To recap – I plan to stick with Digitrax systems for controlling trains because the WVR has a significant investment in that technology. I’ve also decided on using local panels, DCC throttle, and a computer with JMRI software to operate turnouts. We will be able to run and route our trains, but Id also like […]
There are many aspects to building a model railroad and one that I find particularly interesting is electronics, although that doesn’t mean I know what I’m doing. I have some time over the holiday to spitball the systems needed and some general ideas on how I could implement them. Job #1 Running the Locomotives The […]
I was working on some projects in the basement, not really modeling related, when my mind started to wander as it’s often prone to do. Man, it’s really getting cold outside and Indiana is soooo dreary in the winter. I begin to think of warmer weather and Florida comes to mind. It was really warm […]
Using a combination of XTrack CAD and pencil sketches I’ve started planning the new and improved Wildcat Valley Railway. The railroad is set in the 1920’s – 1930’s as I really like steam era. My train room is 14’6″ x 35’6″ and I have a few ideas of what I’d like to include: A walk […]
Putting up drywall , finishing, and painting is harder than I remember from the last time I attempted it. I think I’m getting too old for it. Luckily I’m about through the job. My wife was good enough to assist me in priming the train room this afternoon. She thinks she’s too old for painting […]
I have started planning the new and improved version of the Wildcat Valley Railway which will be a pre-war era, 1920’s-1930’s mostly freight system. There are several things I’d like to incorporate: A point to point track plan with a continuous loop option. I’d like the plan to be walk in with no duck unders […]
I guess I have been into model railroading ever since building one with my dad. Married at a young age and having three children, dealing with the ups and downs of life, other interests, and work have hampered my participation. However, over the last few years I have had time to enjoy the hobby. At […]
One of the elements I will be including in the WVR is a lighting system. I’ve been looking into DMX512 as a system to control my “Stage Lighting” on the railroad. DMX512 is a serial interface with 512 channels used in theatre lighting and stage shows and since my model layout will be a stage […]
Oh to be a kid again! I remember as a young boy the smell of our basement. It was a wonderful mixture of an old musty cellar and wood dust. There was my father, the incessant tinkerer, he could make something from nothing and it would generally turn out great. There was a workbench filled with tools […]
