Model railroad layouts plans

“Hi Al,

Barry from South Australia here again.

This is a follow up to my last email re: the CL2N3-G IC (Integrated Circuit) module.

The CL2N3-G picture compares the size to a resistor, and the TO-92 picture shows the module with its 3 legs.

The leg marked NC (Not Connected), can be cut off flush with the body, as it is not needed. The VA leg is the + connection, and the VB leg is the – connection.

The FR_Circuit picture shows a simple circuit for wiring a forward & reverse LED for an Analogue setup.

The CL2N3 can be used with DCC, just replace the resistors with CL2N3’s.

The Multiple LEDs picture, shows how to wire multiple LEDs to 1 CL2N3, which is good for lighting coaches (passenger trains).

The Standard Circuit picture, is, well, a standard wiring diagram of the CL2N3.

A search on the web will also provide many more applications for this wonderful little device, and there is another version that can supply 25mA to a LED, a CL25N3-G IC.

Regards,

Barry”

“I was looking at the TIPS FOR YOU and I want to give you one.

I am retired from a power utility and use the info I have to include running electric (not hot) to all of the locations that us electric.

I found that buying fencing of all this cost lots of money, so. I now use Plastic Window screen for fence.

You can turn it at different angles to get square, or diamond shaped fence. Just cut it to your right height with a pair of scissors.

For the posts I save used stick matches or tooth picks.

For the wire on the power poles and high tension towers I use the elastic thread sold at sewing supply stores. This makes hitting the lines not pull or brake the poles or towers.

G”

“I got a great tip from a Jim O’Connell of Santee,CA. he builtmy Z scale layout in 2012. I too neede a way to keep my ‘ MTL lumber loads,ect. from sliding off my flat cars.

Jim told me to get some elmers glue and put a small drop on the cars and also on the wood packs.

Then when you change from runnind those cars to something else you can peel the wood packs off of the cars and be able to put them back into the plastic “jewel cases” they came in.

To get the glue off of the load and the cars all you have to do is”roll” the glue spot back and forth until it comes off. The glue will stay “soluable” for several years.

It comes in a small brown bottle with a brush top applicator. Hopes this helps.

Most of what I have learned about Z scale is from the people who have been in that scale a long time. Now if it had anything to do with your HVAC system or your ductwork I know all th answers and tricks of that trade, as I was a sheetmetal mechanic for over 40 yrs.

Lee Barry Bristol,Va”

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

“Hi Alastair.

I’ve been following your posts for some time now and wow there sure are some talented people out there.

I started a model some years ago which also featured a lake, that was about as far as it got, then we moved house.

Re kindled again late last year and I have used the lake again, albeit in a different place on a new model.

The lake in the picture was made on a bed of plaster to give contour effects then painted and layered in about 15 coats of varnish to give depth.

A little blue looking at the picture but in the flesh it’s quite a dark green.

Andy”

“I used brown sewing string around my telephone poles and power lines.

I also took 2 plastic ho automobiles and melted the front ends together with a lighter to simulate and accident. Had police and ambulance at the scene. (of course everyone was ok)

David”

“Hi Al,

I noticed from the comments about the glowing fire box effect, that some of the guys said” it was too bright and I should tone it down a bit”

So I did, I painted red paint on the light bulb, here is the effect with Hornby pug 0-4-0st number 51240.

It is shunting it has track cleaning car in front and a van behind it.

Paul”

“This is a half done hydro power substation with working warning light near the shack.And barbed wire with rolling gate.

I also including my home satilight dish.

I also have made up some bungalow’s.

Did 3 in a few hour’s and are made of balsa wood.

If you would like more detail to any of these build’s let me know.

Kim”

“Hi Alistair,

Just uploaded this video to youtube , showing how to add lights to buildings , and also how to put flashing lights on to a car very cheaply…

Regards

Dave”

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And please don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to start on your own fun, blood, sweat and tears.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

I’m up against the clock today so I wasn’t going to post. But when this came in from Arnie…

“Hi Al,

Just got your last posting. Really impressed with Bob’s (How-To) scratchbuilt Oil Refinery. While not easily replicated in N scale, it is very do-able in large scale like O and would make a great industrial scene addition on a layout.

I’m writing to offer up another video I put together as inspired by the many readers asking me to continue sharing videos with them. The video I’m submitting for posting consderation is one I did almost a year ago. It is of steam freight operation on my N scale SV&GS Railway. However, I wanted to have some fun with the original video. So I edited it and gave it a retro 1950s cinematic look by creating an old film appearance and adding a ’50s intro/exit theme.

I hope you enjoy it.

Arnie”

Heading off to ebay? Have a look at the very latest ‘ebay cheat sheet‘.

Best

Al