Jim has a question to test readers knowledge:

“Can I pull power from my DCC electrical buss to power my remote electrical track switches or must I set up a separate electrical power source e.g., a small transformer?”

Have a go at answering Jim’s question and share your feedback with others by using the green comments link below. I’m sure Jim would like to hear your thoughts.

Paul wants to hear from anyone who uses Atlas Supreme powered frog switches and asks:

“I would like to ask others if Atlas Supreme powered frog switches can be used in a DCC system? I am building a new layout (finishing one started a long time ago) and I am using Atlas Code 100 nickel silver track and Atlas Supreme switches. I have not figured out what DCC system to use, so would appreciate suggestions from others on this issue also. Thanks in advance!”

Help Paul by using the green comments link below his posting.

Ian has an OO layout similar, but not exactly the same as, an HO layout and asks readers this question:

“I currently have two circuits of approx 14 metres in total length. I want to join them together with an express lane, also a shunting yard consisting of a turntable. Would my select unit be capable of handling this or would I have to upgrade to the elite.”

Add your feedback using the green comments link below Ian’s posting.

Jake is a retired electrical engineer and needs some feedback from others with experience in the hobby. If you would like to help Jake, use the green comments link below this posting. Here is what Jake has to say:

“As a resurrected model railroader your ebook has been very helpful. My purpose for writing is a dilemma I have for wiring Atlas turnout machines that can use panel lights and toggle
switches. I was hoping one of your many readers could advise me.

I know the switch machines have to use momentary switches to avoid coil burnouts. No one in the industry that I have seen makes a switch controller (except maybe Acme) that can be applied to visual panel control.

I currently use the now defunct GH Products lighted switch controls for the mainline which have always been a pain to adjust and are not reliable. It’s no wonder why the company had difficulties. Good idea, poor execution.

I know the tortoise machines provide wiring detail for the above system but

1. my layout begun in 1978 is traditional DC with Atlas products and is
   track/wiring complete and
2. the installation of Tortoise machines would be hyper expensive for me and would require me to totally rebuild my 21 turnouts (9 mainline, 12 yard). However I am inclined to rebuild my panel if I find a solution to the switch control problem.

If someone could help an old retired electrical engineer solve this problem it would be greatly appreciated.”

Smitty would like to hear your thoughts on schematic diagrams and toggle switches:

“I’m wiring the turnouts on a DC HO layout and have used the simple Atlas slide switches but am not satisfied with them so I decided to design a layout control panel with Toggle switches and LED indicator lights showing which direction the turnout is in when the toggle is thrown.

I know I need to use a Momentary centered Toggles but I need to know which toggle to buy and how to wire them for the effect I want.

I know this can be done in DCC with the Tortoise Switches but I’m wiring a DC Panel only. I could use a Schematic diagram if one of your readers could help. Thanks Again for the Ebook and Blog, I’m slowly learning,”

To help Smitty use the green comments link below.

Tom wants to hear from you if you have a G scale layout and have any tips to help solve a problem he is having:

“I have a g scale track that circles 2 rooms and passes through a central room. It is a dog bone configuration with the 2 loops returning on a common track. In each of the rooms with the loops I have #10151 LGB terminal loop set. The train went into the first room came to the 2nd terminal loop switch and stopped. Now when the transformer is turned on it goes immediately to overload. What am I doing wrong?? Thank you in advance to other blog members.”

To help Tom use the green comments link to add your feedback.

Gerry is having a problem with switches and derailments and wants to know if others have had similar problems:

“I’m a beginning model railroader, coming back after doing it as a kid. I have a layout planned and all the track and switches purchased… my only problem is with my switches. I can’t get all my locomotives to manoeuvre them without derailing. The biggest heaviest locomotives and cars make it without a hitch, but everything else derails. When I slow down to park the cars in the yard, I am never sure if one or two won’t derail. I’m using Atlas manual switches. I’m sure many of your readers will have experienced similar problems and will be able to guide me towards a possible solution. Their help would be appreciated.”

Add your feedback using the green comments link.

Gene is asking a question that many model railroaders experience. He will find help in my ebook. Here is his question:

“I have some problems, and being new with electric trains I thought maybe someone with experience in the hobby might know the answer. The transformer (DC) that came with my Backman train does not have enough power to run the train. I added track and I know that’s the reason. My question is will a dcc transformer provide more power, or do I need something like a booster? Also, is there a special transformer for running accessories, like the lights in my building? Thank you to everyone for any help.”

Add your feedback using the green comments link below.

Gene, you will find some helpful answers and tips in the Model Train Help Ebook.

Philip has a question for readers on wiring turnouts and insulated frogs:

“Can someone tell me do I need to isolate my turnouts if they have an insulated frog? I am running DCC and using a bus wire around the entire track with Atlas insulated remote snap switches. Thanks for the help in letting me post this question.”

To help Philip add your feedback using the green comments link below.

William wants to hear from readers about motor magnets and asks:

“How do I get the magnets on my triang X04 motors to be re-magnetised?”

J.C. would like to hear from those into O Gauge Lionel railroading:

“My pike has two large circles (ovals). The possibilties of two standard trains operating seperatly could be possible if insulating the circles can be done at the switches (connecting the ovals in and out).

I am using fast-trac w/switches.

Question. Can this be done using two transformers (model cw80) I found it to short out when crossing over any seperate insulated section causing the engine to reverse or go to nuetral.

My pike is using over 80 feet of track with 19 switches. I am satisfied it works, so why fix it?

It would be enjoyed a bit more if seperated. I have an old model v 150 volt trainmaster transformer with 4 seperate controls but i cnnnot get the whistle or bell to sound when using it.

Question – What must I do or is necessary to do, to use the more powerful transformer. Lionel railroading is again fun I have been in and out since 1930. Great fun.”

If you can help J.C. please speak out and don’t keep your knowledge to yourself.

Jim wants to hear from others about main track bus lines. If you can help Jim use the green comments link below:

“I have 2 tracks running parallel. Does anyone know, do I need separate main track bus lines for each track, or can I use one set of track bus lines and attach track feeders from each track to it?
Also what about a rail yard with 6 tracks do I need separate main track bus lines? Can someone help me please?”

Please note – this is a free service and relies on readers not only contributing questions, but also contributing answers. To continue this free service we need input from experienced model railroaders. Don’t keep all your knowledge to yourself. There are lots of beginners out there who would benefit greatly from your input. Please share with others in the hobby.

Suba asks readers:

“I am new to Marklin 3rail digital AC . Time and time again I have read on the setting up of the signals (but I have no clue). Can a Marklin 3rail digital AC fan advise me what is the simple rule in setting up. Do i need this decoder?”

Michael is building a Lionel fast track layout and wants to hear from others who work with the same system:

“I am in the process of building a 6×12 Lionel fast track layout. Can someone doing O scale tell me, is there any rule of thumb or suggestions on how many power leads to use to power just the track from the transformer so my one locomotive will run steadily? My layout is a single continuous loop with no block sections.”

Eddy wants to hear reader feedback on his train set power supply:

“I have just received Model Train Set stating ‘ROCO BR VT 11.5 (VT 601) TEE – HO 04183A’ on one side of the box. However, someone put a sicker on the other side of the box, ROCO BR VT 11.5 (VT 601) TEE HO43011.

It is a four (4) pc. train set. One powered diesel, two passenger cars and one
dummy diesel.

I’m having a hard time to run it on my track with other two locomotives. My power supply is 18VDC – 5.5VA. Maybe it’s not enough? Or maybe it’s AC not DC? Perhaps one of your readers can help by telling me what is the power requirement for this particular set? I have been told the power supply is too weak, because this is an old train set, and so I need at least
30 VA. Is this correct?”

Add your feedback to Eddy’s posting using the green comments link.

Joe wants reader’s input on converting to DCC:

“I have several Howell Day Red Ball 4-6-0 camelbacks which I want to convert to DCC with sound. In addition I want to change the motor as well. Can someone advice me please?”

David is looking for 3 rail electrical wiring diagrams – can you help him:

“I am looking for a wiring diagram which will allow me to run two or more engines on a 3 rail system. Can anyone advise me on where to get Hornby Dublo 3 rail electrical wiring diagrams please?”

Click on the green comments link to add your feedback.

Bob wants to hear from anyone who knows about layout lighting control systems:

“Does anyone know if someome makes a product used to control the lights (like building lights, steet lights, etc) via a computer where I can program in timers to turn lights on/off or control each light by clicking a button on my computer screen?”

Add your feedback to this posting.