Author: Lmind1

Idler Cars

Idler cars are used in car float operations as a “handle”. In other words it’s a way for the locomotive to grab cars from the float without actually going on to it. As I repaint and repurpose freight cars from my old N scale layout I came across the old gondola shown above. It was […]

Weighty Issues

Although it’s an exceptionally smooth runner, my Model Power switcher has been plagued by maddening stuttering and pick up problems. After literally years of head scratching the issue appears to be related to something in the axle needle point tip and cup it resides in. Piling lead weight on the tender improved performance tremendously. The […]

The Last Structure

It’s hard to believe but only one structure left to build for the Brooklyn Terminal. Tracks cutting through the corners of buildings are a fairly common feature on the prototype so to close things out I want to represent that at least once. The location above, 3913 2nd Avenue, will be used as a loose […]

Brooklyn Terminal Power

Armed with custom decals from Bill Brillinger, I painted and weathered a Kato NW2 in Brooklyn Terminal livery. Inspiration was taken from photos of NP and Detroit terminal switchers both of which showed a pretty heavy light sand colored weathering pattern. I took advantage of the fact that putting rubbing alcohol over Dullcote produces a […]