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!
Using WD40 on Model Railroads – Right or Wrong?
Benjamin W sent in this question:
“I’d like to know if WD-40 is suitable for lubricating the engine gears? Also is WD-40 ok for oiling trucks on the freight cars and track? I’ve had a go and it appears to be working ok for the moving parts and smoother runs on my track, but am I really using the right product and going about it the right way?”
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Solving The Problem of Dim Lights in Passenger Cars
Club member Michael M asks readers:
“I want to improve the lighting in my passenger cars? The lights are very dim and not easily noticeable unless the room is completely dark. I seem to recall reading somewhere that capacitors store DC current, so presume they will provide a constant voltage to the lighting? It is all a bit confusing. Can anyone help.”
If you would like to have your question on this blog (10,000 readers weekly), use the ‘Ask A Question’ link below each posting.
Connecting Wagon to Loco Without a Coupler
This question is from Dave:
“I want to put wagons in front of a Arnold br44 engine or run a second engine together. Any suggestions on how to do this without front couplers, or is there a product out there? Any help would be grateful.”
Manual Reversing Loop Question
Fred runs N scale and posted this question:
“I know that Kato makes a polarity reversing switch. I understand isolating the loop from the main, and stopping the train within the loop before changing the polarity. I just cannot grasp the actual mechanics and timing of throwing the switch. Also, how do I set the transformer to move the the train out of the loop and operate it on the main?”
Locos Halting at the Same Spot on the Layout – Why?
Dale asks readers this:
“First, I’m just in the process of building a 10’X 16′ HO layout. I have an BLI Big Boy that, besides causing a short at switches, seems to halt and restart at the same section of track, mostly on curves, but not always. The condition is worse when pulling 26 cars. It also is running at about 1 amp. I’ve cleaned the track over and over, but it does not make a difference. The engine is only about two weeks old. Could the track itself have faults in it? I check it with the voltmeter and it always shows about 13v, sometimes dropping to 10v. I’m using an NCE Power Cab. with incline circuit protection with light emitting fuses. However, my smaller Pacific 4-6-2 does not hesitate even under the same load. Engine trouble? And, how do you prevent shorts at switch frogs? Thanks.”
If you have a model railroading question you would like published on this blog – simply follow the directions outlined when you click the ‘Ask a Question’ tag below. Priority will be given to well worded, well thought through questions that assist readers in clearly understanding the nature and details of the problem you want to solve. The best questions usually attract the best answers. Also, please check your questions for spelling and grammar prior to submission as we strive to provide the best quality experience for our readers.
Peco 3-Way Electro Frog Turnout (SL-E99) with a PL-10E Turnout Motor
Lou models in HO and asks readers:
“I just installed a Peco 3-way electro frog turnout (SL-E99) with a PL-10E turn out motor. The motor is fitted directly to the turnout and dropped into the base table through a 40mm x24mm hole. Before installing the motors to the SL-E99, I wired the motors and tested them before attaching them to the track. All worked well.
When I attached the PL_10E’s to the SL-E99 the motors would bind. One in “right” direction when I activated the switch and the other in the “left” direction when I activated the switch. If I gave the motor a little help when I activated the switch it moved the point rails in the proper direction. No problem going in the other direction, and without any help other than the switch motor.”
Resetting Cab, Decoders
Bryant models Ho and asks readers:
“Every few days my NCE cab quits working (the display is still lit but the buttons don’t work except the Prog/escape) so I can reset it. When I reset the cab and decoder it is back to normal. Why do I continue to need to do this so often?”
Track for DCC – What’s Needed?
Steve models HO and asks:
“I am thinking of converting to DCC and was wondering if I needed to change track to be able to run?”
NCE Power Cab and Turnouts
Jerry models HO and asks readers this question:
“When I started in model railroading I used ez track. I have NCE powercab controller. I was wondering if my turn outs can work with my controller, and if so, how do I do it?”
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.”
3 Way Electro Points Conversion
N gauger Frank asks:
“Can I convert 3 way electro points to run as a insulfrog?”
Only 2 of 3 Engines Will Run?
Steve models 027 and has this question for readers:
“I have found a Lionel engine that runs by remote control however, my problem is that of the three engines, I have only two of them running with one of the remotes and the other one won’t. Where can I find what frequency that one runs on?”
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.”
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Problems Lionel Fast Track on Christmas Layout
Wes sent in this question for readers:
“I’m having an issue with my Christmas lay out. My O gauge Lionel fast tack loses power in one spot. I did a voltage drop test but there is conductance. I have 2 power wires hooked to a MTH Z1000. It will only run at half throttle or higher. But if you have fast track you know how loud that can be. I think I may add 7 more power wires to help with this. I tried the bending the prongs and that did nothing. It’s only 7×7 layout. Besides the additional power wires and maybe taking the track off and insulting the track. Any other ideas?”
Fixing a Digitrax Problem
Billy asks readers:
“I just replaced my Bachmann EZ command system with a radio equipped 8amp system from Digitrax. My many HO engines ran fine on the ez command system, but I couldn’t run many at a time. I bought the Digitrax system so I could. But the only engine I can get to run properly is my sound equipped Proto 2000 SD-40-2. All others either don’t run or run erratically and a lot of functions don’t work. Anyone ran into this before? I am new to Digitrax and would like any ideas.”
Finding and Fixing Electrical Problems
Michael models HO and wants comments or suggestions from readers:
“I just received my new HO train and MTH commander and Z1000 power pack. My new MTH diesel engine runs fine on the Kato track and everything works (sounds, direction, etc). But when I place a box car on the track it seems to spark on the track and cuts the connection on the engine and become non operational. I used 18 gauge wire. I feel clueless about what the problem could be? Any suggestions would be appreciated.”
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Which Transformer to Buy? What Wattage?
Jim asks readers:
“I’m building a medium sized o-guage layout for a single vintage 1954 Lionel train set. The layout size is a multi-level 6 x 9′ with a few accessories including automatic switch tracks. I am looking to upgrade from my old, small transformer but don’t want to spend any more money required to run this size layout. Any suggestions or recommendations on a transformer that will meet my needs but not break the bank? What size wattage is enough? Should I buy a new transformer or a used one? I’m new to all this. Thank you.”
Repair of Lionel ZW Transformer
Drew has this question for Lionel enthusiasts:
“I have a VERY old Lionel ZW transformer (purchased in 1955 – yes, people really do get that old). Many years ago I had it repaired due to the fact that the circuit breaker was constantly tripping. The repair person fixed the problem by just removing the circuit breaker. I want to restore the transformer to original so does anyone know a source of Lionel parts in the USA (aside from Ebay). Thanks very much.”
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