I know, I'm probably into statistics more than most because of my background. That and the fact that I do try to keep up with with what's going on here at Big Blue, it went unnoticed by me :oops: that we have a new record for the number of people viewing our forums.

The new record for the most users ever online was 96 on Fri Jan 03, 2014 9:41 am

No need to go out and throw a party, but it's nice to know that more and more folks are stopping by to see what's happening here.

Just thought you'd like to know......

I bought all new Microengineering code 55 pre weathered flextrack and bright shiny new medium ((#5) turnouts. I was worried how I was going to match the factory weathering on the flextrack , then I discovered the solution was in the form of a solution...Microengineering Rail Weathering Solution...[img]
  image.jpg (Size: 173.13 KB / Downloads: 1641) [/img]

At the top is pre weathered flextrack ...in the middle shiny new turnout...and on the bottom a turnout weathered with solution...

Just a little dive in the blue stuff. And up to 100 or so seconds...the longer the darker, and presto!, new becomes old...

Attached Files

  image.jpg (Size: 161.32 KB / Downloads: 1615)

I was search the net for ideas for my new layout (when and if I move house) and came across this.

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?expflags=...B&hl=en_uk


You tube vid

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0s3rpSzWmpY

I think they are a plywood manufacturer, would make a nice industry, logs in and finished board out in box cars.

The bridge over the river is a nice touch also, I am not sure but it looks like a 3 way point coming off the bridge.

So I've been spending the last year starting this huge 104-video long project about my N scale Kootenay Division (among other things), and it's finally time to start uploading.

I'm uploading starting this Wednesday (the 8th) and I'd love to get some of you subscribed and commenting! Here's the link. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_...r=kootenayvlog">http://www.youtube.com/subscription_...r=kootenayvlog</a><!-- m -->

If you want to know a little more, watch this: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfbWeZ4sC94">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfbWeZ4sC94</a><!-- m -->

I look forward to getting lots of feedback!

Howdy everyone! After years of putting snap track together on the carpet I am finally in a place to build my first layout! I have been planning, reading, and researching for a while and decided on the following plan:



I apologize for the poor sketch. I do not like using layout design software and this is the best I can do with my limited scanners.

Now for the basics. It is designed as a modern day switcher that can be run as a double track as well. I'm looking at using 1-3 operators, but usually myself. I think I have the room to make up and break down 7-10 car trains using the stub end yard and switch out the various industries. There is a track on the left side of the layout that will go to an eventual upper level. The room is just over 13' x 11.5' and I have labeled all of the turnout sizes and major radii. The benchwork is 2' wide and runs around the walls except for across the entrance where I will be building a fold down section.

But aside from a poor view, I would like to hear from everyone what they think! I am open to suggestions for improvement as well as what people like and do not like.

Thanks!

Hi,

I'm actually trying to figure out what my food processing industry on the layout will be. I remembered that Coca-Cola had a bottling plant in Limoilou which was rail served during the 50s, 60s and 70s.

I was curious what kind of traffic these plants had. I suspect they received the beverage syrup and prepared the mix on site.

Just curious about what was typical in these days.

Thank you.

Matt

I got this HO scale loco:

It is a 2-6-4? tank, but what make?
I first thought Tenshodo, but it differs too much from the ones I have....
Even the origin of the prototype eludes me.
USA? Japan?
The condensation? tubes are confusing me as well....

I will repair it, and build a new rear truck for it, but I need to know how it should look.
Thanks in advance.

Does anyone know the definitive answer on styrene vapours as caused by a laser cutter? Are the fumes toxic, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous? If yes, what precautions are required?

The reason I ask is much of the information out there seems to suggest that styrene does not contain chlorine (unlike PVC, where the C stand for chloride). But then people usually go on the suggest that it does...?

Eg. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.therpf.com/f9/laser-cutting-styrene-170722/">http://www.therpf.com/f9/laser-cutting-styrene-170722/</a><!-- m --> and this <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.laserscript.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=590">http://www.laserscript.co.uk/phpBB3/vie ... ?f=2&t=590</a><!-- m -->

But then sites like this suggest you'd only have logistical issues with small parts: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.cutlasercut.com/laser-cutting-materials-laser-engraving-materials/white-hips-styrene">http://www.cutlasercut.com/laser-cuttin ... ps-styrene</a><!-- m -->. And is "HIPS" the same stuff we use?



Thanks!

Andrew

I must be living in a hole in the ground , Because I missed this.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://republicanherald.com/news/parts-of-historic-st-nicholas-breaker-being-demolished-1.1557212">http://republicanherald.com/news/parts- ... -1.1557212</a><!-- m -->

St. Nic. and Huber are the only remaining coal breakers left, Huber is owned by a scrap co. and looks like St. Nic will now be coming down. Several attempts were made to preserve at least one of these buildings. They were the driving force behind the industrial revolution that provided this country great prosperity. St. Nic was owned by the county after it was donated by the coal co. but, I guess that has changed.

Here's a vid of the breaker.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUrF0ZAeE_8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUrF0ZAeE_8</a><!-- m -->

Your particular road?
Your particular location?
Your particular era?

I find the answers to these endlessly fascinating.