ABRAMS
RAILROAD EMPIRE 
Neat Ideas
Here are a few
concepts and techniques used
on the ARE
that may be of value to other modellers.
(Click on image for more information.)
ABRAMS
RAILROAD EMPIRE
Here are a few
concepts and techniques used
on the ARE
that may be of value to other modellers.
(Click on image for more information.)
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Too many unpowered throttles on the Digitrax loconet can overload the power booster. The ARE uses independent loconet power. |  |
Mounting switch machines under the layout has always been challenging. Here are a few ideas that may make things easier. | |
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Control panels are used to mount the switches that control electrically thrown switch machines. These are made using computer drawings, transparencies, and white melamine board. Push button wiring with LED indicators for twin coil switch machines is also explained. |  |
Working with car cards requires a place to put the cards when switching an industry or yard. The ARE uses vinyl house siding to provide two rows of display. | |
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The ARE has a 12' long cut-away (longitudinal cross section) of a tunnel. On the schematic it's the Silver Spring Tunnel. |  |
The ARE has both grade crossings and plans for trackage to run in the street. | |
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Very effective backdrops can be made using pictures obtained from the Internet. Many pictures used on backdrops are available for download. |
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The ARE uses "track warrants" for single track sections. Possession of the warrant grants permission to occupy the district. This prevents collisions. | |
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Its easy to see an uncoupler magnet when the track is empty, but what do you see when there are cars present? |  |
Building flats serve as place holders until I
can
construct the
necessary buildings. I expect the flats to be in place for many years. |
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Step-by-step
replacing bulbs with white LEDs. |
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Make
realistic chain link fence
using inexpensive nylon tulle bridal netting, paper clips, and piano
wire. |
