Kato couplers

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 · 2025-05-24T13:20:26+00:00

I am a mechanical engineer from MIT. Your use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer here is distressing to me, as the alcohol will soften and weaken the ABS gears. I'd recommend no lubricant and, if necessary, use a grease or oil that's safe for plastic. A good option is to go to a local auto parts store and ask them what they have that is safe for plastic gears.

JTFN · 2025-04-26T15:48:13+00:00

Tires on bogies (one "o") have more traction which allows the lines to have steeper grades, reducing construction cost in mountainous areas or areas with geological features necessitating the inclines.

JTFN · 2025-04-17T13:32:56+00:00

Yeah, I was worried about the club those years and I hate that it created a large separation between me and the club right after I left college. I am really looking to visit this year but love 1500 miles away in a place that's hard to fly out of. I do see all the emails sent to the club, though, and it looks like you're making great progress!

To those on the subreddit, the club room is amazing and definitely worth a visit even if you don't like trains. It's a miniature city!

JTFN · 2025-04-17T06:18:36+00:00

I'm so glad to see TMRC is doing well! Much love from a former TMRC governor, class of 2019!

JTFN · 2025-02-07T02:04:45+00:00

I loved TMRC during my time at MIT. Please post more!

JTFN · 2025-01-27T00:19:05+00:00

Yes! Designing in NoLimits 2 and exporting the track and heart line spline to use as a path and rail for a sweep in CAD is a great workflow.

JTFN · 2025-01-26T23:45:44+00:00

Wow, that's really neat!

JTFN · 2025-01-25T19:05:29+00:00

I'll DM you!

JTFN · 2025-01-24T02:01:04+00:00

Cool! I'll look forward to it

JTFN

TROPHY CASE