Video: DCC Decoder Install Demo

Here’s my two recently converted to DCC locomotives being run.

Success! Decoder Install in a P2K GP38-2

Today, in between some yard work and other winter preparations, I finished installing a DCC decoder in my Life Like P2K GP38-2. Here it is with half the lights wired. I used a total of four resistors in the loco. Here it is all wired and taped down. Of course, the shell wouldn’t fit on, […]

A Couple of DCC decoder Installs: Easy and a Bit Harder…

As a result of CVTM closing, I acquired a Digitrax DCC system. I was super excited to use it right away, but the only decoder equipped locomotive I had was Gideon’s Bachmann GP40. I had a Digitrax decoder with an 8-pin plug, so I installed it in my DCC ready Atlas RS-11. It took a […]

Champlain Valley Transportation Museum Closing

I am very sad to announce that the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum (CVTM) is now closed indefinitely. The museum, along with having an excellent layout of it’s own, housed our club railroad, the Adirondack and Lake Champlain during the spring and summer. If it weren’t for the museum, I might’ve never joined the club or […]

Trackside Treks Episode 3: West to Utica (Remastered Episode from 2 years ago)

Here’s a throwback episode from 2 years ago. The video I published on my blog was poor quality and poorly compiled, but I think the footage is good enough to give it a second chance. Enjoy the remastered version of Trackside Treks Episode 3, originally published on December 4th, 2018. Also, be sure to check […]

The Champlain Divison, Part 3: South Plattsburgh to Canada (Video)

In the final part of the three part series, I share the best spots along my home stretch of territory, from South Junction Road in South Plattsburgh to Rouses Point Amtrak Station at MP 191 on the Canadian Border.

Installing the Crossover on the ADK&LC

I finally got the crossover installed over this past weekend! Last week we put in a piece of cork in between the mains where the turnouts will go. I noticed the rails at the end would be too high if I installed the turnout as is, so I removed the small segment of rail and […]

Hard-Wiring a DCC Decoder in a Bachmann GP40

Today I took a break from my flatcar project and the module project to install a Digitrax DCC decoder in Gideon’s Bachmann GP40. He got the model as part of a train set several years ago, so it’s not DCC ready. The process was fairly straightforward. I removed the shell, unsoldered the wires from the […]

The Champlain Division, Part 2: PARC (Video)

In part 2 of 3, I railfan the entire PARC line (all two miles of it!). Including rare footage of D&H 7303.

More Trackwork on the ADK&LC

Today I resumed work on the module project. I unsoldered the feeders from the track, and removed all of the surrounding ballast. I then used a dremel to remove the piece of track opposite the first. Fortunately, there were no feeders this time. The ties on the turnout were overlapping some of the ties on […]

NCT Short #2: CP Heritage Unit on the 650

CP Heritage Unit on the D&H!

I was in Plattsburgh earlier when the southbound oil train (CP 650) caught me by surprise. According to another local railfan who reported the train, CP 7023, the CP Air Force unit, was leading the train. Dang, if only I was a little quicker. Oh well, at least I caught CP 7013 on the rear, […]

South Junction Road Crossing Replacement

Yesterday as I was on my way to Plattsburgh I passed some signs about a South Junction road detour, so I had to check it out. It was dark, so I went back today with my good camera for some pictures. It turns out they’re completely replacing the siding track through the crossing, along with […]

NCT Layout Visit Video: Fred Gemmill’s P&MVS

When we visited Fred Gemmill’s fantastic N scale railroad last year, I took some videos, but I didn’t get around to posting them. Here they are now. Enjoy!

Scratchbuilding A Piggyback, Part 1: The Floor and Undeframe

I’ve been pondering the idea of scratchbuilding a TOFC flatcar for a while now, and I finally decided to start building it. I chose to model a ATSF rebuilt flatcar because it fit my time period and it would run around my curves. It also seemed like a manageable starter project, and there were plans […]