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!
How To Reduce Track Noise
Norman has a problem common to many layouts:
“I ran a vintage Lionel (California Zepher) around my room above the door and windows. When running the train, the noise from the wheels on the track is very loud. What can I put under the tracks on top of the plywood to reduce the noise?”
If you would like to assist Norman with a suggestion, then please use the COMMENTS link below his posting to add your thoughts. And, if you want to submit a question to the Blog Moderator for possible publication (10,000 readers weekly), use one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this site.
Power to Track but Locos Don’t Move
Gabriel seeks advice to solve his problem:
“After many years I’m back to model railways. My HO track is powered but the locos will not move. Please help.Thanks.”
Repairing a Transformer
Denny’s question:
“Does anyone know where I can get a MRC Tech II transformer repaired? Thank you for your response.”
What to do when engines lose power?
Howard from Maine asks readers:
“On my O gauge layout I run four trains at the same time using a Lionel ZW transformer. I look after my locomotives servicing them correctly and each one works perfectly on its own. The problem is when I try to operate all four at the same time. That’s when things start to go pear shaped. The older ones in particular lose voltage and slow down usually in the same spot. I have tried attaching leads directly beneath the problem area, but the problem has not resolved. Can someone provide a possible solution, or at least suggest what to look for?
If you would like to have your question on this blog (10,000 readers weekly), use the ‘Ask A Question’ link below each posting.
How To Post Your Question – Free Service for Readers
Although a lot of readers know how easy it is to post a question on the Blog, many have never used this free service. Hopefully this short video will show how simple the process is; and also how to post and view COMMENTS; and even add a photo.
Unlike other forums this blog is moderated to eliminate abuse and annoying spam postings. I want to maintain a high quality, so ask readers to carefully think through their questions and spell check them before sending them to the Blog Moderator for approval and publication.
Poorly worded questions that have lots of errors, or lack detail, are unlikely to get published. I know this sounds a bit strict, but having this policy is one of the reasons for the Blog’s success (with 10,000 readers weekly). The quality of answers sent in by readers is generally very high, especially when the question is well worded with ample details to explain the problem. Keep up the good work!
Please share this posting with your friends on Facebook, by email etc. They might like to use this free service to assist them in the hobby.
Extension Plates for DCC System
HO enthusiast David asks readers:
“I have MRC DCC system and I want to put 2 extension plates in. My question is can I use telephone internet plates?”
Problem with Timing & Quartering Loco Wheels
HO train buff Peter posts this question to readers:
“I replaced the small drive wheel gear on my Bachman 2-8-0. I have spent literally hours trying to get the timing or quartering right. The loco just will not run smoothly. I don’t want to purchase a quartering tool as they are super expensive to purchase where I live. Any advice will be appreciated.”
Locomotive Stalling But No Shorting
HO enthusiast Carl has this question for readers:
“Hi guys, I’m having trouble with my new BLI S-3. The loco runs fine, except on my turnouts.I have both Peco and Atlas,and it stalls on all of them. Not shorting though, as power stays on the rest of my layout. I’m at a loss, because my other steamers run fine. I have a challenger, a class A, and a 2-8-2. I’ve tried insulating the turnouts, taping over the frogs,and rewiring. It’s the only one of my 14 locks that does this. Any ideas would be appreciated, or has anyone else had this problem? Thanks.”
Back Wheels Derailing
Reader Rob L sent in this question:
“I’ve got some vintage HO track. When the train goes through the switch the front wheels go okay, but the back wheels go the other way and derail?
Solving Lighting Problems On Model Railway
N scale enthusiast Mervin sent in this question for reader:
“I have just recently started having trouble with my lighting. For some reason my lights burn out. I am using the small lights for housing and such, but all of a sudden my lights burn. I am not sure if it is the electric transformer or if the lights are getting too much power. I also have some street lights, to be exact 20 of them, with 2 wires coming out but no way to attach them around the neighborhood. I need suggestions on how to place these lights and how to keep them light.”
If you can assist Mervin, simply add you suggestions using the COMMENTS link below his posting.
If you have a question you would like to submit to the Blog Moderator for possible publication, then after thinking it through, you can submit your question using the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link under any of the postings on this page. This model train blog has more than 10,000 readers weekly so someone will have the knowledge to help you if your question is well thought out and clearly worded with adequate details provided.
Lionel Train Won’t Work
Daniel hasn’t provided much detail, but hopefully someone might havd some suggestions to help him. Perhaps he could add some more details to his post such as solution she has already tried etc.
He asks:
“My lionel sd-40 works on others peoples layout but not mine…any ideas?”
Crossover Problem
Chris asks: “I’ve a problem with my HO Atlas (X) cross over in that I get a stall and will not go through. If I power through it sometimes works and others a hesitation. I’m running straight DC with equipment from the 1960-1970’s except for track (Peco & Atlas).”
Resolving A DCC Problem
Franks is hoping someone can assist with this problem:
“I have 2 identical OO gauge BR 0-4-0 Class 06 diesel shunters. At present I have an oval test track. I have fit identical Decoders to both (laissdcc 2 function 6 pin). One runs perfectly well in the direction that the other trains with the same decoder run but one only runs the opposite way. It runs perfectly in forward and reverse but if I turn it round to run the same way as the other trains it will not go in either forward or reverse. Presently I am using a Hornby select controller as I am waiting for the return of my NCE powercab from America. I have tried altering the wiring in the loco all to no effect. Could this just be a faulty decoder or is it something to do with the loco or Hornby select. Any replies would be much appreciated. One very frustrated modeler.”
Power to O Scale Outdoor Layout
Matt asks:
“I need some help with how to power my outdoor O-scale train. I have probably 100 feet of track and I’m assuming the power source that came with my small MTH set will not be sufficient. Can anyone direct me to some help?”
Replacement for Gargraves Points
John asks O Gauge readers:
“Has anyone come up with a better check-rail for 0 gauge Gargraves switches (points)? The glued-in plastic ones come loose too easily.”
Problem with Train Control
Art models HO scale and asks this question:
“I bought a diesel train to go along with my grandson’s bachman set. Do I need a different controller for this as it won’t work with the controller the original set came with?”
Fixing Problem Crossovers and Switches
Derek asks readers:
“Bachmann nickel silver #5 switches and #6 crossovers look good, but don’t operate that well. I’m having problems with derailments when a train enters a turnout. The rails seem to move a fraction, just enough to create a gap. The frogs are okay. The first 4 or 6 engine wheels usually make it over the turnout without a problem. However, problems can happen when the wheels on the following trucks pass over the same spot. They often want to go in a different direction.
I thought I might have a go trying to fix it with my Dremel tool by grinding the stationary rails so as to create a small notch where they touch the moving rails. I wondered about strengthening the springs underneath the turnouts, but I’m not sure if this is a good idea or how to go about it.
I would really appreciate some advice from others who know more about these problems than I do. Thanks.”
The ASK A QUESTION link is under every post if you have a question you would like published.
Loksound Decoder Problem
Graeme has this question for readers:
“Hi I have an N scale Kato sdp40f fitted with a loksound decoder. My question is when I want it to move off there is a 2-3 second delay before it moves, now this would not be a problem except I have it hooked up to two other locos which move off straight away. I’ve tried adjusting start voltage and cvs 2-5-6 as well as cvs 3 acceleration and 4 de acceleration but I can’t get rid of the delay before moving off any ideas on how to make it move off as soon as power is applied other than that it runs great the loksound was Kato factory fitted.”
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