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NCE 0010 Pro Cab Deluxe Master Cab Handheld Remote and Bachmann 66801 HO Scale EMD GP38 2 DCC Santa Fe
Newbie Martin is looking at HO scale and asks:
“Just starting off I will build two tracks code 100 seems the most commonly available? I like the look of the Bachmann 66801 HO Scale EMD GP38 2 DCC Santa Fe, so might make it my first engine. Tell me if there’s something more suitable.
My plan is to operate DCC for engines, accessories, lighting, etc. I presume a wireless throttle is the way to go? I haven’t committed to buy anything or any particular make yet, so would appreciate any suggestions? I noticed several ads for the NCE Pro Cab – any good? A lot of questions I know, but I am just trying to get my head around things before committing.”
Add your own comment or suggestion to assist Martin with his project. See the COMMENTS link below.
Is 2ft x 4ft Feasible for a WORKABLE N Scale Layout?
Darryl asks:
“I showed a photo of my old HO layout to my 7-year-old grandson who seemed interested. I thought of building a small N scale layout together. I only have a space of around 2×4 and want to know if that is too small for a WORKABLE track? I don’t want to downsize the scale, N scale will be small enough for my old eyes.”
Darryl, Tony Neilson’s N Scale Track Plans Ebook features several 2ft x 3ft, and 2ft x 4ft track plans.
To have your own question published on the blog, you can submit it via one of the ASK A QUESTION links on the blog.
64 Unique Plans Now Available In The Residential Category
Terraced houses, suburban houses, city apartments… you name it, and you are likely to find the plan you are looking for in the RESIDENTIAL CATEGORY at https://www.modelbuildings.org/residential
There are plans based on a variety of residential styles from around the globe including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. Each plan can be purchased separately, or in discounted special buy packs to download, print, and built to HO scale, OO (UK), and N scale.
The latest catalog (version 8.0) is also available for download for FREE here https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog
Designing a Layout With Bachmann EZ Track
Roy asks:
“I am building an HO scale Layout using Bachmann EZ track. I have a question I am adding a train station to my layout. The tracks for my station will come off the main track line via a switch then go the length of the passenger station stop the hook back to the mainline via another switch. My question is do I use EZ track for my station stop tracks or use regular tracks that same track code without the attached roadbed and just ballast over the track? Also, do I use EZ track switches or regular track switches without attached roadbed to divert passenger train in and out of the passenger train station from the main track line that has EZ track?”
Post your suggestions using the COMMENTS link. If you have a question you would like to have published, then please use the ASK A QUESTION link.
Lionel Pennsylvania Flier O Scale Train Set With Fastrack Inner Loop
David writes:
“I purchased the Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer O Scale train set that comes with a DC wall-pack power supply. I have no trouble operating the set. I then purchased the FasTrack Inner Loop add-on and incorporated it into the oval layout from the original Lionel Flyer and the train won’t run. Do I need to purchase an AC transformer to be able to use the Inner Loop add-on?”
Mixing OO, S, and HO Scale Scenery Elements
John posted this question:
“I have an S gauge 1:64 train/track layout. Can I mix and match various gauges such as OO, HO and S interchangeably in my scenery? There are more OO and HO gauge buildings to choose from in the market and to me, I do believe it is ok if it simply looks authentic … what are your thoughts? Thank You”
Atlas Union Pacific DCC Ready GP-35 Loco
Reynold models N scale and asks:
“I wanted the DCC Ready Atlas GP35 loco in Union Pacific markings, but have just found out it wasn’t around until the 1960s. My layout… half-finished… will be set in the mid to late 50s, so I’m probably better with something a little older. I don’t need Union Pacific if that opens more options. Any ideas?”
Add your comments to this post – see COMMENTS below, or have your own question published – see ASK A QUESTION below.
Sound or No Sound… That is the question
Bryan asks:
“What do people think about DCC sound? The obvious price difference is not the only reason I ask. From what I’ve seen and heard, the car/wheel track noise seems to negate the engine sound effects. Winding up the volume is an option, but that exaggerates the sounds to a less realistic level. Am I overthinking this? Thoughts.”
ASK A QUESTION or post your COMMENTS below.
Track Attached to Plywood or Cork?
Clint writes:
“Before attaching my track directly to ply should I lay down cork first? What should I use – track tacks/nails, or glue what type?”
Add your comments below. And, remember you can have your question published too. See the ASK A QUESTION link below.
Who Makes The Best Brand Of HO Diesel Locomotives?
Howard posted this:
“I am finally changing to DCC a big change, and want to buy a couple of new diesel sound mainline engines but not sure which manufacturer to go with. My layout is US 70s/80s and I’m open-minded on the livery. I was wondering who is the best manufacturer of these engines, and why you like them? I have done a quick search of these online but haven’t settled on anything yet – Proto2000, Atlas, Bachmann, Athern, Kato, and Mantua.”
ASK A QUESTION or post your COMMENTS below.
NEW Background Structure To Build In Sections
The Gainsborough Group Industrial Equipment Building is one of the new background structures available for immediate download. It can be built to HO scale, N scale, or OO scale.
Version 8.0 of the Model Buildings Catalog is available now for download https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog
Old O Scale Marx Model 709 Train Transformer Issue
Dale posted:
“I am currently renovating an older Marx train set. I get a weaker response the farther I get from the transformer connection. The set has a Marx Model 709 Train Transformer. I am wondering if I need to replace this transformer? If so… should I replace it with a 709 transformer, or should I change to a different transformer for additional power? If I should replace it…. any recommendations?”
Peco SL-E8361 Turnout Connected To Peco PL-11 Side Mounted Motor
Bruce asks:
“I have an HO Peco SL-E8361 turnout that I’m trying to connect to a Peco PL-11 side-mounted motor, but there’s no connecting rod to go between them. Does anyone have a solution for doing this? The hole in the turnout is quite a bit smaller than the hole in the motor. Thanks.”
Lionel 1033 Transformer Issue
Rick has O scale and writes:
“My transformer Lionel 1033 voltage is low when the load is applied it reads 6v. Without load, it reads 18v. I put a jumper from the b post to the circuit breaker but the voltage read only 8v. Any suggestions on how to get the voltage up to 18 or what to check?”
Fitting DCC Decoders to a Twin Motor All-Wheel Drive DCC Not Ready Locomotive
Poorna asks:
“I intend to buy some DC HO scale twin motor drive DCC not ready large locomotives and fix them with DCC decoders. My choices are Athearn Genesis DDA 40X Union Pacific centennials, EMD DD 35 B (Alco or Overland) with the objective of gaining the skill of fixing the locos with DCC decodes. As I’ve heard those double motor-driven locomotives need two DCC decodes. All I need to know is:
1. Is it true that such locomotives need two decoders instead of one?
2. If two decoders are fixed, how are the cables of them connected to the motors and circuitry of the locomotive?
3. Which one of those two decoders will be the primary?
and
4. How can I assign an address to such a locomotive after DCC decoders are fixed?”
Post (and view) answers below.
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