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!
Blocks and Electrics On RR Layout
John would like to hear from someone who knows something about blocks and electrics on a model RR layout:
“I have been a model railroader for over 25 years and I now finally have a train spot in our new home after years of collecting with no layout other than a 4 x 8 that had to go when the kids arrived.
I now have a full attic 44′ long by 18′ wide with no obstruction as the stairway is in the middle of the floor. After revising track plan after track plan I have settled on a twin continuous main line with large yard & roundhouse. also several industries & loads of switching possibilities as well as the continuous operation on the main lines.
My question is in regard to the blocking and power I will need to operate over the distances I mentioned. I felt 4 blocks per main line would be sufficient and I have experiance with Atlas blocking systems. Is that enough to maintain two large trains on each main and what type of power do I need to sustain thos distances?
The yards, spurs & comuter auto reverse are under control. I just want to be sure the main lines are trouble free.
I have been planning this for almost 30 years and I don’t want to screw it up. I will use DC not DCC as my budget is rather small though I have been acruing the Track, turnouts, roadbed & trains over the years. What do other model railroaders think, thanks.”
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Switch Wiring
Trainbyte wants to hear from anyone with experience in Switch Wiring:
“Does anyone know if switches and turntables need to be powered by a separate transformer? How do I set up blocks on a 4 gang switch controller?”
Add your feedback on this Switch Wiring question below.
Transformer problems
Craig is having transformer problems and wants to hear from anyone who has experience solving transformer problems:
“I have an old Lionel RW type g transformer. Whether I use the U-A or U-B connections, the train only gets power when I press the ‘whistle’ button. All of the connections have power, based on my voltometer readings. Any suggestions from your readers would be appreciated.”
Craig wants to hear from you if you can help fix his transformer problems. Add your comments below.
Train Locomotive Motors A Puzzle
Tom would like to hear the opinions of others in the hobby regarding loco motors:
“As a new model railroader I am looking at various locos. What puzzles me is there are different types of motors used. Can anyone shed some light on this question?”
To add your feedback click on the green comment link below.
Transformer Power Pack Too Small?
Jerry has a quick question that has been covered previously on the blog:
“My engine runs fine on a short track but when hook it all together about 50 ft. it wont run. Can readers tell me, is my transformer too small?”
To add your feedback click the green comments link blow.
Electric Switch Machine
John wants to hear from readers on Electric Switch Machines:
“I have a train board having 1 1/2″ foam board on top of 3/8″ plywood. Does anyone know how best could I add electric switch machines to my switches? The Tortoise switch machine tells you to drill a hole from the top down and then drill a 1/4″ hole up to bottom of switch. The problem is I’m not able to find a drill bit .032-040 that long.”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Model Train Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for the excellent feedback on my series of model train videos – I’m glad people are enjoying them.
If you haven’t already had a look at the free sample video you can access it here http://www.model-train-help.com/sample-video.html
Here is some info on a couple of videos in the 42 model train video series:
Video #17. Electrics Explained
In this video clip, James explains the control panel he built to control various points on his layout including the signals. He shows you how he has motorized all the turnouts on the main tracks and why he’s left all the other turnouts, such as the interchange, as manual throw turnouts. James has used different methods to attach the turnouts depending on their location on the layout and shows how he has mounted the DCC system under his baseboard.
After a quick tour James explains how to measure the track voltage and how to reduce the voltage to prevent decoders from overheating or failing. He then shows you step-by-step how to build a ‘diode matrix’ set.
Video #23. Making Scenery Foliage
Florist foam is an inexpensive, versatile material to use when making foliage and groundcover for your model railroad layout. Watch how to go about it step-by-step. Then, see a demonstration of applying ‘dried moss’ as foliage. It is so easy when you know how!
The model train video series is available at http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
Switches On RR Layout
Roy is having switch problems and would like suggestions from readers:
“I have 2 o 72 switches that operate together but they have stopped working when I throw the switch. Both switches just chatter and do not switch. I have removed the part with the light or directional and I tried it on another switch. It works fine so I think it must be something under the track part of the switch. I hope someone can help?”
Roy then added a second blog posting:
“I have mth and I have been set up for the past year. When I operate my double switch (2 o72 switches) they stopped switching and just chatter. If I try to switch manual by turning the lt does the same thing. I pulled both lights from the switch and put them on another switch and they work fine so it must be under the switch I think?
To help this fellow model railroader click on the green comments link below and add your comment.
Which Switch On RR Layout?
Here is a reader question you might like to comment on:
“How does one know when to use ‘what’ switch and ‘why’ when building a layout? For example: Should I use a #4, 5, 6, or 8; Should I use a Wye switch or a LH or RH; When would you use a Single Slip versus a Double Slip switch; When should you use a 3-way switch?”
To give your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Lionel O Gauge Switches
Rick has a question for Lionel Enthusiasts:
Can I use gargraves fit up blades to adapt to lionel 0 gauge switches?
To comment click on the green comments link below and add your feedback.
Electronic Circuits For Traffic Lights On Train Layout
Ronald would like to hear from readers with experience wiring electrical circuits:
“I have gone on the internet looking for a traffic light circuit that I can build. I built two and they neither of them work.I am an electronic technician so if a reader could advise where I can source a circuit that works. I know I will be able to build it.”
To comment click on the green comments link below.
Wiring A Model Train Layout
If you have experience with wiring a layout then Ken would like to hear from you:
“I really want to run more than one engine on my train layout but am confused on the wiring. Is it easy to put in those plastic joiners in certain places or just upgrade to a digital train layout?”
To comment click on the green comments link below.
Signal Use And Placement
David has a model railroading question for readers:
“Does anyone know where do I find the signal use and placement? Also, what signal should I use for what purpose? My funds are limited so am looking for something not too expensive.”
Hornby DC Controller and Electric Turntables
Leonard from the United Kingdom has a question for UK readers with an electric turntable:
“Someone bought me an electric turntable for christmas and, what I want to know is can it be wired up to the Hornby DC controller. I thought I may be able to take it off of the junction diode?”
To answer this question click on the green comments link below.
MRC 280 Transformer and MRC Power Station 8
William has a question a reader might like to try and answer:
“I am trying to build medium size N scale model. Question is; I have MRC 280 transformer and MRC power station 8. What other electronics are necessary to operate using DCS?”
To give a comment click the comments link below
Wiring Street Lights On Model RR Layout
Have you ever wired street lighting on a model railroad layout. If you have, then you might have some tips for Pete who is trying to add street lights to his N layout:
“Someone has just bought me some street lights to put on my layout. There are no instructions on how to wire the lights. There are about twenty in total. My question is; can the lights be joined together some how and then go to a power source or do I need to wire each light separately?”
To comment on Pete’s posting click on the green comments link.
Signals To Change Lights In Blocks
Al has a question on HO signals:
“Hey everyone, would anyone know of the best dc signal system to change lights in blocks. Train in the block with one light green, block two light red, block three light yelllow and also to have trains stop on red and slow in yellow? I remember that many years ago there was a section of track that was able to do this, but that seems to be no longer available? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks and happy railroading to everyone.”
To comment on Al’s posting click on the green comments link below.
Trip Signal Devices For Garden Railroads
Reader Shindig asks this question in the hope a Garden Railroader will have some suggestions:
“My railroad is G scale outside. I do not like under the track devices to trip signals. Is there a electric eye device or anything else I can use outside?”
To comment on Shindig’s posting click on the green comments link to have your say.
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