Product Reviews

RocRail is open source model railroad software similar to JMRI or Model Railroad Automation. It is available in many languages and can run on PC, Mac and Linux. I'm using RocRail on a PC with Windows XP.


Rocrail Rocview

Rocrail Rocview

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I thought I'd written something about these a while back. So here's a kind of mini-review.

I bought a couple of Team Digital SMC4 Servo decoders late last year. The SMC4 has four servo outputs and four slow motion switch machine outputs. The board has several different modes that define how the outputs are used, including using all eight as individual outputs, linking the servo and slow motion outputs, and running the servo outputs as three position semaphore.

The feature ...

I purchased a Caboose Industries sprung ground throw with contacts as well as a NJ International Switch Stand.

The Caboose ground throw needs to be assembled. Once installed they operate the turnout just great. Only problem is they are huge to scale.

The NJ International switch stand comes assembled. Installation requires making your own linkage. When operating with an Atlas code 55 switch, the targets do not move a full 90 degrees. There is a arm which can be used to ...

I'm like a kid in a candy store when I find something new and a few months ago that was DCC servo motor turnout control.

What initially peeked my interest was the Anemodel Smart Switch. A recent article in Model Railroad Hobbyist - R/C Servos for Model Railroading - July 2009 convinced me to take the plunge. I bought a Tam Valley Singlet servo decoder (my review), a pair of Team Digital SMC4s, and 14 servos (two 9g servos and twelve 3.7g servos.)

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Model Railroad Automation is a free .NET based Loconet automation software program. Unlike JMRI which is developed by a broad range of contributors, RRAuto appears to be developed by a one-man enterprise, software developer Perecli Manole. Editing with RRAuto feels like using visual basic or another visual based development tool. I used RRAuto to set up a panel that would operate turnouts and provide track indications.

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I finally got around to figuring out how to run a couple of free railroad automation software packages: JMRI & Railroad Automation. I've started with the basics and wanted to share what I thought about each one. I'll start with JMRI.

JMRI is a Java based full featured suite of model railroad applications. I used it to set up a control panel, run a locomotive, and to program my BDL168. JMRI has two panel editors, PanelPro and Layout Editor, I tried both, but found Layout Editor ...

First - I didn't realize the Singlet comes with a Servo. I ordered a Servo separately and ended up with two. So the real deal is $4.50 for a Singlet and Servo + Shipping (which was $3.50 for me.) So for $8.00 introductory price you get one fully functioning turnout motor and decoder.

Tam Valley was quick to ship. it took about 3 days from order to delivery. The Singlet comes with the Decoder/Controller (1.25" x 1.25"), 9G micro Servo, 3 Servo Horns & 12" Servo Extension ...

WOT N-Scale STS 1204 with TWA Advertisement
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This my first laser cut wood kit and I'm impressed.


Reiten Models
Bingen ...

Last fall I purchased the N Scale Code 55 tool set from Rodney's Railroad Tools. The set includes 7 high quality and precision machined tools. The tools include:

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  3-N-1 Tool
  
  
  A soldering alignment and heat-sink tool, parallel track spacing tool & dual magnets. The track spacing tool can be milled to whatever track center spacing you would like.
  This is a great little tool

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Ribbonrail TAGs

After months of searching for a retailer that carried Tracksetta gauges I happened upon Ribbonrail Track Alignment Gauges (TAG).

What is it?

A Ribbonrail TAG is similar in design to a Tracksetta gauge. It is a rigid aluminum strip that fits between the tracks to help obtain a specific alignment. Straight and curved gauges are both available in N and ...

Topside Creeper (Fully extended & folded)

I purchased the Foldable Topside Creeper from Micro-Mark this month.

For those unfamiliar with this product here is a brief run-down:

Background
The Topside Creeper was designed as a working platform for truck mechanics. It allows

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I've been looking for a nighttime layout lighting source, something blue or purple possibly flourescent black lights or cold cathode lights. Then I found this:



at Costco and couldn't pass it up.

The Cryon Media Highlighter is a set of six multi-colored LED light bars, marketed as accent lighting for media systems. The system includes the six 15" LED light bars, a transformer, ...

I tried 2 types of paint brush today. Both items were purchased at Harbor Freight. The items were 2" Professional Paintbrush & 24 Piece Foam Brush Set.

The 2" Professional Paintbrush costs $.33 with a coupon, regular price is $1.99. It has a wooden handle and polyester bristles. I bought eight.

I used the paint brush to apply waterbased primer to hardboard. It was a disaster. The bristles were constantly falling out of the brush. I started in a darker corner ...