Monthly Archives: February 2008
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Two Model Railroad Videos
The new series of 42 model railroad videos is proving popular. They are not flashy productions, but the content of each video is helpful. The videos can be downloaded over the Internet. Here is a little bit of information about two of the model railroad videos:
Video #5.
‘My Railroad’ (Part 3)
On this video John shows his electrical setup and explains scenery construction techniques. He demonstrates a working crane and gives an interesting tutorial on lubricating a locomotive and how to use conducta lubricants for cleaning and lubricating commutators.
Video #6.
‘Trains In The Tropics’
The Cairns/Kuranda Scenic Railway in Queensland, Australia is an amazing example of engineering achievement. This is a fascinating look at the prototype and HO layout including the Skyrail and unique ‘Aussie style’ buildings. Very interesting!
Click here for more information about the model railroad videos.
Model Railroad Questions
Here are two model railroading questions from readers who would like your thoughts please:
Model Railroad Question 1.
“One term I expected to come across but which I really haven’t come across (except in one FAQ regarding N gauge) is wet water. I have a recollection of using something in the water that actually enabled the glue to penetrate the ground materials I was gluing to my table some number of years ago. For me it worked reasonably well, but I can’t remember the details now. Do you blog readers have any information on this?”
Model Railroad Question 2.
“I Received a marklin train set from my neighbor,Complete except for the power supply, it is an entry level with a small 3 wheel loco.If I am correct the power supply ” pn is 6648 “, that bought separately, costs more than a complete new set of the same,I am an electrician , I have HO trains and tacks , slotcars track 4 lane SCX 20 meterslong,I am building my own slotcar controllers, and are beginning to experiment with Pico micro computers.
Can one of your readers give me info or a drawing of how the Marklin control supply setup works (being 16 VAC instead of DC, and how the forward reverse select works)”
If you would like to answer these questions or offer your thoughts, please click on the comments tag below.
Amateur Model Railroad Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for all the positive feedback on my new model railroading video series. I am certainly no Steven Spielberg, and don’t pretend to be. It seems that the content of the videos is what people have been asking for, so that perhaps explains all the excellent feedback.
For those who haven’t yet seen any of the 42 videos here is a summary of what’s on the first four in the series:
Video #1. ‘My Railroad’ (Part 1)
75 year old John takes you on a tour of his HO layout. It’s remarkable how John has compacted so many ideas and featuresinto a small 10 foot x 8 foot room. If you are pushed for space,then you’ll be inspired by what John has achieved. Without giving too much away, I can reveal that John will tell you about the monorail he built, he’ll ‘double head’ a couple of steam locos and add smoke oil.He’ll also operate the ‘Big Boy’ locomotive and take you on a tour around the entire layout.
Video #2. ‘Baseboard Construction’ (Part 1)
The C&SFT layout is modular, being made up of modules no more than 6 feet long. This makes it easy to add extra length at either end or anywhere in the middle by adding modules. Watch, as experienced model railroader James, shows you step-by-step how to construct a baseboard.
Video #3. ‘My Railroad’ (Part 2)
John has a lot for you in this video including his: GG1 locomotive, a level crossing, the 300kph Eurostar, a Union Pacific diesel, Stephenson’s Rocket, the John Bull steam engine, a service vehicle that gets stuck in a tunnel (and how he removes it), a jigger and crew, an SD70MAC loco and the engine shed. John also shows how he cleans dust from the track.
Video #4. ‘Baseboard Construction’ (Part 2)
James shows how to align the tracks between modules to avoid problems with erratic running and derailments caused by poorly aligned track. He explains how to test track alignment before ballasting.
For full details on what is included on all 42 model railroading videos have a look here http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
Model Railroaders Submit Questions
Here are questions from three keen model railroaders. If you would like to suggest an answer or share your model railroading ideas, simply click on the comments tag below to answer the question or add your thoughts.
Question 1:
“Can your blog readers tell me how do I change the address on a Marklin mfx loco?”
Question 2:
“A question for your readers. Can transformers for HO be used to power N gauge layouts, or must they say HO,N,O etc. on them?”
Question 3:
“I am a doctor working in a city at the southern tip of India. We have hardly any model railway enthusiasts here. I have recently updated to DCC. I have only Hornby systems. Can your readers advise me regarding a good shunter diesel.”
If you would like to answer one, or all three, of these questions simply click on the comments tag below.
42 Amateur Model Railroad Videos Released
After a year in the making a series of 42 amateur model railroading videos were finally released today.
These videos do not pretend to be Hollywood productions as they focus more on providing good content rather than flashy presentation.
The 42 model train videos cover a range of model railroading topics and include tours of several private layouts… not normally open to the public.
These videos, available by download, also feature visits to some train shows and include lots of useful ideas and tips to help hobbyists build, or improve their own model railroad. Other video topics cover baseboard construction, electrics, foliage making, DC and DCC operation. The series even includes three videos about building a garden railroad.
These videos range in length but average around nine or ten minutes each. The step-by-step tutorials in the videos provide answers to many common (and not so common) model railroading problems.
Access to these videos is by “membership only” so is restricted to a limited number of keen model railroaders.
To find out more about these model train videos and to read the list of contents and see a sample video click on this model train video link.
Happy railroading!
Layout With Turntable and Roundhouse
One of our readers would like your feedback regarding using a ceiling tile rail. If you would like to answer or offer some suggestions, simply click the comments tag below. Here is his model railroading question:
“I have started on my layout and I’m using Sievers Benchwork. I have started with a turntable and Roundhouse. The turntable is Walthers 130′ and I will sit it in 2″ foam and will use 1/4″ plywood/w/1/2″ Homasote. I will use ceiling tile rail to hold in place. That way I will be able to lift out and clean or preform maintenance when necessary. I just wanted to know if your readers think that should work?”
Model Train Smoke Unit Question
Here is a question submitted by a keen model railroader retating to somke units. If you can offer some suggestions and would like to share your ideas, please click the comments tag below.
He is the readers question:
“I have a couple of questions for your readers regarding the smoke unit in my LGB Mogul ; Mine has burned out, lasted maybe two seasons. Apparently , unless the local switch is in the 0 position, power is always ” on” to the smoke generator per the instructions.
1. Q: Does operating the engine with out ” smoke fluids ” shorten the generator’s life span?
2. Q Do I really have to use LGB’s fluid exculsively? Has my use of Aristo’s fluid shortened it’s life?
I think that we are talking just refined kerosene here not rocket science. LGB also warns of use of power supplies other than theirs. Heck, I had Aristo and have used it for 5 years without a problem plus there are pleanty of excellent after market independent units on the market.”
Click the comments tag to share your ideas.
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