enginear joe

Yes, to be clear, this engine now has a MTH PS2 board inside for control. That powers the smoke unit. I believe the fan can only handle like 5 volts max. Ray would know the most. He's where I get a lot of info from!

This is almost all that would fit on the tracks

Wouldn't smoke much at first. Someone had the gasket in upside down blocking the fan.

Looks like a regular smoke unit? it has some problems. Doesn't smoke enough for me. Leaks and glue didn't help. So I fixed her up: stuffed a MTH O gauge inside. I let you know how it works. My O gauge ones smoke like a champ.

I like the coal trains too. I have quite a few so far from most of the manufacturers, Aristo, USA, and MTH. I still need to get some AML's. I'm thinking of using the Challengers to pull them.

and a few more cars to add to their trains once they get KDs

putting together my engine. couldn't wait 'til it was done!

I wanted to model a couple of unit type trains. I thought of hoppers, intermodal, etc. I just got some more roadrailers to start putting the intermodal type together exclusively. I'm also starting some TOFCs to add. What's your favorite??

Well Ray...... it's raining 'round here......

Ok I'm greedy! Where's your pics????

Ray, I saw one sitting at Strassburg. It surprised me as I didn't know it would be there. I can't even imagine that thing fired up. It was massive. It would be worth a trip to ride on it where ever it runs. Thanks, Joe

Here's a new Aristo Dash 9 with the warm white LEDs installed

Hmmm, not much traffic here yet...... how about another diesel....(my first Aristo) Those Polk men were making it tuff it ignore them. What else you got?

Here's a video with the stock USA lights: and here's one with them changed out: much better warm white and much brighter like the real thing!

I changed out all the lights to the warm white super bright ones. They look great! I wish the manufacturers would update their lights to these.

That's a MTH double track for O scale in the pic. In the video is two stone arches that I got years ago on the bay. I've got stuff laying all over. I've got to nuckle down and build the layout..... and move the G scale totally out back! Love having it inside in the winter. I would like to keep a loop maybe just for "testing".

Love watching when the big haulers get involved. The stuff they move is amazing. All this for a show. Stuff's bigger in Vegas Baby!

There's always the engines I wish I would have bought. A MTH Dash8 in BNSF wedge scheme, the Aristo Dash9 in CSX dark blue, etc. Seems like I stumbled on some USA's:

Thanks Ray, I wasn't before I started researching. I don't remember the Chessie scheme? I must have seen it. Trains were all around growing up. I never noticed the engines paint schemes. I just remember my Dad or my Uncle's plant where the tank cars were parked (Stauffer and Hooker Chemicals). Maybe why I'm so fond of the tankers! I'm comparing your pics of the Hudsons above. I swear you can see the rails sag from the USA! They both look good to me.

Here's a couple newbies:

Here's a quick video of the engine:

I just passed on a Aristo WM gp 40. I bought several others so I couldn't get them all. What makes this your fav? Is it a good puller? Smooth? Better detailing? Funny, I've got a ton of Aristo products. No engines!!?? Their newer cars are great. Their road railers roll so smooth they amaze me.

I really like diesels. I know a lot of people love steam. So what's your choice? I just got some engines together that will be pushers next year when I build the new RR. I'm working on getting more head end power to add interest.

Chuck said they're LEDS from the bay. I'll have to see how he wired them as I'd like to change mine out. I'll take a video of this soon. It runs smoothly.

Chuck converted this USA trains to MTH's DCS system. I have to show this. He did more than meets the eye. The trucks are changed to MTH's also. The smoke, lights, and sound are now through the DCS. The headlights shine brighter than most of mine do. Their actually like looking at the real thing. I hope this pic does it justice: