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!
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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Children Hands On With N scale
Col writes:
“My 6-year-old grandson is a train fanatic and, although he still likes Thomas, showed real enthusiasm for the less colorful, more realistic trains and layouts at a recent train show I took him to. I’d like to build a small layout for him in my garage, but at most I only have enough space for a 5ft x 2ft layout, so it would need to be N scale or smaller. I know he would want to handle the trains, put them on the track etc, and I fear N scale might be too frustrating and delicate for him (and me)? Advice please, because I don’t want him to lose interest?”
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Arduino controlled Turntable
Tony models in OO and writes:
I’m having great problems getting my Arduino code to work. I have the Turntable working but can’t get the code to do what I want when the Hall Sensor is working. As soon as the Hall sensor starts the turntable stops and will not move at all.
Here’s the part I can’t make good:
The final bit is just where the Turntable goes and how long it stops for.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Hornby R8249 DCC Decoder Compatibility
David asks:
“Will a Hornby R8249 DCC decoder be compatible with another brand controller e.g. NCE Powercab?”
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Cleaning Train Corrosion
Bob asks readers:
“I’ve unpacked my o gauge train after two years. There is quite a bit of build up of corrosion. What can I use to clean it off?
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Consist Speed Matching
Mason asks:
“How do you speed match locos so that any locomotive can be consisted with any other locomotive?”
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Steam Engine Lubrication and Tune-Ups
Peter writes:
“Wondering how often I should tune up/lubricate my 2 N scale steam engines? What are the telltale signs they need doing if any?”
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Unusual Ballasting Technique
Bernard asks:
“I read where someone used mixed ballast with gelatin before wetting it down to hold the ballast in position. This is instead of spraying glue and water on the ballast. Has anyone done this and will it hold in place over many years?”
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Automating Turnouts Using Digitrax
Jan has this question for readers:
“I have an N scale loop to loop railroad using Kato track. I want to automate each reversing loop so that the train can operate without hand-switching tracks. What does the wiring look like using BD4N and DS74 with DSXC4? I can find wiring diagrams using older parts (BD4 & DS64) but cannot find diagram using the upgraded parts.”
Please add your suggestions below.
Weights for Powered Engines
Jim operates HO scale and asks:
“I Run mostly Athearn Blue Box engines, but the real question is — is there a recommended weight for powered engines? I know there are weight recommendations for rolling stock (by length of vehicle ). As for wheel sets, I run code 100 track, does this effect the wheels, especially the flanges?”
You are welcome to contribute your thoughts below.
Local HO Train Clubs
Tim writes:
“I am looking for HO train clubs in my area which is Redlands, California 92373. I live 60 miles east of Los Angeles and 50 miles west of Palm Springs California. Can anyone advise me please?”
18 Inch Curved Track Spacing
Darryl asks:
“How much space should I allow between parallel tracks on straights, but especially on my 18-inch curves in HO?”
HO and OO Compatibility
Maria asks:
“Is it feasible to connect an OO gauge turnout to an HO track made by the same manufacturer?”
You can add your comment below.
Track Confusion
Stephen asks:
“I need a little help how do i figured out what flex 2.87″ is in inches, 2.9″ in inches, 4.71 in inches I’ve tried and tried no luck. I don’t want to keep cutting different links.”
Athearn Yardmaster 1045 SW1500 NASA Set
A reader asks:
“Which box car, gondola and tank car were included in Athearn Yardmaster 1045 SW1500 NASA set from approximately year 2000?”
Buzzing and Nothing else
Allen writes:
“Hi! I am not necessarily new to model trains, I’ve used them for years. I recently have just got back into it, but when I’ve put my set back together, I’ve found that all I am getting is a buzzing sound, and nothing else. I’ve tested my old models and brand new ones, different track pieces for power sourcing, new controllers, but good lord nothing at all is working. All I am getting a buzzing sound, and when I press “stop” on my DCC controller, the models inch maybe less than a centimeter forward. Help!!”
LED Light Circuit
Bob writes:
“I am retired and come into OO model railways late , learning as I go . I saw a post showing how to wire LED’s on a 3v system doing away with need for resisters etc . All went well and has been working great, until now. One circuit with street lighting on has gone out apart from 1st light on circuit. I thought maybe the second light had blown, but tested it with battery and its fine ,I have also checked the feed to 2nd light but my tester shows power there. Is there a simple way to test circuit without disconnecting every light and starting again. Any tips would be welcome”
Add your thought below if you can advise Bob.
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