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Power, Sound, R/C
Review: Aristo Craft Train Engineer Revolution With Sound
Aristo-Craft's original Revolution receiver did not have a built-in sound unit. If a model railroader wanted to add sound the receiver had to be interfaced to a 3rd party sound card. Read Dave's review of the new Revolution with sound.
Mar 1, 2013 - 10:00:00 AM
Power Connectors for Garden Railroad Applications
Many of our garden railroad projects can benefit from the addition of removable connectors. Dave explains the Who, Where, What and When of connectors.
Jan 25, 2013 - 10:00:00 AM
PICAXE Speed Controller High Power Modification with VIDEO
While the original PICAXE based model train controller works very well and can operate most model trains, including fairly large G-Scale locomotives pulling as much as 3 amps, there may be hobbyists who need "more power!" In response to this need I have found an external H-Bridge that can be used with the original unit to provide 12 continuous amps of power with surges up to 30 amps!
Feb 3, 2012 - 11:00:00 AM
AC Power Trolley Modification
The original design objective for the PICAXE based speed controller was for it to be used as a track side power controller that would operate DC track powered trains. Come learn see how this new modification will give your railroad more realistic operation.
Jan 13, 2012 - 11:00:00 AM
Making and Using LEDs in Coaches with Video
Adding interior lights to passenger cars and other rolling stock can add interest and realism to your railroad. Some coaches come with interior lights but many do not. Adding them can be a challenge in terms of design, mounting and providing power. This article will show a method that I have found to be very effective and easy to implement.
Dec 30, 2011 - 9:00:00 AM
PICAXE Model Railroad Speed Controller Train Activity Recorder with VIDEO
When I was working on plans for the original PICAXE based train controller I brainstormed a bit about other things that could be done once you have an easy to use & reliable circuit for controlling trains. I considered a number of things but the most interesting modification was to add a memory chip to the circuit so that I could use it to record a train-running session and then play it back over and over
Nov 18, 2011 - 10:00:00 AM
PICAXE Model Railroad Speed Controller with VIDEO
Since 2004 I have been singing the praises of the PICAXE family of microcontrollers to fellow model railroaders. Throughout this period I have wanted to put together a complete kit that would allow beginners to start working with the PICAXE while building a useful model railroad accessory. The new PICAXE 18M2 chip inspired me to write this article and assemble the parts for the kit that accompanies it.
Nov 4, 2011 - 10:00:00 AM
DC-DC Step Down Converter
There are many times when a model railroader needs to take a set DC voltage and reduce it to a lower voltage to operate some device or another. Come learn how it works and how to maybe build your own.
Oct 24, 2011 - 12:00:09 PM
Aristo Craft Revolution Servo Interface
There are many Revolution owners who also operate live steam. These individuals need to control servos on their live steam engines to adjust the speed and direction of travel of their locomotives.Because the Revolution does not support servo control an interface is needed that will go between the Revolution receiver and one or two servos.
Apr 27, 2011 - 5:00:00 PM
Model Train Electronics: Gizmos, Gadgets, Tips - Great Deals on Equip and Parts!
Come see excerpts of David Bondar's Model Train Electronics Seminar at the ECLSTS in York, PA. We have taken all the good parts were he talks about neat products you should have on your workbench and the places to get discount parts, LES, connectors and just down right cool stuff - cheap!!
Apr 27, 2011 - 7:00:00 AM
VIDEO: Model Train Electronics: Gizmos, Gadgets, Tips - Plus: How to Build with a PICAXE Controller
This is the complete seminar of David Bodnar's discussion on how to use the PICAXE controller in different ways on your railroad. He shows how to use it in Large Scale Trains, but you can use this on ANY scale railroad or in ANY other aspect of your hobby interests.
Apr 22, 2011 - 11:00:00 AM
A Four Sound USB Sound Card & the PCC Trolley
About a year ago I reviewed A Very Capable MP3 Sound System and found it, at less than $10.00, to be a cost effective way to add sound to a train, building or animation. The folks at Electronics123 who developed and import that unit are not resting on their laurels as they now have a new sound system with significantly more capability that only costs a few dollars more.
Feb 16, 2011 - 10:00:00 AM
Build Your Own Crossing Signal Controller with Video
Many different crossing signals are available for model railroads. Some of them flash realistically but many do not. The worst of these don't even attempt to flash one light on while the other is off and visa versa. Construction of the crossing controller also gives those of you who might have been looking for a simple soldering project a good reason to heat up the iron and practice.
Jan 19, 2011 - 10:00:00 AM
(VIDEO) USA Trains - Train Power 10 Power Pack (HiDef)
The "Train Power 10" is designed to operate all standard DC Gauge model trains. The output voltage is high enough for G Scale and the output voltage wave form is delicate enough for N Scale.
Jan 5, 2011 - 10:00:00 AM
Making your Christmas Display More Interactive
When we set up a train layout at a public event or around the Christmas tree we may not want the train to run continuously but only when someone is there to enjoy it. These simple circuits activate a train on a loop of track so that it goes around once each time a button is pressed and always returns to the starting point where it waits patiently until the button is pressed again.
Dec 1, 2010 - 10:02:00 AM
Aristo Revolution Auxiliary Outputs Exposed
The Aristo Craft Revolution receiver has six auxiliary output pins that are normally used to control a sound card or an external smoke unit. Recently I have received a number of emails from model railroaders who are interested in using the auxiliary outputs to directly control lights, a relay or some other electronic / electrical device. All of these things can be done with these outputs if you connect them properly.
Nov 24, 2010 - 10:00:00 AM
Make Some Working Ditch Lights
While attending the East Coast Large Scale Train Show a friend and I noticed the distinctive flashing ditch lights on several engines. After the show he asked if I could come up with a circuit that would duplicate the effect.
Sep 29, 2010 - 9:00:00 AM
A Very Capable MP3 Sound System
I recently came across an unusual sound system that addresses many of the weaknesses and problems associated with other sound systems I have used. In my opinion it really hits a "home run"
Mar 3, 2010 - 10:00:00 AM
A Better Constant Brightness Circuit for LEDs
A few years ago I wrote an article,that described a circuit that could be used to illuminate an LED to full brightness over a range of voltages. Since then technology has continued to advance. I recently came upon a new solid state device that takes much of the guess work and computation out of the equation when we use LEDs
Feb 3, 2010 - 10:00:00 AM
VIDEO: Aristo-Craft Revolution Advanced Applications
At the 2009 Fall East Coast Large Scale Train Show David Bodnar gave an advanced seminar on the Aristo-Craft TE Revolution Remote Control. LSOL.com was there to video tape the seminar and as a member of LSOL.com you get first look at these videos.
Oct 14, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
Make an Animation Timer for your Railroad - Part II (With Videos!)
You can literally program a PICAXE or PIC based timer to open and close one or more relays in any sequence and for any time period you can imagine. You can even make them work randomly so that the same behavior is not seen each time they are activated. I hope that you will be inspired to try some timer based animation and control on your railroad. It is easy and adds a great deal to the entertainment value of a layout.
Jul 22, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
Make an Animation Timer for your Railroad - Part I
Where and how would a hobbyist use a timer on a model railroad? Can a timer be customized to operate an animation in a specific way? These questions and more will be answered as we explore timers that can be used to control the behavior of our trains and to provide animation on our layouts.
Jul 15, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
The Revolution in a Bachmann 4-6-0
In the past I have installed multiple Aristocraft Train Engineer and Locolinc radio control units (and several others in the early 90's who are no longer in business). I have eagerly looked forward to the new Aristocraft Revolution since hearing rumors about its development a year ago - and more recently reading Dave Bodnar's hands-on review.
Jul 8, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
Battery Life Sensor
On my battery-powered garden railroad, the batteries always seem to run down at unexpected times, when the train is at the worst possible place - out of sight on the back side of the layout, or in a tunnel, or in the helix. Come see how my solution might become your solution.
Jun 17, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
VIDEO: TE Revolution "What's in the Box?" HiDef -Wide Screen
Every once in awhile in Large Scale Garden Trains there is a product that changes the way people think. The new Train Engineer Revolution is that kind of product. This is an all new version of the Train Engineer series of remote control created by Aristo-Craft trains under their Crest product line.
Jun 3, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
VIDEO:Phoenix Sound PB9 Sound Kit (Hi-Def Wide Screen)
Come watch this exclusive video where we start from taking the sound board out of the box all the way through hooking it up to test the system. Learn about the different connectors on the board, how they operatate and how to activate different features on the board.
May 13, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
Aristo TE Revolution Video Seminar
At the recent East Coast Large Scale Train show our very own David Bodnar gave a seminar on the all new Aristo TE Revolution. It is the new remote control system from Aristo-Craft and it looks very cool. Come watch the video and read a message from Lewis Polk, President of Aristo-Craft
Apr 8, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
Special Trolly Lighting System
I recently built a Mr. Rogers Trolley that will be donated to the Pittsburgh's new Children's Hospital train layout. After completing the trolley itself I wanted to add appropriate lighting. The clerestory needed diffused red lighting and the front and rear needed bright directional lights that would clearly show the trolley as it moves along a point-to-point route.
Jan 28, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM
LED Round-up Articles
Even the elves get some time off at Christmas, so... We have put together this round-up of the basics to LEDs. You might have not yet discovered all the gems stored in the LSOL.com Library.
Dec 24, 2008 - 10:04:06 AM
G-Scale Drag Strip Controller
Why on earth would anyone want a drag strip controller for a model railroad? What is this, a trick question? The answer is simple, what could be more fun than a little friendly competition racing locomotives on a G-Scale drag strip??? Come see why...
Oct 8, 2008 - 10:16:00 AM
How to win at the LSOL.com Drag Strip!
A fair drag race between track powered engines requires that both tracks be powered by the same model power supply. This assures that the engines compete on an equal playing field. In order to make things a bit more interesting (some might describe it as "cheating")
Oct 8, 2008 - 9:00:00 AM
How to Build a Sound Water (Tender) Car
Having built a sound water car from an old LGB tender last year, several folks have asked me to do a "how to article" on the subject. Sound cars are always a lot of fun to build, especially if you don't have a strict prototype to copy. Your creativity can just take over and you can make it up as you go along. This sound car will make my eighth car; some were bought complete with sound units, then rebuilt to improve the unit, others were scratch built.
Sep 24, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
LED Switch Signals - Turnout Signal Lights
The objective of this project is to design and construct an add-on device for an LGB turnout motor (part 12010 or 1201) that will light a red or green LED on a turnout signal light.
Sep 10, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
Upgrading your Aristo Mikado - Sound, Lettering, Weathering
If you can't get what you want make it. See how to add sound to a Aristo-Craft Mikado, as well as lettering and weathering your loco.
Jul 30, 2008 - 6:00:00 AM
Making your Railroad Sound Alive: MP3 Sound Systems
(Part 2)
If you want to clip, amplify or otherwise modify a sound file you need an editor. There is an excellent program that does all of that and more. The best part may be that the price is very reasonable: $0.00! Come learn how to use this software to edit, mix and create your own sounds to use on your railroad. Combine this knowledge with the MP3 player you built from part 1 and your railroad can come alive with sounds that you create.
Jun 25, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
Making your Railroad Sound Alive: MP3 Sound Systems
(Part 1)
Model railroads thrive on sound and should rarely be silent. Engines, especially steam locomotives, come to life once a quality sound system is installed. Many of our layouts, however, have little in the way of sound that does not come directly from the train.
Jun 18, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
VIDEO SEMINAR: Remote Control Battery Power in Large Scale Trains
Another LSOL.com on-line first! A Video Seminar on Remote Control use in Large Scale Trains. The first seminar we have to offer is from Don Sweet of RCS of New England. In this one hour seminar he talks not only about RCS products but other remote control products. He discusses batteries and takes questions from the people attending. Many of which might be the same questions you have yourself.
May 21, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
Making some cheap lights
I recently was trying to purchase some lighting for my Garden Railroad. I stumbled across a great way to get versatile outdoor lighting for less than $2.00 per fixture. The best part of this project is that it uses standard Malibu low voltage lights Build some low profile directional lighting by attaching translucent 35mm film containers to Malibu low voltage bulb holders.
May 7, 2008 - 9:00:00 AM
Controlling Reverse Loops with no Electronics???
Model railroaders have used relays to control various devices on their layouts for years. In this article I would like to review how relays operate and explore an unusual type of relay that has some interesting capabilities. This single inexpensive device will allow you to automatically navigate a wye or a reverse loop with minimal effort.
Apr 23, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
LEDs 103 - Turning them On and Off
The last installment in this series, LEDs 102 - Use On Board Trains, ended with a few thoughts about turning battery powered LEDs on and off. In this article I would like to explore several options for turning LEDs, and other things on your railroad, on and off.
Dec 19, 2007 - 10:00:00 AM
Using Solar Lights in the Garden Railway - Part I
There is another discussion going on in The WorkShops about using solar lighting for the Garden Railroad. Come read about how I use solar lights on our garden railroad and check out the WorkShop to see other peoples methods too!
Dec 5, 2007 - 9:00:00 AM
LEDs 102 - Use On Board Trains
LEDs 101 - The Basics, served to review the characteristics and use of LED lighting in a garden railway environment. It also generated a host of questions and comments that indicated that there was an interest in using LEDs in a variety of ways that were not covered in that article.
Sep 5, 2007 - 10:00:00 AM
BPE - Battery Powered Eggliner
Make your Aristo-Craft Eggliner run all on its own. Check out this great idea from the "No Scale and Western Railroad"
Jul 25, 2007 - 6:00:00 AM
LEDs 101 - The Basics
LEDs have rapidly taken the place of incandescent light bulbs in many, if not most, model railroad applications. Let's take a few minutes for review and a few minutes more to see if we all can learn some new tricks with these fascinating and useful devices.
Jun 20, 2007 - 10:00:00 AM
Improving Your Engine's Sound
Installing sound in our Dash-9 locomotive has really changed our perspective on Garden Railroads. Learn how to get the most out of your onboard speaker.
May 16, 2007 - 6:00:00 AM
Remote Control Emergency Power Shut Off
Have you ever wished you could quickly kill power to your trains but were too far away from the power controller? Or went to re-rail an engine but it kept trying to "run away" from you before you could get all the wheels back on the track?
Apr 11, 2007 - 10:00:00 AM
Aristo TE in an LGB Mogul
Well, I have just completed installing an Aristo-Craft 75 Mhz on-board receiver (CRE55491) into my LGB 2-6-0 Mogul.
Mar 28, 2007 - 9:00:00 AM
Automatic Switch Project - Part V Microcontroller Integration & Software
When I start a project like this I like to come up with a list of things that I would like the finished device to do. The list of objectives below are the things that the microcontroller must do to manage the proper operation of all of the individual modules.
Jan 3, 2007 - 10:00:00 AM
Automatic Switch Project - Part IV Sensing Train Location
The "eyes" of the switch control system allow the microcontroller's "brain" to know where the trains are located on the layout. This insures that only one train is on the main line at a time and that the switches are set so that the train returns to the proper siding.
Dec 20, 2006 - 10:00:00 AM
Automatic Switch Project - Part III Diode Train Speed Control
One of the design objectives of the automatic switch
/ block control system that has been the focus of these articles is that the trains entering the block control area would be automatically slowed down from their outside speed.
Dec 6, 2006 - 10:00:00 AM
Make a Sierra sound system even better
I like my engines to have sound and toward that end I am adding soundboards to my engines as time and budget permit. My first sound equipped engine has a Sierra sound system in it and since I liked that system that is what I am installing in all my engines. However I have come across a shortfall of this system that I would like to help you with.
Nov 29, 2006 - 10:00:00 AM
Automatic Switch Project - Part II Turnout Motor Control
Model railroad turnouts, often called switches, can be controlled in a number of ways. The most basic is a manual control that is thrown by hand. Remote activation is usually accomplished by either pneumatic (air) or electrical means. Before we can choose the appropriate device to operate the turnout we need to examine how turnout motors operate.
Nov 22, 2006 - 10:00:00 AM
Auto Switch Project - Part 1
When using track power we frequently find a need to electrically separate sections of track from one another, creating areas where power can be removed or changed to create some desired effect. Come learn in this multi-part article how you can power several engines on your railroad and have them wait their turn to run.
Nov 8, 2006 - 10:00:00 AM
Automatic Switch Block Control - Video Too!
A few months ago I was given the opportunity to design, build and install an automatic train control system for a new garden railroad. This successful project was composed of a number of individual elements that you may be able to incorporate into your railway.
Oct 25, 2006 - 10:00:00 AM
A Mars Light for Your Large Scale Engine
I have never been one to shy away from a challenge and one was presented to me a few months ago by one of our LSOL members. After seeing the article I wrote on ditch lights, John Damkier asked me if I had ever considered making an electronic version of a Mars light.
Aug 9, 2006 - 11:15:00 AM
Multi-Scale Wireless Speedometer
I have been very pleased with the operation of the multi-scale train speedometer described in my recent article. "Is Your Train Speeding?" Large Scale Speedometer. There was one thing missing: Wireless Connectivity that would provide real time speed reports.
Jul 5, 2006 - 4:52:00 AM
Basic Auto-Reverse Control (BARC)
When I was testing the capacitors and thermistors that were the focus of two
recent articles I had a need for a simple controller that would automatically reverse a small engine that was running on a point-to-point track.
Jun 7, 2006 - 8:44:00 AM
A Simple Constant Brightness LED Light
I was recently asked to present a hands-on workshop for the Pittsburgh Garden Railway Society that had participants construct a constant brightness LED headlight. You can give the same circuit a try by following these step-by-step directions.
Apr 12, 2006 - 11:43:00 AM
Thermistors, the Magic Behind Smooth Acceleration
You may know that a thermistor is a device that changes resistance as its temperature changes. If you have an inexpensive digital thermometer chances are good that the sensor on that device is a thermistor.
Mar 1, 2006 - 4:06:00 AM
Give Your Engines the Capacity to Ignore Dirty Track
This got me to thinking about what happens when you turn off a large table radio, TV or stereo system. Such devices, especially older ones using tubes, generally go on playing for a second or two before becoming silent.
Feb 22, 2006 - 3:26:00 AM
Is Your Train Speeding? Large Scale Speedometer
Other objectives include providing the capability to display the true speed as well as the total number of laps that the train has run. It would also need to be easily reconfigured to accommodate model railroaders who work in a variety of scales.
Dec 14, 2005 - 10:26:00 PM
Very Simple Fire Glow Lighting
Besides large-scale trains each of us has other interests. Some of us restore automobiles. Some of us collect old postcards. One of the collections that Jon and I have its Nativity scenes.
Dec 7, 2005 - 7:07:00 AM
Build a Morse Code Beacon - Part 2
In order to accommodate that part of the audience I developed a more complex program that will not work on the basic Picaxe processor, but on one of its big brothers, the Microchip 16F684 PIC processor.
Nov 23, 2005 - 4:51:00 AM
Build a Morse Code Beacon - Part 1
This memory coupled with my being an amateur (ham) radio operator made this a must-do project!
Nov 16, 2005 - 6:21:00 AM
Quick Look: Inexpensive RC and Battery
Get an overview of a simple way to create a battery power RC trailing car.
Nov 8, 2005 - 2:06:00 AM
RS-3 Conversion - Part 3 - Install the Sound Car
Nothing makes large-scale trains more realistic than sound. I have Sierra sound cards in almost all of my locomotives and I think it really adds to the fun.
Oct 5, 2005 - 4:42:00 AM
RS-3 Conversion - Part 2 - Add the Batteries
Since I wanted to use onboard batteries I decided to remove the battery plugs that come out each end of the engine by the pilot.
Sep 28, 2005 - 5:40:00 AM
RS-3 Conversion - Part 1 - Install the TE
Like hundreds of other attendees at this April's East Coast Large Scale Train Show a Western Maryland RS-3 followed me home. This series of articles will detail how to convert the Aristocraft RS-3 to battery power radio control and install a sound system.
Sep 21, 2005 - 2:29:00 AM
Making Battery Packs
Making battery packs for onboard radio control is easier than you think.
Sep 7, 2005 - 4:25:00 AM
Make your Headlights Shine
A good reflector is essential for a realistic look to your headlights. Learn how to make yours better for only a dollar.
Jul 20, 2005 - 8:44:00 AM
Radio Control Systems Comparison
Now that we have looked at the different systems available from each of the major suppliers of large-scale radio control systems which one is right for you?
Jul 13, 2005 - 6:33:00 AM
Upgrading your WalMart Lighthouse
I really like my new solar powered lighthouse but the steady light is a bore. How can I make it blink or flash its light so that it looks more like a real lighthouse?
Jun 29, 2005 - 7:08:00 PM
Robot Train Cruise Control
Picture three or four small engines occupying the same loop of track and keeping a safe distance as they go round and round.
Jun 15, 2005 - 10:03:00 AM
Converting Bachmann 10-Wheeler For Battery Power
The following is intended to provide information required for converting a track powered Bachmann 10-Wheeler locomotive to battery power operation.
May 11, 2005 - 7:00:00 AM
Build a Radio Control / Battery Car
Although track power is still the predominant method for powering and controlling garden railway trains, battery powered radio control is gaining in popularity.
Apr 27, 2005 - 8:55:00 AM
Garden Railway Sensors - Part 3
Pulsed Infrared Sensors
In this article I would like to concentrate on the one sensor that I have found to be the most reliable non-contact sensor for outdoor garden railway use.
Apr 20, 2005 - 9:38:00 AM
Garden Railway Sensors - Part 2
I think that you will find its capabilities and use very interesting and appropriate with some of your projects.
Mar 30, 2005 - 7:50:00 AM
Garden Railway Sensors - Part 1
Adding realism to our garden railway systems involves many things.
Mar 16, 2005 - 6:09:00 AM
Eggliner Collision-Avoidance System
Here is a simple implementation of one of these ideas. It requires only the most basic familiarity with electronics, wiring, soldering and testing.
Mar 9, 2005 - 6:35:00 AM
Give Your Railroad A Voice - Part 2
The boards reviewed in this article use digital recording circuitry to record sound and play it back at a better quality. Learn how a higher sampling rate, means higher quality sound.
Feb 23, 2005 - 5:48:00 AM
Give Your Railroad A Voice - Part I
Installing sound generating electronics in large scale engines, rolling stock and buildings adds to the realism and enjoyment that comes from garden railroading.
Feb 16, 2005 - 8:30:00 AM
5 Volt Power for Railway Electronics
As we add more and more electronic devices to our garden railways we frequently have a need to provide regulated 5 volt power to those devices.
Feb 9, 2005 - 9:43:00 AM
Throttle Guide Part III : Aristo-Craft Train Engineer
The Aristocraft Train engineer system has been around in various forms for a number of years.
Jan 19, 2005 - 6:26:00 AM
Affordable Battery Charging
Here is a possible solution to your Nicad and NiMH battery pack charging requirements. That solution is the Hitec CG-340.
Jan 19, 2005 - 4:52:00 AM
Making an Opto-Isolator for use with Sierra Sound Systems
What is an Optoisolator and why do I need it? An opto-isolator is a circuit that transforms the power that is feeding the motor and converts it to a signal the Sierra sound card can use.
Jan 12, 2005 - 4:44:00 AM
Outside/In! - Aristo Lithium-ion Battery System
The choice between running track power vs battery power has been a loud and long discussion. Ten years ago to run your railroad with batteries you needed have a pioneer spirit.
Jan 5, 2005 - 6:34:00 AM
LED Clusters for Large Scale Track Signals
I have found a use for the individual modules as stylized (not prototypical, but colorful and fun) overhead track signals, indicating the direction of polarity of my analog indoor (and one day, my outdoor) layout.
Jan 5, 2005 - 1:08:00 AM
Throttle Guide Part II : Remote Control Systems
The RCS throttle system consists of a shirt pocket size transmitter, receiver, and a control module, which controls speed, direction and accessories.
Dec 29, 2004 - 8:00:00 AM
Growing Railroads need Growing Power
The power for my "Empire" was a Lionel Trainmaster 1034 75 Watt transformer. I still have that fully functional transformer, and occasionally use it for lighting at Christmas time.
Dec 22, 2004 - 8:08:00 AM
LED Lighting with Larger Solar Panels
Rather than combining three or more of the Malibu lights I chose to find larger solar panels that would be able to supply power to six or more LEDs.
Nov 17, 2004 - 7:53:00 AM
Converting a Computer Power Supply To Power your Railroad Empire
Why would anyone in their right mind want to do this you may ask.
Nov 10, 2004 - 6:49:00 AM
Battery or Track Train Engineer Receiver Power Car
The headache of MU'ing my Dash 9, SD-45's and non-Aristo locos and having to fuss with multiple Onboard Receivers got me to thinking about another solution.
Nov 3, 2004 - 6:27:00 AM
Build Cheap LED Lighting
I have been using low cost solar garden walkway lights for illuminating the interiors of my buildings for some time.
Oct 27, 2004 - 7:39:00 AM
Simple Exterior Lights
Outdoor garden railway structures always look neat when they are lit at night.
Oct 27, 2004 - 6:46:00 AM
Rugged Replacement for the Sierra Coupler-Clank Switch
One feature that sets the Sierra sound system apart from the others is the simulated coupler "clank."
Oct 6, 2004 - 6:32:00 AM
Throttle Guide Part I : VCS Realroad
Here is our review of Reed's Instant RC System/VCS RealRoad.
Sep 1, 2004 - 6:55:00 AM
Phoenix Sound Systems Part 2
It took us under an hour to open up the Dash-9, install the board and then close it up again.
Jun 23, 2004 - 10:31:00 AM
Phoenix Sound Systems Part 1
We recently received our Big Sound 2K2 with Dash-9 sound install on the board. To start we want to give you a detailed look at what you get when you buy a 2K2 kit.
Jun 16, 2004 - 9:26:00 AM
Robot Trains in the Garden - Part 3
We have the hardware, lets get the software working
May 17, 2004 - 11:50:00 AM
Robot Trains in the Garden - Part 2
Lets start building. Construction Check List and more...
May 17, 2004 - 11:46:00 AM
Robot Trains in the Garden - Part 1
My latest collaboration between hobbies involves using my work with programming small, single board microprocessors and using them to control devices and sense things around them.
May 17, 2004 - 11:40:00 AM
Using Pre-made Sound Electronics
I am not real big on making my own electronics. When I was younger my brother and I would ride our bikes down to Radio Shack to pick up parts for a project.
Apr 14, 2004 - 5:40:00 AM
Battery Power Eggliner Part 2
The Eggliner is a good candidate for converting to battery power and still maintaining track power. This can be accomplished by installing a small toggle switch mounted under the Eggliner. There is plenty of space inside the shell to put enough battery to run the Eggliner for a long time.
Mar 10, 2004 - 7:57:00 AM
Battery Power / Radio Control Part 2
There are literally dozens of types of batteries from Alkaline to Zinc Air. Not all types are rechargeable, and not all have practical applications in garden railroading.
Mar 3, 2004 - 9:29:00 AM
Battery Power / Radio Control Part 1
Advances in technology have made battery powered radio controlled trains more reliable and reasonably priced than ever before.
Feb 18, 2004 - 7:32:00 AM
Simple Trackside Signals
I've always wanted some kind of signals for my G scale Creekside and Southern. But I was always put off by the need for complicated detection circuits and the cost of same.
Sep 10, 2003 - 7:59:00 AM
Battery Power the Aristo-Craft Way
More and more engines and locos are battery ready right out of the box. Many have a built-in Track/Battery switch and a modular plug where you can just attach a trailing car loaded with batteries, a remote control and be off and running.
Jul 9, 2003 - 6:02:00 AM
Learn to use LED for Lighting - Part II
As I said I use 5 volts for my systems, so let me show what I use for voltage regulation.
Apr 16, 2003 - 8:31:00 AM
Learn to use LED for Lighting - Part I
I studied electronics back in the early 60's when transistors were just beginning to make their mark in home products.
Apr 9, 2003 - 3:02:00 PM
The Battery Car
The trailing car proved to be so reliable and easy to assemble, it quickly became our club's standard for battery power and radio control.
Mar 26, 2003 - 11:03:00 AM
Making your Remote Control More Prototypical
Many railroads including Burlington Northern Santa Fe have started to use remote control locomotives in their switching yards. Something we have all been doing for years.
Aug 20, 2002 - 2:20:00 PM
An Introduction to DCC - Part 6
Automating your layout is not an all or nothing proposition.
Feb 7, 2002 - 6:00:00 PM
An Introduction to DCC - Part 5
Once DCC is installed we can control virtually an unlimited number of trains with our Hand Throttle
Feb 7, 2002 - 5:00:00 PM
An Introduction to DCC - Part 4
Installing DCC in our garden can be as simple as connecting the base DCC system power leads to the rails and fitting an engine with a "mobile" decoder.
Feb 7, 2002 - 4:00:00 PM
An Introduction to DCC - Part 3
Over the years a multitude of companies and individuals have attempted to develop improvements in the way we control our model railroads.
Feb 7, 2002 - 3:00:00 PM
An Introduction to DCC - Part 2
Computers are invading every aspect of our lives and now "Digital Command Control" - DCC may be pushing its way into our gardens and this immediately raises some questions.
Feb 7, 2002 - 7:27:00 AM
An Introduction to DCC - Part 1
Methods of powering trains in the Garden Railroad now include many options.
Feb 7, 2002 - 7:19:00 AM
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