Here are two questions from readers for those of you into O model railroading. Can you help either Lynne or Eugene? Click the green comments link under this posting to add your feedback.

Lynne wants your thoughts on a Trolley Crossing and asks:

“Is there a way to run a stop’n go trolley with a 90 degree crossing without colliding with a train on the main track? I have a 12″ x 6″ layout and want to run the trolley past the main line to an outlying town. The tallest car on the train is about 7 inch and the trolley will not climb much of a grade, so a crossover would not work. The tolley would also require too much of a grade for the train to crossover. Any suggestions from anyone out there please? Thanks, Lynne”

Eugene has wants to know the meaning of the m in his hand held control:

“I have the mth system and on my hand held. I have a (m) in the window. Can someone tell me what does it mean and what should it be?”

Ron has a garden railroad and asks:

“Can someone tell me who purchased for manufacture the MDC Roundhouse G-scale manufacturing cars?”

Add your feedback below.

Every week I get hundreds of emails from all over the globe and unfortunately I can’t reply to them all. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement. It is so good to know that so many people (with varying levels of experience) are benefiting from the tips and ideas in my Model Train Help ebook. It sounds like some of you are constructing some amazing layouts.

I’m really pleased to hear the ebook is so widely accepted regardless of readers individual preferences for particular brands, scales, or operating systems. I have tried to make it suitable for everyone (beginner and experienced model railroader) rather than limit it just one scale or operating system.

I am also aware of the different railroading terms used in different countries. For example in the USA the term ‘Model Railroad’ is used whereas in some other countries like the UK and Australia ‘Model Railway’ is more widely used. HO in the USA is a similar scale to OO in the UK. Spelling also varies – for example in some countries ‘Analog’ is ‘Analogue’ and ‘Color’ is ‘Colour.’

However, in general terms model railroading (railway modelling) is very similar and the problems are very similar.

Here are some recent emails from around the world:

“I have purchased your eBook and have put the knowledge learned to good use. Thank you for writing it.” L Meyer, Germany

“I have just finished your book and it was great. I’ve recommended it to all my railway friends.”J Burke, UK

“Just bought your Model Train Help book and read it… and wanted to thank you. It has really helped me as I was a bit confused with changing over to DCC and until now was very confused. I now have confidence to go to tackle the project. Thanks again.”S Harris, Victoria, Australia

“I’ve read through the first 132 pages of your book and wanted to tell you it’s one of the best RR books I have ever read. You have a lot of knowledge and make everything sound easy… even for dummies like me.”R Jackson, MI, USA

“Hi Rob, I absolutely love your book. My mind is buzzing with some of the ideas you mentioned. The bonus section on airbrushing trains was unexpected as it is something I have always wanted to try. I can’t thank you enough!”M Morgan, IL, USA

“Thank you for creating this excellent book. I found the pages on wiring for two car operation most helpful. You are to be congratulated.”S Hansen, Denmark

Click here to find out more about my Model Train Help ebook.

Long-time model railroader Dave Adams has submitted these reviews of popular model train books for publication:

“Complete Beginner’s Guide To Model Trains” – By Albert Williamson

This ebook was orginally titled “The Ultimate Guide To Model Trains”. In my opinion the original name was inaccurate as this model train book was only 62 pages long with very basic content. Fortunately, this ebook has improved and the new title more correctly reflects the content.

The “Complete Beginner’s Guide To Model Trains” ebook is a good starting point but, at US$37, many will consider it over priced compared to my 1st choice. However, don’t be put off, this ebook is still packed with lots of excellent ideas and answers a lot of questions that will be stumping many in the hobby.

Compared to many ordinary hard-cover model train books the Complete Beginner’s Guide To Model Trains ebook is really easy to read and understand. Albert is to be congratulated on this improved version – it is worth buying. I like to print out these downloadable books and I then make notes and add to them as I go along.

“Model Trains For Beginners” – By Bruce Morgan

The author of this US$37 ebook Bruce Morgan describes himself as a passionate model railroader. This certainly comes across in this model train book (ebook) which Bruce has obviously written with the beginner very much in mind. It is basic and easy to understand, and you would need 3 or 4 ordinary books to give you all the condensed information this ebook contains in one place.

Again, it is not as comprehensive as my 1st choice, but it is still worth having as the author has tried hard to explain processes step-by-step, although I would have liked to see some topics in more detail.

“Model Train Help” – By Robert Anderson

Model Train Help in its 4th edition and is my # 1 choice. This downloadable ebook starts with all the basics explained in simple uncomplicated words. Then, step by step, page by page, the author explains how to design, plan, and create amazing layouts that are easy to run and problem free.

Model Train Help includes really helpful sections on DCC, scenery building and weathering techniques to add realizm to trains. I particulary enjoyed the bonus section on air-brushing, and the follow-up bridge building tutorial a few days later was a pleasant surprise I wasn’t expecting.

Conclusion – Model Train Help is a ‘must have’ model train book (ebook) for both beginners and more experienced model railroaders (I guess that’s me). Without question, author Robert Anderson explained many things I didn’t know.

At US$39.97, it is excellent value with over 200 pages packed with step by step instructions and photos, along with six bonuses and even more surprise (unadvertised) free follow-up tutorials. From my experience, you would not normally find this amount of easy to understand information in just one model train book. You would need to buy 4 or 5 model train books to get the equivalent amount of quality thorough information.

Summary –

Ebooks are a quick and easy way to access lots of valuable model railroad information with having to waste hours and hours surfing hundreds of websites on the Internet. You get all the information in one place and almost instantly as it takes about 2 minutes to get any one of the three model train ebooks I reviewed.

You’ll also find that in the case of the Model Train Help ebook there are free follow-up tutorials that aren’t even advertised, so that’s even better.

Each of the model train books (ebooks) is worth getting, but if you are on a limited budget then my pick would be the Model Train Help ebook. It is a “must have” for both beginners as well as the more experienced, and covers such a wide range of model railroading topics including: track plans, scenery building, weathering techniques, wiring tips, DCC and DC operation, building tunnels, ponds, roads and everything you could possibly imagine on the subject model railroading.

This is my choice because the author gives so many good ideas, and so many questions get answered. And best of all, it is written in a way almost anyone could understand.

Laurel is an 8th grader from Pittsburgh, PA and is working on a school project that someone may be able to help with:

“Hello, I am trying to get in touch with Mr Frank Edgcombe, the model railroad expert historian. My name is Laurel and as part of my 8th grade graduation week presentations later this year, I have been assigned the subject of toys and miniaturization in history. I would like to do a section on model railroads with some pictures of larger toys of the late modern years, 1930 to 1960.

I understand that Lionel O scale were the trains that were most popular. Is there a web page that has pictures of Lionel toy locomotives of this era? I found a picture that was exactly what I was looking for of a 600E locomotive but then learned that standard and O scale were not exactly the same and I do not know the size of this engine.

If there was a site that could give me the model names or numbers of the largest toy locomotives of that era, I could google them myself. Unfortunately, all the sites I find give me lots of information but not the size of the engines. Does a list of the largest of these toy locomotives exist anywhere? Thanks for you help, even if no one knows of any model train picture sites.”

Add your feedback using the green comments link below.

Ernie would like to hear from model railroaders in the Muskegon, MI area:

“I’m new to model railroading and I am looking for a reputable hobby store in the Muskegon, MI area. I live in a town 60 miles NW of Grand Rapids, MI area. Can anyone help?”

Robert comments: Ernie, it sounds like you would benefit from reading my Model Train Help Ebook and there are lots of useful tips for beginner and experienced model railroaders.

Bobby is planning an O scale layout in a room 20’x 15′.5″ with a 9′ ceiling and would like feedback from others in the hobby:

“My New Years Resolution is to make a strong effort to create my model train layout. I have decided to create the rail line that ran from Spokane, Wa to Seattle, Wa. which will take me across the Cascade Mountains. and through the longest RR tunnel in the USA.

When I was a boy I was facinated by trains and used to spend my mornings sitting alonside the tracks here at home in Pasco, Wa. watching the Great Northern (Rocky) pass by thus missing my kindergarden class, heh heh heh.

I have chosen O scale that I had as a boy. My first one was a Lionel and I still have the engine.

My question is…

I am going to construct this model train display in a room 20’x 15′.5″ with a 9′ ceiling. Do your readers think I will have enough room for my planned O scale layout? Also, does anyone have any ideas as to how I should begin?

Just getting started with the first step seems to be the most difficult. I realize I will need a plan to go by. My son will be drawing the scenery all along the walls and ceiling for me.
And, to you Robert, thank you for sharing all your expertise with the rest of us who love this great hobby. Keep up the good work and have a Great New Year.”

Neville would like to hear from model railroaders in Melbourne, Australia:

“I would like to hear from people interested in joining an 0n30 group here in Melbourne, Australia to help each other with meeting to disguss all points of this great hobby and to help each other. If you are interested contact me on Australia 03 9850 9550. I am building a train layout at the moment. All the best and a happy new year. Neville from Templestowe, Victoria, Australia.”

Mitch has a question for on3 enthusiasts to try and answer:

“Hi everyone. I have a concern regarding scale as I am interested in starting an on3 layout.

I have purchased an engine and a couple of cars and have done some research on the on3 scale. I am a bit puzzeled since on3 is considered narrow gauge for “o” gauge and the scale is 1/4 inch.

If I place an “O” gauge human figure next to the on3 engine and he would have to be on his knees to operate the engine. I also have found structures claiming to be for on3 but look like monsters next to on3 cars.

With out a lot of kitbashing can a reader tell me how does one figure the scale? I guess I would work with 3/16 inch scale, but not sure. Can someone advise me or lead an old modelrailroader of 75 years down the right path? Thanks again – Mitch”

To comment on Mitch’s posting simply click on the green comments link below. Have a go and see if you can answer it.

Nicky from the Gateway Model Railroad Club informs me that the Club is holding its Annual Open House on Saturday January 24th & Sunday January 25th 2009 and again on Saturday February 7th & Sunday February 8th 2009.

The Gateway Model Railroad Club is located at 100 E. Browning Road Brooklawn, NJ 08030.
Opening times are from 10am til 4pm with a $3 donation at the door.

Model Railroading is alive and well down-under in countries like Australia and New Zealand. The methods and scales are basically the same as in the Northern Hemisphere, although some of the scenery modeled is different.

Down-under they tend to use the British term ‘railway’ rather than the more commonly used term in North America of ‘railroad’. The Aussies and Kiwi use British spelling so words like modeling (US) becomes modelling, color (US) becomes colour, signaling (US) becomes signalling, DCC controled becomes DCC controlled. So if you read a book and the spelling seems a bit strange, it may just be that it is written in a different country.

Here is some information about the an Australian RR club based on the Gold Coast in Queensland just south of Brisbane.

David the President of the GOLD COAST MODEL RAILWAY WORKSHOP has submited these details for publication:

The Gold Coast Model Railway Club Workshop has the largest number of static layouts in Queensland. The displays encompass the following gauges :

N Gauge. This is currently being expanded.

HO/OO Gauge ( one circuit of track on either the ‘up or ‘down line = 1 scale mile in each direction ). This contains sections which are representative of America, British Rail and Europe. It is erected in a letter ‘E’ configuration, (but there are four ‘arms’, thus each ‘arm’ represents its own world of modelling.

This layout is being upgraded adding a turntable that will turn a ‘ bigboy’ loco.

0n30 Gauge Digitally controlled and growing in size.

0 Gauge This is incorporated with the 0n30.

G Gauge This is full sound and electronic controlled.

The Gold Coast Model Railway Club Workshop’s exhibition layout is D.C.C controlled and named ‘ United Nations ‘.

It is built from members modules, which are called ‘in ‘ when it goes out to an exhibition. As such it’s size can be varied from small to very large dependent on the venue. The Gold Coast Model Railway Club runs trains/engines which are representative of the world wide fraternaty of model railways.

The GOLD COAST MODEL RAILWAY WORKSHOP located at 16 KENDOR ST, LABRADOR, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA is open to the general public every Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm.

The Gold Coast Model Railway Club would enjoy your company

Mike shares some info on the Model RR project he is working on with his two sons:

“I have built a 10′ x 4′ table and used 5/8” sub flooring for the table top, purchased engines and cars and designed my layout to be a Canadian pacific 1900-1950 Era. I have pre made 2% grades far all my inclines and used blue Styrofoam for all the bases. There are some large expanses for bridges and viaducts and a large curved tunnel.

I am at the stage where I have all the foam glued on the table. I have purchased flexible track so that I can make all the necessary curves and will use conventional wiring because I don’t have DDC control. I am not sure exactly what to do next.

I want to have a roundhouse and a large wooden trestle around the mountain. It started out as a project for me and my two boys but I think I am the one with the real passion for this. I would like to hear from anyone with any ideas. My scale is N scale.”

To comment on this posting click on the green comments link below.

A reader from Canada asks:

“As I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada and I only found one store who is selling Fleischmann n scale – Euro Rail shop in Abortsford, BC, Canada. My question is – Is there any other store who selling this brand in or around Vancouver?”

Harold has kindly sent in this information and photo to publish. It looks like his layout will keep him busy. Here is what Harold has to say:

I’d like to introduce you to my layout. I don’t have any special name for it. I’ll just call it Harold’s Layout because it’s not modeled after anything in particular. Just some images in my mind I’ve developed over the years of trains passing through mountains, over rivers, lakes, valleys, and passing though towns.

I’ve always had an interest in trains ever since I can remember.

A little about myself. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago at the young age of 57 with early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. So this layout is a means for me to keep my mind going. Keep me thinking. Keep me trying to be creative. I hope someday one of my children or grandchildren will take it and keep it up and add to it.

I started Harold’s Layout about 2 years ago from scratch. I’ve been working on it ever since. It’s a 9′ x 6′ foot table made from 1″ x 4″ lumber, quarter inch Plywood top with half inch foam glued onto the plywood top. The legs are made of 1″ x 4″ lumber that are bolted to the table top so I can take it apart and two men can easily move the table if needed.

I also built a removable storage self underneath the table out of 1″ x 3″ lumber and quarter inch plywood to store my MR Magazines and my power packs for my trains. I put the terrain in using foam risers, foam sheets, some plaster cloth, lightweight hydrocal, and sculp-a-mold.

Tracks are layed down over foam roadbed. I have 3 trains sets. I am currently making rocks and boulders in molds with lightweight hydrocal and glueing them into the mountainous areas. Soon will start painting and putting in the color.

To comment on Harold’s layout simply click on the green comments link below.