Author: jrk7841

Kato N Scale Mikado Locomotives

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It’s the intricate details and exceptional craftsmanship that make the Kato N Scale Mikado a model a must-have for any n scale train enthusiast. The Mikado locomotive, known for its distinctive wheel arrangement of 2-8-2, gained popularity during the early 20th century and became an iconic symbol of power and efficiency. Kato, renowned for its commitment to quality, has brought this powerful locomotive to life in the N Scale, allowing enthusiasts to experience the charm and grandeur of the original Mikado in a compact reliable model. Let’s take a look Kato Mikado, exploring its history, features, and see why this is still such a popular little locomotive.

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  • Unmatched Detail and Realism: One of the standout features of the N Scale Kato Mikado is the exceptional level of detail it offers. From the accurately replicated steam dome to the delicate handrails and meticulous paintwork, every aspect of this model exudes realism. Kato’s attention to detail ensures that the N Scale Mikado stands out as a true miniature masterpiece.
  • Smooth and Silent Operation: If you are only familiar with the earlier n scale steam locomotives, you owe it to yourself to check out the Kato. Thanks to Kato’s renowned engineering, the N Scale Mikado delivers smooth and silent operation. Equipped with a precision motor and advanced electronics, this locomotive glides effortlessly along the tracks, providing an immersive and enjoyable experience for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists.
  • DCC and Sound Compatibility: Many are wondering about DCC applications. Yes, the N Scale Kato Mikado can be equipped with Digital Command Control (DCC) and sound capabilities. This allows you to control various functions of the locomotive, such as speed, lights, and even the sound of the steam chuffing and whistle blowing. Imagine the thrill of hearing the unmistakable sounds of a real steam locomotive as it powers through your miniature world.
  • Recommended Radius: While you may be able to actually get the locomotive to make a 9.5″ radius, it won’t look pretty and it might be a little herky jerky. Try to go 11″ and up as it will run smoother and look much more prototypical.

In conclusion, the N Scale Kato Mikado is a true testament to the artistry and engineering prowess of Kato. With its meticulous attention to detail, smooth operation, and compatibility with DCC and sound systems, this model locomotive is a must-have for any N Scale enthusiast. I keep hoping Kato will reissue this nice little locomotive. For now though, there are quite a few available on the secondary market.

All About Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts

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Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts are a great way to jump into z scale model railroading. If you have a passion for model railroading and want to create a stunning miniature world in the palm of your hand, then you’re in for a treat. In this article, we will dive into the details of Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts, their benefits, and how they can enhance your model railroad experience.

What Are Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts? Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts are meticulously crafted, ready-to-use layouts designed to bring your model railroad dreams to life. They are made to Z Scale, which means that they are built to a proportion of 1:220, providing an incredible level of detail in a compact space. These layouts come in various shapes, sizes, and themes, allowing you to choose the one that suits your preferences.  The winter scenes are my favorite, not sure why I guess growing up in MN, wintertime was spent outside playing in the snow or running my father’s n scale empire.  Keep in mind, most sets are sold without tracks.  You can use either Marklin or Rokuhan on most.

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Benefits of Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts

  1. Easy Setup: One of the biggest advantages of Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts is their ease of setup. They come fully assembled, so all you need to do is unpack them, place them on a suitable surface, and you’re ready to go. No more hours spent on building complex layouts from scratch!
  2. Realistic Details: Despite their small size, Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts are packed with intricate and realistic details. From beautifully landscaped terrain to tiny buildings, bridges, and figures, these layouts offer an immersive experience that captures the essence of a real-world scene.
  3. Space Efficiency: Z Scale layouts are known for their space-saving nature, and Noch Preformed Layouts are no exception. Whether you have limited room in your home or prefer a compact setup, these layouts allow you to create a captivating model railroad in a small footprint.  The smaller layouts are a great center piece and can be powered with simple battery controller.
  4. Customization Options: While Noch Z Scale Preformed Layouts come ready to use, they also provide ample room for customization. You can add your personal touches, such as additional scenery elements, figurines, or even modify the existing layout to suit your vision. The flexibility offered by these layouts ensures that you can create a unique and personalized model railroad.

Choosing the Right Noch Z Scale Preformed Layout

Noch offers a wide range of Z Scale Preformed Layouts, each with its own theme and design. Whether you’re interested in recreating a bustling cityscape, a serene countryside, or a mountainous landscape, there is a layout to match your preferences. Consider factors such as available space, desired level of complexity, and your preferred scenery to choose the perfect layout for your needs.  Also keep in mind the size of locomotives and freight you will be running.  Think along the lines of small SW switchers and Marklin 0-6-0 locomotives

Tips for Enhancing Your Noch Z Scale Preformed Layout

  1. Lighting: Adding lighting to your layout can bring it to life. Consider using miniature LED lights to create realistic day and night scenes, adding depth and ambiance to your model railroad. To me, this is a must!
  2. Foliage and Scenery: Enhance the visual appeal of your layout by adding foliage, trees, and other scenic elements. Noch offers a wide range of realistic vegetation and landscaping materials that can transform your layout into a breathtaking masterpiece.
  3. Weathering: Applying weathering techniques to your buildings, vehicles, and tracks can add a touch of realism to your layout. Experiment with paints, powders, and washes to give them a weathered and aged appearance.

So there you have it. A Noch preformed layout will get you up and running in a short amount of time. From there, with a little patience and time, you can customize your layout with all sorts of little details and scenery, to make it truly your own. You will be well on your way in the great little world of z scale model railroading.

AZL Z Scale Spine Car Sets

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AZL is offering another very nice addition to z scalers, the Trinity RAF 53′ spine car set with 53′ trailers. This is a five car set that includes five spline cars with 5 trailers. The spine cars are metal body with add on etched features. The Spine cars themselves are really well done and the 53′ trailers add to the deal.

Included Options For The AZL Spine Car Sets

The z scale spine car and trailer sets from American Z Line comes with a few different options for you. You get 5 sets of trailer hitches in both the up position as well as the down position. Also included are 5 sets of 4 container hole adapters for when the container is on the spline car as well as 5 sets of container posts for when you don’t have the containers on the car. These options will require some assembly and a steady hand. The video below on the left has more info.

53′ Trailers For The AZL Spine Cars

The 53′ trailers that come with the set really make the cars. The trailers feature the trailer legs, wheels that turn and wheel sets that can be repositioned. All of that in Z Scale!

A Couple Of Videos

Below are a couple of videos on for the AZL Spine Cars. The first gives a nice overview and the second shows the cars in action. Very nice work again by the crew at American Z Line!

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Bowser 4-6-2 Pacific

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The Bowser 4-6-2 Pacific was as popular with model railroaders as it was with many railroads. This workhorse of the steam era could be found on railroads around the country. I was surprised that when I searched for the Bowser 4-6-2 on eBay, I didn’t see as many as I thought I would. I tried a couple different queries including Bowser Pacific and K-4 but still not a bunch. I did find some completed models, parts including tenders and running gear. I think a unbuilt Bowser 4-6-2 kit maybe a little harder to come buy than the very, very popular. Check out the current listings on eBay below.

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Bowser 4-6-2 Pacific Kits

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Here are a couple of videos embedded from YouTube. Very cool these things being bought, build and or restored.

Bowser 4-6-2 Pacific Exploded View Schematic

Here is a link to an exploded view of the Bowser 4-6-2 Pacific. This is a nice resource if you are piecing a Pacific together from old parts! Here is a little more background on the Bowser Locomotive Kits you may find interesting.

Bowser 4-6-6-4

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If you know about the Bowser 4-6-6-4 Challenger kit, you know what you looking for and you know why. The Bowser 4-6-6-4 was really one of those kits that many of us wanted when we were young but could never really afford. Many of settled for a simple 0-6-0 kit. Not nearly as impressive but fun to build none the less. Well, maybe you are a little better funded now that you are older and you want to build a Challenger. Of course they are out of production now but you can still find them even in un built form on ebay. Below is a current search of what’s available. It is always changing so check back! I embedded a couple of videos below as well to get your juices flowing. Enjoy!

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Bowser 4-6-6-4 Kits Currently on Ebay

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Here are a couple of videos embedded from YouTube. It’s amazing to see what can be done with the Bowser 4-6-6-4 with a little patience and perseverance!

Bowser 4-6-6-4 Exploded View Schematic

Here is a link to an exploded view of the Bowser 4-6-6-4. Really a nice little piece of information on the kit! Here is a little more background on the Bowser Locomotive Kits you may find interesting.

AZL Z Scale Locomotive Repair

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I thought I would pass along a little info I received from AZL. As a dealer in the past, I still get a few updates from them. Most AZL locomotive issues can be resolved simply without having to return the locomotive to AZL. AZL stands behind there product and your chosen dealer should be your first source of help with any issues. It’s their job! So below is a video that will hopefully help you with any AZL locomotive repairs or issues you may have. Most of the issues point back to the PC board coming our of position. I know when I was a dealer, it was an issue and always and usually an easy fix. After that, start with your dealer. If they don’t respond, it may be time for a new dealer.

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Choosing An HO Train Set

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An HO train set is a great way to into or start someone in the great hobby of model railroading. HO scale is still one of the most popular scales. The huge variety of locomotives and rolling stock and accessories as well as being a bigger than n scale but not as big as O scale makes it great starting point. Below are a few things to consider as you shop for a HO train set.

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HO Train Set Options.

Let’s start with the time period you would like to model. Again, there are plenty of options. While starter sets in HO are somewhat limited, you should be able to find something from the steam era all the way up to the modern era. Keep in mind, this is your starting point and you can certainly branch out from there, and you will. Right now the two main players in HO scale sets are Bachmann and Lionel with Bachmann being more prevalent. A very basic set in HO from Bachmann can be had from under $150. It is just a locomotive, a couple of cars, a caboose, an oval of track and a controller. If you want more cars and track in your set, well the price goes up.

Growing Your HO Train Set

Some set up their trains once a year during the holidays, others get just a little more involved, taking over the entire basement or garage. Growing your layout is a simple as adding track and stock. How detailed or complicated is up to you. You may choose to stick with the brand of track you start with or you may get into more of a flex track or even hand lay your track. Some even hand build their own turnouts. My father did, but he was way more patient than me. It’s all up to you to add as much detail and interesting scenes as you can imagine.

Build Your Own HO Train Set

You can also put together your won HO train set, picking and choosing your track locomotives, rolling stock and controller. If you have some experience in model railroading, this may be a better option as your tastes are even more specific and you know what you are shopping for. Shopping on ebay will also open up opportunities for some great buys if you know what you are looking for. If you are just looking to get started quickly in model railroading, buying a complete package may be the best option for your HO train set.

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Broadway Limited N Scale T1 Locomotive

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Broadway Limited Imports BLI N Scale PRR T1 4-4-4-4 Steam Locomotive
Broadway Limited N Scale PRR T1 Locomotive

As steam locomotives were reaching their peak, along came the PRR T1 4-4-4-4 steam locomotive. Broadway Limited Imports (BLI) has captured this beauty in n scale with some awesome features. First introduced in 1942, the BLI n scale model is typical of the production model produced in the 1950’s. The prototype had a few knocks against it including being expensive to maintain and operate as well a being prone to wheel slip. You won’t have that problem with the BLI version. It has a cast boiler as well as a precision designed drive train for excellent slow speed and pulling power. Available in 5 road names for PRR as well as an undecorated model. PRR ordered 50 more units after a couple of demo models. You can find more prototypical information here at Wikipedia.

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Operating Perimeters Of The BLI N Scale T1

The BLI T1 Duplex is designed to run on code 55, 70 or 80 rail. Minimum recommended radius for the locomotive is 9.75 inches. It is set up to run with both DC or DCC. The sound will operate in DCC but if you want sound in DC, you will need to use the BLI-1011 DC Master Analog Control Module. The Paragon 3 sound system offers a boat load of sound and choices. As a matter of fact when I looked at the available sound options available, my head started spinning a little bit. I am one of those guys that would likely open the box and runt the T1 with factory settings. For those of you more detail orientated, you can dial it in to an exact setting.

Reviews Of The BLI T1

You will find a few reviews of the Broadway Limited T1 in n scale. They all point the same way. Excellent detail, smooth running, great sound and better than hoped for! This really is an iconic locomotive that has been done very well. List price is around $420 but you will find them online routinely under $300. If you are a PRR fan, you will be very pleased with your Broadway Limited N Scale T1 locomotive. For you HO fans, BLT offers one of you too!

N Scale Fire Trucks

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Adding small details to your n scale layout can make a huge difference. Fire trucks are just one aspect you can add to your n scale layout that can really flesh out the scene. You can create a live action scene or just the local fire station. And now you have some nice choices in n scale fire trucks to make that happen.

What’s Available?

When I first started searching for n scale fire trucks, I didn’t think I would find many. But I was surprised to find fire trucks in n scale from the 1920’s to the modern era. One of my favorites I came across is a hook and ladder kit from GHQ. It’s cast pewter so you do need to put it together and paint it but you really can finish it to match your own local fire department if you are good with decals. I was even more surprised to realize that GHQ is based about 20 miles from my home! They have some really neat stuff in addition to their fire trucks in n scale. You can also find fire trucks in n scale from Wiking, Athearn and others as well as some 3D printed models.

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A Place To Park Your Fire Engines

Of course, you will need a place to park your fire trucks. Some of the offerings in n scale leave something to be desired but if you dig you should find something that will fit in to your layout. If not scratch building or kit bashing may be in order.

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So if you are looking to add a little more realism to your small town on your n scale layout, consider adding a fire truck either in action or in front of a station. It’s a simple addition that can really add depth with little effort.

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Tyco Mantua Steam Locomotive Kits

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Growing up my dad help me build a few different steam locomotive kits. For the most part they were fun simple projects especially some of the old timers like the ten wheeler and the 2-8-0. They had fairly simple running gear. Some of the more modern steam locomotive kits that Tyco offered had more complex valve gear that took a little more finesse assembling. One of my favorite parts on the kits was painting them. I still have my first couple of kits. I have a D&RGW 4-8-0 that I repainted as an olive green with silver smoke box. I also purchased one that is still in it’s original colors. I found a very cool source for info on the old Tyco kits you may want to check out. They have some cool images and a bunch of data on the different models Tyco offered in steam.

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What Steam Locomotives Did Tyco Offer?

I am not sure if all of the steam locomotives Tyco offered where available as kits or not. But from what I have seen, they offered a total of 15 different steamers. The smallest was the 0-4-0 booster, the largest a 2-10-4 Texan. You won’t find a Texan, as according to the source listed above, they were advertised but never produced. You can still find plenty of Tyco Steam locomotive kits unboxed and some even sealed up on ebay. You can even find some parts here and there online. I have grabbed a few parts here and there for a rebuild of one of my first kits.

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In addition to the kits, you will find many assembled Tyco locomotives in varying conditions. Some are pristine and still sealed Others are well played with and my be good for your parts collection. One of the steam locomotive kits that Tyco produced a ton of is the Spirit of America 4-6-0 Bicentennial version. This is basically the Tyco 1890 4-6-0 in red white and blue paint. That being said it makes either a good parts locomotive or a great subject for a repaint!

A Few Last Thoughts On Tyco Steam Locomotive Kits

The steam locomotive kits Tyco and Mantua offered were never super detailed or complicated. What they accomplished is to build imagination and skills that started many in the hobby of model railroading. Whether you want to build, run or just collect, these great kits will suit you just fine.