Model Trains
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!
2-8-8-4 HO Steam Engine
Rob B asks:
“I have an HO 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone steam engine since about 1950. It is basically a brass engine with a wood boiler. I would like to know the origin and manufacture. Thanks.”
Running Model Trains After Hurricane Ida Flood
Gary was impacted by Hurricane Ida and asks:
“We had IDA dump 10” in our basement. None of my O scale train equipment was damaged. My question is, the track. I had kept a 50-55 degree humidity. It has come down to good numbers. I’m worried about the track surface. What should I do and/or use.”
Golden Spike II with a Santa Fe Engine
Kayla writes:
“My son was just given an HO scale train set. It is a Golden Spike II with a Santa Fe engine on the box, but the model engine is a Burlington Northern. It is a 105 piece set. I am just interested in some information on the set. I tried searching, but I am a complete novice. Thank you in advance!”
Athearn Genesis Challenger on 18 Inch Radius
Roland asks this question:
“I plan on buying a pre-loved (I presume that means 2nd hand but used with care) HO Athearn Genesis Challenger. Due to where it is, I will need to buy it untested. From the pictures and description, it does look to be in good condition, and the price seems fair considering what they go for new. My research tells me a 22-inch radius is recommended, but I only have 18-inches. Does anyone have any experience with running this model on less than a 22-inch radius, and what’s the general opinion on the Challenger?”
Post your question below, or post your comment below.
Refurbishing an Old Switch Engine
Phil writes:
“I have an 0-4-0 B N HO scale switch engine from the early 60’s I cleaned and lubed. It is running now but is noisy. The part that confuses me is it runs better and is quieter when going backward. Any ideas why?”
POLL RESULTS – Is the market for new brass products really dead?
Thank you to everyone who voted in our recent poll which asked: Is the market for new brass products really dead?
You had your say and the results are in. 49% said Not sure, 32% NO, and 19% YES.
Brass Model Trains Still in Demand? True? False?
There’s no doubt the demand for brass engines and rolling stock has declined over the years mainly due to price and the growing variety of highly detailed plastic models available these days. That’s not to say there isn’t a market for older “high quality” brass pieces.
You can cast your vote in our poll on where you think the brass market is at right now.
If you would like to share your thoughts on what you personally prefer, and whether you think there would still be a demand for some specialized brass rolling stock, MOW equipment, or collectible engines… then add your thoughts in the conversation below this post.
GE BNSF GP 60M Digitrax Zephyr DCS52
Kim sent in details and a supporting photo of his layout to share:
“My current HO layout has been running going into 3rd year. I have been running GE BNSF locomotive in the inner track which has incline and curve. My incline is a bit more than 2%. I run about 6 cars and it is doing fine with that. The curve is 18″. My outer track is considerably longer but is basically oval. I run 2 locomotive consists. All BNSF. Lead is a SD70 Ace and GP 60 M. I found that if the put the GP 60 M on the inner track I had to limit the number of cars. It has only 2 axle trucks so has fewer wheels pulling the train. The inner train with the GE ES44c4 has 3 axle trucks so more wheels pulling and longer wheelbases. This is all connected track with multiple points of power supply and I operate Digitrax Zephyr DCS52.”
What Scale For New Model Train Layout?
Andy sent in this question:
“I’m in the very early stages of planning a layout which won’t be started for at least 12 months. The absolute max area will 12 x 5 feet. Probably a bit smaller than that. Based on the logging and mining operations on Vancouver Island pre 1950s, I will include, a logging camp, a coal mine, and a small port. I was thinking of using N scale but there aren’t as many detailed accessories as available in HO. Any suggestions, please? Thanks.”
Police Office and Prisoner Cells on South African Trains
Regular contributor Peter Field from South Africa shared these interesting photos and story:
My layout is currently covered due to the transformer speed controller packing up and non-available here in Natal but have sourced two in Cape Town which is being sent up to me.
In 2010 with the World tournament soccer in South Africa, the police commissioned the railways to build I am told about 12 of these mobile charge offices that would be attached to certain passenger trains to convey people and fans between games in RSA. As they were expecting the hooligans to arrive from Europe and England. However, they put these charge offices on quite a few passenger trains operating then.
The charge office comprised of a charge office, counseling room, toilet, shower, and two to three-compartment for 5 to 6 officers who would be on duty for the duration of the journey, and yes 4 small lock-up cells at the rear of the coach with small fanlight windows. After the games, they were stored and recently brought to control crowds in the trains from Corona Virus with distancing, etc.
I have seen them on container trains as well as they are used to guard the containers on route to and from Durban harbor that were being broken into and items stolen.
Here is a picture of a charge office and some interior shots of the office.
My Kiwi (New Zealand) Diesel is doing well here amongst the South African Railways locos on my layout, as it is a lease and lend loco to the SAR fleet. Cheers for now and good running!
If you have a story or layout picture you would like to share, please make contact with the Blog Moderator by using the ASK A QUESTION link below.
Lionel Pennsylvania Flier O Scale Train Set With Fastrack Inner Loop
David writes:
“I purchased the Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer O Scale train set that comes with a DC wall-pack power supply. I have no trouble operating the set. I then purchased the FasTrack Inner Loop add-on and incorporated it into the oval layout from the original Lionel Flyer and the train won’t run. Do I need to purchase an AC transformer to be able to use the Inner Loop add-on?”
Atlas Union Pacific DCC Ready GP-35 Loco
Reynold models N scale and asks:
“I wanted the DCC Ready Atlas GP35 loco in Union Pacific markings, but have just found out it wasn’t around until the 1960s. My layout… half-finished… will be set in the mid to late 50s, so I’m probably better with something a little older. I don’t need Union Pacific if that opens more options. Any ideas?”
Add your comments to this post – see COMMENTS below, or have your own question published – see ASK A QUESTION below.
Who Makes The Best Brand Of HO Diesel Locomotives?
Howard posted this:
“I am finally changing to DCC a big change, and want to buy a couple of new diesel sound mainline engines but not sure which manufacturer to go with. My layout is US 70s/80s and I’m open-minded on the livery. I was wondering who is the best manufacturer of these engines, and why you like them? I have done a quick search of these online but haven’t settled on anything yet – Proto2000, Atlas, Bachmann, Athern, Kato, and Mantua.”
ASK A QUESTION or post your COMMENTS below.
Piko A Track
Cliff writes:
“Hello, I’m just getting started in modeling. I was given some Ho scale Lionel trains without track. I was wondering if the Piko A track is any good? If not could someone tell me what is a good track to buy?”
The Little Engine That Could – I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. I know I can.
In the spirit of Watty Piper, author of “The Little Engine That Could”, Ron submitted this question:
“I have a charming little engine that I’m sure I can hear puffing out ‘I think I can, I know I can’. I get the feeling it wants to grow into a DCC engine, and I would like that too! My little switcher is an 040 by Model Power. It was cheap to buy (no offense little engine), so I am uncertain if it can ever become DCC? Can someone say yes or explain how I am to break the bad news to my little engine if it can’t ever become DCC? Please help!!!”
HOn3 Comparison With HO
Rick asks:
“Can HO rolling stock trucks be switched out to N scale trucks to accommodate HOn3 style modeling on narrow gauge track? Does a HOn3 engine look proportional with HO rolling stock? If HO rolling stock trucks can be switched to accommodate HOn3 for narrow gauge track would the rolling stock be too long for the smaller radius turns? Is there a special size truck that can be used for this application?”
You can add your comments below.
What Would Be Your Pick Of Model Train Locomotives?
I thought it might be fun and enlightening to hear some opinions and preferences from our blog readers.
So…
Imagine if you could operate only one locomotive on your layout. What make and model would it be, and why?
Tell others about your favorite loco by adding a comment below.
Gift Cards Proving Popular
If you want to drop a hint to a family member on what they can get you for Christmas, then a Model Buildings Gift Card is a good option. They can nominate the value, and you can select which plans you want to download. Easy!
https://www.modelbuildings.org/gift-certificate
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