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!
How To Make A Fire Scene
Ron K has N scale and asks readers for advice:
“I want to model a small fire scene in a building complete with smoke, flames, fire trucks etc. Can someone give me some hints on how to make this look real?”
Ron, I included a couple of fire scenes I spotted at recent train shows.
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Fixing Problem Crossovers and Switches
Derek asks readers:
“Bachmann nickel silver #5 switches and #6 crossovers look good, but don’t operate that well. I’m having problems with derailments when a train enters a turnout. The rails seem to move a fraction, just enough to create a gap. The frogs are okay. The first 4 or 6 engine wheels usually make it over the turnout without a problem. However, problems can happen when the wheels on the following trucks pass over the same spot. They often want to go in a different direction.
I thought I might have a go trying to fix it with my Dremel tool by grinding the stationary rails so as to create a small notch where they touch the moving rails. I wondered about strengthening the springs underneath the turnouts, but I’m not sure if this is a good idea or how to go about it.
I would really appreciate some advice from others who know more about these problems than I do. Thanks.”
The ASK A QUESTION link is under every post if you have a question you would like published.
Loksound Decoder Problem
Graeme has this question for readers:
“Hi I have an N scale Kato sdp40f fitted with a loksound decoder. My question is when I want it to move off there is a 2-3 second delay before it moves, now this would not be a problem except I have it hooked up to two other locos which move off straight away. I’ve tried adjusting start voltage and cvs 2-5-6 as well as cvs 3 acceleration and 4 de acceleration but I can’t get rid of the delay before moving off any ideas on how to make it move off as soon as power is applied other than that it runs great the loksound was Kato factory fitted.”
Rotating Beacon on Model Railroad Problem
Bob models S scale and sent in this question for readers:
“I have a rotating beacon that does not rotate. No sure how the fins on the top should be angled? The beacon is connected to 18v on my transformer. I have adjusted the vanes but still does not rotate.”
Problem with Digitrax Decoder
Richard has HO scale and wants to hear from others:
“I have two Digitrax decoders that I have sent back to the company for repairs at least 5 times. They said there must be something I am doing wrong and they refuse to help me, but I have two other engines which are running fine on the layout as well. Each time I get the decoders back they test fine on my Ulrich Decoder tester, then when I hook them up to the engines they stop, and the red light on the testor comes on. Am I missing an hv number or what am I doing wrong?”
Problem with DCC Programming
Steve sent in this question for fellow train buffs:
“My son recently purchased what he was told were HO DCC locomotives. One is a Bachmann that is DCC equipped and is working fine. The other is an Atlas FM Trainmaster that we can’t seem to program to run. I tried loco 3 setting as well as the road number. The lights will come on, but it sounds like a dial-up modem. So my question is, did Atlas offer this locomotive in DC? I looked for information on the web, but only found information on it in DCC with sound. Any help would be appreciated.”
Problem with Chattering and Oscillating Servo Point Motors
He is a question posted by Barrie:
“I have a problem with the servo motors that control the turnouts on our N scale club layout chattering or oscillating when an old type DC loco is run on the layout. This doesn’t happen if new type locos are run or the system is run as DCC (Our N scale Layout has been wired to operate as DC or DCC). The club N scale layout has a HO/OO layout directly below and when they run some of their old DC locos it causes their turnouts and ours to chatter. I think it may be RFI generated by the loco motor and the minute sparking that occurs at the loco wheels while running. We have used about 70 model aircraft type servo motors to control all the turnouts on both layouts. These turnouts are wired back to electronic control boards around the layout that can each handle 8 servos.
Each servo is then operated by single pole single throw switch on the main schematic panel which is wired back through the electronic control board. The N & HO/OO turnout systems are separate and each is powered by a 5v & 12v computer type power supply. The turnout power system is also electrically separate from the track power supply. Any suggestions how we can overcome this problem would be appreciated.”
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How to Stop Wheel Flanges Catching
Raymond has OO gauge trains and has this question:
“With some of my older loco’s I have problems with the wheel flanges catching on the sleeper chairs. As some of the wheels are impossible to change, is there any safe way I can reduce the diameter of the wheel flanges without too much trouble?”
There is a link below every posting to have your comments or answer published. There is another link below each posting where you can submit your questions to the Blog Moderator.
Do You Need Independent Bus Wires, and Boosters for DCC Wiring?
Ray with HOn3 asks:
“I have wired my new layout based on lots of advice I could find. I have one track that is 12mm gauge and a separate track on same layout that is 16mm gauge. So far neither loco will run. Should I somehow run 2 independent bus wires? Should I get a booster? I am trying to use a basic NCE unit. Hopeful.”
Skytop Observation Car
Tony models HO and posts this question:
“Does anyone know where I can purchase an HO Skytop observation car? It can be new, used, prefer unpainted (need yellow/grey scheme) or any other condition. I let mine out to get painted, now it’s mysteriously vanished…I am devastated. Thanks in advance.”
Hopefully someone can suggest a supplier for Tony. This blog does not do buy/sell/swap so personal contact details are never published.
Shay Logging Engine
Toni asks:
“Where can I buy an HO scale shay logging engine for my museum layout? They don’t seem to be available anymore in HO. Saw some extremely bashed on e-bay for over $500. Wonder if they even run. Any ideas? I do have a little grant money. Thanks.”
Hopefully someone can suggest a supplier for Toni. This blog does not do buy/sell/swap so personal contact details are never published.
Loco Only Operates for a Short Time
This question from Dwayne:
“I only have one loco and it will only work for a short period of time. I am 17 and really new to the hobby, so have a lot to learn.”
The ASK A QUESTION link is under every post if you have a question you would like considered for publication.
Using Hard or Soft Pastels for Weathering
Gordon asks readers:
“I looking at buying some pastels for weathering and I saw some advertised as soft acrylic pastics, some are described as hard pastels and some say chalk. I’m just not sure which is best for weathering plastic, wood, and card buildings and the track. I’ve also heard that people apply Dullcoat first so the pastels have some to grip to. Is that right, or would a simple paint base coat do the same?”
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