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!
Red LED Glows Brighter – Why?
Online Train Club member Jaymie posted this question:
“I can’t get my green, yellow, and red LED’s to shine at the same intensity. They all have the same resistor value but the red light glows brighter which is weird?”
If you can answer Jaymie on why his “Red LED Glows Brighter” add a comment below.
Where To Put Insulated Rail Joiners, Frog and Switch Turnouts
Ross H has this question for blog contributors:
“I have a reasonably small layout which I am wiring for DC operations. I am including blocks to leave engines when not in use. What I’m not sure of is where to position the insulated rail joiners in conjunction to the switch turnouts. Will the placement of the insulated joiner affect the placement of the switch turnouts and frog? Am I right in having the switch on the mainline or approaching block? What else do I need to know please?”
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If you want to see the answers to Ross’s question on “Where To Put Insulated Rail Joiners, Frog and Switch Turnouts” use the Comments link to view, or add a comment.
Connecting a Prodigy Express and Booster
Tony who models in HO asks:
“I have a prodigy express and a booster. How do I connect them? I don’t understand the instructions on the back of the booster which says run a cable from the ‘Factory use only’ port on the prodigy (I don’t have a factory only port). When I connect the prodigy to the booster with the telephone type cable the power light and pilot dim and blink and there is no power coming from the track connector on the booster. I also have an ac/dc adapter with a telephone jack on the end which I assume should be plugged into the booster. Any help would be greatly appreciated”
Voltage Amperage Ranges With Dropping Resistors?
This question is from Ray J:
“What voltage and amperage rating would I need for the indicator LED’s on the control panel I am building for my O scale setup? My trains are quite old. I know the switches use a standard voltage, but I heard LED’s need specific voltage / amperage ranges with dropping resistors? Sounds complicated?”
Add your comment and view the comments below.
Why Does My Train Only Run In Reverse?
Warren asks readers:
“I have a Lionel engine with 8604 on side. It has been boxed for 15 years. It will only run in reverse and there are no switches on the engine anywhere. I think we used to change directions by moving the voltage regulator to off and then back on but that does nothing now. It just runs in reverse. Why would this be?”
Kato 22-018 and 22-018 Power Packs for HO and N scale?
Allen P asks:
“Kato is said to sell power packs that are for both HO and N scale. I find that a bit far fetched??? The model number 22-014. I also saw one with the number 22-018, so I’m a bit confused?”
Add your feedback and suggestions below.
Electrical Connection Problem with Arnold 2950 S-Bahn
Chris models N scale and sent in this question for readers:
“The wire between the end wagon and the power train severed during shipping, despite proper packaging. I don’t have much wiggle room to solder the wires together and am afraid to open the unit further due to accidental destruction. The connection is broken between the coupling bridger going into the the cabin that is the main power train for the locomotive. It is the DB Series 420 running from the 1960 to the 1990 in Munich and other cities.
Any suggestions? The train runs great and two of the three wagons light up, except the the one with the severed connection.
Use the link below to send in your model railroading questions for publication.
Engine Short Circuit
Aiden has this question for readers:
“When I put power to the track one of my OO engines short circuit making me lose power to the track. If I unplug it and wait 10 seconds then plug it back in and try another train that train works. I have Hornby equipment.”
Send your question to the Blog Moderator for publication. See link below.
Bachmann HO Scale EMD GP40 Locomotive Derails
Trevor W asks readers:
“I’m finding my Bachmann HO Scale EMD GP40 loco derails at different spots along the track and it’s not happening with my other engine. I sense it could be a power or wiring issue as it is a bit sluggish at times. I recently did redo a large portion of my track and the problem has started since doing that, so wonder if that has contributed. What would be my best course of action for resolving this problem please.”
Add your comment or answer below.
Engine Only Goes in Reverse?
Bill models Lionel O scale 1.48 and asks:
“My engine only goes in reverse. When I put another engine on tract it can go both forward and reverse. Why is this one engine only going in reverse? Looking for remedies. Thanks.”
Add your comments to help Bill below.
Powering Lighting on Layout
James asks:
“How can I use a 9v or 12v to wall adapter to power some accessories especially lighting? Can I use the wall adapter and cut and splice the ends to led lights ? Or splice it to a block and then run from there to my led lights? A little help anyone please. I’ve heard of people using wall adapters but not how to splice them to leads.”
Add your comment below.
Fixing Shorts When Locos Power Up
Michael S asked:
“I have an DC analog HO scale railroad and following some work on the layout track I am now getting a short which stops me from fully powering. I only get to about 40%. Anything above this and it shorts out. I can wind down the power so the loco starts to slowly run. Is this problem something to do with a turn out?”
Access To Train Wheels
Robin sent in this question for readers:
“My Roco diesel engine (HO scale) requires traction tires part 40069 which I see I can get on eBay. Problem is; I can’t figure how to fit the tires. I can’t see any screws to undo thereby exposing the wheels? I know some other engines have tiny screws to undo to access the wheels. Any suggestions?”
Have your question published here. Use link under this post.
Wiring on a Reversing Switch
Franklin needs help and asks:
“I want to wire a reverse switch on my turntable (Atlas), and I wanting to know if there’s any problems I could encounter/avoid.”
Send in your question by clicking on the link below.
Electrical Switch Relay For LED
Peter M asks readers:
I would like to run LED street lights off of my garden railway track. As LED’s only work in one direction can any one tell me what I need in the way of an electrical switch (relay) to enable the lights to work when I change direction?
Post your answer below.
Walthers Cornerstone Motorized 130′ Turntable Not Working
Wayne would like help with this problem:
“I have a fault issue, when I try to turn my non DCC 130ft Walthers turntable, it only moves about an inch then stops. I can then move it about an inch in the opposite direction. This happens when the turntable is placed on the pit in any position. It doesn’t appear to be jamming and I have cleaned the terminals. There doesn’t appear to be any broken wires. The turntable worked okay the previous day. Can you please help me? Regards Wayne”
Comment below.
Reserve Loop Wiring Advice
Ron Bailey sent in this question:
“I am working on my OO gauge layout in my garage and will have a reverse loop. I have been told about the Digitrax AR1 automatic loop. I am wondering how to wire things as there are a couple of dead end sidings in the loop? A portion of the loop is the main line so I was curious how the reverse loop would operate with these sidings?”
Drawing credit: digitrax.com
Switch Wiring Question
Ren T models in N scale and asks:
“Can I wire a red & green LED signal status light to DC Bachmann turnout control switch? I want a green light for mainline direction and and a red light when the switch is not in position to direct trains off the mainline?”
Send in your question for publication. There is a link below.
View the comments, or add a comment to Ren’switch wiring question. There is a link for that below too.
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