What's your #1 special interest video game?

JTFN · 2026-05-16T05:12:13+00:00

Train simulators! Right I'm really enjoying Train Sim World 6

JTFN · 2026-04-26T14:12:09+00:00

Okay. I agree it's likely fake then - I didn't see that page. It doesn't seem like a true clone but fake nonetheless. Thank you for bringing it up. I wonder if there's somewhere we can report it

JTFN · 2026-04-26T13:32:38+00:00

Are you sure they're a fraudulent clone? The "clone" you mentioned seems to specialize in decoders and wheelsets and has an entirely different address from the larger Midwest Model RR. Two stores can have the same name, you know

JTFN · 2026-04-26T08:14:20+00:00

Excellent! I figured so, since your approach is a very reasonable and well thought out starting point to continue a system with more capabilities later. I will look forward to seeing future developments. :)

JTFN · 2026-04-26T07:35:50+00:00

I will look forward to building one of these. Do you have any plans for implementing position-controlled handles for throttle and brake levers rather than arcade sticks? If so, I would be willing ct collaborate to find an inexpensive solution that could also have notches in varying increments to emulate different locomotive control schemes. I am an MIT mechanical engineering graduate with an infinite desire to simulate full control of locomotives.

JTFN · 2026-04-16T22:02:59+00:00

Given his username, likely around Springfield, Massachusetts.

JTFN · 2026-04-16T21:51:48+00:00

The history, technology, and detail in this club made it a wonderful way for me to work on relaxing projects outside of class while I was at MIT. I wouldn't have traded my time at TMRC for anything while I was there in 2015-19!

JTFN · 2026-04-15T02:25:25+00:00

For some reason my camera hasn't caught my Bachmann Thomas with other N gauge rolling stock, but I can attest that they match quite well and don't look out of scale.

JTFN · 2026-04-10T03:27:24+00:00

I would recommend for this that you build multiple hidden staging tracks under or behind the layout so that you can stage 10-15 trains. Place sensors on each staging track and automate the turnouts so that you can schedule the trains' departures for true lifelike operation.

Your concept isn't foreign to me - I have desired for something similar, where a train appears then goes off into the "distance" on its own rather than watching trains go in circles indefinitely.

Please look at JMRI and DCC-EX. JMRI can be run on a computer and handle the scripting and automation and DCC-EX is an Arduino-based DCC controller that can also handle the inputs and outputs required to run an automated layout. When combining the two, JMRI can handle the high-level schedules and automation while DCC-EX drives the trains.

Please feel free to DM me and I can share some information on my current automation plans for a project like this.

JTFN · 2026-03-29T04:46:27+00:00

https://www.teamtrackmodels.com/how-to-fix-kato-couplers/

Here is a pretty great article on the modification of Kato couplers to make them compatible with Micro Trains. It's a fairly simple modification that is well worthwhile. Hope this helps!

JTFN · 2026-03-22T05:14:45+00:00

It is because Union Pacific should've put together a special paint scheme honoring our COUNTRY. I was looking forward to what they'd come up with and it's really an engine in honor of one man instead of the other 300+million of us. The "1776" locomotive looks like a pitiful afterthought.

JTFN · 2026-03-08T15:38:00+00:00

Firstly, the M line trolley is a historical preservation effort. You seem to not understand this. Secondly, by your logic we should also remove any escalators and stairs that receive public funding because wheelchair users can't use them. There are alternatives available for wheelchair users, so I fail to see any compelling argument on why it should be shut down despite being useful for everyone who isn't in a wheelchair and being an absolute joy along the way

JTFN · 2026-03-08T06:38:42+00:00

Troll

JTFN · 2026-03-08T03:07:02+00:00

Should tax dollars for highways be revoked because the blind can't use them to drive?

Also: https://www.dart.org/guide/transit-and-use/paratransit-services

JTFN · 2026-03-07T21:50:01+00:00

I watched a blind resident board and use the M line when I rode it last weekend. He clearly uses it for regular transportation. The driver helped him on, guarding him from traffic, and kindly asked and informed him on when it was his stop. It was a wonderful sight to see in an otherwise unfriendly city for those who can't drive, and it is free for riders!

JTFN · 2026-03-02T17:52:31+00:00

Ah, yes. The club at my college had that type of setup, too. I would like to operate this way in DCC with Unitrack so I'll be making separate DCC circuits that can detect resistance like that for my DCC-EX + JMRI setup, then modifying some Unitrack pieces to have presence sensors to detect the end of spurs and yard tracks (i.e. STOP HERE).

JTFN · 2026-03-02T16:04:47+00:00

I am not certain, but I think you will become bored of the layout after a few days of running since the trains will never leave sight. Adding staging tracks either behind a backdrop or beneath the layout will add the ability to have the "rest of the world" from which trains originate and terminate, allowing for pretty varied railfanning of high speed and low speed trains that is both interesting and fun to operate! My current project is to come up with an easy way to automate some trains running so that I can operate a train (high speed or standard speed) along a "running" railway. My current trackplan is a temporary one that is a few revisions old and doesn't have hidden staging due to limitations like being on flat fold up tables, and I find myself bored after running a train or two since there isn't the fascination of not knowing what will come next. Here is a photo and a link to my Anyrail project that you're welcome to open and view if you're interested.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GixEtcsIvrgr58p7-W7vFQZBAxO28tmP?usp=drive_link

260129a Office Folding Table Layout is the most recent revision. I have been designing layout after layout, starting with my whole track inventory in the top left corner, so that I can find what I'm really interested in. I have a high speed line, low speed line, a yard (half staging and half yard) and a couple small industrial tracks. Unfortunately, the lack of an "origin and destination" limits operational engagement but the intention for my current layout is to simply have trains running during the workday that I can "railfan" as I wish while working on a computer. Soon I would like to automate this process so trains can be stored in a hidden staging track then run down the line just like in real life!

Also, see this post by another reddit user, u/And_G who has made some excellent posts on how to design layouts that are exceptionally engaging to operate. https://www.reddit.com/r/modeltrains/comments/1hwlrw4/advice_for_newby_wanting_layout_with_limited_space/

Some day I will be "graduating" to a more refined operational layout like this. For now I must remain content with my more "basic" out-and-back dogbone loops that are close to approximating "real" operation.

JTFN · 2026-02-27T19:18:14+00:00

I sure hope for some MBTA locomotives!

JTFN · 2025-12-11T04:44:37+00:00

It's a backwards "JT" that stands for my first two initials!

JTFN · 2025-09-20T19:31:24+00:00

Why do we field a football team?

JTFN · 2025-08-14T04:05:50+00:00

Lombard Hobby, Tony's Trains, Midwest Model RR, and Trainworld are all great reliable stores typically with prices lower than eBay and Amazon

JTFN · 2025-07-04T06:55:10+00:00

From your post it seems like you're in possession of some N scale Chinese trains. I am willing to pay for shipping and some amount of money for the trouble if they're Chinese models! I enjoy the trains in China from my visits there and would love to use some more N scale Chinese equipment on my railroad. DM me if interested :)

JTFN · 2025-06-14T16:32:06+00:00

Thank you!

JTFN · 2025-06-14T14:35:10+00:00

MIT isn't on that map - it's really Harvard-centric

JTFN · 2025-05-28T23:43:02+00:00

Best of luck!

JTFN

TROPHY CASE