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!
G Scale Trains Confusion
Aura posted this question:
“I have an outdoor G scale train. I am trying to organize a nice layout but I find the g scale category all over the place. I would like the buildings the same size and to put cars with it. Would 1:24 scale cars look best or 1:18. Also the train only goes with the engine and it often falls off the track. I would like cars too. I am discouraged as I don’t know all I am doing wrong.”
N Scale Kato Decoder Install
Hanks asks readers:
“I’m looking for pictures of how to install an EM13 (Kato mobile decoder) and a FL12 (Kato interior light decoder) in a Kato N700A (item# 10-1174) bullet train. Google searches haven’t found anything!”
Locomotive Operational Problems
Frank has HO and asks readers:
“I purchased a used loco that moves reluctantly: on powering the lights go on, it makes realistic idling sounds and then cuts off. It had moved slowly previously. What may be the problem here? Thank you.”
If you have a question you would like to have considered for publication (10,000 readers weekly), then submit it using one of the “ASK A QUESTION” links on this blog.
How to Identify Train Cars
Kathy asks:
“I have three N scale cars. 2 say 176-290 E8/9-B. The 3rd says 176-292 E8/9-B. All 3 are yellow and say Union Pacific on them. How can I ID these to be sure they are in correct boxes? Thanks again.”
What does “Elektrolok E-lok” mean?
NRC has this question for readers:
“What does Elekrolok E-lok mean? I see this all the time from European sellers.”
What Do Locomotive Numbers Stand For?
Donald wants advice from readers;
“I’m looking for a new HO Bachmann steam locomotive engine and I ran across engines with these number 2-8-2, 2-8-4 or 2-6-0. Could someone tell me what these numbers mean. Thank you.”
Building a Train Layout Around The Christmas Tree
Errhe sent in this question for readers:
“Please help me if you can. My wife wants me to build a small Christmas train around our tree. I agreed to do it but with a couple of conditions: I want one that has a circular track around the tree attached to a larger oval where I can build a little village – so I figured I needed a couple of switches. And I do not want some cheap, noisy, battery powered, train. I want a train where the track provides the power. This is because when I was little my friend had a train with a missile car the you could stop over a certain place on the track. The first button press opened the top of the rail car and elevated a missile, and then the second press of the button fired the missile. In always thought that was the coolest part of his track.
Anyway I want to start building a model track and village. I want it to be expandable later, and i want it to run on a powered track, not a engine full of batteries. But when I started looking for parts, I realized I really need more information before I start designing and buying pieces.
Almost all the store trains I see, are battery powered and come with a simple circle track. I want to design on am own track layout and use a variable speed control.
My other problem, of course, is my lack of know knowledge regarding scale size. Do I need gauge G, O, SO or something else? I don’t want to get a scale that is dying out with limited future options. I want to be able to expand on my train in the future.
Yes, I am new to the model train building hobby, but I love working with my hands and I have created many pieces of furniture with beautiful finishes that my wife loves.
If anyone with a passion for trains can help me learn a little, I would be very grateful. It’s more than a simple model, it is a handmade gift to my loving wife and she deserves to best.
Thank you for any knowledge and help you can pass on to me.”
Why Do Some Lash-Up Engines Face Backwards?
As a follow-up to Steven’s earlier question, club member David G asks readers this question:
“I have seen a locomotive hooked up backwards when there are 2 or 3 or even more of them lashed-up together – why would that be? Is this for mechanical or maybe operational reasons? I wondered if it just makes it easier to link them that way rather than turning the loco around while it’s in the yard?
My other question is – when the engines are lashed-up, are all the locomotives always operating to full power… or could a locomotive sometimes be in tow?”
Use the COMMENTS link below if you know the answer, or want to see what others have to say.
Long Lash-Up Engines
Steven has ambitious plans for his O gauge set-up and asks:
“I want to put seven diesels mth or lionel engine in a row to pull 250 freight cars. How big would the transformers I would need to be to pull 250 freight cars?”
Rating The Quality Of The Various Brands Of Locomotives
David sent in a request to find out if any readers have a way of rating the various manufacturers for the quality and reliability of the locomotives they produce. If you have any suggestions for David, then please submit them using the COMMENTS link below this posting.
POLL RESULTS: Do you run run Prototypical trains?
The results of the latest poll are in. Here’s how you voted when asked Do you run run Prototypical trains?
- I run whatever I want as long as it looks good. I’m not against having a mix of modern & older cars. Anything goes. (62%)
- Generally I try to stay prototypical, but with a few exceptions. (28%)
- Yes, only prototypical. (5%)
- What’s Prototypical? (6%)
Your Ideas for a New Train Poll
If you have been following this Blog over the past several years you’ll know I often run reader polls.
If you have any ideas for some good poll questions, then you can submit them using the ‘Comments’ link below this posting.
Just a reminder this Blog is free and survives with input from readers like you, and with a small amount of advertising support.
Problem with Timing & Quartering Loco Wheels
HO train buff Peter posts this question to readers:
“I replaced the small drive wheel gear on my Bachman 2-8-0. I have spent literally hours trying to get the timing or quartering right. The loco just will not run smoothly. I don’t want to purchase a quartering tool as they are super expensive to purchase where I live. Any advice will be appreciated.”
Problem with Train Control
Art models HO scale and asks this question:
“I bought a diesel train to go along with my grandson’s bachman set. Do I need a different controller for this as it won’t work with the controller the original set came with?”
How to Stop Wheel Flanges Catching
Raymond has OO gauge trains and has this question:
“With some of my older loco’s I have problems with the wheel flanges catching on the sleeper chairs. As some of the wheels are impossible to change, is there any safe way I can reduce the diameter of the wheel flanges without too much trouble?”
There is a link below every posting to have your comments or answer published. There is another link below each posting where you can submit your questions to the Blog Moderator.
Skytop Observation Car
Tony models HO and posts this question:
“Does anyone know where I can purchase an HO Skytop observation car? It can be new, used, prefer unpainted (need yellow/grey scheme) or any other condition. I let mine out to get painted, now it’s mysteriously vanished…I am devastated. Thanks in advance.”
Hopefully someone can suggest a supplier for Tony. This blog does not do buy/sell/swap so personal contact details are never published.
Middle Rail Rollers
Tom has an O scale layout and asks:
“I have a couple of loco’s that the rollers has developed a groove and now does not want to run. Why is this happening?”
Shay Logging Engine
Toni asks:
“Where can I buy an HO scale shay logging engine for my museum layout? They don’t seem to be available anymore in HO. Saw some extremely bashed on e-bay for over $500. Wonder if they even run. Any ideas? I do have a little grant money. Thanks.”
Hopefully someone can suggest a supplier for Toni. This blog does not do buy/sell/swap so personal contact details are never published.
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