Ben has a question that will interest readers in the UK, Australia and New Zealand:

“While building my HO Model Rail layout my wife pointed a rather critical limitation to most commercial products. I am from New Zealand and am building a freelanced ‘coal to synthetic-oil’ refinery layout and realised most, if not all, model vehicles and accessories like road/rail-level crossing electronic part (eg flashers and gates) are built for right hand drive (USA/EU style driving). My layout is left hand drive (New Zealand, Australia, UK, Japan) and so a shortage of stock to import and use on the layout unless I want drivers technically sitting on the wrong side. Does anyone know a place that sells vehicles and accessories suited to left hand drive layouts?”

To help Ben you can comment below.

Recent Model Railroad blog posts from across the internet.

BNSF Railway Operations At The Golden Gate Model Railroad Club …

My BNSF Railway mixed merchandise train traverses the Mountain and Valley Divisions of the Golden Gate Model Railroad Club with 4 EMD standard cab locomotives.

Publish Date: 06/17/2010 2:20

http://www.trainvideos.net/bnsf-railway-operations-at-the-golden-gate-model-railroad-club

The Train Fanatic!: Neat Train Picture and an upcoming Train Show

Last year, I was able to attend a couple of Model Railroad Prototype Meets (RPMs), as well as the Craftsman Structure Show (http://www.css2010.com/) in Mansfield, MA and the Great Model Train Show, in Timonium, MD (http://gsmts.com/). …

Publish Date: 06/17/2010 8:02

http://trainfanatic.blogspot.com/2010/06/neat-train-picture-and-upcoming-train.html

Tweets for 2010-06-16 | The Hobby Guy

Model RailRoad Podcast Show – Model Train Talk, News, Reviews and more http://bit.ly/9uWNV7 # Events > 21st Annual Strawberry Fest Model Railroad Show.

Publish Date: 06/16/2010 14:21

http://blog.thehobbyguy.tv/2010/06/16/tweets-for-2010-06-16/

Model Railroad – My MTH O Scale Model Train Layout 2 – Online

By making the outer rails the same polarity, there is no short circuit. The history channel has a show called, Trains Unlimited. There is a great episode called, Toy trains or model railroads. Check it out! …

Publish Date: 06/15/2010 18:53

http://www.throttleup.biz/my-mth-o-scale-model-train-layout-2/

Recent postings from other Model Train blogs.

Owensville Terminal Model RR Blog: News and Views: Daily Musing 6 …

Seven day model railroad · Granite City Train show report. 1 month ago. Joe Daddy · Tunnels redux. 1 month ago. Drew’s Train Layout · New Photos of Layout with my Nikon Digital Camera. 1 month ago …

Publish Date: 06/16/2010 6:11

http://otrr.blogspot.com/2010/06/daily-musing-6152010.html

Model Railroad – My MTH O Scale Model Train Layout 2 – Online

By making the outer rails the same polarity, there is no short circuit. The history channel has a show called, Trains Unlimited. There is a great episode called, Toy trains or model railroads. Check it out! …

Publish Date: 06/15/2010 18:53

http://www.throttleup.biz/my-mth-o-scale-model-train-layout-2/

CP Rail Manitoba & Minnesota Subdivision: Model Railroad Lessons …

But 22 years ago, when I was ready to build my first “real” layout, I was as uncertain as any model railroad newbie could be. I had no carpentry skills to speak of, and knew almost nothing about wiring, scenery or any of the other …

Publish Date: 06/15/2010 9:33

http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.com/2010/06/model-railroad-lessons-learned-1-anyone.html

David wants an idea of valuation for his train set. As most will appreciate it is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it. Researching recent eBay sales can be a good starting point.

NOTE TO READERS: Remember we do not publish postings for buy, sell or swap – so do not include contact details in your reply as these will not be published. David (who submitted the question) understands this and is only looking for your personal opinion about the train set and what it might be worth if he sells it on eBay or through a dealer.

David asks:

Can one of your readers please give me some advice on this one. I was given a train set some time ago and now I am thinking of selling it and to use the money to purchase new equipment for my current setup. If possible please advise me to as what I have and what I should accept for it. I was told it was from about the 1930’s and is a collector’s item.

This what I have.

> An HO loco and tender wagon – Duchess of Montrose 46232 British railways.
> A diesel loco – D3763
> Open wagon – Brick empty to Fletton E163535 ( Printed on side)
> Tank wagon – Royal Daylight paraffin ( Printed on side)
> Passenger wagon – M413 ( Printed on side)
> Passenger wagon – E42759E ( Printed on side)
> 2 Passenger wagons no markings

The wagons and locos seem to be made of solid metal and no plastic at all. The underneath is marked Hornby Dublo Made in England by Meccano Ltd Liverpool I find no dates.

The set has a complete lay out with bends, straight’s and turn outs. The track has a center rail too. There is a power control unit. I have not ever set it up but was told by the person that gave it to me it still runs. The tracks too are solidly built metal with no plastic, in fact I don’t seem to detect plastics anywhere on this set.

Add your comments below.

Richards needs some guidance and asks readers:

“I have a Varney 1947 HO F3 pot metal engine. It went through 4 kids. It was played with all over the place. It didn’t work so I took it apart and got it working. I got very busy and forgot how to put it back together. Is there anybody that could direct me to plans to put it back together? Thank you very much.”

Comment below.

Paul asks readers:

I have track for a NE Line HO Layout. I presume it is designed with the 18″ curves to include the 6″ straights. I cannot get the layout to work on a 8′ x 4′ sheet, primarily due to the electrical actuators for the switches along each side. Does anyone have any thoughts? Thanks, Paul”

To help Paul add your comment below.

Cos has a similar problem to many others (see earlier postings) and asks readers:

“I have an O-27 4’x8′ layout. At the far end my train slows and comes to a stop. What is the problem and how do I fix it?

Add your suggested answer below.

Rick wants to hear from those with experience of Bachmann DD40AX and asks:

"I've been around the hobby all my life and right now am deeply confused. My wife bought me a DD40AX for Christmas. I'll tell you right out, Bachmann has never impressed me. The unit ran great for less then ten hours, then it stopped. All the lights work from the track but no movement. I can put power to the chassis and it runs. Now Bachmann says to use their power supplies or NMRA approved packs.

I'm in a little 'hic' town with no hobby shops. I would believe MRC Railpower 1370 would be an approved pack. Now the unit is set up for DC and DCC and I understand many of your readers are masters of DCC and may have an answer?

To advise Rick, use the green COMMENTS link below.

Carol should be an inspiration to us all and has sent in this interesting story about her involvement with model railroading:

Thank you for all the info you send it has been a great help to me and your e-book has been a godsend, as I am very new to all this modeling. I have to do all my work from my wheelchair and sometimes it has been a struggle, but I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I have sent you these few photo’s of how I am progressing with my N gauge lay out which is 4ft x 2ft not so big but more than enough for me to cope with. it is by no means finished, but thought you might like to see how I am getting on.

I have always had an interest in trains from childhood (much better than dolls) we had a marvellous set up which my dad was always in charge of. Growing up getting married etc … put things on hold but I always wanted a train layout that didn’t take up too much space.

Just last year our neighbour introduced me to someone who made me the layout base. It had to be small as I work from a wheelchair and my reach is very limited so the N gauge is perfect for me.

I started making my layout by painting the backdrop on a roll of wallpaper so there are no joins and it wraps around the layout table. I then added the tunnel and the hill. Next came the buildings, then the road. I did have a basic plan when I started, but more of it evolved as I went along.

The photos you see are near the completion stage but I am at the moment adding street lights, telegraph poles etc . As this layout was started for me I am now also in the process of making another layout which is smaller but this time everything will be done by me, more on that later.

NB. The reason I am in a wheelchair is because I have a very rare illness called “Mitochondrial Myopathy” which is a muscle wasting disease with no known cure. I am exercise intolerant and even picking up a train engine can tire me out but I refuse to give in and do nothing so this hobby is keeping me focused and giving me something else to think about.

Following requests from several regular contributors we are taking a tougher line on incoherent or incomplete postings. Five postings have already been rejected and sent back for rewrites today. The problem is, that poorly worded or complete questions, are difficult to accurately answer and many of our regular contributors just don’t bother attempting to answer in case they get it wrong. One sentence questions are rarely published. Questions in ALL CAPS or with text jargon are never published.

Please understand, that the kind folk who answer questions are doing this purely on a voluntary basis and they often put a lot of effort into trying to help the person asking the question. If they are prepared to put in the effort, then it is only fair that the questioner puts in some effort to construct a well thought out question.

If your question has not been published, then you are welcome to reword it and submit it again for consideration by the Blog Moderator.

Submit your well-worded, well thought out questions at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/submit-questions.html This is a FREE service.

Tom has a question with a knowledge of garden railways and asks:

“I am designing a garden layout (outdoors) using electric for my power source. What is the best track to use? Also, what is the best way to insulate the wires? G scale and going outdoors are all new to me. I just thought someone might be able to give some good advise. Thank You.”

Comment below.

Sam wants to hear opinions from others in the hobby and asks:

“What is the difference between O-gauge, 1-gauge, O-27 gauge, and which of them is best?”

Add your thoughts below.

Peter asks readers:

“Is there any real reason I can’t use HO stuff on an outside layout, if I use brass, stainless or german silver track? I ask because there is a huge variety of HO stuff and its much cheaper than O or G scale.”

Take part in this discussion. Use the green comments link to have your say.

Rod has a common problem similar to many others already discussed on this blog (use search box).
Would someone like to offer some suggestions?

“I have a problem with OO trains not moving when power is applied. They move fine when given a push. What’s the problem? I am using a Hornby Elite controller.”

Take part in this discussion. Use the green Comments link.

Here is a good suggestion from a regular reader who does his best to help others in the hobby. I fully understand his frustration as he wants to provide quality answers that will genuinely help others in the hobby. Here is what he has to say:

“Can you ask the people that submit questions to mention their scale? I have often responded with help/suggestions to many of the questions I see here but without knowing the questioner’s scale it’s counterproductive to the accuracy of my response. I know you have (from time to time) asked for clearer questions on this blog but the message isn’t getting through.

Maybe you should reject any questions out of hand that don’t provide this info (when appropriate). Again, maybe a statement saying that no questions will be posted unless the scale is provided would help this a bit.”

In response to the suggestion Robert replies:

I will add this suggestion to the submit questions link at the bottom of each page.

If you as a reader are going to submit a question please provide as much relevant information as you can.

Here are some tips if you want a good answer:

1. Add as much relevant supportive information to your question as you can. Include details of the scale, operating system, solutions you have already tried, brand & model numbers etc. Remember, the person attempting to give you a good answer is not a mind reader.

2. Don’t ramble. Good questions often get lost.

3. Don’t make your question too short, or too general. For example don’t just say “I am building a layout and want your advice.” We get hundreds of questions like that and they don’t generally get published.

4. Use proper sentence structure, use spell check and don’t use ALL CAPS as questions will not be published.

5. Address your questions to others in the hobby as they will be the ones answering your question.

6. Remember to thank anyone who answers a question. They do not get paid for doing this and they do it because they genuinely care and want to help.

7. Use the green comments link under your posting to add addition information when requested.

8. Submit answers to help others. Don’t expect people to answer your question without contributing your help with other questions. If you can help someone else, then please do so.

We already reject a lot of questions and we don’t want to be unreasonable, but as the reader said “the message is not getting through.” We will start rejecting more questions if necessary.

And remember, if you have skills and experience in the hobby, then please take part in discussions. Please don’t just sit there reading what others have to say – GET INVOLVED!

Use the green Comments link below each posting to participate in discussions.

I think readers may need some more detailed information to offer any advice to help James. Readers can give ideas and suggestions by using the green comments link below.

James asks: “How do I plan a O gauge layout? I have Lionel tube and fastrack and have a 8′ x 12′ table. I have the Hell Gate bridge and the over/under MTH mountain. I have some carnival music boxes, a NYC building area and want two or 3 sidings long enough for a passenger set each. Should I go with the new digital stuff? Years ago it was simple, now I got MTH and Lionel stuff and things seem more complicated.”

James you can add more information to your posting by using the green comments link below. Readers can use the same link to discuss the topic.

Palmer wants help from anyone interested in railroads during the Civil War and asks:

“I am a Civil War re-enactor and I am adding a Civil War scenario to my layout. This will include a 1860 era loco and several U.S. Military Railroad cars. I have not been able to find any information about the color scheme used by the U.S.M.RR. All the photos I have found were black & white. I would appreciate any help.”

Comment below.

Franks sent in this story and photos for publication:

Building a lay out for my O Gauge train set seemed an impossible task. However, when I purchased the set, in the box was a brochure entitled “Rail Road in a Box.” Wow this was something I knew I could do. I called the company and asked a lot of questions and decided to purchase the plans. The plan came in full sized sheets that you laminated on 17 sheets of 32x40x3/16 core board. You cut out the pieces and assemble. It takes some doing. But I found it to be worth the effort. Of course I am 79 yrs old and retired.  From then on it’s kind of up to your imagination. Mountains, lakes, town etc. I had my moments.


The lay out is two levels layout. Starting at the lower level it goes up a grade through a mountain to the second level. It then switches to go around a small town switches back on to the main track goes through a second mountain down a grade to the first level where it switches to go through a mountain pass and back to where you started. All this within a space of  40 x 64 inches. And you can run two trains at the same time.

Now they try and tell you it’s so easy a kid can do it. To that I say - I’D RATHER DO IT  MYSELF. Now all of you may not have a sweet wife who allows you to build it in the living room … but … I DO.


You may enough of an engineer to venture out on your own. GOOD LUCK! For me, I say thank you RR in a BOX.