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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!
Buy Couplers Which Ones?
Bob wants advice from readers who have some knowledge of couplers and asks:
“I have some old HO cars, steam locomotive and have purchased a Broadway Limited diesel, and I want to convert all of these to the same couplers. I don’t even know what couplers (name brand, type) are on these products now. What would would be your readers choice for the best couplers available? There seems to be dozens to choose from so I need some guidance on this matter.”
Take part in this discussion. Use the comments link below.
Kaydee HO Couplers
Russ asks readers:
“I’ve been away from active modeling for a few years. Somehow I lost track of which Kaydee coupler is best suited for the different brands of RTR rollingstock. Does anyone know where that info is it be found?”
Add your thoughts below.
30-11012 and 30-1104 Parts by RailKing
Mike is new to the hobby and is hoping someone can guide him:
“I am new at building a model train layout and I am about to install crossing gates and flashers. The part numbers are 30-11012 and 30-1104 respectively made by RailKing. I need to know what ITAD is opposed to TAD. I want to use the rail power to activate these devices on the single line where they cross a road and the instructions that come with these assume that the reader knows all about it. Can someone help me with this? How I am to hook these up?”
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Magnet and Electromagnetic Un-couplers
John has a question to test readers. Add your comments below.
“I have both the permanent magnet and electromagnetic un-couplers and am having difficulty with both.
I have the electromagnetic coupler under my track but unlike the old Lionel uncouplers I grew up with does not immediately uncouple when energized. I see the small things below the coupler move but it does not uncouple. What am I doing wrong?
Is there an uncoupler that will work on HO that is similar to the old Lionel did, just push a button and pull over to uncouple instantaneously?"
Bachmann Knuckle Couplers
Michael has a question for knowledgeable readers about couplers and asks:
“I am looking for N-scale uncouplers that do not require changing… couplers on
locomotives or train cars. What can people tell me about Bachmann Knuckle
type uncouplers – how to use, reliability etc?”
Post your feedback below.
Well Cars For Container – Stackable
Bill is hoping a reader will be able to help with his problem and asks:
How can these be double stacked so as they will not come off the top of the first container like pins? The ladders are on the ends and the Hand Brake and Brake wheel.”
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Track Ties
Joe asks readers:
“What is the best way to tie tracks together from table to drop leaf?”
Add your comments below.
DCC & Magnetic Couplers
Rob has a question on DCC operation which is all explained in simple terms in my Model Train Help ebook. The extended chapter also covers the advantages and disadvantages of DC verses DCC operation. Rob asks:
"I have been quite a few years since I operated model trains. Starting a new model completely from scratch. My question is, what exactly is Digital Command Control and Decoder? How does it work and what does it control? I also have a question about Magnetic couplers for trains and cars. How does this work, and where exactly on the track would the magnets be placed?"
HO Rolling Stock Weights
Ray asks readers:
“Can anyone tell me the proper weights of HO rolling stock box cars or hoppers?”
Use the green comments link to answer Ray’s question.
LGB 55081 Reversing Unit
Seaborn has a question to challenge readers and asks:
“I need help wiring a 55081 LGB Reversing Loop Module. The manual that came with it has several wiring diagrams but, I don’t know which one to use with my simple layout. I am just doing a simple 2 loops at the end of a single straight track. I need to know more about wiring diagrams such as, how long to make the track with the sensors between the insulated area of the reverse loop?”
Add your comments below.
German Coaling Stations
Ian has a question someone might know the answer to:
"Why did German railways have such a cumbersome way of loading their coaling stations? According to the models by Auhagen, Faller, Kibri and Vollmer the coal arrived in open wagons/gondolas, was plucked out by a crane with a clamshell bucket, put into a trackside bin until needed. The coal was then picked up again by the clamshell and dropped into the overhead bunker to be gravity fed to the locomotive tenders.
The elevated coaling towers and ramp loaders used in Australia, Britain and USA would surely have been more efficient."
Add your comments below.
Marklin HO Coupling
Paul is reasonably new to the hobby and is looking for guidance from anyone with more experience:
"I am very new to model railroading and very heavy into Marklin trains,(my first set purchased) however on many occasions I find a nice car I would like to have, but it does not have Marklin couplers. Is there a way to convert j type couplers to Marklin? Thanks."
Add your comments below.
Making Smoke
Jeff has a question about making smoke and asks readers:
“I hope this is not a silly question. My son and I have decided to get out my Fathers and my old HO model trains. The track is up and cleaned and is in very good condition. The engines have been cleaned and are running well. My question is; on my Tyco Chattanooga steam locomotive and New York Central steam engine (my father recived in 1953), I can’t remember how to add the smoke liquid to get the trains to make steam. I would truly appreciate any help.”
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35 Year Old Train Couplers
Tim wants to hear from readers who can assist him with couplers and asks:
“I have just got started into model railroading. I am using train engines and cars that were made 35 years ago. The couplers on them will not stay hooked. Can these old style couplers be changed to something that will not cost me an arm and leg?”
Use the green comments link to add your thoughts.
McHenrey Knuckel Couplers With Kadee Couplers
Jim wants to hear from anyone with experience of couplers:
“I have been wondering if McHenrey Knuckel couplers are compatible with Kadee #5 couplers? I need to know so I can brace myself if I have to start changing couplers on my engines and rolling stock.”
Add your comment below.
Track Pliers
Kermit wants to know where to buy track pliers and asks:
“I have am trying to find a pair of Lionel track pliers. The hobby shops around here hardly know what I am talking about. They have a track cutting and reshaping feature which would be very useful in reshaping bent track ends. I live in mid Michigan. Does anyone have any ideas?
Add your comments below.
Automobiles On Train Layout
Barry asks a question that was covered in a recent blog. Perhaps someone would like to add some comments to help Barry.
“Is there a means to move automobiles in an N Scale train track system by using electricity? I prefer to use (adapting with magnets or whatever) the inexpensive model cars.”
Barry have a look at this earier posting http://modeltrainsetshelp.blogspot.com/search?q=miniatur+wunderland
Durhams Water Putty
Richard has a question for readers and asks:
“I understand you can use Durhams rock hard water putty to stucco a building. Has anyone done this and what is the procedure as far as mix and getting the stucco look?”
Add your comments below.
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