| Welcome, Guest |
You have to register before you can post on our site.
|
| Forum Statistics |
» Members: 546
» Latest member: Big Daddy
» Forum threads: 10,039
» Forum posts: 181,417
Full Statistics
|
| Online Users |
There are currently 987 online users. » 0 Member(s) | 983 Guest(s) Applebot, Baidu, Bing, Google
|
| Latest Threads |
The Hobo Camp Fire Is goi...
Forum: Hobo's Camp
Last Post: FiatFan
1 hour ago
» Replies: 104
» Views: 8,622
|
Photo Fun April 2026
Forum: Shutterbug area
Last Post: bdw9535
Yesterday, 07:07 PM
» Replies: 5
» Views: 436
|
Trains This Day/Month in ...
Forum: Shutterbug area
Last Post: bdw9535
Yesterday, 10:11 AM
» Replies: 1,033
» Views: 419,736
|
Current Projects
Forum: HO Modeling
Last Post: LiveSteamer
04-23-2026, 10:02 PM
» Replies: 430
» Views: 209,690
|
B&O Equipment
Forum: Swap Meet
Last Post: LiveSteamer
04-23-2026, 09:20 PM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 68
|
Here's the new and improv...
Forum: Stop here and say "Hello"
Last Post: ngauger
04-23-2026, 12:47 PM
» Replies: 166
» Views: 50,371
|
Tail End Tuesday
Forum: Shutterbug area
Last Post: bdw9535
04-21-2026, 09:27 PM
» Replies: 438
» Views: 358,801
|
HO Scale Berkshire Knitti...
Forum: Scratchbuilding and kitbashing - All Scales
Last Post: zzrguy
04-21-2026, 10:52 AM
» Replies: 6
» Views: 1,350
|
Patched and Restencilled ...
Forum: Shutterbug area
Last Post: bdw9535
04-20-2026, 06:39 PM
» Replies: 61
» Views: 7,895
|
Big Blue has inspired som...
Forum: Upper Berth
Last Post: TMo
04-20-2026, 06:25 PM
» Replies: 150
» Views: 102,073
|
2026 Big Blue NASCAR Raci...
Forum: Lower Berth
Last Post: ngauger
04-20-2026, 06:10 PM
» Replies: 29
» Views: 2,677
|
Juneco/ Keystone Danby sa...
Forum: HO Modeling
Last Post: BR60103
04-14-2026, 07:26 PM
» Replies: 8
» Views: 630
|
N Scale rolling stock bui...
Forum: N/Z and Smaller Modeling
Last Post: zzrguy
04-14-2026, 04:08 PM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 254
|
Building an Overton Passe...
Forum: HO Modeling
Last Post: zzrguy
04-05-2026, 06:39 PM
» Replies: 3
» Views: 598
|
MRC HO Loco For Sale
Forum: Swap Meet
Last Post: LiveSteamer
04-01-2026, 07:44 AM
» Replies: 7
» Views: 780
|
|
|
| N Scale rolling stock builds. |
|
Posted by: zzrguy - 04-14-2026, 04:08 PM - Forum: N/Z and Smaller Modeling
- No Replies
|
 |
Micro-Trains Flatcar Build | Quick Load Upgrade & Weathering
Hey guys, welcome back to Jack on Tracks – The Back Shop!
In this episode, we take a break from the big builds and dive into a quick N scale project, upgrading a Micro-Trains flatcar with a custom deck, tarp repaint, and simple weathering techniques to bring it to life.
This is a short, relaxing build—but packed with useful tips for anyone modeling in N scale or HO scale.
|
|
|
| help |
|
Posted by: jim currie - 03-20-2026, 12:39 PM - Forum: Upper Berth
- Replies (8)
|
 |
i have a atlas number 6 curved turnout that has been giving me fits trains will run through it fine for a while then suddenly they stall in the turnout i have installed numerous jumpers to no ad vale its a nickel silver custom line code 100. i hate the thoughts of shelling out the price of a replacement to have it do the same thing. any thoughts of what night be the problem.
Jim
|
|
|
| 3D Print and Specialized Decal Supplier |
|
Posted by: TMo - 03-12-2026, 06:33 PM - Forum: Equipment and Supply sources
- No Replies
|
 |
Found a site by accident. I take that back. Found a site because I was trying to hunt down a Canadian National bell and bell bracket for my GP35 project.
The intial supplier didn't deliver, so I did some more searching and found CMR Products | Trains & Everything Else! They have a ridiculous number of decal sheets with some fairly obscure stuff. They also 3D print a lot of detail parts including (smack my head) a rock plow that I still need for the GP35. Their catalog downloads are free and their site is really nice. Thought I'd pass along the find. Looks like this is another internet only business that ships from Brookville, PA. Looks like mostly HO/N and Z gauge products.
|
|
|
| Building an Overton Passenger Train |
|
Posted by: zzrguy - 03-09-2026, 09:17 PM - Forum: HO Modeling
- Replies (3)
|
 |
Building an Overton Passenger Train – Rebuilding a Budget Steam Locomotive ?
There’s something special about bringing an old train back to life. In this project, we’re kicking off the build of a full Overton passenger train consist, starting with a budget-friendly steam locomotive that turned out to be much more of a project than expected.
What began as a quick repair quickly turned into a deep dive into decoder troubleshooting, wiring fixes, and future lighting upgrades. And honestly—that’s part of what makes model railroading so rewarding.
This is the start of a series that will cover everything from locomotive electronics to detailed passenger interiors.
Let’s get into it.
The Train Show Find
Like many great model railroad projects, this one started at a train show.
I picked up a small steam locomotive for an unbelievable price. At first glance it looked like it would just need a quick fix—replace a plug, test it on the track, and get it running again.
Of course… it didn’t turn out that simple.
Once I opened it up, it became clear that there were a few issues hiding inside:- Decoder problems
- Wiring that needed attention
- Some questionable previous work
Instead of a quick repair, it became a full troubleshooting session.
But that’s part of the fun—figuring out what’s going on and bringing a piece of equipment back to life.
Starting the Overton Passenger Consist
While the locomotive work was underway, the real goal of this project started to take shape: building a complete Overton passenger train.
Overton cars are classic short passenger cars that look fantastic behind small steam engines. They’re perfect for smaller layouts and branch-line operations.
The build will include:- Installing passenger interiors
- Painting and detailing seats and walls
- Preparing cars for lighting
- Final assembly and detailing
Even though some of the interior details may barely be visible once the roofs go on, they still matter.
Because you’ll know they’re there.
Installing Passenger Car Interiors
The first step in the car builds is installing interior kits.
This involves:- Fitting the interior components
- Making sure everything clears the trucks and couplers
- Preparing surfaces for paint
Interior kits add a huge amount of realism, especially once lighting is installed.
Without lighting, interiors can be hard to see—but once illuminated, the difference is night and day.
Passenger Car Lighting Plans
Lighting is a major part of this build.
The plan is to install LED strip lighting inside the passenger cars so the interiors can actually be seen during operation.
Key goals for the lighting:- Even illumination throughout the car
- Minimal wiring clutter
- Reliable electrical pickup
- Warm, realistic light color
Good passenger car lighting can transform a train from something that just rolls around the layout into something that feels like a real operating train.
Painting Interior Details
One of the most satisfying parts of these builds is painting the interiors.
Even though the details may be subtle, painting seats, floors, and walls adds depth and realism.
It’s one of those things that might not jump out immediately—but it makes a huge difference when the cars are lit and rolling behind the locomotive.
Sometimes the best details are the ones that viewers almost miss.
What’s Coming Next in the Series
This Overton build is just getting started. Future episodes will cover:
✔ Decoder diagnostics and replacement options
✔ Installing the firebox flicker effect
✔ Passenger car interior kits
✔ LED lighting installs
✔ Painting and detailing techniques
✔ Assembling the full Overton consist
By the end of the project, the goal is to have a fully detailed, illuminated passenger train that looks fantastic both up close and running on the layout.
Final Thoughts
Projects like this are what model railroading is all about.
Sometimes you start with a quick repair… and it turns into a full rebuild. But that’s where you learn the most and improve your skills along the way.
From decoder troubleshooting to custom lighting installs, this Overton train build is shaping up to be a really fun journey.
And we’re just getting started.
If you enjoy hands-on model railroading, kitbashing, and realistic upgrades, stay tuned—there’s a lot more coming in this series.
? The Overton is about to roll.
|
|
|
|