Roundhouse ready to test

It’s a sad reality that creating models with new tools like the Cricut leads to more time in front of the computer. What’s worse, my wife and kids are never even feign enthusiasm when I show them the output of a night’s drawing. I doubt you are interested either. The partially tested plan is to make the roundhouse […]

The right time to find a mistake

In software development, we call the prevention of defects earlier in the process “shift left testing.” The idea is that if you can find a bug earlier in the development process, it is less expensive to fix it. Tonight I was just about ready to go and upload my roundhouse side walls to the Cricut […]

Test wall for Pembroke roundhouse

In 1908, the Pembroke roundhouse was listed in “fair” condition. It stood for another 48 years until it burned. So, I read “fair” to mean that it was not dilapidated, but also, perhaps not first class. I speculate, therefore, that perhaps it wasn’t painted. The other challenge with the Pembroke roundhouse is that it is […]

Roundhouse Sheathing

I’m starting to think about modelling the roundhouse, with a view to taking it to the PNR regional meet in Salmon Arm in a month and a half (!). From Del Rosamond’s notes, we know that it had “Colonial Siding,” which was apparently similar to clapboard siding, but with full-thickness boards. Clapboards are tapered. Now […]

Ghost Buildings Come to Pembroke

Last night I put the last of the roofs on what model railroaders call building mockups. I think architects would call these white foam core boxes “massing models.” As with an architect, they enable me to study the shapes from various angles. I may colour them with soft pastels at some point, but right now […]

The book on #10

In light of recent posts about #10, it’s a bit ironic that the book has finally become available through Model Railroad Hobbyist. It’s been in the works for something like 18 months now. Despite my decision that I really need to go back and rebuild the chassis, there is still plenty to learn from this […]

Is this the material we’ve been waiting for?

Image is by Shapeways. Used without permission; I hope it’s okay! I’m a firm believer that 3D printing is going to change everything, but especially this hobby. Since my first article on the topic in RMC in March 2012, I’ve been occasionally experimenting with the service offered by Shapeways. I find it to be nothing […]

More thoughts on loco frames

The next locomotives will be built from something like a kit. The frames will be etched in two layers, and that means there are opportunities to make extensions between the frames as well as outside them. Between the frames, I will place temporary spacers to keep all aligned while the mechanism is under development. These […]

Cutting my losses on #10

Happy Easter! What is the AAR-approved method for tying giant Easter eggs down anyway? You’ll note in the cover photo that I still haven’t put #10’s tender back together. After the recent Battle of Pembroke Hill, I drove this little train into town. To say it was a success would be overstating matters significantly. Despite […]

Tuning an ESU LokSound Decoder

An unanticipated consequence of replacing #10’s decoder was that performance would degrade. It says right on the box that your locomotive needs to work flawlessly before you go installing decoders, but still, a certain amount of back EMF compensation is known to smooth out the occasional foible. The old Zimo decoder worked fantastic right out […]