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How To Ballast Mountain Terrain Track
HO enthusiastic Jerry asks:
“I understand that, (in the real world), the stone ballasting is necessary for several reasons, including the keep the track from shifting. And in most mountains, that are just dirt, that works the same as it does on flat ground. But what do the railroad companies do in mountains that are solid rock? I imagine they cut a pathway, and need to plane it flat. But then what? I don’t suppose even ballasted track on solid rock would stay put. So I wonder what they do so that I can know how to make the portions of my track that is on the outsides of mountain terrain, and therefore visible, look realistic.”
Tortoise Switch Motors – Pros and Cons
Brian’s question:
“I am considering installing some Tortoise switch motors on my HO layout. Is this a good solution for a DC layout using Atlas turnouts? As I am new to these motors I am not clear on how these would be wired and powered. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.”
Where to get info on how to wire on DC
Armando is starting off in HO scale and asks:
“I’m a beginner and need help to connect three tracks, but will like to run them in different directions with out having short circuits. I’m setting up with Bachmann Ez track. Any advice would be great.”
What’s The Best Distance Between Track Feeders?
Jim R models OO gauge and posted this question:
“I am about to install Kato Unitrack and am confused with what distance to put the feeders apart? I read every 6 track lengths on one webpage, and then read of another guy who ran power drops every 6 foot, and of some else who had 10 foot of track with a single feeder. I don’t know what to believe.”
Clean Track, Axles and Pickups – How Often?
Online Train Club Member Tom posted this question:
“Two weeks ago I unpacked my new Bachmann loco and ran it over several days for nearly 25 hours give or take. The loco wheels and pickups are already very dirty despite cleaning the track several times. How often should I clean the track, axles and pickups? I’m running DCC.”
Online Train Train Club Into Its 9th Year
The online Model Train Club is into its ninth year, with resources the membership numbers increasing every month. Some members have been with the club since it started. The online club is keeping pace with the ever changing times and includes categories like ‘ELECTRONICS’ for members to access. The online club is by no means a replacement for joining your local model railroad club, however it does provide easy access to a giant resource library which members can access any time of the day or night, wherever they are worldwide. Current members are spread across the globe including: Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand, France and in numerous other countries.
How to Wire Electrical Connection from Power Pack to Track
Stan has this question for those in the know;
“Let me begin by saying I’m relatively new to model railroading, and have a great deal to learn. I started out with a Bachmann HO set, that came with a very basic (I think it is a #44211) power pack, which has a red cable that connects to the power pack with what looks like a 3.5mm male connector, and an EZ track connector at the other end.
I have recently purchased a MRC 1370 power pack, which has screw down contacts, rather than female plug connectors, as on the Bachmann power pack.
How do you recommend I connect the MRC 1370 to the EZ track? I do intend to eventually use both power packs.”
Train Tracks Across a Doorway… Is it Feasible?
OO scale train enthusiast Brian asks:
“Is it possible to go across a doorway using a hinged section?The electrics side is not a problem. I just wondered if the rails would catch on uplift? I am abit long in the tooth and disabled so crawing under it not an option. I am hoping someone has done this before.”
1930’s American Flyer Cast Aluminum Zephyr
Tom is into Pre-War O scale:
“I have an American Flyer 9900 Burlington Zephyr set. I think this old beauty is from 1935-36. It is cast aluminum. I have the engine #9900 and 3 cars, #9911 REA car, #9912 observation car and the 9912 coach car. I have had this set since I was born.
Now that I am retired, I would like to fully restore it. I need things like decals, exhaust stack and a few other odds and ends. Can anyone give me a solid lead on who, where, I can chase parts? I would also like to find the 4th car which contained the whistle. Any help will be greatly appreciated.”
Have A Safe and Happy Christmas
I hope you all have a wonderful time with friends and family (and your trains) over Christmas.
And… very importantly, a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who purchased products advertised on the Model Train Help Blog. Without your on-going support, this website would not exist.
A very Merry Christmas to all the Blog readers, online Model Train Club members, and to all those who purchased products through the Blog this year. Have fun working on your railroad… and have a safe and healthy 2019!
My very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Kindest Regards.
Robert
Santa at Station photo credit Anneli Salo.
92 Year Old Loves His Trains
Steve Frenken sent in these photos to share:
Steve says – “My dad is 92, before his 90th birthday, I picked up his N scale train and unfinished layout and set up a display cabinet so he could see them. For the past 17 years, his layout was packed up from a previous move. He wasn’t able to finish the layout but still liked model trains. I made a case from scratch that would hold enough of the trains that my dad remembers. I used a modified trestle kit, cork oak bark, an old house and station that my dad had worked on many years ago and supplemented the trains with older sets from a variety of sources.”
Model Train Sound Effects
Ho enthusiast Don asks:
“I am looking for a system to imitate rail yard sounds. Huffing & Puffing, bells, whistles. Something with a push button at the controls to sound the imitation noise of a train for my grandchildren to hear when operating the trains. Any such product out there? Seems like a no-brainer.”
Hornby A4 Silver Fox Tender Needs Body Replacement
Bill P asks readers:
“One issue that is causing me some background concerns is that I have a near perfect Hornby A4 ‘Silver Fox’ in appropriate Jubilee livery. Sadly there is some damage to paintwork on the tender and I am keen to acquire a replacement as this is one of ‘key trains’. So, if you know where I could seek a body shell for the tender or locomotive & end advise would be appreciated. In the interim I will continue to monitor eBay etc.”
Using a Diluted Cement Mix as a Paint Wash – Will it Work?
Russell asks readers this:
“I have made some PVC pipe silos which are ready for painting and detailing. I will spray a gray color for the cement silos and paint on a metallic color for the rails, silo doors, elevator etc. After that I will try some washes with dry brushing effects and see how that looks.
I thought of using a heavily diluted cement liquid as a wash to make it more real and look weathered. Will this work? I know cement doesn’t affect plastic on a bucket so it shouldn’t affect the plastic parts – well thats what I assume?
I guess the alternative would be to just mix various shades of paint wash using a light gray, with a touch of light tan, and dab of black paint to darken it in places? Has anyone tried these various options?”
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