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!
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 19×13” 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.”
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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.
Insulfrog Turnouts
Howard posted this:
“My locos stall on the straight section inside the turnout. Curve ok. Not sure why? I have power on entry and exit to my Peco insulfrog turnout. I have two insulating joiners on each of the inside rails. I run with Bachmann EZ Command. Any answers please?”
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Aircraft and Hangar For N Scale Layout
Carl is planning a small airfield ramp with a hangar and is seeking ideas:
“I don’t have space for an airport runway but I would like to display a small hanger on the edge of my layout which is N scale. I want just a small scene with a two-seater aircraft inside the hanger being worked on, and one or two other small aircraft parked outside. What size aircraft would be compatible and any other ideas gratefully received?”
Contribute any ideas below.
Make This 1950’s Style Home
Weatherboard-style homes like this were common new-builds in several countries including New Zealand and Australia during the 1950s. https://www.modelbuildings.org/house-series-1
Polar Express Train Problem
Mitchell asked:
“I know I’m a bit late asking, but I dug out our Lionel Polar Express for my grandson’s Christmas Day. Unfortunately, there was a problem so we just set up the display instead. The engine wouldn’t move, the transformer worked, and the cars lit up. I would like to have it operating for next Christmas if someone can suggest a solution?”
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Paragon 3 #5750
Richard asks:
“I am a beginner and just purchased a Paragon 3 #5750 HO – PRR Sharknose, BF 16 A/B set DCC. I have many issues with this and am not very happy with it. Do you have any knowledge about this unit and comments?
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Watch How To Make A Bridge Like This
Various methods can be used to construct viaducts and bridges for a model railroad layout. This short video walks you through the construction of a model bridge built from corflute and cardboard.
The plans for this bridge can be adapted without too much effort, for example, the arched portal can be made to be a single or double portal (for two tracks). The arched portal can even be blocked off thereby turning the portal into a sealed brick archway.
And, very importantly this bridge can be increased in length or made to be wider, depending on what is needed on a particular layout. Just one set of plans can be purchased and if a mistake is made or want to extend the length or width of the bridge, it is simply a case of printing out an extra copy. This tutorial demo shows the plan being constructed to OO scale size, however, this bridge can be made to N scale size, or to HO scale size which is 87% of OO.
You can see more details at https://www.modelbuildings.org/bridges-and-tunnels-pack-deal-c/
Engine Jerky
Wayne writes:
“I received as a Christmas present a Paragon Rolling Thunder EMD E9 Sou #198 (5810). The engine does not seem to run properly on the layout. The speed is very unsteady and time the RPMs sounds are extremely high for the very slow speeds on a flat surface. The engine is very jerky and unsteady with speeds. No other engine on the layout has this problem, which makes me think it is a problem with the Paragon Unit. Any help/advice will be appreciated.”
Please add your comments to assist Wayne.
Wiring Turntable with DCC
A reader writes:
“Our club is replacing our HO turntable with the Walthers 130′ one. We have arrival and departure and 39 stall tracks. Our trouble is the auto polarity reverser built into the pit. Being that the built-in reverser is set 180 deg. in the pit, only half of the tracks work as needed but the other half end up being reverse polarity. My question is, can we wire a Digitrax AR1 into the feed to the bridge and let it do its thing?”
Add your thoughts below.
Stuttering Bachmann
Jeremy asks:
“My new (2nd hand) Union Pacific Bachmann SD40 stutters a bit when running slow, but runs smoother when I crank up the speed. I am thinking some lube might fix the problem. Is Labelle 107 suitable, and where are the lube points? Thanks in anticipation.”
Track Spacing Questions
Larry a hesitant newbie to the hobby has these three questions to ask:
“I don’t think I’ll ever be a serious model railroader, but my son wants us both to work on a project together. For some reason, he thinks I need a new interest to keep me mentally and physically active. He’s probably right as usual so I’ll give it a good go.
My (our) HO layout will consist of two 4ft x 8ft panels joined with a 4ft x 4ft panel to form a U shape. This will give me (us) space to move around.
My questions – 1. How close to the base edge can the closest track be? 2. What is the recommended separation between parallel tracks from the outside rail of the first track to the inside rail of the track running parallel with it? 3. Should I (we) allow extra separation on the curves, and if so, how much?”
Comments below.
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