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!
Question About 16V AC or DC Power Supply
George who is new to model railroading has this question:
“I am very new to the model train world and I’m hoping you can help me out. I recently purchased the HO Bachmann Echo Valley Express with Digital Sound (HO Scale). I now purchased 22 radius track to add a second oval. I also purchased a left and right #6 Remote Crossover Turnout. There is a note on the instructions for it that says: All analog turnouts (non-DCC) require 16V AC or DC accessory power supply for operation. Where do I buy this additional power source? Do I need more than one? And how do I set them all up? Any help would be very appreciative. Thanks!”
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Live-Wiring Peco Code 100
Nigel models OO gauge and asks readers:
“My question is – First-wiring up Peco code 100 tracks to make them live ready for DCC operation. How do I wiring up the rails on a 21/2 inch incline and down through the 3/4 inch plywood board, without splitting/damaging the incline? And what is the best way for the wiring? Please can you help me out-Thank you!”
Using WD40 on Model Railroads – Right or Wrong?
Benjamin W sent in this question:
“I’d like to know if WD-40 is suitable for lubricating the engine gears? Also is WD-40 ok for oiling trucks on the freight cars and track? I’ve had a go and it appears to be working ok for the moving parts and smoother runs on my track, but am I really using the right product and going about it the right way?”
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Solving The Problem of Dim Lights in Passenger Cars
Club member Michael M asks readers:
“I want to improve the lighting in my passenger cars? The lights are very dim and not easily noticeable unless the room is completely dark. I seem to recall reading somewhere that capacitors store DC current, so presume they will provide a constant voltage to the lighting? It is all a bit confusing. Can anyone help.”
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Shorting Out on Peco Code 100 Turnout
Brian has OO gauge and has this question for knowledgeable readers:
“When joining turnouts running with 12v DC together in a string the locos frequently short out the supply to the track. It would appear to be at the point where one or the other of the loco pick ups crosses a certain part of the turnout. Is this something that can be cured by wiring adjustments?
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Locos Halting at the Same Spot on the Layout – Why?
Dale asks readers this:
“First, I’m just in the process of building a 10’X 16′ HO layout. I have an BLI Big Boy that, besides causing a short at switches, seems to halt and restart at the same section of track, mostly on curves, but not always. The condition is worse when pulling 26 cars. It also is running at about 1 amp. I’ve cleaned the track over and over, but it does not make a difference. The engine is only about two weeks old. Could the track itself have faults in it? I check it with the voltmeter and it always shows about 13v, sometimes dropping to 10v. I’m using an NCE Power Cab. with incline circuit protection with light emitting fuses. However, my smaller Pacific 4-6-2 does not hesitate even under the same load. Engine trouble? And, how do you prevent shorts at switch frogs? Thanks.”
If you have a model railroading question you would like published on this blog – simply follow the directions outlined when you click the ‘Ask a Question’ tag below. Priority will be given to well worded, well thought through questions that assist readers in clearly understanding the nature and details of the problem you want to solve. The best questions usually attract the best answers. Also, please check your questions for spelling and grammar prior to submission as we strive to provide the best quality experience for our readers.
Hooking Up Electrical Wires to the Body of a Train
Richard models in HO and asks:
“On a Westside brass K5 4-6-2 motor where do I connect to 2 wires that run off the motor connection?”
Peco 3-Way Electro Frog Turnout (SL-E99) with a PL-10E Turnout Motor
Lou models in HO and asks readers:
“I just installed a Peco 3-way electro frog turnout (SL-E99) with a PL-10E turn out motor. The motor is fitted directly to the turnout and dropped into the base table through a 40mm x24mm hole. Before installing the motors to the SL-E99, I wired the motors and tested them before attaching them to the track. All worked well.
When I attached the PL_10E’s to the SL-E99 the motors would bind. One in “right” direction when I activated the switch and the other in the “left” direction when I activated the switch. If I gave the motor a little help when I activated the switch it moved the point rails in the proper direction. No problem going in the other direction, and without any help other than the switch motor.”
Reverse Loop Switching
Don models N scale and asks:
“Some time ago I saw a circuit which used a double break in each rail, the small isolated piece of rail would then go live when a metal wheel hit it, which would trigger a latching relay to set the correct polarity on the loop track. It proved almost impossible to cut and solder to that tiny bit of track. Any ideas or do most people use infra-red train sensing? Any other thoughts? Thanks.”
How to a Wire K-Line Crossing Gate
Charles asks readers:
“I forgot how to wire my crossing gate. It has two bolts with nuts in front of the gate. K-line made it. Everything I try it only does two things.
1. It goes without a train going pass.
2. It doesn’t go down at all.
I even tried to insulate the track outer rail as well as the center rail. Still did the same two things. I lost the paper on them how to wire them when we moved three years ago. Please can I get some help on wiring the O gauge crossing gates – thank you.”
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Running Locos on Bluetooth
Paul has HO and posts this question”
“A few years ago, I saw a video of a beginners HO set with a Bluetooth loco that could be controlled by any phone or tablet. It ran on standard DC rails and they said it could do anything DCC can do. The video said you could run several different locos from the same “controller.” I called my local hobby shop and they never heard of it. Has anyone else heard of, or used something like this?”
Converting Pantograph Powered Locomotive To Rail Power
Noel has this question for readers:
“Can, and if so, how easy is it to convert a locomotive from power from the pantograph to power from the rails – DC?”
Power To Trains
Ghi has HO scale and posts this questions for readers:
“I am just starting my model railroading. I made a big loop (20 x 4) . The trains run really well but the further from the transformer they go they start to slow down and when they come closer to the power source they speed up again. Can i put multiple power sources on the same loop from the same transformer?”
How To use LED Lights
HO enthusiast David asks:
“I have a Bachmann GP-9 that I removed the DCC board and replace it with a MRC emd567 decoder drop in sound board. I need to find out how to up the front light. Can anyone help me? This the first time I try this.”
Do You Need To Separate The Switch With Frogs?
Douglas models N gauge and wants reader suggestions or comments on his question:
“I would like to know when setting up a DCC layout do I need to separate the switch with frogs? ”
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Model Railroads Electronics – Using Arduino For Animation
Learn more about using micro controls on your layout.
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Finding and Fixing Electrical Problems
Michael models HO and wants comments or suggestions from readers:
“I just received my new HO train and MTH commander and Z1000 power pack. My new MTH diesel engine runs fine on the Kato track and everything works (sounds, direction, etc). But when I place a box car on the track it seems to spark on the track and cuts the connection on the engine and become non operational. I used 18 gauge wire. I feel clueless about what the problem could be? Any suggestions would be appreciated.”
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Which Transformer to Buy? What Wattage?
Jim asks readers:
“I’m building a medium sized o-guage layout for a single vintage 1954 Lionel train set. The layout size is a multi-level 6 x 9′ with a few accessories including automatic switch tracks. I am looking to upgrade from my old, small transformer but don’t want to spend any more money required to run this size layout. Any suggestions or recommendations on a transformer that will meet my needs but not break the bank? What size wattage is enough? Should I buy a new transformer or a used one? I’m new to all this. Thank you.”
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