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!
Lionel ZW Transformer Problem
Daniel writes:
“My Lionel ZW Transformer is acting strange. One day, it is working fine. When I turned it on the next day, I had no track power and shorting out. I checked all track and found no obvious causes with the Z shirts hooked up or not. I switched the euro to another Z and the system is fine. Therefore it seems just to be the transformer. What is the best troubleshooting process? Thanks.”
Christmas Train Set – Which Track?
Debbie asks:
“My son has HO model train cars from when he was a child and also his father’s train cars from when he was a child. I would like to surprise him this Christmas by setting up a track around the Christmas tree and using some of his train cars. However, the track he has is very old and I would like to purchase new track and a new controller. What brand or type of track would be the easiest for me to assemble? I would appreciate any information! Thank you.”
Track and Circuit Control
Derek asks:
“Hi folks I am looking for anyone who knows the right name for the joining pins that go between a track controller and a circuit controller. I am looking for the joining pins that go between Hornby 900 track controller to the Hornby 910 circuit controller so the circuit controller can power trains around the track. Cheers guys”
AT LAST! Now Available 10 NEW Plans For Constructing OLD Background Buildings – Some Derelict!
https://www.modelbuildings.org/derelict-railroad-models
5 of these new scale model plans feature abandoned derelict buildings which will add character against the background of a OO, N scale, or HO scale model railroad. This short video demonstrates how easy it is to construct these downloadable plans.
Arduino Coding for a Turntable
Tony models OO and asks:
“Does anyone have a simple Arduino coding for a turntable? I’ve made a simple 3d printed turntable for the model railway I’m building for my grandson and want to control it from an Arduino. It’s a simple one-on one-off system. I intend to use a Hall Effect sensor to align it with the tracks. Ta in advance for your help.”
Add your comments or code to assist Tony below.
Best Sound Reducing Roadbed
Samuel asks:
“I’m not keen on using nails so thought cork or foam would be easy to glue in place. I also want to suppress the noise as much as I can. Which material would be best?”
Add your comment below, or submit your own question for publication by using the separate link below.
The Optimal Model Train Consist
Trevor asks:
“I think I’ve got it right putting my heavy or larger cars at the front of the train and positioning the other cars behind with the lightest cars closest to the caboose? I have both diesels at the front facing the same direction nose to tail, or should I runs my diesels tail to tail? What’s right or is it just a preference thing?”
You can submit your own question for publication – see the link below.
Coming Soon! An exciting new series of derelict scale model background buildings
In a few days, two new series of scale model background buildings will be available for download. The series shown here features several abandoned industrial buildings, and the other series includes some factories and workshops. The plans can be downloaded and built to OO, HO, or N scale and are some of the most realistic-looking models ever released.
Running Model Trains After Hurricane Ida Flood
Gary was impacted by Hurricane Ida and asks:
“We had IDA dump 10” in our basement. None of my O scale train equipment was damaged. My question is, the track. I had kept a 50-55 degree humidity. It has come down to good numbers. I’m worried about the track surface. What should I do and/or use.”
Using NCE Switch-Kat and Kato 4ch Turnout Controller
Ivan asks:
“My HO track and turnouts are Bachmann. Can I use the Switch Kat and Kato 4ch controller? The Bachmann turnout has 3 wires, whereas Kato turnouts have two? How would you wire that so that it would work?”
Kadee 50-footer Boxcar Coupler
Garry posted:
“One of my Kadee 50 footers has a bent coupler I need to fix but I’m not sure how to remove the coupler cover without damaging it. I guess they are not designed to be fixed?”
Send in your question to be published con the blog. Use the ASK A QUESTION link.
Dirty Stuff On Rails
Kev writes:
“I’ve only been running my trains for a short time and already there is black stuff building up on the rails. If I don’t clean it away my engine loses some power. I don’t think it’s grease, oil, or the paint I used on the ties and rails which I shined with bright boy. What is it and the cause, and how can I prevent it from coming back? Do others have this problem?”
Post your comments below, or have your own question published by using the ASK A QUESTION link.
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