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Does anyone have general experience with adapting an HO-scale structure to N-scale? My reason for the ask is that I've purchased Faller's massive HO-scale Gripper Tunnel Borer. I bought it to adapt to N-scale, which I currently assess will primarily require replacing the 1:87 handrails and steps with PE or plastic in the 1:150 - 1:60 range. From reviewing the instructions, there are some additional work spaces that may need downsizing as well; I may build those first to assess. Obviously this beast is going to look even more massive in an N-scale context than it does in HO, It builds to about four feet in length), but that only increases one's impression of the technology. Designed to cut a single width tunnel bore, I intend to depict this boring a 2-track bore (for which it is actually undersized, but so be it). Intended use is in a double 3x TTrak module (perhaps increased to 15-16 inch depth), with active tracks in the foreground and the TBM working on a higher level cutting a new route. The module is in the design stage and I will post some in-development and build photos when I really dig into this summer 2024. Here's a link to the Faller model (and accessory kits, not purchased): https://www.modellbahnshop-lippe.com/Landscape+%26+Decoration/Trade+%26+Industry/Faller-130900/gb/modell_403840.html I'd welcome general comments and suggestions and any leads to handrail supplies. I project to need about 6 linear feet of rail. Many thanks!

I created this topic for the discussion about this interesting ATC system and a possible reverse enineered, improved variant that could be designed to support long trains with multiple distributed motor cars. The current system has a few drawbacks, including the lack of support for the aforementioned emu/dmu sets, not supported precise station or signal stops and the speed spikes during block boundary transitions that is the result of unsynchronised pwm pulses. The current system seems to use a binary block control system with stop and go signals for each block controlled by the occupancy of the next block. This means a current based block occupancy sensor must send info to its neighbours and receive info from its neighbours. The direction switch decides on the running direction and which incoming next block occupancy info is to use. The slowdown is gradual and triggered by having an active occupancy in the current and next blocks and cleared by having no occupancy in the next block. The drive signal is pwm, based on the speed set on the throttle and the slowdown value of the current block calculated above. This could be improved in multiple ways, like having two neighbours sending info in both directions, which would allow 3 speed operation, with stop, slow and go (red, yellow, green) speed settings. It's also possible to drive 2 or 3 aspect block signals from the block state. (and even signal a block for both directions, with the unselected direction automatically falling to stop) The multiple speed option would allow the mixing of trains with different speed curves. Station stops could be automated by adding an auto stop enable switch to the controls and a threadle type wheel detector to the stop position. The block would then automatically switch to slow mode and display a stop aspect, slowing the train as soon as it enters the station and stopping it precisely at the a wheel sensor. Departure could be controlled manually by turning the auto stop off (resuming normal atc operation depending on the next and next next block) or by a timer automatically doing the same until the station block is clear. (this would create a fully automatic ATO system) In later posts, i will try to design a system that could support all of the above, first with a multiple speed synchronised pwm pulse ATC system, then adding the station ATO features if possible. I'll try to keep the physical format of the components and the connections the same as in the original system.

Hello all, This year the JNMA will be held again, but at a different location this time. The previous JNMA were held in Hamamatsuchō, but this year they have moved to Asakusa, in the Taitōkan, almost next to Sensōji. http://www.jnma.com/ The event will be held de 3rd of July, so for those visiting Japan then, please don't hesitate to drop by! Lots of extreme bargains to be had and chats to be made! I will be there from before the beginning to beyond the end, as I'll be participating for the first time in one of the 25mm T-Trak meetings. Yes, I'll be specifying T-Trak meetings from now on in 25mm and 33mm categories, as the 33mm will become a thing here soon. There will be a few 33mm modules there as well, but the mainstay will still be 25mm (like mine). Anyway, for those who don't know, the JNMA is a 2nd hand model train market with small manufacturers also selling their products. Some rare and special things can be found here at quite reasonable, to bottom prices. See you there!