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!
Model Train Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for the excellent feedback on my series of model train videos – I’m glad people are enjoying them.
If you haven’t already had a look at the free sample video you can access it here http://www.model-train-help.com/sample-video.html
Here is some info on a couple of videos in the 42 model train video series:
Video #17. Electrics Explained
In this video clip, James explains the control panel he built to control various points on his layout including the signals. He shows you how he has motorized all the turnouts on the main tracks and why he’s left all the other turnouts, such as the interchange, as manual throw turnouts. James has used different methods to attach the turnouts depending on their location on the layout and shows how he has mounted the DCC system under his baseboard.
After a quick tour James explains how to measure the track voltage and how to reduce the voltage to prevent decoders from overheating or failing. He then shows you step-by-step how to build a ‘diode matrix’ set.
Video #23. Making Scenery Foliage
Florist foam is an inexpensive, versatile material to use when making foliage and groundcover for your model railroad layout. Watch how to go about it step-by-step. Then, see a demonstration of applying ‘dried moss’ as foliage. It is so easy when you know how!
The model train video series is available at http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
O and O27 Track Confusion
Paul has a question for Lionel enthusiasts:
“I have been given my dad’s old Lionel train set, less the track. I have been looking for some basic track set ups and I have run into a question on track sizes. I understand the train is O scale and was wondering if there is any difference between O and O27 track (I think 27 is the right number)? I was looking at using Fast Track as this is going to be set up and taken down on a regular basis.”
Anyone who has read my Model Train Help Ebook will know the answer to this question. If you have some suggestions to help Paul simply click on the green comments link below.
Richard has a related question:
“Why don’t more people use 0 or 027 gauge size railroading? I don’t do HO gauge anymore because it is too delicate for older people to work with.”
I suspect that available space will be an issue for many in the hobby.
To comment click on the green comments link below and add your feedback.
Radius Measurements, Curves, Angles and Distances On Model Railroad Layouts
Australian reader Glen has a question for others in the hobby:
Could someone reading your blog please point me to a source where I might be able to ascertain:-
1. Tolerances HO and N
2. Minimum Radius of curves
3. Minimum angel of curves and switches
4. Distance between a pair of rails.
5. Measurements for under/over rails and tunnel portals
6. Line distance from platforms and other line side structures etc.
7. Also are their handy tables available to indicate the proper measurements of a layout when considering a conversion from say yards to meters – for example, in HO 1 yard represents what?
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Scenery and Reverse Loop Polarity Problem
Herb has an HO scenery question and a track wiring question for readers to try and answer:
1. “How closely does 1/100 figures fit into a 187 layout?”
2. “Does a frogged wye solve a reverse loop polarity problem? Is their anyway to make a loop that comes back into the same single track line? Thanks!”
To give your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Two Trains On One Track
Lou is into O Gauge railroading and asks readers:
“Does anyone know if on a track with switch tracks, can you run two trains,with two seperate transformers? I am a new model railroader.”
Covering Railroad Ties On Trolley Tracks
Rick has a question for you about covering railroad ties:
“What would be the best way to cover the railroad ties on n scale track which would be in the street (only the rails should show on trolley tracks)?”
To give your feedback any blog posting click on the green comments link below each posting.
Problem Joints And Curves On Flex Track
Alan would like to hear from model railroaders who use fexi track:
“I am having a lot of trouble with smooth joints on curves where I have to make a joint in flex track. Even if I start with a fresh piece at the beginning of the curve I can’t make it all the way around. Then there is a goofy spot where ties have been removed and the track is joined. I have soldered the joints with a heat sink to prevent melting the remaining ties, but they still are not great. Does anyone know what I should do?”
To comment click on the green comments link below.
Train Track Gradient
Would a reader like to help Gary with an answer to his question:
“I have a question for a model railroader who reads your blog to answer please. I am starting to build a board for the layout. I have 2 Lionel train sets with a few pieces of extra track I purchased. What is the angle I may use for elevation of the trains? What rate of elevation can they climb? Does one of your readers know the answer?
To answer this question click on the green comments link below.
Locomotives Operating On Code 40 Track
Ian has a question for anyone using code 40 track:
“I have read that several N Scale modellers use code 40 track produced by Micro Engineering to differentiate between main line (code 55) and sidings, loops, dead ends and branch lines. I am doing the same, however, although all my rolling stock will pass over Code 40 track perfectly, being fitted with Micro-Trains low profile wheelsets, the only power which I have found that will do so is that made by Bachmann/Spectrum. Have any modeller colleagues any suggestions as to how I can extend the range of locomotives I can use on Code 40 track?”
To comment on Ian’s posting click on the green comments link below.
Laying Track The Easy Way
Edwyn has a question for readers:
“I find track laying a pretty demanding chore at best. But the additional tedium of separating strips of rail joiners and then removing any ‘tongues’ and then hoping like mad that the joiners will fit, only adds to much of the frustration. Has anybody got any suggestions how to simplify this procedure for me?”
Comment on this posting below.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Track On Outdoor G Layout
Ron has a question he is hoping someone with an outdoor garden railroad can help him with:
“My track has been outdoors exposed to the heat and cold of the Las Vegas valley for over a year and never had trains run on it. I am just now able to get it connected and hopefully wired soon. How do I clean the residue that has built up on the rails? Does one of your G scale readers know the answer?”
Ron’s question is unusual because stainless steel track is generally durable and rarely needs cleaning. To comment on Ron’s question click on the green comments link below.
Track at Baseboard Joins
David operates an HO layout and has a question for you about baseboard joins.
“Does anyone have a guide (with photos if possible)of the best way to lay track to span a baseboard join between two detachable boards – ie boards for an exhibition layout that needs to be broken down for transportation?”
How To Start A Grade
Joe asks a question about his HO layout.
“Can one of your readers tell me how I begin from the level surface of my train layout to add a grade for a new line?”
Laying Track On Layout
Stuart has a question relating to laying track he is hoping you can help him with.
“Cork or not to cork – that is the question.
Laying track should be simple, but I have as many suggestions and guaranteed methods as people I ask. I am leaning towards Homasote on top of MDF on a wooden frame. My first attempts used pre-bevelled cork without the Homasote (Homasote is compressed paper used by professional displays) and the noise level was horrible.
- If I use Homasote how do I fix track?
- Will the standard pins hold?
- If I use cork as well, will I reduce noise even further?
- What about pins with cork and homasote?
I asked a model railway pro about sidings vs. mainline and he said, use flat cork on sidings and create a transition to the thicker cork for the mainline.
I have seen other layouts paint ballast color on a band 0.5″ wider that the track and pin track without cork but glue and add ballast afterwards – not as realist, but WAY easier? The same pro told me they solder wires to every length of flex track and run thick copper wire feeds to each section (insulators and switches for control of course).
SO how do you all lay track? I would be gratefull since you can see I am confused (so is my chum who is also modeling and he is leaning towards flat thin cork cut to profile).”
If you have used cork and homasote you might like to suggest ways to help Stuart with his HO/OO layout. Click on the green comments link below to comment on Stuart’s question.
N Layout Track Spacing
Ted has an N layout and has a question for you about track spacing.
“When I am running two tracks beside each other, what distance should I allow between them?”
To answer Teds question click on the green comments link below this model railroad posting.
Bachmann E-Z Track Causing Problems For Jesse
Have you used Bachmann E-Z track? If so, you might be able to help Jesse with his Bachmann E-Z track question.
“I use N scale Bachmann E-Z track and have a problem. The grey snap together roadbed bends up a little bit making sidings look very unrealisitc and making operations a little harder. I have read about Atlas snap track, Kato Unitrack and have read about flexi-track. What should I do? Should I switch to one of those or keep using Bachmann? I don’t have grass, ballast or trees on yet and have decided not to do that until I figure my track problem out.”
Make your suggestions by clicking the green comments link below this posting.
G Gauge Derailments
Ray has a question for you about trains staying on the tracks.
“I am new to g gauge. When my train runs over a switch I cannot keep the cars on the track. The engine and caboose do fine. What am I doing wrong?”
To help Ray click on the ‘comments’ link below and add your thoughts.
Code 55 track Derailments
Don needs your thoughts on Atlas 55 track. Here is his question.
“What do your readers think of Atlas code 55 N scale track? I can’t get turnouts to be smooth without derailing with Bachmann, Athearrn & Life-Like locomotives. No problem with Atlas & Kato. Is there anything I can do to use all manufactures?”
To help Don, simply add your comment using the green comments tag below.
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