Technical Help

We've created this site for rail fans of all ages and backgrounds, and we'd like to do what we can to make using it easy for everyone.  As such, we're always looking for ways to make the site more usable and accessible.  At present, this site should work on the most recent version of Internet Explorer, Netscape and Mozilla (this includes variants like Konqueror or Firefox) that a Windows 98 or higher computer will run.  It will also run on recent Macs.  I don't have any information on older Macs, but would be happy to hear any you have.  If you have an older computer, keep reading.

If you've got a problem you just can't figure out, you're welcome to email tfhelp@gmail.com at any time, and I'll try to respond to you as soon as possible.  You might also like to check out the links and information below:

Useful Downloads:

http://offbyone.com/offbyone/
This is a very small browser that should both run on a lot of older computers, and runs our site without any problems.  It's a free download, and simple enough to use.

http://freeware.intrastar.net/imageedit.htm
Lots of free image utilities.  We Like PixResizer a lot.

http://picasa.google.com/
Picasa is Google's free image software.  It'll allow you to do some minor edits, and organize your picture files.

How To Post Pictures:

1. From the main forum list, click on the link that reads "MY CONTROL CENTER." This is on the top bar above the forum list.

2. You will see a list of options on the left. Click on the one that reads "EDIT MY FILES."

3. You will then see a little applet that will let you upload pictures. Go ahead and attach whatever picture you'd like, and click "SUBMIT."

4. Once this is done, you will see your file listed. Click on the one you want to put into your post. A new window will open. Highlight and COPY the URL.

5. Go back to the post (or create a new one) in which you will post your picture. Use the HTML code for inserting images. You can find such codes at This Fine Website. It will be something like [img src="http://insertURLhere.com/nameofmytrainpicture.jpg"] except you will put < and > instead of brackets. Check the link for better examples. Remember, all you will do is PASTE the URL in quotes after the img src= part. Put the little < and > to open and close the tag, and that will be that.

6. Finish your post and click the "Preview" button. If your picture is visible, you've done it correctly! If not, come on back to the Board Help Forum and let us know, and we'll do the best we can to make it happen.

Why Do Memberships Need To Be Approved?

In short, to prevent abuse.  We've got a great group of people here, but not everyone who uses the internet is such great company.  So long as your profile information doesn't match that of someone who's shown themself to be a problem in the past, your application should be approved quickly, and you'll soon be welcome to upload pictures, post messages, and read and look at what everyone else has posted.