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!
Connecting Operating Crossing Gate
Roger is new (a neophyte) to model railroading and has this to say:
“This is from a neophyte model railroader. Does someone know the best way to wire an MTH Crossing Gate? I remember when I was a child my Lionel crossing gates worked with a pressure device attached to the track, but that doesn’t seem to be an option with the MTH gate.”
If you would like to help neophyte Roger (that’s how he describes himself), simply click on the green Comments and Feedback link below and add your thoughts.
Model Train Yard Construction and Design
Bill wants to hear from any reader who has built a classication yard and asks:
“I was wondering if someone would have some pictures of train yard layouts. I am new at this hobby and I would like to see how a classication yard is made? Any suggestions would be helpful.”
Three points:
1. If you would like to add your thoughts to Bill’s posting you can do so by using the green Comments and Feedback link below this posting.
2. If you would like to submit detailed information about your layout, or more specifically, a classification yard you have built, or are working on, go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html You can even submit a layout photo for publication on this blog.
3. The Model Train Help ebook includes a very good section on yard design and points to consider when building a classication yard.
Copper Tracks With Nickel Silver Tracks On Double Reversing Loop?
KC desperately needs help from readers before he decides on buying more track for his planned layout. Do you have any suggestions for KC. If you do, you can add your thoughts below this posting. Use the green Comments and Feedback link.
KC asks you:
“What kind of equipment do I need to run a layout with a double reversing loop? Can I, or should I, mix copper tracks with nickel silver tracks? My friend gave me enough copper tracks to build quite a large layout. I would hate to buy a whole new set of nickel silver tracks if I don’t have to.”
Modular Layout Coupling Sections
A member of the Overberg Modular Railway Club in Hermanus, South Africa has sent in this question for readers:
“We are experiencing difficulties getting our modules to connect successfully with adjoining modules using ‘conecting pieces’ of 110 mm (4.5 inch)Atlas track. We usually insert the connecting pieces into each of the 2 mainline tracks on the module and then slide the fishplates (with the assistance of a small flat screwdriver) over to the fixed track.
Is there an alternative or better method of connecting the rails? Thanks to readers in advance.”
To help the club add your feedback using the green Comments & Feedback link below.
Power Bus And A Complete Continuous Loop
Gerry has a technical question for those who understand model train electrics and asks readers:
“The Internet book has been very helpful with our project … being first timers at this my wife an I have lots to learn. We have completed the train platform/table in an L shape 11 x 7 x 4
feet. We did that so we can access it from all sides. We have been working on buildings for the layout as we waited for the platform to dry etc.
feet. We did that so we can access it from all sides. We have been working on buildings for the layout as we waited for the platform to dry etc.
I purchased a NCE Power Cab DCC controller and am now going to wire the layout. I think I understand the wiring from the Power Cab control panel to the wall and to the hand controller and the two wires to the track.
Here I have a question about the Power Bus that run around the whole track under the platform/table. Is this Power Bus a complete continuous Loop with a connection running to it from it from the control panel. I would think that I just can’t start the Power Bus at one point and run it around the platform without connecting it to where it started.”
Tell Gerry what you think. Click on the green Comments and Feedback link, register and then add your thoughts. If you haven’t yet helped anyone on this blog by answering a question, please do so now. Others want to hear your feedback.
Track Gap Between Connecting Rails
Al is new to model trains and would like help from anyone with some experience in the hobby and asks:
“I am new to this great hobby and having purchased a used layout from another train hobbyist I encountered a slight problem with a bit of track gap. I seem to lose some electrical power where this occurs which causes my locos to stutter before continuing on around my layout. My question: is there something that can close this small gap between the 2 connecting rails. Is there some kind of filler, connector, or insulator.”
To help Al, use the green Comments link below to register and add your feedback and help.
Powering Turnouts
Philip has a question for readers and asks:
“Does anyone know can I wire my turnouts directly to my DCC bus lines or do I need a seperate power source and if so what kind and voltage?”
To help Philip – you can add your feedback using the green Comments link below.
Track Gradiants
Charles has a question on G track grades and asks:
“I need to make my train climb about 13 or 14 inches to a higher level then descend back down to the lower level, So, how can I tell my grade and how long does it have to be to climb it?”
Laying Track -Straights Or Curves?
Eugene wants your suggestions on track laying and asks:
“Where do I start when laying track? Do I use a long straight edge to start to process?”
Soldering Clips To Track?
Chuck wants to here from you about soldering clips to track and asks:
“I am building a model railroad in HO scale with a combination of Atlas sectional and felx track. Since the clips do not seem to lock into place, do your experienced readers recommend to solder the clips to the track? If so, do they have any suggestions as to the type of solder to use and any other suggestions to get a good connection and excellent results? Comments are appreciated.”
To help Chuck use the green Comments and Feedback link below. I’m sure he would like to hear your thoughts.
O Gauge Track Difference
Gary has an O gauge question for those who have an interest in Lionel trains:
“I am trying to set up a track layout. Plans call for standard O gauge Lionel track. I have Lionel Fastrack. Can one of your O gauge readers tell me is there a difference between standard and fastrack? If so can I still use the track I have with the plans that I have? I was told it shouldn’t make a difference but I can’t figure it out with the plans that I have.”
Use the green Comments & Feedback link below Gary’s posting to reply to him.
Track And Structure Placement
Would someone like to help Jim:
“Talking with different people there seems to be variations as to layout and dimensions for buildings and other structures in proximity to the track as far as closeness. In other words how far is a rail station, loading platform, etc. from the tracks. Can someone give me some guidelines?”
Loops On Track
Would someone like to help Mark
“I have a loop track. I need a module device that shows a one way then loops around other way to back to the same track by show reverse current. Suggestions please.”
Flex Track Or Snap Track?
Royce wants to here from other model railroaders who have an opinion on flex track or snap track:
“I’m really enjoying your book and updates. I’ve never had a hobby before but have real life railroad experience. I dedicated a room 18′ X 20′ for my model train. I plan to create stops,
towns, siding and etc that match my life history with railroading. I have just built a 4″ wide table all around the edge of the room and I’m about to get started. I plan to spend the next 20 years working on this and want it very nice.
towns, siding and etc that match my life history with railroading. I have just built a 4″ wide table all around the edge of the room and I’m about to get started. I plan to spend the next 20 years working on this and want it very nice.
I’m really having a hard time deciding rather to do the snap together track or the other stuff that’s more bendable. I’ve read the Model Train Help ebook and feel that snap together might match my personality the most but when it’s done I don’t want some purist telling me I really
screwed up. I’m sure others in the hobby have an opinion on snap together track verses flexitrack? I would like to here their different views before I decide which way to go.”
screwed up. I’m sure others in the hobby have an opinion on snap together track verses flexitrack? I would like to here their different views before I decide which way to go.”
Robert comments – Deciding between Flex Track and Snap Track really depends on your layout space and requirements such as whether you want the track to be permanent or temporary.
Flex track can provide a more realistic-looking railroad and, as the name implies, provides design flexibility as you are not limited to set track lengths. If you have a 4’x8′ layout (or larger)and want your layout to be permanent, then Flex Track may be your chosen option. Using Flex Track will mean less joints and fewer track related problems such as derailments, assuming you lay it carefully. Flextrack generally gives more flexibility with track curves, but take care to anchor Flex Track securely to ensure a smooth flow and good connection between sections of track.
If you are limited for space and want the track to be semi-permanent, then Snap Track may be your chosen option. Also, if you haven’t made a final decision on your layout design, then Snap Track provides options for changing your mind without too many headaches.
Others can add feedback using the green comments link below. I’m sure Royce would like to hear your thoughts and experience.
Track Selection
James would like to hear from anyone who can offer suggestions on track selection:
“I am a novice train collector building an O gauge layout and am looking for recommendations on what track to use since there are so many different types and styles out there … ex. MTH, Atlas, Lionel, etc”
Add your feedback using the green comments link below.
Layout Built Without Track Plan
Earl wants to hear from anyone who can help him solve a problem with his layout:
“I have a big dilemma…I’m building a railroad based on childhood memories while spending the summers at my grandmother’s home in Rocky Mt., VA. The Norfolk & Western trains passed about thirty yards from the house and the rumble of the long freight trains would rock me into a very deep and peaceful sleep.
I think my layout is taking great shape. My track is laid and finally smooth but I didn’t use a track plan.
My dilemma: I just mentioned that I didn’t use a track plan and although my trains were running and jumping the tracks on my original layout, I fixed that problem and now am not able to get any movement. I think I’ve crossed a wire or missed some step. Although I’ve gone through the entire schematic several times, I still can’t locate the problem. I’ve been extremely patient (started project last July) but am becoming really frustrated and I need help. Any suggestions from anyone who is reading this please?
To help Earl add your feedback using the green comments link below.
Beginner Needs Help With Raising Track
Michael is new to model railroading and would like some help from more experienced people in the hobby. He asks:
“I was wondering if anyone has used any accessories for raising a model railway track? If so what have you used and where do I get them? What Iam trying to to is make my train set go from ground level and raise it higher so I have two levels. Is there some kind of accessory available to support the upper level of rail track.
I am realy new to all this and don’t know the correct names of the accessories required. Can someone help me out please?”
You can help Michael by adding your feedback using the green comments link below.
HO Inclines For Trains
John would like to hear from fellow model railroaders about making inclines:
“Hi this is John. I have been into model railroading for some time now, but always had a problem with making ramps for roads and inclines for trains to rise to a certain height (useally about 3 inches high). To proceed to a higher level on my layout how do others make the transition so smoothly?”
Add your feedback and comments below.
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