Technical
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!
Tortoise Switch Motors – Pros and Cons
Brian’s question:
“I am considering installing some Tortoise switch motors on my HO layout. Is this a good solution for a DC layout using Atlas turnouts? As I am new to these motors I am not clear on how these would be wired and powered. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.”
Where to get info on how to wire on DC
Armando is starting off in HO scale and asks:
“I’m a beginner and need help to connect three tracks, but will like to run them in different directions with out having short circuits. I’m setting up with Bachmann Ez track. Any advice would be great.”
How to Wire Electrical Connection from Power Pack to Track
Stan has this question for those in the know;
“Let me begin by saying I’m relatively new to model railroading, and have a great deal to learn. I started out with a Bachmann HO set, that came with a very basic (I think it is a #44211) power pack, which has a red cable that connects to the power pack with what looks like a 3.5mm male connector, and an EZ track connector at the other end.
I have recently purchased a MRC 1370 power pack, which has screw down contacts, rather than female plug connectors, as on the Bachmann power pack.
How do you recommend I connect the MRC 1370 to the EZ track? I do intend to eventually use both power packs.”
How to Light Up a Building
This question comes from online Train Model Club Member Nicholas:
“I want to light up some buildings. What size/type of bulbs and electrical supply do I need?”
The ASK A QUESTION link is under every post if you have a question you would like published.
Wiring an Atlas Switch with a Plastic Frog in a DCC Environment
Tom has this question for readers:
“I use Tortoise switch machines to control my HO switches. I would like to use the switch machine to change the current for the switched rails but don’t know understand where to connect the changing current lead from the tortoise as there does not appear to be a common point for both rails coming off the frog. Do I just solder is to both of the rails coming off the frog or is there a better/more correct way to do it?”
Add your answer, or view answers using the COMMENTS tag below.
How Many Power Districts Are Needed?
Ho railroader Joseph asks:
“Hello all. I have a medium size layout in my basement. It’s 303 feet of track total. 3 continues loops. I’m going to separate into 5 different power districts. Do I need a separate booster for all 5 districts?”
Lionel 0-4-0 Switcher Repairs?
Rusty asks:
“Does anyone know where I might get my two Lionel engines repaired? I have 2 that won´t run. One is an 0-4-0 Switcher (die cast) and the other one is a 2-4-2 (plastic) Columbia. I have taken both apart and touched both sides of the armature cover and it tries to move. Both armatures spin when I roll the engine, so they´re not frozen up. HELP!”
Correct Weight Distribution to Increase Locomotive Pulling Power
Samuel asks readers:
“Does one of your blog followers know a way to add weight to my 2 Ho locos to increase their pulling power? Also how to distribute the weight over the wheelbase?”
DC Power Output
Douglas has this question:
“How long a track can a single HO DC controller work on?”
How To Connect IR Switches
Don models N scale and has this question for readers:
“I have a bunch of IR switches a (small bulb) one side is lighter than the other. It has 4 wires coming out the bottom, and I am not sure how to connect the in / out power etc.”
If you have a question you would like published, simply submit it using one of the “ASK A QUESTION” links on this page. Remember to include plenty of details, because poorly worded questions that are incomplete or confusing often struggle to invite good answers.
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).”
LEDS Without Track Isolators
Michael asks readers:
“Is there a simple way to turn on an LED when a switch is moved using a standard atlas switch control, without putting in a large number of track isolators?
Kato Turnout Switch Controllers
Fred models N scale and sent in these questions:
I like the Kato controllers but would like to place them on a different level than the power packs.
Does a someone make, or show how to make, an extension cable to accomplish this (instead of the standard direct connection)? I guess my real question is does someone sell the proper male & female plugs.
I believe my last question was confusing.
Instead of plugging them into the power pack/transformer directly, I’m looking for a cable that will run from the transformer to the 24-840 switch.
I am controlling 2 turnouts at once in a single situation, but that is on the output side, I’m looking for a cable running from a 22-014 power pack to the row of 24-840 switches on their input side. This is so I can put the controllers on a different level than the power packs.
Resolving DCC Booster Problems
Tom is into HO scale and asks this question:
“I bought an MRC booster to attach to my expanding railroad. It does not seem work. How can I test it to see if my connections or throttle are bad?”
Add your comments or answer below.
How to Wire A Turntable
Not a lot of detail provided, but just a simple question from Paul who models HO. Hopefully someone can assist.
“How do I wire up a dc turntable to use on dcc layout?”
A Double Crossover or a Double Crossover Switch?
Liam sent in this question:
“My question is similar to one Anthony asked. My confusion is between a double crossover and a double slip switch. What’s the actual difference between them, and where would I use each of them?”
Add your comments below.
If you would like to have your question on this blog (10,000 readers weekly), use the ‘Ask A Question’ link below each posting.
Is Block Wiring a Good Idea when Running DCC?
Ben has OO and asks readers:
“I heard block wiring is not necessary for DCC, whereas with DC it was essential. Although that makes sense, surely on DCC it would still be sensible to isolate electrical problems by isolating one block at a time?
I know people use multiple drops with DCC as a way of evenly distributing power and increasing reliability. So maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree? Feedback appreciated.”
If you have a question you would like published – simply click the ASK A QUESTION link to submit your question for review by the Blog Moderator.
To assist Ben with his question – use the COMMENTS link.
Auto Forward/Reverse Circuit
Gopal models in N scale and asks:
“Can any of your readers help me? I need Auto forward /reverse circuit, with pause at both ends for my N scale ROCO layout. Does anyone know where I could purchase one online please?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
