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Trackwork expansion overview

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Here's a short video clip showing the recently completed trackwork expansion.

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How to fix Proto 2000 axles -- the dreaded P2K split axle epidemic.

I have quite a few P2K (Proto 2000) four-axle engines on my layout. One of them started running erratically and acted like it was going over a stray piece of ballast every inch or so. When I looked into it, I found out that the P2K engines had axles that split, leading to operating problems. Apparently, Walthers discovered this problem right after they bought the line and sent out thousands of replacements, but are no longer doing so (at least that's my understanding.) It's a fairly easy fix to do and you don't even have to take the shell off. First, flip the engine over and locate the long plastic piece that runs between both sets of axles. It fits over four little tabs, two on each side. You'll need to get a little flat-bladed screwdriver in there to pry up on the piece where it goes over the tab. Pry up a little bit on one, then move on to the next one. Once you get one side, you can usually just "hing" up the piece off the other two tabs. Here's

How to make HO scale roads

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How to make HO scale backdrops

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