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!
Need Help Wiring Model Railroad Street Lights
Michael asks:
“Hi everyone. I have a model car display that I purchased HO scale Lionel streetlights to add some ambience. I am not a train guy or an electricity guy. The lights ask for 6 -18v DC power supply (they also come with resisters). My question is there a way to use a phone charger (says up to 3A) and its cable (stripped to individual wires) to power these lights? I already tried once, hooking the black-to-black and red-to-red wires for one light (no resistors), and plugging it in did nothing. Is this a fool’s approach that just will not work? Thanks for any advice.”
Disclaimer: Any answers or suggestions submitted by others are comments only, and any matters relating to electricity should always be checked by experts with qualifications in matters relating to electricity.
Make These Pre-Weathered Old Derelict Background Buildings To Add Character and Realism To Your Model Railroad
You can download the plans for all 10 derelict at
Adding Realism Helps Bring Your Model Railroad To Life
This photo taken at the Bentley Model Railway Groups TrainWest Show at Corsham is courtesy
Quick 3 Minute Video Shows How Quick and Easy It Is To Make HO Scale, OO, or N Scale Background Structures That Look Truly Authentic Like This One
This plan can be downloaded at https://www.modelbuildings.org
A Free Catalog is also available on the website.
Derailments at Switches
Larry posts this question to readers:
“I recently set my pre-1980s N-gauge train up after it was in a box for fifty-some years. I set up a temporary oval track with no switches and was absolutely amazed and excited that it still works. Now I am working on a permanent layout and purchased some new track pieces including manual switches, all code 80 which matches my old track. My problem is derailments at the switches and I believe the cause, thanks to the tips here, to be the old wheels on my locomotives and rolling stock. I shopped around online to buy new wheels and quickly got lost. My first question is if RP27 the correct standard or should it be RP25? My second question is how can you tell for sure if you are buying wheels made to the correct standard? I see lots of wheels for sale from multiple manufacturers but they don’t have details on specifications. I have all old style couplers as well but am hoping to get away with just replacing the wheels. Thanks in advance for any and all help!
Best Turnout For Siding With 22 Radius Curve
Julius models in HO scale and posts this question for readers:
“I am using the Bachmann EZ Track (Grey Roadbed) for my track layout. I have recently started (less than two months) and am having an issue finding the correct turnout needed to create a siding. Do your readers know which turnout (Remote, #4, #5, #6) would be best for me?”
You can post your answers or comments below this post to assist Julian.
Rolling Stock Scheduled Maintenance
Patrick asks:
“My collection of passenger and freight cars is growing and it could be time to collate a maintenance schedule of some kind. Wheel sets, weight, couplers, loose parts, pivots, etc. Am I overthinking problems, or should I just look each one over or test for rollability before I put it on the track?”
Please add your COMMENTS under Patrick’s post.
Bridge Building On Scale Model Railroads – See How
There are many ways to construct bridges and the method used usually depends on the type, size, and style of bridge being built. This quick video demonstrates one popular method.
You can download the plans to build this and other bridges here
Loco Wheels Spinning
Richard has this question for readers:
“Hello, I have a Marx 999 and when applying power to the engine only the wheels spin and it doesn’t move. Is there an adjustment on the copper shoe? I can push the shoe and it springs back fine. When I give it a push it moves a little but stops and the wheels continue to spin? Thank you in advance.”
Digitrax DCS 52/Tsunami PNP8 Programing
Randy asks readers:
“I am a newbie and am confused. I have two HO scale locos which are DCC. Both have been running. Now one still runs but one does not. When power is applied the loco begins the start-up sequence sounds but nothing else. I don’t know where to start.”
NEM Couplers (Farish, Dapol) Constantly Uncoupling
Shaun models N scale and has this question for readers:
“I’m tired of my NEM couplers uncoupling and was hoping for advice as to what these could be replaced with? Or for suggestions on how to keep them coupled?”
Please post your comments below to assist Shaun.
Constructing Scale Model Houses
The above photo was snapped at the Carter Model Railroad Museum Train Show, ETSU, in Johnson City, Tennessee.
See the range of scale model house plans to download at
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