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!
Metal Wheels On Trains
Tim has a question for readers on train wheels:
“You state that metal wheels are better and the price has come down. Where do people get them from? I run Lionel almost exclusively.”
Add your suggestions below.
Older Athearn RDC Units
Adolphus asks readers:
"Does anyone know of a source for purchasing replacement HO drive systems for the rubber band drives Athearn once used for their RDC's? I have two of these rubber band driven RDCs and would like to replace with a more modern drive system."
Comment below.
0 Gauge MTH Proto 1 Conversion
Milt asks readers for advice:
“I have several boat anchors of MTH Proto 1. How can I convert or does someone convert them to conventional operation. I do not need the electroncs, chuffing, just that they operate forward and reverse. Thanks.”
Add your suggestions below.
Rating Scale of Model Train Quality
A regular blog reader asks others to rate the quality of different brands of model trains. Maybe we should run one of our polls on the topic some time? I do see one problem that needs to be taken into consideration when rating brand quality and that is pricing and market positioning. Obviously some brands target the premium end of the market and price their locos and rolling stock accordingly. However, not every model railroader is in the position to spend hundreds of dollars buying a new locomotive for example, so other brands target the mass market and price their products accordingly (they cost less to buy). It really comes down to value for money and what people can afford. Fortunately there are a range of brands catering for different ends of the market. So, really it comes down to value for money.Now back to the reader question. He asks others for their opinions: "How would others rate the makers of model trains for their quality, performance, durability, and finish? If I had to pick a scale first would be N and second would be HO. Thanks for the opportunity to see your picks." I'm sure that there will be a number of different view points. You can have your say below.
Old Tyco Locomotives
Here is a reader question you might like to answer:
“I have an old tyco locomotive over 25 years old.The light works, the motors will not run. How do I check out the motors. Also can I clean the motors with something?”
Comment below
World’s Smallest Model Train Layout
This is interesting to watch, although the guy who built this layout hasn’t got a camera that can capture the detail. It is a shame, but he is to be congratulated for creating something most of us couldn’t do. I know my eyesight would stop me from even trying.
Speed on HO Track
Harold has a brief question for readers:
“As the length of track increases the trail speed decreases. Is there a simple solution?”
Comment below.
Smoking Tank Car
Bill asks readers:
“I have a new smoking tank car, I have inserted the appropriate liquid but I cannot get the smoke to appear. Does it make a difference if I run the train slower or faster. Currently I cannot see or smell the smoke.”
If you can assist Bill, please comment below.
TT Scale English Steam Locomotives
Victor asks readers:
“I am looking for English steam locomotives in TT scale, does anybody know of a source anywhere in the EU.”
Comment below.
50 Year Old Lionel Diesel Locomotives
Bob has a question for anyone who can help him with his old Lionel locomotives:
“I just dug out my Lionels from the garage after 50 (that’s right, 50) years. I hooked up my ZW to a circle of old O27 track to test out my GP-7 diesel. I got nothing.
The green power light went on but no juice seemed to hit the rails. The red circuit breaker light not indicate a short. I switched the hook-up wire from the U-D posts to the U-A and got a small spark from the loco’s left front wheels but nothing else. I don’t have a voltage meter to check to see if the ZW is providing any power.
Admittedly the track may not be conducting well after all these years, but I thought I should get some kind of response from the engine which had always performed so flawlessly when I was a kid. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can determine if the issue is the transformer or the GP-7?”
Add your comments below.
Fleischmann N Gauge Locomotive
Richards wants help with his Fleischmann N gauge tank loco and asks readers:
“I have one Fleischmann N gauge tank loco (7000) which I had chipped by the supplier. I want to buy two more, 703002 and 707001 (also known as 7071 on some sites). There is currently quite a waiting list to have locos chipped in the UK so I want to chip these myself. Are there any particular pit-falls I should be aware of with Fleischmann locos? I plan to use a CT Eletronik chip, possibly a DCX74z.”
Comment below.
Sneak Peek Inside The Model Train Club
My new online Model Train Club is proving really popular and the feedback from members is very encouraging.
Randy has kindly made a video with a quick inside look around the club. I’ve put it on the blog for you to watch. Click here to read more about the Model Train Club.
MTH Quality
Rick wants to here readers opinions on MTH products:
“I purchased a MTH HO Mohawk. Igot it home and discovered one of the drivers was missing a screw. I returned it and bought MTH Dreyfuss and it runs great. I then bought a EMD diesel by MTH. After A few days the rear wheel plastic housing broke. I replaced it with another EMD. This one had a defective memory board. Out of 4 I have one that runs. I need two more,What brand would you suggest? Is there a problem with MTH quality control or am I just unlucky?”
Comment below.
Read about Model Train Clubs
Marklin 2-6-8 BR 53 DRG 3602 locomotive
Brian has a question for Marklin fans:
“I have a Marklin 2-6-8 BR 53 DRG 3602 locomotive. Is it possible to convert this loco from A.C. power to D.C. running on regular 2 rail track. Thank you.”
Add your comments below.
1966 Petticioat Juction Train Set
Greg has a question for Uncle Joe or anyone with knowledge of a trains set based on the old Petticoat Junction TV series:
“Does anybody know of any connections to where I could purchase The original 1966 version of the petticoat junction train set?”
Comment below.
HO Bachmann GP40 Engines
Ray has a question for readers:
“I have four Bachmann GP40 engines but which brand is better to pull more rolling stock up a small grade on my layout? It is only six inches high and over nine feet of run on either side. All my freight car are near four ounces or 100 grams each engine. One will only pull five cars and a caboose.”
Old HO Engines
Tom has a question for readers on model train maintenance and asks:
“I have several HO engines that have not been used for 17 or 18 years. When I put them on the track they try to run, a little noise, flickering headlight, etc, but will not take off and go. I have cleaned the track and have tried to clean the wheels so they make a good connection, but I still can’t get them to run like they used to. A couple of them will run continuously but not very fast. What should I do to get them to work again?
I am mechanically inclined enough to take them apart and clean them, but I wanted to see if there was an easier fix before I do that. I would appreciate any help.”
Add your comments below.
American Flyer 343 Smoke Unit
Rich would like some advice from anyone who has an American Flyer 343:
"How does the smoke unit work on Amercian flyer, model 343?"
To help Rich, add your answer using the green comments link below this posting.
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