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!
Fixing Shorts When Locos Power Up
Michael S asked:
“I have an DC analog HO scale railroad and following some work on the layout track I am now getting a short which stops me from fully powering. I only get to about 40%. Anything above this and it shorts out. I can wind down the power so the loco starts to slowly run. Is this problem something to do with a turn out?”
Changing from 18″ to 22″ Curves With Original Turnouts
Seb submitted this question for readers to ponder:
“I have an HO diesel loco with 6 (3,3) trucks. A couple of months back I converted the track from 18″ to 22″ curves and I decided to leave the original turnouts intact. This might be the cause of the derailments when the unit crosses the turnouts…not sure?!? I don’t want to replace things if I am barking up the wrong tree? Should I substitute the turnouts with #6’s [22″ curves] to minimize derailments?”
Get your question published. See link below.
Wiring on a Reversing Switch
Franklin needs help and asks:
“I want to wire a reverse switch on my turntable (Atlas), and I wanting to know if there’s any problems I could encounter/avoid.”
Send in your question by clicking on the link below.
Hornby 08 Shunter With Sound Problem
Rick S used the ASK A QUESTION form to submit this question:
“I model British Rail in OO gauge and have a Hornby 08 Shunter that is giving me problems. When I operate it with the sound switched on it stops and starts back up then just repeats itself over. When I run it minus the sound it works fine. What can I do please?”
Post your question on the Blog using the link below.
Converting Dad’s Layout to DCC
Trevor H sent in this question:
“I inherited my late fathers train set and only have a limited knowledge of running trains. Watching my Dad operate the trains has fond memories for me, and if I could half as much pleasure from the layout as he did, I know I would be stoked!
I am keen to learn but would but the main problem I want to rectify is that my Dads layout was never set up for DCC. I don’t want to rush out and buy lots of things without first understanding what I can and can’t achieve in the way of converting the layout to DCC. I suppose the first question is can I run a train loco that has DCC on the layout? And, how difficult will it be to upgrade to DCC? The track is already in position as is most of the scenery and structures. Will I need to revamp everything and start afresh?
If all I need is DCC control and power pack then that would make things easy? If I can get the trains running on DCC then I can concentrate on converting lights and other accessories later. I am just thinking out load and trying to get my head around how difficult the conversion will be, not that I’m not up for the challenge, I just want to work through things logically and at my own pace. Advice from your experienced followers would be greatly appreciated thank you.”
If you have a question you would like published, send it in using the link below.
Rusting Track Problems
Michael G asks readers:
“My HO railway layout is in our garage. My wife doesn’t drive so we only have one vehicle which takes up the other side of the garage. The problem is that we live just a short walk from the coast, and although you don’t see the salt spray in the air, it has had an effect on our outdoor furniture, and there’s even rust developing on the mailbox. I do my best to keep my train track clean, but I think longer term I will be fighting a losing battle with the invisible salt vapors in the air. Does any one have any ideas for preventing the inevitable problem of rusting track?”
If you would like your question published, just submit it using one of the ASK A QUESTION shortcuts.
Problems With #4 Switches
Ron asked:
“I use Kato N-Scale Unitrack and like it. I’m just not sure about Kato’s #4 Switches, because I have been having some problems. The back end of the switch is confusing and I’ve got several power sections otherwise the engine will stop.”
You can submit a question for publication, but make it as clear as you can so that others can easily understand your question and hopefully provide you with a better answer. There are many ASK A QUESTION links for you on this blog.
Walthers Cornerstone Motorized 130′ Turntable Not Working
Wayne would like help with this problem:
“I have a fault issue, when I try to turn my non DCC 130ft Walthers turntable, it only moves about an inch then stops. I can then move it about an inch in the opposite direction. This happens when the turntable is placed on the pit in any position. It doesn’t appear to be jamming and I have cleaned the terminals. There doesn’t appear to be any broken wires. The turntable worked okay the previous day. Can you please help me? Regards Wayne”
Comment below.
Why Do My Loco Wheels Get Dirty So Quickly?
Aaron posted this question:
“I run two Atlas GP38s that can operate on DC or DCC according to the jumper setting. I have no problems with the engines but the wheels get dirty quick after about 5 minutes of running so they then start to run erratically. I share the track with others but haven’t heard of similar problems with their locos. When I clean the wheels I use a disposable tissue and mineral spirits. Feedback appreciated.”
Submit your suggestions on keeping Atlas wheels clean by pressing the COMMENTS link.
Trains Grind to a Halt a Few Days after Completing Track Work
Daniel is desperate for suggestions:
“Last week I was proud of myself for the job I did unaided on my track work. My layout is HO and I’m using Digitrax Zepher by the way. I wired everything myself (I thought I was really clever!!), and ran a couple of locos on the different routes and tested different turnout combinations. I powered things down and went to visit my daughter for the weekend.
Yesterday I powered everything up again and NOTHING! I thought maybe a short when the track status blinked. I then searched for a stray track nail and double checked each connection, but couldn’t see any issues. I just don’t understand how everything was working perfectly one day and not working a few days later?
I disconnected and reconnected the track wires from different sections, but I still have the same problem. I just can’t understand why it worked then it didn’t. I’m almost tempted to go visit my daughter again for the weekend and try powering up again next week. Maybe it will magically work again? Help please?”
Problem with Cars Derailing On Turnouts
Lana posted this question. To view the answers, or submit an answer, just click on ‘Comments’ under this post.
“My cars sometimes derail on my ez Bachmann track turnout. The problem doesn’t happen every time. Often the engine loco follows the set switch direction but a car behind travels up the switch curve. What’s causing this please?”
Have your question published. Send it to the Blog Moderator using the ‘Ask A Question’ link below any of the postings.
Adding Weight To Tank and Passenger Cars
Online Model Train Club Member Larry has this question:
“I saw somewhere something a while ago about the weight of HO cars and I can’t remember if they said they need extra weight added? That’s okay for flat cars or box cars because you can add a load and disguise the weights. I wondered how to weigh down a tank or passenger car? How much weight would I need to add?”
To submit a question for publication, simply use the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link under any of the posts.
Switch Wiring Question
Ren T models in N scale and asks:
“Can I wire a red & green LED signal status light to DC Bachmann turnout control switch? I want a green light for mainline direction and and a red light when the switch is not in position to direct trains off the mainline?”
Send in your question for publication. There is a link below.
View the comments, or add a comment to Ren’switch wiring question. There is a link for that below too.
Correct Flange Distance?
Online Model Train Club member Roger S asks readers:
“What would be the right distance between truck flanges in N scale?”
Submit your answer, or view the answers to Rogers question on flange distances by clicking the COMMENTS link underneath.
Submit your own question to the Blog Moderator for publication by using one of the many ASK A QUESTION links.
LED Electronic Resistors
LED Electronic Resistors
Andy G asks this:
“I have a few 3 volt street lights (LED) that came with separate resistors. Does anyone know how to wire resistors to lights? Thanks in advance.”
Send in your question by clicking on the ASK A QUESTION tag below.
Will all HO tracks connect to each other?
Kevin is a beginner to the hobby and is looking for some guidance on mixing HO scale track brands:
“I have seen tracks under different names/sellers/makers, but do all tracks connect with each other?”
If you want to assist Kevin with his HO track connection question, just add your comment using the COMMENTS link below. The Blog Moderator approves most answers within a few hours depending on the time zones around the world.
Curved Track Rails Not Connecting
Online Model Train Club Member Warren submitted this question for blog readers on connecting curved track:
“Derailments are my worst nightmare so am concerned with two curved HO sections of track that don’t want to connect neatly. Would like views on how to improve the join on the two curved pieces please?”
Send in your question to the Blog Moderator to have it published on this Blog. The link is below.
Also, you can read the answers, or post an answer to Warren’s curved track question by using the COMMENTS link below.
Sudden DCC Section Power Failure
Steven asks the following:
“I have an HO layout that is on 3 levels. Yesterday I had a derailment on a track joint in the start of a track segment where the middle level has a climbing segment to get to the upper level. Everything was fine up to that point but after the derailment the entire upper level is dead as a doornail. Prior to the joint where the derailment occurred, everything is normal.
There is no “clicking”, no flashing lights or other obvious signs on the track decoder board. I’ve pulled the plug and allowed time for an attempted system reset without success. I’ve swapped locomotives without success.
I am a complete idiot when it comes to electricity (the wiring was done for me). So forgive me for that.”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers
Model Train Help Ebook
