117: Backdrop, Track, and Tech

[@cwbywy9544]

great to see you back Steve, got way too excited when I saw a new video of yours. lol.

[@BoeingBigJet]

Install a minisplit like I did in my garage layout room. So worth it! Winter or summer in NV I also went with insulated garage door and tinted the windows dark. Then had the walls and attic above insulated. It works great

[@ReidsTrainStuff]

The joys of model railroading, great to see you back my friend.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Feels good to be back at it, Reid! Thanks for sticking around!

[@dcrrails3402]

I'm glad you're back! I missed your videos, but as many others have already said, I echo their sentiment-it's good to have you back, baby! You've inspired me to get back into the hobby. I did it as a kid, but you got me going again. I can't thank you enough for reigniting my passion for this! I, too, am in the garage, and hot summers are a deterrent, but I'll use that time to build buildings to go onto the layout when it cools off again. Thanks for the video and your exuberance. It is contagious!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Aw, man, thanks for the encouragement!

[@lionellance]

Hey Steve.. great job.. like all your stuff..keep the videos coming..and glad to see your back out there working ,now I have to get back to my train shed and get my butt into gear..

[@ItsMyRailroad]

LOL! Sounds like we have a little in common!

[@leterguyschroeder4919]

So glad to see you back Steve. Looking forward to seeing the trains run

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks for jumping into the conversation! See you soon!

[@TheGrover1968]

Glad you're back. You're back, djstrains is back. All is good.

[@harperlarry49]

Hey Steve!! It's good to see you back in the hobby room. Nice to see the track down and trains running. Stay safe old friend.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Ah, Larry. Man you just keep my motor running. Let's see what we can get done before the temps go through the roof again :) Take care old friend.

[@roncrook8656]

Steve, it's been awhile, great to see you back. Looking forward to new videos from you, they are always great!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Ron! It's good to be back at it!

[@jeffherdzina6716]

The place where bad people go....Camarillo ? Glad your back !!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

I think it's just California in general LOL! Jeff, so cool to see you in the comments. Been a few years, eh?

[@jeffherdzina6716]

@@ItsMyRailroad It has, Brother.

[@johnmiller2880]

So glad to see you back at it. 🎉 looking great!! Great design.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks John! Rail-on!

[@craiglordable]

Hey, great to see you! Looking for more fun, thanks.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Craig!

[@michaelbran7993]

GREAT to see you back we missed you here in UK Merry Christmas

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Oh, you know I love me some UK! Thanks Michael and have a Merry Christmas!

[@al1467]

Steve, great to see you again. As always, good stuff. Rail on my friend!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks, and you rail-right-on!

[@forresthouser5807]

Thanks for the tips on auto reverse. I will make good use of that info. P.S. - I'm Loving this new layout design, and anxious to see all further updates as they come.

[@stephenriley9084]

Hi! Steve!! Good to see you on the small screen 😊. Keep rolling down the railroad! Regards, Stephen.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

You Stephen! Nice to see you to old friend! Rail-on!

[@baatfam]

Good to see you back...Keep it up...

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks! Rail-on!

[@andycrawford9870]

Experiencced the same issues with AR1. Replaced with AR10 and works great.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Mine too. One less issue to deal with running my babies :) Thanks Andy!

[@captainchaos3174]

Hi Steve, welcome back! Good to see you again. Looking forward to see the progress.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Got some big plans for building some models (my fav part) Thanks and see you around!

[@normanrowe2831]

Holy smoke! It’s the ghost of Christmas past! Good to see you again Steve. Merry Christmas to you and Cyndi.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey Norm! Great to see you too my brother!

[@fbrailroad4628]

Good to see a new video, Steve. I have 2 de10s on 2 reverse loops on my layout and no problems.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

I think I looked at the DE-10 but couldn't find any that would shop quickly enough. Thanks for sharing this to give other rail fans options!

[@ericbulich9812]

Glad to see you back buddy, I haven’t done much with my switching layout in awhile either but it’s turning colder so hopefully get back at it, keep railin,be blessed 🙏🏻

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hi Eric! Sometimes it just is what it is, right? Rail-on!

[@ericbulich9812]

@ Truth

[@WingingItTrains]

I use both an NCE auto reverser and a PSX auto reverser on my layout. Neither have ever failed on me and both will cut power as soon as there's a short with a derailment or high current load. The PSX is also programmable directly through DCC which is pretty cool. I've also had many issues with digitrax decoders. They seem pretty hit or miss. Some of mine will just completely stop responding after not being used for a while and I have to reprogram them entirely to work. I have a couple that for some reason make the motor run slower than normal after using them for a while, and just setting CV5 or 6 to the value that it's already set as fixes it. No clue what causes these issues. I like how the layout is coming along. You're the second I've seen to use the automatic switching in combination with the autoreverser, which is still new to me. It's great for layouts like these where the train needs to run through a reverse loop without the need to keep flipping the switch every minute.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Yeah, I tried everything with the DT decoders and finally got rid of all of them. TCS is a bit more expensive but my happiness does not have a price tag (a quote from the 1st Lady LOL!) I looked at PSX and they seem to pretty good. Just couldn't find any fast enough so I went with NCE. If you didn't see it, take a look at this vid on how I wire my auto-reversing loops, and thanks for chiming in! Automated Turnouts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naLEg4KoZ8alhsk Wiring a Digitrax AR-1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3XYaHuJZt6Wo6c

[@bigizzysworld4253]

So glad you uploaded bro! I’m starting my new n scale layout. Just switched from ho due to space

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Thanks Steve to see you back-garage layout is not the best place but when you dont have any choice

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Yeah, it was different with the big layout. I had walls everywhere and it kept most of it clean-on the inside anyway. We'll get it though. Gotta finish this one before I tear it out and start over LOL! (Not).

[@N-Scale]

Good to see you Steve !!!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Mike, how the hell are you and Robyn doin, my brother. I'm gonna be buying some stuff for this build. I'll come see you for the good stuff! BTW Rail-fans, check out Mike's website for supplies, rolling stock, and other cool stuff: www.fiferhobby.com/

[@benmoreau8404]

😂 nothing wrong with being honest well good to see you back Steve

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Ben!

[@strobson1]

Aloha Steve!!! Great to see you

[@ItsMyRailroad]

I LOVE Aloha! My fav state in the union! Hope all is well over there, and rail-on!

[@mr.c2363]

Out of the studio and into the garage. Missed ya Brother...Rail On!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Well, with my debut album in full release I figured it was time to get back to my first love. That, and the temp is bearable in the hobby room :) Thanks, "Mr. C"

[@rickywynn9571]

Great to cya again buddy

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Ricky! Rail-on!

[@ericmatson117]

Love you explanations. Can you do a series on track and turnout wiring?

[@peterpocock9062]

Welcome back Steve, good to see you making some progress.😊 About covering the front of your layout, I use (jeans material), and it is fastened at the bottom and folds up to the upper valence and held there with short strips of Velcro. When you want to run your trains, the curtain is pulled off at the top and just hangs down along the layout cedge! When you've finished playing, it just clips right back up. Too easy! My layout is in my engineering workshop, and that is the worst place to have it, but the lift up curtain saves the day!😊

[@ItsMyRailroad]

You know, that is an awesome idea! i was planning to use the doors to mount an unrelated project on, but I may never get to it. In the mean time, the fabric idea is light and easy to get done. Brilliant!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey Pete, as an update, just went over your idea with the 1st Lady. I'm pretty sure we're going to go that route for now. Thanks brother!

[@elleryparsons2433]

I Just Got Done Doin My Backdrop. and I am Happy I’m Done I Glued Al The Tile I Got for Nothing glueing The Back Of the Tile Then Installed It And It Looks Real Good.Still Gotta Plenty To do Yet.

[@TheRobertSterling]

Hi Steve, good to see you. Glad you had a good Thanksgiving. We got snow up here in Canada.🇨🇦 How did you know I tore my layout up and started again?? 😂 I just finished painting the Pink, and having a coffee while paint dries, and the notification bell was on. Next I'm doing the background. 😱 Rail on my friend.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Greetings, Mister Sterling! Long time to speak. Looks like we're in this together again, eh?

[@sawyerpac9878]

You got it babby Steve this is your buddy Jerry from Santa cruz.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Jerry my man! Still at it, eh? Awesome to see you here!

[@ericmatson117]

Welcome back missed your videos

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Eric!

[@androsborsato]

We love you Steve!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Well, SOMEBODY has to LOL! Thanks bro!

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Steve & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Steve & Friends & Randy

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hi Randy! Thanks for the comment my friend!

[@ProfessorCharlesPorterfield]

So good to see you again!

[@nevillehicks3929]

Good see back

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thank you my friend!

[@chrisridd9423]

Great to see your progress! I'm a fan of using a dual frog juicer for a reversing loop. Simple wiring, and the KISS approach has great appeal 🙂 It is a shame you guys in the US haven't really gone for standard DCC decoder modules, which does make it really easy to switch out badly made decoders (Digitrax?) with good ones. Of course like any standards there's a few competing ones, but even so there's a lot of choice.

[@rdanscale3416]

Steve its good to see ya doing your thing again.. Awesome i do have something to say about them digitrax Auto Reversers I seen by watching Video's guys struggling to get them to work to me there junk. So when I bought my Kato Turntable i was looking for a dependable AR & was wanting the reverser made by MRC but they weren't available Steve so the next autoreverser that I trained my eyes on was AR10 i did watch a few Video's one that made a strong point for me was by Mr. Roy Smith his video showed how the AR10 made such a smooth transition of power compared to the digitrax that failed terribly I bought my AR10 hooked it up & from start up I was moving Locomotives through the Turntable turning Engines all with the sound fully functional I've been so happy with this small Jem from NCE.. Hope to see more of those Cool Steve Brown Video's 😎 Happy Holidays Allen D

[@jacjac5761]

Well long time no see! I can't wait for you to do some service switching. SO HURRY UP 😁

[@wilzdart]

Hey Steve, glad you are back putting out content. As far as the dust issue why not try rods with shower curtains?? Way cheaper than wood. Speaking of wood looking forward to the bridge building, you have in the past built some awesome stuff back at your old house layout. Need anything give me a text or call.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey Will! The doors are going to serve two purposes: 1) to protect the layout. 2) to mount my relay microprocessor on, heh, heh. Thanks buddy!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey Will! See @peterpocock9062 comment below. This looks like the way to go!

[@charlesmcclure5994]

Glad to see you're still alive and kicking Steve how's your Uncle Bob by the way, can't wait to see some of the updates on your new layout take care and you and your lovely wife and family have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year 👍👍

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey Charles! Been a minute, eh? Uncle Bob is doing well and kicking my ass to get some modeling done LOL! Hope your holidays are all the best and see you very soon!

[@PrinceRupertBC]

welcome back

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Many thanks, my friend!

[@dirkmontgomery5983]

Rail on my friend

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Been a minute, Dirk. Likewise brother, and thanks!

[@raykiefer5137]

glad to see you back. How's your music going?

[@julieinthenorthwest4594]

Those EQs can do some damage to drywall. My uncle (San Diego) use to use a sky blue wall paper...No paint to chip, no joint compound, no cracks and hides any joint compound cracks

[@androsborsato]

The digitrax decoder issue is a setting called 'back emf" and acts as a cruise control. when its off the trains slows down going up an speeds up going down.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Yep, I know all about it. I tried all of the settings and it never improved. This was back when I had two at the head pulling 50 container cars. Tried changing the settings on this one too. Never works for me. The TCS ones run perfect right out of the box. Thanks!

[@paulweber8067]

HES BACK

[@ItsMyRailroad]

The grave cannot hold me. LOL! Or, it just got a lot cooler in the garage. Thanks Paul!

[@blainedunlap4242]

Steve. Love Ya, that's a crappy drywall seam. Did all the sheetrock in your house crack? Naaw.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Nope. The house was fine. It was probably just my crappy install LOL! Thanks for asking :)

[@TheNorthwestWind]

we need another update sooner than later daddy

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Copy that dog!

[@olebond0071]

Hi, again, I asked u about how to wire the tortoise switch machine to a dcc layout. You mentioned using a 12 voltage power supply. I have dpdt switches already. Would I need to use frog juicer so the dcc system does not get confused about what polarity it needs to be when the train goes through the turnouts. Also.if i need juicer how many does one take care of.turnouts

[@TheNorthwestWind]

finally

[@ItsMyRailroad]

It happens. :)

[@TheNorthwestWind]

@@ItsMyRailroad you are happening daddy

[@olebond0071]

I have a question for you. I Nce power cab with sb5 smart booster how do u wire the tortoise switch machine? Do you use my power supply DC, or should i connect them in the power bis of the dcc system? I have tried looking this up on google and utube i have found i am more confused. Can you please help. Thanks Bob

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks for asking. I'm sure there are a few ways but it depends on what you want to do. To automate like I did, you connect them to a Digitrax DS64 which connects right to your DCC buss. You can control them with your cab this way too. To have just manual operation, connect the SMs to a 12V power source through a momentary push button. Then just press the button. Hope this helps!

[@peteshoulders1]

😀😀😀👍👍👍

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Rail-on Pete!

[@gmaneis]

Just label that crack "The Crack of Dawn!"

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Maybe it could just be the Grand Canyon in the background! :)

[@michellee6829]

Use fiber masking tape which will stop most cracking at your joints. Paper tape isn't good for movement.

[@KandWRailroader]

Oh man, building a layout in earthquake territory must be both frightening and frustrating!

[@daleroth236]

I purchased 5 Digitrax decoders from an online retailer and 3 would not read. I tested them and they are either shot or they weren't set up correctly. DIgitrax has had them for three months and I have yet to have them replaced. They are not shorted out, they do not read when on programming track. I have communicated with Digitrax and got one response. Something about not having a contact something. I got the ticket number assigned but nothing else. Don't understand it. Even my local hobby shop had no way of testing them. Not sure about Digitrax any longer.

[@dirkmontgomery5983]

What happened to the layout

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Well, this is my third since I moved in here. Needed something smaller and more manageable.

[@TheNorthwestWind]

Can I urge you to tear down this layout now? Please build a new room like you had in your garage - and begin the new layout of your dreams. I know you will do this eventually anyway, Ive been watching you for years. Start now, take your time. Document it all. Thank me later

[@kilrbe3]

Your experience level always just, makes me wonder.. You talk like you know dam well about some things, and do. Yet once you talk about the decoder, it's like you lost me completely... Of course a shitty Digitrax decoder is going to suck, in a Bachmann of all things. Digitraxx is not known at all for their decoders besides cheap, old and shit. That's where you make me question your skills and this MMR.. You wouldn't even bother to try or discuss it and it jsut rip it out and throw it away and drop in a Loksound or Tsu. Your track is so close to the edge on the turn, you might as well just go ahead and knock cars on the ground now with your elbow and get it over with. Unsure why YT keeps showing me your videos...

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey, my friend, and thanks for the comment. I know exactly about the decoder and demonstrated it on the channel. Others have had different experiences, but this is twice now that it sucks on my layout. I also agree that Bachman is not the best choice for any loco, but it seems to run well enough if I keep it on a flat surface. Not sure what you're saying about DigiTrax except to be in agreement with me. You're killing me about how close my track is to the edge of the layout. :) Yeah, got it. But, the layout is only two feet deep and there's only so much I can do. That sort of trade-off is what regular guy model railroaders need to consider. My way is not the only way, but it works for me. Perhaps YT keeps showing you my videos because about 30,000 subscribers enjoy the content. You could always just tell YT you never want to see me anymore. I'm sure you could find content you approve of somewhere else. I'll take any feedback from any viewer, so I encourage you to stick around and see how things develop. All the best, and rail-on!

[@larrybaughman618]

It's good to see you back steve🤠🫵🚂🗯

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Larry! Let's see how much I can get done before I need to shut down for summer :)