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!
Solving Point Problem When Running Switcher Locos
Hugh asks readers:
“I have a Peco electrofrog point and run my 3 large locos ok. The problem is when I run my 2 small switcher engines that pass over the point (frog end) they briefly stall before moving on. It only happens in one direction so I’m a bit baffled. Help please.”
Use the COMMENTS link under this post to add your suggestion(s) and view the answers. Use the ASK A QUESTION link to submit your own question for publication.
Woodland Scenics TT4560 Tidy Track Roto Wheel Cleaner Feedback
Kevin posted:
“I am thinking of getting a Woodland Scenics TT4560 tidy track roto engine wheel cleaner HO version and would like feedback on how efficient they are. My understanding is you put your engine on this device and it cleans the wheels. Sounds easy, but what happens when the engine is tender driven with the tender having rubber wheels? I’m just not sure how this would work?”
Power Supply for Atlas Snap Relays and Turnouts
Jim asks:
“I am rewiring my HO layout and I have a switch to allow DC OR DCC running. I want to use separate power supplies to track LED signals and also for Atlas switch machines. I am having trouble figuring out what specs my power supplies (eg old phone chargers) should be. What voltage, current, and wattage? Thanks for any suggestions.”
5 FREE TOOLS To Share With Friends In The Model Railroading Community
Test out the helix calculator, scale calculator, train speed calculator, scale to scale conversion calculator, track gradient calculator. These 5 tools are available free of charge with the compliments of ModelBuildings.ORG
These 5 free tools are available with the compliments of https://www.modelbuildings.org You’ll find them by following the ‘Railroad Resources’ link at the top of the website.
Curve Radius For Pacific 4-6-2 Engine
Bruce writes:
“I just got given a nice Pacific 4-6-2 engine HO scale. Q: what curve radius should this engine be able to negotiate? Q: How would this compare to a Spectrum 2-6-6-2 USRA engine which a mate has? Thoughts please.”
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Soldering EZ Track
Caleb asks:
“Can I solder EZ track? Is there any way not to melt the plastic?”
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Two Cars Shorting On New Track
Ian posted this question:
“I operate DCC and just finished laying track and wiring a yard section, siding, and an extension to my mainline. I did this all before getting started on the new scenery and structures. I thought that was smart!! My locos run well on the new track, but I discovered 2 cars caused a short and breaker trip. No problem with the other cars. It happened on the new section of main and the yard, so it’s not down to metal on the track, and it’s the same 2 cars. I got an occasional faint reading on the meter when testing the wheels, so will probably need to replace the Kadee trucks and/or the wheels too. Not sure. Those cars haven’t caused a problem on the existing track, so I am a bit bamboozled why this is this happens. Have others had this problem?”
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6 and 8 Turnout Radius
Here’s a question from Matt:
“Does anyone know the radius of an HO Atlas or Peco turnout numbers 6 and 8?”
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How To Deaden The Sound on EZ Track
Simon writes:
“I am past the planning stage of my layout and actually have a few scenery elements in position. My track (I’m using EZ track), is already down, it has been since July, but not fastened in position yet. I don’t 100% like the look, but I will try and hide the ugliest sections if someone has any ideas. I don’t want the added cost of changing to a regular track. That said; I would like to know how I can reduce the noise caused by the big empty space. I went off the idea of expansion foam in case it lifted the track. What do people suggest fill the empty space and deaden the noise?”
Peco Electrofrog Turnouts
Stan asks:
“I have DCC and plans for 2 reserve loops, and to replace my #6 custom turnouts with #8 large radius turnouts. Will I need to cut the wire to the wing rail and solder power feeders to the rail and points, or can I just use insulated rail joiners? I want to do it just once and do it right, so would like to know why other guys do. Thank you.”
Derailing Around Curves
Winston models N-scale and asks:
“I just purchased a new GEN 4 Evo. I love the look and sound. However, has anyone had a problem with them derailing? It only derails on 11″ radius curves. (I don’t have a 9 3/4″ on my layout). It always jumps off a quarter of the way through the curve. Yes, the track is level and soldered. I even added some superelevation. That made no difference. My GEN 4 Evo still derails.”
Point Motor Extension Pins
Alan asks readers:
“I have point motors from previous layouts where the pin is to short for my new layout as the baseboard is thicker. How do you make extensions for the pins and what materials do you use .. and the measurements?”
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Track Wiring Help Needed
Alex from New South Wales in Australia asks readers:
“I’m new to model trains and I need help to wire the 4 tracks. As you can see on my map I have 4 transformers to run 4 trains but not at once as they share the same track. Can you help me in wiring it?”
What Is The Minimum HO Tunnel Height Clearance?
Kevin D asks readers for advice:
“I’m progressing with my HO layout construction and have some tracks already operational. I nearly reached the stage of building a long tunnel where the incline will be 2%. I don’t run double or tri-level auto racks or many high cars, but still need to allow enough height clearance. I’m thinking 3” to 4” clearance above the railhead if I need to rerail cars, but I don’t want to make the clearance too high and spoil the dark mystery of when the train disappears and reappears. What do you think I should go with?”
Peco Electrofrog Points
Barry from Lancashire in the UK asks:
“I’m about to buy my first track sections and am leaning towards Peco because they do electrofrog points which I will need for DCC. I’m trying to get my head around the technical stuff but am finding it all a bit confusing. If I went with Hornby instead, do they also have a type of electrofrog points? I had a look around and got confused because they have different names I think?. I just want to compare apples with apples, buy the best, and stick with one brand, so thought I would ask.”
Hornby R8072 Point Problem
Bruce asks:
“Hi, when I move my Hornby R8072 point to switch trains to my extension track the train slows and usually stops. Any ideas?”
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Best Way to Increase Size of Layout
William writes:
“I currently have a small N scale layout of 2 feet by 3 feet. What would be the easiest way to expand onto another larger board? I was thinking of maybe building a flyway on trestles onto the new board. Might something like this work?”
Running Trains With Larger Wheel Flanges
John L posted this question and is hoping for some help:
“I have a layout which accepted the larger flange on the older models but basically will not look at the finer standards. Should all the track be level horizontally, or should there be some superelevation? The wheel profile should ?? get the train around the curves?”
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