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!
Rotating Beacon on Model Railroad Problem
Bob models S scale and sent in this question for readers:
“I have a rotating beacon that does not rotate. No sure how the fins on the top should be angled? The beacon is connected to 18v on my transformer. I have adjusted the vanes but still does not rotate.”
Problem with Chattering and Oscillating Servo Point Motors
He is a question posted by Barrie:
“I have a problem with the servo motors that control the turnouts on our N scale club layout chattering or oscillating when an old type DC loco is run on the layout. This doesn’t happen if new type locos are run or the system is run as DCC (Our N scale Layout has been wired to operate as DC or DCC). The club N scale layout has a HO/OO layout directly below and when they run some of their old DC locos it causes their turnouts and ours to chatter. I think it may be RFI generated by the loco motor and the minute sparking that occurs at the loco wheels while running. We have used about 70 model aircraft type servo motors to control all the turnouts on both layouts. These turnouts are wired back to electronic control boards around the layout that can each handle 8 servos.
Each servo is then operated by single pole single throw switch on the main schematic panel which is wired back through the electronic control board. The N & HO/OO turnout systems are separate and each is powered by a 5v & 12v computer type power supply. The turnout power system is also electrically separate from the track power supply. Any suggestions how we can overcome this problem would be appreciated.”
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How to Stop Wheel Flanges Catching
Raymond has OO gauge trains and has this question:
“With some of my older loco’s I have problems with the wheel flanges catching on the sleeper chairs. As some of the wheels are impossible to change, is there any safe way I can reduce the diameter of the wheel flanges without too much trouble?”
There is a link below every posting to have your comments or answer published. There is another link below each posting where you can submit your questions to the Blog Moderator.
Loco Only Operates for a Short Time
This question from Dwayne:
“I only have one loco and it will only work for a short period of time. I am 17 and really new to the hobby, so have a lot to learn.”
The ASK A QUESTION link is under every post if you have a question you would like considered for publication.
Will Long Passenger Cars Uncouple Over Joints?
Ray has HO and asks readers:
“I heard that horn hooks stay coupled better on long passenger cars than knuckle couplers. Is that true?”
Switch Wiring Problems
John model O scale and asks readers:
“My problem is that SW2 switches as if it didn’t have external power, and it does, as the train passes over. If I remove the connecting track to the switch from the saw mill loop there is no problem. That solution doesn’t allow a return from the spur to the main line. What am I doing wrong?”
John, you can attach a schematic if you think it helps. Just add a comment under your post and attach the schematic there.
Fixing Turnout Switch Failures
Ed who models HO scale asks readers:
“I am having problems with the switches pressed to actuate a turnout. I’m finding them staying stuck in the depressed condition causing the turnout motor to melt. Does anyone else see this problem. Its happened to me enough times to get expensive.”
Can I Join Two Track Brands Together?
Kevin asks readers this:
“Gday. I’ve saved 2 HO scale starter sets to my eBay but are made by different makers. Will, or can I, join the two track brands together? That is if I keep buying different starter sets can I add them to make a bigger layout or should I stick to one manufacturer? All will be HO scale . Thanks“
Problem Poly Gear and Axles on Bachmann Engine
HO enthusiast Greg asks readers:
“I have a Bachmann 2 6 0 consolidation with bad poly gear and axles. I can’t locate any repair parts with out buying the whole drive system. Are there any upgrades or replacement parts from any other companies? Thanks.”
How to Power Frogs and Switches
Chris asks readers:
“I need help with powering a switch frog. I get shorts. What is the best way to power the frog or sometimes switches too?”
Back In The Hobby After 27 Years
Jack asks readers:
“I gave up model railroading around 27 years ago when we moved to a smaller house, but I kept 3 locos packed in boxes. We have relocated to my son’s property on a farm and he has a big shed where I can set up my trains again. I tested the engines but they are running sluggishly and one only goes intermittently. They used to perform well but that was a long time ago. What do I need to do to clean and lubricate them?”
Fixing an Electrical Problem in a Locomotive
Craig sent in this question for readers:
“My LGB 251902-3 (2051S Cat#) will not pick up electricity from the rail. My smaller Furka Oberalp works just fine on the track. I have found that when I test the pick up plates, there is no circuit between the plates, meaning there is no voltage to the motors. It was working fine until just recently, but has been sitting on a shelf in my workshop for about 3 weeks.Any suggestions?”
Problems With Peco Turnout Motor
Asa models N scale and asks readers:
“ I have Peco turn out motors. And I have attached to the bottom a switch that controls dwarf lights. When I hook it up to the ac side of my transformer it works fine. When I put the turn out track on it does not work at all. I pulled the little spring that keeps the points in place and it went back to work fine. I’m I doing something wrong or could my transformer be weak or is there something else I should be doing? I would like to keep the spring because it does a very go job of holding the points in place. the ac voltage is 20. ”
Atlas Turnout Wiring Problems
Scott models HO scale and has this question for readers:
“I’m venturing back in to model railroading after a 50+ year absence, and I’m stymied with a very basic problem. I’m using Atlas Tru-Track for my layout, which is a simple double oval with DC control. My turnouts are Atlas Tru-Track Remote Snap-switches. The wiring from the switch machine seems to be smaller than 22 AWG (that’s as small as my wire stripper will grip). The amount of stripped wire that comes on the switch is not much more than 1/8″. So far I’ve used up about an inch worth of wire on one of the turnouts trying to connect it to a longer wire running to it’s controller. I need suggestions as to how I can get such a small wire stripped so I can make connections to my controllers.”
Lights a Problem on Loco
Club member Joel asks readers:
“I have a Bachmann DCC ready engine with new decoder and I can’t get the lights to work. Do you have a suggestion?”
Wiring? Boosters? Circuit Breakers?
Aaron models HO scale and asks readers this:
“I am currently building a layout about 5 -6 pieces of plywood (standard size) formed in a horse shoe shape.. with a under ground staging yard to park the locomotives.. my question is how would I wire my system up? How many boosters? What about circuit breakers? Etc”
Fixing Track Turnout Problems
Marshall models N scale and asks readers:
“I have laid ATLAS TURNOUTS and a lot of my rolling stock jump track when they get to the actual switch housing, so I changed to PECO. Now, my problem is that the power switch extension arm is too far away. Q) How do I make the extension rod longer?”
Loco Stopping Erratically
Paul K asks readers:
“My 8 year old Bachmann engine HO goes ok but then stops or stalls. It’s doing my head in because it doesn’t stop in the same spot so its not the track. It will do a couple of circuits then plays up. Not sure what to do.”
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