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!
Reverse Loop Switching
Don models N scale and asks:
“Some time ago I saw a circuit which used a double break in each rail, the small isolated piece of rail would then go live when a metal wheel hit it, which would trigger a latching relay to set the correct polarity on the loop track. It proved almost impossible to cut and solder to that tiny bit of track. Any ideas or do most people use infra-red train sensing? Any other thoughts? Thanks.”
How to Install Guard or Check Rails
Andy models HO and asks readers:
“Guard or check rails are parallel rails on the inside of the wheel carrying rails; they help prevent derailments, especially on bridges and in tunnels. I seldom see them used on model railroads. Has anyone found an easy way to install them? In particular, I’m looking for a way to add them to Marklin C track.”
Is it a Problem with my NCE Powercab or is it a Problem with the Loco Decoder?
Bryant asks readers this question:
“Hi and Thank you in advance. I am using NCE Powercab and attempting to change the volume in my Walthers Proto loco. I am successful at lowering the volume but at the same time changing the volume also changes how my cab works e.g.(the bell button turns on and off the headlights). Would that be a problem with the decoder or would it be a problem in the Powercab? Thank you for any help.”
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Designing an Oval Helix
Chip is hoping a reader might be able to supply some advice:
“I plan on building a helix for my HO layout. However, instead of building it circular, I am going to build it in an oval. Has anyone got a formula or a plan that would help me plan out what I need to do?”
Scene Master Knuckle Couplers
This blog doesn’t do buy/sell/swap, but someone might know of a supplier or store where this reader can purchase some Scene Master knuckle couplers – “Where can I get Scene master knuckle couplers. They seem to be non-existent.”
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1960’s Train Tracks
Johnny models HO and asks this interesting question:
“Back in the early 1960s I had some track for my HO scale train that consisted of a wooden bed that had sections (app. 3 ft. long) and rails that were one piece (app. 4 ft. long) that you used miniature spikes to install the rails to the bed. I don’t see this being used anymore. Am I remembering something that is of my imagination or has anyone else ever seen this type of track?”
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Can I Run a DCC Engine on DC?
Henry models N Scale and asks readers:
“I just purchased a DCC switcher for my small Switching layout. My layout is DC. When I try to run the engine it is either to fast or stopped. The engine is a Backmann Spectrum with DCC and DC operation. The engine will not move on DC until I have almost full throttle. Is their any way to lower the starting voltage in DC operation so that I can use it as a switcher for a john Allen Timetable game?”
Buying Experience on E-Bay Model Railroad Products
I’m now retired and have been researching everything needed to build an HO layout in a 12 x 9 space. I’m new to this E-Bay thingy.
1] What to look for when shopping for diesel Locos on E-Bay?
2] Any reputable E-Bay store recommendations that anyone can share w/me & others.
I live in Philly, and am not sure whether I have necessary skills to build a complete layout from start to finish, so need recommendations for reputable layout designer/builders on the east coast.
I have many more questions and appreciate any advice given.
Free Model Railroading Calculators
5 FREE Calculators – Click Here
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How To Reglaze Passenger Car Windows
Neill asks readers this question:
“I have some Atlas passenger cars I bought off eBay, but most of the original windows are missing so will need reglazing. What’s the best way to tackle this as I want them to look more realistic if possible?”
How to a Wire K-Line Crossing Gate
Charles asks readers:
“I forgot how to wire my crossing gate. It has two bolts with nuts in front of the gate. K-line made it. Everything I try it only does two things.
1. It goes without a train going pass.
2. It doesn’t go down at all.
I even tried to insulate the track outer rail as well as the center rail. Still did the same two things. I lost the paper on them how to wire them when we moved three years ago. Please can I get some help on wiring the O gauge crossing gates – thank you.”
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Making a Mining Chute and Old Mining Town
13 Plans for a Wild Western Town
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Resetting Cab, Decoders
Bryant models Ho and asks readers:
“Every few days my NCE cab quits working (the display is still lit but the buttons don’t work except the Prog/escape) so I can reset it. When I reset the cab and decoder it is back to normal. Why do I continue to need to do this so often?”
Switch Tracks Side To Side
Eric models N Scale and asks:
“I was watching a video and I saw a layout that instead of a round table had a table that moved side to side to switch tracks. Does anyone know what this is called and if I can get one somewhere for my layout?”
Model Train Slide Puzzles #1 to #3
Something a little different for you this week…
Below is a link to 3 slide puzzles featuring model train layouts. They look simple but will take a few minutes to solve. When you click on a picture square next to a blank square it will move across to fill the blank square. Keep moving the squares until a picture is formed with each square of the puzzle in its right place.
Click HERE to solve the three model train slide puzzles.
Please post feedback using the COMMENTS link. If you think the puzzle idea is stupid, then say so. If you enjoyed having a bit of fun, then that feedback would be welcomed too. Depending on the feedback, there might be some more slide puzzles in coming weeks.
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