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!
Locomotives and Tracks
“Hi everyone, I am Karthik from India, I’m new to this hobby of rail road models, my question is that, there are a large number of manufacturers in model railroads. Is it possible that an N Scale KATO or MICRO TRAINS made locomotives and rolling stock can run on ATLAS or BACHMANN made N scale tracks or a Flexitrack?”
Running Multiple Trains
Joel wants to learn more about the hobby and asks this question of more experienced model railroaders:
“Watching some vids I think I see multi trains on the sam mie line, but one is stopped while another is in motion. Is this possible or should I be using better ventilation as I paint? Thanks.”
It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced railroader or an absolute beginner, don’t be embarrassed to post a question no matter how simple or complex it might be. The best way to learn and progress in the hobby is to ask plenty of questions. Most model railroaders are more than happy to share their experience and particuarly encourage newcomers to the hobby. We all began with abdolutely no knowledge, so send in your questions if you need help with anything regardless of how simple or unusual your question might be. There are probably plenty of others reading this blog who will want to know the answers too.
Loss of Power on Points
Barry models in N scale and has this question for readers:
“Hi, I hope some one can help. Up till yesterday my track was running without any problems. After giving the track its weekly clean l found that the train run perfectly well until coming to one set of points it then stops dead. The trains run perfectly well ether side of the points. HELP PLEASE.”
Wheel Gauge Adjustment
Benj sent in this question:
“I want to alter the wheel gauge on my O-Scale 2-track truck. The wheels are actually too close together. Do any of your blog people know what to do?”
Add your comments by using the COMMENTS link under this posting.
Ideas For Scenery and Structures
Morgan would like some ideas for his HO shelf layout from anyone who has any suggestions:
“My shelf layout is 12″/yes, one foot deep. To be 24′ long, currently finished only one 8′ board/left end. On that board I have barely enough track, and very little room for buildings, etc. Will probably need false fronts on the wall to “simulate” business for the railroad. 3″ at the most in depth. But can be 3′ wide, meaning more than one building. With this narrow a layout, I do not anticipate backdrop. Maybe just drawing paper painted pale blue on the wall. This is not to be a showplace. Mostly just for me. So I’m looking for ideas. Basic area is West TX, so it’s pretty barren. I have tons of cars, so the industries can be most anything. ?? An ice platform for refrigerator cars. ?? LOL But oil and stock pens are good. Ideas and suggestions, please.”
Switch Machine For Shinohara Double Crossover
Lou is planning a double crossover and posts this question:
“I am planning to install an HO Shinohara double crossover on my system. The tracks sit on 1/2″ plywood base board and cork road bed. Although all my rolling stock runs on DCC all the switches run on DC.
My question is what make and model switch machine will work best mounted under the base board? Do I need 4 switch machines or can I get away with less if some how ganging them up to operate the turnouts?”
Shipley Model Railway Society Trains in Operation
Thanks to Jason for sending in these photos of trains on the Shipley Model Railway Society layout in the UK. The Society was founded in 1978 and has around 40 members who come from towns across Yorkshire including: Ilkley, Keighley, Otley, Guiseley, Harrogate, Horsforth, Bradford and Brighouse.
Layouts in the clubrooms are 4mm and 7mm (EM and OO gauges). The Society operates trains from Great Britain in the 1920’s through to the present day. It has an assortment of European, Canadian, and American rolling stock.
Plywood or Foam Insulation Board?
New member to the Online Model Train Club Chris Peterson has this question for readers:
“Quick question – is foam insulating board better than using ply-wood? I will be building height on top using layers of extruded foam so I can carve into it. Is this the right way? I like that it’s lightweight. Is there any fire danger?”
If you want to submit a question to the Blog Moderator for publishing here, use one of the **ASK A QUESTION** links on this blog.
Improvements to Basic Layout
Lucky is just getting started in the hobby and seeks advice from others who have progressed to a more advanced level. Here is his question:
“I am new to modern age of model trains. I set up a basic set for grand kids. It is very “Mickey mouse”, so I would like to move up to reasonably priced set with latest features. Maybe still retaining the style of loco and cars young children would enjoy, but with an improved power supply. The Lionel booklet suggests an 80 watt transformer cw80. I assume I will need connection to track? Any help would be appreciated.”
Track Modification Suggestions?
Daniel asks:
“I am trying to run two lines into a O scale Lionel Train Station Co. I guess out of a switch, I can’t get one of the lines in parallel with the other one. How do I modify track to make the curve coming out of the switch? Can the track be adjusted by loosening the metal ties?”
Which Track Type or Brand is Best?
Reg S posted this question to the Blog Moderator by using one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this Blog:
“After buying a Bachmann train set for one of my grandkids I decided to have a go myself and construct a simple layout in HO scale. After looking around online I see there are multiple choices. Although the E-Z Track type looks easy and foolproof,…maybe what I need… ha ha… it doesn’t look so real or flexible enough if I want to make changes later??? Also, I read that Bachmann is not all it’s cracked up to be??? I know it is priced cheap so maybe you get what you pay for???
I would like to hear from the old hands at this on what is the best type or brand of track for me considering my layout will be fairly basic. Thank you to everyone.”
If you would like to comment on this question from Reg, or provide an answer, all you do is add your comment under this post. All comments go to the Blog Moderator and, unless they contain spam or don’t make sense, will be published usually within a few minutes depending on the time of the day.
Impressive Arched Bridge on Display at the York Model Railway Exhibition
Online Model Train Club Member Frank R W sent in these photos he snapped at the York Model Railway Show in the UK a couple of years ago.
Obviously a substantial structure like this a very expensive and time consuming to build. It is certainly impressive and it you have the space and resources it would be a great project to work on. If you are not in that position then there are cheaper and easier options here.
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