John sent in an email stressing the importance of buying a good quality loco. He said  “I’ve always bought Atlas products and find that they last. I have one Walthers engine, an RS-2 in N that runs pretty good, and I’ve never tried Intermountain, Kato, or Athearn. But Bachmann, Spectrum, Life-Like, Model Power, etc. Buy quality especially if you only run trains once in awhile, because it seems that the more they sit, the worse-running they get.”

Thanks John for your thoughts.

Vince has a question for readers:

“I am looking for a simple listing of HO scale locomotives (and rolling stock, if possible). My criteria would be: Detail of model, visual accuracy, performance, and of course value. I know that some of those may be self-limiting but as I invest money in equipment for my layout it is hard to pick stuff that really looks good. It seems to me that fewer pieces of equipment of real quality is a wiser way to spend my limited resources. How are models rated?”

Add your suggestions below.

John asks readers:

“It is important to buy good locomotives. I can vouch for N-Scale Atlas engines, as they run and run and run with just routine maintenance. With the other plastic brands, that can cost as much as Atlas, they run for awhile and then stop, seemingly for no reason. Some of the Walthers RS-2’s run good, and Kato is another good brand. Beyond that, or for cheaper engines, I wouldn’t trust them. In that same vein, has anyone any knowledge of the Kato F-units? They’re supposed to be good for the money, making them the only F-Unit that actually can pull some cars.”

Add your answer below.

Ernie wants advice from anyone into z scale trains:

“I have a rather large collection of Z gauge cars and locomotives. Although most of these are on display, I would like to build a functioning layout and, if possible, digitally control it. I am pretty inexperienced in model train layout and although I have read a few of your books and articles, I need some specific help with Z gauge and recommended processes. Can your readers recommend a how-to guide possibly specifically addressing Z gauge layouts and scenery? My room is about 6 x 11 but it is tall enough that I could fit up to three tiers so I would also need some advice with elevations and grades. Any help would be appreciated.”

Add your answer below.

John asks readers:

"I need to know if there are any programs (downloadable and free) for keeping an inventory on the model trains."

Add your answer below. 

Ed is hoping an experienced model railroader can help him:

“I was given a LV diesel locomotive with no identification. Having some LV roots, I would like to determine what kind of loco this is. Features are: LV – black and white – red flag – #638 six axles – front cab.”

Comment below.

Carlos wants to hear from anyone who can help him solve a problem. He hasn't supplied many details:

 "My BigBoy Genesis is programmed with a number and avery thing, was running  perfectly and one day it stop running. Only the sounds function work. What  can I do please?"

Kelvin has sent in some photos of his steam trains and layout to share. He has a Marklin European layout featuring 12 steam locos with marshaling yards and the usual scenic country with tunnels etc.

 They certainly look amazing. Thanks for sharing!!!!

You can comment below.

Mel asks G scale enthusiasts:

“Where can I get pictures and overall dimensions of various standard gauge freight cars that I could scale down and use for scratch building rolling stock of the 1940 to present day period.”

Comment below.

Nick asks readers for help:

“I have a 1045 Lionel Operating Flagman. Currently I have an insulated piece of 10 inch tubular track with a lockon activating it. I have been advised to use a 1045C contactor switch to operate it. Does anyone have experience with both types of operation and which one works better? What are the advantages and disadvantages?”

Add your comments below.

Joel would like some advice from any with knowledge of Precision Craft Models:

“I have an HO Broadway Limited Import I1sa that was made for Precision Craft Models. It starts out perfect with the sound unit working and moves good from a dead stop but after about 4 feet just dies like the power was turned off but within a couple of minutes starts running and will die again in about 4 feet. Does anyone know what might be causing this problem and how to fix it?”

You can comment below.

Ted asks:

“A few years ago Allied Trains in LA had what they said was the perfect train for Christmas Villages. I saw it in their store but did not buy one. I thought it was very good in terms of scale. Would anyone remember or know the make/model? Can someone suggest the best scale/vendor that has something similar? Thanks in advance for your help.”

Comment below.

Add any suggestion below. 

Chuck wants suggestions from others in the hobby:

“I would like to run a diesel locomotive that makes different train sounds to run on an analog controlled track. Everything I see requires a DCC controller, but I’m a novice just looking to get started, and want to keep things simple and inexpensive. I am not sure what I need to be looking for. Any and all suggestions from experienced hobbiests would be greatly appreciated.”

If you have some suggestions to help Chuck with train sounds, then please use the Comments link below.

The great thing about the online Model Train Club is that all new club members start at level 1 and progress monthly to level 2, 3, 4 etc. and they can unlock access to new resources each month.

Some lucky members have already progressed to level 7 membership (the club only started early 2011), and they are now accessing some amazing resources.

Level 7 members are discovering are now unlocking lots of ideas on a wide range of topics from track maintenance, LED lighting, switches/points… to making signals, a scenic water tutorial, expert interviews, and much more.

To see what new members get access to in levels 1, 2 and 3 – all the details are listed at http://www.modeltrainclub.org/club.html

The HO scale Rivarossi Breuer shunting tractor in BP livery. Both axles driven, original loco was used for shunting services in a fuel depot. (HO scale 2-rail DC) Diesel tractor with BP oil tank wagon, DC. Epoch IV Length: 131mm. Features a fully operational mechanism including an 8 pin DCC decoder socket. 4 wheel drive with operating directional lights fitted. A great slow speed performer through insulated and live frog pointwork. Suitably geared for 15mph maximum speed of the prototype.

The prototype Breuer tractors were originally built at the Antonio Badoni Lecco factory (Italy) under a licence from the German factory Breuer. They were built between 1931 and 1952 and were used right up until 1984.

Breuer tractors were used in Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Austria, and Denmark. They were found to be particularly useful where space was limited in yards and where individual cars needed to be moved. The petrol and diesel variations produced 10 – 80 horsepower and they could move 80 – 500 ton loads. They had small wheels and reached top speeds of 30 to 40 km/h.

During WWII they were used by the Italian Royal Army in North Africa where they were nicknamed ‘Sardine Cans’ (just look at the shape).

The type V Breuer tractors were introduced in 1952 and used in marshaling yards and warehouses. They had a diesel engine and gearbox as opposed to the Type 111 which featured a petrol engine. The 6 cyclinder MAN engine featured 6 cyclinders and was coupled to a 4 speed gear box. Electric lighting as well as sanders were also fitted in the type V.