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!
Running Problems Track Cross Overs
Stuart model in OO and asks readers:
“Hi, has anyone experienced problems with Track Cross Overs (diamond crossings)and short circuit issues?
I operate my layout using DCC Control which works well except that two new locomotives that I’ve recently purchased (Hornby class 90 and a class 92) when crossing the crossovers create a short circuit, none of my other locomotive experience this issue. I’m at a bit of a loss to be honest so any ideas and hints would be welcome. Thanks in advance Stuart”
Proto 2000 Engines Manufacture
Jim poses this question for readers:
“Another of those questions that was sparked previous to a purchase. I saw a number of HO Scale Proto 2000 engines (different types in original boxes) and when looking at the guts of a few of the engines, I saw wires to a PCB. The question becomes; are all Proto 2000 engines DCC? If not, why is there a PCB on the top of the weight in any of the engines?”
Please comment below if you can assist Jim.
Old Dilapidated Industrial Building Brand New To Make in HO Scale, S, OO, or N Scale. WATCH THE QUICK VIDEO TUTORIAL 👍👍👍
You can download the plans for the DERELICT BUILDING SERIES #1 here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/derelict-railroad-models
Plans for the SERIES #2 DERELICT BUILDINGS can be downloaded here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/railroad-industry-models
You can explore many other background building plans here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings
Enjoy! 😄
Model Railroaders – Where Do You live?
The results of our latest reader poll are in. The question – Where Do You live?
Results were as follows:
USA (51%)
Australia/New Zealand (16%)
United Kingdom (11%)
Canada (11%)
Somewhere else in Europe (6%)
South Africa (4%)
Asia (1%)
Loco Wheels Trying to Run…But The Loco Stays Still – Why?
David writes:
“I have an HO Scale KATO 37-6110 Amtrak Phase V Late GE P42 Genesis Diesel #19 Standard DC. I have had this engine since Apr. 18, 2023 and purchased it online. It stopped running after about 5 months and passed the warranty date. I didn’t know how to fix the problem.
Is it possible my layout, is causing the issue as it has a grade % of a 3-inch drop and a run out of 10 foot? Could the problem have been caused by the engine running faster downhill and laboring going up? The wheels look clean.
Can that damage the engine in some way? If we cannot find the problem should I replace the truck motors front and back? I can do that because I have found the truck motors online. Thank You much!”
If you can assist David, please add your comments under this post.
Model Train Poll Results – How long have you been a model railroader?
The results of our readers poll are in. The question –
How long have you been a model railroader?
30 to 50 years (23 Votes)
50+ years (18 Votes)
5 to 10 years (11 Votes)
20 to 30 years (9 Votes)
10 to 20 years (8 Votes)
2 to 5 years (5 Votes)
Under 2 years (4 Votes)
I have not yet started in the hobby (3 Votes)
Thanks to everyone who took part.
This Quick 3 Minute Tutorial Shows How This Scale Model Creamery Milk Factory Was Constructed Step-By-Step
You can download this plans for this scale model and/or the other models in the series at
https://www.modelbuildings.org/railroad-industries-scale-models
These background buildings are perfect for displaying behind track and against backdrops on HO scale, N scale, or S scale model railroads.
Noch 60873 Modellwasser Artificial Water Problem
Rob writes:
“I’ve used the Noch Model Water product and after 3 days, it has dried cloudy as opposed to clear. I applied it in one pour, to a depth up to about 3mm and left it outside under an awning (with no direct sunlight, wind or rain). Can anyone tell me what I have done wrong? Can anyone tell me how to fix it (other than to rip it out and try again)? Thanks in advance.”
Painting Boxcars
Philip asks:
“I was going to repaint several old boxcars by hand with a bush, but saw little cans of Tamiya model spray paints in an art store. Has anyone used them? Would this be easier and give a smoother finish than using a paint brush?”
To answer Philip’s question, or to view the answers, click on the COMMENTS link below.
WATCH This Free Demo Showing How To Make Background Industry Building For Your Model Train Layout
You can download the plans for these background industry buildings at
https://www.modelbuildings.org/rail-yard-warehouses-pack-deal
The web page also has a helpful chart showing the approximate sizes of these buildings in HO scale, OO scale, N scale as well as the life size equivalent.
RESULTS OF MODEL TRAIN POLL – New Year Model Railroading Resolutions
Last week the question was asked:
Have you made any New Year model railroading resolutions, or have you set any goals for this coming year relating to your model trains or layout?
The following replies came in from readers:
YES – I decided to complete a project I started (28 Votes)
YES – I decided to increase my understanding of DCC (26 Votes)
YES – I decided to begin a new project (24 Votes)
YES – I decided to improve my knowledge of the hobby (22 Votes)
No – I haven’t made any specific resolutions relating to the hobby (22 Votes)
YES – I decided to purchase some new trains, accessories, or structures (21 Votes)
YES – I decided to resolve a problem that has been annoying me (15 Votes)
YES – I decided to clean my layout (15 Votes)
Yes – I decided to increase my understanding of Arduino or other technologies (14 Votes)
YES – I decided to expand my layout (8 Votes)
Unfortunately, I don’t have a layout yet (10 Votes)
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