Author: traiNmaster

After spending 35 years in Malaysia, I have decided to spend the other 35 years outside Malaysia. First stop, Germany!
Loewenherz Railway Park1 Comment

Building H0 Plinths for Exhibitions

traiNmaster

Locomotives and wagons on exhibit needs a stable foundation to rest. In fact, Loewenherz has at least 3 plinths for permanent and revolving exhibits. I experimented with 10mm plywood and 3mm cork as materials for various forms of plinths. Each material has its own merits – weight, stiffness, ease to mold etc. as well as look-and-feel. I wanted to experiment. Material: 10mm Plywood vs 3mm Cork In terms of hardness, no doubt plywood fulfilled its purpose. You need a wood saw and other tools to cut into shape. Cork is easy to cut with a paper cutter and shape but … Continue reading Building H0 Plinths for Exhibitions

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Designing a Stable Module Framework

traiNmaster

The last time I designed and built modules was back in 2014 when I had space temporarily for my 4 x 1.5m N-scale “Somewhere in Germany” segment layout. I have learned a lot from my experience and provides me a good understanding and knowledge how to build Loewenherz modules. MIST-61 adopts the module standards and practices from MIST-55 (Mainz). The end module is 450mm x 150mm. The length of each module is up to the members. I chose 1080mm using standard pieces of Märklin C-tracks 24172 and 24188. Module Construction Drawing I am a perfectionist and stickler for details. I … Continue reading Designing a Stable Module Framework

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From Conception to Realisation: Module “Loewenherz Railway Park”

traiNmaster

In April, my home club Märklin Insider Stammtisch 61 (MIST-61) had our first operating session after 2 years hiatus due to the Corona pandemic. This was my first official appearance as a MIST-61 member. It was a great learning curve for me as I helped with the setup of various modules and had a look at how various members designed, constructed and landscaped their respective layouts. Feeling inspired by the beautiful, detailed and awesome layouts, I considered long and hard, what I was for my first module. The Birth of “Railway Park” Modules I have 2 Märklin steam locomotives (so … Continue reading From Conception to Realisation: Module “Loewenherz Railway Park”

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Märklin/Trix Timesaver Setup and Play Manual in 5 Languages (DE/EN/ES/IT/NL)

traiNmaster

I am happy to announce the release of the Märklin/Trix Timesaver setup and play manual in 5 languages. It took me and my team of volunteer translators 1 month to write and translate the adaptation of John Allen’s famous Timesaver switching puzzle for Märklin and Trix track systems. I published my initial idea for a Märklin Timesaver early January 2022 and called volunteers to translate them in German, French, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. 4 responded immediately and we coordinated our works during evenings and weekends as well as from different time zones. My German translator Stefan Hervel lived in New … Continue reading Märklin/Trix Timesaver Setup and Play Manual in 5 Languages (DE/EN/ES/IT/NL)

Layout Planning & Construction2 Comments

Märklin/Trix Scissor Crossings

traiNmaster

I flipped through the Märklin Full Line catalog and could not find any C-track scissors crossing. Using SCARM software, I drew the four configurations for standard C-tracks and one for compact (slimmer) C-track turnout. Standard C-track Turnouts (24611 / 24612) Slim / Compact C-track Turnouts (24711 / 24712) Take note that you need to cut side of the embankments on the colored pieces 24064. Märklin recommends using 24071 in combination with these slim turnouts 24711/24712. Unfortunately, using the 24071 will cause a gap that could not be filled by other smaller straight pieces. Here is an example how different combinations … Continue reading Märklin/Trix Scissor Crossings

Product Review1 Comment

Review: Keeping BR 53 Travel-Safe with TrainSafe Travel Box

traiNmaster

Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal purchase and experience. I am in no way associated with the seller other than this arm-length commercial transaction. My biggest and most precious Märklin H0 model investment so far is the Baureihe 53 0002 DRB, a Borsig Mallet. It was a beautifully-maintained pre-owned model and I have recently upgraded with Märklin high-performance motor, mfx-decoder with sound and two smoke generators (see post). This Märklin model was constructed between 1995 and 1999 according to some reliable sources. The original plastic packaging fell into pieces – 4 pieces to be exact due to years … Continue reading Review: Keeping BR 53 Travel-Safe with TrainSafe Travel Box

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BR 53 0002 Borsig Mallet Received a Major Upgrade

traiNmaster

When I bought Märklin Baureihe 53 0002 (article no. 3701), it was a love-at-first-sight. According to some records, this model was produced between 1995 and 1999 and comes with a Digital/MM decoder, which has limited function namely, I could turn on/off the head/tender lights. No sound, no smoke generators. It is a beautiful machine. The Wehrmacht (or officially Iron Grey) livery made it standout among the “standard” black/red livery steam locomotives from Epoch II onwards. I planned for an upgrade since the acquisition and researched more about BR 53 and Märklin decoders. Finally, our Märklin H0-Forum group expert showed a … Continue reading BR 53 0002 Borsig Mallet Received a Major Upgrade

Layout Planning & Construction3 Comments

Countdown to Märklin/Trix Timesaver Manuals Launch

traiNmaster

Update 06.04.22: I am pleased to announce the release of Märklin/Trix Timesaver Setup and Play manuals in 5 languages DE/EN/ES/IT/NL. Update 16.02.22: The launch has been delayed due to some ongoing clarifications. A new date will be announced. I did not expect that I will publish a Märklin/Trix Timesaver manuals in such a short period. The name “Timesaver” is not foreign to me as I have John Allen’s Nov. 1972 Model Railroader article of the same name for more than 10 years now. Back and even earlier, I was a US N-scale modeler, focusing on BNSF Galvestone Subdivision which I … Continue reading Countdown to Märklin/Trix Timesaver Manuals Launch