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!
Removing DCC Decoders
Arnaldo models OO and asks:
“I have been offered three cheap locomotives that are fitted with DCC but I operate DC. Is it simply a case of removing the chip to run them on my system, or will I need to do more?”
Supply your own suggestions under this post, or see what others have to say.
Turnouts for Bachmann GP40
Bruce models HO and asks:
“I spotted a Bachmann GP40 I want to buy but I think the turnouts on my switching layout will be too short or tight for it to operate. If I upgrade what turnouts should I go for #5 or #6? Thanks in advance.”
Read the comments below, or add your own comments and suggestions below.
Advice On Identifying Power Source
Ken asks readers:
“Please can you advise me. I have inherited quite a few engines. Trix, Hornby and possibly other makes. How do I identify which are DC and which are AC. Will I damage them if I give them the wrong power?”
You are welcome to add or read comments below.
How To Make These Scale Model Sheds – HO Scale, OO, N Scale. Watch This Step-By-Step Demonstration.
These side-by-side sheds can be used in a farming agricultural scene, or as a workshop in an industrial scene. You can download the plans at https://www.modelbuildings.org/farm-buildings
Train Not Running on NCE Power Cab
Peter writes:
“I have just added an NCE Smart Booster to my HO scale NCE Power Cab controlled System. It has greatly improve the speed of 5 of my DCC locos. The other two locos have whistle, bell and operating sound when I put in their address and placed on the track but do not move when I move the speed wheel. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.”
You can comment and/or view all the comments under this post. Click COMMENTS
Atlas Twin Coils and Atlas Snap Relay
Enrique has HO scale and asks:
“How many Atlas Twin-Coils switch machines and Atlas Snap Relays can one wire together before exceeding the current limits, cause damage, or simply do not work?”
You can take part in the discussion below this post.
Random Train Uncoupling A Problem
Will models N scale and writes:
“I am running N gauge T-Trak modules with 1930’s British outline rolling stock. I get frequent uncouplings – often at the joins of the modules and on turnouts/switches with my none-bogie rolling stock using Rapido couplers. Is there anyway to check/adjust the Rapido couplers to prevent this?”
Submit your answers or comments below.
Wheel Rolls Up and Over Rail
Buzza writes:
“Of the 16 cars I have on my HO layout, two are giving me grief by constantly derailing inside my tunnel and on another section of track. The other cars seem ok. I checked and the wheels and rails are in gauge. On close inspection, a rear wheel on one car rolled up and over the inner rail. Should I change the wheels/couplers? Uncertain what to do.”
You can post your comments or suggestions under this post.
Watch How Easy It Is To Build A Church To HO, OO, or N Scale For Your Model Railroad Layout
Churches are popular buildings to include on model train layouts because most communities have at least on church. You’ll find these church structures listed in the 3D structures page https://www.modelbuildings.org/3d-structures
Lima Brass Locomotive
Steve writes:
“I have inherited a Model Cast Brass Locomotive and Coal Car mounted on Granite and inscribed Chesapeake and Ohio Railway H-8 Allegheny 2-6-6-6 Built by Lima Locomotive Works, 1941. It is signed C.L.Miller 65/250. Any info or help would be appreciated. Thanks.”
Look How Quick and Easy It Is To build An Engine Shed For Your Model Railroad – HO Scale, N Scale, OO Scale
You can download the plans at https://www.modelbuildings.org/railroad-structures Print and build to HO scale, OO gauge, or N scale. Have fun!
Installing O Scale Model Brick
Jon writes:
“Hey Guys, I am building a diorama of our lake home and I want to make the chimney which is ground to roof top high out of O scale individual brick. I plan to use some solid stock pine to create the base to build off of but I was hoping to could get some tips on how to install/lay the individual brick without making a mess. These are tiny brick as you may well know. Any help is appreciated… Any thoughts on the correct adhesive to use is also appreciated… Have a great day Folks!”
Please add any suggestions below.
Running Quality of Locomotives
Hans writes:
“Is there any technical or other explanation for my observation that DC controlled HO diesel locomotives run so much smoother than steam locomotives, particularly when I want the steamer to run very slowly such as when switching cars. I’m talking about technically modern models.”
Ballasting Tips
Allan sent in these tips to share:
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about this hobby… it’s not a race to complete the layout. I know from experience to at times restrain my enthusiasm and sometimes wait a few days to let my mind think things through or for things to settle into place. Are you ready to nail down the track or would some more testing be sensible before taking the plunge? The same could be said for ballasting. Personally, I would run the trains for quite some time before ballasting. It’s easier to iron out any gauge issues, track bumps, kinks, electrical dead spots, or other operational issues prior to ballasting. Removing ballast is not an easy task, so it’s better to know of any pre-existing problems before gluing the ballast in place. That way you’ll know that any problems occurring after ballasting will likely be a direct result. What’s the old saying – more haste less speed! I hope this helps someone.
Bus Wiring and Drop Feeder Wires
Graham plans for N scale and asks:
“What gauge/size of wire is recommended? My layout will be 8′ x 3′ when complete and I will be powering my track from a DigiTrax controller if that helps.”
You can add your own comments and suggestions (or read the the comments posted by others) below.
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