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!
Loss of Power on Points
Barry models in N scale and has this question for readers:
“Hi, I hope some one can help. Up till yesterday my track was running without any problems. After giving the track its weekly clean l found that the train run perfectly well until coming to one set of points it then stops dead. The trains run perfectly well ether side of the points. HELP PLEASE.”
Rail Joiners – What to Use
Allan W asked:
“Can anyone please explain the difference, advantages/disadvantages between metal and the plastic rail joiner type? Thanks very much in advance.”
I Need Info on Point Rodding
Barry W used the ASK A QUESTION link to submit this query:
“I am considering adding point rodding to my train layout after reading a little about it, but I don’t know where to source the right product? Thanks in anticipation.”
Switch Machine For Shinohara Double Crossover
Lou is planning a double crossover and posts this question:
“I am planning to install an HO Shinohara double crossover on my system. The tracks sit on 1/2″ plywood base board and cork road bed. Although all my rolling stock runs on DCC all the switches run on DC.
My question is what make and model switch machine will work best mounted under the base board? Do I need 4 switch machines or can I get away with less if some how ganging them up to operate the turnouts?”
Easy Wire Joins Between Modules
Online Model Train Club Member Richo has started work on the second of four planned modules on his N scale layout and questions:
“Is there an easy joining system for disconnecting and reconnecting wires between modules?”
Track Modification Suggestions?
Daniel asks:
“I am trying to run two lines into a O scale Lionel Train Station Co. I guess out of a switch, I can’t get one of the lines in parallel with the other one. How do I modify track to make the curve coming out of the switch? Can the track be adjusted by loosening the metal ties?”
Getting Atlas Switch Tracks to Operate Properly
Paul posted this question:
“I am having trouble getting my N scale Atlas switch tracks to work. I have tried all different wiring configurations. They will throw in one direction and when I try the other direction, all I get is a hum from the switching machine mounted on the track. The hum tells me they are getting current but nothing happens. If it were only one track, I would chalk it up to a defect in that track, but it is all of them (8). Very frustrating. Hope you can help. Thanks.”
Contribute your comment, photo, diagram using the COMMENTS tag directly under Paul’s post.
HO Track Separation
Online Model Train Club Member Ben submitted this query:
“I have limited space so want my opposing tracks close enough not to waste space, but far enough apart not to cause collisions or look fake. How far apart should I make them?”
Add your comments (or view all comments) using the COMMENTS link. Submit a question using the ASK A QUESTION link. Easy!
Nightmare Wiring Switches
A question for readers from Phillip in Chatswood, Sydney, Australia:
“My single track layout will be laid out over 2m by 3m. I’ve never wired switches but read up about it a bit and want to know the pitfalls to avoid in advance. Much appreciated for letting me post this.”
Submit your question to the Blog Moderator for publication by using one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog.
How Would a Dentist Fill The Gaps Between Tracks?
Online Train Club member Joshua is not a Dentist but asks:
“I know when I go to the dentist he tells be to floss between the gaps in my teeth. He doesn’t seem to want to close the gaps, whereas on my railroad that’s precisely what I want to do. I want to leave tiny gaps 1/32th between track to allow for movement, but I have 4 gaps closer to 1/16th. How can I fill these or should I make an appointment with my Dentist? Ha! Ha!”
Track Parts to Identify
Pradyot hasn’t supplied much information, but has obviously seen this track part on the net:
“Please identify the item. What’s the use of it? Can it be placed on my N scale D.C. layout? Thanks.”
Trains Ran Well Before Ballasting
Rhalf models HO and has this question:
“My trains were running well until I ballast half the track. Now I find I have no power to the track at all where whereas I did before.
I have been relying solely on rail joiners to transmit current between track sections, so I suspect adhesive or bits of ballast have probably fallen into the joiners somewhere on the track…creating an insulated joint.
Do I need to solder the rail joiners to the track? If so, how far apart? I thought maybe I should add a feeder to each section of track giving each its own power supply? Feedback would be good.”
Adhesives for Wiring a Slip Switch to Control a Model Railroad Turnout
Bert poses this question and hopes for feedback from knowledgeable model railroaders:
“I want to use a slip switch to control a model railroad turnout. I have fabricated linkages using Evergreen Styrene and heavy florist wire. The connection between the turnout points and the slip switch is two pieces of wire connected with a styrene tube forming one continuous rod. Try as I may, I have yet to find an adhesive that will significantly bond the wire inside the styrene tube. Even though I allow an adhesive to cure for 24 hours, after a few toggles on the switch, the wire becomes loose and is no longer attached.
Any thoughts on what adhesive I should pursue? Thus far I have used Insta-Cure CA Super Thin, Maxi-Cure CA Extra Thick, Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement, and Red Baron Adhesive (Thin and Medium).
If the wire/styrene combo will not work, I’ll have use another alternative. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.”
0 and 0-27 Gauge Tubular Track
Bill asks readers:
“I am getting back into the hobby after 50+ years so I have numerous simple minded questions. Want to keep my Marx 999 on 0-27 gauge tubular track and I am thinking about going to Fastrack 0 gauge for my Lionel 1615. Do they still make 0-27 gauge tubular track? Where can you buy it new?”
What To Use To Clean Railroad Track
John asks:
“What product(s) should I use to clean track and wheels?”
Peco Electrofrog Turnouts
Christopher has this question:
“When I first got in to DCC I bought all electrofrog turnouts for my N scale layout. Then the guy at the Hobby Shop told me I should’ve used insulfrog turnouts. Is there anyway that I can still use the electric frogs? If so how do I stop them from shorting out the track?”
How To Ballast Mountain Terrain Track
HO enthusiastic Jerry asks:
“I understand that, (in the real world), the stone ballasting is necessary for several reasons, including the keep the track from shifting. And in most mountains, that are just dirt, that works the same as it does on flat ground. But what do the railroad companies do in mountains that are solid rock? I imagine they cut a pathway, and need to plane it flat. But then what? I don’t suppose even ballasted track on solid rock would stay put. So I wonder what they do so that I can know how to make the portions of my track that is on the outsides of mountain terrain, and therefore visible, look realistic.”
Where to get info on how to wire on DC
Armando is starting off in HO scale and asks:
“I’m a beginner and need help to connect three tracks, but will like to run them in different directions with out having short circuits. I’m setting up with Bachmann Ez track. Any advice would be great.”
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