While shopping for other things, I bought a couple of bits of flexible finer scale track to test with, in hopes of using this on my boards when I get round to designing that! While the difference isn’t massively noticeable in the photo, when rolling stock sits on it, it definitely looks nicer. #ModelRailway

An acquaintance was looking for #modelrailway advice which prompted me to quickly take a look back at the hobby I haven't actively participated in for almost a decade now. It's kinda sad to see that time almost hasn't moved at all, most of the stuff that was sold back then is still being sold as brand new, barely any novelties or technological advancement to be seen anywhere...

So I just won 3 packs of Kadee couplings on eBay for £20. (Model railway people will know this is a good deal). Seller has just messaged me to say he's found a fourth since the listing went up so he'll chuck that in too. WIN! #ModelRailway

Lightning quick update, I now have JMRI set up enough that it is useful. I can even change points using the touchscreen (keyboard and mouse are out of sight).

The #Rapido GWR 44XX 2-6-2 is currently running in. This rake of Bachmann wagons will just run and run now the back to backs are set, so if there are any issues I know it’s the engine, not the track or wagons.

Lanterns added to the brake van by me.

The engine is pretty nice, on a par with #Accurascale - weighty, detailed, and a #LokSound DCC sound decoder. Only minus point so far is there appears to be no stay-alive.

Made an unusual #ModelRailway purchase, a kit built locomotive. While it’s another GER Buckjumper like I recently had from Accurascale, I was curious about it and got it for a steal. Interesting to see a proper metal kit put together!

Was running trains yesterday whilst sorting out a point - it turned out that the point motor throw was set wrongly, causing the frog to switch before the point blades moved, giving a momentary short circuit.

However I had a few niggles with the trains as well, with several derailments.

This morning I’ve gone over the one train, checked and fixed the back to backs using a 14.5mm gauge from DCC Concepts, and checked that none of the Kadee connectors are dropping down so as to snag points. It’s been going round and round for 15 minutes so far without a single issue.

Note to self: Even brand new rolling stock has incorrectly set back to backs! Always check them out of the box.

A small #ModelRailway update. I’ve been battling with the helix, most of it is fine but there are 3-4 specific spots where the plywood simply isn’t flat enough resulting in steam locos in particular struggling when some of the driving wheels lose contact with the track. Not a problem with modern diesels that have drive to both bogies.

The solution is to print a set of spacers that clip onto the helix sides between the vertical supports, forcing the spacing to be consistently 100mm (in my case) and removing any dips or bumps in the plywood.

I’ll produce shorter ones that can be screwed down onto the base and clipped onto the first loop. I might not need them but others might - and I’ll be publishing the files as I do for all my prints.

Should be fairly quick to design in #OpenSCAD and then print off a full set for all the way around the helix. Pics to follow in the next few days.

Model railroad group goes solar

The Gosford City Model Railroad Men’s Shed is set to take a major step towards improved energy efficiency thanks to support from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program.

The Men’s Shed will receive $30,606 to install a new solar system and back-up batteries, helping to cut power consumption and increase sustainability.

#Solar #Energy #Gosford #mensshed #ModelRailway
https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/central-coast/news/2025/08/model-railroad-group-goes-solar/

Perfectly normal French souvenir. #ModelRailway