CROSSING OVER

You can now get decoders small enough to fit in the tenders .I have dcc equipped  steam locos and that,s how I did it .

I did a long stint in model railroading and you're right in many things being applicable else where.

Having chosen N-scale had advantages for detailing and scratchbuilding for me as well since when I returned to scale modeling, 1/72nd seemed HUGE compared to 1/160th.

i don't think i have bought a train there either. usually rails and basswood for 1/72 and 1/35 choo-choos and diorama material. goos selection of paints too.

Hi ;

I thought I had replied . I think I hit the wrong key ! Anyway , they are putting the decoders and sound chips in the tenders in " N " scale .     Tanker-builder

I really like MV lenses (for head lamps). and Grandt Line nuts an bolts.  We have a great train hobby shop in Denver, Caboose Hobbies.  Been going there forever for little detail parts.  Never have bought a train there though.

to bad......Polly S is no longer around. I liked their Grimy Black as well.

Thad

Computers have really revolutionized that hobby. I left it just before it became universal. Many hours spent on my back under plywood soldering copper conductors together.

I was a little discouraged because I own a large collection of N scale brass steam locomotives, and it was not practical to install decoders in them. Maybe that's changed.

One material I do still use.

With all due respect to Woodlands Scenic, a company called Arizona Rock and Mineral makes really nice ballast for N scale. It's extremely fine, nicely graded, and it mixes readily. They also make good snow.

I also find that the dozen or so "boxcar red" colors I still have do make good ship bottom colors.

And Polly Scale is IMO very nice paint. The first acrylic I ever used, and still one of the best. I use Steam Power Black, Grimy Black and Engine Black on my ships as well.

Well said, doog.

A lot of guys use railroad things already in their tank dio's, tankerbuilder. It's always good to remind the newbies, though!