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!
Bachmann EZ Track Question
Dale sent in this question:
“Would the HO Scale Bachmann model trains EZ track, work for a Tyco late 70s early 80s model train HO gauge? I assume since it is all HO, it should work? Do you have a better recommendation for track? I am attempting to get our son’s old train set running for him…. and it is challenging, but hopefully appreciated once complete.”
Confusion Laying Track
Nick writes:
“After spending a lot of time on updating myself with the model railroading methods used these days. I have obtained a lot of the supplies I need to begin my project. However, I believe I am now suffering from ‘information overload’ when it comes to the method I will be using to start laying track.
I was all set to nail my cork and track to the benchwork and I really like the use of foam board for some areas of my layout that I have seen many modelers using in the videos that I have watched.
Now I’m just staring at everything, not knowing what to nail, should I use caulk or liquid nails? I don’t need a lot of detail but if you would share your choice of track laying method you prefer I hope it might help me out moving forward with some confidence. Thank you.”
Cleaning My Ballasted Track
John from the UK explains how he cleans his ballasted track:
“First I Hoover all the ballast with the brush on the Hoover. I then spray the ballast with water, as if you are just ballasting your track. Then I leave it for a few days to dry. I then clean the rails with a rubber eraser and Hoover the track again, and it will look as if you have just ballasted the track. It looks nice and clean.”
How Do You Uncouple Stubborn Cars?
Ross sent in this question:
“Hi to everyone. Just wondering the best way to uncouple stubborn cars during an op session? I’m very new to things, but already not a big fan of the Kadee magnets, which I’m finding a bit inconsistent when I want to keep my fumbling hands and elbows away from the scenery. I saw one guy on video using a pick thingy sharpened and flattened at one end. He wedged it between the coupler jaws and opened the couplers with a little twist. What do people use?”
Is There A Quicker Way To Clean Freight Car Wheels?
Mervyn asks:
“I’ve airbrushed and weathered most of my 136 freight cars and have got them looking good. A lot of work but worth it. I now want to remove any grime and gunk build-up on the car wheels. From experience, I know it will take at least 15 minutes to clean all 8 wheels on just one car by swabbing an Isopropyl Alchohol soaked Q-tip against the wheel tread and rotating the other axle wheel. I calculate about 34 hours of repetitive work. Is there an easier/quicker way?”
If you have a question you would like to have published, you can send it to the Blog Moderator by using the ASK A QUESTION link below. If you have a photo or drawing to include, then you can easily advise the Blog Moderator when you are submitting your question. He will reply and tell you how to do it.
Sanding Rails – Good or Bad Idea?
Neil posted this question:
“I just watched a video on how to spray the track with Earth Brown paint. The dried paint on the top of the rails was then sanded with #2 sandpaper. Sanding rails didn’t seem smart to me? Has anyone done this, or am I worried about nothing?”
Get your question published on the Model Train Help Blog. Use one of the ASK A QUESTION links to submit your question for review by the Blog Moderator.
Athearn SD40 on 18 Inch Curve Track
Gordon asks:
“Will an Athearn SD40 run ok around an 18″ radius track? I have 22″ curves on my HO layout but plan for an 18″ radius curve. Will it work?”
Have your question published. Use the ASK A QUESTION link below.
Is 2ft x 4ft Feasible for a WORKABLE N Scale Layout?
Darryl asks:
“I showed a photo of my old HO layout to my 7-year-old grandson who seemed interested. I thought of building a small N scale layout together. I only have a space of around 2×4 and want to know if that is too small for a WORKABLE track? I don’t want to downsize the scale, N scale will be small enough for my old eyes.”
Darryl, Tony Neilson’s N Scale Track Plans Ebook features several 2ft x 3ft, and 2ft x 4ft track plans.
To have your own question published on the blog, you can submit it via one of the ASK A QUESTION links on the blog.
Designing a Layout With Bachmann EZ Track
Roy asks:
“I am building an HO scale Layout using Bachmann EZ track. I have a question I am adding a train station to my layout. The tracks for my station will come off the main track line via a switch then go the length of the passenger station stop the hook back to the mainline via another switch. My question is do I use EZ track for my station stop tracks or use regular tracks that same track code without the attached roadbed and just ballast over the track? Also, do I use EZ track switches or regular track switches without attached roadbed to divert passenger train in and out of the passenger train station from the main track line that has EZ track?”
Post your suggestions using the COMMENTS link. If you have a question you would like to have published, then please use the ASK A QUESTION link.
Layout Software
Frederick asks:
“Do you or any members have a recommendation for computer software for track layout? If there is some free stuff that’s good. “
Peco SL-E8361 Turnout Connected To Peco PL-11 Side Mounted Motor
Bruce asks:
“I have an HO Peco SL-E8361 turnout that I’m trying to connect to a Peco PL-11 side-mounted motor, but there’s no connecting rod to go between them. Does anyone have a solution for doing this? The hole in the turnout is quite a bit smaller than the hole in the motor. Thanks.”
Reversing Loop for a DC Atlas Code 100 Track
Terry sent in this question:
“I am trying to figure out how to do reversing loops for a DC Atlas code 100 track and train that I got for Christmas in 1961. It has an Atlas code 100 brass track. The stamp on the underside of the engine says The Lionel Corporation New York NY and it is a Santa Fa 0594 blue and yellow engine.
I believe I need 4 reversing loops, number 5-8 on my diagram. The switches are labeled 1-4 on my diagram.
All I can find on the internet is products and information on DCC systems, I have a DC system. Any information on where to purchase, what I need, and how and where to do it would be greatly appreciated.
I should also add, the attached layout is what I would like to have. 1-4 would be switched and I assume 5-8 is where I need reverse loops?”
Add your comments below if you can assist Terry.
Misaligned Track Joins
Gerrard posted this question:
“With the same idea as Wayne, I unpacked my train stuff from the cupboard. Great minds think alike HA! HA! A couple of tracks pieces are out of alignment and some of the brass (I think that’s what it is) gunk came off the ends. Similar question to Wayne’s, can I fix it, or should I toss the worst pieces in the garbage? Like to know thanks.”
Add your answer below.
Track Connector Corrosion
Wayne sent in this question:
“I recently retired and I got out my trains after about 4 years boxed up. I notice a control box has some corrosion as do the track connectors. Can I safely clean them…how…or should I replace them”
Using Real Timber Ties
Buzza writes:
“I am not a fan of plastic and thought about using real treated timber cross ties. Has anyone done this? Are there any issues? Where can I get them in HO? Would love some feedback.”
Add your comments below.
Turnout or Loco Problem?
Caleb who is new to the hobby posted this question:
“What brand manufacturer and type of turnout is best to stop shorting out when my train passes over? I have a Walthers code 83 turnout. Can I do something to the turnout or train to fix this?”
Add your comment below if you would like to assist Caleb.
Piko A Track
Cliff writes:
“Hello, I’m just getting started in modeling. I was given some Ho scale Lionel trains without track. I was wondering if the Piko A track is any good? If not could someone tell me what is a good track to buy?”
Comparing Peco Track With Hornby Track
Andrew is new to OO and posted this question:
“I am a beginner. I have been told to buy Peco track. What are the advantages of Peco or Hornby track and what can you advise me to buy?”
If you can offer Andrew some words of wisdom, please do.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
