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!
Track Grade Confusion
Don is into HO and asks:
“I used to understand grades, but not now. What is the best or most grade you can use going up hill and how many inch’s per foot for each one?”
Don here is a handy grade calculator for you http://www.modelbuildings.org/free-track-grade-calculator.html
Don, sorry your other question wasn’t published as it required more clarity and details.
Strange Locomotive Problem
Wayne posted this question to readers:
“I have several steam locos in both N and HO gauge and they run poorly forward but run MUCH BETTER backwards. Any Ideas, cause or cures? Thank you.”
Use the COMMENTS link to add or view answers.
To post a question use the ASK A QUESTION link.
Passenger Car Lighting
Dan models HO and asks readers:
“I have a Rivarossi collector passenger car non lighted and it looks like a Athearn pleasure dome passenger car. I would like to add internal lighting. Please advice . I have the lights for a Walthers pleasure dome car. I do not know the next step. Please advice thanks guys.”
Downloaded Plans Constructed and Positioned on Layout Ready for Final Detailing
Rich W kindly sent in these photos of a couple of house plans he downloaded from the modelbuildings.org website
First photos of houses before final detailing. Photos courtesy Rich W.
Here’s what Rich had to say – “I mentioned I would send a few pictures. These is first shots of section before getting put on the layout. 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.”
http://www.modelbuildings.org/scale-houses-8-house-models-to-make.html
DCC and DC Confusion
Gabriel posted this question for readers:
“Hi. Can DC and DCC work on the same layout by switching between the two? Can the clips for the points converting for DCC affect DC operation? I am considering also buying HO DCC equipment but to run on the same track. Thanks.”
Those Were The Days
Victoria, Australia 1952. Victorian Railways new diesel electric B 60 locomotive being delivered to Melbourne passes one of the S class ‘Pacific’ steam locomotives it eventually replaced.
The B class were the first mainline diesel locomotives and were used for both passenger and freight services.
The design was based around the successful Electro Motive Diesel F-unit locomotives with a distinctive bulldog nose. They featured a streamlined drivers cab at each end.
Kato Turnout Switch Controllers
Fred models N scale and sent in these questions:
I like the Kato controllers but would like to place them on a different level than the power packs.
Does a someone make, or show how to make, an extension cable to accomplish this (instead of the standard direct connection)? I guess my real question is does someone sell the proper male & female plugs.
I believe my last question was confusing.
Instead of plugging them into the power pack/transformer directly, I’m looking for a cable that will run from the transformer to the 24-840 switch.
I am controlling 2 turnouts at once in a single situation, but that is on the output side, I’m looking for a cable running from a 22-014 power pack to the row of 24-840 switches on their input side. This is so I can put the controllers on a different level than the power packs.
Getting Kids Interested in Model Trains
Sharon is hoping for helpful getting started advice from those in the know:
“Hi my son who is 12 is trying to start his own OO set. We are both complete novices so would appreciate any help!!! He has got a starter set with a small Great Western engine with a 12 AC controller. He has been given an old Evening Star steam train which have been told works! However not on our track. When reading websites is it something to do with it being DC?? Any help much appreciated. Thanks.”
Help for anyone getting started in model railroading – Beginners Blueprint to Model Trains
Track Bedding Help
Kent lists his scales as HO and N and asks:
“I bought two 8 ft. H x 8 ft. W Spruce Pine Fir Dog-Ear Fence Panels for an eight foot split gate. I have two 8×4 panels. Is it too heavy to work with? Also what about pool table felt for bedding? Green felt for grass? Any thoughts please.”
Logging and Mining Railroad Ideas
Brock hasn’t provided a lot of detail, but hopefully someone can assist:
“I have a HO scale logging and mining railroad. Any tips to make it more prototypical? Thanks.”
Brock can submit a photo and more details using the COMMENTS link below.
Identity of an AF Die Cast Locomotive
Edward has this question for readers:
“I’ve been offered an S scale Die Cast Locomotive. They say it is Atlantic 300. But it has 6 main wheels, none in the front, and none in the back. But the cowcatcher is extended more than average and it has a coupling like a switcher. The body resembles a 342 Switcher. But the 342 switcher has 8 main wheels. And there is no e unit in boiler. Can someone help me identify it please?”
Add your comment below.
Value of Model Train Equipment
As regular readers will know, this blog does not do buy/sell/swap of used model railroading trains and accessories. We leave that to model train shows, and websites like eBay and Craigslist etc.
That said; we are often asked to put a value on how much second hand items might be worth. That’s not something we do. Obviously there are potentially a lot of factors at play including the condition of individual items, the location of the buyer and seller, the likely demand for each item, the cost of shipping etc.
The only real answer is that a secondhand item is worth what someone is prepared to pay on any given day. That’s why a visit to a local hobby shop, or model train club is often a worthwhile way to ascertain the level of interest in an item. Even if they don’t want to purchase the product, they can at least see its condition in real life, maybe test how well it works, give an estimate of what they think someone might pay, and perhaps some advice on how to go about selling it. Talking with vendors at model train shows is another way to gain a better insight.
From a buyer’s perspective; buying second hand goods can be fraught with danger without actually seeing the product and testing it out. But it could also be a golden opportunity to grab a real bargain.
Here’s an example of a recent email from John K. Obviously to protect the privacy of readers we don’t publish email or physical addresses or phone numbers, but readers can post an opinion on this blog of what they think these items might be worth if sold privately.
John who models 3/16 scale wrote: “I have one instruction book 1954, 20 curved sections of track, 6 strait sections, 2 696 track trip, 1 704 manual track trip, 1 overpass 24 pieces, 1 steam engine and tender needs repairs, 1 flatcar with logs, 1 empty car, 1 caboose 938, 1 industrial crane browning hoist 944, 1 road sign with sound, and 1 transformer. Is there any value to this set and how much should I advertise it for?
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