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Switch Flexibility
Mark posted this question:
“It’s been 30+years and I’m getting back into ‘it’. I’m dealing with O gauge and want to build a multi-level, multi-train layout in a barbell design with one side of the bar smaller than the other and used only for the trains turning around. All of my hobby stores are closed because of the virus and I have a simple question about the regular lt/rt switches and/or wye switch. I want to return some of the trains down their same track after the loop to save space – can the switches be set to automatically change? Or do I have to buy additional hardware/sensors? I am thinking about FastTrack but haven’t bought anything yet.”
Mark hopefully your local hobby stores will reopen. Unfortunately a lot of small businesses both online and off line are finding survival a struggle at the moment. The big manufacturers and magazines will most likely make it through, but they too will no doubt be feeling the pinch. I want to stay positive, but I fear that the industry will come out the other side of the Covid 19 pandemic in a modified form. Time will tell.
Adding a Tunnel in the Background
Aaron J asks:
“I don’t have enough space on my HO layout for mountains or hills but would still like the mystery of a tunnel. Would it make sense to have half a tunnel disappearing into my background wall? I have about 6 inches at the back and thought about building up the scenery to form the shape of a mountain against the background with a tunnel portal as a key element. I know I can’t run trains into the tunnel as they will hit a solid wall. Ouch! Has anyone done this?”
Proper Placement and Uses of Train Signals
Devon G posted this question in the hope someone can assist:
“I want to put some signals on my track to make operations look more real, but I am a bit unsure where to place them so that they appear to serve a purpose rather than just look good. I’ve never bothered with signals before, stupid me, and I’m not even sure where they are supposed to go in relation to real life operations. I guess I am asking about the placement, purpose and uses of signals in real life operations. Sorry, I enjoy focusing on the visual aspects of the hobby building scenery and stuff, and my technical skills and appreciation of real railroad operations are not so great. It’s a weakness that has resulted in stupid mistakes I’ve already made on my layout, so I better get this one right. I know signals are important for train separation, and for various forward/reverse movements, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge. Can someone explain in simple words how various signals should be positioned and why? It would be a big help thx.”
Add your comments below.
Another Look at the Models Rich Made
Jason from Port Elizabeth in South Africa expressed interest in taking another look at the models Rich constructed. A friend sent him a link to a small pic, so I have republished the photos to make them larger. He’s done a great job!
Rich added these comments – “I still have some more details to do, but thought you might like to see these. Yes, I cut the windows out and used non glare tape inside the houses. Because of space I had to hang a few near the edge of cliff and so with the texture sheet I made the decking, and cut wood to make the railings. Thanks again.”
Here are the plans he used.
If you have photos you would like to have published, please make contact using the ASK A QUESTION link below.
Accessory Voltage Question
Daniel models in O scale and asks:
“In hooking up power to accessories, I was advised to setup four power lines, plus a ground. Make the lines 8,10,12 & 14. Then apply to them per each accessory. Problem is anything I reference gives a wide variance, like 9-14 , 10-12, etc. pretty confusing. Any advice is appreciated.”
British 1950’s/60’s Inspired Model Railway
Chey sent in these photos and description of his layout to share:
“Hi, here are some photos of the progress on my British 1950’s/60’s inspired model railway and also a short story behind the layout and locations it’s based on.
The story of this layout is a ‘what if’ the Great Central Railway extended to Gloucester in the 1930’s and remained there with a terminus in the 1950’s/1960’s until closure in 1965, the station is in a run down state with just a small booking office at the top of the stairs leading to the platform also the diesels now have a shed on side next to the coaling stage and only a handful of steam locomotives (to be acquired for the layout) are based there now including a 9f, and a Britannia or 2 plus a selection of BR(W), BR(E) and BR(M) motive power.
The station on this layout is called Gloucester General and is based on most Great Central Railway style stations, the depot is based loosely on 85B which was the Western Regions shed on Horton Road in Gloucester.
It’s British outline N gauge. All track and points are Peco, and the scenics are sourced from my back garden such as the ballast which is made using ash from the fire pit, the bushes are moss from the patio and walls.
The boards are actually 15mm compressed foam board attached to two beams running the length underneath, the layout is currently DC however it is being wired for DCC as we speak. I hope this makes for some interesting thoughts/ comments and hope you enjoy it too.”
The Layout Kim Is Working On
Kim sent in these photos and comments to share:
“Here are some if the things I have been working on lately. I am putting a green color over the pink, even though I am going to use some grass and other green turf and trees. I will be using some fine ballast in places as the affect of gravel. I think of stuff as I go along.”
Progressing From Starter Set To Bigger Layout
Mike posted this question:
“Hi, I’m a 59 year old double amputee who decided to get into model trains due to depression from limb loss. My question is this: I bought the Bachmann Chattanooga starter set that comes with HO scale EZ track. If I want to change engine and rolling stock in HO will they fit this track or do the single buys use a certain track? I like Bachmann and would probably buy that brand if this helps. Thank you.”
1960s South Wales Valleys Railways
Geoff asks:
Where can I get plans of 1960s South Wales Valleys railroads that can be downloaded to P.C? Valley Lines operated rail passenger services around Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys in South Wales, UK. Lines operated consisted of four northern branches to Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, Rhymney and Treherbert, which were interworked with the shorter Southerly branches to Barry Island, Penarth, and Cardiff Bay.”
Märklin Engine Question
Tom posted this question:
“I need help. I bought a Märklin 36712 about 5 years ago and I just got it out of the box. There is no paper work with it. I tried to read the decoder with my ECoS digital command station ESU. I would be grateful if anybody can help with how to DCC it? Also, where to get manuals from in English not German? I have some photos if that will help. Do you know is there any modification I need to do? Many thanks.”
Switch Lighting Question
Jim models HO and asks:
“I am using #200 Atlas snap relays and am trying to figure out the specs needed for green and red LED’s and the required resistors for each. I understand it is best to connect the 2 LED’s and appropriate resistor in series? I would appreciate any advice as I have never done this before. Thanks!”
Add your comment or suggestions below.
MRC Power Booster Hook Up
Dale has this question for anyone with MRC Power Booster experience:
“I decided to get back into Model railroading and bought a MRC Prodigy Express2 system. After finding out what I should have, I went with larger system for my layout. I would like to buy the MRC power booster and have a question on the hook up. Do I have to split my main tracks up by districts or can I just use the booster to increase my available amps?”
New Designs Include 2 Grain Elevators, a Rural Train Station, US Style Barn, and a Large Barn/Stables Building
The Combined Farms Pool Elevator and the Farmers Coop Store & Transport structures pictured below are among 7 new designs just released for railroading enthusiasts and diorama model builders. The downloaded PDF plans can be constructed using cardboard (a recycled cereal pack is ideal) to OO gauge size, HO scale or N scale. Although not really necessary, some modelers might prefer to glue scrap pieces of card or corflute inside the models for additional strength. It’s easy to do. Texture is provided for the posts pictured on the loading bay of the Farmers Coop Store & Transport building, but using pieces of balsa wood that can be painted to the color of your choice is probably the easiest method for making the posts. The designs are all pre-weathered with rust marks, windows, dirt and grime etc.
The new series also include a small country train station which could serve other purposes too, as well as a tall red stable barn building complete with outside toilet (or storage shed), and a tradition US style red barn structure. These too can be made to OO, HO, S, or N scale. The plans can be downloaded from the website https://www.modelbuildings.org See more on the website.
NEW! Just Released – Tractor Equipment Shed, and Rural Freight Depot Designs To Download and Build
7 new plans have just been added to the existing range of farm buildings that can be made to HO scale, OO gauge, or to N scale. There are two new grain silos, a tractor/equipment shed (pictured above), a traditional US style barn, a large red stable/barn, a small rural station, and a rural freight depot (which could have a number of uses). The PDF plans are simple and quick to download, print, ready for construction using card.
See the new designs at https://www.modelbuildings.org
Fleischmann Profi-Track and American Rolling Stock
Don who model in HO asks:
“I have a very large collection of Fleischmann profi track and turnouts. My layout is an around the room. My Walthers SD60 locomotives run without problems through all turnouts and track. My cars on the other hand derail almost everywhere even on some straight sections. I have inspected the track where the derailments occur and have discovered nothing out of the ordinary. I am getting frustrated. I have spend a great deal of money on the Fleischmann Profi. But I don’t want to spend all of my time fixing derailments. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am using Walthers rolling stock of various sizes with metal wheels and Walthers couplers. Thanks for your thoughts and help.”
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