Friends of the Rail Forum

Hi Steven, If you had SAR coaches then it was probably HO scale (1:87). Most likely you had one for or another of Lima models of which there were basically two types: 1) been something that very closely represented the Class 5E1 as well as passenger and good rolling stock or 2) the "Lima Junior...

Fidel,

Thanks I'll take a look at RS Components next time I'm looking for some odd stuff like latching relays. These aren't something I've used before so not sure if either of my "local stores" stock them.

Thanks again

Most relays I've dealt with have always had pins that come straight out of the bottom. No funny bends or anything. I can't say I've come across anything that would fit your type of relay.

Just for interest sakes, where did you get your relays from?

Nice work using the latching relay as an auto reversing unit. Back when I still had an DC layout I did the same thing with a double pole relay and a 555 Timer IC as an astable oscillator to flip the polarity. Just a suggestion for your soldering problem with relay. Some of the smaller relays can be ...

Hi Richard, Searching all sections will return everything which results in more than 150 files depending on the keywords you use. This means you have to sift through all the routes, activites and RW (Rail Works) stuff to find what you're looking for. Refining your search to a specific area of the fi...

Hi Richard, Trainsim.com hosts pretty much all of the South African MSTS content. Search the file library for keywords such as SAR, Spoornet, African, Africa etc. When searching goods rolling stock can be found in the "World Freight Cars" Section, passenger stock can be found in the "...

Hi Al,

I ordered them online from Train World in the US. See http://www.trainworldonline.com. I've only ever purchased from Train World twice but find there service pretty good.

HTH,

Niel

Al, Thanks for the suggestion. For the Lima and Frateschi class 34s I've found that the Proto 2000 SD7/9 chassis fit well. These run excellently. Only minor modifications need to be done to the bodies to get them to fit. Its rumored that the F7 chassis may fit the 5E but I haven't tried this yet. Niel

Hi All, I'm planning on putting new chassis into my HO scale Lima and Frateschi locos. My primary reason for this is just to have something that runs better. Has anyone done this? If so what chassis did you use? (Brands and models would be helpful). Anyone got hints and tips for doing this? I'm inte...

Rob, Glad you enjoying the routes. I'm not aware of any other routes been built at the moment. If you or anyone else can supply us with adequate source material (in the form of cab ride videos, small scales, photos, etc) we'll build the route of your choice. Worcester to Beaufort West would be an in...

Looks great! Very realistic. Just one teeny weeny criticism: from the screen pics, it appears as if the up and down tracks are spaced a little too far apart. Maybe that's an illusion. I lost my TS startup CD, and I'll now have to get another so I can run it and try this route out. Steve, you are qu...

I am not running either sim at ths stage - I cannot face reinstalling MSTS after a long break and I need to get a new machine before reinstalling Railworks. Do you have the latter? No I don't have Railworks at this stage, mainly due to it's demand to want to have a live internet connection for to b...

Hi Kevin, Thanks. The route is actually compiled/ built by Russell Westwood. I just help out with some of the 3D object, rolling stock and support. We've discussed moving to over to Rail Works but it may take a while to get there (Yes it's my fault). Just something to note. This route was built usin...

A new section of the Natal Mainline route has been released. This release covers the scenic 60km from Pietermaritzburg to Delville Wood as a stand alone route (i.e. it's a separate route from previous releases). The route can be downloaded from the trainsim.com file libabry, just search for Natal Ma...

The weights that are used for wheel balancing on your car are also ideal to add weight to troublesome rolling stock. These come in different weights 10g, 20g, 50g etc. LEDs generally give better lighting in my opinion so go for it. I'm guessing you're running on an analogue (normal DC) system rather...