Planning
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1960’s – 1970’s Diesel Engine. Which Model and Manufacturer
Club member Daniel has this question for readers:
“I would like some suggestions to help me select my next locomotive to run on my 1960’s – 1970’s DCC HO layout. Any suggestions on the best manufacturer or model? I understand this is a very wide ranging question, so I’ve thought a bit about what I really want:
- Price – maybe $150 to $250USD range.
- Reliable performance needs to be a priority as I would would rather have fewer, better engines that can do the job and won’t cause me headaches.
- Style of diesel is not so important. It just needs to fit the era of my US railroad.
Any ideas please?”
Planning a Super Elevation
Club member Lawrence has this question for readers:
“How much should I super-elevate my curves? My plan is to use 1/32 inch thick basswood for my super-elevation at the outer end of the ties. I calculate that at around 3 scale inches in HO scale. Is that sufficient to make it worthwhile, or is it too much? I’m just not sure.”
Superelevations Techniques
Here’s a question from Online Train Club Member Tyrone:
“I am just beginning to lay track on my latest HO layout. I am using flextrack because I find it easy. My question is whether or not it is necessary for me to super-elevate my curves? If the answer is yes, then how should I do it? Also, would I use easements into my curves? This is my second layout and I never did any of the above with my previous layout, and didn’t have any major problems.”
The ASK A QUESTION link is under every post if you have a question you would like published.
Track Radius Question
Allan has an HO scale question for readers:
“I am finally going to make a start on layout, but my question is how much base board is required for a 22 inch radius track? I have to hang the base on a garage wall with a hinge system. My new home is limited in space so height of layout is limited to 160mm or 6 inch for rises and tunnels. I hope it works.”
To post a question please use one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog where you will find the submission form and the editorial guidelines.
Professional Model Builder
Rebecca asks this:
“My brother loves N scale, and has purchased models and equipment to customize. He is disabled, in a wheelchair and deaf, and tech-shy, so he does no email, but can communicate well by text. His manual nerve damage makes model building difficult. Does anyone know of a model railroad builder, especially in the Sacramento/NoCal area, who might be willing and able to do model work to his specs professionally?”
Pros and Cons of Raipro Operating System
Rick asks readers:
“I would like to hear any feed back from a user of Railpro systems. The pros and cons as I’m still in the planning and design stage of building a layout. Thanks”
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Tricks to Maximizing Layout Space for More Trains and Scenery
Plans for background buildings – Click Here
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Starting a Layout with 3 Modules
Steve is planning to build that is divided into three modules and would like some words of wisdom from those in the know:
“At long last, I am going to start an HO layout(s). When I was young, my dad wanted to have a layout – he bought a lot of components, but we never got around to it. My kids are grown and grandkids are coming, so I want to do a layout for them. I would like to do the layout in 3 components so that when the time comes, each of the kids can have a layout. The question(s) are how do I start and do you have any suggestions for 1 large layout that can be set up to be split. I have an area about 12×15 for the layout(s).”
If you have a question you would like the Blog Moderator to consider for publication, you can submit it using any one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog. Please check and proofread your question before submitting it to ensure it is clear and has sufficient information with enough details to prompt quality answers.
Altering Train Layout Configuration
Patricia has an N scale layout and asks:
“I have my dad’s train set which I have had since before his death in 2002. It is on a 3’x8’piece of plywood with mountains and buildings. The central part of the display is a mining town and this takes most of the display. On one end is a very small New England town and the other end has a more modern residential area. The mountains are along the rear 8′ length. My dad was very creative and he made the mountains. The two residential area are slightly elevated over the mining area and have a Styrofoam base. Because of the space the train occupies, I have been trying to think of a way to make the display take less space, possibly by moving the two cities upward to a higher level, but this would entail redesigning the track. I have never actually worked on a model train set and I have no idea how to proceed. Also, there may be a time in the future when the train has to be moved again and I would like for it to be somewhat more portable. We had to rent a U-Haul to move it to my house. Any ideas”
Designing an Oval Helix
Chip is hoping a reader might be able to supply some advice:
“I plan on building a helix for my HO layout. However, instead of building it circular, I am going to build it in an oval. Has anyone got a formula or a plan that would help me plan out what I need to do?”
DC vs DCC? Shelf Layout with One Operator
Wayne has this question:
“I have an HO shelf layout, equivalent a little bigger than 4×8 sheet of plywood. I am using manual controlled switches. One operator. I plan on adding an engine or two, have some inherited old engines would like to run too on occcasion. DC vs DCC?? Which way to go, space limited, don’t plan on bigger layout.”
Add your answer or comment below.
Building a Scale Model Dam and Power House
David is hoping someone can help with this:
“I am working on building a 1970’s HO Badger paper mill on the Peshtigo river. This particular project includes a dam, gate control house and a hydroelectric plant besides the papermill. I am looking for a source of plans with measurements for a dam. Can be any scale, All my photos have zero info regarding the measurements. From what I can determine from the state’s highway department that the bridge crossing the river a little-ways away is 500 feet long. There are no pictures, that I can locate, of the dam itself. There are snippets of the gate house and powerhouse, but none of the actual dam with the gates or mechanisms. Reference sites would be helpful.”
What Size Should The Curves Be On My Model Railroad?
At 84 years young, Jim is planning his first layout and is hoping readers can give him some advice:
“I am 84 years old and about to start my first ever HO layout and admit to being pretty dumb about model railroads. My available size will be 42 inches by 13 feet with only one long side that is not against the walls. I want two loops. One for a freight train and the other for a passenger train. The outside loop can be the normal 18 inch style but the inside loop can not be that wide but in fact only 15 inch. I know that short rolling stock can easily operate on either size but not passenger models with the long cars. I really wish I had an AM Track passenger train but I hear they only come in long cars. Is there such a thing as short passenger cars that are short enough to operate on the 15 inch long line? I thank anyone who might be able to help me. Thanks.”
Power to O Scale Outdoor Layout
Matt asks:
“I need some help with how to power my outdoor O-scale train. I have probably 100 feet of track and I’m assuming the power source that came with my small MTH set will not be sufficient. Can anyone direct me to some help?”
Upper Level Track Clearance And Gradient
Shane models HO and asks readers:
“I want to run a double track to a proposed new upper level on my 4×9 setup and want to know how high to make it above the lower level. I don’t want the gradient too steep but still want enough clearance for access and for trains to run under the top level. Sorry if that sounds confusing.”
Returning To Hobby After 40 Years
Steve wants readers ideas for a new HO layout:
“I am getting back into model trains after 40 years (O gauge) before. I have a space in basement for an HO layout that is 12′ by 9′ by 5′. There two doors almost side by side in left corner of room plus electrical panel opposite hall way door. I am stumped an hot to make my layout and still be able to have grandchildren enjoy hobby with me. Any help will be greatly appreciated.”
Add your comment or suggestions below.
Supporting A Layout From Garage Roof Beams
Stewart asks readers for advice:
“How practical would it be to lift a 8×3 layout by chains and pulleys to the supporting beams in my garage so I can park the wifes Suzuki Swift underneath? I would get into terrible trouble if I damaged her pride and joy. Would it be easy to lift, will it tip sideways, and how safe would it be? Could I lower it onto saw horses for support?”
Adding an Elevated Line to Layout
Daniel models O scale and is confused with a project he is working on:
“I want to add an elevated line on my O scale layout. I purchased two sets of older trestles , 2110 & 110 sets. Both say can use for O Gauge. With plastic H shaped brackets there is no way three rail tubular track can be installed. What do I have? Have seen metal U shaped brackets on line. I would appreciate input and guidance from others.”
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