so if your distance between sensors is 24in you need to convert that to ft. 24/12=2 now ft/time in seconds. lets say your train covered the two feet in 2.5 sec. 2/2.5 gives you .8 ft per second. now take your .8(ft per sec) and multiply it by 3600(seconds in a hour) then divide it by 5280(feet in a mile) and you have your MPH. .8 x 3600 / 5280 = 0.55 MPH. now times that by your scale. 0.55 x 160 = 88 scale MPH. that's what the screen should be reading for maximum coolness. times the 88 by 1.6 for scale KMH 88 x 1.6 = 140.8 KPH for coolness why not display both? NOTE: if you run these numbers the end results will be rounded off... keep that in mind.

I generally like the content from this channel, but I would say this is too simplistic to be useful for the topic. If you are enough of a beginner at layout design that any of these tips actually introduce you to new information, then you probably don't have enough knowledge of the counter arguments to make an informed decision. I have nothing against point to point design, however the question of layout shape (if you have the freedom in space to choose) should serve the theme and purpose of your layout. As a simplistic couple of examples, if you want a steel mill in a smallish space you probably gain a lot in steel mill operations by not having to give space to turnaround loops however they are constructed. Since you are modelling a single complex that is typically built in fairly straight line, it may also look goofy if you have 180 degree turns between the steel mill and hot metal buildings. If on the other hand you want to model and eastern coal hauling road, you might gain a lot by having a twice around mainline to give more transit time between coal tipples, and because you have mountains you can break the two loops into different scenes so it isn't as obvious that you are going twice through the same general space on the layout.

Job well done you are a natural!!!

Thanks a lot for this video I appreciate it!!! I also appreciate the scriptures you picked.

don't we already have a dual 5amp base station using the DCC-EX motor shield with the Arduino? i didn't build a DCC-EX station cause i needed one... i did it for the fun of it. i use and will continue to use my Digitrax system. if "budget" is your primary concern you got into the wrong hobby. unless your happy with a starter set running on your kitchen table once in a while(not that there is any thing wrong with that). yes you can find "deals" on locos, rolling stock, accessories and even command stations but, you also, in my opinion, should support your local hobby shops by purchasing new products as well. in my opinion the best reason for DCC++ is to make the manufacturers compete with them. i have no problem with Digitrax lowering it's inflated price a hundred bucks.. and have the others follow suit. but what's happening hear is they(DCC-EX) are raising their prices. soon they will be just another "product".

So true

Kato for diesels, Bachmann and BLI for steamers.

I have watched many of these dcc operations it is obvious to me these engines have no slow speed control if you disagree show me a video of one taking 30 seconds to move one tie width, I saw one guy claim his engine would do one tie in 15 minuets no video just talk. every video I see there is no finesse it goes from a standstill to 2 or 3 mph instantly, I have been thinking about dcc but I will not give up slow speed for lousy sound, please prove me wrong

Thank you Jimothy

thanks, I was eyeballing this kit before seeing your vid. looks easy when you do it.....

Thanx Jimmy!

Chock full o’Nuts

Outstanding overview! New to railroading and just heard about SCARM. My first reaction or thought was whether or not it was safe to download. I pretty much confirmed that it is, then I wanted to know how friendly it is to work with and use, and whether or not I should purchase the full version or start with the free version. I have a feeling though I am going to need the licensed version, I have to compare the differences. I used software (purchased) for my slot car track and it was invaluable, a much needed and helpful resource for planning. This is the same, a must have. Thank you for putting this out there. 👍

Jimmy, I grew up HO scale in the 60's & 70's then life happened. Getting back into model railroading in my 60's, I looked at N scale alot but stayed with HO scale because I new it would be easier to handle engines and rolling stock when I'm in my 80's.

In Taiwan railway circle entire island. Just FYI

I have a question. Would it be possible to use one of these apps to run a DCC locomotive with only a DC transformer, or would I also need a DCC controller?

I agree! Many different ways. I've avoided the simple double pole toggle switch method. I'm using plugs and a neutral section between connected tracks. My plug, switch and wiring system stops DC being backed into DCC (or vica versa) and trains running from one to the other. Reduces 'human error' to a minimum. ie train selection. Most DCC will be Ok on DC but DC will not be happy on DCC. Do not use 'constant run' decoders or add ons. They will not recognize non-powered isolation track and go right through. Of course WiFi (eg locoFi) and Bluetooth (eg Bluenami) work on DC and will make the need / desire to switch track power obsolete.

Freshly ground whole bean Eight O'Clock

Nice video, your layout looks awesome! I've just started a couple of years ago with TT:120 scale. Here in the UK the two main scales are 00 and N, and each of them historically has the weird quirk of gauge and scale not quite matching H0 and N in the rest of the world due to the size of the motors that were available in Britain when model railways were first becoming established. TT:120 is about half way between H0/00 and N and has the benefit of being the first scale in the UK that the scale is true to gauge.

In an ideal world, we would have an end to end with a giant balloon loop that is also a continuos run😂 So we can have the best of both worlds, run trains one day, shunt on the other

Sound is lame.

The hobby is about to go through the roof. Pull out the old red book holders. Learn how the kings build the hobby on coffee grounds and match sticks. Nobody’s gonna be able to afford it next week.

7:47 I just did this for my own backdrops and it worked out great. One thing to keep in mind is to use thick cardboard sonit doesnt bend and you wind up with over spray

Thanks so much for this video. I’ve just made it. Filling the extra add of a a station coding I’ve added 2 extra and changed the timings. I’ve gone for 6 seconds at each end and 3 seconds in the stops. Thanks again for your idiot proof video as I did it!!! First time I’ve tried anything like this

Personally, I like the MRC Prodigy Advance Wireless system. I want a knob to control speed, not buttons or a thumbwheel. A lot of people don't like MRC because it doesn't play nice with other brands, but it's the easiest to use and most flexible (as long as you stay with MRC accessories).

Started getting into n scale model railroading but the era I picked out is the steam and diesel era I will send you pictures of my n scale train layout From the Manitoba central railway company KZbin channel member

I’ve been into N scale since the late 70s, for space reasons initially but for most of the reasons you mention now. I do have to agree though that reliability is the absolute #1 priority and I think Kato is still really the gold standard. Even ancient Kato built atlas loco’s I have still run beautifully and while Kato was expensive for me for a long time, its now very reasonable and buying a 2nd hand Kato is most often a great idea

I'm a 1:1 scaler.

I'm eager to make a video on the quirks of HO-Scale in response to this video! If I'm able to do so sooner than later, I'll tag you and link this video in my description.

a five minute video that takes 1:30 of yadda to get to the point. The reason for loops is to simulate long distance where you don't have it, they are the only way to let a train run for more than a minute on a typical home layout. So they are for those who love running their trains through model scenery whereas point to point puts more emphasis on terminal operations.

I use DC. Much simpler and works my ho layout.

N is a gauge, not a scale, the scale is 2mm to the foot

The problem with N and HO sound is that it is set to loud. Turn it down and it sounds better with the additional perk of the sound being more to "scale." With the intimacies of shelf layouts the additional rivet counting details are better appreciated when being so up close.

I grew up with HO, although I dabled in N when I was in my teens. N is great for space, but I found the cars were so light they came off the track more easily when uncoupling than HO scale rolling stock does. As for HO quirks... when designing a layout, I always feel like I need another 20% more space than I actually have. I also don't love HO scale sound. It's good, but not great, and I find it outright distracting at times. That being said, I love the detail of HO and the size of the engines and rolling stock. It makes them easy to see and work on by comparison.

Shows , shops , websites , eBay. Got it. Now I know why I’ve been so unsuccessful looking in hospital parking lots and salvage yards

Facebook marketplace is wonderful

I love my Kato Big Boy, I looks so amazing as it rolls down the track.

Exactly… my order just can in…. Es44 southern unit heritage unit 497 dollars! And no tariffs yet either.

What else besides DCC? humm well we can go the route of computers where you have to rent the train to make it run. Or perhaps something that would make it so they can update the firmware and then say they nolonger support it when the update breaks its ability to work. ohh how about something that logs the location, name, and video/voice records you so they can sell that data.

Couldn’t help myself after you mentioned the sale, hoped on and bought one. Question at large, anyone else having a speed issue. Mine tops out at about halfway up my speed wheel and even then it is not moving very fast both compared to other locos I have and in other videos I’ve seen of this model. Motor is loud as heck but it just plods along. Anyone have any ideas?

Mystic Monk Midnight Vigils coffee! Truly lovely. I've spent years modeling in N scale but got into and began focusing more on large scale within the last year. I focus specifically on 3ft narrow gauge 1:20.3 models and WOW are the prices and availability insane. I can't get enough of it, but there's a lot of trolling the used marked for a shred of hope at winning an eBay auction on a single car worth the value of two N scale locomotives.

Never use loco sounds on any of my trains, I been doing N-scale and Z-Scale since 1986 and sounds are just nothing I was interested in and still am not. I more enjoy making the layouts, I made a dozen of them over the years.

N-scale. Belong to three clubs. One with a permanent layout and two that do T-Trak. One of the two theoretically does N-Trak but it has been a few years between set-ups lately.

Nscale all day! I run a 36 car coal train behind 4 4-axles from Atlas

Jimmy, I’m drinking hot chocolate as I work on my 2nd N Scale layout (4th layout altogether) with a lot of technique and inspiration from you and your content on your channel plus Model Railroad Academy, and other channels that you’ve suggested: like Boulder Creek Railroad …so Thank You to you for all you do/have done. I would have loved to had the opportunity to model my N Scale layout on the size of my “O” scale layout 30’ x 13’ x 12’ sort of a layout in the shape of the capital letter “G”. Now that would have been nice. Still it’s amazing what you can fill in 4’x8’! Thanks! Peace SD45

I used to model HO scale and the biggest quirk was planning the corner radii. 18" is about the smallest you want to go, but you didn't always have that much space, and you will try to sneak in a 17 or 16" curve and test it to see if you can get away with it. I got out of HO scale mainly because of the lack of room in my room to play with them. I also miss the Athearn and Roundhouse kits. I loved building the car kits. Anyway I adopted N scale after a short run in Lego scale trains and I have not looked back. Much more versatile in available space, easier to do modular railroading and I love long passenger trains which N scale does best.

I wish TT:120 scale was more available and popular in the USA. HO is too big for the space I have, but my eyes are straining with N. I can't be the only one...

Hi all! I'm new to this, so I have a question. I wanna run an inner track off the same controller (I'm currently running 2 tracks, but the adapter can power 3 at once), but I want the train to run in the opposite direction. Will swapping the wires in the power connector do that, or will it not work?

I use a Kato Soundbox system and believe me, coupled with a stereo system AND a subwoofer, i could make you fall off your chair just from the vibration 🤣!! It is just mind blowing!

Que opinas de los diseños en dos niveles ...superior he inferior unidos por una rampa helicoidal.