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!
Recommended Track Cleaning Cars
Roland asks:
“Which would you guys recommend – Bachmann, Dapol, Gaugemaster, CMX, or a Woodland Scenics track cleaning kit?”
You can contribute an answer or comment below.
Quick 3 Minute Video Shows How Quick and Easy It Is To Make HO Scale, OO, or N Scale Background Structures That Look Truly Authentic Like This One
This plan can be downloaded at https://www.modelbuildings.org
A Free Catalog is also available on the website.
Lush Vegetation On Model Railroad Layout
I came across these archived photos sent in by David R showing some good examples of rural scenes on a model train layout. They are too good not to share.
Derailments at Switches
Larry posts this question to readers:
“I recently set my pre-1980s N-gauge train up after it was in a box for fifty-some years. I set up a temporary oval track with no switches and was absolutely amazed and excited that it still works. Now I am working on a permanent layout and purchased some new track pieces including manual switches, all code 80 which matches my old track. My problem is derailments at the switches and I believe the cause, thanks to the tips here, to be the old wheels on my locomotives and rolling stock. I shopped around online to buy new wheels and quickly got lost. My first question is if RP27 the correct standard or should it be RP25? My second question is how can you tell for sure if you are buying wheels made to the correct standard? I see lots of wheels for sale from multiple manufacturers but they don’t have details on specifications. I have all old style couplers as well but am hoping to get away with just replacing the wheels. Thanks in advance for any and all help!
Best Turnout For Siding With 22 Radius Curve
Julius models in HO scale and posts this question for readers:
“I am using the Bachmann EZ Track (Grey Roadbed) for my track layout. I have recently started (less than two months) and am having an issue finding the correct turnout needed to create a siding. Do your readers know which turnout (Remote, #4, #5, #6) would be best for me?”
You can post your answers or comments below this post to assist Julian.
Using A Double Mainline Pulling 20 Cars
Allan models O Gauge and posts this question for readers:
“What is the best incline for a double mainline using a total of 20 cars including the engine? Also, can a double slip crossover be made using Lionel Fastrack?”
Lionel Fastrack System
Allan asks readers:
“I am using a Lionel O-Gauge Fastrack and wondered if I can setup my layout with the DCC System?”
You can comment below to assist Allan.
Rolling Stock Scheduled Maintenance
Patrick asks:
“My collection of passenger and freight cars is growing and it could be time to collate a maintenance schedule of some kind. Wheel sets, weight, couplers, loose parts, pivots, etc. Am I overthinking problems, or should I just look each one over or test for rollability before I put it on the track?”
Please add your COMMENTS under Patrick’s post.
Bridge Building On Scale Model Railroads – See How
There are many ways to construct bridges and the method used usually depends on the type, size, and style of bridge being built. This quick video demonstrates one popular method.
You can download the plans to build this and other bridges here
Loco Wheels Spinning
Richard has this question for readers:
“Hello, I have a Marx 999 and when applying power to the engine only the wheels spin and it doesn’t move. Is there an adjustment on the copper shoe? I can push the shoe and it springs back fine. When I give it a push it moves a little but stops and the wheels continue to spin? Thank you in advance.”
Digitrax DCS 52/Tsunami PNP8 Programing
Randy asks readers:
“I am a newbie and am confused. I have two HO scale locos which are DCC. Both have been running. Now one still runs but one does not. When power is applied the loco begins the start-up sequence sounds but nothing else. I don’t know where to start.”
Atlas Switch Machines
Craig has a question on Atlas switch machines:
“Can I use the track bus to power the switch machine or should I use a separate power source? I model HO scale.”
NEM Couplers (Farish, Dapol) Constantly Uncoupling
Shaun models N scale and has this question for readers:
“I’m tired of my NEM couplers uncoupling and was hoping for advice as to what these could be replaced with? Or for suggestions on how to keep them coupled?”
Please post your comments below to assist Shaun.
Uncoupling With Super Magnets
Duane asks:
“Super magnets – which are the best, spacing, any tricks or problems to know?”
You can post your comments directly below to have them published.
Constructing Scale Model Houses
The above photo was snapped at the Carter Model Railroad Museum Train Show, ETSU, in Johnson City, Tennessee.
See the range of scale model house plans to download at
Warley National Model Railway Exhibition
Here’s a scene with real depth. Snapped at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition.
Best Way To Make Roadways and Sidewalks on a Model Train Layout
William asks readers:
“What is the best way to make N scale sidewalks and roadways? Thanks.”
Difficulties Coupling and Uncoupling Smaller Scale Model Trains
Tony asks:
“I have never had a go with N scale, but have done HO operations. I raise this because I’m about to go with either HO or N scale for my new layout. Yard operations is what I like doing best so I assume with N scale I can probably do more in a smaller space. My reservation is uncoupling and coupling rolling stock and whether N scale is as easy as HO, or will I encounter more problems. I just thought someone might enlighten me. Thanks in advance.”
You can read and post your comments directly under this post.
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