Planning
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!
Ideas for Desert Scene Wanted
Morgan is looking for ideas and inspiration from experienced railroaders:
“I am planning a totally false HO model rr. It is the PRR in west TX. Now, the layout is shelf, and minimal scenery. But, has anyone experience with modeling the desert/mountain area of west TX? What is the best ballast to use? What colors of paint should I buy and where can I get pictures of the tracks out there? I live near DFW and can’t get to the west. Don’t drive anymore, etc. Best of all would be pictures of your model rr with that type of scenery. Thanks.”
Readers can add a comment and/or upload a photo using the COMMENTS link under Morgan’s post.
HO Track Separation
Online Model Train Club Member Ben submitted this query:
“I have limited space so want my opposing tracks close enough not to waste space, but far enough apart not to cause collisions or look fake. How far apart should I make them?”
Add your comments (or view all comments) using the COMMENTS link. Submit a question using the ASK A QUESTION link. Easy!
What’s the Loco Number Limit in DCC Zones?
Geoff has this question:
“I’m new to DCC. I’m planning a small UK OO narrow gauge layout. The system I bought has an output of 2 amps. The circuit protector can have up to six zones, but 1 amp each. The docs say that the 2 amps will power up to 4 HO locomotives at one time, but am I right in thinking that the circuit protector will limit that to 2 in each zone? The docs for the circuit protector say you can connect it in such a way to have 3 zones 2 amps each, which perhaps is what I need to do?”
Train Tracks Across a Doorway… Is it Feasible?
OO scale train enthusiast Brian asks:
“Is it possible to go across a doorway using a hinged section?The electrics side is not a problem. I just wondered if the rails would catch on uplift? I am abit long in the tooth and disabled so crawing under it not an option. I am hoping someone has done this before.”
Ideas for Food Industry on Layout
A question from another readers:
“Hello I am wanting to build a new HO scale layout I want a food factory on this layout and another industry. It needs to fit in a very small space 1 and a half feet by no more the 9-8 inches please give me tips and advice thanks – Brock Ian”
Add you suggestion (and view suggestions from others) using the COMMENTS tag below.
Setting Up a Layout Using Old Equipment
Richard is seeking advice from others:
“I am about to set up a layout and I have only old equipment that was bought in the 1970’s-1980’s and I am wondering if I will have any problem adding modern trains or electronics to an old equipment layout? I am going to start building soon. I have a room about 10 feet by 8 feet.”
Set Up Two Tier Layout
Lou has O gauge and asks:
“I’m using a 4 by 8 sheet of plywood. How do you set up a second tier. Thanks.”
Small space???
Ideas for Small 55 Inch x 23 Inch Layout
Matt from NSW in Australia has this question for those in the know:
“I live in an apartment (I think you call it a condo in the states) and haven’t got a lot of space for an HO layout. I want HO not N scale because I like the larger train size. Don’t fall off your chair but the surface I have to work with is only 55″ x 23″. I know that’s not a lot of room to play with and know I will need to stick to small switcher engines and the like. My preference is for continuous running with possibly a distorted oval design with possibly 10″ turns? Not really sure what will work best.
I would appreciate any ideas for types of layout and rolling stock etc.? Haven’t started yet so am open to suggestions. Thanks a million and thanks for publishing my question!”
To add an answer or comment click “COMMENTS” underneath. To ask a question click “ASK A QUESTION” underneath any posting. It’s that easy.
Fixing Dead Spots On Crossing
Dave has this question:
“Does anyone know of anything that can be done to reduce dead spots when a loco passes thru crossing slow speed. Seems like the smaller the angle, the worse the performance (i.e. a 19 degree is much worse that a 12.5 degree crossing).”
Getting Kids Interested in Model Trains
Sharon is hoping for helpful getting started advice from those in the know:
“Hi my son who is 12 is trying to start his own OO set. We are both complete novices so would appreciate any help!!! He has got a starter set with a small Great Western engine with a 12 AC controller. He has been given an old Evening Star steam train which have been told works! However not on our track. When reading websites is it something to do with it being DC?? Any help much appreciated. Thanks.”
Help for anyone getting started in model railroading – Beginners Blueprint to Model Trains
Logging and Mining Railroad Ideas
Brock hasn’t provided a lot of detail, but hopefully someone can assist:
“I have a HO scale logging and mining railroad. Any tips to make it more prototypical? Thanks.”
Brock can submit a photo and more details using the COMMENTS link below.
Freight Cars for BNSF in Canada
Brock models HO scale and poses this question:
“I model BNSF in Canada, and wondered what freight cars should be on my layout? Any ideas please?”
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.
What Size Should Mountains and Hills Be?
Graham from Australia models N scale and sent in this question for those in the know:
“Please help as I am in process of designing a mountain to scale which is a highlight of my area the trains run in both directions. One goes around the other goes through the mountain. I am having trouble getting my layout to be as the real thing with the gradients. I operate in N scale so any ideas of the best way to address the above would be appreciative. “
DCC and Turnouts – What Will Work?
Ed sent in this question for readers to tackle:
“I’m in the process of building my first N Scale layout. I’m using Kato Unitrack and an NCE PowerCab. I have yet to figure out the best way to operate my #6 Kato turnouts. Can a Digitrax DS64 be used with the NCE PowerCab for this purpose? If not, is there any other “turnkey” product that a non-electrical savvy person use?”
Add your answer, or view the answers, in the COMMENTS below.
Submit your question to the Blog Moderator using the ASK A QUESTION LINK.
Train Set To Run Around Ceiling
Alan would like help from readers with planning his O scale layout:
“I am about to build a model railroad helix in o-scale. I have found a woodworking house to cut the segments employing something called a c in C machine. I am opting to use a full sheet of plywood and since I need 10 segments to raise the train four feet, between the purchase of the plywood and the cutting, it is quite costly, so before proceeding I thought I would ask for your insight. Additionally, I request you provide me with an opinion on what O-scale track to use? I intend to run this along my ceiling and need approximately 200 linear feet plus the curved track for the helix. Lastly what radius of curved track would you use? Any assistance/insight you provide will be most appreciated!”
Add your comment below.
Using A Helix Design Tool
Gary sent in this question for readers:
“I have now used a helix design tool, but need to know how to transfer it to a 4’x8′ sheet of plywood.
Any available conversion to a full size pattern?”
Here is a link to a free helix design tool.
Creating a Rail Yard
Brock sent in this question for others to comment on:
“I would like to have a goods yard on my British Railways OO/HO layout. Any Advice?”
Unfortunately this question is rather vague so it will be hard for readers to provide good answers. Perhaps Brock could add some more specific details in the COMMENTS under this post.
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