allows for one,small
device to be used, with good durability.
Comments:
George like your page. I may be looking in the wrong place I'm looking
for "O" scale LGB Sorry for my edecate Thanks for your help Cody
Co.
Comments:
Help! I'm very new to the graden railroad hobby. I will begin my layout
soon and I have A LOT of questions. Power??? DCC??? I am planning on a
large (500 or more feet of track) and I am confused about the best
power pack to buy. I am also very intere ted in "wireless" control of
my train (an AristoCraft Pacific with four heavyweight cars). I am
looking at the Bridgeworks Magnum power pack. I live in Memphis,
Tennessee and don't know if track power is best. You make mention of
areas of the country w ere track power is not optimum. Is Memphis one
of those places? Can you help or can you recommend a book which will
help me? thanks for the great information on your page.
Comments:
Hello George. Been real busy. Would still like to see your layout.
Comments:
Avery nice site have not finished exploring it yet, but it is
Bookmarked for my return. Thanks....Tom
Comments:
I am brand new to G Scale trains and have found your web site
information invaluable. I have printed out several pages for future
reference. You have answered many of my questions about roadbeds,
tracks, power sources, etc. Thank you very much.
Comments:
George I could stay on all night GREAT site. You are really a help for
the ``all thumbs` crew. I have some experience with the streamliners
and running them with a set of UP F-7ABA I ended up using LGB hook/loop
couplers. My layout is indoors, New Hampshire can ave cold weather, so
my radii are limited probably 5` to 7`. One expensive fix for running
the streamliners were LGB rollerbearing conductive wheels what a
difference! Once again thanks for the information I amsure I will visit
again. Manny Cardinale
Comments:
Great Site... Your hints and other answers for problems have been
helpful for years.
Comments:
WOW!! I'm jealous. Just started collecting G-Scale. With time and
money, and convincing my wife to keep the cars outside, I hope to start
construction of my "railroad."
Comments:
Great work. I really appreciate the tips and information. As a beginner
you have provided a great source of information and cleared up a lot of
confusion. Thanks!
Comments:
Comments:
Comments:
I love your page. Bart Salmons, the Shay Guru was up for the first time
yesterday and saw my layout for the first time and sent me a note later
says he was giddy with the though that he had a place to run his no. e
,Mallet, IHave 325 feet of main line and I'm shooting for 1000 minium
plus sidings. Now my question, what do I need to buy from Aristo so I
can run one of my engines on battery power. I have the TE, but it's a
waste to have that much track in a sigle folded 8 and only run one
engine. I will try to rc two Aristo RS-3's Tom
Comments:
Just wanted to add my "Thanks" for the effort you have made and its
resulting benefits to the Garden Gauge Community. I am new to Garden
Gauge and right or wrong got into it in a big way not having the
slightest idea of how complicated this "hobby" is. Without your help,
Jonathan Polk's of Aristo, that of the internet "family" and a few
local "G" Gaugers I would likely have given up in absolute frustration
long ago. Keep up the excellent assistance. It is MOST appreciated.
Jerry McColgan, Austin, Arkansas
Comments:
Sir: Having retired 5 yrs. ago & received bypast I have gotten into
"G" and ponds I ahve started a layoutthat is about 30X40 that will go
over our pond and your sight will be very helpful to me. Here in
Oklahoma City our wenters are not to bad so I intend to work all year.
Thanks again. Vince Ramo OKC
Comments:
I enjoy your articles very much, they have helped me alot. Keep up the
good job!!!!!! THANKS!
Comments:
Excellent Info. Thanks for the service. I am a "Bachmann" man and
finding your product reviews are very helpful. Have you tested their
2-4-2 T's Model # 81598 & 81599 ??
Comments:
I have successfully used a gallon of brake fluid in a plastic tool box
to remove the paint from a Bachmann bobber caboose. However, recent
projects involving an Aristocraft flatcar and USA Trains caboose has
prompted me to issue the following warning. Although inexpensive, brake
fluid as a paint stripper is very messy. Safety glasses, rubber gloves
and old clothes are required as a minimum. It is also very slow. Both
cabooses (cabeese?) took two days and a lot of messy work with a
toothbrush. The flatc r unfortunately did not last two days. After its
first soak, it fell to pieces and was not salvageable. The USA Trains
caboose also developed a large crack all down one side and half way
across the bottom. Many of the plastic grabirons also broke. Fortuna
ely the van can be saved and the grabirons replaced. It appears that
brake fluid reacts with the plastic in these large scale products and
makes it very brittle. Anything under tension will crack or break.
Although it can be brushed on and washed off to remove decals or
lettering, I do not recommend that yo soak large scale plastic products
in brake fluid. Paul Norton OVGRS
Comments:
Nice site. Great pics and thanks for all your info here and at
largescaleonline
Comments:
Very informative. I am just starting out in the hobby and I have
enjoyed your many articles. I am having a hard time understanding your
wiring schemes. I don't know what all of the symbols stand for. Do the
circles represent the diodes and the triangl s represent the relays?
What does 10k, 1K and 20 microF stand for? Also do the 3 curved lines
represent coil switch machines? Anyway, I hope that I can figure it
out. Thanks for the info. Sincerely, Bryan Lilly
Comments:
It's simply amazing you've decoded the inner workings of much of the
large-scale trains and accessories. Your information is generally more
helpful than anything I can get from the manufacturers... thanks
Comments:
Excellent pics of the Riverside fall meet! Also very good commentary
and notes. Thanks for sharing your fun. I'm a member of the Lake Shore
Live Steamers, Kirtland, OHIO
Comments:
Thanks for all your tips and incredibly valuable info. I staffed a
Union Pacific FA1 using your method, and it went a lot faster and
better than my own hacking on a Santa Fe FA1
Comments:
Wonderful site, full of information. I am just starting out in garden
railroading and I have found your site to be extremly complete and
informative. You seem to have a handle on everything regarding "G"
scale. I can't wait to attempt my first Howe Trus Bridge. Thank
you.
Comments:
I have found your site very informative. You have done alot of work
that is going to come in very handy to myself and many others in the
Greater Vancouver Garden Railway Club located in British Columbia
Canada. You must spend all of your free time on your pages, how do you
find time to run trains?
Comments:
I like your name,and your lack of appology for ENJOYING a very popular
hobby. I have an outdoor railroad, always under construction. I have
named it JFF & NSI RR (just for fun, no scale intended).I run 136'
elevated mainline, with a 10' truss bridge accro s the pond(water
garden). I live in Michigan, thus the elevated line. I run all year,
Except for 7 to 21 days, when super cold or icey weather prohibits.
Keep up the good work Great RR!! John B Pedersen Three Rivers, Mi.
Comments:
Great site. Keep up the good work and thanx.
Comments:
Mank thanks for your tips on programming the Aristo Train Engineer.
What a pity their instruction books are so badly done !
Comments:
Thank you so very much for your web site. I'm looking into getting into
garden model railroading and you have so many answers for all my
questions. there are still lots for me to learn. Your set-up looks
really nice.
Comments:
Your tech sheets are great.
Comments:
Thank you very much not only for the information in your magnificent
webb page, but also for your comments on LSOL. Being relatively new to
the hobby(1 year), I have been able to learn from that source and from
webb pages such as yours. I hope someday I c n help others as you have
helped me. Frank Moreno
Comments:
Huge amounts of VERY useful info. I am building an indoor layout with
Aristo track and switches. Started with a Big Hauler passenger set,
added a Spectrum 2-4-2T and 6 log cars (two disconnects) and several
other Bachman freight cars. Up 'til now I hav no scenery. Have been
"debugging" from an engineering and wiring standpoint. What I read
today will solve some problems I have been struggling with. Eventually,
I hope to add scenery. My goal is to look like some of the West
Virginia logging lines ar und the turn of the century. Again, thanks
for sharing this vast pool of info with us newbys.
Comments:
thanks for info iam just starting
Comments:
George-Have been reading and learning from your tips and comments for a
few months now and needed to say thanks. Have been active in
electronics here for a bunch of years, but still learn from your well
written and thought out info. Thanks and look forward to future
developments! The RR here has a few pics on the web at
www.rrtrains.com/tour/page2.htm The Wichita area club held an open
house a few weeks back and one member had a new Sony Dig. Cam. and took
a few shots. Again, you are doing a great job in documenting your
findings and it is appreciated! Jack
Comments:
George, I just purchased a Bachmann Shay and appreciate your many fine
tips! Thanks, Bill
Comments:
as someone moving large amounts of dirt in the UK at present its great
to see what it can all look like at the end of the day. Very
impressive
Comments:
George; THANK YOU. I have just finished downloading most of your tips
for my reference book. There are a TON of things I will be trying in
order to improve the performance of my "AUSABLE VALLEY RAILWAY". You
have a GREAT site that I'm sure most of our fellow m delers really
appreciate & get agreat deal of use from. I live in London,
Ontario, Canada & have been building my layout for about 4 years
now with, I'm sure, many more years till completion (as if a model
railroad is ever 'completed'). I'm listed in the Largescale Online
database for a more detailed 'look' a my pike. Thanks again for a truly
fantastic website, it is MOST appreciated. Bill Fry
Comments:
Thanks for the tips page ... very helpful ! I just bought a Big Hauler
set (Suwanee River Special) from Sams Club for $99. - All the wheels
(engine, tender and the two passenger cars) are metal. - There are no
wire or springs that appear to touch the rails. It appears to use the
the metal wheels to get the power. - I have not opened the engine yet
... but there does not appear to be any bulge (for the gear) between
the rear wheels. - The train sound (from the tender) always stops when
the train stops. The above seem to contradict some of the findings on
the web page ... could it be that Bachmann has made mods to the unit ?
I am new to model railroading ... so a dumb question ... I am told that
the Bachmann tracks are relatively cheap quality tracks ... which would
you recommend (for outdoors / indoor use) ... I have heard some good
things about the Aristo tracks ... any suggestions ?
Comments:
Great information source not only for beginners.
Comments:
George my friend, you amaze me! I have returned for a visit after a few
months and you have just expanded to the point of calling yourself an
encyclopaedia! Congratulations! And I appreciate the link you have
added to the Toenail Ridge Shortline. Phil in Downunder-land
Comments:
Comments:
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Comments:
Enjoy you tips. Some day you need to publish a book with all of them in
it. keep up the good work.
Comments:
It's great. I love your technical tips most. Thank you
Name: Bad Bunny | My URL: Visit Me |
My Email: Email Me | |
Comments:
Nice page. Very informative. Keep it up.
Comments:
For myself and on behalf of all the volunteers at the Fairplex Garden
Railroad. I truly want to thank you for a GREAT web page. All of your
articles are a great help to the G-scale railroader. I have passed
several on to fellow garden railroaders.
Comments:
This is the best G-Scale-Site I know! Great!!!
Comments:
Nice Site. Lots of good content.
Comments:
Thanks for your input. You have answered all my questions plus delt
with a few unresolved issues for my heavyweights. Have you done any
further modification to your cars other than the mechanical ones? On a
tech note, your site's color pictures did not print out after page two,
your problem or mine, I'm not sure. Keep Those Rails Shining! Ed
Finch
Mike Dion - 09/18/98
17:06:37
My Email:mdion@harris.com
Comments:
I have an Aristo 0-4-0 and I am struggling with dirty wheels like you
mention in your technical tips. You has stated that you were going to
attempt to chrome plate the wheels. If you did, how did it work? Any
other suggetions?? Great Site!
Comments:
I am re-build my garden railroad and your tips are just what I need.
Thank you for taking the time to provide the tips. By the way I am
looking for a pattern or mold for casting concrete walls with a rock or
building block texture. Do you know where th se are available? Again
thanks for your help.
Comments:
have not seen site yet
Comments:
have not seen site yet
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Comments:
Beautiful railroads and site! Should be very inspirational to many,
George! You've got it "bad", indoor AND outdoor! The very best of luck
to you in your endeavors! I'll be back often! Thanks. jim
Comments:
Your Fairfax Railroad pictures are wonderful! Thank you so much for
taking the effort to set it up. We're at the beginning stages of our
garden railroad and it is so inspiring.
Comments:
Great site and I learn alot.Thank you
Comments:
Dear George, I just wanted to let you know, that I agree with many
others, this is the best site on the web. And, like many others I'm
sure, I truly appreciate the time and effort you are putting forth in
an order to help hobbiests around the world. Once again, than you.
Comments:
Comments:
George, Thank you for the great job you are doing for our hobby. I
would like to suggest a topic for tech tips: scale distance and speed.
Could you write up tips on how to convert your track length to scale
length, how to calulate engine speed and references to actual speed
different engines could go. I remember seeing a story in a magazine
about utilizing a bicycle computer programmed with the dia. of a train
wheel to get scale mph, any thoughts? Keith
Comments:
Very nice page. Especially like the tips. Have had problems with my RS3
trucks and now maybe I can fix it. Thanks muchly.
Comments:
Great Pages and Pictures!!! You have created a very nice railroad.
Thanks for your efforts to share it. Tim
Comments:
Great web site. I appreciate the amount of work you have put into it
and the help it provides large scale community. Thanks.
Comments:
Great info. Being new to Garden Railroading it is great to have someone
who has "been there" and willing to share the experience and help avoid
the mistakes. I'd appreciate your recommendations regarding the various
track software packages. Thanks, Jerry McColgan
Comments:
Comments:
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I REALLY ENJOY IT.YOU HAVE GIVEN ME A LOT OF
GOOD IDEAS. THANK YOU HARRY
Comments:
George, I just HAVE to come back so often! Your website is the
"gold-standard" in cyber railroad world, as your layout is.
Comments:
Just completed a 6' Howe Truss bridge based on your plans. It was an
interesting experience. The bridge turned out great. My wife was
impressed. Can't ask for much more. Thanks for your input and help to
this hobby. We are just starting and your bri ge was my first
effort.
Comments:
Comments:
Smile it's another railroad day. I enjoyed my visit. Doin' some
cruising as I work up my track plan for my sometime soon RR. Tks
Comments:
Hi George, It's been a long time, but I'm back in the USA. My Big
Hauler has a broken truck on the tender. So, I'm looking for
replacement trucks that are more durable. I also need to learn how to
disassemble an LGB 4010 loco.... want to re-do the little critter. Best
regards, Matt
Comments:
I've just spent one and three quarter hours downloading about 2/3rds of
your tips. Haven't read them all yet, but what I have seen looks very
useful. I'm writing a handbook for the UK G-Scale society so I borrowed
a modem (a s-l-o-w modem) and got a 30 day free internet trial (so my
e-mail address is only temporary) to search the web for ideas and info.
I'll e-mail you soon re. copyrights, etc on any f your stuff I think I
could use.
Comments:
moved sound pot on pac.sound tend to water pop valve easer to adj @
turn off use small. volum pot from radio shak inst. in shay top under
crank handel use rc chgr. and plug to chg, battery i hide it under now
removeable coal. top thanks for scam. on dri er for two switch mach.
arsto 5474 works great
Comments:
Comments:
WILL GET INTO IT A LITTLE LATER. I'VE ACCUMULATED MUCH OF THE
EQUIPMENT, BUT HAVEN'T DEVELOPED THE COURAGE TO START ON MY OUTDOOR RR.
I'VE NO EXPERIENCE, HENCE THE FEAR OF STARTING. MY CONCERNS ARE THE
LAYING OF THE TRACK AND THE ELECTRICAL WIRING ETC.
Comments:
Thank you for the nice work you given the G scalers it's all so useful
Thanks again
Comments:
Just tried your fix of using wire ties to hold a Big Hauler 4-6-0 motor
in place. The engine is a Plus ET and WNC. Haven,t run it till now
cause I didn't want to eat the gears. We've tried many other solutions
in our club and I changed countless drive gears or members but the
engines always at the gears. So far the ET has operated for over 6
hours and everything seems OK. I pass this info on to our club members
that have 10-wheelers. Thanks for the help. Jon
Comments:
Just tried your fix of using wire ties to hold a Big Hauler 4-6-0 motor
in place. The engine is a Plus ET and WNC. Haven,t run it till now
cause I didn't want to eat the gears. We've tried many other solutions
in our club and I changed countless drive gears or members but the
engines always at the gears. So far the ET has operated for over 6
hours and everything seems OK. I pass this info on to our club members
that have 10-wheelers. Thanks for the help. Jon
Comments:
Just tried your fix of using wire ties to hold a Big Hauler 4-6-0 motor
in place. The engine is a Plus ET and WNC. Haven,t run it till now
cause I didn't want to eat the gears. We've tried many other solutions
in our club and I changed countless drive gears or members but the
engines always at the gears. So far the ET has operated for over 6
hours and everything seems OK. I pass this info on to our club members
that have 10-wheelers. Thanks for the help. Jon
Comments:
George, I thoroughly enjoy your entire site. It is one of most
informative and well-organized sites I have ever visited. Most
importantly, it has excellent content as well as navigation, something
which many professional sites can't seem to get the hang of. I am new
to the hobby of running trains, and I have learned much from visiting
your technical tips pages, and continue to refer back to your tips
before I purchase more equipment. I am curious how long you spend
maintaining the website each month, and how long you spend on the
actual hobby portion. Thanks again for providing such valuable
information to the large scale community. My visit to your site was
what convinced me that I wanted to get into this hobby. Best Regards,
Juliet
Comments:
Wow! Great site. I'm new to this hobby and I see I can learn a lot from
all your tips. Why don't you write a manual with all this information.
I certainly would buy one. I'll be back often.
Comments:
The Directors of the Chenango Valley Scenic Railway wish to thank you
for a great site. We're still in the planning and development stage,
but are making steady progress thanks to people like you and the
Southern Tier Garden Railroad Society.
Comments:
Great pages George, full of very useful information especially for the
newcomer like myself. Was very dissappointed when I purchased my first
LGB 1200 turnouts and discovered that the loco wacked the frog with a
big jolt on every pass through the curved oute. After consulting your
"LGB Turnout Tuneup" page, I spent this afternoon fashioning .025" x
.25" x 6" brass strips (I notched along the bottom of the strip in
order to fit over the ties) and installed them as suggested by Todd
Brody. The loco runs th ough the turnouts as smooth as silk now. Thank
you very much for posting your pages. I really don't know if I would
have come up with that one on my own. What really bothers me though is
that LGB continues to manufacture turnouts that don't work properly. I
guess in the long run, the brass guard rail will last longer than a
plastic one anyhow. Thanks again!
Comments:
Comments:
A great web site. Thanks for your time and effort
Comments:
I am new to Garden railroading and am just trying to learn about it.
Also deciding if I want to get started with my first railroad.
Comments:
You have a great web site. and i am ever so thankfull that you have put
so mouch time in it.. Keep up the good work.
Comments:
My prayers have been answered indeed! Your site has been a true
blessing as I'm new to the large scale moving up from "N" scale. I'm
still in shock after viewing all the great information based no doubt
on your many year's of experince!Please keep up the ood work!
Comments:
Hi George, what a great site. thanks. here is more info for the cheap
and dirty corragated siding, Precision Brand makes shim stock 6" wide
by 100" long by .0015 among others. it crimps very well when cut in 3"
X 6" strips placing the wide side into the crimper . you have
manageable strips for roofing or siding. without a lot of the curvature
that the aluminum cans create ! i couldnt have done it without you .
and it patinas great. thanks shepp
Comments:
Comments:
relly great pages if i have questions on my aristo equipment i look at
your site fist thanks ed rouse
Comments:
8:15 PM July 14 1998 Hi, great pages of information. I need all of the
help that I can get. From my readings of your work I am sure that we
have the same love for our hobby and the same kind of problums. Oh I am
the one that sent you the note about using the springs on the pl stic
hose for the smoke in an FA. T springs that fit best are the ones for
the engine trucks and the passenger cars. I just got my first set of
the new Astro wide switches and I will let you know how they workout as
soon as I get time to work on my layout. Well I have to spend the next
two week on location , "I am a television producer" so it will be after
the 28th before I can do any railroading. Thank You for a great place
to learn. Jerry... If you are ever in Ohio Jerry Beck Vanguard
productions 7020 Huntley Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43229 614-436 4610 Home
614-882 0355
Comments:
8:15 PM July 14 1998 Hi, great pages of information. I need all of the
help that I can get. From my readings of your work I am sure that we
have the same love for our hobby and the same kind of problums. Oh I am
the one that sent you the note about using the springs on the pl stic
hose for the smoke in an FA. T springs that fit best are the ones for
the engine trucks and the passenger cars. I just got my first set of
the new Astro wide switches and I will let you know how they workout as
soon as I get time to work on my layout. Well I have to spend the next
two week on location , "I am a television producer" so it will be after
the 28th before I can do any railroading. Thank You for a great place
to learn. Jerry If you are ever in Ohio Jerry Beck Vanguard productions
7020 Huntley Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43229 614-436 4610 Home 614-882
0355
Comments:
Excellent site. Your Track Selection Tips were exactly what I need
right now. I plan to go through all you pages and expect to enjoy the
learning process. We have an area about 130' by 50' which we are
turning into a garden and train yard - 1890 variet . Thanks for your
efforts in putting the info out where we can see and understand it.
Comments:
I,m planning to start my own garden railroad , yours gave me a lot of
ideas.What scale trains do you use,are they ho , n , or what? Please
email me and let me know. My email is dpernell@3rddoor.com
thanks,jason
Comments:
George, The info on digital cameras is outstanding! Thanks, Karl
Comments:
Your information is like gold to me concerning the cost of buying
equipment needed in this hobby is expensive thanks again
Comments:
Read about your site in Garden Railways. Was having the same problems
with the Big Hauler as someone else, and the suggestion was made to
check here for some good ideas. Glad that I did. You answered many that
the folks down the hobby shop couldn't. Appreciate what you are doing
for the hobby, and the rest of us poor souls out there who are silently
suffering.
Comments:
Fantastic site. I will be back as I begin my first venture into Large
Scale (retire soon) It has all be N Scale to now (Swiss - sort-of)
Comments:
just getting started.this has beena great help
Comments:
Comments:
This is my first visit and by the looks not the last. I have a small
railroad in my backyard. A few pictures are on my web page. I have not
had a chance to look at all you tip, etc. but will return again. Ray
Taylor
Comments:
Comments:
Excellent. I have learned alot about large scale. I am contemplating
this scale, because the eyesight is slipping and the fingers just don't
work as well as they used to. N scale is getting to me! Thanks.
Comments:
Sorry for the duplicate entry, but didn't realize that your guestbook
didn't allow for html codes so my "TRAINS PAGE" didn't show up in the
original posting. I have been in awe at all the info on your pages!
Very fascinating and interesting reading. I a just starting out in
G-Scale (got my first G-Scale for a birthday gift in Nov. 1997).
Currenty I am using the New Bright G-Scale train sets. I will be back
to this site often for more info. I got here from a link from Aristo
Crafts website and I'm glad I did! BTW: My actual website is mostly
about my 3 cats and I just added my Train page on June 25 with photo's
of my current layout. Due to where I placed t and room constraints it's
really not a large layout or elaborate, but for living in an apartment
it gives me a good start in it! :)
Comments:
I have been in awe at all the info on your pages! Very fascinating and
interesting reading. I am just starting out in G-Scale (got my first
G-Scale for a birthday gift in Nov. 1997). Currenty I am using the New
Bright G-Scale train sets. I will be back to this site often
for more info. I got here from a link from Aristo Crafts website and
I'm glad I did! BTW: My actual website is mostly about my 3 cats and I
just added my Train page on June 25 with photo's of my current layout.
Due to where I placed it and room constraints it's really not a large
layout or elaborate, but for living in an apartment it giv s me a good
start in it! :)
Comments:
Good news, I'm just getting started in the graden railway world, having
purchased a LGB set many years ago. The wife now has the flowers, it's
high time I now laid the track. So I am looking for webb sites that may
be of help to me!
Comments:
What can I say? I seem to run oput of questions before your answers
come to an end. Sitting over here in Germany, there is little choice
besides LGB. I personally am interested in US railway, history and
related stuff, LGB is trying pretty hard but their iew of the US is
let's say "touristical". German railway hobby is a very serious thing,
you can compare it to collecting stamps (you know: "I have 15 different
models from the BR55 series of steam locomotives, six of them were
never built, now I am waitin for the one come that has this special
third dome..."). Keep up your good work. It's a pleasure to read your
comments and hints. By the way - I happened to get an Aristo U25B and
almost immediately started "tinkering": My idea: I replaced the two
each "h adlamps" on the short hood and above the "switch compartment".
The rear ones now are red LED's, for the front ones I installed
something brand new over here: real white LED's that make a remarkable
forward beam, powered some self-made fixed-output power s pply. The
same LED's are installed as double beams between the loco numbers that
are lit by four individual 5V-bulbs. Now you can see the light also on
the opposite end of the tunnel...Best greetings from the Stuttgart
area. Uli Wolff
Comments:
Am sure glad I stumbled across your website. Has made good informative
sense. But in Programming my Train Engineer, I got stumped. In fifth
paragraph, you mentioned "ten keys". No can find, or else I'm really
out in left field. Thanks for your excellent w bsite.Will pass on to
others in Florida GRS
Comments:
Now we have our island - time to get the train~thanks for the tips -
will let you know when the railroad is up and running. Stop by and
visit.
Comments:
I HAVE LOTS OF QUESTIONS FOR YOU..... I JUST NOW STARTING A NEW INDOOR
LAYOUT, MY 2ND G SCALE. i LEARNED A FEW THINGS FROM THE FIRST AND AM
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE INFO WHAT RADII ARE YOU USING ON YOUR CURVES? I
PLANNING ON HAND SPIKED CODE 250 RAIL WITH 42-48" RADII, BUT THIS
LIMITS A LOT. BY LAYOUT WILL BE IN A RETANGLE 16' X 24' WITH A 42" X
12' YARD. THE LARGER RADII ARE REQUIRED FOR MY 3 TRUCK SHAY. IF YOU GO
TO MY TRACKER-GBS SITE ON EACH WEB PAGE YOU CAN "CLICK" ON THE TRAIN
LOGO AN IT WILL SHOW YOU SOME OF MY MODELS. AT ANY RATE I'M INTERESTED
IN HEARING FROM YOU I LIVE IN ST LOUIS AND CAN BE REACHED AT
314-725-4477 DAYS 314-530-1797 NIGHTS BRIAN
Comments:
Just found your web site. It's Great.As I am getting serious and
interested in graden railroads with my grand-son Wanted info for laying
and setting new track Keep up the good job. any tips,info would be
appriacted. Thanks Alan
Comments:
George, Great web site and I like your photos and tips on fine-tuning
the equipment. Looks like you have put a lot of work into your
railroad. My web site is in development. Hope it turns out as good as
yours. Tom Cruse
Comments:
Fairly new to large scale. You have a great site, very informative,
keep it going Thanks Dale
Comments:
George Very good web site, injoyed the photos of your layout. My son
Craig and I have been in G-scale about nine years. Craigs in a
wheelchair. I try to keep him busy with trains. He runs them and I get
to do all the work. Thanks for sharing your layout o the internet.
Don
Comments:
I received your reply reference roadbed/ballast on the LSOL workshop
today and your response was exactly what I was looking for. Many
thanks. I now intend to go through the rest of your homepage. When I
tried to print out your page on ballast tips the fir t page came out
very tiny in the left hand upper corner of the page; the second page
came out fine. Is there some way that I can enlarge the type on your
first page as I'd really like to print it out so I can read it. The
answer is probably an easy one,bu I'm still learning not only about
garden railways, but the intricies of the computer as well. Again my
thanks, Mark
Comments:
George, On behalf of BoxCar Productions I want to thank you for your
outstanding web page and your comments about the Fairplex Railroad and
our video tape. I would like to send you a copy. Our way of saying
thank you. Please e-mail me your address. If at anytime in future you
would like additional information on the Fairplex please let me know.
I'm also the P.R. man for the exhibit. I have 4 page complete history
of the exhibit on PageMaker 6.0(Mac)or a hard copy I can send you.
Again a very big than you. Ed Saalig, President BoxCar Productions.
Comments:
Outstanding job. Bob Toohey suggested I review your web page and I am
really glad I did. I wrote and edited the Fairplex Garden Railroad
videotape and we need someone with your talents and photo skills. I
look forward to hearing from you. I'm glad you had a great time out at
the Fairplex Garden Railroad. I was so busy with the video that I ave
not had the opportunity to visit the layout. Thanks for updating me and
sharing the layout with the world. I really appreciate that!!!
Dennis
Comments:
One more hint you might want to add to your line on corrugated metal.
As you no doubt have discovered, the plastic frame on the crimper is
rather flexible so you can't put enough pressure on to get a deep crimp
the first time and repeated runs cause the etal to dish out. The
solution I found was to build a metal frame in a modified 'V' shape and
drill axle holes at each end 5/8" apart. The axles are press fit but
they do come out. Put your frame in a vise and start grinding out flat
deeply corrugated met l on the first pass.
Comments:
I am essentially a scratch builder so everythig you have here is of
interest. I will check back often.
Comments:
Hello George, Just bookmarking all the Large Scale pages from your
guest book. Karl
Comments:
I really enjoy your site, and look to it anytime I have questions about
my own trains/set-up, electrics, etc. Thanks for being there.
Comments:
Comments:
Great site, Just got into 'G' scale last year. Starting a layout
outside, still under construction. In fact still working out the track
plan. Enjoyed you review on the USA-trains GP9. I just pick on of them
up my self. Looking for information on installing DCC decoders into the
4 engines I have. Doesn't look like any one users DCC on the big stuff.
I'm using DCC on the HO trains I have.
Comments:
I very much enjoyed your website. Thank you for providing such useful
information on G scale railroads. It will be very useful in my future
endevours. Sincerely, Stephen A. Elias
Comments:
Greetings from Singapore .Great stuff! Thoroughly enjoyed your site and
will come back when more time is available. I'm just getting started
with G scale and find your info most helpful.
Comments:
Great site and usfull info. am interested in changing over my LGB and
Brach to metal wheel. Do you know who makes the exact size other than
OEM? Keep up the good work. From a "basher" not a scrachbuilder (but I
do admire their work). I take liberties with my last name. Thanks,
Ed
Comments:
Like the pictures. Some reat ideas for when I finally et to plan a
layout.
Comments:
Dear George, Many thanks for your greatly appreciated technical tips. I
had a chance to visit Aristo's "HQ" last March while at my son's
address in Jersey City. Please pass my regards to Maryann and David
(thanks again for the lift to Journal Square) Greetings from Be gium.
Mike
Comments:
Comments:
Comments:
Your railroad is the best I seen on the web. I am in G but in a 12 by
24 ft. shed. I buy aristo bachmann and USA and cut apart and rebuilt as
trains of 1930 and 1940.The aristo critter is a real buy for rebuilding
as a center cab. You have a real railroa ===enjoy running I enjoyed
seeing it er
Comments:
George - Thanks for all the great information you post. I, for one,
appreciate the effort! I recently installed Pacific digital sound
upgrade. New ones have connector extension for power wires - they must
have read your comments!
Comments:
Thanks for the tips, I'm just getting started in garden rail roading. I
just hauled in over 40 tons of dirt to raise my 14'x43' planter box. So
as you can guess I'm almost ready to start on the tracks and topography
of my layout. So I'm looking for any ne ideas!, I think I want to stay
around the 18th. century using mining or loging as my main theme. I'm
open to any suggestions you may have. I'm still lookine for others
interested In G-scale around my home town Phoenix, Az.
Comments:
I am just getting into Large Scale, (from HO) What have I been missing?
The gear is great and your page is very helpful. The tips that you
provide help to make the transition from smaller scales easier as new
problems\challenges present themselves in th s "G" Great Scale!.
Comments:
It's an excellent site George, not only for newbies, but for any large
scale enthusiast. The information you have obviously painstakingly
gathered is a real treasure trove of tried and true practices and
remedies everyone should appreciate. Thanks a bun h!
Comments:
Great site. Answers a lot of my questions. I've been doing a lot of
scratchbuilding in Large scale. It is really a lotof digging for info.
reminds me of back in the early forties when my father and I scratch
built almost everything we used in "O" gu ge. After many years in HO,
I've decided to build outdoors. I have plenty of room in the backyard
with woods on two side of my yard. Since there are no more baseball
fields and soccer and foorball in my back yard, there won't be any
messing around. I pl n to use radio control and lay my own track.
Thanks for the info. Lou Malandra
Comments:
George - Excellent site!!! Now...help!? I read an article several years
ago that explained how to lower aristocraft rolling stock to more
acceptable heights. By any chance do you know of the article and what
magazine it was in, and do you have any suggestions as how to
successfully lower aristo stock? Many thanks. Pete
Comments:
write me!Grandma was a Schreyer, looking for info on Schreyer
family
Comments:
always enjoy your site. hope someday to have a layout just as nice as
yours. may have opportunity to meet you at garden railways
convention
Comments:
George-- I don't know you personnally, but I have to stand up and say
"Thank you" for all your wonderful tips and techniques for the garden
railroads. I have used your pages on the Bachman Shay and am starting
to work on my Aristo RS3, using hints from your page. I have had some
trouble accessing your page, but I think I found the answer, so I will
be spending more time browsing and downloading and printing your stuff.
Great Work--I've been real happy reading your stuff. Your page on the
Shay was really great, nd it really helped when I had to swap out the
smoke unit. Keep up the good work. John Cassidy
Comments:
Good work!
Comments:
Thanks for the great technical help on your pages. With my site I am
trying to show some of the problems I've had, and solutions. You will
probably see a fair number of links to your technical pages. One
problem I'm having myself with the limited area I have to work in is
setting up a reversing wye. Being on disablity pension I don't have
money to buy LGB's manual, and wondered if you have a bit more info on
how LGB's diode track pieces work. From you diagram I get the
impression that AC power is being supplied to the diode bridge???
Thanks Rick
Comments:
I only had a few minutes to review the tips on soldering. Your
suggestions confirm problems I have had and now know it is not just me
having the problems. Good ideas. Good detailed steps. How is the best
way to insert the metal wheels without causing damage to the truck. I
found some of the axels to be longer than others. What is the maximum
length I should have to enable the wheel to rool freely within the
truck housing. I would apprec ate your response. Perhaps I didn't look
far enough in your ideas.
Comments:
Greetings: I recently purchased my first Aristocraft train-- FA1/FB1
engines with 4 Streamliner cars. While generally happy with this
equipment, I was not too excited about the big gaps between the cars,
and also experienced the spring problem that you mentioned. When I saw
your article on the streamliners, I gained the courage to cut 7/8" off
of the coupler mounts and switch the springs around (it turns out that
the FA1/FB1 springs were too soft, so by simply switching springs from
the cars to/from the engines, all of the pieces are now correctly
sprung (4 cars and 2 engines were a perfect number for the
interchange!). The whole family and I are now much happier about the
appearance and ride characteristics. Thanks for documenting your
findings! Winston Kriger and Family
Comments:
thanks i for the tips
Comments:
I'm just getting started and I appreciate all the good tips and info.
I'll continue to review your site for updates because your's is the
best so far.Thanks for sharing. God bless you!
Comments:
Great technical informatio. Used a lot of the information on the big
hauler.
Comments:
I am new to garden railroad. Your site answera a lot of equipnent
questions. Thanka for your timeand help. Do you know of a site that
would have historical informationon the southern crescent LTD.
Comments:
Hey George, Just checking out the info on the Pacific digital sound.
Thanks alot and keep up the good work! Karl PS. Will PWC hurt LGB
volage controlled sound? I have a new F-7 and don't want to burn it up.
Please don't pick on me about the LGB, I have a major love affair with
the F-7 and couldn't help it. It's the only LGB I have. Don't tell Jon
and Lewis on me K? :^)
Comments:
Can't thank you enough for all the usefull information. It covers a
wide scope of subjects that I'm sure will come in handy for anyone
considering getting into G Gauge Railroading, or who is presently
operating a layout at present. Your tips are an invalu ble aid to
helping make a smoother running Railroad. The exploded view diagrams of
the various Aristocraft Locomotives were worth downloading and
printing. Too bad Bachmann doesn't offer the same service on the
internet. Looking forward to any additional nformation you may share
with everyone in the near future. You are truly an asset to the great
hobby of G Scale model Railroading, both indoors and outdoors. You
could write a book that I'm almost sure would sell like hotcakes.
Sincerely, Ron Szabo aka propwash
Comments:
Thanks for the info on Airbrushing-it will come in handy. Great Links,
super web page
Comments:
Congratulations on a great website and a big thankyou for all the tips
in the lsol and the aristo forums. Really neat stuff. Ring the bell and
blow the horn, chapeau to you. Ruedi
Comments:
Your site is a great help to a novice garden railroader (and to the
experienced too, no doubt). Thanks for the tips and info.
Comments:
Between you and Mac I've got the best of worlds Alan
Comments:
Great Tips. Also, used your Web page FAQs when I recently updated my
page. I have a diagram for putting a Kadee 835 coupler on the Bachmann
Shay on my home page in the Large Scale trains section. Nothing else
there right now. I need to get some new pictur s of the outdoor layout
taken and post them. Been busy with the Fall Convention our GRS is
holding. Thanks for all the info you post. Steve in King of Prussia,
PA
Comments:
1st time visit; just an armchair collector with a field of dreams.....
enjoy the info. Thank U
Comments:
surfing for large scale rolling stock kits. I like your site and will
explore it more.
Comments:
Great web site. I'll be back for ideas. Just starting an outdoor RR at
the store. Great tressle and great job on the shays. Thanks Terry.
Comments:
Very nice site. I have read all of it and saved/printed most of your
tips. Thanks for putting so much into your site. Mucho help!!!
Comments:
best web page I have seen to date-very informitive keep up the good
work
Comments:
Thanks for all your tips on Aristo-craft products.
Comments:
I really appreciate your articles and have given many of them to other
members of the Southern California Garden Railroad Society to help them
with their trains. Your articles will also help us with more realistic
appearing and operating consists when we re running at the Fairplex
Garden Railroad layout in Pomona. Am looking forward to more
articles.
Comments:
What a Web site, George: You have an impressive array of very helpful
large scale information! I expect to bring a small indoor suspended
layout to life later this year, and your tech tips will certainly help
achieve this objective. Thanks from another late-life HO retread to G
:-) Roger R. Sherman in northern Virginia
Comments:
Being a newcomer to large scale, I've thoroughly enjoyed your website
and your comments on LSOL. You're quite an asset to the hobby. Thanks,
Jonathan Pettit Fort Worth, TX
Comments:
Just an added thought, I've found The Nature Company Lamp Oil works
great in LGB smoke generators. (odorless, clean burning, unscented lamp
oil). It comes in quart bottles and is considerably cheaper!
Comments:
In the first two months of owning my first G-scale train set, a Bachman
Gold Rush set, the power supply failed, headlamp burned out, smoke
generator failed, a wire from the front power pickup broke, and the
motor gears started to slip and sound bad. Geor e, I've followed all
your suggestions here and added a wrinkle or two of my own: improved
the engine mount, added weights, added LGB smoke unit, improved sound.
I also added an LGB 63193 electrical contact to the rear of the front
truck on the engine an another to the rear truck of the tender, powered
the sound unit from the track through a Radio Shack 276-1152 bridge
rectifier and a LM317 voltage regulator set to 9 volts (sound stops
when engine stops), changed the headlight to a Radio Shack 272-1092C
12v microlamp powered by a bridge rectifier and a 7812 regulator (keeps
light from burning out so quickly), added steam whistle sound in the
tender ith a recording in a Radio Shack 276-1326 20-sec digital voice
board (sharing the same speaker as the existing chuff sound unit)
powered through the original 9v battery and a 7805 voltage regulator
and triggered by a magnetic switch with a magnet in the tracks, added a
red LED inside the smoke stack to give a nighttime glow. I also have an
Aristo track cleaning car, to which I added an LGB power pickup,
inserted bulbs into the rear lights, and added a variety of red and
yellow LEDs with regulators, includng a blinking pair aimed down at the
track (so it kindof looks like a tr ck welder). I also replaced the
cleaning block with a 3M 7414NA metal finishing pad, that's not only
cheaper ($1.99 for 4x11 inch sheet) but easily replaceable and cleans
better. Then I put a Bachman coupler on one end and left the Aristo
coupler on the other. Thanks for a great web site containing much
useful information!
Comments:
What a fantastic web sight. I am in the planning stages of the
Ellensburg, Williams and Western, and I extract a lot of information
from your pages. I really like your information on couplers, and the
care and feeding of Bachmann equipment is great, as we l as the
information on track. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated, and
you are indeed an asset to the hobby. Thanks again!
Comments:
Tremendous! I stopped by to look up the info on the Truss Bridge and
ended up glancing over all the pages. Will be back. Thanks for all the
time and effort you have put into making this terrific site and sharing
with the largescale community. Sure would m ke a tremendous book.
JR
Comments:
I appreciate all the research you have done to provide all those
technical tips. I applaud you for taking the time to write them up and
post them, too!
Comments:
What a resource you provide to our hobby, George. As a newcomer, I'm
VERY impressed. Thanks. Steve
Comments:
I am new to outdoor RR. We moved to Tucson last year from Minneapolis.
I have several Big Huallers. Just finishing a walled garden space for
the trains.
Comments:
Great site, lots of work and it shows. I've got some info I'ld like to
pass on. Maybe some day I'll figure out how to set up a web site.
Nick..... a little below Normal, Il. (actually Bloomington Il, which is
south of Normal.
Comments:
I really appreciate your helpful articles. I'm new to g gauge. thank
you
Comments:
Great tips! It's really wonderful you share these ideas. Since I'm just
a novice at this RR stuff I really appreciate the help with helpful
diagrams and written instructions. Keep up the good work!
Comments:
I'm getting ready to build a G scale railroad in my yard. I looked at
your construction pictures and I was very impressed. New Jersey doesn't
get as much snow as you so I think outside is a good place to build. Do
you think I should chronicle the event on the internet?
Comments:
Member of the south Jersey Garden Railroad Society. I wonder if I could
re-print some of your aticles in our club newsletter, and let everyone
know where you are on the net?
Comments:
I hooked up to your link and think it's great that you share your
experiences with other folks. I'm relitively new to the hobby and
search for info every where I can.I hope I can come back to this site
when I get a little more educated with g-scale and share my
thoughts.And if you can use them great! if not well it's nice to know
someone is listening,keep up the great job and page!!!! Happy
railroading!!
Comments:
George, I want to compliment you on a fine web site.The GIRR site has
been the best in docmentation that I have ever visted. The odd part is
that I viewed it back to front ! I just got started that way and stayed
with it, guess you now have bragging rights tha your web site is great
makes no difference how it is viewed! I want to make another comment
about you and your ideas. It is awesomely refreshing to hear you say
that it may be out of time sequence by a hundred years, or I run them
cause I like them,and effectively, "Its my damm RR and I will run what
I want, when I want, the way I want!! How Great. It has been a great
Mon morn for me to see someone who is not locked into a mold preset by
someone else's ideas. Thanks George and enjoy the fruits of your labor
and my only request is keep adding to this site. Tom Eld r (In Cent
Ark)
Comments:
great site keep up the good work much appreciated fred
Comments:
Comments:
I'm just starting out and found your area to be a great help. I plan to
return very often. Thank you for what must be a very large and
dedicated effort. bobb
Comments:
Been a big help especially with a bachman loco that I nearly abandoned
to a landfill with hints that I could refer back to the loco has new
lease on life. Tnx and 73 kc4ive
Comments:
I have enjoyed reading all the information. It is very informative. I
started my outdoor layout April 1997 and the info on artisto-craft 5474
was what I needed. Your Interlock Control System was right on time. But
I am hoping that their 5475 will be o t before summer. I have heard
that the 5401 may fall at full speed. Do you know anything about this
control pack adaptor? Thanks. Keep up the good work.
Comments:
George, Simply fantastic! I have left the little scales for the
big-trains and am having a ball. I have just started and have decided
to go with the Locolinc and batterie power for both the indoor and
outdoor portions of the railroad. I do have a question - i have
recently purchased the Phoenix sound system for the Bachmann shay and
will use it with the Locolinc. Some people are saying I must use opto
isolators between the receiver and the sound board and some say its not
required. Any input here? Alan
Comments:
Thank's for all the great things your doing for us rookies,Eddie
Comments:
Hi George, Just wanted to add my thanks for all the helpfull
information you have provided to us newbies.Great site and keep up the
excellent work. Thanks again.
Comments:
I find the information most helpful -- I hope to start a garden
railroad this spring. I quit work last spring so as to be ready. Thanks
for your site, it's a boon to amatur railroaders such as myself. B.
Comments:
Impressive collection of tips and solutions. Try using a 3M metal
polishing product on you sanding pole. It works well for us. You might
also advise people to NOT use sand paper or emery cloth to clean track
- really wears the track. My experence with WD40 is that it will attack
some plastics over a period of time - be careful. Fair weather and
clear tracks to you. Ken Stanfield - San Diego
Comments:
Have been surfing your site for the last couple of hours. Great looking
start on your railroad!! Looks like a lot of planning [not to mention
HARD WORK] has gone into it. Once plants are in it should be quite a
showpiece. I have only been in garden rai roading for about a year and
a half and have a folded dog bone approx 8'x20'x24' with two main lines
powered by track power [thanx for including your experience with the
Aristo track cleaning car], which I have run around the water fall
portion of my wate garden. Do you plan to include a water feature?
Would love to see more pix of the RR once you start plantings.
Jeff.
Comments:
George, What do you know about the Aristo-Craft Rogers 2-4-2 ? Will I
have to bring power from the tender like I did on the 0-4-0, or do the
front and rear wheels pick up power. I have one on order. When I get
it, I will then have at least one of each type of Aristo-Craft engine
except for the Pacific 4-6-2, which will not run well on my layout. I
now have 17 engines that I run, with normally nine on the layout at one
time. I am now working on getting all Aristo-Craft rolling stock.
Thanks again, Chuck
Comments:
George, Thanks again for all of your work. My 0-4-0 is running fine
after I wired the tender power to the engine. Also, my remote control
system is working great. It is really super to be able to control my
trains from any part of the house. It makes t a lot more fun to show my
guest the trains. If you will send me your postal mailing address, I
will send you some pictures of my layout. As I stated before, my trains
run on 16" and wider shelves over my doors and windows. I have two main
lines and a yard area in my hobby room. About 350' to 400' of track.
Thanks again, Chuck Rovell
Comments:
I enjoyed your web site very much. I liked the tip section very
much.
Comments:
George: I have always defined success as: "Doing what you want to do,
when you want to do it." It appears that you have most of us beat! for
being such a great friend to all of us. I have already benefited
greatly from your work. Best Regards, Ken
Comments:
Comments:
George, My son and I, mainly my son, have a few G scale trains (5
engines and 30+ cars). I'm mainly in HO, but I help him a lot with his
trains. For a 12 year old he has learned a lot about electricty and
mechanical things from his interest in model trains. I, eing the chief
mechanical manager of his railroad, have learned a lot from your tips
and information both on your web site and your technical tips on the
Aristo-Craft site. We both hope to start an outdoor "garden" layout
this summer. I know putting all this experience and tips on the web
takes much of your time but I for one certainly welcome it. Thanks for
your time and info.
Comments:
Nice place to get info. Well done. Thanks
Comments:
Great site! Loved your tips! I have also come up with some great ideas
for wiring, (especially for mall shows and living room set ups) that
enables even electrically ignorant to wire a switch or interlocked set
of signals and switches in less than 30 seconds. My Atlantic has 1.5
volt bulbs with a constant voltage unit for the markers and 6 volt
krypton bulb headlight with a 5 volt constant voltage supply.
Comments:
Great Site, Keep up the good work! Todd
Comments:
Thanks for all your information and support.
Comments:
Geoge,this is a very helpful and interesting site.Can I ask some
questions?i.e.How can I make a power supply that is compatible with
both Locolinc and P.H.sound.Also I may have crashed the sound card [PH]
the card that I have is a S3005RS3.Any help you co ld advise me on will
really be appreciated.Thanks.My E-mail address
is;rodfearnley@classic.msn.com All now,Rod
Comments:
So nice of you to share your deep knowledge of Large Scale. We are just
moving out to the garden (One loop last summer), but have a fairly
large collection of LGB and Aristo (Bout 12 locos and 50-60 cars.
Thanks again.
Comments:
I plan to retire on 1Dec98 and will then get a home e-mail address. My
garden railroad, probably to be called "Landluft Bahn," is still in the
earth-moving stage. We hope to construct the stream and lake for the
area this year and perhaps start laying t ack next year. (Literally
translated, Landluft means "country air" but the actual translation is
"barnyard air." I hope to have lots of livestock to give the proper
ambience.) I have greatly enjoyed your comments on LSOL which I check
out each day at w rk. Since I am mechanically declined, I will surely
continue to have no end of questions. Here's a couple. (1) Christoph
Odzoba (in Switzerland) had a wonderful web sight the link to which I
lost when my hard drive crashed. Why not link to him? (2) S nce my wife
is a German citizen with friends and family in Germany, we try to go
there about every two years. LGB is considerably less expensive in
Germany and the stores take credit cards, ship internationally, have
web sites with some English, and of c urse have employees who speak at
least some English. Why don't Americans buy more of their LGB in
Germany? Does that void the warranty? The biggest model railroad store
website I have found so far is Schweickhardt (www.modelleisenbahn.com)
but I think ore and more German stores are going to the web.
Comments:
Comments:
George, I'm voting for you as the first member of the "Garden Railroad
Hall of Fame"! This is really an informative and useful site for anyone
into largescale! Thanks much for a super effort!
Comments:
I really enjoy your website. I find the information in it very useful.
KEEP UP THE GREAT websight, thanks, Marty.
Comments:
No web site as of yet, and a flegdling outdoor railroad, but I just
listed on IGRD as Purdee-Day Lumber Company in Oregon with pictures
forthcoming. Good information on Barry's Big Trains 10-wheeler and
Consolidation conversion for B-mann Big Hauler. Thanks! I also like
your layout pictures. (Now if I can only convince my wife on the need
to double head my Shay like I do my two Porters!)
Comments:
George, Thanks for all the great Shay tips!!! I'm a new Bach. Shay
owner and reading your site has been Reallllly helpful. GREAT!!! Keep
it up and I'll be tuning-in.
Comments:
Comments:
Thanks for the tips and for pointing me to your site. It took me a long
time to get to it, but it was worth it. I did have alot of problems
accessing different things around the site, but with diligent effort, I
managed to get to what I wanted. Keep up th good work and I hope to
visit more often. Tim Rose
Comments:
GREAT WEALTH OF INFO ! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! JGW J and M Central
Comments:
Thanks for the very interesting information. Do you know of any web
site for 1:20.3 modelers? I model a 1911ish lumber railroad in that
scale in my basement.
Comments:
Great stuuf keep up the good work from the Kiwis
Comments:
You've done a great service to the whole large scale world by freely
sharing your expertise!!!
Comments:
George, Great page. I just got the G scale bug at Christmas, when I
bought my Grandson a Bachmann set. Now I'm hooked, and want to start
building a garden RR. Any recommendations on books etc. would be
appreciated. I am reading all your tips, and love your we site. Thanks,
Doug Kevis
Comments:
I truly enjoy reading your pages. Your tips and insights on trains are
very helpful and the family pet pages are great fun. Model railroading
has been a family affair here since before I was born, starting with my
father and two older brothers in the ea ly 50's. At that time the
family was modeling in Lionel and O-scale. About three years ago, I
decided to convert over to G-scale and have been very, very happy with
my revised hobby. I currently have AristoCraft and USA trains with a
small amount of Ba hman. I am now in the process of expanding my
basement layout and hope to increase it's size at least three-fold. I
look forward to reading more of your thoughts and wish to thank you for
the time and effort you expend to create your web site. Respectfully,
Joe Borso
Comments:
This is a terrific web site. I'm now planning my setup. Thanks for the
inspiration.
Comments:
You're great and do a real service to all levels of hobbiest. Because
of people like you I'm just going to have to keep the internet
connection. Thanks Again.
Comments:
I appreciate your efforts - have found the information helpful.
Comments:
Excellent site! Keep up the good work.
Comments:
I've enjoyed reading your tips, but I have not been able to
successfully print them. Has anyone else had problems with printing?
This is the first time I've had problems on the Internet with
printing.
Comments:
George, Thanks for getting back to me regarding my problem with the
Arist-5474. I would like to e-mail to you the specifics regarding my
problem with hope that you can help me out. I need your e-mail address.
Can you please e-mail it to me at the above e-mail address. Thanks
again for your help. Regards, ~Dick Thomas - Syracuse, N.Y.
Comments:
just passed through, looking for more news in largescale cyber world:
THIS PAGE HAS TO BE BOOKMARKED! Greetings from germany Reinhold
Comments:
I'm just beginning to plan my Garden Railroad for this spring. Mine
will probably be more garden then railroad (The boss likes it that
way). I will be visting your site often--you have a lot of great tips.
Thanks, Larry
Comments:
Wow!!! Lots of good things to use. Will be taking this address to my
club meeting Saturday.
Comments:
This web site is GREAT!
Comments:
I have hard copied nearly all of your tips. Great material. Thank you
for all your effort.
Comments:
George, Whoa, slow down. Pretty soon there won't be anything for the
rest of us to put on OUR web sites or any questions for the LSOL forum!
Just kidding...this is great. I've checked out your info before
purchases and then again afterwards to fix or modify what I've bought.
And I'm planning on doing so again. Congratulations and THANKS, George
Z.
Comments:
George, Great site!! Just getting started in garden railroading with a
bachmann shay and a few cars. Your site addresses many questions that
keep coming to mind. I will be back often. Thanks, Randy Roderick
Comments:
Great site. Thanks for all the hard work you have put into it. It has
really helped me with my layout. I have sent you an e-mail on another
page in which I asked for your help on three questions. Thanks again,
Chuck Rovell
Comments:
Have just started (in September) with Garden Rail. In fact with any
type of model rail - my last was thirty years ago in HO. Have found
your tips extremely valuable, but had to comment on one in particular.
I have installed a 200' layout in my backyard with Ariso track and six
turnouts. The turnouts never worked reliably and after a few weeks
outside didn't work at all. I was determined to fix them over the
holiday. I took one apart, cleaned it, and had a heck of a time geting
it back together. It seemed to work unassembled, but each time I
completed the reassembly it wouldn't work. I finally tried backing off
the bottom screws by a half turn - presto everything is fine. I wanted
to send you a note about this since I'd read your earlier "turnout
tips" but apparently you discovered the same thing at the same time.
BTW, your note refers to the "three" bottom screws. Mine have four and
on most of them, the fourth one doesn't want to come out - is it
supposed to be different than the others? Thanks for wonderful pages
and tips, especially for us newcomers. - Art
Comments:
George, You do such a great job. I enjoy your page and learn a little
something every time. Thanks for contributing to our great hobby.
Comments:
George: Just browsing around the web. I have a outdoor railroad and
enjoy visiting others. My wife and I are just learning about our
computer. We have just finally completed our final faze of our
production of an authenic telegraph/telephone pole which we hope to
market later this month or no later than Feb. It is a scale 24ft high
with 2 cross arms 8 insulators per arm with pole steps and cross arm
supports. Our insulators come in 10 different styles that are now being
used by the RR's and they come in 4 different colors, clear, green,
blue and amber. They can be seen on the Del Oro Club G scale RR. We are
planning and open house either this Apr l or May and will definitley
have them on full display. The reason I picked this particular item to
offer is the fact that there is no one out there that offers a scale
telegraph/telephone in g-scale. Our insulators are as close to true
replicas of the on s now still in use across the U.S. They look just
like glass and that is the key to the whole thing. Having 34 yrs
experience with the telephone company I felt qualified in this
endeavor. If these go over well we will then be releasing a branch line
style pole. Well, its been a pleasure chatting with you and keep up the
good work on your info column. I look forward to checking it out from
time to time. Respectfully, Mike Stewart
Comments:
The information on G scale is excellent and very interesting, I really
enjoyed reading your comments.
Comments:
Comments:
Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
Comments:
George, I always enjoy your comments on the Forum and LSOL. Your tips
are great and you are a great help to the hobby. Hope to meet you in
Santa Clara this summer.
Comments:
Thanks very much for the Shay info. The comment about the sound system
is interesting. The shaft on my Bachmann Shay is not driven by the back
truck (the pins that lock the bevel gears to the shaft are missing,
this must be ok as the holes are missing in the shaft also) so the
problem of the drives being 90 degrees out does not seem to apply?
(comment welcome). I have just spent some days trying to get a PH sound
unit in the shay. The photos included with the unit are next to
useless. It alo gives not indication were to fit the reed switches for
whistle/bell so I spent some time threading new wires to the fire box.
But the main problem is that the Shay runs on a very low voltage,
resulting in the battery going flat in the sound unit. The instructions
say it requires 10-12V to charge, well at that the Shay is doing Mach
5. If any one has an answer I would be greatfull to know about it. Many
thanks for all your time, Andy Knott Letchworth England.
Comments:
George, just in case you are tired of the accolades, too Bad! Here is
another one. Well done, congratulations on the work and dedication.
Your 10-wheeler info is spot-on, especially weighting the pony truck. I
wrapped mine in sheet lead. Good site. Happy New Year. Phil
Comments:
I enjoy visiting LSOL and your site with all it's info. Keep up the
good work.
Comments:
Thanks for all the info you provide,it has helped me greatly!
Comments:
Great great site. I am just starting out with the garden gauge as I get
closer to retirement-2 years.I have the B-Shay,Aristo Pacific,and LGB
F7.Your hints will definetly help me get sarted in the garden. I have
also been a copier/electronics tech for abo t 40 years so will use your
electronics tips. Thanks for your site. Nick
Comments:
Just wrote your a comment on web page. Really appreciate your efforts.
See my operation on PA Keystone Central Railroad (founded HO 1939)
Registered NMRA 1950. To "G" 1993
Comments:
George, Thanks for all you do with these pages. You provide a great
service to the hobby. I've always believed that when you enjoy a hobby,
you should give back to it. You're doing that in spades. I admire that.
See Ya Trackside, Nick
Comments:
Hi George - Really enjoy the informative articles. Great asset to the
hobby. Keep it up. Thanks, Harry
Comments:
A very informative and usefull site. Thanks for the info.
Comments:
Hey, George, we've conversed over the net a few times thru Aristo's
forum. Thought I'd check out your web site. Neat site with lots of
technical info. Thanks. C Ya at Aristo!
Comments:
George, I've been enjoying u'r help for a long time. Thanks for all u'r
efforts. Happy Holidays. Jim Burns.
Comments:
Thanks a lot for your site, George. It's been really helpful as I have
gotten started on my garden railroad. I did get an error trying to
access your reversing tips page. As you suggested, I tried several
times but to no avail. The page you were looking for,
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/5950/revsing_tips.html, does
not exist. Try clicking on the topic below that matches your
interests.
Comments:
George; Thank you for your continued support . Your commitment and
experience is a valuable asset to all of us in Large Scale. Tom
Maiorine Brick,N.J.
Comments:
Keep up the excellent articles, George. Always a favorite site of mine,
as I check back here often.
Comments:
Just viewed the new sections. Great, this is clearly what the internet
is made for; as opposed to the junk that usually surfaces. Thanks
George
Comments:
George, Your website is a tremendous asset to the world of garden
railroading. I applaud your efforts. Mike Gray
Comments:
Comments:
Great site George. I've met you before at the Aristo Forum.
Comments:
At present I don't have a site. However, So years ago, I started a
g-scale set from Bachman and am interested in knowing where to purchase
track and turn-outs for Bachman track if they exist. Look forward to
hearing from you with what ever info. Thanks
Comments:
George appreciate the tips and hints great time saver for us clods that
have trouble getting the smoke fluid down the stack. Happy Holidays and
thanks again. T Weaver
Comments:
Great site - thanks for all the tips
Comments:
Very good information, Ive just started with G scale trains. Im an HO
person First but have been interested in G scale for years. Thank you
very much for your web site, Gerard Lukas, Phoenix, AZ
Comments:
Nice site, George. You must have too much time on your hands. I can
imagine the effort that went into this. Thanks. And lots of good info
also.........
Comments:
I am using your site extensively for Aristo and a lot of other helpful
hints. ??? Do you know if the individual table lamps are supposed to
illuminate in the Aristo Heavyweight Diner Car? E-mail me if you get
the chance. Thanks Barry Thomason
Comments:
Your information was/is very helpful and I do think this is a good
service to all. thanks Darryl
Comments:
George, this is great. i don't think you have any idea what this means
to some of the newbies, as well as some of us oldtime model RR's. It is
a lot different when you get outside in the dirt. Ron Wenger,
Martinsburg, WV Crooked and Weedy RY, "The route to Poverty"
Comments:
Just a short thank you note for have such a great and informative web
site for G-gauge. Keep the stream going. Texastrain@aol.com P.S. Try
submitting some of the article to the Garden Railway magazine.
Comments:
Enjoyed your page thoroughly, especially the tips on the Bachmann
ten-wheeler.
Comments:
Like about 100 other commenters, I am new to G (old to HO) and find
your site great. Thanks for all the help.
Comments:
What a find!! Thanks to the Aristo web page, I have found the
definitive large scale tech site. You are to be commended for sharing
your considerable expertise with the rest of us. Here are all those
little tips you hear from people here and there, in o e place, plus a
whole lot more. This is the first web site I have ever found worth
taking the time to sign the guest book. I put you in my "favorites"
list and can't wait to see what you come up with next. Thanks
again!!
Comments:
Great site, I come back every few weeks just to see what's new. The
tips are great! Enjoy talking to you on LSOL. Till next time keep up
the good work....Mike
Comments:
George, you have a great sight and I have enjoyed lookin at your
photos. I also appreciate all your help via LSOL and the Aristo forum
as I'm sure many others have benefitted from your experience and
electrical expertise. I live in North Carolina and ha e been into large
scale for about a year, If there's anything that you need from this
area don't hesitate to e-mail me and I'll try to help you out. Thanks
again!!! Chuck.
Comments:
Great Site
Comments:
Being new to the hobby I find that your tips are of great value to
me.Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. My ten year
old grandaughter picked up a copy of your Large scale coupler tips,That
I had made from your site. And after reading it promptly told me that
we had to go to the hobby shop and get LGB couplings because Mr.
Schreyer said that the work. and the ones I have don't. so it looks
like we must make the trip to the hobby shop. Thanks again for all your
help. Stan Young
Comments:
What a great sight! You have given a lot of really terrific
information. I hope to start laying track in the spring, and my only
motive power is the trusty 10 wheeler, so your sight is a real help for
me! Thanks again. Bill
Comments:
George: Great site...pictures, diagrams, etc., and narratives. Wish I
had the LGB1600 Tips about 5 mos ago when I was starting construction
of my first garden RR. But the Bachmann Big Hauler tips are just in
time. Thanks. Bob Waldele
Comments:
George - Many thanks for all of the useful info on your page. It's
great that you're willing to spend the time to publish all this
information on your web page, and share it with your fellow
enthusiasts. You have saved me lots of time and trouble on my arge
scale projects. Thanks again!
Comments:
Im new to large scale but have had tinplate and HO in past. Dont have
layout yet but am accumulating stuff for one, initially plan on some
indoor modules. Your tips are excellent, they would be a best seller if
you published them!! p.s. I live in So. Berwick, Maine (on ME/NH line
about 12 miles from coast)
Comments:
A fine page. Keep up with the tech hints, they are really
appreciated.
Comments:
george, it worked! thanks for the help!
Comments:
Great information. I am a novice, but I know there is a right and wrong
way of doing things. Thanks for saving me hours of troubleshooting and
frustration. Mike Viater
Comments:
Geroge, Very nice page, been here several times, I guess so has 1
million other people.
Comments:
Thanks for a great websight. There is more useful information here than
either large scale magazine. I am a member of the Ottawa Valley Garden
Railway Society (Ottawa, Canada). We have about a dozen hardcore
members and another dozen to be converted. We run battery and radio
control (usually Aristocraft). Our founding member has about 500 feet
of track winding between 3 raised yards (two at 2 feet, one at chest
height)in his backyard. We meet for breakfast every Saturday morning
and then run trains ti l noon. Our season is from about April to
November depending on the winter. Despite this years early snowstorm
(now gone) we are still running. I have experimented with different MU
cables including the setup you have described. I found the most
realiable to be Radio Shack 90 degree phono jacks. The jacks will
swivel in the corners but not pull out. I have pulled a 20 car train
with just the cabl s when the couplers between my A and B Alco units
have come undone. I use the B unit to house the receiver and two 9
volt, C-cell battery packs. The shell and the snap-in battery packs are
removeable for quick refueling. One cable carries 18 volts direct rom
the batteries to the headlight, the other from the reciever output to
the motors in the A unit. These units are always the first on the track
and usually the last off. They are "Bruce proof". Bruce the four year
old son of one of members is our younge t engineer and prototype
tester. Thanks again!
Comments:
I enjoyed your site. Lot's of good info and photos. I'm personally new
to the Garden variety like being able to see and feel everything.
Between you and the others in The Workshop I'm hoping to learn on
others experiences. JON
Comments:
Hi George, I spent over two hours trolling around your site, it's
GREAT! It's a pity that geocities is so slow getting the pictures down,
but apart from that I really enjoyed both GIRR's. I still have a few
avenues to follow yet on your site (pets and thi gs) and I know I'll
enjoy them as much. I've copied your Bachmann Shay hints, and Aristo
turnout hints onto a floppy for future reference. Thanks for spending
so much time providing a wonderfull site, rather puts my little one to
shame. I hope you will en oy mine a little anyway, and perhaps next
time I update it I'll include a link to here if that's okay with you.
Anyway, best regards from Squirrel Valley, and keep on steamin'.
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/squirrel.valley.rail/sqv1.jpg
Comments:
I'm newly retired and new to largescale RR. I have space in my basement
13' x 19' to start my pike. Ido plan to operate multi-level. I do have
some space outdoors to put in a small layout when spring comes. I live
in West Chester PA a suburb of Phila.
Comments:
i like yor site alot. i am in the process of desinging my own garden
railroad. right now i have some track laid on the patio and run the
trains out there. it consists of Aristocraft and Bachman. i run a U25
engine. The site i have picked out is 12' x 23' aybe a little bigger.I
hope to start preparing the site soon. anyway i like your site and
sorry for running on like this.
Comments:
This is the best web site on the net..I always come here seeking
information, and I'm never sorry!! great job George!!
Comments:
I read all of your ideas and found them excellent. I am presently in
the planning stage of building a garden railway and your site was
"information rich" Thanks for going to all this work. It is really
helpful to a beginning railroader.
Comments:
George: I always read your comments in the forums with great intrest.
You are a true resource to the hobby. Thank You!!!! :-) Regards, Bill
Andrews
Comments:
Thanks for the email! You have a wonderful website, a credit to you and
to the hobby! Thanks for taking the time to share!
Comments:
George, you should quit your regular job and go into the information
business on the webb. You have done a masterful job in helping all
those of us out here that are still wandering around wondering how to
do things. I thank you for all your help and the reat job you did on
the AIRBRUSH section. I am sure there will be many guys out there that
will benefit from your endeavors and I just wish I had the capabilities
of building a webb site such as yours. Yes, I can paint with an
airbrush but when it comes t electronics and computer stuff, I'm dumb
as a post so I will leave that up to you. Thanks again for the
accolades on your post and keep up the excellent work you are doing, I
know all will appreciate it more than you know. Have a good day, Dein
Freund, M c :)
Comments:
George, you should quit your regular job and go into the information
business on the webb. You have done a masterful job in helping all
those of us out here that are still wandering around wondering how to
do things. I thank you for all your help and the reat job you did on
the AIRBRUSH section. I am sure there will be many guys out there that
will benefit from your endeavors and I just wish I had the capabilities
of building a webb site such as yours. Yes, I can paint with an
airbrush but when it comes t electronics and computer stuff, I'm dumb
as a post so I will leave that up to you. Thanks again for the
accolades on your post and keep up the excellent work you are doing, I
know all will appreciate it more than you know. Have a good day, Dein
Freund, M c :)
Comments:
very good info. enjoyed the details. have extensively modified FA-1s
(mods to the smoke unit blowers you may be interested in), heavy
weights and NW-2 and painted all to GN colors. h.w. are painted in GN
Empire Builder colors. keep up the good work.