“I have an HO 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone steam engine since about 1950. It is basically a brass engine with a wood boiler. I would like to know the origin and manufacture. Thanks.”

The post 2-8-8-4 HO Steam Engine appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“We had IDA dump 10” in our basement. None of my O scale train equipment was damaged. My question is, the track. I had kept a 50-55 degree humidity. It has come down to good numbers. I’m worried about the track surface. What should I do and/or use.”

The post Running Model Trains After Hurricane Ida Flood appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“My son was just given an HO scale train set. It is a Golden Spike II with a Santa Fe engine on the box, but the model engine is a Burlington Northern. It is a 105 piece set. I am just interested in some information on the set. I tried searching, but I am a complete novice. Thank you in advance!”

The post Golden Spike II with a Santa Fe Engine appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I plan on buying a pre-loved (I presume that means 2nd hand but used with care) HO Athearn Genesis Challenger. Due to where it is, I will need to buy it untested. From the pictures and description, it does look to be in good condition, and the price seems fair considering what they go for new. My research tells me a 22-inch radius is recommended, but I only have 18-inches. Does anyone have any experience with running this model on less than a 22-inch radius, and what’s the general opinion on the Challenger?”

Post your question below, or post your comment below.

The post Athearn Genesis Challenger on 18 Inch Radius appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I have an 0-4-0 B N HO scale switch engine from the early 60’s I cleaned and lubed. It is running now but is noisy. The part that confuses me is it runs better and is quieter when going backward. Any ideas why?”

The post Refurbishing an Old Switch Engine appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

You had your say and the results are in. 49% said Not sure, 32% NO, and 19% YES.

The post POLL RESULTS – Is the market for new brass products really dead? appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

You can cast your vote in our poll on where you think the brass market is at right now.

If you would like to share your thoughts on what you personally prefer, and whether you think there would still be a demand for some specialized brass rolling stock, MOW equipment, or collectible engines… then add your thoughts in the conversation below this post.

The post Brass Model Trains Still in Demand? True? False? appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“My current HO layout has been running going into 3rd year. I have been running GE BNSF locomotive in the inner track which has incline and curve. My incline is a bit more than 2%. I run about 6 cars and it is doing fine with that. The curve is 18″. My outer track is considerably longer but is basically oval. I run 2 locomotive consists. All BNSF. Lead is a SD70 Ace and GP 60 M. I found that if the put the GP 60 M on the inner track I had to limit the number of cars. It has only 2 axle trucks so has fewer wheels pulling the train. The inner train with the GE ES44c4 has 3 axle trucks so more wheels pulling and longer wheelbases. This is all connected track with multiple points of power supply and I operate Digitrax Zephyr DCS52.”

The post GE BNSF GP 60M Digitrax Zephyr DCS52 appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I’m in the very early stages of planning a layout which won’t be started for at least 12 months. The absolute max area will 12 x 5 feet. Probably a bit smaller than that. Based on the logging and mining operations on Vancouver Island pre 1950s, I will include, a logging camp, a coal mine, and a small port. I was thinking of using N scale but there aren’t as many detailed accessories as available in HO. Any suggestions, please? Thanks.”

The post What Scale For New Model Train Layout? appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

My layout is currently covered due to the transformer speed controller packing up and non-available here in Natal but have sourced two in Cape Town which is being sent up to me.

In 2010 with the World tournament soccer in South Africa, the police commissioned the railways to build I am told about 12 of these mobile charge offices that would be attached to certain passenger trains to convey people and fans between games in RSA. As they were expecting the hooligans to arrive from Europe and England. However, they put these charge offices on quite a few passenger trains operating then.

The charge office comprised of a charge office, counseling room, toilet, shower, and two to three-compartment for 5 to 6 officers who would be on duty for the duration of the journey, and yes 4 small lock-up cells at the rear of the coach with small fanlight windows. After the games, they were stored and recently brought to control crowds in the trains from Corona Virus with distancing, etc.

I have seen them on container trains as well as they are used to guard the containers on route to and from Durban harbor that were being broken into and items stolen.

Here is a picture of a charge office and some interior shots of the office.

My Kiwi (New Zealand) Diesel is doing well here amongst the South African Railways locos on my layout, as it is a lease and lend loco to the SAR fleet. Cheers for now and good running!

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The post Police Office and Prisoner Cells on South African Trains appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I purchased the Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer O Scale train set that comes with a DC wall-pack power supply. I have no trouble operating the set. I then purchased the FasTrack Inner Loop add-on and incorporated it into the oval layout from the original Lionel Flyer and the train won’t run. Do I need to purchase an AC transformer to be able to use the Inner Loop add-on?”

The post Lionel Pennsylvania Flier O Scale Train Set With Fastrack Inner Loop appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

Reynold models N scale and asks:

“I wanted the DCC Ready Atlas GP35 loco in Union Pacific markings, but have just found out it wasn’t around until the 1960s. My layout… half-finished… will be set in the mid to late 50s, so I’m probably better with something a little older. I don’t need Union Pacific if that opens more options. Any ideas?”

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The post Atlas Union Pacific DCC Ready GP-35 Loco appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.