Mike models N gauge and asks readers:

“What is the correct distance between flanges on trucks for N gauge? I’m real new to the hobby.”

Phil asks readers:

“I have been out of the hobby for about 18 yrs now. I am planning my next layout and am confused on everything I read on DCC, except that DCC seems to be the way to go. With all of my older HO locos is it better to convert them to DCC, or start all over again from scratch and build up another roster of locos with DCC already included? Thanks for the time to respond.”

Roger asks readers for their opinions:

“Which couplers have proven to be the most reliable and realistic and what is the best method for coupling and uncoupling rolling stock?”

Kenneth Asks Readers:

“I recently purchased a Sothwestern Pacific set new with the new fast track, and now purchased a 2001 used Sourhwestern kit. Can I run the older 0/027 model on the newer track using the new transformer or will I have to use the older transformer?”

James asks readers:

“Is there a G Scale book on how to build modules that can be connected to other modules to make larger railroads like those I have seen for HO and N scale railroads? Do you know if anyone is building modules in this scale?”

Mike asks readers a A/C O-gauge 3-rail question:

“I have many MTH and old Lionel plus Super Streets. How do I wire the 2 electrical system layout? I know that Lionel doesn’t work on 18 Volt tracks, but can I cross-over the 2 tracks?”

Babs asks readers:

“Can I leave locos on the track after operating or should they be removed?  Mine is a newbie question probably.”

There are now 5 FREE model railroad calculators for you to use at http://www.modelbuildings.org/free-calculator-tools.html

1.  Scale Convertor Calculator

2.  Scale-To-Scale Conversion

3.  Track Grade Convertor

4.  Helix Design Convertor

5.  Scale Speed Convertor

Try them out – they are free to use. You are welcome share the link with your friends in the hobby on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google Plus, and by email etc.

Ed submitted this question for publication:

“I haven’t run my Marklin engines in around 3 years. Can a reader advise me what to do before I run them? Thanks.”

Many readers of this blog are also loyal members of the Online Model Train Club, so will be familiar with what club membership can offer. This video gives a look at some the resources they accessing…

Click here to watch the 3 videos mentioned above.

Matt asks readers:

“I’m a beginner with model trains and was looking for a recommendation for a model train that I could put around my Christmas tree. I’m hoping to add a new car each Christmas so was looking for something where I would still be able to purchase new cars in the future. Thanks”

I your model railroad is become somewhat of an obsession, then you’re not alone. This short Joe McDoakes film from 1955 shows how things can really get out of hand. Enjoy!

Most of us will have seen pantographs in action above trams or trains and perhaps not fully understood how they work. If you haven’t heard the term before, it basically refers to equipment mounted on top of the roof of an electric tram or train that collects power by direct contact with the overhead wire (called the Catenary). Usually there will be a single wire and the return current flows through the rail. The modern day pantograph is like an updated version of the Trolley Poles used on the older style Trolley Buses. Although reasonably reliable, the Trolley Poles on the older style electric buses where prone to come off the wires at times, and potentially cause traffic chaos on a busy road.

This interesting video clip show how a pantograph and catenary operate.

This video show trams in action in Leeds (UK) in the late 1950’s.

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Model steam locomotives are often equipped with smoke units to simulate the real thing. Smoke units are usually a simple cup under the smokestack, with a heating wire inside to heat the ‘smoke fluid.’ thus producing smoke. Each little plastic bottle will usually provide about 30 minutes of smoke. There are various brands including Marklin, Piko, Seuthe, and Faller.

Details of Marklin Smoke Unit

Faller Smoke Generator Kit Details

The following video has some great scenes of a double header model steam engine belching out smoke. In real life the color of the smoke can vary depending on the quantity of coal being used. Too much coal in the firebox would emit black smoke. If the smoke was gray it usually was burning about the right amount of coal to keep the fire hot.

Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) is relatively new technology, which is gaining popularity worldwide. It allows trains to run onto branch lines without any electrification in the tracks. A diesel engine is fixed on board, and transmits power to the wheels hydraulically, electrically or mechanically. This classifies diesel trains into three main categories.

DMUs offer several advantages. They operate at lower costs and consume less fuel at faster speeds. These trains generate a reduced amount of noise pollution. Their disadvantages, which include higher maintenance costs and increased air pollution, are obvious when the traffic volume is large so they are used for light traveling purposes.

Reader Bill sent in this photo of his railroad to share.

It features the KC Southern GP40 running down main line using ballast king medium rubber ballast with rubber cabinet shelf liner underneath which keeps ballast in place. The 027 track is detailed with pieces of cork board used to simulate railroad ties giving an inexpensive look to make old track look more like super track.

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