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!
N Scale Trestle Install Bachmann # 42523
John asks readers:
“I have installed one trestle at the junction of each track. When I run the trains they hit the upright portion of the trestle that sticks above the track. Any suggestions?”
Will the Curves be a Problem?
Ron asks readers for help:
“My n scale lay out is 24in x 48in. I am using Atlas N scale code 80 track. The curves are Atlas code 80 11 in radius. I would like to run Bachmann 2-6-2 prairie standard dc -union pacific # 1838-n-160-51571 steam locomotive. Will there a problem with the curves? Thanks.”
A Double Crossover or a Double Crossover Switch?
Liam sent in this question:
“My question is similar to one Anthony asked. My confusion is between a double crossover and a double slip switch. What’s the actual difference between them, and where would I use each of them?”
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Fitting Different Brands of Track Together
Jim has this question for others in the hobby:
“I just got into HO trains, My late brother’s set is now mine. He has a lot of different track, and trains. I want to put his set back together but some of this track is in bad shape, he had Atlas, Power loc, and Bachmann and it does not fit together. Is there any adapters to make this work? Which brand is best for a beginner? Should I just buy all new track? If so which?”
Running Long Trains on Super Elevated Curves
Online Train Club Member Stanley models HO and asks readers:
“I enjoy running trains of about 40 to 45 cars long. I weight them to the recommended NMRA standards, or heavier. When I build super-elevated curves would they cause any problems with the long trains I like running? I’ll be keeping my gradients to 2 percent or less.”
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Track Cleaning Solved with Automatic Transmission Fluid
Phillip sent in this piece of advice to share –
I read sometime back that someone used automatic transmission fluid to clean their tracks. Well, after problems with power connectivity after cleaning with the rail cleaning rubber and/or metho, I tried the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) that I had in the shed. I rigged up a track cleaning wagon with cut to size pieces of sponge touching the track with the ATF on it and cleaned my whole dual track layout and my diesels/locos run perfectly now. My 4.5 x 1.7m OO layout is in the garage with no ceiling and any dust does not affect the track as yet.
DCC and Turnouts – What Will Work?
Ed sent in this question for readers to tackle:
“I’m in the process of building my first N Scale layout. I’m using Kato Unitrack and an NCE PowerCab. I have yet to figure out the best way to operate my #6 Kato turnouts. Can a Digitrax DS64 be used with the NCE PowerCab for this purpose? If not, is there any other “turnkey” product that a non-electrical savvy person use?”
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What’s the Maximum Length of Flex Track?
Mari models N scale and posted this question:
“Trains usually derail at rail joints on curves. If rails 10 feet long are used, we can avoid joints on curves. Is there any way to make rails 10 feet long? Are they sold sold? Are flex tracks 10 feet long sold?”
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Planning a Super Elevation
Club member Lawrence has this question for readers:
“How much should I super-elevate my curves? My plan is to use 1/32 inch thick basswood for my super-elevation at the outer end of the ties. I calculate that at around 3 scale inches in HO scale. Is that sufficient to make it worthwhile, or is it too much? I’m just not sure.”
Should I have a Isolated (non-powered) Track?
Brock asks:
“On my HO scale layout should I have a isolated track to store my locomotives?”
Tamper Track Machine Question
Sam posted this question for readers:
“I recently purchased an n gauge tamping machine Hobbytrain. Does anybody know how to fit a DCC chip into it?”
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Train Slows and Stalls
“I have a problem with a slow section of track. I have a very powerful transformer, but about a 6 inch section of track the train slows or stalls. I have checked the track, put on an extra transformer, no help. I tried running power to that section of track, but no change. I put the transformer on the curve, still no change. I am at my wits end. Please help if you can. Thanks, Jim”
Will Laying Turnouts Back to Back Cause Derailments?
Ken has this question for readers:
“I am laying HO track at 50mm centers and wish to switch between parallel tracks using Peco ST240 and 241 turnouts. I am running some NSWGR 6 wheel carriages and steam locos. Will laying the turnouts back to back cause potential derailments or running issues or should a short straight be placed between the turnouts? If a short straight is introduced won’t this increase the center to center distance between the parallel tracks?”
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Do Track Cleaning Cars Really Work?
Fred used the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link to post this question:
“Has anyone used a track cleaning car on N scale? I’ve seen a couple advertised and am wondering if they are worthwhile. I am using unitrack, if that makes any difference.”
Problem With Train Stopping On Crossing
William is hoping someone can advise him with his HO problem:
“I have a 19 degree Atlas crossing. My engines hesitate and some even just stop. How do I resolve this issue? It is getting frustrating.”
Roadbed for Small Logging Railroad
Wayne asks readers:
“I am starting a small HO logging railroad, of the 1920’s-40’s era. The first section will be the sawmill and accompanying trackage, along with the engine house/yard area. I am planning on using 1/2″ plywood and then covering the flat and the slightly inclined portions with 1/2″ homosote. Do I actually need a typical style of raised roadbed, or is just the flat homosote OK? From pictures in books I have looked at, these areas seem pretty flat if there is even a raised roadbed underneath. Thanks.”
Cleaning Glue and other Debris from Railway Tracks
Nigel W posted this question for readers:
“I was gluing my ’00’ Gauge-1:76 Scale railway tracks down on my ‘Woodland Scenics-underlay’ In the mean while, getting glue and other debris on the rails. I would like anyone to advise me on the best way of cleaning the rails!
I was told to use a sharp knife to scrape the glue off, and then use {Isopropy-Alcohol} / also was told to use a sandpaper by someone else. Please can you let me know, what is the best way?”
What Causes Scale Model Trains To Derail
Bill sent in these thoughts to share:
I find that derailments can happen if cars are not properly weighted to NMRA standards. For example, if you have an underweight car between properly or overweight cars on either side and a dirty section of track causes the pulling and or pushing locomotive to stop and lunge and thus the varying momentum of rolling stock, caused by this weight issue, can result in derailment.
Long standard gauge coaches running on a layout built for mountain climbing tight radius “Mine” trains with relatively short rolling stock can cause derailments.
Improper truck adjustment. From my experiences both trucks should swivel with one having less play than the other. Failure to maintain these and you are inviting problems.
Proper height adjustment of couplers. Again I am reminded of problems I have had with coupler “pins” catching on turnout points, resulting in….derailments.
The reason I know about all these issues is because I have at one time or another, ran into these issues. So I mention them from first hand experience and am still learning from my mistakes.
I have also found that even after all my learning mistakes, I am still not done.
I am reminded now about several Labelle boxcars (which are constructed of basswood without any weight to them), that I had built to NMRA standards, gluing weights from end to end and right down the center of the wood floors. Initially they all ran great and then I started having derailment problems. After several attempts of trying to duplicate the issue, it came down to one particular car. Intermittently the weights were sliding off to one side around certain curved track sections causing the car to lean to one side, pulling the trucks and couplers up and down causing an imbalance and derailments. Point being, unless I wanted to park this guy at the end of the line forever, I would have to “Open a door” and carefully try and re-glue the weight in proper position. (not a lot of fun for those of us that tediously build these cars!)
Maintenance, maintenance, seasonal or periodic maintenance of locomotives, rolling stock, track and all other components of a layout including sight check of trees (growing) to the point that they can derail locos and or rolling stock, and testing of all electronics, DC or DCC is a never ending must!
I am sure I am missing other potential derailment causes…would enjoy others’ thoughts on the subject!
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