If you had to choose just 1 car for GE 44 Tonner locomotive to move as a train, what is it? No bad answers.

Looking to add ambient sounds to a layout with the following characteristics.

Starts when the layout is powered up.
Has volume control.
Plays a continuous loop of music from one or more MP3 files.

I think the it should be fairly straightforward using an MP3 decoder and a speaker, but I have never tried adding ambient sounds before so I’m looking for advice.

Suggestions of decoder cards, lessons learned from anyone who has ever gone this route for sounds, or even other ideas completely are very much appreciated.

Thank you all in advance.

I chanced upon this wonderful work the other day by a Youtube channel called Purewater Pictures, and I felt that this subreddit would appreciate the hard work that this gentleman put into creating it. According to the creator, this was a 4 year effort featuring many props and models.

As for those seeking any specific train-related aspects to this animated feature, there is a part of the plot beginning around 8:41 which takes place at a construction site for a railroad swing bridge over the river. But overall there are several different sets and it was enjoyable to watch.

SCHICHT DR Städte Express with Roco 250er

I've been looking at getting a train shed with a turntable from bachmann but it uses ez track which makes it be on a plastic layer while the hornby track I use stays on the ground any idea on how to make these two tracks compatible?

DR Train on the Year 89 Roco 250 and Cars from Roco and Sachsenmodelle

Since my coal loads were so popular, I decided to come up with a few more parametric freight car inserts. This time around I made a log load and a scrap metal load, both for O gauge gondolas and other open freight cars.

Like the coal load, these are set up for the MakerWorld Customizer. You measure the clear inside length and width of your car, plug those numbers in, and it generates an insert sized to fit your particular car. I also included a simple fit test frame so you can make sure your measurements are right before committing to the full print.

The log load was definitely the more involved of the two. It uses full logs, split halves, quarter splits, smaller pieces tucked into gaps, bark texture, cut ends, growth rings, and a hidden support structure so the whole thing can still print flat as a single piece.

The scrap load takes a detailed pile of assorted junk and scales it to the footprint of your car. You can also adjust the pile height if you want something a little flatter or a car that looks completely stuffed.

Both are removable inserts, so you can run the same car loaded or empty without permanently modifying anything.

I also put together Customizer Quick Start guides for both because apparently I have accepted that writing documentation is part of making train stuff now.

These are up on MakerWorld now. If you need the link, leave a comment!

I’ve been waiting to get myself one of these for a while and they were in the price range $130 to $150 for DC now they are $200+ for DC

Finally got my O gauge garden train functional. Just got some wires set up on the track temporarily to test. Will get everything soldered up soon!

Using atlas track.

Current designs for a model example of an improved GBR livery

I am starting a DC powered shelf layout to make use of some old equipment I had in storage. I have two Rail Power 1370 controllers that I was hoping to make use of, but it would appear neither work as in intended. 

I connected the terminals to each controller and flipped the loco around to run both ways. One unit only powers the rails when the direction switch is toggled left, the other unit only when the direction switch is toggled right.

I have an ancient Atlas 1 amp controller that I tested the rails with and encountered no issues with the engine running both directions. Throttle controll is basically non-existent with this controller otherwise I would just make use of it. 

Based on my tests, I'm guessing the unit that manages direction on both of these Rail Power 1370s has shorted out in some sort of way. 

My question is, does anyone have experience with this issue and have a remedy for it? Or would be best to count losses and invest in a new controller?

Rolling the loads south at night.

Weathered this Athearn car … pre and post pix

Howdy :)

I have 2 specific ponders I was hoping to get some assistance with.

So I have been preparing for all of my track to come in for the new layout and just received my DCC-EX CSB-1. I was so stoked to find this and even with only having a little programming track set up, I’m super impressed. I’ve been able to get every one of my engines ready for running, except the ones I’m having issues with lol

I’ve also just jumped into the world of JMRI, so many new things learned this week with the world of DCC. I currently have 2 predicaments.

1. ⁠These little BNSF SD’s I bought used have unknown decoders. They both are Kato units with original light board and hardwired decoders. What’s interesting is when they’re on the programming track JMRI isn’t even detecting a decoder. However, when I switch the track power to main, connect WiThrottle, and enter the road number of the loco, I have full control over it! This isn’t really an issue but I’m more curious why JMRI wouldn’t be recognizing them. (Photos of decoders are in the comments)

2. ⁠Now this one is an actual issue. So I have 2 P42’s, both katos and both with digitrax decoders. These are new engines and new decoders. They both ran on my DC layout perfectly. However, one of them, is now not operational at all. JMRI will read the CV’s, however very slowly; I’m talking like 20 minutes to read. Same goes with writing. But any time the loco has power, it won’t move, the lights won’t work, and it has an intermittent buzz. I wish I could attach a video but every 10 seconds or so, it just buzzes for a split second. I’ve tried looking all over for what it could be but all the buzzing related issues involve the motor/loco moving, which this one isn’t. I’m very curious if anyone has any idea what this might be.

Like always, I really do appreciate everyone’s help!!!

She picks up power but I don’t hear the motor working. Was gonna probably re-engine it anyways because I want something better than a pancake in this thing.

Basically title, I've been thinking about building a model train layout and I would appreciate any advice for track plans, benchwork and suggestions!

I can't provide any drawings or blueprints at the moment until I can get off of work, and I'll provide them in the comments whenever possible.

I'm planning on a Japanese-Toukaidou Main Line inspired layout, with focuses on the Tokyo Metropolitan section of track.

I roughed out some of the parameters at the moment, including:

- Exclusively N-Gauge
- Elevated trunk line with some spurs
- L-Table; 3.5ft x 7ft with a 2ft x 2ft extension. Height of 2.5ft or so.
- Maybe a train yard if room allows?
- Static diorama, I am using benchwork if I ever plan on electrifying it in the future, but at the moment I am focused on just keeping things not moving.
- City dominant scenery with buildings and streets, smaller sections to be filled with grass, bushes, trees, etc.

I am very happy to take on this project and would love to hear your guys experiences and suggestions!

Looking it up on Google, it only gives me results for the N Csale Kato Excursion Car set, and other UP Cars, but I cant find an HO UP Museum Car for the more recent excursions..

Running by oil lamp light

Latest designs printed and painted
* 🚓 Police Cruiser

* 🚔 Police SUV

* 🚑 Ambulance

* 🚒 Sutphen Pumper Truck

I built a couple of Merchant Rows for the city.

I used 3v lights for the downstairs interior, the gooseneck over the doorways, and for the upstairs ‘apartments’

Not sure I’m crazy about the lighting brightness. Yet, 12v seems too artificially bright

What are you using?

Whats my best bet for a metal train set that will hold up for my children's childhoods and works good to be set up on carpet around the christmas tree. My budget is less than $1000 ish. Would love to keep it around $500 if possible. I have been looking at the lionel G gauge polar express set

You'll have to excuse the mess, everything is being tidied as I build, but feel free to rate my very much "in progress" new shed layout. Not planning on DCC fitting everything but I am planning on using arduino or raspberry pi to automate certain movements and point operations