Accessories
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!
Adding DCC Sound to a GP30 Diesel
Allan writes:
“I have a GP30 Diesel that is a few years old but has DCC onboard. I thought about converting it to DCC sound. Looking at the engine I’m not convinced adding a speaker is feasible without a complete disassemble and removal of parts from the frame halves? Has anyone attempted this before?”
Add your answer or comment below. Click COMMENTS to see what others have to say.
Separating Glued Plastic Parts
An unusual question from Rick who has OO trains:
“I have recently bought used Triang/Hornby hopper bridge parts. Unfortunately, the two R85 supports that I want had been glued to the bridge. I have no idea what type of glue has been used. I have read methods of unglueing including deep freezing for a few hours before prying apart, but I would welcome comments only from anyone who has attempted to separate R85s from R82 – successfully or failed, please. My model is chilling out in my freezer while I await replies with bated breath.”
Old S scale American Flyer Needs Cleaning – How?
Reece is hoping for help with this question:
“I inherited an old S scale American Flyer set which looks like about 50+ years old. It is a Missouri Pacific set with 6 cars. I haven’t run it yet and am hoping all the dust that covers the cars won’t result in running issues. If so, I will just keep it in the original box or use the cars for staging. Is there a way to remove the dust without causing damage?”
You can submit your own question using the ASK A QUESTION link below, or COMMENT on this post using the COMMENTS link below.
Can Couplers Be Used Universal Together?
Gavin is starting out in N scale and asks those in the know:
“Although I have enough space for a small HO layout I am going N scale instead. It will allow me to pack more train movements and scenery in the same space. I’m starting out with a Kato locomotive because they’re well detailed. My question… Will a Kato loco couple with other brand cars in particular Micro-Trains and Accurate, or will I need to stick with Kato?
Painting Brass Bumpers
Michael C posted this question:
“Can I paint brass bumpers with acrylics or do I need oil-based paints or something else? Is there any special prep needed before painting?
Choosing The Right Decoder
Abdullah asks:
“I have a LIFE-LIKE Train GP-38, Santa Fe 3500, Power Locomotive model # 8294. I would like to know the right decoder to fit this engine. Thank you.”
Lionel 450 Bridge Wiring
Daniel asks:
“I’m sure this has been covered before, but probably missed it. Can someone tutor me in wiring the 450 signal bridge using an insulated track section. Thanks for any guidance.”
Weathering Plastic Logs
Sav asks:
“I purchased anHO Log Dump Car with 3 logs. The logs are made of plastic and have a shine to them. I was wondering if somebody could give some advice on how to weather these logs.”
Proper Placement and Uses of Train Signals
Devon G posted this question in the hope someone can assist:
“I want to put some signals on my track to make operations look more real, but I am a bit unsure where to place them so that they appear to serve a purpose rather than just look good. I’ve never bothered with signals before, stupid me, and I’m not even sure where they are supposed to go in relation to real life operations. I guess I am asking about the placement, purpose and uses of signals in real life operations. Sorry, I enjoy focusing on the visual aspects of the hobby building scenery and stuff, and my technical skills and appreciation of real railroad operations are not so great. It’s a weakness that has resulted in stupid mistakes I’ve already made on my layout, so I better get this one right. I know signals are important for train separation, and for various forward/reverse movements, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge. Can someone explain in simple words how various signals should be positioned and why? It would be a big help thx.”
Add your comments below.
Accessory Voltage Question
Daniel models in O scale and asks:
“In hooking up power to accessories, I was advised to setup four power lines, plus a ground. Make the lines 8,10,12 & 14. Then apply to them per each accessory. Problem is anything I reference gives a wide variance, like 9-14 , 10-12, etc. pretty confusing. Any advice is appreciated.”
Switch Lighting Question
Jim models HO and asks:
“I am using #200 Atlas snap relays and am trying to figure out the specs needed for green and red LED’s and the required resistors for each. I understand it is best to connect the 2 LED’s and appropriate resistor in series? I would appreciate any advice as I have never done this before. Thanks!”
Add your comment or suggestions below.
Cover for DCC Drop in Boards
David has this question:
“Does anyone know where to buy the plastic slip-on cover for DCC drop in boards?”
Converting Märklin Stock to Run on DC Platform
Ed asks:
“I have a number of HO Märklin cars that I would like to convert wheels and couplers to be usable with my DC engines and cars. Can anyone advise me how best to make these conversions – suggest the couplers to use and how to change out the wheels, including what wheels to buy? Thanks a lot.”
A Issue With Drooping Couplers or is Couple Height The Problem?
Warren asks readers:
“I have observed that some of my HO Kadee couplers are sagging a bit low on two locos. I notice one coupler shank seems a bit loose in the coupler box and at times angles down towards the rail. Is there a way to fix this? How high should my couplers be? Advice please someone.”
Add you comments below.
Missing Couplings
Mark will hopefully attach a photo in the comments section of his post where he asks:
“ I purchased two HO 4-6-0 hornby steam trains with tenders but having just looked closely I don’t see how I can connect them as there appears to be something missing, am I correct? Will need to attach photos when I can.
See marks photo when he posts it in the comments section under his post.
Rocket Jet on Model Train Display
T
ed wants to add a jet model to his HO layout and seeks your advice:
“I would like to put a model of an X-15 rocket jet, like one I put together about 50 years ago, outside of a ‘Transportation Museum’ on my HO layout. All I have been able to find so far are models in 1:72 or twice that. Revell has made one that can still be found at 1/64th. I’ve found 1/200,1/100, and others more different from HO. Any ideas where I might find anything closer to HO, or ideas on how to make what’s there closer, or some way to make do. I have toyed with the idea of slightly one of the slightly smaller models somewhat in the background (much like putting N scale trains and buildings in the background to add depth.”
Will a 1/76 Tank Fit a 1/87 Flat Car?
Miles sent in this question:
“I spotted a Sherman tank I really like for an HO scale flat car load. My dilemma is; the tank is not HO or 1/87 but is more like 1/76 scale. Will this still work on my HO scale flat car?
Submit your own question using one of the many ASK A QUESTION links on this page, or add a comment to help out Miles with his question.
Japanese Tomytec Products – Info Needed
Ron has this question:
“Hi, is anybody familiar with Tomytec products? I know that most of them are N scale. I was wondering if Tomytec products are available in HO and O scale. Thanks in advance for all responses.”
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