Upgraded : 7 / 2 / 2006

TITLE AND DESCRIPTION

SCALE

DIAGRAM

Sergent Engineering Coupler in a Kadee Scale Gearbox Modification

This diagram shows the modifications I made to a scale Kadee gearbox (as included with the #78 couplers) to work with a new Sergent Engineering coupler.

HO

Modeling "sway" and "rocking" effects in Trackwork

I use this technique to achieve "rocking" and "swaying" effects in my trackwork.  If you've ever watched a train approaching from a distance you've surely seen how the locomotives and cars dip and sway and rock from side to side as they roll.  That effect can be modeled using this method.

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Closer Coupling Technique
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I have changed this tip due to my discovery that Kadee already produces a shortened version of the #232 gearbox which I was using to achieve my closer coupled effect.  I now recommend the use of Kadee's #43, #44 and #45 couplers to achieve this effect.  These couplers use Kadee's #234 gearbox.  The only modification needed to this shortened gearbox is the removal of the side screw-holes.

Kadee's #43, #44 and #45 couplers, and their new, scale-head #58s, Kadee's so-called "universal coupler" (the #5) is worthless to me.

HO

ATLAS 'Snap Switch' Trick

Running short on space?  Need a turnout in a place where it just won't fit?  Try this on for size...  The diagram-link to the right shows my technique as applied two switches.  This application should also work with other brands of switches (turn-outs).  All you need is a steady hand and a DREMEL tool (or some other tool that will cut rail and plastic).

HO

Snow/Protective Shed

Need a little extra 'coverage'?  I don't mean insurance... train coverage!!!  Has your railroad acquired a few too many locomotives and you've run out of stalls in the roundhouse?  Well... here's a quick and simple solution!!!  It's not your agerage, every-day, run-of-the-mill snow shed, but it will work for those who don't need prototype perfection or accuracy to 'snow-load specifications'.  Merely construct (using whatever materials you prefer), and glue to the side walls of the roundhouse.

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Label Upgrade For ATLAS' #205 Connector, #210 TWIN, And #220 Controller

For those of you who use the ATLAS brand, I have created an alternative to the stock 'peel-and-stick' numbering labels that come with the ATLAS #205 Connector, the #210 Twin, and the #220 Controller.  The stock ones are grey with black numbers, consist only of numbers 1-10, a "WYE", "REVERSE LOOP", "TURNTABLE", and a few blank labels.  The stock labels are too dark, and their pre-cut size is too large to fit inside the designated area on the controllers.

The label package I have created has a yellow background with red trim and blue text, and consists of numbers 1-24, two "X" labels for unused buttons, "A1", "A2", and "A3" accessory labels, "FWD" and "REV" labels, "CW" for clockwise and "C CW" for counter clockwise labels, a "TT" for turntable label, "Y1", "Y2" and "Y" wye labels, two "REV LOOP" labels, and four way-freight labels - "WF1"-"WF4", as well as a number of blank labels.  Copy and save the diagram, print it out onto 'peel-and-stick' paper, cut them out, and upgrade away!!!  I recommend the use of a hobby knife with a new blade and a metal straight-edge for best results cutting out the labels.

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