Dick wants to get back into the hobby and use technology where possible. He would like to hear what others think is his best course of action:

“I am reactivating my hobby interest after a 45 yr. hiatus. I am on a fixed income. I would like peoples recommendations please on the use of a computer for operation of a HO multi train board. I would be interested in knowing about software for layout designing for getting me back up to speed on current model RR’ing. I expect the wiring for a lot of the board will be difficult after initially done since a major part of the board will be very difficult to access for under board wiring later on (and I can no longer crawl under tables & benches). I’m hoping that with current computer technology that there might be some system to alleviate or minimize some future re-wiring should it be necessary. Also, since I haven’t yet designed the layout, I’d like to get recommendations for some affordable design software. I’m really looking forward to reactivating my long delayed hobby. Any help or suggestions for further investigation will be appreciated.”

Comment below.

Paul has a question (but I am not sure exactly what he wants). Someone might like to offer some suggestions and maybe Paul could use the comments link below to elaborate on his question so he can get a good answer instead of just a guess:

“Ten to fifteen years ago (I had no interest in trains at the time) I ran across a mint HO steam engine that was really nice. I bought it and another engine that was also new that was used to move other units around the yard. Now, the larger of the two had two stranded copper wires on the undercarriage (I assumed to somehow supply the power needed). The little one had no wires as I recall. Could someone offer an opinion about getting them moving.”

Comment below.

Marvin has a question for anyone with knowledge of transformer output:

“I put up an elevated train in a room, approximately 12 by 15 (54 feet of track). The O train runs very fast by the station where the transformer is connected, but slows down as it gets to the other side of the room. I have a K-Line hobby transformer. It produces 0-20 volts AC. Is it too small to run a train on a track of this length? Or is there something else I can do?”

Comment below.

Jerry has a question fopr blog readers and asks:

“Why are switches and switch motors such a problem? Most switches (code 83) are too delicate and under table switch motors are weak and don’t have the strength in the arm to throw the forks, and power supplies are almost non existent.”

Comment below.

Mike want to hear reader’s comments in reply to his posting:

“I have a Fleischmann HO Layout with Lenz DCC and several years HO experience. I am just now beginning an outdoor G Scale layout for our grandchildren. I have 3 Aristo Craft Locos (a Rogers and 2 Switchers) pulling about 4 to 5 cars each on Aristo Craft track (combination brass, stainless and some alluminum)powered by the Aristo Engineer Power Pack with remote control(s). I have track for about two 15 by 35 foot ovals and it is very difficult just to keep up speed beyond a crawl. This even though I have run several extra direct connections. When the rails become tarnished over time I expect it will be impossible to even send the train around.

I believe that a rechargeable battery system rather than rail power would be a more reliable way to run outdoor trains. I expect the rechargeable batteries would be a bit expensive but performance is more important than being frustrated with no power. I would like to start out with a reliable system that is reliable and expandable rather than invest further in rail power. I would also like to control sound remotely.

Does anyone have experience using the Aristo Craft Battery Powered system?”

Brian has a wiring question to challenge readers:

“I have points with 3 terminals and switches with 2 terminals. Can someone please explain to me how I should connect these and in Ladybird style if possible. Looking forward to your reply please.”

Comment below.

Gerry wants some advice from readers on transformers and wattage:

“I was recently given a Louis Marx train set in OK shape but minus a transformer. How can I tell what wattage transformer it uses? I googled marx and found out that there are many transformers and many wattages. When I hook my newer ho gauge transformers up to the set the overload circuit kicks the transformer off. I don’t want to keep doing this or I will ruin my newer transformers. Please help me find the right transformer.

The train was given to me by someone dear to me and I would like to get it running. When I took the loco apart to clean it I didn’t see any numbers or plates inside or outside it. Thanks in advance.”

You can help Gerry and comment below.

Phil asks for readers opinions on software they have used. Obviously there could be many different views as to which system is the “best” depending who is commenting and the nature of their set up. However, it would be interesting to hear some opinions regarding software. Leave your comments below.

Phil asks: “What is the best model railroad software for a beginner model railroader?”

Eric is having a problem with wiring and seeks help from someone more experienced in the hobby:

“My question is how many power connections do I need on my 027 4×8 layout? Where should I locate them? The layout consists of a figure-eight within an oval within an oval. The figure eight connects to the outside oval on the bottom and to the inside oval at the top, approximately. Six remote switches and one 90 intersection allows this to work.

I can wire the outside and center rails at intervals for the outside oval. My question is if I need to wire power to the inside oval or figure-eight, which rail is now the same outside rail as I wired when I did the outside oval?”

Comment below.

Larry wants advice from readers and asks:

“Try as I may it seems like I can’t get my HO trains to run. I have bought a new power pack, but I don’t seem to have the juice throughout the system. Man its frstrating. I have taken down my layout and then put it up again many times due to family needing the spare bedroom. Maybe that is part of the problem?”

Readers can advise Larry by using the green Comments link below.

Jack asks if a reader can “please help me understand the advantage of using an electrofrog turnout versus the insulfrog turnout or vice versa.” If you think you can advise Jack, then please use the green comments link to answer his question.

Tom asks readers:

“Does someone have a wiring diagram for an HO North East Line layout for DCC? And suggestions on gauge of wires to use (from feeders to main lines running to DCC power pack). And, should I use a DPDT switch between the 2 main lines and the power pack? I will be using DCC only. My last question is, should I do soldering or use suitcase connectors? Thanks for any help on this.”

Comment below.

It sounds like Gerry is having power supply problems and asks readers:

“How can I tell if my transformer puts out enough voltage for my layout? If I have to use two transformers, how do I wire them?”

To see earlier questions submitted use the search box above. If you submitted a question earlier and want to see if anyone has answered it, simply type your name into the search box above, or type in a keyword relating to the subject. For example if you search the name Gerry you will get these results.

This blog is run on a voluntary basis and is a free service for people in the hobby.

If one of the readers is kind enough to answer another reader’s question, it would be good if that questioner would add a quick comment using the COMMENTS link to thank the reader concerned. There are several very thoughtful readers who regularly give their unpaid time to help others in the hobby.

David has a question for Peco users and asks:

“On my OO layout I have been using PECO surface side mounted points motors and Hornby points, no problem, but I now have started useing Peco points (sturdier) but I find the motors not powerful enough to switch the points. Does anyone have the same problem, or any thoughts on this?”

Comment below.

Jim wants advice from others in the hobby about how to go about replacing a motor assembly and asks:

“I have an old train set that I took out of the attic hardly ever used and connecting it up for my son. It is an old HO scale Bachmann GE U36B Diesel Locomotive that needs the motor assembly replaced. The original Bachmann stock # was 3204 and it was listed as a Powered Truck Assembly. If these are not available would there be a replacement kit that would fit?”

Readers can comment below.

Bill asks readers:

“I am wiring track for rail power and want to know the smallest gauge of wire I could safely use? I don’t want voltage drop. Can I use stranded wire or must the wire be solid?”

Add your comments below.

Gerry has an HO layout and has a question for readers about soldering rail joiners:

“I know I should solder all other electrical connections, but should I also solder rail joiners to track sections?”

Take part in this discussion. Use comments link.

Charles asks readers for help:

“What do others think is the best design to spring power LGB switch (turnout)?”

Take part in this discussion.