Category: On18

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Bandit Canyon Ry | Building a PWM Throttle for Smooth DC Power

Posted on by Dave Meek

 

BCRy Part V. My On18 Bandit Canyon Railway runs on good old fashioned analog DC power - but I haven't always been that thrilled with the performance of the usual commercial hobby power packs. In this episode, I use a Pulse Width Modulating (PWM) regulator to build a better DC power pack that delivers smooth current for much improved running - especially at slower speeds! And I fit it all in a custom 3.25" x 2.5" case that mounts out-of-the-way below the layout roadbed. Just say no to bulky power packs!

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

PWM Regulator

Calico Mountain Ore Cars | Calico Mt Pt 13

Posted on by Dave Meek

 

It’s back to Calico Mountain this week to build a string of rustic On18 ore cars inspired by the Knott’s Berry Farm original! These cars take advantage of some commercially available 3-D printed HOn30 frames, and some laser cut parts of my own design, to model credible recreations of the classic Calico Mine Ride “ore cars.”

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

3-D Printed Car Frames: https://www.shapeways.com/product/JQQCTK6Z2/hon30-mann-s-creek-frames-4?optionId=61798964&li=shops

Grandt Line Hardware: https://www.grandtline.com/products/miscellaneous-hardware/

Micro-Trains Wheels and Couplers: https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=63

Bandit Canyon Railway | The Blackjack Mine Pt 2

Posted on by Dave Meek

 

BCRy Part IV. Here it is! The second episode of the Blackjack Mine build for my On18 Bandit Canyon Railway project. This time around, I build a steam powered hoist for the mine with all of the machinery visible in an open air shed. Plus weathering, final details, lighting, and a scenicked base for the entire complex that blends right into Bandit Canyon.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

Crow River Products: https://www.crowriverproducts.com/index.php?cPath=33_36&osCsid=jtu2jnmd3ep4p2r17m9ntvu555

Blackjack Mine Part 1: https://youtu.be/i3Aw-SBnBkQ

[spreadshop]

Bandit Canyon Railway | The Blackjack Mine Pt 1

Posted on by Dave Meek

BCRy Part III. This is the first of two episodes on the Blackjack Mine, a small complex with loads of character for my On18 Bandit Canyon Railway project. In this installment, I scratchbuild the freelanced head frame and shaft house using some repurposed parts from an earlier project. Lots of info on typical mine construction out west, plus modeling tips for wood construction, using stencils, weathering, and making your own corrugated roofing. Cinefoil “Black Wrap”

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

Bandit Canyon Railway | Roadbed, Track and Power

Posted on by Dave Meek

 

BCRy Part II. Work continues on my On18 Bandit Canyon Ry micro-layout! This week, I add risers to raise the plywood sub-roadbed up to the desired height, then it’s time for cork roadbed, laying some Peco flextrack, building a simple manual turnout linkage, and hooking up the DC power. Join me as I bring the BCRy to life for the first time and explain a few tips and tricks learned over the years to make all of these tasks a little smoother and easier.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

New On18 Project | The Bandit Canyon Railway Rides Again!

Posted on by Dave Meek

I’m always up for a new project when inspiration strikes! This time I’m revisiting the Bandit Canyon Ry in On18 scale. This 2×3′ portable micro-layout will combine spectacular Southwestern scenery with the legends of Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and the Hole in the Wall gang. This video introduces the layout concept with plans and drawings, and we begin work on a portable stand and base.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

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On18 Bobber Caboose

Posted on by Dave Meek

 

Let’s build a tiny bobber caboose for my On18 Big Thunder & Calico mining tram! On18 uses N scale mechanisms and other components to model this common industrial railway gauge in 1:48, O scale. The results of this scale/gauge mashup can often be rather whimsical and filled with unique character. For this project, I use a readily available Bachmann N scale “shorty” caboose as a starting point for an original design, inspired by the homebuilt logging and mining bobbers of the late 19th century. I demonstrate my methods for a road-worn, weathered paint finish, along with wood construction and car roofing techniques.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave