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!
Electrical Pickup Troubles with Baldwin Modern 440 Locomotive
Martin asks for help:
“I am having electrical pickup troubles with my Baldwin Modern 440. The tender sound will work when I disconnect the tender and pins from the loco, that is until I touch the tender or attempt to move it. The sound sometimes works when I fidget with the tender. I don’t know what to do.”
Old S scale American Flyer Needs Cleaning – How?
Reece is hoping for help with this question:
“I inherited an old S scale American Flyer set which looks like about 50+ years old. It is a Missouri Pacific set with 6 cars. I haven’t run it yet and am hoping all the dust that covers the cars won’t result in running issues. If so, I will just keep it in the original box or use the cars for staging. Is there a way to remove the dust without causing damage?”
You can submit your own question using the ASK A QUESTION link below, or COMMENT on this post using the COMMENTS link below.
Hornby X9850 X9871 Instructions
Bill asks:
“Does anyone know where to get instructions for the fitting of a Hornby X9850 X9871? HST lighting (Virgin) that Hornby supply. I have been unable to get help from Hornby and the supplier cannot help either. Help!!”
Removal of Rubber Traction Wheel Rim
Rudy asks:
“Hi, if I remove the rubber traction wheel rim on my new HO Piko V60 DB Diesel, will doing that give ‘that’ axel, full electric contact on both wheels, as it crosses the frog, and prevent that slight hesitation? I’ve noticed that if I flip the engine around, it will cross the frog smoothly because the traction tire ‘now’ crosses the frog leaving the other wheel contacting the exposed rail. It’s a small shunting engine, and I only pull 2 or 3 cars with it, so I may not need the traction tire anyway. Any thoughts on this?“
Best Road Switcher Engines?
Malcolm would like recommendations:
“In your opinion what are the best types of road switchers?”
Add your thoughts below.
Schematic of a Kato SD40-2?
Gary models N scale and asks:
“Does anyone know where I can locate a schematic of a Kato SD40-2 early model?”
Model Power EMD – E7 Engine Schematics
Jim models in HO and posted this:
“I have an old ( however, never really used – sat on a shelf for 32 years ) Model Power EMD – E7 engine. where can one find schematics or parts teardown for one of these babies? I would like to get this one running again. It has a power connection problem.”
British 1950’s/60’s Inspired Model Railway
Chey sent in these photos and description of his layout to share:
“Hi, here are some photos of the progress on my British 1950’s/60’s inspired model railway and also a short story behind the layout and locations it’s based on.
The story of this layout is a ‘what if’ the Great Central Railway extended to Gloucester in the 1930’s and remained there with a terminus in the 1950’s/1960’s until closure in 1965, the station is in a run down state with just a small booking office at the top of the stairs leading to the platform also the diesels now have a shed on side next to the coaling stage and only a handful of steam locomotives (to be acquired for the layout) are based there now including a 9f, and a Britannia or 2 plus a selection of BR(W), BR(E) and BR(M) motive power.
The station on this layout is called Gloucester General and is based on most Great Central Railway style stations, the depot is based loosely on 85B which was the Western Regions shed on Horton Road in Gloucester.
It’s British outline N gauge. All track and points are Peco, and the scenics are sourced from my back garden such as the ballast which is made using ash from the fire pit, the bushes are moss from the patio and walls.
The boards are actually 15mm compressed foam board attached to two beams running the length underneath, the layout is currently DC however it is being wired for DCC as we speak. I hope this makes for some interesting thoughts/ comments and hope you enjoy it too.”
The Layout Kim Is Working On
Kim sent in these photos and comments to share:
“Here are some if the things I have been working on lately. I am putting a green color over the pink, even though I am going to use some grass and other green turf and trees. I will be using some fine ballast in places as the affect of gravel. I think of stuff as I go along.”
Progressing From Starter Set To Bigger Layout
Mike posted this question:
“Hi, I’m a 59 year old double amputee who decided to get into model trains due to depression from limb loss. My question is this: I bought the Bachmann Chattanooga starter set that comes with HO scale EZ track. If I want to change engine and rolling stock in HO will they fit this track or do the single buys use a certain track? I like Bachmann and would probably buy that brand if this helps. Thank you.”
Märklin Engine Question
Tom posted this question:
“I need help. I bought a Märklin 36712 about 5 years ago and I just got it out of the box. There is no paper work with it. I tried to read the decoder with my ECoS digital command station ESU. I would be grateful if anybody can help with how to DCC it? Also, where to get manuals from in English not German? I have some photos if that will help. Do you know is there any modification I need to do? Many thanks.”
New Designs Include 2 Grain Elevators, a Rural Train Station, US Style Barn, and a Large Barn/Stables Building
The Combined Farms Pool Elevator and the Farmers Coop Store & Transport structures pictured below are among 7 new designs just released for railroading enthusiasts and diorama model builders. The downloaded PDF plans can be constructed using cardboard (a recycled cereal pack is ideal) to OO gauge size, HO scale or N scale. Although not really necessary, some modelers might prefer to glue scrap pieces of card or corflute inside the models for additional strength. It’s easy to do. Texture is provided for the posts pictured on the loading bay of the Farmers Coop Store & Transport building, but using pieces of balsa wood that can be painted to the color of your choice is probably the easiest method for making the posts. The designs are all pre-weathered with rust marks, windows, dirt and grime etc.
The new series also include a small country train station which could serve other purposes too, as well as a tall red stable barn building complete with outside toilet (or storage shed), and a tradition US style red barn structure. These too can be made to OO, HO, S, or N scale. The plans can be downloaded from the website https://www.modelbuildings.org See more on the website.
Converting Märklin Stock to Run on DC Platform
Ed asks:
“I have a number of HO Märklin cars that I would like to convert wheels and couplers to be usable with my DC engines and cars. Can anyone advise me how best to make these conversions – suggest the couplers to use and how to change out the wheels, including what wheels to buy? Thanks a lot.”
Pontefract Model Railway Exhibition Remembered
Ian took this photo, but he’s not sure what year it was, of the Pontefract Model Railway Exhibition in the UK. If some can place the scene and time, maybe they can share a comment.
Thanks for sharing.
Cane Train In Queensland Australia
Roy sent in this photo to share of a sugar cane train on display a few years ago at the Castle Hill Model Railway Exhibition held in New South Wales, Australia. The cane trains still run in Queensland.
Using Non-Macklin Equipment on Noch Layout?
David models HO and writes:
“I am looking to buy a used Noch layout from 1972. Can I run standard HO scale equipment which is not Marklin on this layout, and will the Marklin transformers power them? Thanks.”
Submit your question for publication.
David Shares Photos Of His Mid West Layout
David H from Cleveland, Tennessee sent in these photos to share of his wonderful layout and writes:
“I notice a lot of industrial layouts. I concentrate of the rural Mid-America I grew up in. 12ft x 23ft layout with homemade corn and soybeans long before commercial products were available.”
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