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!
IR Switches, LED Lights and Resistors
HO enthusiast Don has sent in two questions for readers:
1. “IR switches have three wires coming out, think that the center one would be positive and the other two would positive out too one side or the other, is this a momentary or a constant supply ? And, should there be a resistor on the IR switch?”
2. “I have a number of led bulbs, and a number of small led fixtures, information is connect a resistor to the bulbs, is that to each bulb or a number of them in a group or collection of them. Is there a + and – to each bulb?”
What to do when engines lose power?
Howard from Maine asks readers:
“On my O gauge layout I run four trains at the same time using a Lionel ZW transformer. I look after my locomotives servicing them correctly and each one works perfectly on its own. The problem is when I try to operate all four at the same time. That’s when things start to go pear shaped. The older ones in particular lose voltage and slow down usually in the same spot. I have tried attaching leads directly beneath the problem area, but the problem has not resolved. Can someone provide a possible solution, or at least suggest what to look for?
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Transformer Keeps Tripping
Rick model S scale and asks:
“I am looking for a good strong 18 VAC transformer to power a lot of accessories and lights. My AF 30B transformer keeps tripping and I think I need more power than the 330 watts it puts out. Is anything available? I’m not having much luck finding a supplier on the internet, but maybe someone knows of a stockist.”
Switches For Turnouts
HO enthusiast Paul has this question for readers:
“Simple question … for Tortoise switch machines what is easier DPDT toggle with 2 LED’ s or a dual color lit DPDT… if the later, any suggested source? Thanks in advance.”
Problems With Wiring
Bob M asks readers:
“I have a N scale 4’x 8′ layout that I am happy with, but I can only get small sections to work so I am clearly not understanding what I need to do with regards wiring. Thanks for any suggestions.”
Perhaps Bob M could add some more details to his question in the comments section as this will help readers better understand the problems he is having and know the solutions he has already tried.
If you would like to have your questions published, you can use the “Ask a Question” link below any of the postings. TIP – The best thought-out questions usually get the best answers.
Sound System for Model Trains
An S scale reader asks:
“I have 3 s scale trains that I am in the process of building a layout. I am looking for a sound sustem.I am told MRC does not make them anymore. Does anyone know of an other vendor?”
Current Keepers on DC Layout
Joe asks readers:
“I am old school and running an Nscale DC system on my small layout. Are current keepers compatible with a DC locomotive? Are they small enough to fit N scale? Thank you for your input.”
When to Use a Rectifier for Lighting
Tony M posted this question for readers:
“My question is about adding lights to buildings on my layout. The bulbs I have are 1.5v and my power packs are 19v ac output. My buildings I have that already have lights work ok, but the 1.5v bulbs blow when I hook them up, which is because of voltage difference. I am just a bit unsure how to fix this problem. Do I need a rectifier?”
Problem with Chattering and Oscillating Servo Point Motors
He is a question posted by Barrie:
“I have a problem with the servo motors that control the turnouts on our N scale club layout chattering or oscillating when an old type DC loco is run on the layout. This doesn’t happen if new type locos are run or the system is run as DCC (Our N scale Layout has been wired to operate as DC or DCC). The club N scale layout has a HO/OO layout directly below and when they run some of their old DC locos it causes their turnouts and ours to chatter. I think it may be RFI generated by the loco motor and the minute sparking that occurs at the loco wheels while running. We have used about 70 model aircraft type servo motors to control all the turnouts on both layouts. These turnouts are wired back to electronic control boards around the layout that can each handle 8 servos.
Each servo is then operated by single pole single throw switch on the main schematic panel which is wired back through the electronic control board. The N & HO/OO turnout systems are separate and each is powered by a 5v & 12v computer type power supply. The turnout power system is also electrically separate from the track power supply. Any suggestions how we can overcome this problem would be appreciated.”
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AR1 Automatic Reverse Controller Mounts
Doug asks readers:
“I was wondering how to mount an AR1 to the table/control panel. Do you need to put it in a case (from where) or can you just screw it down? Thanks.”
Problems With Peco Turnout Motor
Asa models N scale and asks readers:
“ I have Peco turn out motors. And I have attached to the bottom a switch that controls dwarf lights. When I hook it up to the ac side of my transformer it works fine. When I put the turn out track on it does not work at all. I pulled the little spring that keeps the points in place and it went back to work fine. I’m I doing something wrong or could my transformer be weak or is there something else I should be doing? I would like to keep the spring because it does a very go job of holding the points in place. the ac voltage is 20. ”
Power Source for LED Lighting
Jose models HO scale and asks readers:
“What kind of transformer do I have to buy for led lights?”
Grade Crossing Signals
Bill models HO scale and has this question for readers:
“I would like to place a micro Denver or switch to turn my grade crossing signals, but don’t now what to use, how to do it, or where to buy needed items.”
Loco Made Using a Stanton Drive 4 Wheel Truck and Dummy
Reader Robert models HO and asks this question:
“I have made a loco using a Stanton drive 4 wheel truck and dummy. It runs OK on the flat or running up grade, when descending grades it runs with a very jerky motion. Any suggestions on how to remedy the problem?”
Powering LED Lights for Passenger Coaches
Schalk models N scale and asks readers:
“I want to install LED lights in my N Scale (DC) passenger coaches (Atlas, Bachmann, Model Power, etc.) without using power from the tracks. I want the lights to remain on when a train is stationary (waiting for signals, standing in a station). Is there an easy way to install LED’s with their own power source in passenger cars, and most importantly how can they be switched off? Thanks.”
Atlas #205 Connector Wired to Railpower 1370 Powerpack
Gary models HO and asks readers:
“I have an Atlas #205 connector wired to a Railpower 1370 powerpack to control my lights and accessories. Would there be any problem if I connected a 12-position Miniatronics Power Distribution Block to one of the 3 switches on the 205 connector, and then connected the lights and accessories to the PDB? In other words, would it be too much on one circuit if 12 lights/accessories are on that one circuit? I have a lot of wires under my layout and I’m trying to simplify things. Thanks!”
Wiring? Boosters? Circuit Breakers?
Aaron models HO scale and asks readers this:
“I am currently building a layout about 5 -6 pieces of plywood (standard size) formed in a horse shoe shape.. with a under ground staging yard to park the locomotives.. my question is how would I wire my system up? How many boosters? What about circuit breakers? Etc”
Fixing Track Turnout Problems
Marshall models N scale and asks readers:
“I have laid ATLAS TURNOUTS and a lot of my rolling stock jump track when they get to the actual switch housing, so I changed to PECO. Now, my problem is that the power switch extension arm is too far away. Q) How do I make the extension rod longer?”
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