A recent visit to the EM Gauge Spring 2023 exhibition in Bracknell yielded this interesting explanation of how to convert a steam locomotive from 00 to EM gauge.

A demonstrator at the EM Gauge Expo Spring 2023 in Bracknell showing how to fit Alan Gibson axles.

A reading of the Christmas classic by Clement Clarke Moore, with original illustrations by Arthur Rackham. Both poem and illustrations are out of copyright.

Without the sort of space available only in an abandoned warehouse or aircraft hanger, it is difficult to model a representation of more than a minute fraction of a long distance train's journey. However, by extending a model railway layout into the realm of the virtual, computer simulated, a far greater proportion of railway, and variety of operations, can be represented.

In this video, we see how this can be achieved on this, work in progress "N" gauge (1:148 scale) model railway layout, set in southern England in 1989.

Used correctly, capacitors can transform the reliability of model railway locomotives, especially in smaller scales. Watch to find out more about what causes unreliability in model railways and various means of addressing it.

** Credits **

Additional images:

With special thanks to:

This is a single take, non-narrated demonstration of computer controlled wagon (fuel tank siding) shunting operations on my N gauge model railway.

See https://diode.zone/videos/watch/4a2ec686-3c13-4d3a-88c3-db280735f242 for a fully narrated video explaining what is occurring in this sequence and how the automated coupling and uncoupling works.

This is a single take, non-narrated demonstration of computer controlled carriage siding shunting operations on my N gauge model railway.

See https://diode.zone/videos/watch/4a2ec686-3c13-4d3a-88c3-db280735f242 for a fully narrated video explaining what is occurring in this sequence and how the automated coupling and uncoupling works.

Real railway operations often involve coupling and uncoupling. With a few commercially available items of hardware and software, computer automated model railway operations can, too. See how complex shunting operations can be fully automated in a small scale model railway (1:148; British N gauge) in this video.

See here for the a single take, uninterrupted sequence of the carriage sidings shunting: https://diode.zone/videos/watch/598f572e-8ff6-4be4-9630-03a26052880a

With trackwork complete on this N gauge layout set in the 1980s, the wiring commences. In this video, we see how the electronics on the layout are put together ready for computer control and full automation.

Testing automation with TrainController. This video was originally recorded in 2018. I have now started building my final layout: see here for an overview: https://diode.zone/videos/watch/5d3a7703-af14-450c-a2bf-e2b13651de00