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6 Model Train Questions
Here are some short questions submitted by readers. If you can help and know an answer please add your reply using the comments link below this posting.
1. Frank asks : I have a DC Athreans HO Kit S12, B&O Switcher Locomotive. Do you have installation instructions for the ATH90616 for this type of engine?
2. Bill asks: I am trying to fasten my track to Woodland Scenics roadbed (black foam type). What is the best adhesive for this? I have been trying caulking, plain and acrylic with mixed results.
3. Vincent asks: Where can I buy a H0/00 scale track with an N scale inside the HO/00 scale in other words there are three lines on one track?
4. Ray asks: Does any one know of any company in the u.s.a. who sells tt gauge trains (tt = table top)? Any help out there, if they run tt gauge across the pond, why not here?
5. Sam asks: If N scale is 1:160, then in actual scale, 33 feet would be 1 mile. Is this correct?
6. Henry asks: Does and manufacturer make a New Haven FL9 model in HO scale?
If you can help any of these readers please use the comments link to add your answer.
2 Responses to 6 Model Train Questions
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#2 I use 3M #77 spray adhesive for both flex track and the foam roadbed.
#5 33 feet equals 1 mile in N-scale.
#2 – I used Woodland Scenics Foam Tack Glue for both flex track and foam roadbed. Its like white glue but is a bit rubbery and flexible when dry. I use my finger to spead the glue on the foam roadbed, then pin the track down to hold position. I then lay weights on the track and let dry overnight. There are probably cheaper alternatives for the adhesive, but this is what I chose to use.
#3 – I believe what you are asking for is dual gauge HO/HOn30 (aka. HOn2 1/2, or OO9 or HOe) track. The outside railes are spaced 16.5mm for HO/OO scale and the inside rail is spaced 9mm for HOn30 (30 inch gauge in HO) with one rail in common between the two gauges. 9mm happens to also be the gauge for N scale standard gauge, so in theory you could run N scale equipment on the same track. Because the scales are different HO (1:87) and N (1:160), the ties and rail would be greatly oversized for N Scale. However, if that doesn’t bother you, then go ahead and try it. Switches (turnouts) may be a potential problem as the gap in rails at the frog may be too large for the N scale wheels. Also, I believe that N scale is operated at a slightly lower voltage than HO scale. I believe Peco sells the HO/HOn30 dual gauge track. Fast Tracks sells assembly jigs that you could use to make your own track if you wish to go that route. Micro Engineering (ME) used to sell dual gauge Flex Track, but ME track is not presently available – perhaps you may find some on ebay.
#4 – TT scale (1:120) never caught on in North America as it did in Europe. It was overshadowed by the popularity of HO and N scales. You can find North American equipment available in TT scale, but it is scarce as there are few manufacturers (due to popularity of HO,N). Today TT scale is mostly a scratchbuilder’s scale for North American modelers. Try googling “TT scale American trains” and see what comes up.
#5 – Yes. 33 actual feet = 1 scale mile in N scale (1/160): 5280 / 160 = 33