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!
Sound on a South African Class 34-200 Diesel
Andre models HO and asks:
“I have a single South African Railways Class 34-200 diesel with no sound. The sound clips available are for the GE 16 cylinder 2-stroke types of diesel. The 34-200 is based on the GM-EMD GT26MC 16 cylinder 2-stroke, and it is possible to hear the difference the two engines produce. It would. therefore, be technically incorrect to load the GE sound onto the 34-200. Is there anyone out there who knows where to buy sound clips for start-up, idling, accelerating, compressed air blow-down, the full spectrum of the sounds coming from GM-EMD GT26MC?”
Add your suggestion below to assist Andre.
Power Controllers
Frank writes:
“I need more Amps to run all my HO trains. I use a computer power pack puts out 6 amps 18 volts, run through a transformer with power unit removed. Is there a better way to achieve 16 volts max and 10 amps? Any ideas would be appreciated.”
Old O Scale Marx Model 709 Train Transformer Issue
Dale posted:
“I am currently renovating an older Marx train set. I get a weaker response the farther I get from the transformer connection. The set has a Marx Model 709 Train Transformer. I am wondering if I need to replace this transformer? If so… should I replace it with a 709 transformer, or should I change to a different transformer for additional power? If I should replace it…. any recommendations?”
JMRI Digitrax LNWI LocoNet WiFi Interface
Brian asks:
“My HO layout is DCC running a Digitrax DCS52 Command Station and a Digitrax LNWI LocoNet WiFi Interface. What device connects a laptop PC running JMRI to your layout? “
Peco SL-E8361 Turnout Connected To Peco PL-11 Side Mounted Motor
Bruce asks:
“I have an HO Peco SL-E8361 turnout that I’m trying to connect to a Peco PL-11 side-mounted motor, but there’s no connecting rod to go between them. Does anyone have a solution for doing this? The hole in the turnout is quite a bit smaller than the hole in the motor. Thanks.”
Lionel 1033 Transformer Issue
Rick has O scale and writes:
“My transformer Lionel 1033 voltage is low when the load is applied it reads 6v. Without load, it reads 18v. I put a jumper from the b post to the circuit breaker but the voltage read only 8v. Any suggestions on how to get the voltage up to 18 or what to check?”
Reversing Loop for a DC Atlas Code 100 Track
Terry sent in this question:
“I am trying to figure out how to do reversing loops for a DC Atlas code 100 track and train that I got for Christmas in 1961. It has an Atlas code 100 brass track. The stamp on the underside of the engine says The Lionel Corporation New York NY and it is a Santa Fa 0594 blue and yellow engine.
I believe I need 4 reversing loops, number 5-8 on my diagram. The switches are labeled 1-4 on my diagram.
All I can find on the internet is products and information on DCC systems, I have a DC system. Any information on where to purchase, what I need, and how and where to do it would be greatly appreciated.
I should also add, the attached layout is what I would like to have. 1-4 would be switched and I assume 5-8 is where I need reverse loops?”
Add your comments below if you can assist Terry.
Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 – Spectrum 4-6-0
Dan asks:
“I use a Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 and was given a second-hand Spectrum 4-6-0 DCC sound-equipped loco. I tried to ascertain the decoder address by setting it up on my programming track, but it keeps showing a DND error message? Any ideas gratefully accepted.”
Locos Traction Wheels
Ricardo from Buenos Aires, Argentina writes:
“Dear folks my first train set has been Marklin and eventually came over to DC. Don’t know why but since the year dot Marklin added 2 rubber bands to locos traction wheels to improve adherence. Well, if they were stripped of the rubber bands, how would the ride? How many cars could they move?”
DCC Locomotive Problem
Shirish writes:
“I am fresh to this hobby. I bought an InterMountain Railway Co. Loco SD40-2(W). When I run this loco with any other loco, the other loco even when on the siding or stationed on the main, it starts running in reverse without any command. Plus, when both are running on the same track, the other loco stops and then starts running at full speed. Can someone suggest a solution to the problem?”
DCC Loco Control Problem
Andrew posts:
“I am currently using a Hornby DCC controller, with a GWR Castle class OO locomotive, It starts like it’s supposed to but once it reaches its running speed it suddenly accelerates to as fast as it can, even if I try to slow it down with the controller. It won’t respond until I use the emergency stop. Does anyone have any ideas as to what is happening? I currently have it running on the default number 3 DCC address.”
How to Run Two Locos in Different Directions
Peter posted this:
“I am new to this hobby. I just started working my HO layout. I have three main lines. I would like to know how to run one of the three locos in another direction. I have a Digitrax dcs52 command station. Thanks in advance for any help.”
Bus Wiring Break In Circuit
Allan posted this:
“I saw somewhere online not sure of the website where with bus wiring a break in the track circuit ovals is needed because there is one in the bus wire. I get confused with wiring at the best of times and question whether this is really necessary? And if it is – can someone tell me why please?”
Power Supply for Atlas Snap Relays and Turnouts
Jim asks:
“I am rewiring my HO layout and I have a switch to allow DC OR DCC running. I want to use separate power supplies to track LED signals and also for Atlas switch machines. I am having trouble figuring out what specs my power supplies (eg old phone chargers) should be. What voltage, current, and wattage? Thanks for any suggestions.”
Post War Lionel Wiring
Dick asks:
“Do I need a bus wire and feeder wires for an older model O gauge layout? I’m not planning anything eloquent or elaborate, maybe a crossing and a couple o’turn out switches.”
Locomotive Runs then Stops Dead
Phillip has O scale and wants advice:
“I’m new to model railroading and starting with basics. Fasttrack, CW-80, and a Lionel 8042 were all sold as working properly. Loco and coal car only makes about 5 trips around (40″ x 60″ oval) then stops. When I add a car, it runs a trip then start to slow. Add another car and it hums but won’t budge. I feel like I am not getting enough voltage. How do I test that?”
Add your answer or question below.
Converting Analog Bulb To LED
Len models HO and asks:
“Three of my locos have led driving lights, but I have a small switcher engine that still has an analog bulb. Can the switcher bulb be converted to LED, and can I do this without making the LED too bright?”
See the comments below.
Engine Problem
Yavuz from Turkey asks:
“I sprayed my HO DC locomotive with rust remover to remove rust from its wheels, but the engine stopped working. What could be the reason? What do you suggest I do? Thank you.”
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