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!
Old Style Station Lamps and Building Lights
Mark model HO scale and asks others in the hobby:
“I have just purchased building lights and old style station lamps from China. I was thinking that they would be easy to install and use. Wrong!! I think they need a capacitor added to make them work. Do they? If so, how do I find out what type to use. Many thanks.”
Mark you can use the COMMENTS link to upload a photo if you think it will assist readers to provide you helpful advice.
Ballast Coverage
Marshall models HO and asks:
“I would like to start ballasting my track with Woodland Scenics medium ballast and need to know if there is a rule of for how much material might be used for a specified length of track. My track, which totals some 200 foot, sits on a cork roadbed. Thank you.”
Have your question published on the blog by using one of the many Ask A Question links on this page.
Will Any Decoder Do?
Ben sent in this question for readers:
“This might sound stupid but can I use any decoder model in a locos? I ask this because I will be soldering the connections regardless and know the frames can vary between manufacturers, so can I still choose any decoder, or will I need specific decoders for certain locos?
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Wiring Street Lights on a Model Railroad Layout
Daniel sent in this question:
“ I am installing numerous street lights on my O scale layout. How can I connect them to power/neutral wiring without soldering all of those connections. Can I use termination blocks? Or are the numerous connections unavoidable? Thanks”
Send in your question using one of the many the ASK A QUESTION links.
Correct Power For Lights & Accessories
Kirk asks:
“I am just beginning to build a small [3′ x 7′] HO layout and I plan on having quite a few lights and accessories that will require a power source. What would be the best power source, and what voltage/ amperage would be required? I know that I may need to use resistors also. Thank you much for any suggestions you can lend.”
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TUTORIAL – Making Scale Model Shipping Containers For A Model Railroad
Making scale model shipping containers that actually look like mini versions of real-world giant 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft sea containers has never been easier. These 40 designs are exceptionally realistic (complete with rust from sea spray) and some even have refrigeration motors depicted on the ends. The best thing is; they don’t look like graphic color drawings. The photographic style imaging means these models actually look like real sea containers. These scale model shipping containers are perfect for positioning on flat cars, trucks, near industries, ports, and rail yards on OO gauge, N scale, and HO scale model railroads.
6 volt – 9 volt Variable DC Voltage?
Kevin has a power supply question for readers:
“Are there plans to build a power pack to supply a dedicated 6 volts and 9 volts instead of a variable dc voltage?”
Access To Train Wheels
Robin sent in this question for readers:
“My Roco diesel engine (HO scale) requires traction tires part 40069 which I see I can get on eBay. Problem is; I can’t figure how to fit the tires. I can’t see any screws to undo thereby exposing the wheels? I know some other engines have tiny screws to undo to access the wheels. Any suggestions?”
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How to Stop Decals Peeling Off
Online Model Train Club Member Allan posted this question:
“I have an old reefer that looks very authentic even with the decals flaking off. Trouble is when I touch the decals bits flake off so I fear being so brittle they will disappear completely. I applied several coats of Dulcote but the problem persists. I did a google search and couldn’t find replacement decals that I liked. Has anyone else had this problem and how did they solve it? I am not against fading or peeling decals and signages because it adds to the authenticity, but I am going to lose these decals forever if I don’t do something to keep them in place. Any ideas?”
Share your thoughts with the COMMENTS link underneath this posting.
Isolating Heisler Drive Line
John has thus question:
“I have an HO brass Heisler and need to isolate the drive line. It consists of a square brass tube and a square rod smaller than the inside of the tube. I can’t seem to find anything to allow the slide and keep it insulated. Any suggestions please?”
Removing Shells From Engine For Repairing Inside
Micky sent in this query:
“Is there an easy way or are there any clever tricks for removing engine shells. I want to do some repairs on two locomotives? The shells are only plastic and I want to avoid any damage.”
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To comment on Micky’s question about removing engine shells, simply click the COMMENTS link below.
Chassis for Shell
John has this question:
“I have just purchased a nicely detailed new (old stock) HO Athearn GP7 GP9 shell. I would like to pair it with a powered dual flywheel chassis. Does anyone have advice on a brand and model that will work? I have not received it yet so I don’t know the dimensions. Thanks.”
Fitting HP0587 Undercarriage to Engine Chassis
Ranjay models HO scale and asks:
“Hi, I purchased HP0587 from aliexpress. Now, clueless how to fix it to engine chassis as the undercarriage does not have any screw/nut or slot to do this. Plese help me on this if someone has got any ideas/experience”
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00 Gauge 4mm Windows
John asks:
“Does any one know where I can purchase large quantities of model windows that wont cost an arm and leg? Thank.”
Athearn Engine Wheels
David asks:
“Can anyone tell me how to the size HO loco wheels with a digital caliper?”
Replacement of Athearn Wheels or Trucks
David asks:
“I have an F-7 b unit by Athearn. It has a bent wheel. Does anyone know where to purchase replacement for the blue box?”
Ideas for Making Water Tower Ladder
David puts this question:
“I made a water tower on my HO set . I want to make a ladder for the tower. Does anyone have any suggestions please?”
Walthers Cornerstone Motorized 130′ Turntable Not Working
Wolfgang posted this question:
“Hello Friends, this afternoon my N scale Walthers cornerstone turntable stopped working. Instead of Power Control LED shows ‘on’ the bridge doesn’t work. What can I do? Thanks for any helpful ideas. I am living in Germany and maintenance by a hobby shop is not easy to get.”
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