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G Scale Trains Confusion
Aura posted this question:
“I have an outdoor G scale train. I am trying to organize a nice layout but I find the g scale category all over the place. I would like the buildings the same size and to put cars with it. Would 1:24 scale cars look best or 1:18. Also the train only goes with the engine and it often falls off the track. I would like cars too. I am discouraged as I don’t know all I am doing wrong.”
Only 2 of 3 Engines Will Run?
Steve models 027 and has this question for readers:
“I have found a Lionel engine that runs by remote control however, my problem is that of the three engines, I have only two of them running with one of the remotes and the other one won’t. Where can I find what frequency that one runs on?”
Locomotive Operational Problems
Frank has HO and asks readers:
“I purchased a used loco that moves reluctantly: on powering the lights go on, it makes realistic idling sounds and then cuts off. It had moved slowly previously. What may be the problem here? Thank you.”
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Helix Construction
Reader Bob models S scale and asks:
“I have an open helix to a shelf at the moment. I would like to cover the core of the helix and make it look like the train is climbing a mountain. The helix has a flat circular top to finish off too. What would be a couple of methods to accomplish this?”
Building a Scale Model Dam and Power House
David is hoping someone can help with this:
“I am working on building a 1970’s HO Badger paper mill on the Peshtigo river. This particular project includes a dam, gate control house and a hydroelectric plant besides the papermill. I am looking for a source of plans with measurements for a dam. Can be any scale, All my photos have zero info regarding the measurements. From what I can determine from the state’s highway department that the bridge crossing the river a little-ways away is 500 feet long. There are no pictures, that I can locate, of the dam itself. There are snippets of the gate house and powerhouse, but none of the actual dam with the gates or mechanisms. Reference sites would be helpful.”
Problems Lionel Fast Track on Christmas Layout
Wes sent in this question for readers:
“I’m having an issue with my Christmas lay out. My O gauge Lionel fast tack loses power in one spot. I did a voltage drop test but there is conductance. I have 2 power wires hooked to a MTH Z1000. It will only run at half throttle or higher. But if you have fast track you know how loud that can be. I think I may add 7 more power wires to help with this. I tried the bending the prongs and that did nothing. It’s only 7×7 layout. Besides the additional power wires and maybe taking the track off and insulting the track. Any other ideas?”
Fixing a Digitrax Problem
Billy asks readers:
“I just replaced my Bachmann EZ command system with a radio equipped 8amp system from Digitrax. My many HO engines ran fine on the ez command system, but I couldn’t run many at a time. I bought the Digitrax system so I could. But the only engine I can get to run properly is my sound equipped Proto 2000 SD-40-2. All others either don’t run or run erratically and a lot of functions don’t work. Anyone ran into this before? I am new to Digitrax and would like any ideas.”
Make Your Own Scale Model Old Wild West Town or Mining Town
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Running Locos on Bluetooth
Paul has HO and posts this question”
“A few years ago, I saw a video of a beginners HO set with a Bluetooth loco that could be controlled by any phone or tablet. It ran on standard DC rails and they said it could do anything DCC can do. The video said you could run several different locos from the same “controller.” I called my local hobby shop and they never heard of it. Has anyone else heard of, or used something like this?”
MTH Real Track 0 54 Isssues
Alan has O gauge and posts this question to readers:
“Have been setting up two tracks under the tree for 18 years, outer loop 072 curves for premier engines and o54 with switches for inner loop. For the life of me, cannot get the O54 loop to match up with even numbers of curves and straights. Feel retarded.”
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