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Locos Traction Wheels
Ricardo from Buenos Aires, Argentina writes:
“Dear folks my first train set has been Marklin and eventually came over to DC. Don’t know why but since the year dot Marklin added 2 rubber bands to locos traction wheels to improve adherence. Well, if they were stripped of the rubber bands, how would the ride? How many cars could they move?”
Solving Point Problem When Running Switcher Locos
Hugh asks readers:
“I have a Peco electrofrog point and run my 3 large locos ok. The problem is when I run my 2 small switcher engines that pass over the point (frog end) they briefly stall before moving on. It only happens in one direction so I’m a bit baffled. Help please.”
Use the COMMENTS link under this post to add your suggestion(s) and view the answers. Use the ASK A QUESTION link to submit your own question for publication.
What Would Be Your Pick Of Model Train Locomotives?
I thought it might be fun and enlightening to hear some opinions and preferences from our blog readers.
So…
Imagine if you could operate only one locomotive on your layout. What make and model would it be, and why?
Tell others about your favorite loco by adding a comment below.
Solving and Avoiding Stripped Screw Threads In Plastics
Allen J writes:
“Does anyone know how to fix stripped screw threads in plastics? I have been disassembling then re-assembling things and some screws are not gripping the plastic. I thought I was being careful re-inserting the screws into existing holes, but obviously not. I can’t be the only one with this problem?”
NEW! C.K. Edwards Auto Industries Background Building. Featured in the New Model Buildings Catalog Version 8.0 – Download Your Copy Now.
Version 8.0 of the Model Buildings Catalog is now available for download here https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog
The C.K. Edwards Auto Industries building is one of 6 new plans just released See More Here
3 Engineers and 3 Accountants…. Clever Thinking!
We don’t usually post jokes, but because it’s Christmas how about this one sent in by Ryan:
Three accountants and three engineers were traveling by train to the same conference. On arrival at the station, each of the three accountants bought a ticket. With some bewilderment the accountants noticed the three engineers purchased only a single ticket. “How can three passengers travel on a single ticket?” asked one of the accountants. “Observe and you’ll see,” replied one of the engineers.
All six boarded the train. The three accountants took their seats, however, the three engineers crammed together inside a small restroom and locked the door behind them. Not long after the train had departed, the conductor started collecting tickets. The accountants watched as he knocked on the restroom door saying, “Ticket, please.” The door edged open a fraction and a single-arm poked out with a ticket in hand. The train conductor took it and moved on.
After witnessing this, the three accountants agreed it was a cunning trick. So, on their return trip from the conference, the accountants decided to pull the same ruse and save some money… accountants are generally considered to be astute (even frugal) when it comes to money. Arriving at the station, they purchased just one ticket for their return trip. To their amazement, none of the three engineers bought a ticket. “How do you expect to travel without a ticket?” said one of the puzzled accountants. “Observe and you’ll see,” replied an engineer.
After boarding the train, the three accountants made for the restroom and crammed inside. The three engineers squeezed into another restroom nearby. The train soon departed, and it wasn’t long before one of the engineers left their restroom and walked across to the other restroom where the three accountants were hiding. The engineer knocked on the door and said in an authoritative voice, “Ticket, please.”
Turning Off LED Coach Lights When Train is Sitting at a Siding or Station – How?
Russell posted this question:
“I figured how to instal an LED strip light in a passenger coach and power it from the rails on my DCC layout without using a decoder, but I can’t figure how to turn the lights off without taking the coach off the rails or using an isolated track section. I thought this would be a handy detail when the coaches are stationed at a platform or on a siding waiting to be put into use, but am not sure how to achieve this. Have you done this? How?”
Woodland Scenics TT4560 Tidy Track Roto Wheel Cleaner Feedback
Kevin posted:
“I am thinking of getting a Woodland Scenics TT4560 tidy track roto engine wheel cleaner HO version and would like feedback on how efficient they are. My understanding is you put your engine on this device and it cleans the wheels. Sounds easy, but what happens when the engine is tender driven with the tender having rubber wheels? I’m just not sure how this would work?”
HOT! Plans For This Impressively Realistic “Advance Rail Manufacturing” Background Building Now Available To Build In HO, OO, or N Scale
You can download your copy of the latest UPDATED catalog showing all the new releases here https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog
Download plans for these 6 new backdrop industrial buildings at See More Details Here
JUST RELEASED! Now Available – Plans For 6 “Impressively Realistic” Scale Model Background Yard Buildings
Watch step-by-step how this J.C. Walsh & Sons Engineering Co. building was constructed using corflute/foamboard and cardboard.
Plans for these 6 new background industry buildings are available now See More Details Here
Gift Cards Proving Popular
If you want to drop a hint to a family member on what they can get you for Christmas, then a Model Buildings Gift Card is a good option. They can nominate the value, and you can select which plans you want to download. Easy!
https://www.modelbuildings.org/gift-certificate
DCC Locomotive Problem
Shirish writes:
“I am fresh to this hobby. I bought an InterMountain Railway Co. Loco SD40-2(W). When I run this loco with any other loco, the other loco even when on the siding or stationed on the main, it starts running in reverse without any command. Plus, when both are running on the same track, the other loco stops and then starts running at full speed. Can someone suggest a solution to the problem?”
DCC Loco Control Problem
Andrew posts:
“I am currently using a Hornby DCC controller, with a GWR Castle class OO locomotive, It starts like it’s supposed to but once it reaches its running speed it suddenly accelerates to as fast as it can, even if I try to slow it down with the controller. It won’t respond until I use the emergency stop. Does anyone have any ideas as to what is happening? I currently have it running on the default number 3 DCC address.”
How to Run Two Locos in Different Directions
Peter posted this:
“I am new to this hobby. I just started working my HO layout. I have three main lines. I would like to know how to run one of the three locos in another direction. I have a Digitrax dcs52 command station. Thanks in advance for any help.”
Grading an Industry Spur
Ron models OO and writes:
“I’m planning to grade my roadbed down to the benchwork level at perhaps 45cm which I think in US terms is around 18 inches. With a vertical curve, I don’t want coupler issues and wondered if this is too short. What would be the shortest I could go to?”
Layout Photos Shared For Christmas
The Online Model Train Club wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe New year http://www.modeltrainclub.org
Bus Wiring Break In Circuit
Allan posted this:
“I saw somewhere online not sure of the website where with bus wiring a break in the track circuit ovals is needed because there is one in the bus wire. I get confused with wiring at the best of times and question whether this is really necessary? And if it is – can someone tell me why please?”
Problems With DCC Speed Control and Direction
Steven writes:
“I’m quite new to this and in the early stages of building a DCC layout, and just tested my first loco. I am experiencing a few problems with my Hornby Select Controller. My loco moves even when I have the speed controller is set at zero. The direction switches don’t seem to have any effect. This problem will be basic for some, but for me, it is a complete mystery. Help would be good. Thank you in advance.”
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