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Train Going Opposite Direction
Irene asks:
“I have an HO lifelike steam engine with tender car 0-4-0. It wants to run in the opposite direction than what I have the resistor on, in other words, it runs backward on forwards and vice versa. What can I do as it can get confusing at times?”
Comment below.
Scale Model Bridge and Wall Construction – Watch this step-by-step video demonstration
Plans available to down at https://www.modelbuildings.org/walls-tunnels-bridges/
Construct to OO, HO, or N scale.
DCC Controllers
Steve asks:
“I am currently running an MRC handheld controller on a small layout (10 x 10) in HO scale. I am moving my layout to another part of the basement and am going to expand it about three-time bigger. I was offered another MRC setup and was wondering if I can use this system as a separate running system, or should I if possible just use the handheld controller?”
Comments below.
Multiple Workbench Uses for Aerosol Can Lids
Michael kindly sent in these ideas to share:
The next time you go to throw out an old spray paint can keep hold of the lid. I find them to be one of the handiest items on my workbench – and they cost nothing!
Here are some of the ways I put them to good use –
As reusable dispensers for scatter material and track ballast. They are the perfect size and shape to hold, and I find them easier to control than using spoons.
Storage for small parts – loose kit parts, screws, electronic components, track pins, fish plates, etc.
As holders for syringes, pipettes, or whatever you use for applying adhesives to the ballast. If there is any leakage it is better to go into a plastic lid than stick to the layout or workbench.
They make excellent paint mixing pots. They can also be used for glues, scatter material, or any other substance that needs mixing.
The lids make handy holders for SuperGlue tubes or bottles, etc., to keep them upright.
They can be used to raise and rotate rolling stock and engines when being painted. Blu Tack can be used to temporarily hold them in place.
Take it from me, collect and save as many lids as you can, because they will never go amiss!
Interior Carriage Lights Not Working
Lincoln models HO and asked:
“Hi, I have a basic DCC train with passenger carriage (Roco) setup. I have a wire to the axle but the interior lights are not working. Do they need to be programmed into my DCC control? A little bit confused???!!”
Add your thoughts below.
Watch Goods Shed Under Construction
This railway goods shed can be made to OO, HO, S, or N scale. https://www.modelbuildings.org/railroad-structures
What’s the main working muscle in the DCC layout?
The decoder, simply put, is the main working muscle in the DCC layout. It is basically an electronic device that you need to install in order to control the devices that are working on the DCC layout.
This includes not only the locomotives or trains but also the point motors, signals, and other accessories present on and around the layout. The decoder decodes the signal that is coming from the throttle and translates it into the requested action from the command station. Thus, it enables the train to stop, move and turn in the required direction or the lights to turn on and off.
Based on the mode of operation, decoders can be split into two wide categories. These include stationary decoders and mobile decoders.
Each of the locomotives on the track needs a separate decoder that can store its unique address or loco number. Through this address, the train can be operated, and other settings like its speed, sound, and lighting can also be controlled. The decoders that are used to control the trains are called loco decoders or mobile decoders. There is another type of decoders, the accessory or stationary decoders, which are used to control the additional devices present on the layout. These include the points and light signals on the track.
Stationary Decoders – By definition stationary decoders refer to decoders that are mounted under the benchwork or placed on the sides of the track. They stay in a stationary or fixed position, unlike the loco decoders that are installed inside the moving trains. The stationary decoders are generally used to translate the incoming signals for the railroad switches and turnouts, the lighting and signaling along the track, and control any structure lights if installed.
Mobile Decoders – Mobile decoders are the decoders that are installed within the locomotives or the trains. They receive the signals, information, and power from the track rails and then convert them into the required amount of motor power. This power is then used to control the motor and employ specific actions and functions like the locomotive’s movement, speed, direction, lights, sounds, and animation.
Function Only Decoders – The function only decoders are a special class of mobile decoders that are not used for motor control – instead, they are used for controlling the light or sound of the train. The main advantage of this type of decoder is that they simplify the wiring constraints and let you achieve more features and functions than just a single decoder.
The sound decoders are used to add engine sounds to the layout, making it come alive, and ensuring more fun and appeal to the user. Some decoders can play multiple sounds at once and many also come with the option of downloading additional sounds. A speaker is needed to implement this type of decoder and play the sounds.
Passing Loop with Siding – Kato Number 4 Points
Adam models N gauge and asks:
“My passing loop with sidings comes off the loop, but when I switch the rails to move an engine up the siding the engine in the loop moves too. There is no doubt a simple fix? Can anyone offer me some guidance?”
You can post and view comments and answers below.
Variable 12V DC Question – Hornby R2961 London 2012 Olympics Express 00 Gauge
Stanley models HO and writes:
“My son in the UK sent me an OO gauge Hornby 2012 train he picked up at car trunk sale which he called a “car boot sale.” I understand this model was a limited edition train released to commemorate the London 2012 Olympic Games. The train itself is designed to operate on a variable 12V DC power supply. I live in the US and have a Bachmann #46605A HO transformer. My question is, will that work ok train without causing any damage?”
Lionel FasTrack
Richard O writes:
“I have the 2006 version of Robert Schleicher’s book titled The Lionel FasTrack Book. I could not get the track plan on page 100 to properly align as shown. I had to tweak the layout by adding some additional 1 3/8″ pieces and an additional piece of 1/2 straight at the end of both switches to allow the train to negotiate the turn without derailing. Is there a corrected version of this layout (and others) in another source? Is there a later version? Thank you.”
Church Construction Demonstration
Plans to make the above church model in OO/HO or N scale at https://www.modelbuildings.org/more-building-plans-pack-deal
Plans to make an old wild western church at https://www.modelbuildings.org/wild-west-town-pack-deal-c
Derailment Fix
Robert M kindly contributed this idea:
“Not a question but a remedy. I have had a problem with my HO SD40 derailing on the curved part of one turnout. I noticed that the check rail had the top worn off so by building it up with polyester filler (bog) on the side away from the running rail and filing down again, problem solved.”
HO Scale Aircraft and Ships
Rich writes:
“I’m planning a new HO layout, which is 6 X 12. I’d like to feature a harbor and an airfield, or at least something partial. I see there are model kits available that are 1:72 scale. I have not ordered, but I’m thinking that’s close enough to be convincing (and I’m not a pro, nor am I a stickler for detail) – just giving it a go after collecting HO stuff for 40 some years. Has anyone used the 1:72 scale? Thanks, Rich (Navy vet (VN) and WWII fan)”
Finished Wiring, Ran Smoothly Then…KAPUT!
Chris writes:
“I am still working on my 19Ă—13” HO layout and after wiring the whole thing with a 14 gauge bus line and 18 gauge track feeds every 3-5 feet, everything was running smoothly on the entire layout with my MRC DCC 3000. Until one day last week when my most expensive engine stopped moving and another started sputtering with connectivity, yet a third train kept on running. I took off the MRC and put on one of those cheesy transformers and the engines worked a little. So now I’m guessing it’s time to update my transformer. Any thoughts? The part that convinced me was that it’s all been working nicely since upgrading the bus line and feeders.”
Add and view comments under this post.
Bachmann Santa Fe 63755 EMD F7 Diesel Locomotive
Alan writes:
“My birthday yesterday – I won’t say how old – ha! ha!. Anyway, onto more serious matters, I was given a Bachmann #63755 engine. My other engines are all DC. Can I operate this DCC engine safely on my N scale DC layout?”
Comments welcome below.
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