Trackage
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!
Running Model Trains After Hurricane Ida Flood
Gary was impacted by Hurricane Ida and asks:
“We had IDA dump 10” in our basement. None of my O scale train equipment was damaged. My question is, the track. I had kept a 50-55 degree humidity. It has come down to good numbers. I’m worried about the track surface. What should I do and/or use.”
Using NCE Switch-Kat and Kato 4ch Turnout Controller
Ivan asks:
“My HO track and turnouts are Bachmann. Can I use the Switch Kat and Kato 4ch controller? The Bachmann turnout has 3 wires, whereas Kato turnouts have two? How would you wire that so that it would work?”
Dirty Stuff On Rails
Kev writes:
“I’ve only been running my trains for a short time and already there is black stuff building up on the rails. If I don’t clean it away my engine loses some power. I don’t think it’s grease, oil, or the paint I used on the ties and rails which I shined with bright boy. What is it and the cause, and how can I prevent it from coming back? Do others have this problem?”
Post your comments below, or have your own question published by using the ASK A QUESTION link.
Cork Track Base
Jeff asks readers:
“I have an old HO scale setup on a 4’x6’ sheet of plywood. The old track is on a raised cork bed. The train barely moves on the track. After applying several cleaning methods, unsuccessfully, I’m told I need some new track. I would like to purchase new updated tracking but am unfamiliar with it. Most importantly will it fit on my previously installed cork bed. Any help to get me started would be greatly appreciated.”
Add your comments to assist Jeff below.
Numbers on Crossovers
Hank models HO and asks:
“What do the numbers on the cross over (for example #4) means, and when or where do you use number #4, #5, or #6 cross over?
Add your answer below.
Track Voltage Loss
Neil models HO and asks:
“My loco drops 2 volts and slows the further away it gets from my power terminal track. Do I need 2 power terminal tracks positioned at opposite ends of my 9 foot track? Can someone clarify please?”
Get your question published on the blog too. See the link below.
Code 100 Track Question
Beginner to the hobby Orjan asks:
“Sorry for my ignorance but in simple terms what does code 100 mean? If I go with code 100 would I always need to use the same track code?”
You can send in your own question for publication by using the ASK A QUESTION link below.
Which EZ Track To Use
Darren who models HO asks:
“I’m using EZ track and am planning to add a two-stall engine shed to my layout. Which track should I use to have two lines run into the shed before combining just after exiting the shed? Will there be any likely issues?”
Post your comments below, or use the ASK A QUESTION link to have your own question published.
Which Industries To Model
Allan posted:
“I’ve decided on N scale for my new layout which has the potential to be 2ft-3ft deep in places in my 8ft x 10ft space. I also decided to model the late ’90s to the present day, but haven’t yet decided on an industry (industries) to incorporate. I had thought of logging & lumber, but there are probably better options these days. Ideas are definitely appreciated! Thanks in advance!”
You can contribute your suggestions below.
Planning a 3 Percent Track Grade
Simon asks:
“Looks a 3% grade section is what I’ll need on my 65″ x 90″ HO layout. I was hoping for less, but with 18″ curves and a 122″ run that’s what’s going to need to happen. My questions – How restrictive will 3% be? What do I need to watch out for?”
Add your suggestions to assist Simon below.
Wiring for Susquehanna Valley & Gulf Summit
Jon B has been an N scale modeler since 1978 and posted this:
“Yours truly is in process of building the Susquehanna Valley & Gulf Summit N Scale layout. It first appeared in 1970 as ‘Nine Atlas N Scale Model Railroads’ as Layout N-109. There was a 2nd edition revised in August of 1976. Some years ago, a modeler published a DCC wiring version. Today, the same N scale layout is known as Atlas Layout N-18.
Drum roll, please…
My question is – Do any of you know where I can get a wiring schematic that will allow DCC on the Upper Level and DC with TWO DC controllers for the bottom level?
The rationale for this is yours truly wants to operate the upper level while two grandsons operate the DC version on the lower level.”
Please add your comment or suggestion below to assist Jon.
Thoughts on Atlas Code 83 Track
Wayne posted this question:
“It’s taken me a while, but I’m now at the point of buying track for my first HO layout which will be 9ftx4ft. My cousin uses Atlas code 83 track, but before committing I would like other people’s thoughts on what track would be best? Does it come down to personal preference, or is one track better than another?”
To have your question published use the ASK A QUESTION link below.
Crossovers
Bud models HO and posted this:
“My train components crossing a crossover are diverted to the second track after the engine and some cars have crossed OK. Even though the crossover looks OK to the eye I still have an obvious problem. Any thoughts?”
Preferred Track for Beginners Layout
Andy sent in this question:
“I am planning an 1800×1200 (6×4) N scale layout of logging & mining operations. It has been almost 40 years since I last had anything to do with Model RRs. What is the preferred track type for use that is available in Australia? Thank you in anticipation.”
Insulated Turnouts
Mike sent in this question:
“What is the difference and advantages of insulated vs uninsulated turnouts for DCC?”
Loco Speeds For Consists
Jamie is into N scale and posted this question:
“Is there a decoder that can regulate the speed of a loco in a consist? I only have two engines… an Atlas and a Kato… but the speeds don’t match well. I don’t want to risk damaging them. Any suggestions?”
To add a suggestion or see the answers, click on the COMMENTS below.
Inner and Outer Helix Tracks
Graeme asks:
“I am looking at a double-track HELIX, is there a way to have some indication of the outer track and inner tracks? I am using the following Numbers for A=31.6, B=3.75, C=19.5, (was using D=6, but now D= 7, to accommodate, some special POINTs/Switches E=8. I am looking at having 3/8th threaded rod for supports. I am also looking at the 8 Sections, (1/2 inch thick) per ring to be of a special shape, having the JOINING portions at an ANGLE and to be grooved on these Ends and have an INSERT (3ply) for each join, to be screwed only.”
Add your thoughts below if you can assist Graeme.
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