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!
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.”
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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.”
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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?”
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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.”
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Run-Down (Maybe Abandoned) Buildings To Make And Position Behind Your Railroad Tracks
One of these models has be ravaged by fire and the others have certainly seen better days. It is the kind of reason that is impossible to replicate in plastic. The background buildings in this series can be made to HO scale, OO, or N scale size and the plans are now available for download at https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings
Athearn Genesis fef-3 Wiring Diagram
Troy models in HO scale and writes:
“Hello, I’m looking for a wiring diagram for a Athearn Genesis fef-3. I’m wanting to use the factory wiring and plug between locomotive and the tender. The board in the tender is really what I need for wiring diagram. The wires are color coded but I just don’t know where they go. Thank you.”
Train Engine Repair
Ralph models O scale and writes:
“I have two engines, a K Line Amtrak and a Lionel Challenger. Both need new electronic boards and my repair shop has had the engines for almost year and can’t get the parts. Any suggestions on how to get the parts?”
TT:120 Scale Size Compared to HO, OO, N Scale
John writes:
“Hornby have recently introduced a new range of model trains in the UK. HO Gauge track is 16.5mm, N Gauge track is 9mm and TT:120 track is 12.0mm. It is an exact true scale. What ratio would I have to set my printer up to so as to print regular OO scale or N scale drawings off to suit TT:120 gauge? Thanks”
Bizarre Running of Train
Mike writes:
“A short while ago I left a turnout open and a locomotive that was running ended up stationary against a parked locomotive. This lasted for only a few seconds before I got to the locomotive and lifted it of the track.
However, it has not run properly since. When you select the locomotive and move the throttle the motor will hum but it does not move until the throttle has been moved to full. Even then the locomotive still does not move for some 5 or 6 seconds when it will very slowly start to move reaching full speed in 6 to 8 seconds. What is the problem please?”
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Share Your Christmas Layout Photo – HAPPY CHRISTMAS To Everyone
I’m sure you will enjoy watching the video below.
If you would like to share a photo of your Christmas Tree train or layout, then please upload it by using the comments link below.
And, a special thank you to all those readers who kindly contributed articles, photos, and answers to questions. You’ve made a valuable contribution to the hobby!
Also, very importantly, THANK YOU to everyone who purchased products advertised on this blog. Without your on-going custom, this website would not exist.
Returning To Hobby – Need Advice
Jim writes:
“I sold and gave away all my old train gear 10 years ago when we downsized. That said, at 83 I still miss the hobby and now with only one car in the garage, I have room so would like to build a new smaller DC layout in OO gauge. I am not looking for a big or complex project, just something I cope with and get up and running in a few months. I have never used flex track and although it doesn’t look as real, I presume it is easier to fix into place? As I said I am not planning a masterpiece or wanting anything too complex, just something to keep me active and entertained. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.”
Please contribute your thoughts below if you have any suggestions to help Jim.
City Background Buildings To Make For Your N Scale, S, OO, or HO Scale Layout
Now you can download the plans for these 5 “meticulously detailed” tall city backdrop structures which are designed to bring any urban model railroad display to life! https://www.modelbuildings.org/pack-c-railway-scale-models-city-backdrop-buildings
The plans for these five buildings are also available in a big bumper “money-saving” package of 15 similar style city buildings at https://www.modelbuildings.org/pack-d-scale-models-railroad-background-buildings
Poor Running N Scale Locomotive
Aaron asks readers:
“I have a few brand Broadway Limited N scale Locomotives all run badly. They stop for no reason and I have to have supply full power from the power pack. Kato Locomotives run on the same layout no problem. I have Katu Unitrack 3’x11′ double track layout. What is the likely cause?”
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Operating Searchlight 6-26892
Mark models O scale and writes:
“Hello. I purchased a Lionel North Pole Central operating searchlight No. 6-26892 at an estate sale. Box & plastic packaging, but no instructions. I’m running on FasTrack & was wondering if I need a certain accessory track to operate the car. Thanks.”
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Problem with GP38s
Shayne writes:
“After 2 years of inaction, I decided to get back into the hobby, but I’m no expert. My 2 HO locomotives, both Bachmann DC GP38s don’t want to run. The lights operate and even after oiling the motors they still won’t go. Do you guys have any suggestions?”
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