The Burbank Branch in N scale

Modeling the Southern Pacific Burbank Branch in N scale in 1970s

Progress

Upgrading from Rapido to Micro-Trains Couplers

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Step-by-step guide on upgrading from Rapido to Micro-Trains couplers an older Atlas EMD GP40-2 locomotive.

I recently purchased a pair of older Atlas CSX GP40-2 locomotives at a good price on eBay. My goal is to upgrade these locomotives by replacing the factory Rapido couplers with Micro-Trains 1015 couplers, installing a DCC decoder, and repainting and re-lettering them for the Southern Pacific.

Upgrading from Rapido to Micro-Trains Couplers, Atlas GP40-2 shell removed

Removing the Old Rapido Coupler

Use tweezers to carefully remove the metal spring holding the Rapido coupler in place.

removing the old coupler spring

Gently detach the coupler retainer using tweezers or the non-cutting edge of a hobby knife.

removing the coupler retainer

Installing the new Micro-Trains Coupler

Remove the Rapido coupler entirely. Insert a pre-assembled Micro-Trains 1015 coupler into the coupler box.

Upgrading from Rapido to Micro-Trains Couplers, pushing in the new Micro-Trains 1015 knuckle coupler

Fit the original retainer back into place and securely push it into position.

securing the new coupler
new coupler secured in place

Checking Coupler Height After Upgrading from Rapido to Micro-Trains

Verify that both the front and rear couplers align correctly by using a Micro-Trains coupler height gauge.

checking front coupler height
checking rear coupler height

By upgrading from Rapido to Micro-Trains couplers, you will enhance the performance and appearance of your locomotives, ensuring compatibility with modern rolling stock while maintaining a realistic look.

Upgrading from Rapido to Micro-Trains Couplers, two GP40-2 with upgraded couplers

Rapido couplers, once a standard on many older N scale locomotives and rolling stock, are functional but lack the realism and operational reliability desired for modern model railroad layouts. They feature a bulky design that doesn’t closely mimic the appearance of real knuckle couplers, making them less appealing for hobbyists focused on realism.

Micro-Trains couplers, on the other hand, are widely recognized for their realistic knuckle-style design and superior performance. They provide smoother and more reliable coupling and uncoupling, which is crucial for layouts emphasizing realistic operation, such as switching industries or forming trains in a yard. Additionally, Micro-Trains couplers work seamlessly with uncoupling magnets, enabling hands-free operation, which enhances both playability and immersion.

For those looking to upgrade their layouts, converting from Rapido to Micro-Trains couplers is a worthwhile investment. It not only improves the overall aesthetic of the trains but also ensures smoother operations, reducing derailments and coupling issues that can disrupt realistic operating sessions.

LED layout lighting power supply and dimmer

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Preparing LED layout lighting power supply and dimmer on the Burbank Branch in N scale

Lighting is a key factor on a model railroad layout. Good lighting ensures the layout is well-illuminated and visually appealing. Nowadays, COB LED strips provide an excellent source of evenly distributed light (with no dark spots) and are more energy-efficient compared to fluorescent or traditional light bulbs.

LED strips are also dimmable, provided they are powered through dimmable power supplies and connected to a dimmer.

Before installing the LED strips, I built a power and dimming station on a piece of 15mm-thick MDF to ensure clean and organized wiring.

LED layout lighting: power supplies and dimmers

In the photo above, there are two power supplies:

Dimmers

The three yellow square devices are dimmers. They are powered by the power supplies and provide dimmed current to the LED strips. Each dimmer is connected to a normally open pushbutton, which controls both the on/off function and dimming.

Initially, I planned to light the layout using only the combined 2700K and 4000K LED strips, with the dimmer allowing for a custom balance between the two color temperatures. However, I later decided to include a blue LED strip as well to illuminate the layout for night scenes.

Cooling

To improve cooling, I attached the power supply to the MDF baseboard using small nuts, which keep the power supplies elevated and allow air to flow underneath.

Raised power supply detail

The dimmers will be connected to pushbuttons, as shown in a previous post. The pushbuttons enable custom combinations of the three LED strips (4000K, 2700K, and blue) to create various lighting scenes beyond the traditional bright daylight.

Conclusion

Proper LED layout lighting significantly enhances the realism and visual appeal of a model railroad layout. By using COB LED strips, modelers can achieve evenly distributed light without dark spots, creating an optimal viewing experience. Pairing dimmable LED strips with a dimmable power supply and a dimmer switch allows for customizable lighting scenarios, from bright daylight to subtle nighttime effects.

For a clean and organized installation, mounting a power and dimming station on an MDF board helps manage wiring efficiently. Investing in a well-planned model railroad lighting system not only improves aesthetics but also ensures reliable, long-term performance.

Standards

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A set of standards helps in building and operating a reliable model railroad layout

Before starting a model railroad layout construction, a set of standards should be established to ensure smooth operations. These standards apply to trackwork, rolling stock, wiring, and DCC. My bare minimum standards are:

NMRA Standards Gauge N Scale
  • All code 55 tracks, using Micro Engineering flextrack and Atlas turnouts
  • DCC bus and feeders with the appropriate wire gauge
  • All Micro-Trains couplers set at the proper height
  • All BMF-equipped DCC decoders
  • Properly maintained and cleaned rolling stock
  • Properly maintained and cleaned tracks (using white spirits and graphite)

By strictly adhering to these standards, you can ensure smooth operating sessions and, ultimately, an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Backdrop

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Installing the backdrop for the Burbank Branch in N scale model railroad layout

After building the basic benchwork I started installing the backdrop on the model railroad layout of the Burbank Branch in N scale, using masonite panels. I sealed the gaps with acrylic caulk and will smooth them out by sanding.

The next steps are:

  • smooth out all the joints
  • fill any gap between the backdrop and the ceiling
  • paint the ceiling white (helps in reflecting light)
  • paint the backdrop a light blue color

Flextrack and Turnouts

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Atlas code 55 turnouts and Micro Engineering code 55 flextrack are my choice

With my previous layouts, I have consistently favored N scale Atlas turnouts and Micro Engineering flextrack, both code 55.

  • They look realistic
  • They are reliable
  • They are reasonably priced

For this layout, the materials I chose to purchase are no exception.

While other brands, such as Peco, manufacture Fine Scale Code 55 track and turnouts – which I used extensively on some older European layouts – the tie spacing does not look prototypical for North American railroads.

Atlas code 55 #5 N scale turnouts and Micro Engineering Company code 55 flextrack
Atlas code 55 #5 N scale turnouts and Micro Engineering Company code 55 flextrack

Reliable operations

Mixing two track manufacturers is not generally advisable for reliable operations, but Atlas and Micro Engineering seem to connect without any issues. On my previous layout, I did not experience any trackwork problems or derailments that impacted operating sessions.

Valance Construction

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Valance construction: building a valance for a clean, museum-quality layout lighting

I purchased more lumber and assembled the basic valance and lighting support. I also added vertical wood strips to secure the Masonite sheets for the backdrop.

Shopping cart loaded with lumber
Shopping cart loaded with lumber, valance construction begins!
Valance construction: Titebond wood glue
Using Titebond wood glue to assemble the valance support.

Titebond wood glue is a strong, reliable adhesive commonly used in woodworking and model railroad benchwork construction. It provides a durable bond, dries quickly, and remains flexible enough to withstand slight movements. Ideal for benchwork, it ensures a secure and long-lasting hold. Plus, it’s easy to apply and cleans up with water before drying.

View of the layout benchwork with valance support installed
Valance support installed. I need to install LED lighting and backdrop panels

Conclusion

A well-designed valance not only hides your lighting but also enhances the realism and presentation of your model railroad layout. By carefully planning and constructing a valance, you can achieve a museum-quality look while improving layout lighting for optimal visibility and atmosphere. Whether you’re using LED strips or other lighting solutions, a valance helps control glare and directs light precisely where it’s needed.

Building a model railroad valance is a rewarding project that adds a polished, professional touch to your display. With the right materials and techniques, you can create a seamless integration between lighting and scenery, elevating the overall aesthetic. Follow these steps to craft a valance that enhances your layout’s realism and visual appeal.

Layout lighting with LED strips

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Using dimmable LED strips for layout lighting

Every model railroad layout needs proper lighting and COB LED strips are relatively inexpensive. They can be easily hidden behind the valance to illuminate the whole layout with no dark spots.

I purchased a 200W dimmable power supply, two dimmers, and two COB LED strips (one 2700K and one 4000K). The plan is to wire the strips so they can be controlled and dimmed separately, allowing for the creation of the exact color temperature or varying light intensity to simulate early morning or late evening scenes.

Here is the test wiring and light effect. The dimmers are controlled using standard 230V buttons.

Dimmable LED strip power supply with dimmers
Bright COB LED strips, laid of the floor for testing

COD LED strips are certainly more expensive than traditional LED strips, but provide a consistent and continuous light with no dark spots. The strips can be cut and are quite flexible. A perfect solution for layout lighting is using LED strips.

New blue layout lighting LED strip for night scenes!

An updated version of the lighting power supplies and dimmers (including a blue LED strips for night scenes) is available.

Adding blue LED strips to the layout creates a subtle nighttime effect, simulating moonlight and low-light conditions for evening scenes. This blue lighting enhances the realism during nighttime operations, adding atmosphere.

By using different color temperature LED strips, such as 2700K for warm daylight, 4000K for neutral daylight, and blue strips for nighttime, I can effectively recreate realistic sunrise, sunset, and day-to-night transitions, enhancing the visual depth and atmosphere of the layout.

COB LED strips are ideal for creating a uniform lighting effect, making them perfect for model railroads where every detail needs to be visible without shadows or uneven lighting.

With the ability to customize brightness and color temperature, these strips help replicate realistic lighting conditions, from bright midday sun to soft evening glow, enhancing the layout’s realism.