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Inner and Outer Helix Tracks
Graeme asks:
“I am looking at a double-track HELIX, is there a way to have some indication of the outer track and inner tracks? I am using the following Numbers for A=31.6, B=3.75, C=19.5, (was using D=6, but now D= 7, to accommodate, some special POINTs/Switches E=8. I am looking at having 3/8th threaded rod for supports. I am also looking at the 8 Sections, (1/2 inch thick) per ring to be of a special shape, having the JOINING portions at an ANGLE and to be grooved on these Ends and have an INSERT (3ply) for each join, to be screwed only.”
Add your thoughts below if you can assist Graeme.
Engine Stalls On Straights
Lester sent in this question:
“I bought a Bachmann engine that must be more than 30 years old and tried it out on my basic oval test track which has a straight piece on each side. It runs ok on the curves but is starts to stall on the straights. My voltmeter showed no power loss. I then cleaned the track, but it still runs ok on the curves and slows a stall on the straights. It baffles me. Any thoughts?”
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Rail Spacing and Distorted Track
Owen sent in this tip to share:
“This might help someone with the same problem I had. My Baldwin 4-6-0 loco was derailing after exiting a turnout onto my straight track section. No problem with my other 3 locos. I eventually checked the rail spacing widths and found the rails narrowed just enough causing the front wheels on my 4-6-0 to ride up and come off the track. It was hard to spot because by the time the loco stopped part of the 6 wheels would already be off the track. I think I might have accidentally narrowed and slightly bent the track when laying it. Apart from being careful handling track, this experience taught me to measure track and check rail spacing using a gauge, and to run the locos very slowly through troublesome areas to hopefully identify any problems. I hope my experience with this problem saves other people some time and frustration.”
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Athearn Iron Horse HO Starter Train Set
Wayne asks this question:
“I acquired an Athearn Iron Horse HO starter train set which I understand is DCC ready but I haven’t got a decoder yet. When I use the dial to start the loco there is some sound but it doesn’t move until the dial hits 25. Is this to be expected or is there a power distribution issue? I have no problems with it because it is taking off smoothly.”
You can view the answers or have your comments or suggestions published by using the link below.
More Buildings That John Downloaded and Made
In these two photos, John shows some of the first builds of the downloadable plans for his HO switching layout. Pictured left to right is the Distributors Co-Op background building (plan 541), Rail & Road Transport Forwarders (plan 542); the bottom photo shows the Freight & Storage Transport Warehouse (plan 495), and the 3 door warehouse (plan 540). John has done a great job on these first buildings. The plans can be downloaded here https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings
Replacing E 7 Trucks
Rick B asks:
“I am at a LOSS as to how to replace (swap out) new trucks for my HO Like Like, Proto 2000 locomotive. I bought it on the web, and the trucks were totally dissembled. The gent at Walthers sent me some replacements, but the instructions he gave me, ….well clear as mud. Help wanted.”
DCC – Using a Circuit Breaker for the Program Track
Geoff writes:
“My scale is 009 – UK version of HO narrow gauge and my question, for those of you using DCC, do you have a circuit breaker or other sort of overload protection for the program track?
I’m thinking it would be a good idea because the command station is putting out full power until you select program mode, and I understand you are supposed to have the engine on the track when you switch the power on. Also, I’m planning on converting some DC chassis and it’s possible I could wire something up wrong!”
Bowser C-626 Locomotive
John writes:
“I have HO, DC only and I just added a new Alco C-628 from Bowser. Beautiful engine, ran perfect for 2 days, but then all of a sudden I lost forward mode, lights function in front only when in reverse, no lights in front. Still ran perfect in reverse. Next day, reverse worked again, but now, only the back lights work, and no front lights at all. I noticed that the motor felt warm, and possible slight odor. Could this be an out of the box lubrication issue? Operation is still smooth in forward and reverse, not warm, no odor, but no lights in front. Appreciate any insight.”
Atlas # 6 Turnouts and Intermittent Stalling at Different Points
Dave B asks:
“I do have stall problems on my Atlas # 6 turnouts. I do understand that shot wheelbase shifters have issues sometimes but my 2 truck GP’s have issues with them also. I RUN DCC, DIGITRAX.
Additionally, I started to have intermittent stalling at different points on my layout with my GP’s and not all at the same place. Sometimes it happens after they stalled at the turnouts. I’ll take on any suggestions!”
NCE Power Cab
Alvin models in N scale and asks readers:
“I followed some complicated DCC programming instructions for a loco that worked perfectly. Now it doesn’t work at all. Q. How do I get it back to the factory settings?”
Add your comment and view comments below.
First Build For HO Switching Layout
More photos kindly supplied by John Reitz. Says John “These buildings are the first build of your products for my HO switching layout. And I am very pleased with how they look. Much more detail needs to be added for interest. I really like the weathered look the structures have. Saves time and money for painting.”
John has cleverly added his own personal touches to some of these buildings such as leaving a couple of roller doors open and adding the numbers above them on plan 494. I’m sure you’ll agree that John has done a great job and has made a good start on his switching layout. Well done John!
More photos below.
These plans can be downloaded at https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings
Making A Curved Backdrop
Darren asks:
“My space allows for a curved backdrop which I will paint with the sky, clouds, and some foliage. I will also put some greenery directly in front to hide the vertical to horizontal join. I thought of using a heavy-duty bendable cardstock to avoid having joins showing, and it would need to be about 3ft high. Does anyone know where I can get a big roll of suitable cardstock, or would it be better to use a different material?”
Add your thoughts below.
John Shows How He Achieved A Bigger Industrial Footprint On His N Scale Inglenook Shunting Layout
John Reitz kindly sent in this photo of some Rail Freight industrial buildings he adapted for his N Scale Inglenook Shunting Layout. Says John, “The white buildings were printed out to make a four-sided structure to go along with the regular construction plan. I wanted to have a bigger industrial footprint. Very enjoyable building these.”
The white buildings John refers to are made from plan 546 available at https://www.modelbuildings.org/rail-yard-warehouses-pack-deal The plan comprises several buildings that can be arranged in various configurations (see video below) to suit individual layout designs. John cleverly printed out some extra texture to convert the tall white building (right of center in the photo) from a backdrop low relief structure to a four-sided model.
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