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!
What are Droppers?
Following on from the question from Bryan, another Brian posted this question:
“I was just reading a persons question on your site. He mentioned adding DROPPERS to help stop engines from stalling at a switch. My questions are WHAT EXACTLY IS A DROPPER and HOW DO THEY FUNCTION?”
You can add your comments or answers below.
GP-7 Stalls on Atlas #6 Turnout
Bryan has 
this question:
“I have HO with NCE PC. After problems with my Atlas #6 turnout I added droppers and my engines stopped stalling on it – see my drawing. My GP-7 approaches from Kalmanazoo bound for Grand Rapids… no issues… but heading in the opposite direction it stalls. Doesn’t happen with my other engines. I marked it on the drawing where it stalls. It stops then restarts. I have 2 reverse loops.”
Bachmann GP-35 Buzzing
Max writes:
“I got my DCC Bachmann GP-35 out to give it a run after sitting it its box for several months, but the motor is buzzing and humming, and surged when I tried to move it. Maybe the voltage or the brushes are causing it?? I recently cleaned the track and originally got it with the decoder installed if that helps. Any thoughts?”
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EMD GP40 Factory Settings
Ewan posted this:
“I got a EMD GP40 not brand new but looks hardly used. When I first ran it the engine worked ok, then I removed it from the track to do some minor track adjustments, and that’s when the problem started. It seems to respond to all the controls correctly, but when the power is connected the FT-A starts to move forward very quick. It responds to the emergency stop but not other commands. Is there a way to reset to factory settings, or do I buy a new decoder maybe? I don’t have a programming track to test it on.”
Add your comments/suggestions below.
Power Loss On Layout
Hans writes:
“Please help! My model-train layout spreads over 20m2. I have the transformer on one end. I noticed that when the locomotive is on the opposite side, approx. 6mtrs distance, the power supply weakens. So, I added another transformer to the opposite side and it worked for a while, but now the transformer is burned-out. What recommendation do you give me to have a constant power-supply across the entire network? Thank you for your help.”
Add your suggestions below.
Room Conditions for a Train Layout
Ernie sent in this question:
“I have the opportunity to set up an HO layout in a room that is NOT heated or cooled. Will this affect the scenery or rails? Will it affect my loco’s motors? Please supply advice”.
Why Does The Train Stop and Power Up Again?
Victor from New South Wales in Australia asks:
“I run one HO engine on my modest layout and want to know the probable cause of it running a short distance then stopping and powering up again, then doing the same thing a metre or so later. I don’t know enough about trains, but I don’t think it’s a dirty track problem. It was going ok when I last ran two months ago. Any thoughts please?”
Trains Derailing on Switches (Points)
Neville wrote:
“My trains are derailing on the switch frogs and wonder if it has something to do with the old cars I am running… the switch in question is fairly new. The curve into the switch rail is quite tight, and wonder if this could be compounding the problem? Advice please.”
Decoder Light Problem
Warren posted this question:
“I fitted a decoder to my HO Bachmann loco and the lights don’t work. Is it a voltage issue?”
Add your comments below.
Problem With Spinning Tender
Adam models HO and asks:
“I have a tender that at times stops and spins wildly. I disconnected some wagons on the train and that helped a bit. Am wondering if it is a wheel alignment issue or maybe the cogs?”
Knuckle Couplers – Where From?
Larry models HO and wants to know:
“I don’t know the type or where to buy knuckle couplers for an AHM Burlington 5204D reel car. Any help available?”
Add your comment, or send in your question for publication. See links below.
Best Way To Cut Flextrack
Byron asks:
“What’s the best method for cutting Flextrack?”
Add your comment or suggestion.
Track Pin Problem
Hedley models HO and asks:
“I was given a box with various pins and nails, but I’m finding the track pins I’m using bend all the time…well, not all the time, but a lot. Is there a recommended supplier or brand I should use?”
Isolated Sidings?
Warwick models N gauge and asks:
“So you know I have Kato # 4 points and a passing loop with sidings coming from the loop. Problem is; switching the track to maneuver my engine to the siding causes my other engine on the loop to moves too. Not sure how to isolate the siding? Help for others appreciated.”
Interior Car Lighting DCC
James models HO and posted this question:
“I put some interior lights in a passenger car with 2 wires linked to the left/right metal wheels of the car but nothing seems to work. Would I need to program them for my dcc unit? Advice wanted please.”
Three-Rail Track
Melvin has a quick question:
“I saw a video with 3 rail track and query why the need for 3 rails when two would do? Just curious.”
Wiring Tiny LED Lights
Howie models HO and writes:
“Hi. I just got back into the hobby. The LED street lights have the thinnest wire I have ever seen. How do I fasten them to longer wire to get power to them? So tiny! Help!”
Add your thoughts to assist Howie.
Turntable Power Source
Ed writes:
“What Power source can be use to power an H.O. scale turntable? 130 degree.”
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