Rich has submitted this question for publication in the hope that some helpful model railroader will assist. Unfortunately Rich hasn’t given any details of the solutions he has tried so it may be a bit difficult for anyone to help him. Maybe someone might like to take a stab at answering and maybe Rich could use the Comments & Feedback link below his posting to add some more details so others will have a better idea on how they could help. Here is Rich’s question:

“My train set for the club use was working all too fine til today and now each engine is chugging 2 scale feet or just stops all together, we are using Kato double track and the wiring is also Kato, tried all we know and also some we learned from another member any other solutions that could help is wanted.”

Jim has a question for readers about track codes and asks:

“I had a model RR many yrs ago, I am 70 and starting over. My question is, why the different codes for track? Is one better than the other? Does prototype have these codes? Is it important to my n scale opperation? Thank you to anyone who can help me.”

To help Jim you can add your thoughts by using the green comments link below.

Mark has a question for readers about loop tracks and asks:

“I have track that goes one way and loops around and back to the same track. Not reverse as back or forth on same track like a trolley system. I need a device to goes one way and loop around and reverse the circuit to continue to other side. Can anyone tell me how to do this?”

You can take part in blog discussions by clicking the Comments & Feedback link below. It takes just 2 minutes to register and then you can participate in all Model Train Help blog discussions.

John is confused with track switches and asks readers for advice:

“On the subject of track switches, is there a light that indicates a left or right signal? What is it name? Can someone tell me please?”

Djon is new to the hobby and wants help from those who have more experience:

“I am very new to the model train hobby, I am wanting to learn all I can. I am trying to understand the difference between track that is 100 versus a track that is 83. Can some tell me is one better than the other?”

To help Djon use the green Comments link below.

John has some Atlas track and a Santa Fe 5018 steam loco but has a problem he is hoping some helpful reader will help him solve. John asks:

“I have a 22 inch radius Atlas track layout and recently purchased some walthers Heavyweight passenger cars to complement my Santa Fe 5018 steam loco. Problem is; Walthers recommend a 24 inch radius minimum track. They are right about the minimum. These carriages cannot run on 22inch radius.

Does anyone know is there some way to make adjustments to the wheels so that they will turn sufficiently to meet the radius? Is there another manufacturer who makes passenger cars to complement this engine that will function on 22 radius track?

Unfortunately my layout is limited to a four x six space so I cannot expand the layout to accommodate a greater radius track.”

Use the green Feedback & Comments link below to add your feedback or suggestions to John’s posting. I’m sure he would love to hear your thoughts. It takes only 2 minutes to register and you only need to do it once and then you can comment as often as you like on this blog.

John is having a few problems with his newly completed layout and asks everyone:

“I have just completed my layout and electrics. I have trialed a 93xx class MOGUL around the layout and I am find the forward bogies have a mind of their own when going through points (turn outs). Does anyone out there have any suggestions? What is the minimum radius for this type of engine, could my radii be too tight. Thank you.”

Greg wants to buy some nickel silver track and wants readers to recommend where to buy it:

“I am building a N Scale layout and want to use nickel silver flex track because I’ve been told that it is easier to maintain than brass. Can someone say where I can buy nickel silver flex track for a reasonable price?”

Beverly has an HO layout and has a question for others in the hobby:

“I am wondering if steel track and nickel silver track can be mixed on my HO layout.”

If you would like to give Beverly some track advice, use the green COMMENTS & FEEDBACK link below and add your thoughts to this posting.

Please note: Although I know many of the answers to the posted questions, I only submit the questions for others to answer. That way every reader can get involved and contribute to this model train blog rather than me doing all the work. I run this blog is a free service, so I would appreciate it if those of you who have some experience in the hobby would please participate and share your ideas and thoughts with others.

For those submitting model train questions, please use the search box on this blog as many of the same questions have already been asked by others. You may find the answer without having to ask. Also, read my Model Train Help ebook as it includes lots of answers to questions that are asked in this blog, along with useful tips and clever ideas for building a model train layout you can be proud of.

Happy Railroading!

Harry has a question for readers about track joining. You can comment on Harry’s question by using the green Comments and Feedback link below his posting. Here is Harry’s track question:

“I am not the best when it comes to soldering so I wondered if there is another way to join the tracks and keep them together (epoxy)?”

Michael has a question for you about flex track:

“I am a first time user and have cork track bed, track nails, tack hammer, glue, etc. I would like some tips from others in the hobby on laying track, acceptable radii for curves, wiring for DCC, compatability with pre-bedded DCC turnouts would be greatly appreciated.”

Klaus asks a question that is regularly asked on this blog:

“I do have some dead spots in my tracks. Would someone advise me how I can eliminate them please?”

Klaus might like to do a search of this blog, or if you are able to help him with the answer, please use the green Comments & Feedback link below.

Steve wants someone to give him some tips on wiring a reverse loop and asks readers:

“I am running a DCC layout and have just put in a loop off the main line so that when a train comes out of the loop, its direction is reversed. When the engine comes out of the loop, it dies. Does anyone know how I could wire this reverse loop?”

John has a question to test your knowledge on track switching. Can you help him?

“Is it a good idea to ‘gang’ more than one turnout switch to a single control. I have numerous stacked control switches handy and hoped I could make use of them in my ‘yard’ layout.”

Derek is new to model railroading and asks for help from those who have some experience in the hobby:

“I am a beginner and am preparing a new layout and have planned an elevated track passing over a track on the base board. Please can someone advise how high would I need to set the top track above the base board for tunnel clearance, installing a bridge etc? “

To help Derek – add you feedback using the green Comments & Feedback link.

Osmond operates HO and has a quick question for others in the hobby:

“Does anyone know why I am experiencing a short circuit when the loco engine runs over a turn out? Can anyone help me?”

To answer Osmond’s question click on the green Comments and Feedback link.

Poor track work can lead to ongoing problems and frustration with a model railroad layout. It is well worth spending extra time to get the model railroad track work just right. It is no fun when trains keep derailing every time they go over a bad turnout, or over a spot that’s out of gauge.

Despite your best efforts train derailments can still happen, so it is important that every part of the track is easily accessible, either from the front of the model train layout or from an operators aisle behind.

Color code the track lines to differentiate what each track is for and install a large, easy-to-read schematic control panel. As an example, you might want to make the body tracks white, the yard lead blue, the A/D tracks red, etc. The next thing is to label anything that might be confusing.

I guess what I am saying is to think through whatever it is you are planning to do. It is better to spend some extra time in the planning stages than trying to fix problems that could have easily been avoided with a little forward planning.