Here is a question from a model railroading enthusiast about Bachmann steam locomotives. RJ asks “How do you fix/repair a stalled/stuck drive gear set, on an older Bachmann steam locomotive?”

This is an opportunity for you to share your ideas and thoughts. Simply click on the comments tag below to add your answer.

The operation of an industrial line focuses on shunting, shunting and more shunting. Some model railway layouts have a continuous loop to allow the trains to run uninterrupted. However, true shunting railway layouts do not offer this possibility, which is more realistic.

When building an industrial line model railway layout, also think about the types of industries your line will service. To add variety and interest to your model railway layout it usually pays to include several different industries.

In real life some industrial areas are tightly packed, busy working areas, so you’ll want to squeeze in a lot of railway track. That’s one reason why industrial model railway layouts can be fascinating to build and operate.

A quick tip to get more shunting without overloading the scenery, is to give a single plant more independent connections.

The Pioneer Zephyr in N scale is a rare treat, indeed. This limited edition model features a powerful 5-pole motor with brass flywheels; eight-wheel drive; all-wheel electrical pickup; directional markers and headlights; intricate body details such as fluted panels, flush fitting windows and steps; detailed cab and lighted passenger car interiors; removable side skirts; working diaphragms; authentic Burlington markings for Zephyr No. 9900. DCC- and sound-ready, this model runs on an 9″ radius.

Most of the new models for Hornby 2007 range of locomotives are DCC Ready or DCC Fitted.
Hornby introduce the rebuilt Patriot class 4-6-0 locomotive. Originally designed by Sir Henry Fowler, the Patriot class 4-6-0 locomotive had a redesign by the then Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LMS railway Sir William Stanier, gaining the LMS family appearance in the process.

There is also the Royal Scot class 4-6-0 locomotive by Hornby. The original Royal Scot class 4-6-0 locomotive was designed by Sir Henry Fowler. The list of upcoming Hornby model train models includes a late LMS livery, two early BR liveries and a late BR livery.

Another new Hornby loco is from the London Midland region design. Stanier’s 2-6-4 tank locomotive was a suburban workhorse throughout the LMS network. 206 of the 2-6-4 tank type locomotive were built. Hornby has three different options; LMS livery, early BR and late BR liveries.

The HO 4-8-8-4 Big Boy with DCC & Sound Union Pacific has: a boiler backhead with printed gauges, individually applied piping, valves, generators, operating eccentric cranks on both sides operating in correct direction, adjustable cab windows, headlights and number boards with directional light change, five pole, and skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for smooth operation.

Here is a reader question you might like to answer or offer ideas with (to contribute your thoughts simply click on the comments tag below the Lionel Polar Express posting):

“For Xmas my wife bought me a lionel polar train set, it’s beautiful, but I think that the new track looks so tacky, synthetic and artificual. This is my first train since being a youngster, I can’t visualize this track ever working in the intricate layouts. Went to the nearby hobby shop for layout plans, they told me they don’t have any as of yet. I really don’t think this will fly unless you can’t visualize real life in your own mind. I would like your readers opinions on this said track, would like their expertice on this.”

Here is a site that might get the creative juices going when building a layout for a Lionel Polar Express:

www.hobbiesplus.com.au/beginnersguide.htm

A quick question that someone might like to answer for a blog reader. Remember, this blog is for model railroaders to share ideas and help.

Here is the blog readers question:

I have two HO F7A Santa Fe engines with horn type couplers. All of my rolling stock has knuckle couplers. How do I change the horn type.

Click the comments tag to submit your answer. All submissions are moderated.

A reader from Virginia has a couple of model railroading questions for other model train enthusiasts to answer. This is your opportunity for you to share your ideas and experience with other model railroading hobbyists. Simply click on the comments link below to offer help:

1. Does anyone have a layout/scenery plan for “n gauge” with a city and country side. We live in an area of Virginia that is farmland with the trains going through and that is the type scenery we want–a city and farmland with mountain, lake and streams. . .Blue Ridge Mountain type; not the western mountains.

2. Does anyone have information on the new N Gage 611 Engine (Norfolk and Western)? I know the old one has major problems and a new one was just released but am a little leary?

All aboard this Lionel Christmas Train classic! Measuring over 5 feet long, this authentically detailed O-gauge train is painstakingly detailed based on the classic Chris Van Allsburg book and Warner Bros. movie.

Lionel Polar Express Train Set includes a durable die-cast metal Berkshire steam locomotive with a powerful maintenance-free motor, puffing smoke, headlight lens cap, unique whistle and more.

The engine and tender on the Lionel Polar Express Train Set are painted in a dark matte finish. Following are two lighted coach cars. The observation car features a new rounded observation deck, just like the movie. The main characters from the film are recreated here as fully poseable figures. Train measures 63″ L; track layout measures 40″ W X 60″ L. Includes a powerful CW-80 (80 watt) transformer. Transformer controls forward, neutral and reverse operation. 60″ L x 40″ W x 2″ H

• Scale : On30 (1:48)
• Comes with the E-Z Track System:Electronic auto-reversing
• Premium-quality nickel silver track with molded gray roadbed
• Assembles quickly without nails, screws, or special tools
• Snaps-together and stays together on floors, tables and carpets
• The On30 scale street car is a prototypically accurate O scale narrow gauge unit that runs on space-saving HO track.
• Large 56″ x 38″ oval track layout.
• Locomotive and cars are equipped with E-Z Mate couplers.
• Accurately detailed and painted 0-6-0 steam engine with operatingheadlight and metal detail parts.
• Detailed tender with realistic coal load.

• (1) Locomotive & Tender
• (3) Freight Cars
• (1) Caboose
• (12) 18″ Radius Curved Track
• (3) 9″ Straight Track
• (1) 9″ Straight Terminal Rerailer
• (1) Power Pack

One of our readers (a keen model railroading enthusiast) sent this to me and asked that I share it with other model railroaders this Christmas. I’m sure it will raise a smile!

On the first day of Christmas my railroad gave to me; one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the second day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the third day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; nine cars on the ground, dragged through the ties and two switches; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; ten misroutes, that have to be set out at the nearest side track; nine cars on the ground, dragged through the ties and two switches; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; eleven lazy pool engineers, all laid off sick; ten misroutes, that have to be set out at the nearest side track; nine cars on the ground, dragged through the ties and two switches; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; twelve P.O.’ed crews, all stuck away from home; eleven lazy pool engineers, all laid off sick; ten misroutes, that have to be set out at the nearest side track; nine cars on the ground, dragged through the ties and two switches; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.

Happy railroading and happy Christmas to all!

Model trains running during the holiday season represent a century-old tradition in the USA and Canada. And “big trains,” the kind that look best running around the Christmas tree or running through the house or garden, are growing rapidly in popularity.

Some people feel that running model trains at Christmas brings back warm memories. Afterall, it is not uncommon for two or three generations of the family to come together to set up and enjoy the model trains at Christmas time.

The good thing about model trains at Christmas is that its great to see the kids playing with something that doesn’t have a computer or television screen.

Although model trains are fun to run all year round, the festive season is wonderful time to share the fun and joy of model railroading with family and friends.

Popular large scale model trains for Christmas include:

• Bachmann Trains – North Pole Special/North & Southern – Large Gauge
• Bachmann Trains – The Mountaineer/East Tennessee & Western North Carolina
• Bachmann Trains – The Silverton Flyer/Denver & Rio Grande Western
• Bachmann Trains – The RingmasterBachmann Trains – The Night Before Christmas North Pole & Southern- G Scale
• Bachmann Trains – On30 Jingle Bell Express/North Pole & Southern
• Lionel Trains – The Polar Express Electric Train Set – O Gauge
• AristoCraft Classic Railbus Christmas Model Train
• AristoCraft 20′ Tank Car – Christmas Model Train
• AristoCraft Lil’ Critter Freight Starter Sets
• AristoCraft 0-4-0 Passenger Starter Set
• Lionel Trains – Lionel Silver Bell Express – G Scale
• Lionel Trains – Disney Christmas Train Set – O Gauge

HO Scale Christmas Model Train sets include:

• Bachmann Trains – White Christmas Express. Perfect for under-the-tree enjoyment, this set is festively decorated for a very Merry Christmas – HO Scale.

Enjoy your model railroading this Christmas and take care this holiday season!