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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!
What’s the Correct Dimension for a Helix?
Regular contributor Kevin has helped so many others with their model railroading problems, and now he is hoping someone can help him out:
“I usually model in HO but I have been given an N gauge layout with 2 engines, 3 passenger cars, and 9 freight cars, about 30 meters of new track, plus some set track curves. Now having never had anything to do with N gauge, so I am asking N scalers what is the best diameter for a Helix? I want two and I have a meter at each side of the doorway into a rook 3m X 4.2m. I was thinking about a 2% rise? Also, the cars have Rapido couplers and the engines have knuckle couplers. It looks like I will have to change the couplers on the various cars? If so what are the best knuckle couplers to use? Thanks.”
If you can advise Kevin, please use the COMMENTS link below to add your comment or answer. If you just want to view the comments and answers as they roll in, you can see them by using the same link.
Scratch Building A Critter… and What is a Critter?
The term “Critter” is one of those not so common model railroading words that confuses many in the hobby.
It is hard to put an exact definition on what a “Critter” is, but generally it could be any self propelled locomotive that runs as a support engine to move other cars around as opposed to being in regular mainline operation. Critters are often reasonably small (3 tons or less) with a small cab, or in some cases no cab at all. Most have a x-4-x wheel arrangement but some in the hobby would argue there are no hard or fast rules on what defines a locomotive as being a “Critter” or not. Some would say a double trucked locomotive of any construction could fit the definition whereas others might disagree. Could a small lightweight piece of MOW equipment that is not considered to be a “locomotive”, but is still capable of pulling cars on a mainline, be a Critter? Would a “Shay” fall under the definition, or would only a small Shay fit the definition? When is a critter, a critter, or not a critter?
Over the years I have heard people define a variety of locomotives as being “Critters” when others might disagree, so it is one of those railroading terms that perhaps we could do without? You might disagree. Anyway, it would be interesting to here what others think, and how you might best define a “Critter.”
That brings me to a question posted by William who asks others:
“Howdy, this is William and I have been busy with trains again. I have this project…an On30 mechanized bugger. Here is a photo of it that I found on-line. The driver sprocket is covered by a plated cover. I have seen this part and want to purchase one and can’t remember where I saw it. Please help with identification: manufacturer, item#…thanks in advance!”
If you would like to answer the question from William, or give your thoughts on what defines a loco as a “Critter”, then used the COMMENTS link to have your say, or to see what others have to say.
What’s The Best Couplers For Superliner, AMFLEET and Viewliner Cars?
Buford models HO and posted this question:
“I need to replace all my couplers on my Walthers Superliner and AMFLEET and Viewliner cars. Can someone please recommend the best couplers for these types?”
Changing Couplers
Here is a question from Ron who is new to HO trains:
“I’m totally brand new to HO modeling … after sorting about 6 locomotives and about 40 misc cars (that I bought at a garage sale), I realized several need wheels and/or couplers … I see that all couplers are not the same … do you advise changing all of them so they are compatible … also how do you change the dang things! (I’ve tried) … thank you”
Do Track Cleaning Cars Really Work?
Fred used the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link to post this question:
“Has anyone used a track cleaning car on N scale? I’ve seen a couple advertised and am wondering if they are worthwhile. I am using unitrack, if that makes any difference.”
How to Add the Effect of Real Grouting to Brickwork Models
Wayne models OO gauge and asks readers:
“I am constructing a plastic model of a building and would like to detail it giving the effect of grouting otherwise it will look fake. How can I paint brickwork to have the effect of grout between the bricks.”
Submit your question for publication to the Blog Moderator by using the ASK A QUESTION link just below this posting.
House and Garage Plans To Download
Plans for 8 Houses & 4 Garages – Click Here
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Scene Master Knuckle Couplers
This blog doesn’t do buy/sell/swap, but someone might know of a supplier or store where this reader can purchase some Scene Master knuckle couplers – “Where can I get Scene master knuckle couplers. They seem to be non-existent.”
If you have a question you would like considered for possible publication on this blog (10,000 readers weekly), you can submit it to the Blog Moderator for possible consideration by using one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog.
How To Reglaze Passenger Car Windows
Neill asks readers this question:
“I have some Atlas passenger cars I bought off eBay, but most of the original windows are missing so will need reglazing. What’s the best way to tackle this as I want them to look more realistic if possible?”
How to a Wire K-Line Crossing Gate
Charles asks readers:
“I forgot how to wire my crossing gate. It has two bolts with nuts in front of the gate. K-line made it. Everything I try it only does two things.
1. It goes without a train going pass.
2. It doesn’t go down at all.
I even tried to insulate the track outer rail as well as the center rail. Still did the same two things. I lost the paper on them how to wire them when we moved three years ago. Please can I get some help on wiring the O gauge crossing gates – thank you.”
If you have a question you would like to have considered for publication, send it to the Blog Moderator by using one of the “ASK A QUESTION” links on this blog.
Making a Mining Chute and Old Mining Town
13 Plans for a Wild Western Town
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Shaping People Figures to Fit Different Railroad Scenes
Rick who models N scale has this question for others in the hobby:
“I was wondering if there was an easy way to shape arms, legs and bodies to suite different scenes. Such as a camp fire sit, or bending to pick something up, etc.”
Add your COMMENT below.
Track Clean Car – What’s Best?
Francis has this question:
“I need a track cleaning car for my HOn3 layout…if necessary I can easily swap HOn3 trucks on an HO car. What’s best?”
NCE Power Cab and Turnouts
Jerry models HO and asks readers this question:
“When I started in model railroading I used ez track. I have NCE powercab controller. I was wondering if my turn outs can work with my controller, and if so, how do I do it?”
American Flyer Track Underlay
Ronald has this question:
“I can’t find where to buy American flyer track underlay. I need it for round track only. Thank you for any help”
Make Your Own Scale Model Old Wild West Town or Mining Town
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When To Use Magnetic Couplers?
HO fan Andy asks for comments:
“I am installing eastbound and westbound track for building trains in my yard. I intend too have magnetic uncouplers at each end of the two tracks. Should I do so and should I have an uncoupler in the middle of the track for the convenience of those building a train?”
Burlington Northern Locomotive #6318
Joe asks for parts stockists details:
“Help! I purchased several HO cars & locomotives 30 years ago for my son. Now my grandson wants to play with the old set. I’m trying to find (2) 6 wheel trucks for a Burlington Northern #6318 locomotive. I can’t find anything in the internet pertaining to this locomotive. Can anyone help? Thanks.”
If you are able to point Joe in the direction of a supplier that would be great. As this is not a Buy/Sell or Swap forum, the Blog rules do not permit the exchange of personal contact details. This is to protect both the person posting a question and anyone answering a question. Regrettably there are people and software searching the internet for personal contacts.
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