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 Model Train Operations For Beginners
This video gives a basic introduction for beginners who are interested in getting started with a DDC model railroad. For more details http://www.dccmodeltrains.org
Dead Spots on Track
Burton who models in HO asks:
“I run a DC setup with 8 blocks 2 of which cross on a 45 degree. I had one dead spot 12 inch long and now have another on the same block about 8 inch. My voltmeter says I have a short but I can’t find/see anything. The track is ballasted. Any ideas?”
Kato Power Pack / Atlas Turnouts
Ed models in N scale and asks:
“I’ve got a Kato unitack layout set up and I would like to add a yard using Atlas track. Does anyone have any ideas on how to operate the Atlas 3-wire turnouts using a Kato DC Power Pack? Is there an accessory that fits to the side of the power pack much like the Kato turnout controllers that would allow me to operate the Atlas controls? Suggestions please?”
Wiring A Lionel Switch Tower
Gary asks readers:
“I am trying to wire switch tower to an isolated rail. I am hooking #1 to power, # 3 to common and #2 to isolated rail. It does not work. I have checked all of the connections, but I can’t solve it. This hookup seems to be the preferred method. I would appreciate some suggestions. Thanks.”
You can contribute your comments or suggestions under this post.
Setting Up A Model RR In My Garage
Bob writes:
“I live in NY, where we might get three of four snow storms each winter, and the temperature typically ranges from 30F’s in the winter to the 80F’s in the summer. I have an insulated 2 car garage, with the garage door being the only wall uninsulated. The second story of the house is also over the garage. I would like to use 1/2 the garage for an HO layout. Would the weather or anything else present any problems?”
Please add your comments to assist Bob below.
Advice Painting Plastic Model Structures
Steve models N scale and asks:
“I am assembling a Walthers Santa Fe Station for my layout and I do not like the pre-colored molded parts. The building has brick textured walls with indented grout joints. I am thinking I need to paint the walls with a realistic brick color and let dry. Then paint a lighter color on the walls, rubbing off of the brick surface. This should leave the paint in the grout joints. Am I on the right track? Any advise as to type of paint?”
Contribute your comments below.
Mixing Code 80 and Code 55 Track
Justin models N scale and asks:
“I have started my layout using code 80 but thought of using some code 55 on the spurs. Could I encounter issues doing this?”
Post your comments or suggestions under this post… and read what others have to say too!
Engine Fetish
Russell writes:
“I have to admit that I have a bit of a fetish for buying new engines. I already have far more than I realistically need on my N scale layout (I’m too embarrassed to say how many). Am I the only one with this predilection? Please tell me I’m not alone?”
Add you comment under this post.
How To Make This 5-Piece Background Structure Tutorial 1 Step By Step
This background structure is interesting because it has different dimensions to it. It can be made to HO scale, OO, S,, or N scale. To see this and the other 5 buildings in this series go to
https://www.modelbuildings.org/6-railroad-industrial-background-ho-scale-models
How Many Cars Can An Engine Pull
Bill asks:
“Hi there just wondering, I don’t have a big layout so am not in any position to set any records, but I am kinda curious of how many cars can be pulled around a big layout with one or more engines. Has anyone put this to the test or set any records? If so how many cars, scale, how many engines deployed, and what model numbers, any gradient and curves etc? I doubt I would be the only one who finds this stuff fascinating?”
You can contribute your comments under this post.
Running Tsunami-Equipped Locomotives With Digitrax Controller
Geoff asks:
“My tsunami-equipped engines seem to run faster than the others at the same throttle setting. How can I get the faster HO engines to run closer to a scale speed on the same setting? I have a Digitrax throttle and You are correct I don’t generally run it any faster than on half throttle.”
You can add a comment or read the comments and suggestions below.
Plastic Safe Lubricants For Model Trains
Ananda writes:
“I have a few older Hornby locomotives and some old Marklin locos and would like to know if there is a plastic safe lubricant that can be used on the motor bearings that will not damage any plastic gears if it gets on them by accident. Thanks for any help.”
You can add your comments under this post
How To Measure Rails For Curve Radius
Jim writes:
“Here is an interesting question to ponder. Where is track measured?? At the outer rail, the outer point of the ties or the center of the two rails? I put together a full circle of 18″ radius track to answer a track planning question. The full circle assembled – I measured the diameter – the outer rail to outer rail was roughly 34 inches. Ergo the question of where track is measured to acquire the radius of a curve.”
Add your comment below.
Atlas MP 15 Switcher
Reader Robert asks:
“I have an HO Atlas MP 15 switcher that stops & starts & jerks a lot (sounds like the rest of the family). I have been told it has aluminum pox and is disintegrating. Has anyone found a cure for this or know where I can get a new frame?”
Comment below.
Long Mainlines
Jeremy writes:
“I have a small N scale setup in my garage which I have outgrown. My brother and I have been considering the possibility of constructing a much larger layout at the back of an auto storage warehouse we jointly own. Space is not an issue so a 60-foot mainline would not be out of the question. We are both keen to operate long coal trains with possibly 100+ cars. Has anyone done it? Any tips before we get started? Thank you in advance.”
Add (and view) comments below.
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