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!
DCC Locomotive Problem
Shirish writes:
“I am fresh to this hobby. I bought an InterMountain Railway Co. Loco SD40-2(W). When I run this loco with any other loco, the other loco even when on the siding or stationed on the main, it starts running in reverse without any command. Plus, when both are running on the same track, the other loco stops and then starts running at full speed. Can someone suggest a solution to the problem?”
DCC Loco Control Problem
Andrew posts:
“I am currently using a Hornby DCC controller, with a GWR Castle class OO locomotive, It starts like it’s supposed to but once it reaches its running speed it suddenly accelerates to as fast as it can, even if I try to slow it down with the controller. It won’t respond until I use the emergency stop. Does anyone have any ideas as to what is happening? I currently have it running on the default number 3 DCC address.”
How to Run Two Locos in Different Directions
Peter posted this:
“I am new to this hobby. I just started working my HO layout. I have three main lines. I would like to know how to run one of the three locos in another direction. I have a Digitrax dcs52 command station. Thanks in advance for any help.”
Bus Wiring Break In Circuit
Allan posted this:
“I saw somewhere online not sure of the website where with bus wiring a break in the track circuit ovals is needed because there is one in the bus wire. I get confused with wiring at the best of times and question whether this is really necessary? And if it is – can someone tell me why please?”
Problems With DCC Speed Control and Direction
Steven writes:
“I’m quite new to this and in the early stages of building a DCC layout, and just tested my first loco. I am experiencing a few problems with my Hornby Select Controller. My loco moves even when I have the speed controller is set at zero. The direction switches don’t seem to have any effect. This problem will be basic for some, but for me, it is a complete mystery. Help would be good. Thank you in advance.”
Post War Lionel Wiring
Dick asks:
“Do I need a bus wire and feeder wires for an older model O gauge layout? I’m not planning anything eloquent or elaborate, maybe a crossing and a couple o’turn out switches.”
Locomotive Runs then Stops Dead
Phillip has O scale and wants advice:
“I’m new to model railroading and starting with basics. Fasttrack, CW-80, and a Lionel 8042 were all sold as working properly. Loco and coal car only makes about 5 trips around (40″ x 60″ oval) then stops. When I add a car, it runs a trip then start to slow. Add another car and it hums but won’t budge. I feel like I am not getting enough voltage. How do I test that?”
Add your answer or question below.
Curve Radius For Pacific 4-6-2 Engine
Bruce writes:
“I just got given a nice Pacific 4-6-2 engine HO scale. Q: what curve radius should this engine be able to negotiate? Q: How would this compare to a Spectrum 2-6-6-2 USRA engine which a mate has? Thoughts please.”
Submit your own question or add comments below.
Converting Analog Bulb To LED
Len models HO and asks:
“Three of my locos have led driving lights, but I have a small switcher engine that still has an analog bulb. Can the switcher bulb be converted to LED, and can I do this without making the LED too bright?”
See the comments below.
Replacing Square Couplers With Magnetic Couplers
Nathan posted this question:
“I recently picked some old rolling stock (N-scale) cheap, but the cars have the older style square hook couplers, so how difficult would it be to replace them with the magnetic couplers?”
Add or view comments below.
Soldering EZ Track
Caleb asks:
“Can I solder EZ track? Is there any way not to melt the plastic?”
Add your comments below.
Engine Problem
Yavuz from Turkey asks:
“I sprayed my HO DC locomotive with rust remover to remove rust from its wheels, but the engine stopped working. What could be the reason? What do you suggest I do? Thank you.”
Replacement Motorized Chassis for PA1
Charles is into N scale and asks:
“I’ve been trying to obtain the subject matter for my Con-Cor/Kato Santa Fe PA1. I’ve searched the Web and can’t find what I need.”
Smoking Locomotive
Donald models HO and asks:
“I have a Bachman HO 2-6-2 locomotive that smokes. Q: Is there any way you can clean the smoking unit if it becomes clogged with dried burnt oil inside the smoke stack?”
Two Cars Shorting On New Track
Ian posted this question:
“I operate DCC and just finished laying track and wiring a yard section, siding, and an extension to my mainline. I did this all before getting started on the new scenery and structures. I thought that was smart!! My locos run well on the new track, but I discovered 2 cars caused a short and breaker trip. No problem with the other cars. It happened on the new section of main and the yard, so it’s not down to metal on the track, and it’s the same 2 cars. I got an occasional faint reading on the meter when testing the wheels, so will probably need to replace the Kadee trucks and/or the wheels too. Not sure. Those cars haven’t caused a problem on the existing track, so I am a bit bamboozled why this is this happens. Have others had this problem?”
You can add or view comments below.
How To Deaden The Sound on EZ Track
Simon writes:
“I am past the planning stage of my layout and actually have a few scenery elements in position. My track (I’m using EZ track), is already down, it has been since July, but not fastened in position yet. I don’t 100% like the look, but I will try and hide the ugliest sections if someone has any ideas. I don’t want the added cost of changing to a regular track. That said; I would like to know how I can reduce the noise caused by the big empty space. I went off the idea of expansion foam in case it lifted the track. What do people suggest fill the empty space and deaden the noise?”
Motor Not Spinning on Armature
John models N-scale and posted this question:
“My Bachman Spectrum C&O 2-6-6-2 locomotive has a seized (won’t turn) motor. All mechanisms work but the motor won’t turn. It had been running fine but I was wondering if a Digitrax DCC Zephyr 52 power pack running a DC locomotive may have caused overheating? Does anyone have a solution please?”
Stalling Locomotives
Russ has this question you might want to comment on:
“I have a 10’x20’ HO layout and I use an NCE doc system. I usually run two trains each with two locomotives running in a consist. With both trains running at the same time they run flawlessly but if I should stop one of them the other one will stall briefly (and frequently) and start up again. As soon as the stopped train is put into motion the stalling stops. Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon and if so any ideas to correct the situation?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers
Model Train Help Ebook
