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Problem With Peco Joiners

Larry works with N scale and writes:

“I just dug out a pack of Peco joiners that I hadn’t used before. I can’t get them to start on the rails as most are pinched together. Any fixes?”

Please post your comments to assist Larry below.

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Kadee 148 Whisker Verses Number 5 Couplers

Neville asks”

“I have 3 older Athearn diesels dating back to the ’80s and one a bit earlier. Looking at the coupler boxes I think the Kadee Whisker #148 might be my best option. Any thoughts?”

You can post your thoughts below. Thank you.

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How To Maximize Your Track Space – WATCH VIDEO

Save up to 77% on background building plans here https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings/

Download the latest catalog showing the full range of buildings here https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog/

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Shrink Tubing Instead of Bullfrog Snot?

Lee who models in N scale asks”

“Have you guys tried shrink tubing on traction tires? Will it work?”

Please post your thoughts below if you are able to assist Lee.

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Strip Paint From Athearn and Atlas Shells

Kent asks:

“I want to strip the paint from one Atlas and one much older blue-box Athearn. I read to use 91% isopropyl alcohol but wondered how safe the stuff is, do I just soak it in a container of some kind (for how long), and/or scrub it (using what)? I would do it right rather than guess. Thanks if you can help.”

To advise Kent please post your comments underneath.

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Download These 9 True-To-Life scale Model Houses and 4 Garages Perfect For HO Scale, N Scale, Or OO Scale Railroads

You can access the plans to make these 9 houses and 4 garages ready for download here https://www.modelbuildings.org/9-houses-and-4-garages-pack-deal 👍👍👍

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Cutting Rails

Gavin asks:

“I was given some old track that I could cut to prototypical lengths for staging and trackside scenery. I don’t think rail nippers will do the job. Any thoughts?”

Please add your thoughts below to assist Gavin.

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Problem With Kadee Couplers Uncoupling

Shawn asks:

“I use both the regular Kadee couplers and the magnetic type. Problem is; with cars uncoupling during operations. My layout is flat so there are any grade issues. I thought it might be because the couplers weren’t all at the same height, but they seem to be. Help if you can please.”

You can assist Shawn by posting your comments and suggestions below.

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Watch Young Railroader Make His First Building

You can download the same plan at https://www.modelbuildings.org/industries-structures-industrial-scale-models-for-trains 👍

https://www.modelbuildings.org/industries-structures-industrial-scale-models-for-trains/

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New Locomotive Suggestions

Craig models in HO and posted this question:

“I am looking to add a DC locomotive to my operation. I have 18 degree rail with tight operations. The setup is early sixties era. Any suggestions?”

You can add any suggestions to guide Craig under this post.

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55 Atlas Turnout Issue

Melvin asks:

“My trains run smoothly except for a little hesitation on my 55 Atlas turnout points. Would the poor connection be due to a lot of use or corrosion? I would like some suggestions from anyone who has been thru this. Thanks in anticipation.”

Contribute your comments and view comments from other readers below.

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How to Select The Right DCC Decoder

Clifford asks:

“I know I’m a slow starter, but have finally decided to convert from DC to DCC. My question is which decoders to purchase for my various locomotives. How do I match up a loco model with the correct decoder and sound system?”

You can submit your comments below to assist Clifford.

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Watch How To Build This Old Wild West Telegraph Office and Stage Coach Depot

You can download the plans and construct to HO, OO, or N scale at https://www.modelbuildings.org/wildwest-mining

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Cattle On The Railway Tracks At The Golden State Model Railroad

Must be why it’s called a “cowcatcher.”

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Layout Rules and Historical Relevance

Dave asks readers:

“Can someone point me to a set/sign of rules for ‘My Model Railroad’ that includes a comment about an anachronism on the layout?”

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Layout Automation

Douglas has HO and asks readers:

“Does anyone have experience with layout animation, such as cranes or loaders including loading or unloading things like boxes, coal, cargo, logs, or livestock into or out of model railroad cars. Are there kits for this or are they more home built?”

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Flange Depth Code 70 Track

Samuel has an HO question:

“Does anybody know the greatest loco flange depth that can run on code 70 track?”

Reply under COMMENTS below if you can help Samuel.

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Which Baseboard Materials To Use?

Justin is starting out in OO and asks:

“I will use 100mm x 50mm timber (I think that’s 2×4 in the USA) for the framework of my first-ever layout. I think that should do the job. I am however I bit unsure about what material to use for the baseboard. Can your readers advise please? Thanking you.”

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