“I have a problem and I was wondering if you could help. On the BAD advice, we started out our trains with H.O. but since have switched to Lionel. I have a large amount of H.O. trains and track. The engines seem very slow, we didn’t oil them prior to use, I was disappointed and I put all the H.O. away. Now that we have the train room converted to O-Scale, I would like to take a look at the H.O. again and set that with our table, I have the room. And what type of oil do we use for H.O.? Can I use the same oil from Lionel on H.O.?????

What did I do wrong the first time with H.O.??? Do they run slow or do I need to ‘tweak’ them????”

If you would like to answer the above question simply click on the comments tag below .

Sometimes a locomotive will sputter, stop and start, hesitate and speed up on a section of track for no apparent reason.

If this happens, usually the first thing to do is to thoroughly clean the track. The Model Train Help ebook includes several methods on how to clean sections of track including using a pencil eraser or track cleaning eraser to clean wheels of a loco and tender (if needed).

If the problem persists and if other locos run smoothly on the same track then this is an indication that the locomotive might need servicing.

A good model train locomotive needs lots of wheels and lots of gears. A poor performing locomotive is often an indication that there is a problem with the gears and/or the wheels. Although in saying that, some locomotives with only a few wheels work surprisingly well… although it is considered to be unusual, rather than the norm.

A model train locomotive runs by picking up an electrical current from the metal rails through metal wheels that ride on the rails. The electricity is transferred from the wheels to the motor, which causes the motor to run. The motor connects to the wheels through a mechanical drive system. When the electricity turns the motor, the motor turns the gears that turn the wheels and push the locomotive along the train tracks. Simple!

The contact point where your model train locomotive wheel meets the rail is extremely small. That’s why; it doesn’t take much in the way of dirt, dust, or debris to obstruct the wheel-to-rail contact. Dirt can build up, so it is important that you keep the wheels clean and free of accumulated dirt. If the wheels of your locomotive become dirty, they may not make good contact with the metal rails, and your train will stall.
Remember, plastic wheels don’t conduct electricity.

Heat and arcing can cause long-term wear and result in a worn commutator. A poorly performing train motor can cause higher than normal transformer voltages, hence the arcing. Greater resistance from a poor performing motor requires higher transformer voltages to operate a model train.

A commutator can also, over time, be damaged by using too much lubricants. The oil gets vaporized and “baked” to the commutator surface which lowers performance.

When traveling on grades, cars near the head end of heavy trains, are subjected to an incredible degree of pull. This can force one knuckle up and out of the other. When the opposite coupler goes down it can loosen until the actuating pin snags things between the rails. Remove any cars with drooping couplers until they are repaired.

Derailments and accidents can happen frequently with model train layouts for any number of reasons. Regardless of how good the trackwork is on your model train layout – derailments still happen.

Sometimes model train derailments are caused by a super-light flatcar being shoved behind a heavy boxcar, or a hopper with out-of-gauge wheelsets somewhere waiting to pick a switchpoint or be forced off the track. S-curves on model train layouts can also prove a hazard for passenger cars.

For helpful tips and ideas on how to avoid derailments and fix other model railroading problems have a look at http://www.model-train-help.com.

It is possible to have pre war and post war model train motors for many brands of model trains (like Lionel, American Flyer and Ives), rebuild and made to run like new. However, the armature core needs to be intact for an experienced repairer to do the job successfully.

A sign that one of the armature coils may be open circuited is when the brushes on a model train give off a lot of sparks.

A model train motor may need an armature rewind when the motor runs very hot and slows down after a just few minutes of operation.

A tell-tale sign that the armature has been damaged is when the armature wires look dark in color relative to the other windings on the armature.

Another sign that the armature has a problem is when the field winding over-heats. This could be an indication that the current flowing through the series circuit made by the field and the armature has a very low resistance.

Good soldering is important to any model train layout, because poor electrical connections result in higher electrical resistance with heat generated when power is applied to a poor electrical connection. Over time, this heat has the potential to damage wire insulation and wire enamel on a model train layout.

To avoid electrical connection problems, on a model train layout, it pays to regularly inspect wire connections. A solder joint that is a dull silver color, or one that is just a “big blob” of solder, will sooner or later cause problems when running model trains.

All solder connections should be clean and shiny and use only a small amount of solder. If a solder joint is suspect, take a soldering iron and apply fresh solder to the joint. This will help improve the connection and keep your model trains electrical system in good working order.

It seems that Ants and Model Railroads do go together. The Alamogodo N-Scale Trains Society (ANTS) is a N-Scale Modular Model Railroad Club located in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The name (ANTS) was chosen because it was felt that if you’re going to be a bug, be one that goes to picnics.

With 4 corner modules and only 3 members, the original train layout was something to see. The Ants Model Railroad Club was founded in March 1993 by three N-Scale enthusiasts who wanted to be able to share their love of the hobby as a nonprofit group.

The model railroad club has grown since it’s inception with the main requirement for membership being a desire to model N Scale model trains.

The Ants Model Railroad Club built a model train layout for the Alamogordo and Otero County Centennial. It depicts the route going to Cloudcroft from Alamogordo. This model train layout shows how difficult it could be to get from Alamogordo and Cloudcroft. The Ants Model Railroad Club donated this layout to the Sacramento Mountains Historical Society. They are located in Cloudcroft, New Mexico and the model train layout can be viewed there.

Basic maintenance is key to keeping model trains running smoothly for years to come. Trains should be cleaned every few years if in daily use or every three to five years if operated seasonally.

If your train won’t run, there is likely a mechanical or electrical problem in the motor that can be fixed. Whether your train has been dropped or has simply gone unused for many years, it is important to diagnose problems and to make the necessary repairs before any permanent damage is done.