Jimmy, regarding Thomas L Durbin's second question: the NMRA makes a standard clearance gauge for N scale (as well as HO, O, etc.) and this gauge provides not just track gauge standards but also overhead and side clearance standards. I don't have an N scale gauge myself (I model in HO scale) but by using this gauge, you can *guarantee* that any N scale train will clear any potential obstruction - overhead or trackside.
I bought an N scale gauge after having seen people use the HO and it's SO small. I know N scale is small, it's what I model in, but I wasn't prepared. Also potentially much easier to lose.
Hey Jimmy! Could I enquire, what is the process of fitting a tsunami 2 decoder and keep alive to an old Broadway limited atsf northern (ho scale). I got one at a very good price but it's the original paragon series model and as a result does not have a capacitor pack installed. I know soundtrack makes plug and play capacitor packs (I could be wrong but I think it's for the tsunami 2 decoders) and I was wondering what the process of fitting that to the locomotive involves. Is it just plug and play or will there be soldering involved? Awesome video by the way. Keep up the good work!
I'm brand new to the hobby and looking for a DC controller but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for. There's so many options i don't know which are even relevant to my situation. Any tips on sifting through and figuring out what I need? I'm starting with HO scale, for context.Thanks!
Hey Jimmy, what are the best ways to re-paint locomotives/rolling stock for custom projects? If you say airbrush, how would one get started(what to buy, what to know, etc)?
Thank you for another great video Jimmy. As I mentioned before I was starting a new layout. It’s a 6‘ x 11‘ L shaped and scale and I’m using Kato unit track. I think you’ve touch base on everything that I would’ve asked you. You’re very informative and, appreciate your channel and everything you do. Keep up the great work and keep on rolling Trains.
Great video. I was wondering what is your approach to grade crossings? Especially double main crossings. Aside from kits what other modeling options are out there in HO and N thank you
Jimmy, on the power question--I'm working on a bench build using Unitrack right now. I used Kato's Terminal Unijoiners and several splitters off of DCC-EX. I have 9 power inputs to main and 1 to programming, and both sides of every switch have power. And, both sides of the bench split... Oh, did I forget to mention that the bench folds up? I put power on both sides of the split, because I don't want to take the risk of not having power. And before you ask... I'll probably get around to sending in in-progress and "near-final" pictures in a couple of months. Basically, if you're not sure you have power in a place, it doesn't cost much to add it in when you're building.
Hey Jimmy, I have a couple questions that are all related. 1) what do you need to watch out for with dc train controllers. 2) what’s a good dc train controller. 3) finally, what’s the deal with locos that are both dc and dcc, I have an atlas dual mode which uses a jumper? How safe is it to run these dc?
Jimmy, you asked a while ago, what subjects might be interesting to us. Maybi suggest; what train room what room decor are modelers using. Friend has an extensive collection of yard lanterns, I'm doing art Deco.
Greetings from Finland! 🇫🇮 Thanks Jimmy for your videos! You got me inspired to finally start my layout. I have N-scale Fleischmann piccolo track with DCC-EX Command Station. 🚂
At one point in this episode of answering “your questions“, you mentioned that you prefer engine driver, which is available only on android phones. I have been using WiThrottle because I have an iPhone and an iPad (which is great in as as much as you can have four throttles displayed on one screen on iPad). My question is, with EngineDriver, how do you download the EngineDriver app when you’re not activating the phone? My second question is, like WiThrottle, does EngineDriver also pull function information from JMRI for each logo, and layout mapping for turnout control, much like withrottle does?
Jimmy, how about a brass steam locomotive for your railroad’s excursion operations? 😊 Cameron’s Coffee Intense French, whole bean, ground fresh for iced espresso here.
I’m going to try saving money on buildings on my layouts by modeling them with printed exteriors glued to cardboard (like from a cereal box). You could create your own wall graphics, or find online sites that sell the images. I’ve seen a few for free, even.
Hey! Im about to start model railroading i dont know to much yet but your videos are amazing! I cant decide about what scale should i use TT or N H0 is kinda too big for my space
N. Or maybe Z, which would land between the two. I'm biased, though--I run N scale. Part of that is availability of cars and locos, part is being able to see it with weaker eyes.
Also consider HOn30. It’s HO scale narrow gauge trains, running on an scale track. Depending on the character of the railroads you plan to model, it might work for you. You get bigger, easier to work on (HO scale) trains and models, but tighter turn radiuses. So you can have a pretty small layout, but more detailed scenery and rolling stock.
Hello, I have a question too. I recently bought a brand new BR 80 (German) by Märklin. It is analoge and actually works very well. It also weighs just under 300 grams. That’s where my question comes in. When I couple a good load of a train of 500 grams or so (other engines lighter and same size manage) then it fluctuates in speed not a lot but it does. What could be the reason for that? And generally, is there an upper limit for weight in H0 locomotives? So can an engine be too heavy?
Great help and information as always, thanks Jimmy :) I am NOT drinking Peet's coffee this time although I still love the Italian Roast. I have been drinking CORIOLUS CREEK COFFEE DARK ROAST ROGUE WOODS WITH IMMUNE SUPPORTING CORIOLUS MUSHROOM! ... great tasting coffee and with a vastly researched immunity boost! I was totally surprised by the quality and taste! If I knew how I would send you some lol I have been in a quandary about insul frog or electo frog turnouts. Thank you for bringing that up! I run both in different areas of my smaller 3 X 8 layout and learned that although they are both great, they serve a different purpose for abilities. It was never an issue for my two different three track shunting destinations, but when I added a container sidetrack from one destination, all of a sudden, I started having issues. I hadn't even thought of it as There were no issues prior. But I just ran some wires through some scenery, making them invisible to the eye, and connected one of the other shunting tracks to the sidetrack. being careful of the polarity :) Problem solved! Take care and wishing you and yours the best :)
Important and niche question for you about JMRI. My club is interested in using JMRI but we do train shows in locations without Wi-Fi. Could we use a Wi-Fi router to create an offline local area network to run JMRI?
In regards to the On30 that will not run, an easy way to determine if your track feeders are correct is to take a car, put strips of plain paper masking tape on each side of the car. Then mark each side of the car with color markers. So, if you used black and red wire track feeders then mark one side with black and the other with red or the colors you used. Place the car on the track matching black to black and red to red. Then as you push that car, by hand around the track, verify each location your track feeders appear match the car. If for some reason you go through a loop and suddenly find that your colors are reversed, then you have a reverse loop. You can find many videos on dealing with reverse loops. As to the On30 Bachmann loco, though it is new, it is known that new from the box there have been plastic gears that have split on the axle. As Jimmy said, see if you can get wires to touch the wheels. Do the wheels move smooth, jerky or not at all? If it is not smooth then you will need to replace the gears. You can go to a Facebook group called On30 Railroading for a lot of help with On30.
Thanks for answering the questions Jimmy! 2 more for you if I may. 1, which company makes the strongest units in your opinion? As in which can pull the most and has the best electrical connection? 2, are you attending the Greenberg's train show in Richmond VA Jan 2025? If not, you should so I can talk train with you there! 😎👍
Regarding the speedometer, I will be releasing a tunnel based speedometer, for many gages at the end of the year. Unlike other speedometers, it can be used standalone for just speed, or it will interface with JMRI decoder pro and determine speed settings for speed matching based on your desired min mid max preferences by just starting the process. I will also add the capability to match momentum values and tuning vales for BEMF. The unit is a tunnel type structure, ut the sides and top snap together magnetically for ease of storage and transport to clubs etc. It has a captive portal, where you can connect to your personal wifi network, or whatever wifi JMRI wi throttle server is connected to. after that its simple web page entries to select your loco from the roster, set your three point speed references, and just let the system do the job of running the locomotive for for you.
I was thinking they were micromark and then I remembered I think he has 3d printed ones, doesn't he? Micro mark's card card starter kit has some wooden ones included and probably sold separately.
Hi Jimi, what is the idea for the layout, would you recommend, or where i can bring ideas for track plans if I only have 5 turn outs, but many types of cars? I'm asking because I've run out of ideas, thanks
Hey Jimmy, Have you ever heard of a video game on Steam called "Rolling Line"? It’s a model railroad simulator on steam that lets you build and operate layouts virtually. I was curious what you think about it, especially in the context of the model railroading hobby. Do you think games like this could inspire creativity or allow people who don’t have much money or space to still scratch their model railroading itch? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how games like this might affect the hobby, hopefully positively.
Jimmy: Further to comment below; interesting on 'brass'; does anyone still make brass at all, let alone in N 1:160? The little bit of brass diesel outline I have looked at had inadequate pickup and what there was rode wipers on wheel treads. Hmmm? Easier to retrofit a Kato/Atlas chassis. Kato and Atlas spoil us; we can even get spares. Just try and get, even motor brushes, from almost anyone else in any scale. A mech with spare part backup can be serviced at will back to top performance. Enjoy.
For an operating layout, during layout planning, how should I determine how many cars I might want to have on the layout and off or in staging? I’m building an HO layout soon and I’m trying not to buy too much. Drinking cold brew at home Dunkin’
What is the best was determine how many cars I can operate on my railroad? I am in the process of writing out waybills for all my cars, and am using the micro mark car routing system, but I think I might have too many cars…
I actually think Jimmy put an answer to that a couple months back--he was thinking of using a COSCO Smartfold table off Amazon as a workbench/small office layout (I forget which). I was looking for something similar to what you're after, ended up getting one from a link he put in the description. It's not as light as it could be--weighs about 50 lb for a 2'x4' top--but the casters make up for that. (4" too short for N-Track standard height. Conveniently, bed risers tend to add about 4". I didn't correctly build to N-Track standard spec, though.)
Q&A question: How is the Scaletrains sd40-2? Is it any good and would you recommend buying one? I have been thinking of buying one for a while but I’ve heard it’s got some issues, like that it sits to low and can get caught in the track, I’ve also heard that it can have Un-glued details and can cause problems. Is the kato also an option? I know it’s hard to get but is it worth it or should I consider a Scaletrains or a BLI? If none of those are solid options I have been looking at getting a Scaletrains c39-8
Hi jimmy So I have a nce power cab for my n scale railroad, but on my decoders there is a function for f29 on them, but my functions on my power cab can only go to f28. So how do I use function 29
Thanks for another great video. You mentioned Fusion Scale Graphics for decals again but hey have not responded to my enquiries about a few of their products. I have tried through eBay and their own website. Have you been able to communicate with anyone there? For scale speedometers, there are several videos out there to build your own with an Arduino. That's what I did using Joe G's video - ruclips.net/video/L2P4DEmRlSU/видео.html He even has a link to the code.
Jimmy, regarding Thomas L Durbin's second question: the NMRA makes a standard clearance gauge for N scale (as well as HO, O, etc.) and this gauge provides not just track gauge standards but also overhead and side clearance standards. I don't have an N scale gauge myself (I model in HO scale) but by using this gauge, you can *guarantee* that any N scale train will clear any potential obstruction - overhead or trackside.
I bought an N scale gauge after having seen people use the HO and it's SO small. I know N scale is small, it's what I model in, but I wasn't prepared. Also potentially much easier to lose.
Hey Jimmy! Could I enquire, what is the process of fitting a tsunami 2 decoder and keep alive to an old Broadway limited atsf northern (ho scale). I got one at a very good price but it's the original paragon series model and as a result does not have a capacitor pack installed. I know soundtrack makes plug and play capacitor packs (I could be wrong but I think it's for the tsunami 2 decoders) and I was wondering what the process of fitting that to the locomotive involves. Is it just plug and play or will there be soldering involved? Awesome video by the way. Keep up the good work!
I'm brand new to the hobby and looking for a DC controller but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for. There's so many options i don't know which are even relevant to my situation. Any tips on sifting through and figuring out what I need? I'm starting with HO scale, for context.Thanks!
Thanks, love these q&a. they always get me thinking about how to apply the information to my own situation.
Congrats on the shout out from BLI's August 2024 newsletter Jimmy!
WiThrottle is the iPhone version of Engine Driver. Love it. Easy to run Two trains at once.
Hey Jimmy, what are the best ways to re-paint locomotives/rolling stock for custom projects? If you say airbrush, how would one get started(what to buy, what to know, etc)?
Thank you for another great video Jimmy. As I mentioned before I was starting a new layout. It’s a 6‘ x 11‘ L shaped and scale and I’m using Kato unit track. I think you’ve touch base on everything that I would’ve asked you. You’re very informative and, appreciate your channel and everything you do. Keep up the great work and keep on rolling Trains.
Track crossing clearance of 2.5 works well, a helix may need more to allow clearance for fingers over the train.( I use 3.25").
i’m drinking peet’s coffee. whole bean, ground and pour over.
Lovely to see another great video from you
Good videos Jimmy! Love using some of your techniques on my layout
Standard fresh market coffee is all
Hi Jimmy, do you have a recommendation for a soldering gun?
Great video. I was wondering what is your approach to grade crossings? Especially double main crossings. Aside from kits what other modeling options are out there in HO and N thank you
How high are your mountain ranges on the layout behind you and what would you change about the layout if anything?
Which dcc company would you recommend for beginners?
If you snip of the horn on the back of the Kato couplers, they work with MTL a lot better.
Jimmy, on the power question--I'm working on a bench build using Unitrack right now. I used Kato's Terminal Unijoiners and several splitters off of DCC-EX. I have 9 power inputs to main and 1 to programming, and both sides of every switch have power. And, both sides of the bench split... Oh, did I forget to mention that the bench folds up? I put power on both sides of the split, because I don't want to take the risk of not having power. And before you ask... I'll probably get around to sending in in-progress and "near-final" pictures in a couple of months.
Basically, if you're not sure you have power in a place, it doesn't cost much to add it in when you're building.
Question, I'm in search for an FL9 locomotive. Bonus points if it's painted Maine Eastern.
Hey Jimmy, I have a couple questions that are all related. 1) what do you need to watch out for with dc train controllers. 2) what’s a good dc train controller. 3) finally, what’s the deal with locos that are both dc and dcc, I have an atlas dual mode which uses a jumper? How safe is it to run these dc?
Buc-ees coffee!
Jimmy, you asked a while ago, what subjects might be interesting to us. Maybi suggest; what train room what room decor are modelers using. Friend has an extensive collection of yard lanterns, I'm doing art Deco.
Greetings from Finland! 🇫🇮 Thanks Jimmy for your videos! You got me inspired to finally start my layout. I have N-scale Fleischmann piccolo track with DCC-EX Command Station. 🚂
At one point in this episode of answering “your questions“, you mentioned that you prefer engine driver, which is available only on android phones.
I have been using WiThrottle because I have an iPhone and an iPad (which is great in as as much as you can have four throttles displayed on one screen on iPad).
My question is, with EngineDriver, how do you download the EngineDriver app when you’re not activating the phone?
My second question is, like WiThrottle, does EngineDriver also pull function information from JMRI for each logo, and layout mapping for turnout control, much like withrottle does?
Jimmy, how about a brass steam locomotive for your railroad’s excursion operations? 😊
Cameron’s Coffee Intense French, whole bean, ground fresh for iced espresso here.
I’m 10 and I’m starting a Chicago modern day model railroad on a small shelf in my room any advice for saving money
I’m going to try saving money on buildings on my layouts by modeling them with printed exteriors glued to cardboard (like from a cereal box). You could create your own wall graphics, or find online sites that sell the images. I’ve seen a few for free, even.
Hey! Im about to start model railroading i dont know to much yet but your videos are amazing! I cant decide about what scale should i use TT or N
H0 is kinda too big for my space
N. Or maybe Z, which would land between the two. I'm biased, though--I run N scale. Part of that is availability of cars and locos, part is being able to see it with weaker eyes.
Also consider HOn30. It’s HO scale narrow gauge trains, running on an scale track. Depending on the character of the railroads you plan to model, it might work for you. You get bigger, easier to work on (HO scale) trains and models, but tighter turn radiuses. So you can have a pretty small layout, but more detailed scenery and rolling stock.
Hello, I have a question too. I recently bought a brand new BR 80 (German) by Märklin. It is analoge and actually works very well. It also weighs just under 300 grams. That’s where my question comes in. When I couple a good load of a train of 500 grams or so (other engines lighter and same size manage) then it fluctuates in speed not a lot but it does. What could be the reason for that? And generally, is there an upper limit for weight in H0 locomotives? So can an engine be too heavy?
Great help and information as always, thanks Jimmy :) I am NOT drinking Peet's coffee this time although I still love the Italian Roast. I have been drinking CORIOLUS CREEK COFFEE DARK ROAST ROGUE WOODS WITH IMMUNE SUPPORTING CORIOLUS MUSHROOM! ... great tasting coffee and with a vastly researched immunity boost! I was totally surprised by the quality and taste! If I knew how I would send you some lol I have been in a quandary about insul frog or electo frog turnouts. Thank you for bringing that up! I run both in different areas of my smaller 3 X 8 layout and learned that although they are both great, they serve a different purpose for abilities. It was never an issue for my two different three track shunting destinations, but when I added a container sidetrack from one destination, all of a sudden, I started having issues. I hadn't even thought of it as There were no issues prior. But I just ran some wires through some scenery, making them invisible to the eye, and connected one of the other shunting tracks to the sidetrack. being careful of the polarity :) Problem solved! Take care and wishing you and yours the best :)
Important and niche question for you about JMRI. My club is interested in using JMRI but we do train shows in locations without Wi-Fi. Could we use a Wi-Fi router to create an offline local area network to run JMRI?
In regards to the On30 that will not run, an easy way to determine if your track feeders are correct is to take a car, put strips of plain paper masking tape on each side of the car. Then mark each side of the car with color markers. So, if you used black and red wire track feeders then mark one side with black and the other with red or the colors you used. Place the car on the track matching black to black and red to red. Then as you push that car, by hand around the track, verify each location your track feeders appear match the car. If for some reason you go through a loop and suddenly find that your colors are reversed, then you have a reverse loop. You can find many videos on dealing with reverse loops. As to the On30 Bachmann loco, though it is new, it is known that new from the box there have been plastic gears that have split on the axle. As Jimmy said, see if you can get wires to touch the wheels. Do the wheels move smooth, jerky or not at all? If it is not smooth then you will need to replace the gears. You can go to a Facebook group called On30 Railroading for a lot of help with On30.
Thanks for answering the questions Jimmy! 2 more for you if I may. 1, which company makes the strongest units in your opinion? As in which can pull the most and has the best electrical connection? 2, are you attending the Greenberg's train show in Richmond VA Jan 2025? If not, you should so I can talk train with you there! 😎👍
Regarding the speedometer, I will be releasing a tunnel based speedometer, for many gages at the end of the year. Unlike other speedometers, it can be used standalone for just speed, or it will interface with JMRI decoder pro and determine speed settings for speed matching based on your desired min mid max preferences by just starting the process. I will also add the capability to match momentum values and tuning vales for BEMF. The unit is a tunnel type structure, ut the sides and top snap together magnetically for ease of storage and transport to clubs etc. It has a captive portal, where you can connect to your personal wifi network, or whatever wifi JMRI wi throttle server is connected to. after that its simple web page entries to select your loco from the roster, set your three point speed references, and just let the system do the job of running the locomotive for for you.
I would be interested in this item how do I get information on availability when it is finished? It sounds good.
@@jamestarantino2296 I will be releasing some information in October. I’ve taken note of your handle to make sure I keep you informed.
Have you done anything with the Kato Soundbox?
Do you sell those neat litte utility bins mounted on your layout fascia?
I was thinking they were micromark and then I remembered I think he has 3d printed ones, doesn't he? Micro mark's card card starter kit has some wooden ones included and probably sold separately.
Where is the best place to buy hon30
nmra clearance gauges are built to make surecyiull leave enough space/clearance. theyre nade for different (us) eras, wuth the more misern the larger
Great as always - Any suggestions on how to keep lichen from drying out on the layout - mine gets dry & brittle!
Hi Jimi, what is the idea for the layout, would you recommend, or where i can bring ideas for track plans if I only have 5 turn outs, but many types of cars? I'm asking because I've run out of ideas, thanks
Hey when can you show off viewers layout’s again
I do this once a month!
Love these videos!
Hey Jimmy, Have you ever heard of a video game on Steam called "Rolling Line"? It’s a model railroad simulator on steam that lets you build and operate layouts virtually. I was curious what you think about it, especially in the context of the model railroading hobby. Do you think games like this could inspire creativity or allow people who don’t have much money or space to still scratch their model railroading itch? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how games like this might affect the hobby, hopefully positively.
Jimmy: Further to comment below; interesting on 'brass'; does anyone still make brass at all, let alone in N 1:160?
The little bit of brass diesel outline I have looked at had inadequate pickup and what there was rode wipers on wheel treads. Hmmm? Easier to retrofit a Kato/Atlas chassis. Kato and Atlas spoil us; we can even get spares. Just try and get, even motor brushes, from almost anyone else in any scale. A mech with spare part backup can be serviced at will back to top performance.
Enjoy.
For an operating layout, during layout planning, how should I determine how many cars I might want to have on the layout and off or in staging?
I’m building an HO layout soon and I’m trying not to buy too much.
Drinking cold brew at home Dunkin’
Significant drain probably a short circuit.
What is the best was determine how many cars I can operate on my railroad? I am in the process of writing out waybills for all my cars, and am using the micro mark car routing system, but I think I might have too many cars…
What is a good fast clock time ratio for a HO scale train layout operation? And do you need extra power for electric flow on a 20 or 30 ft layout?
thanks so much daddyo
have you ever watched the channel - TheTrainMane?
Hey Jimmy! how much track space do i need for an 2 foot incline in ho/oo scale?
What would you recommend for a lightweight, portable, and durable benchwork for a layout that is planned to be mobile and be displayed in train shows?
I actually think Jimmy put an answer to that a couple months back--he was thinking of using a COSCO Smartfold table off Amazon as a workbench/small office layout (I forget which). I was looking for something similar to what you're after, ended up getting one from a link he put in the description. It's not as light as it could be--weighs about 50 lb for a 2'x4' top--but the casters make up for that. (4" too short for N-Track standard height. Conveniently, bed risers tend to add about 4". I didn't correctly build to N-Track standard spec, though.)
Q&A question: How is the Scaletrains sd40-2? Is it any good and would you recommend buying one? I have been thinking of buying one for a while but I’ve heard it’s got some issues, like that it sits to low and can get caught in the track, I’ve also heard that it can have Un-glued details and can cause problems. Is the kato also an option? I know it’s hard to get but is it worth it or should I consider a Scaletrains or a BLI? If none of those are solid options I have been looking at getting a Scaletrains c39-8
Also, would you recommend the Scaletrains sd40-2 or the BroadwayLimited sd40-2?
Looking for ho scale adm decals for buildings and can't find any.
Hi jimmy
So I have a nce power cab for my n scale railroad, but on my decoders there is a function for f29 on them, but my functions on my power cab can only go to f28. So how do I use function 29
At least Kato locos are easy to swap couplers
How much would you say is too much for a dcc loco?
With or without Sound?
@@therailbaron18 with sound
For 'Snowman': ruclips.net/video/Ne0fBH6zNkQ/видео.html Protect your lungs.
My coffee is Coke!
I read this wrong at first and couldn’t understand if you were for real… then I realized you meant the cola…. Coca-Cola…
So, who is Victoria? LOL, and just how fast...
Here I am with 0 issues with Kato couplers... Granted I don't use magnetic uncouplers. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks for another great video. You mentioned Fusion Scale Graphics for decals again but hey have not responded to my enquiries about a few of their products. I have tried through eBay and their own website. Have you been able to communicate with anyone there? For scale speedometers, there are several videos out there to build your own with an Arduino. That's what I did using Joe G's video - ruclips.net/video/L2P4DEmRlSU/видео.html He even has a link to the code.
Too bad Trainz don't know how to deal brass.