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!
JUST RELEASED! Police Station, Ambulance Station, Fire Station, and Burnt Out House. Download, Print, and Fun to Build
New to the range of over 200 scale HO/OO and N scale model plans available from https://www.modelbuildings.org
Mixing HO with On30. A Crazy Idea or Maybe Not?
Richo poses and interesting question:
“I am thinking of running HO trains above On30 trains around the wall. Would it detract and look weird? I am thinking of maybe a dog bone design, or possibly a continuous run with a swing gate on each level to get access through the door. Not sure, so would appreciate some feedback?”
Add a comment/suggestion to assist Richo below. Have your own question(s) published by clicking on the ASK A QUESTION link.
Beginner Needs Help With HO Tyco 897 Train Set Transformer
Brian needs advice on his Tyco train set:
“I have just inherited a small HO Train set from a family friend. Just wondering where to go to get info on hooking up transformer and testing engines to see if they work?”
Best Type of Lightweight Ballast Material?
David has this question:
“I am searching for good looking light weight ballast material for size N. I need to source enough for around 60 meters of track which I need to to ballast. I can’t have the weight of stone material is too high, as the whole layout is hanging in wires from the ceiling for elevation. Any experience shall be appreciated.”
Add your comment.
Re-Wiring Ballasted Track
Rudy models HO and asks:
“My system is all DC and my ballast is already in place. I realize only now, that I could use an 18 inch section of my layout where I could temporarily switch power, on and off, and let my 2nd engine rest, while continuing use of the first one. I already have a siding wired for this, but could use another. Is there any way to do this without ripping up my ballasted track ?”
What’s the Correct Track Spacing on Straights and Curves?
Lincoln sent in this question:
“I was wondering what is the correct spacing width between parallel straight tracks (HO), and does this differ from on curves? I presume curve spacing is different depending on the curve radius? I want to run some long freight trains and I am looking at buying some long passenger cars, so I want to have enough space between the tracks. Thanks in advance for publishing my question, and to any rail fans who can help out.”
S-Curves can Derail Trains
S-curves can be a railroader’s worst nightmare, yet they are a feature of many track plans because they can add interest to a layout. If you are going to add an S-curve, plan it carefully. That means that you need to have at least one straight section of track at as long as your longest car between the curves. Otherwise, regular derailments might become unwanted events on your layout. Fixing a problematic S-curve can be exceptionally hard once the track is permanently placed.
One of the most challenging placements for an S-curve is just beyond a turnout. Avoid having a curve in the opposite direction immediately after the turnout diverges. Follow the straight section between changes of direction practice described above.
JUST RELEASED! Download, print, and build 3 retro 1950’s-1960’s model buildings
New to the range of 200+ scale model plans available from https://www.modelbuildings.org
Japanese Tomytec Products – Info Needed
Ron has this question:
“Hi, is anybody familiar with Tomytec products? I know that most of them are N scale. I was wondering if Tomytec products are available in HO and O scale. Thanks in advance for all responses.”
Add your comment below.
Old Style Station Lamps and Building Lights
Mark model HO scale and asks others in the hobby:
“I have just purchased building lights and old style station lamps from China. I was thinking that they would be easy to install and use. Wrong!! I think they need a capacitor added to make them work. Do they? If so, how do I find out what type to use. Many thanks.”
Mark you can use the COMMENTS link to upload a photo if you think it will assist readers to provide you helpful advice.
Ballast Coverage
Marshall models HO and asks:
“I would like to start ballasting my track with Woodland Scenics medium ballast and need to know if there is a rule of for how much material might be used for a specified length of track. My track, which totals some 200 foot, sits on a cork roadbed. Thank you.”
Have your question published on the blog by using one of the many Ask A Question links on this page.
Will Any Decoder Do?
Ben sent in this question for readers:
“This might sound stupid but can I use any decoder model in a locos? I ask this because I will be soldering the connections regardless and know the frames can vary between manufacturers, so can I still choose any decoder, or will I need specific decoders for certain locos?
Add or view the COMMENTS below.
Using Double Pole Double Throw Switches With DCC
Callum asks readers:
“When using Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switches with DCC, is it advisable to stop my loco first, or is it okay to throw the switch while my loco is running? My thinking is that I should stop it first?”
Send in your question for publication using one of the many Ask a Question links on this blog.
Digital Control on Garden Tramway
Bill T sent in this pic to share:
“Always enjoy your blog and information. I am in Scotland, so here a picture of my Garden tramway. I use Z21 to digitally and control it on my iPads and iPhone. When visitors come we can all run trams. There are 14 trams to choose from for the system all digitised. The overhead is not electrified but the pantographs correctly run on it to make it authentic tramway practice. Share on your site if you wish.”
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE – Model Railroad Scene
I’ve had numerous requests to publish some more SPOT THE DIFFERENCE puzzles as it’s been some time since I ran the last one. See how you go with this model railroad layout photo. At first glance the photos look identical, but there are actually several differences. How many can you find?
Simply add your answers using the COMMENTS link below.
Making Track Curves Too Tight
With the pr
essures of fitting everything into a layout, there will always be the temptation to make the curves tighter than they should be. This is typically fraught with problems, even if you have done some test runs with locomotives and cars around the curve.
Even if the trains run okay –
- Does the tight track curve look natural? If you are modeling a modern era railroad, rolling stock lengths are much longer these days than they were in the past. Long cars make the curves look even sharper than they are.
- Would a real railroad have curves that tight? The answer to this is always a resounding“no.” Real railroad curve radii are much larger than can be accurately modeled in a reasonable space. The best that can be done is to make the curves as large as your space will permit, then use some scenic tricks to distract the viewers from the appearance.
- What happens when you buy a new loco or longer car that won’t make it safely around the curve? This actually goes back to the choice of era you choose to model. A setting with large late steam era articulated locos is not a good decision for a very limited space.Logging and mining or switching puzzle layouts with shorter rolling stock are better choices if your situation requires sharp curves.
The golden rule is this: make the minimum radius AT LEAST as large as that recommended for the longest car you plan to run on your layout. That way you won’t have any regrets later.
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