Judy has an HO layout and asks readers for feedback on sparking:

“Could someone please tell me what causes sparking between the locomotive and the rail and how do you fix it?”

To answer Judy’s question click on the green comments link below.

Bob has a question for readers on his multi-track reverse loop:

Ben, is a newbie to model railroading and would like to hear from those of you who are more experience in the hobby:

“Hi all! I am very new to the Model Railroad Hobby and I am having great difficulty in securing track pieces together especially around any sort of bends. Is it okay to use solder or HD Glue to secure track pieces together. I read an article recently and it appeared to be saying this in so many words. Is this in keeping with the model railway layout. I am in a bad way, and would like help from other in the hobby please.”

Remember this blog is for everyone and is read by thousands of model railroaders worldwide – some readers are new to the hobby and others have an amazing level of experience. If you fit into the latter category, I urge you to please share some of your knowledge with others in the hobby – especially with newbies like Ben.

To be truthful, I get a lot of emails from model railroaders who have had bad experiences in model railroad clubs. Members in most clubs generally work really well together sharing ideas and helping each other, but I get feedback that some newbies feel excluded. One young guy used the words “a closed society” to describe his club. He told me how a couple club members were very protective and didn’t want help or share ideas with anyone who lacked experience. This is very disappointing, because we are all getting a bit older and we need to encourage new people into the hobby – otherwise model railroading might eventually die-out. None of us want that to happen.

So, please share your ideas and experiences. This blog is the perfect way you can do precisely that. It is a FREE service, but I need your help to keep it going. Please add feedback to various postings and answer some of the question that get asked. Use the green comments link under each posting.

Lenny wants to hear from someone who knows about automatic switch tracks:

“Can some tell me, how do I get an auto switch track to operate with an under the table mount motor and have to go through plywood and 4-6″ of foam sceanery? Also what N scale brand would be best for me to use?”

Add your feedback below.

Henry is looking at getting started in N scale and would like advice from readers:

“I need information on compatibility of track. I was thinking of buying my first N SCALE train set but was wondering if I have to stick to the same track? Seems like it could be a waste. Also, because of the cost of track can it be bought in bulk? Can anyone help me please?”

Click on the green comments link to add your feedback to this N scale question.

Bob is looking for track plans and is hoping someone can help:

“I am looking for a change of direction in my OO/HO Railway Modelling. Since my last two visits to New South Wales, I have been ‘bitten’ with the Austrlian bug. Has anyone out there any track plans or drawings of MACKSVILLE in the late 1960/1970 period? I hope someone may be able to help me.”

A reader asks:

“I would like to make an HO Mainline and Industrial layout, however I would like more detail on the track placement.”

Ray has an HO layout and wants to hear from your on curve radius:

“Do any of your readers know what engine or engines will get around a 12 inch radius curves?”

To help Ray click on the green comments link.

Anthony has 3 questions for fellow model railroaders to answer:

“In the opinion of other model railroaders what is the best type/brand of turnouts for a serious modeler’s medium size layout? Do they know what is the different between Electrofrog and Insulffrog turnouts? Also, what size turn out would be best for passenger trains so they won’t derail?”

Anthony – Have a look at page 14 of part 4 of the Model Train Help Ebook for some help.

Dick has a garden railway with a problem:

“I would like to add a reversing loop to my outdoor G-scale garden railway. Would a G-Scale enthusiast have any suggestions for the best (or alternative) ways of wiring to accomplish this? Not knowing a great deal about electrical matters, I’m confused as to how best to do the wiring.
I currently have about 150 ft. of track laid outside in an oval with a turnout into an enclosed area.”

To help out click on the green comments link below this posting.

Tim has a garden layout and has a problem with derailments. Would anyone like to give him some suggestions:

“I have a garden layout G scale and I used preformed track and the train keeps derailing on one corner. Does anyone know how can I fix the problem with my garden layout?”

To help Tim add your feedback below.

Can you help Ron who wants to build replica structures:

“I want to build a replica of a CNR Route, Station; requiring a, Round House, Turn Table, Water-Tower and Sand Shed. Also a machine shop attached to the 6-door Round house.In the past I could find these structures in hobby shops. But now, I can’t even find them on-line. Does anybody still make these structures? Kit form would be perfect, and less expensive than ready-made! Can someone in the hobby please help me with a company name or Ideas? Thanks.”

To help Ron click on the green comments link below.

Peter has a question on Gradients:

“What is the recommended maximum gradient between levels on a 00 layout?”

To post your feedback click on the green comments link below.

Henry would like to hear reader feedback on track power:

“When wiring track for rail power, what is the smallest gauge size wire that you should use so that you do not get to much voltage drop? Must this be a solid or a can it be stranded wire? I find that soldering the wire to the track very difficult, Does anyone know of an easy method?”

Add your feedback using the green comments link below.

A reader has this question for others:

“I will be using auto reverse units on a dcc layout with one loop and probably two reverse sections. I know I will have to block an area long enough for the train to fit in and it is isolated from the main bus wiring except for powering the reverse unit, and using a sub bus with feeders.

My question for others in the hobby is; when you get into the blocked area, the auto reverse unit tells the decoder in the locomotive of a polarity change. Does anyone know what activates the reverser? I can understand by using a DPDT switch, I need to just throw the switch in the blocked area and the decoder reads a short. Can some tell me from which side of the turnout do I need to wire in your sub bus for an auto reverse?

I hope I don’t sound to whacked out! Any help from others is welcome.”

Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.

Mike is building an HO layout and has a question to test your knowledge:

“I am just starting my dream layout and my question for readers involves laying curves in HO track. I have heard that you should follow some procedure when starting a curve from a straight (tangent?) track. It involves measuring the curve to meet the straight track, with some kind of adjustment to it. I want to run long (20-30) car trains. Does anyone know of this procedure?”

Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.