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!
Jumper Wires
Dave asks readers:
“I understand a main wire runs under track and every 3 to 5 a jumper wire is attached to the on the inside rail. But is this just the + wire? or both the + wire to the inside rail and – to the outside rail? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Dave”
Using Telephone Wire For Wiring?
Phillip asks readers:
“I am thinking of making an N scale layout and I have stacks of telephone wire, and I was wondering if telephone wire would be okay for wiring up N scale layouts. Thinking of a U shape layout about 3m x 2.26m x 0.7m in the garden shed. As the motors are a lot smaller than ones in HO scale, there would not be a lot of electricity going through. Can any advise if telephone wire will be okay?”
Front Wheels Jump Track
Timothy asks readers:
“I have several HO engines that the front wheels jump the track, even on straight sections. They act like there is a spring missing that may hold wheels to the track. I don’t see where there is any place to put them (springs). Not just one brand either.”
How to Wire Double-Throw (DPDT) Switch
Lester model N scale and asks readers:
“I like to know how to wire a DPDT switch. I own a DCC system NCS. I want to make a section on my main track as a program track. It is isolated from my main track. What I need is a diagram on how to wire it so that the program track becomes a main track when it is thrown on and the other way the program track has power and the main doesn’t.”
Cleaning Engines
Allan has a question for readers:
“Hi, I live in an area with high sulphur content and have a few engines that are getting slow and are showing signs of contamination around the brass copper etc and want to clean this off but not sure what to do or use? Any help please.”
Tips on starting a G scale 5 inch live steam garden railroad
Harper asks readers:
“I wish to start a garden railroad by the time I have a full paying job. I have started planning ahead and already have been looking at a suitable locomotive. Layouts have also been one thing that I have been planning ahead on. My question really, though, is… Is there anything else I need to consider or start planning on?”
Selecting High Performance Diesel Locomotives
Kevin would like to hear your preferences with regards locomotive brands:
“I am completing an 4′ x 8′ N scale layout and am at the point where I going purchase two diesel locomotives. I am looking for recommendations as to high performing locomotives that other model railroaders have had good experience with. My layout uses Kato Unitrack. Thank you in advance.”
Engine Does Not Run Anymore
Tom is new to O scale as asks readers:
“I have three engines which all stopped running after 10 to 15 minutes on the track. The lights come on. They just do not move. Three other engines have been working fine for days. Any ideas or suggestions?”
Confused With DCC Bus Wires
Bruce models HO and asks readers:
“I’m building a new layout in my garage 24×20. Should I run my bus wire from point A to halfway around one direction, and the other way to half way around, but not joined together at the halfway point? Or should I just make a single loop from point A to point A. Regular street talk will be best for me so I don’t get confused by all the tech talk thanks. Thanks.”
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