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!
484 Railking Headlight Not Working
Rufus has a question for readers about a railking headlight:
“I have a new railking 4 8 4 passenger car train. Everything is just fine except the headlight is not working. I need help from your readers please.”
Use the comments link to answer.
DCC Locomotives, Signal Lights and Track Problems
Leon asks you for comments on track problems:
“I am running DCC. Several of my engines run rough, (stop go) and I cannot find the problem. Do your readers have any suggestions?”
Don asks:
“How can I get my DCC Diesel locomotive to ‘see’ a signal and activate it when it approaches? Also vice versa, after the train passes turn the signal off?”
Gordon has a DCC question too:
“What should one look for when buying DCC for the first time? My N layout needs 5 Controllers and 84 turnouts and is to be expanded very soon. With that in mind is DCC likely to be expensive?”
To comment on any of these questions simply click on the comments link below.
Hornby A3s Loco Finish Question For Readers
Tom has an OO layout and needs your help with Horby loco paintwork:
“I am renaming and renumbering some hornby OO A3s, from super detail onwards. Does anybody know the best brand, best mix etc of satin varnish to use to best match the manufactured finish?”
Comment on Tom’s posting using the comments link.
Bachmann Warranty Query
Thomas wants to hear of your experiences with Bachmann warranties:
“I have many Bachmann HO trains in my collectiuon, many in need of motor repair. How long will Bachmann service these engines and what is the procedure to get them repaired?”
Not Enough Smoke With O 27 Marx smokers (666)
Bob is having a problem with engine smoke:
“Does anyone know of tricks or things to look for in making this beast smoke? My loco does smoke, but only with a lot of throttle and then not as much as others I’ve seen on youtube. Not enough current?…smoke unit resistence too high?… wrong type smoke fluid? Please help.”
5 Quick Questions To Stump Model Railroaders
1. Bob has a question on DCC ready steam and diesel engines:
“Does anyone manufacture a DCC ready HO Steam and/or diesel for the B&M with a paint scheme prior to 1957?”
2. Jim’s model railway question is:
“I am building a large O layout, and have 2 train sets. Can I run them both on the same track and then switch them over to run seperately then run on the same again?”
3. Carlo asks KATO decoder question:
“Is there a tutorial on how to instal a Digitrax SDH104K1A for Kato AC4400; 1 Amp w/28mm Speaker? Where can I find it?”
4. John has 0 gauge and asks:
“Hi, I am looking for a pic of 2021 saddle tank g,w,r can your readers help?”
5. Jack has a question on OO (similar to HO) wiring:
“Have your blog readers got any tips on wiring DCC points and signals? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Regards Jack.”
If you think you can answer any of these questions – click on the green comments link below. Easy!
Why Do Trains Slows Down And Speed Up?
Jim operates an HO DC layout and asks readers this question:
“I have two tracks runing on a 100 sq. ft. table. The engines slow down when they get about half way around and then they will speed up, what is the problem?”
If you would like to help Jim solve his problem, add your comments to this blog by using the green comments link below.
Can You Answer These Three Model Railroad Questions From Readers?
Santa Fe Paint Job
Frank has a question for you about painting a Santa Fe:
“How to properly paint a lionel Santa fe shell?”
Where to Find Wheel Linkage
Tom has a question on wheel linkage:
“I somehow lost a piece of wheel linkage for a older steam engine. It had been upgraded to DCC and sound. Where would I start to look for this?”
Painting A Backdrop For A Model Railroad
Scott has an N scale layout and asks:
“What is the best user friendly publication for drawing/painting a layout backdrop?”
To comment on one or all three questions, simply click on the comments link below.
Problems With Digitrax Shorting Out
Paul operates an HO layout and is having a problem with his Digitrax shorting out. If you have experienced the same problem you might like to tell Paul how you fixed the problem.
“I recently installed a Peco (power routing switch). When I go from my main line onto a track that is gaped and has a Digitrax AR-1 installed my system shorts out. Does this switch need to be totally isolated in order for the AR-1 to work properly? I have also adjusted the trip switch and this did not seem to make a difference.”
Share your thoughts with Paul by clicking on the comments link below.
Problems With Loco Stopping
If your locomotive stops or slows down in the same spot on the track frequently here’s some things to try:
1. Thoroughly clean section of track
2. Check for “dead spots” a bad track connector or glue from scenery can disrupt power flow
3. If problem persists track may be too large for the size of transformer/power pack
Another quick model railroad tip:
Running your trains at least once a day helps keep the rails from getting dirty in the first place, so that’s a fun way to keep rails clean, and feels less like work.
Problems with Flying Scotsman Locomotive
He is a question from a 15 year old from the UK – can you help?
“I’ve been having problems with my flying scotsman locomotive that I bought second-hand from my local model shop for just £25 I am only 15 and not very knowledgeable about the workings of model trains and why things go wrong.
My flying scotsman locomotive always makes a rattling sound from the tender.
I have tried taking the tender casing off and running it without it, but it still rattles. I have also tried putting oil on the gears, but there is still no luck and it also has trouble picking up electricity from the tracks.
I don’t know why it does this as I have cleaned the track and the wheels of the locomotive both on the main train and the tender and it still doesn’t work very well. I have considered buying a new one as it is very irritating.
I have also recently purchased a ‘virgin class 47 diesil’ locomotive from the new hornby railroad collection which constently clicks whilst moving, but only in one direction. Iwas wondering if it is normal for all trains of this kind, but I am also to worried about taking it apart to take a look as it is relatively new and for £45 it is quite a lot of money to me as I get £5 a week pocket money and took nine weeks for me to save up.
Thank you for offering this service for me to ask other modellers for help. I hope they can help me.”
Questions For HO Modelers
Even if you don’t model in HO scale, you may well be able to help these fellow enthusiasts with answers to their questions. To offer a suggestion or two, simple click on the green comments link below this posting.
Michele is working in HO and asks a question about laying ballast:
“When making ballast, I add water before putting the glue. I get water bubbles and all my ballast gets out of place. I tried to add a bit of soap to the mixture but still no luck. Is there any other way to glue the ballast without that problem?”
Bob asks about an HO scale rolling lift bridge:
“Does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes a kit or built up rolling lift bridge?”
Trevor has an N scale layout and has question on weathering railway architecture:
“I am wondering what would be the most accurate way to weather railway architecture. Most literature covers locomotives and stock, but just where do the weather marks go on viaducts, stations, engine sheds etc.”
To answer one or all of these questions click on the green comments tag below.
HO Questions
Can you help these keen model railroaders with their questions? If so, please click on the GREEN comments tag below this posting to suggest your idea or answer.
Edwyn asks this model Railroading question:
“Is there any clean and simple way to separate rail-joiners? The Atlas type come in strips of 4. First you have to separate the strips from each other, then you have to separate the individual joiners. This involves cutting them apart with a clipper of sorts, which invariably leaves an overly long ‘tongue’ and a small flange which on its own, hinders a smooth fitting.
Tracklaying is far from being my favourite pastime and anything that will help to make the job easier would be appreciated. Thanks.”
Bill asks:
“Are Snap in McHenry knucle couplers still being made and where can I obtain a bunch for IHC coaches?”
Daiquiri writes:
“I am working on a project that requires me to model several of the older Amtrak AutoTrain Autoracks. I need photos of these cars. I have learned that they have recently been scrapped. I also have names of modelers that have taken photos of the auto racks some years back however, reaching these guys has been impossible. I’d like to pose this question for anwers from your readers.
Does anyone know of anyone that has taken photos of these older autoracks. ??? Thank you for any resposne that I may receive.”
More Model Railroad Questions For You To Answer
Charles has an HO layout and asks:
“The choice I have to make, as I am going from an ordinary set-up to a DCC system is – Which system is best, and easier to understand: Zephyr or MRC?”
Rod with an N scale layout asks a question about light rail:
“What is the easiet way to lay tracks on a city street (where the ties do not show).”
To add your comments, ideas or answers to these questions click on the GREEN comments link below.
HO Scale NW2 Phase 3 Question
Can you answer this model railroading question submitted by a fellow model railroader.
“I want to model number 605 CS which was owned buy the Burlington Route. It was a EMD NW2 phase 3 and it held the distinction of being the only nw2 to be painted with burlingtons chinese red and harbor mist gray. Being a phase 3 it meant that it had full length louvers on 6 doors on each side of the body shell hood.
My question to other model railroaders is: Since I am unable to find any HO scale phase 3 nw2s how can I make these louvers on a phase 1 nw2 which has no louvers at all to make it look like a phase 3?”
To answer this question or offer some suggestions please click on the GREEN comments link below.
Model Railroad Questions For Readers
Here are three model railroading questions for you to try and answer. Simply click on the green comments tag below to answer the question(s).
Model Railroad Question 1.
“My train set is in the shed. How can I stop the rails from corroding and having to clean them each time.”
Model Railroad Question 2.
“I want to build a Canadian Rocky Mountain scene railway model, based onthe Winter Wonderland train trip in Canada. Do your readers know if there is arocky mountaineer engine and carriages on the market anywhere. I live in New Zealand. All they seem to sell here is the Hornby trains etc. Also what about the Amtrak trains as well?I’m after OO scale. “
Model Railroad Question 3.
“Just starting my layout and need help with best construction of table, supports etc , are there any books available on this subject? Layoutis going to be in a area 20ft x 25 ftthanks for the help.”
Share Your Model Railroading Knowledge
This is your opportunity to help others in the hobby. Here are three questions from fellow model railroaders who would like your suggestions. Simply click on the green comments tag below to offer an answer.
“I have a 6×10 train o gauge layout. When it comes around the far end of the layout the trains get very slow and sometimes almost stop. What can I do to fix this problem. How can I fix a Lionel coal tender it has a whistle on it, but it rattles & whistles. I see a wheel under neath the goal tender, should I spray WD-40 in the wheel that spins? Please can your readers let me know their ideas. Also I have built a lot of houses and different things out of cardboard, with paint they look pretty good instead of spending money on plastic models. The videos are great thanks a lot!”
“I am having difficulty in finding a book that contains layout plans (particularly n-scale) that includes a track materials list along with the plan. Otherwise it’s just a big guess on what to purchase. I received layout books from Kalumbach ( 101 plans & 48 top-noch plans) but they didn’t help. Any suggestions from your blog readers?”
“I’m doing a landscape design project for a class I am taking and would like to use a railroad flatbed as a bridge over a small creek. Do your readers know where I can get some drawings of flatbeds? I’d like to be as accurate as possible. Thanks for any help your readers can give me.”
To offer your suggestions or thoughts, simply click on the green comments tag below.
Reader Question on HO Model Train
“I an impressed with your book. I am not building a traditional HO train layout. We have collected a group of ceramic buildings, purchased at Wal-Mart, that we set up as a Christmas display for our grandchildren. The scale of these buildings is HO, more or less. I would like to add a train to the scene. Initially I need to identify a small locomotive (short) 1850-1895, that is equipped for DCC operation (Brand & Model please) Do your readers have any suggestions?”
If you would like to suggest an answer, simply click on the comments tag below.
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