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5 Questions From Readers
Although a couple of these questions provide few details, hopefully a reader might be able to assist.
1. John asks readers:
OO Scale Tender Keeps On Spining
Why does my tender keep on spining? It is tender driven and sometimes it runs okay, then it stops then spins like mad. Is it the cogs? It’s brand new. Any ideas?
2. James asks:
HO Bachmann DCC Control
“I turn on the power and I get blinking red lights, but the engine will not run. I checked my wiring and can’t locate a problem. What would be the cause?”
3. Bernie asks readers:
L-Girder Tables – N Scale
“Does somebody out there know where I can get a diagram of how to cut a 4×8 3/8 plywood to make a table as well as directions on how to assemble and a part list of bolts nuts washers screws glue height adjusters?”
4. Denny asks readers:
Airport Ideas
“I want to add a local airport to my HO layout. Where can I buy 1:100 scale single engine aircraft?”
5. Jean asks readers:
Derailment at Point on Curve
I have a point at the beginning of a curve and the OO engine derails at this point every time – any suggestions – unfortunately I have had the pints wired up and are fixtures. Help please?”
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11 Responses to 5 Questions From Readers
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Jean,
Using a compass and track gauge make sure your curve is smooth on entry and the tracks are not pinched or widened.
Hi Bernie,
There could be a number of reasons. First is the engines address the same as what you have set the controller to. next check that the pickup wheels are not dirty or the rail is not dirty dust can stop the power getting through, is the DCC board compactable with your controller, also check the connections on the engine to make sure the plugs are pushed together properly. Also check with a multimeter that you have power at the track remember there should be AC about 20 volts, .do you have a sound board and is that working if so check the connections to the electric motor from the circuit board.
Hi Jean.
Run your finger along the rail leading into the point if you can feel a bump or sharp edge on the track. Filing the join in the rail could relieve the problem here, make sure that there is no sharp turn i.e. rails not lined up properly, it only takes a small amount of misalignment to cause the wheels to jump the rail or is there excessive gap in the join, fill the gap with some solder and file to shape Sometimes the point rail could be a slightly higher rail than that used on your rail then you will need to file the join to the same height. the curve could be to tight for your engine to negotiate.
Hi Denny
your HO scale is 1/87 there are model planes at 1/72 scale and these could be the right size for your layout I know there are some 1/100 scale planes about but these are mostly jet airliners. see your model supplier he could help or check on the online auction sites.
Hi Denny.
Like Kevin says, try online for your model plane needs because there’s a lot of model magazines and stores on there. One that comes to mind is “Fine Scale Modeler”.
For Denny and model aircraft.
Airfix have lots of model aircraft at 1/72 scale single engined of many different vintages.
Revell in the US used to make moulded plastic aircraft models too.
Good luck, send us your pics!
Best,
Bernard
Hi Bernie,
The following NMRA web site will give you a good idea of how to fabricate a 4×8 plywood table. The measurements are for 5/8 inch plywood but you can substitute it for a 3/8 inch ply. Good luck.
Cheers…..Shelton
nmra.org/beginner/consist.html
Hi Bernie
L girder bench work by Jim Kelly Model Railroader January 1981 has a complete article on this bench work
Hi Jean
if you are satisfied that the point is flat and by either using your finger or light running a bogied truck/carriage across the point everything is running fine and point is in good condition, then check the gauging of your loco’s wheels, i.e. wheel back to back measurement; as this will often be a cause on one loco when others run through the point ok.
Hope this helps
BobT
Hi Jean I had a similar problem and checked everything regarding the track. Everything was okay. Then I checked the scenery fencing!! It was too close to the track. Engines would catch it and derail. What an idiot I felt.
Just to let you know not all problems are track related.
Regards David
OO Scale Tender Keeps On Spining
Most likely is friction in the loco workings. Lift up the loco and feel if the wheels go round smoothly.
Possibly the quadrature on the loco wheels is slightly out of line. (Quadrature is the 90 degree alignment of the wheels on opposite ends of a steam loco axle.) Steam loco wheels can also jam if it is run on curves that are too tight, particularly locos with multiple driver wheels.
Try running the tender without the loco, and try pushing the loco very gently without the tender, to see which is causing the problem.
Also possible is too many wagons in the train.
Please let us know if any of this helps.