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!
Modifying Bachmann EZ Magnetic Couplings
Szilard who models in HO has this question for readers:
“Hi! I have a question regarding changing or modifying of Bachmann EZ magnetic couplings for a Märklin short coupling. I have recently bought a Bachmann rail crane and would like to use it in a yard mostly parked up, but occasionally move it. So just wondering if its possible or I can’t make it work?”
Rewiring Tyco Chattanooga Tender
Lou asks readers:
“Does anyone out there have the correct info or know where to get a diagram to wire the HO Tyco Chattanooga Tender from the motor to the engine? I disconnected the wires and left the project sit for a month. I can not remember what went to what. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.”
Rivarossi Allegheny Locomotive DCC Installation
John models in HO and asks:
“I have a Rivarossi Allegheny Locomotive. Has anyone converted a recent model to DCC plus sound? I know space is tight in the loco shell when looking at the tender. Any advice out there please. I am looking at Digitrax decoder. Regards J”
This is what a 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake can do to a Railway Track
No, this is not an illusion. This is what a recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake did to a railway line in New Zealand. The earthquakes (there was actually two together) happened in New Zealand’s South Island on Nov 14, 2016.
The earthquake was felt across much of New Zealand including in Lower Hutt north of Wellington in the North Island of New Zealand. To see the action watch the following video.
How to Remove Rust from a #97 Coal Conveyor
Gary asks readers:
“I am working on restoring a #97 Coal Conveyor. It’s in bad shape with a lot of rust. I want paint several items. Is there a way of soaking the parts to remove rust? I think trying to sand them would be pretty difficult. Thanks for any suggestions.”
Lionel Silver Bell Express Won’t Move
Nancy is having a problem with a brand new Lionel Silver Bell Express and asks:
“We purchased an O scale Lionel silver bell express set yesterday. The track is together tightly, the lights and sounds are working, but the train does not move. We took it back to the dealer and it worked on his test track with no problem. Brought it home and it worked for about 2 minutes, then stopped and it won’t move again. Any ideas?”
Confused With Track Wiring?
Bill operates N gauge and is confused with wiring requirements. He asks readers:
“I am just building a two mainline track with two side tracks going to separate buildings and terminating at each. There are two points wired, but but they seem to operate the track… in other words when a train passes one point, I have to switch the other point to keep the train moving. This is possibly simple to some? Who knows? Can you help please?”
How to Power Bachmann EZ Track
Linda has a question for HO enthusiasts:
“Hi – I want to have 3 HO trains running on 3 circle tracks. I want the roadbed type of track and have only been able to find 3 different size curves in the Bachmann EZ track. 15″ 18″ and 22″. The 18″ has a rerailer section that I can get to power that track. But I cannot find how to power the 15 and 22… I saw on a site that you can get the atlas terminal joiners, but do not see how you can install them with the EZ Track roadbed. Help please.”
Adding an Elevated Line to Layout
Daniel models O scale and is confused with a project he is working on:
“I want to add an elevated line on my O scale layout. I purchased two sets of older trestles , 2110 & 110 sets. Both say can use for O Gauge. With plastic H shaped brackets there is no way three rail tubular track can be installed. What do I have? Have seen metal U shaped brackets on line. I would appreciate input and guidance from others.”
Animal figurines for Model Railroad
To look real a model railroad usually has an assortment of scale model people and animal figurines strategically located in appropriate positions on the layout. Dave has some specific requirements:
“Does anyone know where I can purchase HO scale figures of pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and/or longhorn cattle?”
Replacing Cracked Driving Gears on Trucks of 3 Truck Shay Locomotive
Kevin (a regular contributor to this blog) finally gets to ask his own question:
“Hi, I live in New Zealand and model in HO scale, however I have a Bachmann 3 truck shay loco and the driving gears on the trucks have cracked, and as such do not drive the loco. I tried contacting the new Zealand agents for replacement steel gears, but they can only supply the plastic ones, and said they could not guarantee that the same thing would happen again. Does anyone know where I can get the steel ones from and approx cost thanks?”
If anyone can assist Kevin, please add a comment under this post.
How to Stop Trains Stalling on DCC Layout
Ian models OO gauge (similar to HO scale) and asks readers:
“I have converted my circuit layout to DCC and sometimes trains stall. Usually a certain train will pause in a certain place on the layout but not all the time and not all my trains do it. One train pauses not far away from the main feed. Some pause on points, but I have clips fitted to create continuation of current. If anyone can advise on how to eliminate this, I would be grateful.”
Fun-To-Make Real Looking Silos
This short video shows plans for three scale model silos you can make yourself. They are already detailed to an exceptionally high standard, so you won’t need to do any airbrushing or painting.
- Silo facility No.1 (plan # B530) the Silo Storage Company Silos
- Silo facility No. 2 (plan # B531) the Advance Rail Forwarders Silos
- Silo facility No. 3 (plan # B532) the Bulk Road & Rail Silos Silos
The plans for making these silos in HO, OO, S, Z, or N scale are available from http://www.modelbuildings.org/industrial-silos-models-to-make.html
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