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!
How To Go About Valuing A Layout
Here is a question for readers from John. He does appreciate that this blog does not run buy/sell/trade ads, or publish readers contact details/emails etc, but would like guidance from readers on how best to have layouts valued and sold:
“I have a train room in a house that I built and might be moving it? I have children and the grand children ages 3-21 they all love to play with the S scale American flyer 1959 trains. My problem is it’s difficult to make time to do the required maintanace so they are usable. The set up is a simple two track oval with a 3rd siding with tressels. It’s a 8×12 ft layout. I have been adding to this over the years and have a lot of trains, switches and accessories . How have others dealth with this? Thank you for looking at this. Any ideas on how to have the layout or trains valued?
On30 Christmas Village Layout
Mike asks readers:
“I inherited a Hawthorne village set including all the ceramic houses and On30 train track (dc). I have built an L table out of 2 4×8 sheets of plywood and foam. Has anyone here made a nice permanent layout out of the Hawthorne village houses? Most of what I find online is temporary for Christmas.”
Which Model Train Manufacturer?
Dhiraj asks readers:
“I am Amateur Train Modeler, starting with my first HO train. It might sound silly but I wanted to know which train set manufacturer should be looking at when I am buying my train set? Eventually I want to take the model train set to JMRI Controlled train model. I understand every train set has prons and cons..So I want to start right. Thank you so much.”
POLL RESULTS: If as part of a divorce settlement your ex took all your trains – what would you do?
443 model railroaders voted in our last poll which asked – If as part of a divorce settlement your ex took all your trains – what would you do? Results were as follows:
— Sell my organs to buy new stuff (58%)
— Accept it without fuss (24%)
— Quit model railroading (10%)
— Step under a train (8%)
Starting Off With DCC
Rowan asks readers:
“I would appreciate some advice with selecting a power pack for my model railway. I have read the various features and will eventually head towards DCC and a hand held, but I’m not ready for that just yet. Can an experienced railroader recommend a not too expensive power pack that will be suitable for the future growth in my layout?
19 FREE Mini Posters For Your Model Train Layout Room
Here are 19 “mini-posters” you can print out and hang near your model train layout or workshop. They are totally free to download and share with friends via email, Facebook, Google plus etc. The signs can be printed on A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches) paper.
Entertain (and educate) your friends and visitors with these fun signs. Who said model railroaders don’t have a sense of humor? Have fun! Download free courtesy of http://www.modelbuildings.org/free-train-signs.html
Older Rolling Stock with Plastic Wheels?
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.”
Sound Car Decoder Wiring
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.”
Atlas Remote Turnout Switches
Dick asks readers for advice:
“I have Atlas remote turnout switches that I need AC power for. Don’t want them to be run by the controller. How can this be resolved? Is the voltage 120 or 12 VAC and watt wattage? I have a separate 12, 5 and 3 VDC power supply for my LED’s.I have a 12 VDC cigarette lighter inverter, can this be used. If so,does it need any modification.”
Updating Locomotives
“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?”
Kadee Coupler Uncoupling Problem
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.”
Which Baseboard Materials To Use?
Another beginner (Brad) asks readers for help:
“I’m planning my frist layout in HO, and I am confused with what to use for my baseboard and leg supports etc. I am lucky to have a spare room I can use so I will expand it in coming years or decades. I would appreciate hearing your readers views on what materials I should build with. Many thanks.”
Beginner Asks For Your Help
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?
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