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!
Old Train Set
Bob asks readers this question:
“My mom just gave me a big box of HO train stuff that I know nothing about. A lot of the cars are dated early 70’s to early 80’s. There is one engine that appears like it was built in the 30’s. I want to set it up for my grandson. It has several engines and lot of track but I don’t see any power supply. What do I need to make it go? Thanks.”
Write a Funny Caption
Let’s have a bit of fun!
Write a funny caption for this old railroad photo and add it to the post by using the “COMMENTS” link below. You’ll also be able to see funny captions supplied by others.
You can also comment on other captions submitted and rate your favorite.
Enjoy!
P.S. Share this posting with your railroading buddies on Facebook or by email. I’m sure they’ll enjoy laughing at the captions too!
Supporting A Layout From Garage Roof Beams
Stewart asks readers for advice:
“How practical would it be to lift a 8×3 layout by chains and pulleys to the supporting beams in my garage so I can park the wifes Suzuki Swift underneath? I would get into terrible trouble if I damaged her pride and joy. Would it be easy to lift, will it tip sideways, and how safe would it be? Could I lower it onto saw horses for support?”
Spot The Difference – 9 Changes to this Fire Scene
Apologies if last weeks spot the difference puzzle was too difficult, but it was in response to a few requests. Maybe I went overboard, however a few still solved the puzzle correctly. Add your answers by using the COMMENTS link below.
This week you can also see the puzzle horizontally (with 9 differences to spot) if that makes it easier to view. Click here.
Problem with Re-assembly of Locomotive
Mark needs help from readers:
“I dis-assembled my Ho AT & SF steam engine to clean. The wheels are connected by two metal strips and the mounting holes are not symmetrical. When operating, the motion of the two bars were an opposing X pattern. I didn’t think to mark them as I never imagined the asymmetry or this problem. I think I tried all of the possible (8) combinations but the wheels lock up every time. Help please.”
Poll Results: Which of these model railroading technologies have you tried?
335 model railroaders responded to the question: Which of these model railroading technologies have you tried? Obviously multiple answers were allowed:
- LED Lights (58%)
- DCC (57%)
- Downloadable Ebooks (43%)
- Downloadable Model Buildings (42%)
- JMRI Software (11%)
- Arduino Electronics (7%)
Learn about Arduino Electronic on model railroads here.
Walthers 130′ turntable used with DCC?
Richards questions readers on this:
“I have the older HO Walthers 130′ turntable which is not DCC ready. Do I need to make any modifications to use it on my DCC layout? I am not concerned with the control for the turntable as that can still run off of aux power, but I don’t know if there is common wiring between the motor control for the turntable and the bridge track itself. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!”
Trestle Kit Question
James has a question he is hoping a reader will help him with. I presume he has contacted the supplier without success otherwise he wouldn’t be asking the question?:
“I have a JV-models HO trestle kit #2014. The instruction say to transfer bent diagram to plywood. The bent diagram is only 5 1/2″ tall and 3′ WIDE AT BASE. The bents can be built to 18″, is the base 3″ at 18″ hgt or is to be extrapolated out to 18″ which would make them 5 1/2″ wide.”
Spot The Difference – DCC – Arduino
I keep getting comments from a few that the “spot the Difference” puzzles are too easy. I’ve accepted the challenge and added more complexity to this weeks puzzle. Can you find the 12 differences in these pictures? Post your answers using the ‘COMMENTS’ link below. This will test the brain, eyesight and patience. Have fun!
To view larger side by side images of this puzzle Click Here
How To Clean a Locomotive Body
Shaun asks readers:
“At a recent train show I bought a Vintage United Brass 4-8-4 Loco & Tender. I appears to be in reasonable working order but over the years has obviously accumulated plenty of dirt and grime on the shell. I don’t want to damage it trying to clean and restore it. How can I do this WITHOUT damaging the finish?”
Changing Horn Hook Couplers to Knuckle Couplers
Another beginner Larry asks this question:
“I’m relatively new to model railroading and have numerous cars and engines with the horn/hook couplers. I would like to change over to knuckle couplers. The ones I have tried don’t match the height gauge I’m using. They are a little low. Any help is appreciated. “
Getting Stated in Model Railroading
Steve is starting off in the hobby and would like some words of wisdom from those with plenty of experience in the hobby:
“I am new to model railways having last used one when I was much younger (now 64) … an RC model aircraft flyer/builder of a number of years who wants to come in out of the cold.
I have an available layout space of 1.7mx0.53m plus a side section of another 2.4mx0.3m. From what I have already read and been advised it would seem that unless I want a basic A-B layout I should really be considering N gauge and not OO ?
I have been reading as much information as I can …. I think I would like to go with DCC system but have no idea which one. A relative has the E-Z one from Graham Farish and he seems quite happy with that. but there seems to be lot out there. There are a large range of track and locomotive manufactures out there .. any comments on which to avoid … or go for.
Basically my initial thoughts would be to buy a ‘set’ which has the controller with it (and hopefully instructions) to start me off – I am hoping to only use trains etc that would have been around in my youth i.e. 1955-65 say.
So this is really a call for help and advice on which suppliers of track and trains to go for (and avoid) plus any other pointers you think are important BEFORE I start. Many thanks for reading.”
Auto Reversing Question
Richards posts this question for readers:
“When using an HO Bachmann EZ Command Control System Digital Automatic Reverse Loop Module 44912 can standard track be used for a non loop run on DCC. Also any way to build in 4 stops with this or any other module?”
Elevated Switches A Problem?
Daniel models O scale and asks readers:
“Have installed an elevated line using 111 Trestles. I want to add an additional loop using a pair of 022 switches. Has anyone done this? I expect supporting the switch motor would be tough. Any suggestions would be welcomed.”
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