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!
Shaping People Figures to Fit Different Railroad Scenes
Rick who models N scale has this question for others in the hobby:
“I was wondering if there was an easy way to shape arms, legs and bodies to suite different scenes. Such as a camp fire sit, or bending to pick something up, etc.”
Add your COMMENT below.
DC vs DCC? Shelf Layout with One Operator
Wayne has this question:
“I have an HO shelf layout, equivalent a little bigger than 4×8 sheet of plywood. I am using manual controlled switches. One operator. I plan on adding an engine or two, have some inherited old engines would like to run too on occcasion. DC vs DCC?? Which way to go, space limited, don’t plan on bigger layout.”
Add your answer or comment below.
Laying Flex Track On Incline Risers
Nigel asks readers:
“I am into British 00 gauge-1:76 scale and want to know if you can help me out laying flex-track,on the ‘Woodland Scenics’ incline/riser set. Joining the fishplates to each of the rails, also the best way to open the fishplates wider to fit on the rails. Can some advise please?”
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.”
If you have a question you would like to have considered for publication (10,000 readers weekly), then submit it using one of the “ASK A QUESTION” links on this blog.
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?”