boxcar Archives - The Silicon Underground

How big is 1:64 scale?

Dave Farquhar — Tue, 02 May 2017 11:00:01 +0000

1:64 scale is a popular size for diecast cars. At one time it was popular for slot cars and electric trains too. But how big is 1:64 scale, really? I’ll explain it mathematically and by giving sizes of some common

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Bachmann vs Lionel

Dave Farquhar — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 12:00:13 +0000

Comparing Bachmann vs Lionel is a contrast between two very old, established names in electric trains. Lionel, in one form or another, has been selling trains since 1900. Bachmann, the largest seller of trains in the world, was founded in

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How to disassemble a Marx 999 locomotive

Dave Farquhar — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 12:00:48 +0000

Disassembling a Marx 999 locomotive isn’t too difficult, and it’s easier than the Marx 666, but it helps to have some instructions. The nice thing about the 999 is that if you can disassemble it, there’s a long, long list of

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Scratchbuilding, Marx-style: Finishing the roof

Dave Farquhar — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 11:00:55 +0000

This is a continuation of something I wrote well over a year ago detailing how I build Marx-style boxcars out of simple materials. Train season is starting up again soon, so it’s about time I finished this story. Once the box

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Scratchbuilding, Marx-style

Dave Farquhar — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:00:41 +0000

I saw a modern-production Lionel box car in a hobby shop one weekend. I wanted it, but I really wanted it in Marx 3/16 style, so it would look right with my Marx #54 KCS diesels pulling it. But I

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Things I wish everyone knew about home computer security

Dave Farquhar — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:22:26 +0000

I’m a security professional by trade, with two certifications. I’m not responsible for defending your computer networks, but I want your networks to be secure. There’s a really simple reason for that. If your computer and your network is secure,

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Cars for trains

Dave Farquhar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:15:51 +0000

Vehicles are a frequent topic of discussion on the various O and S gauge train forms. At times these discussions can get rather heated.

Since use on train layouts is rarely the objective of the companies making various diecast vehicles, there's no true right answer to what one should or shouldn't use. This is my personal philosophy. Take it for what it's worth.

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My $8 secondhand Lionel

Dave Farquhar — Sat, 13 May 2006 19:19:24 +0000

I hear stories all the time about the Lionel train that someone found at a garage sale for $10. Or sometimes it's a Marx. The one that bothered me the most was the story about a 65-year-old American Flyer locomotive for $10, and the guy who got it didn't even like O gauge.

Whatever. Today was my day. I found a Lionel starter set from 1999. The price marked on it: $8. I didn't haggle. I handed over Alexander Hamilton, scooped up the train set, grabbed a couple of Washingtons, and headed to the car with a train set under my arm.

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Aliens on my train layout

Dave Farquhar — Sun, 04 Dec 2005 02:52:00 +0000

I bought a couple of aliens for my train consist today. At the annual TCA Ozark Division train show at Lutheran South that happens every December, I spotted some lonely American Flyer bodies sitting neglected on a table. There were two steam locomotives, a gondola, a boxcar, and a caboose. I looked at the locomotives but there wasn't any way I could remotor them with parts I had available. I did buy the boxcar, and then came back for the gondola.

I spent a total of $3 for these artifacts from 1958. Not bad.

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I was on vacation

Dave Farquhar — Mon, 16 Aug 2004 03:48:18 +0000

I went on vacation and I guess my DSL connection got jealous. As far as I can tell it died two days into the trip. Figures. So that's why the site's been dead.

If it interests youm I'll tell you about my trip.

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