Geoffrey asks readers:

“Has anyone had any experience with radio control of a model railway. I was thinking of battery power so as to avoid problems associated with dirty track.”

Vince asks readers:

“My O27 locomotive moves along the track in some area’s fine, but then it slows down and stops. Would the problem be the tracks or the transformer? These trains are from the 1950’s and haven’t been used in decades.”

Jeff asks readers:

“My engine is now stuttering and when my loco hits a curve it derails. Tracks are clean. Does someone know what I should do?”

Gary asks readers:

“Hi, I have a bunch of older rolling stock with plastic wheels that snap in and plastic horn couplers attached to the trucks. I’ve tried to convert to Kadee and metal wheels but I find I need to almost wreck the car to make it all fit. Is it worth it or should I just get newer cars.”

Dan asks readers:

“I have the Kato ho scale Metra can car and I have wired up the two pickup wires, and the speaker wires. I can get the decoder to turn on and off, but no sound effects and I am wondering how I wire the lights up to the existing light control board or do I have to buy new LEDs and wire them separately and remove the factory control board? I really need the help! I am a newbie to HO dcc.”

Bill asks readers:

“Years ago I bought railroad trucks with real springs. are they still around?”

Dick asks readers:

“I have an extra 12V 15A power supply for my Ham radio, can I use this to power accessories, ie; signals, lights?”

“I’m a newbie into the model railroading. I have 6 DC blue box athrean locomotives and want to update to dcc with sound. After talking to the hobby shop they are like yes it can be done but the performance isn’t that great. Can I get some answers please?”

It is good to see so many beginners joining the hobby – that’s exactly what this hobby needs to continue long into the future. If you are experienced in the hobby, I’m sure you’ll agree, we should all be doing as much as we can to encourage and help them along the wonderful journey they have ahead. If you are able to share your knowledge then please do so by using the ‘Comments’ tag below each posting.

Anthony asks readers:

“I am a newbie to model railroading and use HO Kadee couplers, but I am having lots of trouble with cars becoming uncoupled during operations. Help from anyone please.”

Matthew is new to the hobby and would like some advice from experienced model railroaders. This photos shows the beginnings of his layout which he hopes to expand (see photo of plan). He is however having a few problems, so use the comments link to add any suggestions you have to help him get started.

In Matthew’s own words: “My trains keep stopping at certain parts of curves and on switches. I have the Hornby controller. Can someone please give me some advice?

Chris would like help from experienced model railroaders:

“I am having problems with rust on the pickup (center) track on my Marklin layout. Is there any cure or help with this problem? Some track are still new, and is not in use. Any help, or suggestions will help. My trains are stranded.”

Richard asks readers:

“What is the minimum distance in inches to have between 2 mainline N scale tracks running side by side?”

Jim asks readers “I need some ideas to number my O gauge switches please.”

Sean asks readers:

“I have an HO DCC layout, but my train will run then stop then power back up… then run… then stop… and power up again. Very annoying. What is the problem please?

Franks has a question for readers:

“I am having a problem with the frogs in the switch derailing my trains (loco or cars). I have examined the tension on the Atlas switch, but don’t know what else to do.”

Val asks readers for assistance:

“I am having problems with my OO train engine it keeps stopping on the track for no reason.  It will go round without stopping then the next time it stops in different places all round the track. Can you help and tell me why? Thanks.”

Joel asks readers for advice:

“I have just fitted a decoder to my locomotive and now the lights won’t work. What do I need to do?”

Shaun has a question for readers and asks:

“I need someway of hiding the left hand track – the other two are for a station.
And the diagonal track crosses the polarity when it reaches the station tracks.
Is there an easy wiring method to correct this to allow single cab running?”

Add your suggestions to help Shaun