Brian asks readers:

“What is the minimum turning circle (OO gauge). I have just had a new shed built it is 3m X 4m unfortunately it door opens inwards. I want to put a layout with the door open but don’t know what the smallest turn that I would need. Any help would be grateful.”

Daniel wonders if readers can solve his mystery:

“I have a mystery (for me). Have about 17 feet of what appears to be 027. Three rail in stainless. However, the pins have one end that fits the 027 and the other end fits O Gauge. Doesn’t appear to be handmade. What do I have? Thanks.”

Des asks readers:

“I am looking at the possibility of a model rail system in the future and I would like to draw the track layout first. My question is when drawing curves and the diameter is quoted at 20 ins – is that measured at the center of the two tracks or the inside or outside rail. I will most likely go OO.”

David asks readers:

“My attempts at laying the base cork using the track centers is roving problematic, because I’m finding it hard to mark the actual line with my track in place on the plywood. I think I need a tool to mark the center line. Trying to line it up by eye is near impossible. I thought maybe attaching a pencil to a two wheel truck might work if I could mark a dot through the mounting hole of the truck. Does anyone have any brighter ideas? What do other use to solve this problem? I hope my question makes sense. My scale is HO.”

Club member Trevor sent in this tip to share:

Laying ballast can be a tough learning curve, because once it’s in place it is difficult (if not impossible) to remove. Particular care is needed around point-work to stop ballast from interfering with railroad operations. If ballast finds its way into places it shouldn’t, then there is the potential for mechanisms to seize up… I know, because it’s happened to me. The stuff is so fine and if it’s not glued down it will move. Also, when glue is added – well, that can cause problems too.

To prevent problems, I now apply a small amount of locomotive oil around all the moving parts on each point. This stops the glue adhering to the moving parts on the points. I also use a small hand water sprayer/mister to dampen the ballast. This helps the glue flow between fine particles of ballast. This also restricts the ballast from moving whilst applying the glue.

Andrew H asks readers:

“I bought a new HO scale diesel loco with 6 trucks. However, it keeps on derailing when crossing the turnouts. I originally had 18 inch curves and changed these to 22 inch curves, but I didn’t replace the turnouts. My question – Should I replace my existing turnouts with #6’s (22 inch curves)?  Will this reduce the likelihood of future derailments?”

Steven asks:

I have track plans using Atlas track. I already have some Bachmann EZ Track. Is there any way I can convert an Atlas track plan to using EZ Track?

Some time ago Hank sent in his list of suggested tools for laying track:

1.  A hobby knife for removing ties [sleepers]
2.  Side cutters [if you need to remove any track pins]
3.  Snipe nose pliers [for holding the track pins]
4.  A small pin hammer
5.  A mini-drill with a cutting disk, or a hacksaw [for cutting the track]
6.  A pin vice with a very small drill bit [for drilling holes for track pins in the ties]
7.  A soldering iron