“I’m using EZ track and am planning to add a two-stall engine shed to my layout. Which track should I use to have two lines run into the shed before combining just after exiting the shed? Will there be any likely issues?”

Post your comments below, or use the ASK A QUESTION link to have your own question published.

The post Which EZ Track To Use appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I’ve decided on N scale for my new layout which has the potential to be 2ft-3ft deep in places in my 8ft x 10ft space. I also decided to model the late ’90s to the present day, but haven’t yet decided on an industry (industries) to incorporate. I had thought of logging & lumber, but there are probably better options these days. Ideas are definitely appreciated! Thanks in advance!”

You can contribute your suggestions below.

The post Which Industries To Model appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“Yours truly is in process of building the Susquehanna Valley & Gulf Summit N Scale layout. It first appeared in 1970 as ‘Nine Atlas N Scale Model Railroads’ as Layout N-109. There was a 2nd edition revised in August of 1976. Some years ago, a modeler published a DCC wiring version. Today, the same N scale layout is known as Atlas Layout N-18.

Drum roll, please…

My question is – Do any of you know where I can get a wiring schematic that will allow DCC on the Upper Level and DC with TWO DC controllers for the bottom level?

The rationale for this is yours truly wants to operate the upper level while two grandsons operate the DC version on the lower level.”

Please add your comment or suggestion below to assist Jon.

The post Wiring for Susquehanna Valley & Gulf Summit appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I am planning an 1800×1200 (6×4) N scale layout of logging & mining operations. It has been almost 40 years since I last had anything to do with Model RRs. What is the preferred track type for use that is available in Australia? Thank you in anticipation.”

The post Preferred Track for Beginners Layout appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“The edge of my 4ftx8ft layout is untidy so I’ve decided to add a facia of some kind to smarten it up. What material would you recommend I use without breaking the bank?”

Send in your question for publication (use the ASK A QUESTION link below), or add an answer/suggestion (use the COMMENTS link below).

The post Fascia Material appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I am looking at a double-track HELIX, is there a way to have some indication of the outer track and inner tracks? I am using the following Numbers for A=31.6, B=3.75, C=19.5, (was using D=6, but now D= 7, to accommodate, some special POINTs/Switches E=8. I am looking at having 3/8th threaded rod for supports. I am also looking at the 8 Sections, (1/2 inch thick) per ring to be of a special shape, having the JOINING portions at an ANGLE and to be grooved on these Ends and have an INSERT (3ply) for each join, to be screwed only.”

Add your thoughts below if you can assist Graeme.

The post Inner and Outer Helix Tracks appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

John has cleverly added his own personal touches to some of these buildings such as leaving a couple of roller doors open and adding the numbers above them on plan 494. I’m sure you’ll agree that John has done a great job and has made a good start on his switching layout. Well done John!

More photos below.

These plans can be downloaded at https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings

The post First Build For HO Switching Layout appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“My main interest is in the technical aspect of the hobby and I built my own control panel. The problem, a perceived problem, is my layout still doesn’t have ballast let alone a tree. I know I should make a start on the scenery, but it really doesn’t interest me. I’m almost too embarrassed to let non-railway people see my layout because their eyes gloss over when I start talking about Arduino, switching, and tech stuff. Their first question is always along the lines of, when are you going to add some trees and animals? I know it’s my layout, but I feel I should make the effort. Can someone reassure me I am not the only total geek in the hobby?”

The post My Railroad Without Scenery appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I have a small 30inch wide x 16inch deep space quite a bit behind my HO track that I want to bring into use independently of my main layout. It could be used for staging or some yard ops… very limited. I can access it easily from the side. Your thoughts on using N scale trains and structures to give the sense of that area being further away. I presume others have done this type of thing?”

The post Mixing HO and N scale To Add Distance? appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“Just relocated to our new home and will be upgrading to a 10ft x 8ft layout. A giant leap for me, can’t wait! Before getting ahead of myself though I thought would ask – how much staging should I allow? How many tracks? Should I do continuous staging instead of stub-end staging?”

Share your feedback in the COMMENTS below.

The post Staging Requirements appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“I have set up my tracks on a strengthened glass platform (very firm and not soft). Will there be a problem of bounce and derailment, due to the firmness of the base?”

The post Bachmann Track Base Firmness appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.

“My Grandkids found some 20+ brand new–not out of box high-quality HO engines and full consists for each, that I purchased some 10-20 years ago but never built another layout until now. I am building one now but am not familiar with DCC at all. I have built several layouts before but have no experience with this DCC stuff. How would I know if these engines are convertible to DCC? What is a good guesstimate on the costs of converting them? Can I do this or should I just build it as DC? Thanks.”

The post DCC on Older Engines? appeared first on Model Train Help Blog.