Troubleshooting
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!
Running Model Trains After Hurricane Ida Flood
Gary was impacted by Hurricane Ida and asks:
“We had IDA dump 10” in our basement. None of my O scale train equipment was damaged. My question is, the track. I had kept a 50-55 degree humidity. It has come down to good numbers. I’m worried about the track surface. What should I do and/or use.”
Using NCE Switch-Kat and Kato 4ch Turnout Controller
Ivan asks:
“My HO track and turnouts are Bachmann. Can I use the Switch Kat and Kato 4ch controller? The Bachmann turnout has 3 wires, whereas Kato turnouts have two? How would you wire that so that it would work?”
Kadee 50-footer Boxcar Coupler
Garry posted:
“One of my Kadee 50 footers has a bent coupler I need to fix but I’m not sure how to remove the coupler cover without damaging it. I guess they are not designed to be fixed?”
Send in your question to be published con the blog. Use the ASK A QUESTION link.
Dirty Stuff On Rails
Kev writes:
“I’ve only been running my trains for a short time and already there is black stuff building up on the rails. If I don’t clean it away my engine loses some power. I don’t think it’s grease, oil, or the paint I used on the ties and rails which I shined with bright boy. What is it and the cause, and how can I prevent it from coming back? Do others have this problem?”
Post your comments below, or have your own question published by using the ASK A QUESTION link.
Cork Track Base
Jeff asks readers:
“I have an old HO scale setup on a 4’x6’ sheet of plywood. The old track is on a raised cork bed. The train barely moves on the track. After applying several cleaning methods, unsuccessfully, I’m told I need some new track. I would like to purchase new updated tracking but am unfamiliar with it. Most importantly will it fit on my previously installed cork bed. Any help to get me started would be greatly appreciated.”
Add your comments to assist Jeff below.
Numbers on Crossovers
Hank models HO and asks:
“What do the numbers on the cross over (for example #4) means, and when or where do you use number #4, #5, or #6 cross over?
Add your answer below.
Track Voltage Loss
Neil models HO and asks:
“My loco drops 2 volts and slows the further away it gets from my power terminal track. Do I need 2 power terminal tracks positioned at opposite ends of my 9 foot track? Can someone clarify please?”
Get your question published on the blog too. See the link below.
Gear Slipping on HO Scale Norfolk and Western Class J
David posted this:
“My sons love model trains but it is something I never messed with as a child. I am fully indulging their hobby looking for things on Craigslist and eBay. I just gave my son an HO Norfolk and Western 4-8-4 train I bought used off of eBay for his birthday. It ran around the track once perfectly, but then it started acting like the motor was not catching the gears properly. It runs but acts like a transmission slipping. I have repaired Thomas track master trains and a small HO Freedom Train but this train is larger and more complicated at least to me.
1) Is there a resource any of you would recommend for adjusting or replacing gears on such a model?
2)We live in Western North Carolina. Are there places I could take it for repair if it is beyond my scope and abilities? Thanks”
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Whistler
Bill writes:
“Dear Railroaders, I hope all are safe and well. I have a A.C. Gilbert Co., Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Whistler, and believe it to be a Model 577. Running 3-rail O gauge trains. I have no wiring instructions or manual for the Whistler. Does anyone know where to access installation instructions, a parts list and/or wiring diagram? It would be greatly appreciated. Best regards.”
Submit your suggestions here.
Planning a 3 Percent Track Grade
Simon asks:
“Looks a 3% grade section is what I’ll need on my 65″ x 90″ HO layout. I was hoping for less, but with 18″ curves and a 122″ run that’s what’s going to need to happen. My questions – How restrictive will 3% be? What do I need to watch out for?”
Add your suggestions to assist Simon below.
Locomotive Losing Contact Along Track
Clint has HO and asks:
“I have a DCC layout. I purchased a used, but newer, (closed can motor) Walthers Trainline diesel. The track has been cleaned. All other locomotives run fine, but the Walthers hesitates and sometimes stalls. Are the wheels different on the Walthers? What is the fix?”
Peco Electro Frog turnouts With Circuitron SMAIL Switch Machines
Kim writes:
“I am working with Peco Electro Frog turnouts and I am using the Circuitron SMAIL switch machines but the electrical puzzle I am dealing with now has nothing to do with the motors. So this person from Iron Planet Hobbies says do not modify these so the jumpers underside are connected, There were connected out of the package and there is a frog wire. So in my photos I am showing first a single left turnout, currently directing the train to the curve so in that position switch is working fine. The other way I have set up as a switch throw and it goes into a spur by an elevator so what is happening, when I throw the switch and the blades move to other rails, it is causing a track fault.
So other photo is a crossover using two left turnouts. It is fine when they are in close (straight) but like the other one (#3), soon as I throw and blades contact other rails, FAULT. These switches are 2 A and B, I throw 1 A and B which is for a side and it does not fault. Other photos is a diagram and the underside showing the jumper.
I live in mpls/St Paul MN and wished a had an electrical expert here. Motors are working great, moving switches very nicely. I started in front to get this working right before going to the back to the same switch layout but without the single switch. In the link, there is a photo of my Digitrax Zephyr DCS52. If anyone out there are using these same type switches, I could use some advice cause I am not understanding this.”
Wiring for Susquehanna Valley & Gulf Summit
Jon B has been an N scale modeler since 1978 and posted this:
“Yours truly is in process of building the Susquehanna Valley & Gulf Summit N Scale layout. It first appeared in 1970 as ‘Nine Atlas N Scale Model Railroads’ as Layout N-109. There was a 2nd edition revised in August of 1976. Some years ago, a modeler published a DCC wiring version. Today, the same N scale layout is known as Atlas Layout N-18.
Drum roll, please…
My question is – Do any of you know where I can get a wiring schematic that will allow DCC on the Upper Level and DC with TWO DC controllers for the bottom level?
The rationale for this is yours truly wants to operate the upper level while two grandsons operate the DC version on the lower level.”
Please add your comment or suggestion below to assist Jon.
Athearn Genesis Challenger on 18 Inch Radius
Roland asks this question:
“I plan on buying a pre-loved (I presume that means 2nd hand but used with care) HO Athearn Genesis Challenger. Due to where it is, I will need to buy it untested. From the pictures and description, it does look to be in good condition, and the price seems fair considering what they go for new. My research tells me a 22-inch radius is recommended, but I only have 18-inches. Does anyone have any experience with running this model on less than a 22-inch radius, and what’s the general opinion on the Challenger?”
Post your question below, or post your comment below.
Thoughts on Atlas Code 83 Track
Wayne posted this question:
“It’s taken me a while, but I’m now at the point of buying track for my first HO layout which will be 9ftx4ft. My cousin uses Atlas code 83 track, but before committing I would like other people’s thoughts on what track would be best? Does it come down to personal preference, or is one track better than another?”
To have your question published use the ASK A QUESTION link below.
Refurbishing an Old Switch Engine
Phil writes:
“I have an 0-4-0 B N HO scale switch engine from the early 60’s I cleaned and lubed. It is running now but is noisy. The part that confuses me is it runs better and is quieter when going backward. Any ideas why?”
Brushes for an AHM Trolley Motor
Bruce asks:
“I am searching for brushes for an AHM trolley motor. The originals burned – sizes are 2mm x 3mm and a guess of about 5mm or 6mm long, and of course, with springs. I searched eBay, googled the world…but cannot find any sources. The question: does anyone know where I can find some? Thanks in advance for your help.”
Recommend DCC Decoders
Train Club member Palitha asks:
Can you kindly recommend DCC Decoders and speakers for the following DC engines –
1. DENVER & RIO GRANDE GP40 Diesel Locomotive Atlas #7038 HO
2. H0 Fleischmann
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
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