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Size Resistor for 3V LED Lamps
David asks:
“I have 10 lamps, each is a 3V LED lamp. My transformer measures 15V AC output on the accessory terminals. I don’t know the output current, but I assume it’s plenty to run these lamps. What size resistors do I need and how do I hook them up with the lamps?”
Engine Won’t Move and Light just Flickers
Roger posted his O gauge model 8644 question:
“I was pulling 11 cars yesterday and today the engine just sits there and the light flickers on and off, pulsating trying to move. I’m thinking I shorted it out. I ran other engines on the track to be sure the track is good. Thanks.”
Add your suggestions and read the comments below.
DCC Sound Volume Controls
Geoff asks readers:
“When you buy a loco with DCC and Sound equipped is the sound volume adjustable to set the level to increase when the engine’s speed increases. I don’t want loud noise at the same time from multiple engines on the track.”
My Railroad Without Scenery
Phil models HO and writes:
“My main interest is in the technical aspect of the hobby and I built my own control panel. The problem, a perceived problem, is my layout still doesn’t have ballast let alone a tree. I know I should make a start on the scenery, but it really doesn’t interest me. I’m almost too embarrassed to let non-railway people see my layout because their eyes gloss over when I start talking about Arduino, switching, and tech stuff. Their first question is always along the lines of, when are you going to add some trees and animals? I know it’s my layout, but I feel I should make the effort. Can someone reassure me I am not the only total geek in the hobby?”
Mixing HO and N scale To Add Distance?
Gerry asks readers:
“I have a small 30inch wide x 16inch deep space quite a bit behind my HO track that I want to bring into use independently of my main layout. It could be used for staging or some yard ops… very limited. I can access it easily from the side. Your thoughts on using N scale trains and structures to give the sense of that area being further away. I presume others have done this type of thing?”
8 Pin or 21 Pin DCC Equipped?
Reg asks:
“Can someone tell me the difference in functions of 8 pin and 21 pin sockets? I’m trying to get my head around DCC and am not sure if all locos should operate with the same accessories? Would 21 pin be better?”
Have your suggestions published below.
Identify The Engine in Murder on the Orient Express Movie
Andrew posts:
“I heard there were some USA built steam engines operating in France after WW2, which made me curious as to the type of loco used in the 2017 movie version of Murder on the Orient Express. It looks unusual. Does anyone know more what type it is?”
NEW! 2 Level Brick and Stucco Scale Model Semi-Detached Houses To Download, Print, and Build
6 scale model background models houses have just been added to the growing range of around 300 downloadable plans at https://www.modelbuildings.org/scale-model-houses-duplex-semi-detached-models The left and right houses on the plans can be joined to other houses in the series in a total of 36 different combinations. So, if you just want gray brickwork houses, it is easy to join the two matching gray houses together to form one semi-detached building. That way you can make your backdrop scene using the combinations you want.
More details including scale sizes etc at
https://www.modelbuildings.org/scale-model-houses-duplex-semi-detached-models
Lighting Problem With Older Passenger Cars
Jess models HO scale and asks readers:
- Do you have any experience with older, lighted passenger cars – HO scale?
- I bought a set and cannot get the light to work. Only one car had a bulb and interior wiring.
- I did test the light with alligator clips, and the bulb works when tethered with the clips to the track.
- I can’t figure out how the current gets to the bulb.
- I have included pics. My restricted knowledge of electricity is confused on where the copper pickups need to draw their current.
- I think if I could position the front to pick up the right lane and the rear to pick up the left it would work.
Any input would help.
Brass Model Trains Still in Demand? True? False?
There’s no doubt the demand for brass engines and rolling stock has declined over the years mainly due to price and the growing variety of highly detailed plastic models available these days. That’s not to say there isn’t a market for older “high quality” brass pieces.
You can cast your vote in our poll on where you think the brass market is at right now.
If you would like to share your thoughts on what you personally prefer, and whether you think there would still be a demand for some specialized brass rolling stock, MOW equipment, or collectible engines… then add your thoughts in the conversation below this post.
Staging Requirements
Merv has some good questions:
“Just relocated to our new home and will be upgrading to a 10ft x 8ft layout. A giant leap for me, can’t wait! Before getting ahead of myself though I thought would ask – how much staging should I allow? How many tracks? Should I do continuous staging instead of stub-end staging?”
Share your feedback in the COMMENTS below.
Number-boards and Window Gaskets
Kerry asks:
“I want to highlight some of my number board and window gaskets on a couple of locos, but with poor eyesight and a shaky hand, I am not good at lining things up or doing fine brushwork. I have a hands-free magnifier but still struggle. I can’t be the only old codger with this problem. Is there an easy way?”
Add your thoughts under this post.
Older Locomotives With Demagnetized Motors
Glen would like feedback and writes:
Can a locomotive motor become weaker and lose power over time? A friend told me he heard heat can demagnetize motors with “excessive use”, but when I asked how many hours running would be “excessive use” he said he didn’t know and hadn’t asked. I’m not convinced, because I have some 35+ year-old engines that still run as good as new, but I do maintain them well. Does someone know for sure if this can happen or not, after how many hours of running, and are some brands/types of engines more susceptible? Just skeptical and curious?
Post your feedback and comments below.
NCE Throttle Confusion
John models in N scale and asks:
“So I’m getting into DCC for the first time and a while back I purchased a 7623 Baltimore & Ohio steam locomotive. Next, I was trying to find an NCE starter set but couldn’t find one in stock. I did find an NEC Deluxe Pro Cab (R); rbo2 radio base station; p114 power supply and a Power Cab Panel which I thought could get me running. I now realize I’m needing to purchase a command station to send the power and signal mix to the track. Looking online all I see are Power Cab lineups but nothing explaining the use of just the Deluxe Pro Cab lineup. I have a 3×5 setup I’m putting together and not into buying the Power cab throttle. At this point, I’m looking at an NCE 52 4008 CS 02 command station. My question is, is this command station going to do the trick? I don’t want to go thru the expense of buying this if it’s not what I need to finally run the locomotive using the NEC ProCab.”
DCC Running a Figure 8 Inside a Circle
George models in HO and asks:
“There are a number of answers for reversing loops but with a figure 8 running inside a circle, I see 4 reversing loops. All reversing loops have intersecting tracks with the other loops. How is this wired with DCC and keep the train[s] all running?”
Above Bench Turnout Motors
Pete asks:
“I have a few turnouts that are over a ledge where there is no room for my preferred under bench Tortoise motors. Two turnouts in that location are hard to reach so I need to use a track-level turnout motor. I see there are several HO brands available such as Atlas, Peco, and Piko. Some reviews indicate they may be subject to burnout. Suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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