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!
Atlas Twin Coils and Atlas Snap Relay
Enrique has HO scale and asks:
“How many Atlas Twin-Coils switch machines and Atlas Snap Relays can one wire together before exceeding the current limits, cause damage, or simply do not work?”
You can take part in the discussion below this post.
Random Train Uncoupling A Problem
Will models N scale and writes:
“I am running N gauge T-Trak modules with 1930’s British outline rolling stock. I get frequent uncouplings – often at the joins of the modules and on turnouts/switches with my none-bogie rolling stock using Rapido couplers. Is there anyway to check/adjust the Rapido couplers to prevent this?”
Submit your answers or comments below.
Wheel Rolls Up and Over Rail
Buzza writes:
“Of the 16 cars I have on my HO layout, two are giving me grief by constantly derailing inside my tunnel and on another section of track. The other cars seem ok. I checked and the wheels and rails are in gauge. On close inspection, a rear wheel on one car rolled up and over the inner rail. Should I change the wheels/couplers? Uncertain what to do.”
You can post your comments or suggestions under this post.
Watch How Easy It Is To Build A Church To HO, OO, or N Scale For Your Model Railroad Layout
Churches are popular buildings to include on model train layouts because most communities have at least on church. You’ll find these church structures listed in the 3D structures page https://www.modelbuildings.org/3d-structures
Lima Brass Locomotive
Steve writes:
“I have inherited a Model Cast Brass Locomotive and Coal Car mounted on Granite and inscribed Chesapeake and Ohio Railway H-8 Allegheny 2-6-6-6 Built by Lima Locomotive Works, 1941. It is signed C.L.Miller 65/250. Any info or help would be appreciated. Thanks.”
Look How Quick and Easy It Is To build An Engine Shed For Your Model Railroad – HO Scale, N Scale, OO Scale
You can download the plans at https://www.modelbuildings.org/railroad-structures Print and build to HO scale, OO gauge, or N scale. Have fun!
Installing O Scale Model Brick
Jon writes:
“Hey Guys, I am building a diorama of our lake home and I want to make the chimney which is ground to roof top high out of O scale individual brick. I plan to use some solid stock pine to create the base to build off of but I was hoping to could get some tips on how to install/lay the individual brick without making a mess. These are tiny brick as you may well know. Any help is appreciated… Any thoughts on the correct adhesive to use is also appreciated… Have a great day Folks!”
Please add any suggestions below.
Running Quality of Locomotives
Hans writes:
“Is there any technical or other explanation for my observation that DC controlled HO diesel locomotives run so much smoother than steam locomotives, particularly when I want the steamer to run very slowly such as when switching cars. I’m talking about technically modern models.”
Ballasting Tips
Allan sent in these tips to share:
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about this hobby… it’s not a race to complete the layout. I know from experience to at times restrain my enthusiasm and sometimes wait a few days to let my mind think things through or for things to settle into place. Are you ready to nail down the track or would some more testing be sensible before taking the plunge? The same could be said for ballasting. Personally, I would run the trains for quite some time before ballasting. It’s easier to iron out any gauge issues, track bumps, kinks, electrical dead spots, or other operational issues prior to ballasting. Removing ballast is not an easy task, so it’s better to know of any pre-existing problems before gluing the ballast in place. That way you’ll know that any problems occurring after ballasting will likely be a direct result. What’s the old saying – more haste less speed! I hope this helps someone.
Bus Wiring and Drop Feeder Wires
Graham plans for N scale and asks:
“What gauge/size of wire is recommended? My layout will be 8′ x 3′ when complete and I will be powering my track from a DigiTrax controller if that helps.”
You can add your own comments and suggestions (or read the the comments posted by others) below.
DCC Model Train Operations For Beginners
This video gives a basic introduction for beginners who are interested in getting started with a DDC model railroad. For more details http://www.dccmodeltrains.org
Dead Spots on Track
Burton who models in HO asks:
“I run a DC setup with 8 blocks 2 of which cross on a 45 degree. I had one dead spot 12 inch long and now have another on the same block about 8 inch. My voltmeter says I have a short but I can’t find/see anything. The track is ballasted. Any ideas?”
Kato Power Pack / Atlas Turnouts
Ed models in N scale and asks:
“I’ve got a Kato unitack layout set up and I would like to add a yard using Atlas track. Does anyone have any ideas on how to operate the Atlas 3-wire turnouts using a Kato DC Power Pack? Is there an accessory that fits to the side of the power pack much like the Kato turnout controllers that would allow me to operate the Atlas controls? Suggestions please?”
Wiring A Lionel Switch Tower
Gary asks readers:
“I am trying to wire switch tower to an isolated rail. I am hooking #1 to power, # 3 to common and #2 to isolated rail. It does not work. I have checked all of the connections, but I can’t solve it. This hookup seems to be the preferred method. I would appreciate some suggestions. Thanks.”
You can contribute your comments or suggestions under this post.
Setting Up A Model RR In My Garage
Bob writes:
“I live in NY, where we might get three of four snow storms each winter, and the temperature typically ranges from 30F’s in the winter to the 80F’s in the summer. I have an insulated 2 car garage, with the garage door being the only wall uninsulated. The second story of the house is also over the garage. I would like to use 1/2 the garage for an HO layout. Would the weather or anything else present any problems?”
Please add your comments to assist Bob below.
Advice Painting Plastic Model Structures
Steve models N scale and asks:
“I am assembling a Walthers Santa Fe Station for my layout and I do not like the pre-colored molded parts. The building has brick textured walls with indented grout joints. I am thinking I need to paint the walls with a realistic brick color and let dry. Then paint a lighter color on the walls, rubbing off of the brick surface. This should leave the paint in the grout joints. Am I on the right track? Any advise as to type of paint?”
Contribute your comments below.
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