NASG Dispatch Articles: Electronics

1993 #2 April

12

Bob Furtado

This article describes what it takes to make an automated reverse loop for an A.F. layout. Includes a parts list and diagrams.

2019 #1 January

30

Brian Walsh

The author describes his efforts into getting into battery-powered S-scale locomotives. It includes an interior photo of his S-Helper Service NW2 converted.

1985 #3 Summer

14

Kent Singer

Diagrams accompany this article about how to build this throttle that has been in use with members of the Central New Jersey S Scalers.

2013 #3 June

18

Gerry Evans

The author provides a detailed guide for how to add exterior lighting to structures, to liven up the scenes.

2020 #6 November

22

Ray Puls

The author describes how he converted the tower's lights. Includes close-up photos.

1992 #1 February

5

Bob Jackson

This is an in-depth article describing what command control is, which the major systems are on the market at the time of the writing, how these systems works, and how to wire them to your layout.

1996 #3 June

12

Ted Larson

The author describes how he used a diode to have a DC locomotive run on half-wave AC output from a Lionel transformer. The article also covers full-wave (bridge rectifier) usage with AF steam locomotives, and converting AC AF locomotives to DC.

2014 #5 October

10

David Heine

This installment covers the system components needed for a complete DCC system.

2014 #3 June

18

David Heine

The author introduces DCC, what it means, what it allows the layout operator to do, and how it works.

2014 #6 November

14

Dick Karnes

How to determine wheel-slip current draw and stall current, so that you can find the appropriate DCC decoder, is described in this article.

1987 #4 Fall

12

Dick Karnes

Breaking a storage yard into small blocks allows the controlled movement of just one engine in the yard, without the others moving as well.

1995 #1 February

23

Bill Krause

How to install these throttles to operate A.F. AC equipment with DC throttles and track.

1990 #3 June

12

John H. Long, Jr.

The author describes how he was able to install the Onboard system by Keller into an AF PA-1 and a Rex Mogul. Includes diagrams and an installation photo.

2016 #3 May

12

Steve Monson

The author describes how he installed a Soundtraxx Econami DCC sound decoder into a Rex Suburban locomotive. Includes installation photos.

1991 #4 August

6

John Long

The author describes how he installed command control into an American Model FP7.

1994 #5 October

30

John Long

This installment covers installing the Keller Engineering system into an American Models GP, which proved to be difficult due to the lack of interior space.

1995 #1 February

8

John Long

This installment covers how to provide flicker-free lighting. Several engine installations are covered in the article.

1995 #2 April

17

John Long

More about the flicker-free circuitry introduced in the previous issue, specifically covering the Rex engines.

1992 #2 April

10

John Long

The article starts off with a preface by the editor Bob Jackson, correcting a number of mistakes in his previous introductory article on command control in the February 1992 issue. The series continues with a description of install the Onboard system in Omnicon F7 A and B units, and in an American Model GP9.

2021 #2 March

10

Jerry Poniatowski

The author shows how he found LED strips at his local Home Depot and installed them into a passenger car. He tackles the issues of how to power the strip (rail pickup), reducing the voltage (12-volts is too bright), and be able to run on both DC and AC. He found and used a buck module, along with a couple of other components. Includes many close-up installation photos.

2022 #3 May

20

Marvin Harger

The author shares how he installed LED strip lights for his Plasticville and other structures.

2019 #5 September

11

Tom Hartrum

The author provides the background information and examples of installing individual LEDs and strip LEDs for use in structures.

1992 #4 August

6

Bob Jackson & John Long

Continuing with the series of how command-control can be implemented in S-scale, the authors cover the ability to plug in the controller at various points along the layout and how to wire that with the Keller Engineering Onboard system, and how to wire the layout for the system.

1993 #1 February

12

Mike Palmiter

The author describes how he takes audio speakers, dresses them up as buildings, and places them around his layout.

1992 #4 August

10

Bill Krause

The author describes that A.C. Gilbert A.F. locomotives can run on DC track power just fine, and that using walk-around throttles is a good alternative to increasing the power of your power pack.

2025 #1 January

25

Chris Monje

The author shares how he installed a well-placed LED light into an American Models RS-3. Includes construction photos.

2022 #3 May

23

Dick Karnes

A tip on using a stereo plug to prevent track near a removed lift-out section from continuing to be powered.

2017 #4 July

15

Steve Monson

The days of the large control panels are done. The author is building his layout with DCC and radio-frequency throttle.

2009 #2 April

30

Herb King

This half-page drawing-with-notes shows how to add a mars light to a passenger car.

1993 #5 October

20

Monte Heppe

The author shares his method for automatic control for American Flyer reverse loops.

1988 #4 October

30

Kent Singer

The author describes his light-duty home-made resistance soldering tool.

2019 #4 July

21

Jim Martin

The author describes a solution he has come up with to throw a Tortoise-driven turnout by simply using a 9V battery.

2018 #4 July

14

Peter Vanvliet

Detailed information about how trains have been controlled, what "dead rail" is, and how to convert your engines to battery power. The article is continued on page 33 of the PDF version.

2019 #3 May

7

Steve Monson

A good explanation of how our locomotives have been powered from the 1950s (AC, DC) to now (DCC).

1987 #2 Spring

11

Dick Karnes

This article covers how to wire your layout's single-ended or double-ended yard, including an automatic stopping section. Several diagrams are included to clarify the text.